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 Interim priest Fr. Ted Hottinger and Pastor-Elect Fr. Dennis Backer The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is assigning Fr. Dennis Backer to the churches of Nativity and Immaculate Conception of Marysburg. Effective June 15th, Father Backer will transfer from the Church of the Epiphany in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. His first Masses here will be on Father’s Day weekend. Born to Elmer and Do Backer, Fr. Backer was raised in Saint Paul Park and is the youngest of nine children. He is a graduate of St. Thomas and served in St. Hubert’s in Chanhassen and at the Church of the Epiphany in Coon Rapids. While thoroughly enjoying both assignments, Fr. Backer is especially grateful for his time with Fr. Mike Krenik at St. Hubert’s. Father Krenik, who is originally from Le Center, congratulated Fr. Backer by exclaiming that he would finally “make it to God’s Country!” Fr. Backer had only been at Epiphany for a year so he was more than a little surprised with he received a personal call from Archbishop Nienstadt assigning him to our parishes. “I’m excited about coming and look forward to becoming a part of the community.” Father Backer confided that on March 3, 2009 (over a year ago) he was moved to begin praying for the churches for which he would one day become pastor. After more than 13 months of daily prayer from Fr. Backer, and from Nativity and Marysburg parishioners, we can happily lay claim to this blessing! Father Backer is very much a people person and looks forward to getting to know everybody. Oh, and by the way—just in case you would like it for your calendar—his birthday is December 17th! |
