Father Jon did a great job at dropping the spotlight on me early in the June 25 bulletin so I will try to do my best on my first run. First, let me introduce myself. My name is Brandon Marsh and I, along with my wife Kelly, and our children, Gabriel, Wyatt, Madelyn, and Josye, am excited to begin this new adventure growing our faith, hearts, and parish family with all of you. I am bringing with me many years of management experience and leadership within an assortment of genres including law enforcement, IT, agriculture, and most recently as a consultant for the State of Iowa Department of Transportation. I have also served on numerous committees and roles within my previous parishes, including being a catechist for 12 years, as well as a high school youth minister. Trust me; talking to me in person is much easier than my trying to determine what to tell you about me here.
 
In reading through some of the previous Pius Thoughts, Sandra’s article last week caught my attention talking about getting to know your neighbor in the pew beside you. I couldn’t help but smile and reminisce of my home/first parish: St. Mary’s in Waterloo. We were that way there. All through my life during the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s before it was sadly closed, everyone had their place, and we all knew each other. It was our extended family. True, being the nephew/great nephew of four priests also helped, as well as a wonderful Grandmother who made sure we said our rosary after school every day.
 
Then I started thinking about prayers. Obviously, we all know our prayers; but have you ever really stopped and thought about the words you are reciting? Are you really getting the true meaning or are you just going through the motions? I said the prayer to St. Michael before every shift I worked as a police officer, because I knew he would keep me safe and get me home every morning.
 
So here is my challenge to you. There are two parts to it. First, think about what your favorite prayer is and what it truly means to you. Secondly, come find me and say hi. My office door will always be open to any person at St. Pius X and I look forward to a bright and rewarding future sharing our faith, prayers, and fellowship together.