Fr. Alfonso Pizano

I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Davenport on June 6, 2026. I've been assigned as parochial vicar here at St. Patrick's and will also serve as sacramental minister at St. Joseph Parish in West Liberty and St. Joseph Parish in Columbus Junction.

 I am originally from Los Angeles, California, and first entered seminary while I was still in high school, attending Queen of Angels High School Seminary and later St. John’s College Seminary. When the college seminary closed, I stepped away from formation and began building a different kind of life. I spent several years working at Disneyland and teaching in Catholic schools. While completing a master’s degree in education at Loyola Marymount University, I met the Jesuits and later joined them, spending six years discerning religious life and priesthood.

 After leaving the Jesuits, I returned home to Los Angeles believing that my journey toward priesthood had come to an end. Then the pandemic came, the world grew very quiet, and I began to hear the call again. I returned to formation at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, and it was there that my path eventually connected with the Diocese of Davenport.

 I enjoy Disney parks, movies, and theater. One Scripture passage that has accompanied me throughout my journey is Habakkuk 2:3: “For still the vision awaits its appointed time… if it seems slow, wait for it.” That verse stayed close to me because the road to priesthood took many years. It reminded me that a long road is not necessarily the wrong road, and that God can still be at work even when we cannot yet see where everything is leading.

I am grateful to begin my first priestly assignment and look forward to celebrating Mass, serving the people of St. Patrick's, and getting to know the parish community. After such a long journey, it is a great joy simply to be here.

                                                   Fr. Alfonso