Msgr. Cletus Hawes to celebrate 70th Jubilee, 95th birthday May 1
Msgr. Hawes ...
The 70th Jubilee Mass of Monsignor Cletus Hawes has been scheduled for Sunday, May 1 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Wexford. In addition to celebrating 70 years as a priest, Monsignor Hawes is also celebrating his 95th birthday. There will be an Open House in the parish hall from 12-3 p.m. All are welcome to attend the Mass and Open House.
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, Dubuque in 1948 and from St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore 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, Dubuque.
His parish assignments as a priest include: 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.
During 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 then served 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. Msgr. Hawes retired from parish ministry in July of 2016.
He was named a prelate of honor/Monsignor in 1991. 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 Fr. Donald 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 other family members.
Everyone is invited to join Msgr. Cletus Hawes in celebrating 70 years of priesthood and 95 years of life May 1. If unable to attend, consider sending a card to him at: 2423 Wexford Hollow Drive, Lansing, IA 52151.
