St. Gall Parish
St. Gall Parish is known as a warm, close and friendly group of believers
who have accepted the Lord into their lives. Because of this they truly care
about and minister to those in our community and beyond.
Parishoners have made a serious commitment to attend Mass each week, to get
involved with one of our many ministries and to offer a fair share of financial
support. Registration and participation are a matter of covenant to us so that
we can continue to build a strong and even more vibrant Faith community.
Father Karl Ganss, Pastor
Originally from Philadelphia, Fr. Karl came to the Midwest in 1956 to study at Sacred Heart
Preparatory Seminary in Geneva. Ordained to the priesthood in 1968, Fr. Karl's varied
responsibilities have included: Area Director of Religious Education and Superintendent of
Catholc Schools for McHenry County; the diocesan executive team for Marriage Encounter;
head of the Renew Program for the Rockford Diocese; and, Vicar for Spiritual Formation under
bishops O'Neill and Doran.
Fr. Karl became active in full time pastoral ministry with his appointment as associate
pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Aurora and has served as administrator of St. Patirck
mission Parish in Hartland, pastor of St. Mary in Durand, and St. Patrick Mission in Irish Grove;
his last assignment before coming to St. Gall was pastor of St. Mary Parish in Dekalb.