Father Timothy Smith is the new priest serving local area parishes.

Last weekend was Father Smith's first services in Holy Cross Catholic Church in Ipswich, St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Roscoe and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Leola.

Father Smith is a native of Windom, Minn. "I grew up in a farming community and I have a deep respect for rural living and our cultural heritage," he said.

Father Smith was in the sporting goods industry and financial services. He was a production manager, but felt something was missing in his life. He felt he was called to be a servant, to help others. In his twenties he served as a drug and alcohol counselor for a Sioux Falls treatment center.

At 30 years old, Fr. Smith decided to pursue ministry and studied in Saint Paul, Minn. He completed graduate work in theology overseas in Dublin Ireland, Rome Italy and biblical studies in Jerusalem.

Prior to coming to Holy Cross, Father Smith served the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Sioux Falls under the office of the Bishop. In addition to serving the Cathedral, Father Smith served the Adoration Sisters Monastery and was a chaplain assistant to several hospitals in the Sioux Falls area.

He also assisted the production of the Sunday TV Mass broadcast throughout the state and is a co-producer on Real Presence Catholic Radio. You can still hear Father Smith on the local radio dial once a month on 88.9 FM during the Live Morning Show.

"I am glad to be serving in Edmunds and McPherson counties," he said. "I am looking forward to the good things that God will do in our communities of faith and friendship."

Father Smith said he was thankful to Father Homic for working to make improvements to the Holy Cross facility before he left. Father Homic now serves parishes in Michigan.

Ipswich residents may see Father Smith running in town. His other hobbies include waterfowl hunting, backpacking, and most outdoor activities.

THE POWER OF PRAYER

The Sisters of the Perpetual Adoration Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Sioux Falls asked Father Smith to share their message with the churches in the Holy Cross parish.

The Adoration Sisters invite locals to be part of their ministry of intercessory prayer. They sent a special cross in honor of Blessed Mother Magdalene of the Incarnation, their foundress. The cross and information on their mission can be found at the front of the Holy Cross Catholic Church. Father Smith will have it at the Roscoe and Leola church also. Then the Adoration Sisters asked Father Smith to bring it to the Catholic church in Bowdle.