Father David Hemann

David Alan Hemann was born to Roman and Dorothy Hemann on August 16th, 1959 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the youngest of six boys. His earlier education included grades 1-8 at Corpus Christi Grade School and 9-12 at Saint Edmond Catholic High School in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He received his B.A. in Psychology from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, his S.T.B. from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy and his M.A. in Sacramental Theology from the San Anselmo in Rome. Fr. Hemann was ordained to the deaconate on May 3, 1984 at St. Peters Basilica in Rome, Italy. His ordination to the the priesthood was July 20, 1985 at Corpus Christi Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa by Bishop Lawrence D. Soens. Fr. Hemann's assignments included: Holy Spirit (Carroll, Ia), St. Mary (Storm Lake, Ia), Little Portion Community (Eureka Springs, AR), Sacred Heart (Boone, Ia), Blessed Sacrament (Sioux City, Ia), St. Anthony (Hospers, Ia), St. Cecelia and St. Joseph (Sanborn and Hartley, Ia), and Marian Hall (Sioux City, Ia). On July 17, 2001, he was assigned as Pastor to Sacred Heart in Ida Grove, Ia. In these assignments, Fr. Hemann has been fully engaged in every kind of pastoral activity proper to a diocesan priest. These assignments have also included 10 years of teaching in both high schools and grade schools. He also has enjoyed working with the youth of the parishes, starting successful youth groups in Boone, Sioux City and Sanborn/Hartley and now in Ida Grove. As much as he enjoys working with the youth, Father David is a priest who works well with people of all ages from conception to death to eternal life. In addition to his regular priestly activities, Fr. Hemann has been engaged in a music ministry before and throughout his priesthood. He believes that music is the language of the people. Father David's music has lent itself to involvement in a number of nation-wide ministries of giving retreats, missions and concerts. One highlight was being a featured artist in the presence of Mother Teresa of Calcutta at the first World Youth Day in Rome in 1984 at the English speaking session at Santa Sabina. During 2000-2001, he was released for the period of one year from his regular priestly duties to pursue ministry around the diocese preaching on the themes of spirituality, discipleship, prayer and vocations. Each weekend was spent in a different parish putting on a mission which included regular weekend masses and homilies, a Sunday Evening Concert of original music and sharing the gospel, a Monday Evening talk on "Pruning and Fruitfulness in the Catholic Life" in the context of a reconciliation service, and a Tuesday Evening Healing Mass. Fr. Hemann has had the privilege to craft 4 CDs (currently working on the 5th) that have helped people to pray, bring  consolation and the Good News to them, and build the Kingdom of God. Following are the works released thus far: Let Nothing Trouble You (1992) A collection of prayers and wisdom that helps bring peace and hope to the anxious heart. Into the Light (1994) Psalms, Saints and miscellaneous prayers. In God's Company (1997) A very well received work of traditional Catholic prayers set to music. Holy Warriors (2000) More prayers with a definite Irish flavor and great variety. Arguably, the best work yet.