An Annunciation Home for Father Zehren

February 11, 2025

Dear Fellow Annunciation Parishioner,

When the Archbishop asked me to come to Annunciation in 2024 and spend a year with you, I did not know what to expect (and you probably didn’t know what to expect from this retired priest, either!). My time serving this year as your parish priest, worshiping, and getting to know you has been wonderful. And now I have some exciting news to share. 

As was announced at last weekend’s Masses, I am delighted to confirm that Archbishop Hebda will be appointing Fr. Dennis Zehren as the next Pastor of Annunciation Parish. The appointment will be effective July 1, 2025; thus, I will continue to be the Parochial Administrator through the end of June.

Ordained in 2004, after studies at the Saint Paul Seminary, Fr. Zehren has served as a pastor at two other prominent parishes in the Archdiocese: Epiphany in Coon Rapids and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in Bloomington. Fr. Zehren is currently the pastor of St. Vincent de Paul in Brooklyn Park MN, where he has served since 2017.

 Fr. Zehren and I will work together in the coming months toward a smooth transition, including his direct involvement in the final selection of our new School Principal. As the year rolls along and July 1 approaches, we will be planning the appropriate welcoming events to be held in the summer. 

God knows our needs, and as we go through any change, we are guided by the Holy Spirit. Please continue to pray for our parish, for me, for the many lay faithful who teach, lead, and administer at Annunciation, and for our new pastor, too.  

Welcome, Father Zehren!

Fr. Bob Hart