A few days ago our pastor asked me to share with you my “American experience” after one year at St. Clare. My Gosh! One year in the U.S. My first anniversary! I know that time flies, but just not so fast. I’m very grateful to God for the things He gives me every day. I’m also grateful to many people, Fr. Andrew, the Michaelite Community, and each and every one of you for your warm welcome, for your support, friendship, and especially for your prayers.

For me my first year at St. Clare has been a big challenge, and I think it may also have been a big challenge for many of you. I try to imagine how difficult it may have been to listen and pray with a priest who was just starting to learn English. Thank you very much for your patience, and a special thanks to my English teachers: Patricia, Corrine, Sr. Valerie, and Liz. Many of you also helped me at times with English, and I encourage you continue to let me know when I make a mistake.

Let me share a little information about myself. I was born in 1973 in southeast Poland. I grew up in my hometown Jaslo on a small farm with my grandparents. My father, who died in 1997, was a factory worker, and my mother was an elementary school teacher. I have one brother who is five years younger than me; he is married and they have two sons John who is almost 4 years old, and Karol who is 10 months.

In Jaslo I finished primary school and high school. After that I went to the Michalite Seminary. Eight years later in 2000 I became a priest and spent my first two years as an associate pastor. After that I attended the Catholic University of Lublin for four years where I studied education. The next two years I taught in a Michaelite high school. I was the vocation director for one year. And for my last five years in Poland I was the pastor at Holy Trinity parish in Stalowa Wola. One of my important duties during my priesthood in Poland was leading the Michaelite youth pilgrimage from Warsaw to Miejsce Piastowe, a two-week journey of more than 250 miles on foot each year. I held this post for nine years.

In my spare time I love nature and hiking. I love sports not only as a spectator but also as a participant, especially soccer, volleyball, basketball, and biking … Who knows maybe someday I’ll love golf?! I also enjoy watching films and listening to music.

I want to tell you how appreciative and impressed I am with our parish and school loyalty, generosity and support here, and our parish community. I wish to continue to serve you at St. Clare through prayer, learning your American customs, and searching for God together in our daily lives.

Many blessings,
Fr. Tom