The Rev. Gerald “Jerry” Harris, former priest of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in River Falls and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Hammond, recently retired from these congregations.

Although the physical size of the parish doubled under his leadership, his conditions were that the facilities be open to other community needs too. On the spiritual side, Harris left a footprint of strong discipleship. His personal measure of success is the discipleship that leads others to understand their role as followers of Christ.

Of the work he continued for 26 and 14 years respectively during his service, Harris found “being able to empower others and help people realize that they are the church of God” most meaningful.

There is a long list of his contributions to his community. Among them, a few hold a special place in his heart including the Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties for the uninsured where he served as a founding board member.

Our Neighbor’s Place, an outreach and resource center for the homeless of River Falls and ARC, Inc., Assistance and Resource Center which meets individual short-term needs, are both dear to his heart. Harris humbly deflects credit by noting many people make the work accomplished through these outreaches possible.

Kelly Brellenthin, a 16-year volunteer with addiction recovery through the Servant of the Shepherd Church has worked alongside Harris.

“He is a very giving man,” she said. “He was never uncomfortable with the homeless or addicts of our community. He is always attentive and has a very big heart for all of God’s people. Father Harris has definitely dedicated his life to the Lord.”

Harris began his professional studies in health care, gaining his license as a registered nurse before studying for the priesthood.

“It [serving as a priest] was always in my mind growing up,” he said. “When I began studying, I realized that’s what I wanted to do.”

He was ordained in 1979 and became the pastor at St. Bridget’s in 1996. Since then the congregation has grown to more than 1,900 families.

According to Bob Casey, a church trustee, Harris always stressed meeting people where they are in their faith journey.

“For me, Fr. Jerry has been a shining example of God’s grace and how we should have it with others regardless of the situation,” said Casey.

Now, age 71, he acknowledges the pace of large congregations can be challenging. But, Harris has not stepped completely out of formal service to God. He plans to continue serving for three more years at two smaller churches, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Amery and Our Lady of the Lakes in Balsam Lake. Each has a “wonderful staff.”

Harris, who many see as a gentle servant enjoys walking and reading in his spare time. What will he do when he completely retires?

“I haven’t figured that out yet,” he said.