Father McHenry is grateful for his years of ministry

May 24, 2022

Father Ray McHenry worked for his family business for 20 years before answering his vocation call to the priesthood.

Now, he’s preparing to retire.

He attended Dowling High School, and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Creighton University. He earned his master’s in divinity from Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, and was ordained by Bishop Joseph Charron, C.PP.S. in 2000.   

He began his ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, in West Des Moines, where he served for three years. He also served Queen of Apostles Parish and Holy Family Parish, both in Council Bluffs, and Our Lady of Carter Lake in Carter Lake (those three are now Corpus Christi Parish).

He served St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Indianola for seven years, Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Mary’s for three years, and then returned to St. Francis, where he has been serving since 2013. 
Since returning to the parish, he has taken seven groups of parishioners and others to see the outreach of Blessman International in South Africa. 

Father McHenry contributed to the ongoing growth in faith among diocesan priests by serving as the director of Continuing Education for Priests in the Diocese of Des Moines. While serving in that role, he also was the vice president of the National Organization for the Continuing Education for Roman Catholic Clergy.

“I am grateful for my call to priesthood and that I was able to begin my studies and service later in life,” said Father McHenry. “I have many fond memories of these last 22 years and I thank all the many wonderful people I have met over the years. As I have always said during Easter Season, I encourage you to boldly proclaim: ‘Jesus Christ is risen!’”

A farewell and retirement celebration will be Sunday, July 10 at St. Francis Church with an open house reception from 1-4 p.m. and a short program at 3 p.m.