Msgr. Cletus Hawes to celebrate 65th Jubilee and 90th birthday this Sunday at Wexford

Msgr. Cletus J. Hawes will be celebrating his 65th Jubilee and 90th birthday at Immaculate Conception Church, Wexford this Sunday, April 30. The 65th Jubilee Mass has been scheduled for 11 a.m. at Wexford.

"Switchback" is planning to lead the music for the Mass April 30. The “Hibernian” Mass setting will be used during the Jubilee Mass.

In addition to celebrating 65 years as a priest, Monsignor Hawes is also celebrating his 90th birthday. There will be an Open House in the parish hall from 12-3 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.

Cletus Joseph Hawes was born March 28, 1927 to John and Ellen (Conway) Hawes of Wexford, rural Lansing. He was baptized March 29, 1927 in Immaculate Conception Church, Wexford. Following the tragedy of his father's sudden death May 9, 1935,  his mother raised him and his siblings on the family farm.

Cletus Hawes graduated from Loras College in Dubuque in 1948 and from St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, MD in 1952. He received his sub-diaconate at St. Mary's Seminary June 13, 1951. Father Cletus Hawes was ordained a priest April 26, 1952 in Christ the King Chapel at Loras College in Dubuque.

His parish assignments as a priest have included the following: St. Mary (Dubuque) - 1952; St. Joseph (Elkader) - 1952 to 1957; St. Columbkille (Dubuque) - 1957 to 1962; St. Mary (Cascade) - 1962 to 1967, St. Bridget (Postville) - 1967 to 1972; Visitation (Stacyville) - 1972 to 1976; St. Joseph (Bellevue) - 1976 to 1987; St. Nicholas (Evansdale) - 1987 to 1999; St. Francis (Ossian) and Our Lady of Seven Dolors (Festina) - 1999 to 2015; St. Patrick (Waukon), St. Mary (Hanover) and St. Mary (Dorchester) - 2015 to 2016.

From 1976 to 1987 at various times he was also pastor of the following parishes: St. Donatus (St. Donatus), St. Catherine (St. Catherine), Holy Rosary (La Motte), Sacred Heart (Green Island), St. Peter (Sabula). He was named a prelate of honor/Monsignor in 1991 and retired from parish ministry in July of 2016.

He was moderator of ACCW for many years, Faithful Friar to Ossian KC 4th Degree Assembly, and from 1973-1976 Faithful Friar to Austin, MN 4th Degree Assembly. Monsignor Hawes loves to cook and play cards; he also likes to help his brother, Fr. Donald Hawes, in the family garden.

Every Sunday after parish Masses he would come "home" to the family farm. Monday mornings Msgr. Cletus and Fr. Donald celebrate Mass in their home parish church. Many fall/autumn trips and cruises were enjoyed by Msgr. Cletus, Fr. Donald, his mother and numerous other family members.

Everyone is invited to join Msgr. Cletus Hawes in celebrating 65 years of priesthood and 90 years of life April 30. Those unable to attend may send a card to him at 2423 Wexford Hollow Drive, Lansing, IA 52151.