Our pastor Fr. Brian D. Konopa (KAH-nah-pah) was born and raised in Wisconsin Rapids, the oldest of three children. His parents, Wally and Joan, both grew up on farms and continue to live in Wisconsin Rapids. His brother's family lives in Waukesha (near Milwaukee) and his sister's family lives in the Wisconsin Rapids area. Fr. Konopa has seven nieces and nephews and enjoys being their uncle.

Brian Konopa graduated from Assumption High School➚ in Wisconsin Rapids. His bachelors degree in Philosophy is from Franciscan University of Steubenville➚ and his masters degree in Theology was earned at the Pontifical College Josephinum➚.

Fr. Konopa was ordained June 27, 1998. The first five years of his priesthood were spent teaching at Columbus Catholic High School➚ in Marshfield. From 2003 to 2006 he was pastor of three rural parishes along the Sparta-Elroy bike trail: Elroy (St. Patrick), Kendall (St. Joseph) and Wilton (St. John the Baptist). Before coming to MMOC in July 2014, Fr. Konopa was pastor of St. Olaf Parish➚ in Eau Claire for eight years. He also served there as pastoral dean of Regis Catholic Schools➚.

Describing himself as "a little bit old school," he prefers to be called Fr. Konopa rather than by his first name.

Updated 16 May 2024