Instead of being just a Church that welcomes and receives by keeping the doors open, let us try also to be a Church that finds new roads, that is able to step outside itself and go to those who do not attend Mass, to those who have quit or are indifferent.
Pope Francis
Fr. Appel spent his childhood in Ottumwa, and then graduated from St. Ambrose University. He then completed theology studies at the University of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, followed by canon law studies at Catholic University of America.
His ordination to the priesthood was in 2003, with his first appointment as parochial vicar at St. Paul the Apostle in Davenport. This was followed by appointments at Our Lady of Victory in Davenport, Ss. Mary & Mathias in Muscatine, St. Joseph in Columbus Junction, and St. James in Washington.
After pursuing advanced studies, he returned to serve two parishes, St. Alphonsus in Davenport and St. Peter in Buffalo. Father Paul Appel also serves the Diocese of Davenport as judicial vicar, vice chancellor, and delegate for the Bishop in matrimonial matters.