Father Joe Fogal, who’s been priest of of St. Augustine and St. Edward’s Catholic churches in Austin for eight years, will leave July 1 to serve churches in Rochester and Mazeppa. -- Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

After eight years serving the community, one of Austin’s most well-known faith leaders will continue his journey elsewhere.

July 1, 2011, Father Joe Fogal of St. Augustine and St. Edward’s Catholic churches will depart to Rochester. Of more than 50 priests in the Diocese of Winona, Fogal and eight other priests are transferring positions this summer. Fogal will take over services at Pax Christi in Rochester, along with St. Peter and Paul’s Church in Mazeppa.

“Miss,” more than any other word, is how Fogal described his feelings about leaving Austin.

“I’m going to miss here, just a lot of dedicated people,” he said. “I’m going to miss our staff an awful lot. We really have solid staff in the parish and the school. We have a lot of volunteers, a lot of parishioners who really love their parish.”

Fogal has served in Austin for two years longer than most priests serve one area. He said the diocese typically moves priests every six years, but other circumstances can apply. However, priests can apply to serve an area for an additional six years but don’t always get the chance.

“They figure in six years, a priest should pretty much be able to share his gifts and talents with that community, and it’s probably time for a new priest who can share new gifts,” Fogal added.

Most priests serve until they are about 70, according to Fogal. So after his next six-year term, Fogal plans to retire, as he will hit that age. After that, he’s not sure where he’s going to reside. He has family in Mankato, so that may be an option, he said.

In the meantime, Father Jim Steffes will fill Fogal’s role in Austin. He is coming from the Winona area, where he serves churches in Minnesota City, Rollingstone and Minneiska. Fogal knows Steffes well.

“I don’t think I could have chosen a better guy to take my place here,” He said.

Fogal added Steffes is young, has a sense of humor and will make a great pastor.

Fogal looks forward to meeting new people in Rochester, but he hopes he fits in.

“There’s always that bit of anxiety, so you’ve always got to deal with that,” he said.

Although Fogal will have plenty of time to settle into the Olmsted area, Austin citizens will have very little time to say goodbye to Fogal. That particular aspect of relocation is tough on Fogal. He referred to the fact that he will be obligated to his new churches, and he’s not supposed to come back to Austin for funerals, weddings, births, baptisms or anything that would tred on Steffes’ new responsibilities.

“You kind of hate walking away from friendships you’ve built over eight years,” Fogal said.

For example, Fogal is currently helping one man with his battle with cancer. In July, he will have to leave him and let Steffes take over that role.

Fogal added once more, “I’m going to miss the folk, the people, the staff and the parish.”