Fr. Tom Kadera

I am Fr. Tom Kadera (Fr. Tom), the middle of 13 children. I recently retired from active ministry in the state of Wyoming and moved here to Ham Lake sharing a home with one of my seven sisters. While born in Iowa I grew up in the Twin Cities area, attending Cretin High School for two years and graduating from Mounds View High School. After high school I entered the Air Force and served in the Philippines, California, Guam, Okinawa, England, and South Dakota. During my time in the Air Force, I was a jet engine mechanic for six years and a drug and alcohol counselor for six years. While in England I decided to leave the Air Force and enter the seminary, but it was still another year before I could get out. Finally, after 12 1/2 years I left the Air Force and entered Conception Seminary for a year followed by four years at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, Colorado. I was ordained in 1987 at Saint Odilia Church in Shoreview for the Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming. (You will have to ask me if you want to know how I ended up in Wyoming from Minnesota.) In addition to serving as a priest in various parishes in Wyoming, I was a chaplain in the Air Force Reserve for 23 years.

I have many interests to include flying (yes, I am a private pilot), fishing, cross-country skiing, boating, hiking, and spending time with family. I enjoy reading, particularly the lives of the saints and other books of spirituality. As for ministry, I love guiding people on their journey of faith. I believe God has a plan for each of us and reveals that plan through our desires. I enjoy doing spiritual direction and see my role as helping others discover the love God has for them and responding to that love with the goal of the salvation of souls. I have received training and education in Canon Law, Counseling, and Spiritual Direction. I look forward to utilizing the knowledge and skills at this parish helping people work through the process of marriage annulments and guiding and directing people in their personal spiritual journey.


Father Tom Kadera offers Spiritual Direction, Annulment Support, Pastoral Counseling, and Personal Confessions every Wednesday by appointment (no charge) at the Church of Saint Paul. Father has received training and education in Canon Law, Pastoral Care, and Spiritual Direction. He looks forward to using that knowledge to help guide people in their personal spiritual journeys.

Hours available are 3-5 p.m. and  8-10 p.m. Contact Fr. Tom directly for an appointment (763) 777-8826 or email frtom.kadera@churchofsaintpaul.com