Father Phil Retires After 50 Years of Service

After nearly five decades of service, Father Phil Ackerman is retiring from full-time priesthood — but not before leaving a legacy of faith, resilience, and deep community love. Raised on a farm with dreams of teaching the deaf, he stumbled into the priesthood during a college retreat, surprising even his dairy-milking dad. From leading a stranded pilgrimage amid war to serving parishes across the Fargo Diocese, he’s lived through highs and lows with quiet grace. Now in his seventies, he’s embracing unscheduled time — while still volunteering for weekend Masses — and expressing heartfelt thanks to the people who made his ministry meaningful. His final Mass is set for June 23rd at Holy Cross in West Fargo, marking the end of a remarkable chapter for a man who never stopped serving. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ae6b708f6ea4525a