Welcome Fr. Mark Chrismer

Father Mark Chrismer has been assigned as our new associate. He was ordained Saturday, May 23rd by Bishop Hermann.

Father Mark, 27, is the son of Rich and Mary Chrismer of St. Peters. His home parish is St. Robert Bellarmine in St. Charles. A graduate of Francis Howell North High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Truman State University. He served his supervised ministry at St. Dominic Savio Parish in Affton.

Father Mark said he was influenced in discerning his vocation by his older sister, who entered the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville, Tenn. "It was through the inspiration and encouragement of my older sister and the witness of the Dominicans that I felt not only a desire to devote my life more fully to God and his Church, but also a call to become a priest," he said.  "Seminary life in preparation for the priesthood has been for me a time to grow in friendship with Christ in prayer and friendship with my future brothers in the presbyterate. It has also been a time to grow in self-knowledge. Personal and spiritual growth can be difficult, but it is a great opportunity to have so much help from formators who provide direction and encouragement." Father Mark added, "God who gives the call does not neglect to supply the means to follow his Son."

Father Mark’s first weekend with us will be the Feast of the Sacred Heart on June 20th and 21st.  Our prayers are with Fr. Mark as he joins our parish. We look forward to getting know him and he getting to know us.