WATERLOO -- The beloved priest is a celebrity of sorts at Columbus High School, particularly among students.

The Rev. Paul Steimel is technically retired, but continues to minister to Iowa Roman Catholics, preaching at dozens of parishes and serving occasionally as a hospital chaplain. He also remains a familiar face at Columbus.

As chaplain of the football team, Steimel regularly attends practices and away games. He also chats with Columbus students between classes, helps with Mass and hears confessions.

Steimel, 81, shows up even on days when he is tired because he thinks it is important to the students. He holds a special spot in his heart for young people.

"I've always thought they were great," Steimel said. "Still do."

Students appear to return the sentiment.

"He always has the longest lines (at confession) because you can go to him and he'll talk to you," said senior Mac O'Brien, 17, a Columbus football player. "He relates to the students really well.

"He's a great influence on every Columbus student, and I know that for a fact."

Adults affiliated with Cedar Valley Catholic Schools recognized this. Mary Beckey Kelly, director of marketing for Cedar Valley Catholic Schools, asked the priest to publish religious articles for young people at the suggestion of a mutual acquaintance, Barb Hart. Steimel agreed.

The priest quickly scribbled out 22 reflections for a hardbound edition of "We Can -- Letters from Fr. Paul Steimel," in time for the Cedar Valley Catholic Schools Columbus Ultimate Auction. At the fundraiser, 30 hardcover copies were auctioned off at $500 each.

Steimel wrote three more articles on topics he deemed of particular importance to young people, which are part of a paperback, full-color edition.

"They need one on the Holy Spirit. They need one on sexuality. And they need one on marriage," Steimel said.

In creating the book, Steimel drew on his personal collection of daily writings to create fresh commentaries. The articles cover topics such as prayer, sports, death, compassion, forgiveness and faith. Parts have shown up in a past homily or two.

To date, about 600 of the 1,000 softcover copies printed of "We Can" have sold, Kelly said. Proceeds of the book go to Columbus.

That the book has proved popular enough to warrant multiple sales and several autograph sessions seems to surprise only its author. He's still delighted to hear that the book may be reaching its intended audience. More than anything, he hopes the text helps young people grow in their faith.

"If kids start reading them, that's something else," Rev. Steimel said.

Columbus senior and football player Will Olmstead, 17, owns a copy. Writings about relating to God and relying on him in all situations stand out to the teen.

"It's a really good book," Olmstead said.

Students say they assume the priest -- who taught some of their parents -- to be a credible author because he portrays faithfulness and sincerity in real life.

The Columbus football chaplain regularly writes letters of advice and encouragement to football players and leads Mass before games. He also connects with students in the hallways and at school functions, students and staff say.

"He is always around the school and everyone knows who he is … ," Olmstead said. "He always wants to know about how you're doing and stuff instead of about how he's doing."

Adults also are interested in Rev. Steimel's reflections. Pat Kramer, a member of the Waterloo Loras Club, picked up his own copy last week. Rev. Steimel attended an event by Loras College at Byrnes Park to sell and sign copies of "We Can." Kramer intends to show the book to his kids.

"(He's) just a good mentor," Kramer said.

Steimel said his interactions with students aren't about preaching.

"My mission is presence," he said. "I don't try to change anybody. I try to be present and show them affirmation."

Contact Karen Heinselman

at (319) 291-1581 or

karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.