knuffman-donald.jpgParishioners from Holy Family, Athens, and St. Peter, Petersburg, will host an open house retirement celebration for Father Donald Knuffman from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the Knight's of Columbus Hall, 2200 South Meadowbrook Road, Springfield. A short program will begin at 3 p.m.

Father Knuffman was ordained May 22, 1965. He has served the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois as assistant pastor at St. Boniface, Edwardsville, 1965-1969; Ss. Peter and Paul, Springfield, 1969-1970; St. Peter, Quincy, 1970-1972; as parochial administrator, St. Peter, Quincy, 1972-1973; assistant pastor at Our Saviour, Jacksonville, 1973-1977; St. Frances Cabrini, Springfield, 1977-1980; as pastor, St. Jerome, Troy and St. John the Baptist, Black Jack, 1980-1990; Sacred Heart, Effingham, 1990-1994; as parochial vicar, Our Lady of Lourdes, Decatur 1994-1996; parochial administrator, St. Dominic, Quincy, 1996-1997; and pastor, St. Dominic, Quincy, 1997-2005; Holy Family, Athens and St. Peter, Petersburg from 2005 until the present.

In lieu of gifts donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund. The public is invited to attend. Cards of congratulations can be sent to Father Knuffman at 711 S. Sixth St., Petersburg, IL 62675.