Fr. Dan Thiess, C.M., will serve as Chaplain for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, a newly formed position at the organization. Fr. Thiess, most recently served as Director of Outreach at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in St. Louis from 2012 to 2023 and was Parochial Vicar at the parish from 2022 to 2023 before starting at sabbatical in September.
Fr. Patrick McDevitt, C.M., Provincial Superior for the Congregation of the Mission Western Province, said Dr. Jared Bryson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities, approached the Province about filling the position.
“Dr. Bryson would like a Vincentian to fill this position because of the Vincentian charism for the poor,” said Fr. McDevitt. “From the province’s perspective, having a Vincentian in this position would advance our relationship with the Archdiocese of St. Louis.”
In the position, Fr. Thiess will provide pastoral care to the employees and families of Catholic Charities, as well as Vincentian mission formation to the organization’s leadership and staff, Fr. McDevitt said. He will also be available on request to provide pastoral care to clients of the organization and to offer consultation and troubleshooting for administration and staff as needed.
“‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor,’” said Fr. Dan Thiess, C.M., quoting from St. Luke’s Gospel. “As a Vincentian priest this Gospel verse encompasses my love for and with the poor. It is truly a privilege to join such an organization as Catholic Charities of St. Louis with such a rich tradition of ministry and service. I look forward in faith as we continue to bring the good news of Christ to each other and those in need. Let us respond to our vocations and ministries together following Christ the Evangelizer of the poor through our prayer, fellowship and service.”
He will start the new position on July 8, 2024.
“We are excited about having Fr. Dan join our ministry!!” said Dr. Bryson. “To provide both the pastoral presence to our coworkers, leaders, and clients as well as work with us on our shared charism. Catholic Charities and our ministries are under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, and having a Vincentian like Fr. Dan, whose experience in formation and building the charism in our ministry, is essential.”
About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis has served people in need since 1912. With a mission to bring the healing, help, and hope of Jesus Christ to those in need with a compassionate, caring presence. www.ccstl.org.