Msgr. Chamberlain marks 60 years of priesthood

May 15, 2024

By Jennifer Willems

As a boy growing up in Shelby County, Robert Chamberlain thought about two things: entering the priesthood or becoming a farmer. Both were strong calls, but he couldn’t deny one of them.

On June 2, Monsignor Chamberlain will celebrate the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood at the 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Theresa Church in Des Moines. An open house will follow from noon to 2 p.m. in the parish hall. All are welcome.

That evening he will join the other priests of the Diocese of Des Moines at their annual retreat at Conception Abbey in Missouri. That is only right. After all, it was the strong, prayerful example of the priests and seminarians, and the faith-filled Benedictine Sisters from Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas, that fostered his vocation.

Born on July 3, 1938, between Panama and Portsmouth, Msgr. Chamberlain was one of Irvin C. and Agnes (Petsche) Chamberlain’s nine children. He claims Panama as his hometown and St. Mary of the Assumption there as his home church. After graduating from the parish school and high school, he and his father went to see Msgr. M.B. Schiltz, pastor, about pursuing the priesthood.

“He was the only pastor I knew. He came long before I was born and stayed on as the pastor of Panama,” Msgr. Chamberlain said. “He was just a kind, very gentle, very prayerful man.”

The other strong influences were his longtime teacher, Benedictine Sister Mary Jane, and his family.

Three assignments, many roles

Bishop Edward C. Daly, OP, sent the young man to St. Pius X Seminary at Loras College in Dubuque for general studies and philosophy. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching certificate there, Msgr. Chamberlain completed his studies for the priesthood at Mount St. Bernard Seminary, also in Dubuque.

As a transitional deacon, he was sent to The Catholic University of America for courses in American history and audiovisual. “It was the best experience of my life,” he said.

Msgr. Chamberlain was ordained by Bishop Daly on May 31, 1964, at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines.

In over six decades of priesthood, he has had just three assignments, but served in many different roles.

The first was at Dowling High School, where he taught and was assistant registrar and then registrar from 1964 to 1986. While there, he assisted with the merger of Dowling, a school for boys, and St. Joseph Academy, a school for girls, in 1972.

Next came St. Albert School System in Council Bluffs, where he was coordinator from 1986 to 1993. Msgr. Chamberlain’s final assignment was as pastor of St. Joseph Parish and School in Des Moines, from 1993 to 2010.

He has been retired since 2010, but he hasn’t stopped serving others.

Never far from education

While at Dowling, Msgr. Chamberlain spent four summers earning a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Loras College, which he has used along the way. He also has experience in the field of chemical dependency and was the cosponsor of an Alateen group for 10 years, helped with interventions, and offered programs and days of instruction to the Dowling staff on the subject. In addition, he served on the Diocesan Health and Wellness Committee.

“I’ve never been far separated from education,” he said. “The best part in the whole education area was getting to know quite a number of students and their families and activities that are going on.”

Msgr. Chamberlain assists at St. Theresa Parish, where he celebrates one Mass on the weekends and helps with the sacrament of reconciliation as needed.

Those who wish to send cards may write to Msgr. Chamberlain at 739 33rd St., Des Moines, IA 50312, or at St. Theresa Church, 1230 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50311.