DODGEVILLE — If you have visited St. Joseph Parish in Dodgeville, chances are that you have walked past its parish library.
While many parishes have books for parishioners to borrow, St. Joseph’s library has a vast shelf of books, movies, and historical documents.
All of these are coordinated by its new librarian, and alumni of St. Joseph School, Chase Kopmeier.
Kopmeier has been a long-time parishioner of St. Joseph.
He and his siblings went to St. Joseph Daycare and School.
St. Joseph School had a strong and lasting impact on Kopmeier.
In an interview with the Catholic Herald, he stated that he and his siblings still have “cherished memories” of their school years.
“They taught me hard work, and volunteering for our community was beneficial to getting the results we needed. Recess for all grades allowed us to make friends and reminded us to be our innocent selves. Religion class was a haven for fun songs and free-thinking discussions with our priests.”
He encouraged parents that sending kids to a Catholic school is worth it, not only for the education but the teaching of Catholic morals too.
He was offered the position by his predecessor, Linda Schoenmann, when he came in one day looking for the parish’s archives.
Schoenmann saw how excited and enthusiastic he was about the parish history and offered him the position on the spot.
Kopmeier has loved being able to give back to his parish and loves having a position in the Church.
In his own words, “To hopefully enlighten others’ enthusiasm for our religion and our parish’s history. Whether it be checking out a book or movie, or wanting to see old photos and articles, both are equally important in providing a prosperous future [for the parish]. That I hope to inspire.”
Kopmeier said he enjoys looking at the parish history books from the library, especially the old photos of parish families.
He also displays an “Article of the Month” from the Catholic Herald.
Be sure to check out the growing St. Joseph library.
Molly Schoepp is an intern with the Catholic Herald newspaper.