Monsignor Patrick Gaalaas was born in Minneapolis, MN and ordained to the priesthood August 12, 1972. He received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and a baccalaureate of sacred theology and master’s degree in moral & religious science from the University of Louvain in Belgium.

Msgr. Gaalaas has served many parishes in the diocese of Tulsa including Church of the Madalene in Tulsa, St. John in Stillwater, Immaculate Conception in Poteau, St. Joseph in Muskogee, Sts. Peter and Paul in Tulsa, St. Benedicts in Broken Arrow, and St. Bernards in Tulsa. In addition, he has served in a number of key administrative positions, including Vicar General from 2004-2010 and Chancellor from 1990-1995. He was also very active in ecumenism in the diocese.He is retired and currently works as a spiritual director at Conception Seminary College in northwestern Missouri.