My name is Peter Binder and I am a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Dubuque, studying at Mundelein Seminary outside of Chicago, IL. I’ve just finished my fifth year in seminary (out of seven) and am excited to be assigned to St. Pius X Parish for the summer while I do chaplaincy work at Mercy Medical Center. I’m originally from Marion, IA and I attended Xavier High School, so I’m happy to say that I am familiar with Cedar Rapids already. It’s also a bit of a homecoming to be working with Fr. Seda again as he was the vocation director who (for better or worse) accepted me into seminary five years ago. Besides theology studies in the seminary, I also play the organ and sing (you might see me accompanying at Mass) as well as enjoy cooking, hopefully to Fr. Seda’s benefit.

In any case, I am excited to spend the summer with you and to have a chance to get to know each of you and your parish. Throughout my time in seminary, God has continued to bless me with so many positive experiences whether that be working with the mentally challenged community in Dubuque, leading Totus Tuus around the Archdiocese, or being a seminarian intern at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Waterloo. I know that He will use this assignment as a blessing both for me and for you. Please pray for me and pray for vocations, because God always wants to keep giving to us!

Peter Binder