The Rev. Gregg Sroder was appointed by Archbishop Harry Flynn to serve as deacon at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, effective May 1.

Sroder, and his wife Patti, will be welcomed at a 10 a.m. Mass on Pentecost Sunday, May 11. 

“It is not often that a parish has the privilege of welcoming a deacon to its parish ministry, and so we hope to properly welcome one of the Archbishop’s ‘right-hand men’ to our community,” stated the Rev. Paul Jarvis, in a press release. “Our brothers and sisters in neighboring parishes are most welcome to come and help us celebrate. If Deacon Gregg receives just one-tenth the warmth of the welcome I’ve received over the past six months from fellow disciples in Carver County, Scott County, and south Hennepin County, he will feel truly blessed.”

Sroder was born and raised in St. Paul, “with a couple of stays in South Dakota and Iowa,” when his father was transferred. He graduated from Mason City High School in Mason City, Iowa in 1970.

The Sroders currently live in the Dayton’s Bluff area on the East Side of St. Paul. They have been married 14 years and have three adult children. “We are the proud grandparents of a gorgeous little 2-year-old girl and are expecting another grandchild in July,” Gregg said.

Sroder is an employee at Imagine Print Solutions, in Shakopee, where he works as a job planner/estimator.

As a Permanent Deacon, Sroder can “witness marriages, baptize, serve at funerals and wakes, proclaim the Gospel and preach.” As deacon, he can not consecrate the bread and wine at Mass, anoint the sick or hear confessions.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to serve at Guardian Angels Church and School. Father Paul has amazing energy and vision. He values and encourages our Catholic traditions. He takes every opportunity to teach,” Sroder said. “He truly cares for his parishioners and he models such a wonderful reverence and respect. He is a true pastor. I only hope that I can ‘keep up’ with him!”