My fellow parishioners of St. Dennis and St. Peter -
Many of you fellow Baby Boomers will remember Carly Simon’s song, “Anticipation.” I’ve been singing that song a lot these days, making up my own words of the verses, of course. We have all been anticipating this day for many weeks – a pivotal moment of transition for our parishes. Of course, that anticipation holds its own energies: emotions, fears, hopes, challenges, and blessings.
Fr. Michael and I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you. We look forward to serving you and praying with you. We look forward to celebrating with you and accompanying you on this amazing journey to proclaim the kingdom of God. Please be patient with us as we learn your names, your expectations and your routines. We look forward to hearing of your history and of hopes for the future.
May these days be blessed and may we grow in holiness.
Peace.
Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I am so excited to come and serve you as one of your priests. I am Fr. Michael Tarigopula from India. I was born on April 16, 1967. I am one of ten children, and I am the eighth child. I have five brothers and four sisters. I lost my dad in 1986 and my mom in 2006. All my siblings are in India. I have eighteen nieces and nephews. I did all my secular and seminary studies in India. I was an altar server, and there I was called for my vocation to the priesthood.
What attracted me to become a priest? As an altar server, the sacred place and sacred things attracted me. Secondly, the Catholic Church is good. The Church was doing many good works. I wanted to become a priest and do good work for the people.
At 13, I went to a boarding seminary in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh state, as that diocese had fewer vocations. I did my high school studies there and went to a Regional seminary in Hyderabad for priestly studies. I completed my seminary studies and was ordained a priest on April 28, 1994, for the diocese of Nellore.
I served in the Diocese of Nellore for nine years, and in 2003, I came to the Diocese of Scranton, PA. I was the Parochial Vicar at Epiphany Church, Sayre, PA. I loved it there, and people wanted me to stay, but my bishop wanted me back in 2006. I returned home and was appointed pastor at the Infant of Prague diocesan shrine.
In 2013, I came to the Diocese of Madison and was appointed Parochial Administrator at St. Patrick's Church, Cottage Grove. In 2018, I was transferred to Ss. Mary and Paul Church, Mineral Point, and St. Philomena, Belmont. And now, in 2023, I am here with you!
I am very excited to serve you as one of your priests under the guidance of Fr. Gary. I see it as a blessing, and I consider it one of the great privileges of my life to serve in this most incredible country. I love celebrating Mass and administering the sacraments. Evangelization and corporal works of mercy are my passion. I love reading, traveling, and sports.
I am excited to be with you, to serve you, and to help you know and grow as disciples of Jesus. I am looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you. I am praying for you; please keep Fr. Gary and me in your prayers.
Fr. Michael
Would you like to learn more about your faith? Here are a few resources that I recommend:
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