In early January, when Fr. Tony Kruse leaves for his 2-month sabbatical, we will be pleased to welcome Fr. Anthony Onyekwelu to Blessed Sacrament. He will cover sacramental duties for Fr. Tony Kruse while he is away from January 5 to March 4, 2025. Originally from the Awaka Diocese in Nigeria, Fr. Anthony was ordained in 1993 and spent ten years in the U.S. from 2001 to 2011. During that time, he served as a hospital chaplain while earning a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Seton Hall University in New Jersey and a Ph.D. in Religious Education from Fordham University in New York. He also became a naturalized U.S. citizen during his time here. Since 2011, Fr. Anthony has worked in high schools and served as a pastor and chaplain back home in Nigeria. His bishop has granted him a year-long sabbatical in 2025, during which he will serve at various parishes within our Archdiocese. We are fortunate to have him assist our parish during this time. While in Iowa, Fr. Anthony is particularly eager to gain insights into faith formation, youth programs, healing Masses, and Eucharistic Adoration. He has three brothers and two sisters, all of whom live in Nigeria, and he is a proud uncle to 20 nieces and nephews. An avid music lover, Fr. Anthony has previously served as a choirmaster and enjoys reading spiritual literature. While Fr. Tony Kruse is gone on sabbatical for two months, all contacts about parish needs should be directed to Maggie England in our parish office. She will then coordinate needed sacraments/pastoral care with Fr. Anthony and direct other questions to the parish staff, Pastoral Council, and the Finance Council. While he is substituting at our parish, Fr. Anthony will be attending some parish meetings and events as part of his own continuing learning, but he will not be leading administrative efforts for the parish. Please JOIN US in warmly welcoming Fr. Anthony to Blessed Sacrament Parish!