Sister Carla Popes

 Hi! I am Sr. Carla Popes, PBVM. I am a Dubuque Presentation Sister. I have taught in Catholic Schools, served parishes as Director of Faith Formation and the Archdiocesan Office of Catechetical Services as Director of Lay Formation and Office of Special Needs in the Archdiocese of Dubuque for 19 years. I served as Vocation Director for the Presentation Sisters several years before coming to the winding roads of northeast Iowa. Since 2010, I have ministered in various capacities within the three linked parishes of St. Mary Strawberry Point, St. Joseph Elkader and Sacred Heart Volga.  Presently I serve St. Mary Parish as Pastoral Associate and also am engaged with Faith Formation. I am simply delighted to be part of our new Emmaus Pastorate and honored to meet and work with so many faith filled people. Yes, it is truly about connecting and building relationships.  Every day, I thank God for this most wonderful gift. In addition to working with the families, I enjoy tending to my big garden in the spring and summer, and sharing the produce and canned goods with others.  I pray daily to be as courageous in serving the needs of God’s people as my community foundress Nano Nagle.