Mater Dei Parish is proud to announce Conan Kirkpatrick, a Bishop Heelan senior, will be promoted from rank of Knight of the Knights of the Altar (KoA) to the rank of Knight Commander and then to the rank of Master Knight of the KoA.

The Investiture Ceremony will occur Sunday, May 4 during the 7:00 p.m. Mass at Immaculate Conception Church.

KoA Directors, Father Mark Stoll and Jeff Zyzda, stated this one-time only dual promotion is being celebrated in May because of Conan’s upcoming graduation. In the future, all promotions will be done on Christ the King Sunday. Knights will be eligible to advance one rank per year. Most Altar Servers will achieve the ranks of Recruit, Apprentice, and Knight. Up to six [6] Knight Commanders and up to three [3] Master Knights serving at any given time. To achieve these honors, Conan has served the Church with devotion, attention, and perfection. He has exhibited exceptional dedication and competence, trained youth at all levels, and sacrificed personal interest to fulfill those responsibilities.

Conan is the son of Jay and Leslie Kirkpatrick of Bronson, Iowa. At the age of three, he dreamt of becoming a priest. Conan became an Altar Server in 4th grade. Today, Conan coaches the Knights of the Altar and serves as a Servianti Domini at Heelan.

Conan has felt a tug to care for the elderly and sick. After storming the heavens in prayer, Conan obtained his Certified Nurses Aid (CNA) license and has worked at a nursing home. Conan loves to pray silently in his heart with the residents, visit, and listen to their stories.

This fall, Conan will take a detour and major in nursing at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. His goals are to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

His aspirations are to travel the world as a missionary priest and provide medical assistance. Conan wants to build upon his experiences and achieve God’s calling as a servant leader. Conan, like priests and others before him, wants to be an example of kindness to communities all around the world by combining both callings.

Conan hopes he has inspired other youth to step up and achieve this honor. Like Jeff Zyzda, John Hildman III, and coaches, Conan said, “I enjoy seeing the kids experience Christ through this beautiful work.”

Conan concluded, “It is an absolute blessing to receive this award. All the work I have put in the last 8 years to reach this point has paid off. I am glad others can experience Christ through this work. I am extremely grateful for what the program has done for me. I pray others in the future will be able to do the same.”

Father Mark Stoll applauded Conan. He believes other youth will be inspired by Conan, seek greater responsibility, and remain involved in the KoA until they graduate from high school.

Ultimately, Conan and Father Mark concur, the KoA will enable other young men and women to know and love what they are doing, know and love the Eucharist, and most importantly—know and love Jesus Christ as husbands and wives, priests, deacons, and religious brothers and sisters.