IN-MEMORIAM

Please remember these deceased clergy in your prayers each month:

January
January 3, 1972
Rev. Msgr. John A. Sullivan
Holy Angels, Gary (Retired)
January 4, 1968
Rev. Msgr. H. James Conway
St. Luke, Gary (Retired)
January 4, 1969
Rev. Richard R. Grunenburg
St. Anthony Hospital, Michigan City (Retired)
January 9, 1980
Rev. Eugene C. Hoffman
Ss. Peter and Paul, Merrillville
January 11, 1967
Rev. Ambrose E. Switzer
St. Joseph, Dyer
January 11, 1969
Rev. George A. Masley (Retired)
January 12, 1970
Rev. Henry J. Ameling
St. Luke, Gary
January 12, 1976
Rev. Joseph A. Buczyna,
Sacred Heart, LaPorte (Retired)
January 14, 1963
Rev. George J. Naudzius (Retired)
January 14, 1969
Rev. Msgr. Alvin J. Jasinski
St. Mark, Gary
January 16, 2004
Deacon Joseph Kwitko
Blessed Sacrament, Gary
January 19, 1984
Rev. Ignatius C. Vichuras
St. Francis, East Chicago (Retired)
January 20, 2004
Deacon Joseph Wilczynski
Nativity of Our Savior, Portage
January 23, 1977
Rev. Anthony A. Balczun
St. Casimir, Hammond
January 25, 1958
Rev. Joseph Judnic (Retired)
January 29, 1971
Rev. Edward M. Boney
St. Edward, Lowell (Retired)
January 30, 1967
Rev. Joseph Zobel
St. Mary, Hammond (Retired)
January 30, 2001
Rev. Clarence (Francis) Mazur
Our Lady of Lourdes Friary, Cedar Lake

February
February 3, 1987
Very Rev. Msgr. Francis A. Rego
Carmelite Home for Girls, East Chicago
February 4, 1994
Rev. Stephen J. Vrabely
St. Joseph, Hammond
February 4, 1996
Rev. John Beckmann
Ss. Peter and Paul, Merrillville
February 5, 1978
Rev. Vincent E. Eckert
Andrean High School, Merrillville
February 8, 1963
Rev. Msgr. Frederick J. Westendorf
St. Mark, Gary
February 8, 1965
Rev. Robert E. Emmons
 St. Patrick, East Chicago
February 11, 1981
Rev. Louis M. Letko
Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Dyer
February 15, 1970
Rev. Msgr. Lawrence T. Grothouse
St. Peter, LaPorte
February 15, 2002
Rev. Stanley J. Milewski
Holy Family, Gary
February 18, 1983
Rev. Theodore A. Janicki
St. Mary, Otis
February 19, 1970
Rev. Msgr. William E. Sweigart
Sacred Heart, Michigan City
February 27, 2000
Rev. Ambrose T. McGinnity
February 28, 1991
Rufus E. Harris
Ss. Monica and Luke, Gary

March
March 4, 1992
Rev. Msgr. Robert B. Weis
St. Thomas More, Munster
March 8, 1969
Rev. Patrick A. Meehan
St. Patrick, Chesterton
March 9, 1968
Rev. Rocco J. Guerriero
March 13, 1999
Rev. Anthony L. Letko
St. Anthony Of Padua, Fish Lake
March 14, 1967
Rev. Thaddeus S. Plawecki
Carmelite Home, East Chicago
March 14, 1987
Rev. Henry I. Krysinski
St. Mary, Otis
March 16, 1979
Rev. Matthew G. Spebar
St. Edward, Lowell
March 19, 1995
Rev. Milan F. Bach
Immaculate Conception, Whiting
March 24, 1960
Rev. Peter A. Biegel
St. Michael, Schererville
March 28, 1983
Rev. Joseph D. Sipos
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Hammond

April
April 2, 1983
Rev. Msgr. Everard N. Klein
St. John Bosco, Hammond
April 6, 1981
Rev. Gilbert G. Wirtz
Beatty Memorial Hospital, Westville
April 9, 1982
Rev. Leonard J. Cross
Queen of All Saints, Michigan City
April 14, 1997
Rev. Walter S. Mastey
April 17, 1965
Rev. Frank A. Seimetz
St. Joseph, LaPorte
April 19, 1983
Rev. Hilary S. Halter, OFM
St. Hedwig, Gary
April 21, 1963
Rev. Edwin E. Eisenhardt
St. Patrick, Chesterton
April 22, 1970
Rev. John F. Bart
St. John Bosco, Hammond
April 25, 1983
Rev. Joseph P. Casey
St. Helen, Hebron
April 26, 1976
Rev. Luke Brickel
St. Anthony Hospital, Michigan City
April 27, 1972
Rev. John A. Costello
Carmelite Home, East Chicago
April 29, 1957
Rev. Msgr. Casimir Bickauskas
St. Francis, East Chicago 

 May
May 2, 1967
Rev. Ladislaus S. Krause
Ss. Cyril and Methodius, North Judson
May 2, 1969
Rev. Charles J. Seeberger
All Saints, Hammond
May 6, 1962
Rev. Augustine C. Van Rie
St. Joseph, LaPorte
May 6, 1971
Rev. David E. Hauskins
St. Joseph, Hammond
May 9, 1960
Rev. John J. Lach
Immaculate Conception, Whiting
May 11, 1997
Rev. Louis B. Wozniak
May 12, 1995
Richard Duszynski
St. Stanislaus, Michigan City
May 14, 1965
Rev. Msgr. Julian F. Doktor
St. Stanislaus, Michigan City
May 15, 1971
Rev. Msgr. Clement M. Mlinarovich
Assumption, East Chicago
May 17, 1969
Rev. Eric A. Schaff
St. Anthony, Fish Lake
May 18, 1967
Rev. Henry A. Smartz
St. John Kanty, Rolling Prairie
May 22, 1988
Rev. Joseph Herod
Our Lady of Guadalupe, East Chicago
May 23, 1965
Rev. John N. Chylewski
St. Adalbert, Whiting
May 24, 1992
Joseph Rapal
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Hammond
May 24, 2002
Rev. Albert J. Zimmerman
May 27, 1983
Rev. Mirko J. Godina, OFM CONV
St. Joseph the Worker, Gary
May 28, 1975
Rev. Clemens L. Koors
St. Francis Xavier, Lake Station
May 30, 1961
Rev. Cornelius P. Bergan
St. Bridget, Hobart
May 30, 2002
Rev. Msgr. Paul P. Bogovich
Holy Trinity (Croatian), East Chicago

June
June 1, 1983
Rev. Dominic A. Pallone
St. Catherine of Siena, Hammond
June 5, 1988 Rev. Timothy E. Benante
St. Matthias, Crown Point
June 7, 1970
Rev. Wencel A. Karp
Sacred Heart, Gary (Retired)
June 7, 2007 Rev. George M. Vrabely (Retired)
June 9, 1959
Rev. Louis F. Bozik
St. Mary, Otis
June 10, 2004
Deacon Melvin Clark
Ss. Monica and Luke, Gary
June 13, 1993
Rev. Joseph N. Panavas
St. Mary, Kouts (Retired)
June 15, 1966
Rev. Louis G. Duray
Holy Trinity, Gary
June 18, 1963
Rev. Paul J. Roederer
St. John, St. John
June 20, 1969
Rev. Msgr. Edward H. Vurpillat
St. Mary, Michigan City
June 20, 1978
Rev. Carl J. Holsinger
St. Mary, East Chicago
June 23, 1981
Rev. Antoniu Dunca
St. Demetrius, East Chicago
June 23, 1998
Rev. Louis S. Madejczyk
Blessed Sacrament, Gary
June 25, 2003
Rev. Clarence E. Danforth (Retired)
June 27, 1987
Rev. Julian I. Jercha
Ss. Cyril and Methodius, North Judson
June 29, 1976
Rev. Joseph S. Wonderly
Holy Name, Cedar Lake
June 29, 1983
Rev. Theodore V. Fettig (Retired)

 July
July, 2007
Vrabely, Rev. George M., 78, St. Peter, LaPorte
July 2, 1994 Rev. Dominic A. Mrena Holy Cross, Hamlet (Retired)
July 2, 2004 Rev. Msgr. F. Raymond Fowerbaugh (Retired)
July 5, 1979 Rev. Msgr. George J. Moorman (Retired)
July 6, 2004 Deacon Joseph Sobek St. Thomas More, Munster
July 8, 2003
Rev. Leonard J. Lukaszewski (Retired)
July 9, 1963
Rev. Raymond G. Derrick
St. Mary, Kouts
July 18, 2002
Rev. Eugeniusz Pogorzelski
July 23, 1990
Rev. John J. Frawley
July 25, 1979
Rev. Msgr. Michael A. Campagna
Hoosier Boys’ Town, Schererville
July 28, 1978
Rev. Mr. Walter Stone
Ss. Peter and Paul, Merrillville
July 31, 1956
Most Rev. John F. Noll
Bishop of Fort Wayne

August
August 2, 1970
Rev. Robert L. Mayhew
St. Joseph, Hammond
August 6, 1960
Rev. Msgr. John P. Biernacki
St. Casimir, Hammond
August 13, 1989
Rev. Msgr. Paul S. Haney
St. Francis Xavier, Lake Station
August 13, 1991
Rev. Msgr. Paul J. Schmid
August 20, 1965
Rev. Msgr. Michael A. Petzold
St. John Cantius, East Chicago
August 23, 1957
Rev. Alfred J. Junk
Bishop Noll High School, Hammond
August 23, 2000
Rev. Anthony D. Ficko
August 24, 1956
Rev. Msgr. Michael Shea
St. Mary, East Chicago
August 29, 1982
Rev. Valerian S. Karcz
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
New Chicago

 September
September 2, 1970
Rev. Herman A. Schoudel
Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville
September 7, 1986
Rev. Joseph P. Smith
St. Adalbert, Whiting (Retired)
September 8, 1963
Rev. Roman S. Wojcicki
St. Mary, Otis
September 9, 1992
Rev. Paul P. Jakulevicius
St. Francis, East Chicago
September 12, 1986
Rev. John A. Halo
Assumption, East Chicago
September 12, 1987
Rev. Vincent Uvodic 
September 13, 1997
Rev. Bernard F. Shank
September 17, 1964
Rev. Louis J. Ratajczak
Holy Rosary, Gary
September 23, 1977
Rev. Joseph P. Murphy, SCJ
Indiana State Prison, Michigan City
September 27, 1990
Rev. Emil E. Bloch
Holy Cross, Hamlet

 October
October 1, 1999
Most Rev. Norbert F. Gaughan, D.D., Ph.D. Second Bishop of the Diocese of Gary
October 5, 1963
Rev. Edmund A. Ley
St. Joseph, Dyer
October 8, 1980
Rev. Michael J. Kelner
Sacred Heart, Wanatah
October 9, 1974
Rev. Msgr. Louis W. Michalski
St. Stanislaus, Michigan City
October 10, 1964
Rev. Ermengildo Senese
St. Ann Home, Hammond
October 11, 1973
Rev. Anthony M. Quinlisk
Carmelite Home, Hammond
October 13, 1998
Rev. Philip N. Fusco
October 14, 1991
Rev. Joseph A. Lamere
St. Margaret Mary, Hammond
October 16, 1973
Rev. Msgr. Julian J. Skrzypinski, P.A.
St. Stanislaus, East Chicago
October 18, 1978
Rev. Herman J. Miller
Sacred Heart, Whiting
October 26, 1964
Rev. Joseph Klinker
St. Helen, Hebron
October 26, 1981
Rev. James A. Stapleton
October 29, 1980
Rev. Walter S. Pawlicki
October 29, 1994
Rev. Leo J. Armbruster
St. Anthony of Padua, Fish Lake 

 November
November 5, 2004
Rev. Msgr. Timothy F. Doody (Retired)
November 7, 1996
Rev. Msgr. Joseph J. Viater
St. Margaret Mary, Hammond
November 8, 2003
Deacon Melvin J. Jefferson
November 10, 1994
Rev. Benjamin Domsich 
November 11, 1975
Rev. John B. Schaeffer
St. Bridget, Hobart
November 11, 1993
Most Rev. Andrew G. Grutka, D.D.
First Bishop of the Diocese of Gary
November 13, 1985
Rev. Mark Pesch, OFM CAP
St. Mary, Crown Point
November 18, 1983
Rev. Donald E. Benwitz, CSB
 Former Principal, Andrean High School,
Merrillville
November 19, 1966
Rev. John S. Woods
St. Theresa, Shelby
November 20, 1987
Deacon John Townsend
St. Michael, Schererville
November 26, 1968
Rev. Msgr. Stanley F. Zjawinski, P.A.
St. Casimir, Hammond
November 27, 1991
Rev. Joseph H. Hammes
St. Mary, Crown Point
November 27, 2004
Rev. William E. Vogt (Retired)

December
December 1, 1959
Rev. Wilfred P. Mannion
St. Luke, Gary
December 3, 1979
Rev. Msgr. Leo P. Hildebrandt, P.A.
St. Mary, Griffith
December 3, 1993
Rev. Chester P. Zurawiec
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Kingsford Heights
December 4, 1995
Rev. Anthony J. Suelzer
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Hammond
December 4, 2000
Rev. Msgr. Ralph G. Hoffmann
December 13, 1987
Rev. Joseph J. Mosko
December 14, 1960
Rev. Msgr. Michael Abraham
Sacred Heart, Michigan City
December 14, 1996
Rev. Msgr. Casimir E. Senderak
December 18, 1993
Rev. Andrew C. Topor
St. John Cantius, East Chicago
December 19, 1963
Rev. Msgr. Alfred W. Reinig
St. Mary, Michigan City
December 21, 2000
Rev. Msgr. Albert H. Van Nevel
December 22, 1956
Rev. Conrad Stoll
St. Thomas Aquinas, Knox
December 23, 2000
Rev. Edward C. Homco
St. John the Baptist, Whiting
December 24, 2002
Rev. John Bargielski
December 25, 1971
Rev. Michael C. Gadacz
Holy Family, Gary
December 25, 1972
Rev. Mr. John P. Beda
St. James, Highland
December 26, 1967
Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Jansen, P.A.
St. Joseph, Hammond
December 26, 1976
Rev. John P. Zubak
Assumption, East Chicago
December 27, 1956
Rev. Msgr. Francis X. Guerre
St. Mark, Gary
December 28, 2002
Rev. Patrick J. Connolly
St. Michael, Schererville
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nwicatholic.com >>Community>>Clergy and Assignments

OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS
 

The Miost Reverend Bishop Dale J. Melczek has announced from the Chancery the following appointments:

     • Reverend Roy T. Beeching is appointed Diocesan Director of Cemeteries for the Diocese of Gary, effective July 1, 2007.

     • Reverend David W. Kime is appointed associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish in LaPorte and Nativity of Our Savior Parish in Portage, effective August 1, 2007.

     • Reverend Selvaraj Selladurai is appointed associate pastor of Queen of All Saints Parish in Michigan City, effective July 9, 2007.

The Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, Bishop of the Diocese of Gary, has announced from the Chancery the following appointments:

     • Reverend Lourdu Pasala is appointed pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in New Chicago, with expanded responsibilities in the Marriage Tribunal of the Diocese of Gary, effective July 1, 2007

     • Reverend James E. Wozniak is appointed pastor of St. Matthias Parish in Crown Point, effective July 1, 2007.

     • Barbara M. O’Block, Ed.D., is appointed Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Gary, effective June 25, 2007.

     Father Pasala, 52, was ordained March 20, 1980 in Nalgonda in his native India. In early 2001 he was named associate pastor at Our Lady of Consolation and in August 2002 at St. Andrew the Apostle, both in Merrillville. In July 2003 he was assigned as resident associate pastor at Blessed Sacrament. During those three assignments he also served as chaplain at The Methodist Hospitals.

     In July 2004 Father Pasala was appointed St. Mary, Griffith, with his chaplaincy duties terminated. The following year he became associate pastor at Queen of All Saints. On July 11, 2005 he was incardinated into the Diocese of Gary.

     Father Pasala has also served in the Marriage Tribunal as judge and defender of the bond.

     Father Wozniak, 37, was ordained to the priesthood June 10, 1997 at Holy Angels Cathedral. Following ordination he was assigned to St. Michael, Schererville, with additional duties in the Marriage Tribunal.

     He was later named associate pastor at St. John the Evangelist, St. John, and St. Mary, Griffith. He currently serves as associate pastor at Nativity of Our Savior, Portage.

     Prior to entering the seminary, Father Wozniak received an engineering degree from Purdue University.

The Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, Bishop of the Diocese of Gary, has announced from the Chancery the following appointments for 2007:

  Reverend J. Patrick Gaza is appointed pastor of St. Mark Parish in Gary, in addition to his responsibilities as pastor of Ss. Monica and Luke Parish in Gary, effective June 17, 2007.

  Reverend Thomas E. Mischler is appointed pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in Gary, in addition to his responsibilities as pastor of St. Mary of the Lake Parish in Gary, effective June 17, 2007.

   Reverend Jon J. Plavcan is appointed rector of Holy Angels Cathedral in Gary, in addition to his responsibilities as Administrative Assistant to the Bishop, effective July 1, 2007. 

  Father Gaza, 63, has served at Ss. Monica and Luke since August 1992. Ordained in 1968, he began his ministry as a temporary assistant at St. Peter, LaPorte, and then taught at Bishop Noll Institute while residing at All Saints, Hammond. In July 1972 he was named assistant director for the program of pastoral formation at North American College in Rome. He later served as director of the offices of Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, missions, and the permanent diaconate.

  Named director of Hoosier Boys’ Town in 1979, he became pastor one year later at St. Theresa, Shelby. Later pastorates included Ss. Peter and Paul, Whiting, and St. Mary, Michigan City. In late 1993 he was also named temporary administrator at St. Mary, Gary, while also serving at Ss. Monica and Luke.

  Father Mischler, 52, was ordained to the priesthood in 1981. A former liaison for the permanent diaconate, he served at Blessed Sacrament, Gary, before going to North American College in Rome. He later taught at Bishop Noll Institute while residing at Holy Trinity, Gary.  He also assisted at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Hammond.

  In 1983 Father Mischler was a curate at Queen of All Saints, Michigan City, and taught at Marquette High School. In December 1984 he was named director of campus ministry at the Newman Center in Valparaiso. He returned to OLPH in 1986 and in 1989 he became administrator at St. Edward, Lowell, becoming pastor in 1992. He was assigned to St. Mary of the Lake in July 1998.

  Originally from Erie, Pa., Father Plavcan, 42, was ordained in 1994 and was named associate pastor at St. Mary, Griffith, while teaching at Bishop Noll Institute. In early 1997 he became temporary parochial administrator at Holy Angels Cathedral and St. Mark while continuing at Noll. Over the next several summers he was enrolled in liturgical studies at the University of Notre Dame. While still teaching at Noll he resided and assisted at St. Thomas More, Munster, and St. John the Evangelist. St. John (1997-98).

  In July 1999 Father Plavcan was relieved of his duties at Noll and became associate pastor at Our Lady of Grace, Highland. He continued his summer studies at Notre Dame and in July 2000 he was named Administrative Assistant to Bishop Melczek. In December 2001 he became temporary administrator at Assumption, New Chicago.

Bishop Dale J. Melczek has announced from the Chancery the following appointments effective July 8, 2006:

     • Reverend Eduardo Malagon is appointed Coadjutor Pastor of St. Francis Xavie, Lake Station, Indiana.

     • Reverend Selvaraj Selladurai is appointed Associate Pastor of St. Paul Parish, Valparaiso, Indiana. 

Bishop Dale J. Melczek has announced from the Chancery the following appointments effective July 1, 2006:

     • Reverend Joseph Angotti is appointed Pastor of St. Peter Parish, Laporte, Indiana.

     • Reverend David Nowak is now residing at St. Ann Parish, Gary, Indiana. 

     • Reverend Leonardo Gajardo is appointed Associate Pastor of St. Casimir Parish, Hammond Indiana.

     • Reverend George Vrabely is granted Senior Priest Status.

Bishop Dale J. Melczek has announced from the Chancery the following appointments:

     • Reverend Gerald H. Schweitzer is appointed Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Otis, in addition to his responsibilities as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Wanatah and St. Martin in LaCrosse and as Dean of the Porter-Starke Deanery, effective February 6, 2006.

     • Reverend Keith McClellan, OSB, is appointed Pastor of Notre Dame Parish in Michigan City, effective January 27, 2006.

     • Reverend Ian Williams is appointed Diocesan Scout Chaplain in addition to his responsibilities as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in LaPorte, effective January 27, 2006.

     Ordained a priest in 1971, Father Schweitzer said served the diocese as dean, vicar general-chancellor, and moderator of the curia. A speaker on spiritual programs around the diocese, he has served at the following parishes: St. Joseph, Hammond; Ss. Peter and Paul, Merrillville; St. Patrick, Chesterton; St. Stephen, Martyr, Merrillville; and St. Matthias, Crown Point.

     Father McClellan was named as administrator at Notre Dame in early 2005, as he had an associate pastor at Queen of All Saints. He had previously resided and served at St. Michael, Schererville. His priestly ordination took place in 1979. With an educational background in journalism and publishing, Father McClellan had worked as a copy editor and proofreader for Abbey Press.

     Prior to receiving his first pastorate at Sacred Heart, Father Williams has served at St. Thomas More, Munster; as campus minister and theology teacher at Bishop Noll Institute; and as full-time diocesan vocations director while assisting at St. John Bosco, Hammond. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1996. 

The Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, Bishop of the Diocese of Gary, has announced the following appointment, effective November 1, 2005:

     Deacon Thomas Kriedler is assigned to diaconal ministry at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Highland under the direction of Father Edward. J. Moszur.   Ordained in Chicago on Dec. 6, 1980, Deacon Kriedler had been serving at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Hammond.

The Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, Bishop of the Diocese of Gary, has announced the following appointment, effective November 1, 2005:

     Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Merrillville and Blessed Sacrament Parish in Gary are permanently clustered. Reverend Dennis J. Teles is appointed pastor of both parishes, in addition to his responsibilities as Dean of Southlake County Deanery.

The Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, Bishop of the Diocese of Gary, has announced from the Chancery the following appointments, effective July 1, 2005:

Reverend Terrence W. Bennis is appointed associate pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Chesterton.

Reverend Selvaraj Selladurai is appointed associate pastor of St. Mary Parish in Crown Point.

Father Bennis, ordained June 5, 2004, was then assigned to St. Mary, Crown Point, as associate pastor. He has also assisted in the Marriage Tribunal.

Father Selladurai, ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Bbhopal, India, in 1985, had worked in hospitals before being assigned an associate pastor at St. Michael, Schererville, in 2003. Effective July 1, 2004 he was named associate pastor at St. Patrick, Chesterton.

The Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, Bishop of the Diocese of Gary, has announced from the Chancery the following appointments:

Reverend Stanley J. Dominik, with Senior Priest status, is appointed full-time associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, St. Adalbert Parish, Immaculate Conception Parish, and St. John the Baptist Parish in Whiting, effective July 1, 2005.

Reverend Eduardo Malagon is appointed associate pastor of St. Paul Parish in Valparaiso, effective July 1, 2005.

Reverend David G. Nowak is appointed associate pastor of St. Mary Parish and St. Ann Parish in Gary, effective May 18, 2005.

Reverend Lourdu Pasala is appointed associate pastor of Queen of All Saints Parish in Michigan City, effective June 23, 2005.

Father Dominik, 71, who earned Senior Priest status earlier this year, has been pastor at Sacred Heart since July 1998. With Whiting/Robertsdale parishes forming a cluster , Father Diminik’s responsibilities were expanded to include Immaculate Conception and St. Adalbert.  Ordained in 1957, Father Dominik has served as an instructor at Bishop Noll Institute; moderated young adults in East Chicago; and served at St. Stanislaus, St. Joseph, and St. John Cantius in East Chicago and St. Mary in Hammond. His first pastorate was St. John Cantius in 1968; he was later pastor at St. Stanislaus Kostka in Michigan City and St. John Bosco in Hammond.

Father Malagon, 33, has been serving with Father Dominik as an associate pastor for the Whiting/Robertsdale cluster. His first assignment was in July 2000 as an associate pastor at St. Patrick, Chesterton.  Born in Mexico, Father Malagon was ordained a priest in June 2000.

Father Nowak’s most recent assignment was an associate pastorate at St. Bridget, Hobart. Ordained in 1985, Father Nowak, 50, has served as a hospital chaplain at several medical centers. He has also served at St. Catherine of Siena in Hammond, Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville, St. Paul in Valparaiso, and St. Thomas More in Munster.  In July 1996 Father Nowak was named pastor at St. Stephen, Martyr, Merrillville.

Father Pasala, who came to this country from India, was ordained in March 1980. In addition to serving as a hospital chaplain, Father Pasala has served at several parishes, including St. Mary in Griffith, Blessed Sacrament in Gary, and Our Lady of Consolation.   

The most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, Bishop of the Diocese of Gary, has announced the following appointments, effective July 1, 2005:

Reverend John Kalicky, CPP.S. is appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, St. Adalbert Parish, and Immaculate Conception Parish in Whiting, in addition to his responsibilities as pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Whiting.
Reverend Charles Mosley is appointed pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Hammond.
Reverend Mark Pavlina is appointed pastor of St. Matthias, Crown Point.
Reverend Terrence Steffens is appointed pastor of St. Joseph, Dyer.
Reverend Keith Virus is appointed pastor of St. James the Less, Highland.

Father Kalicky, 70, was ordained a priest in 1961 at St. Charles Seminary in Carthagena, Ohio. The Whiting native has been pastor at St. John the Baptist since June 16, 1991. Prior to that he was provincial superior for the Society of the Precious Blood. He succeeds Father Stanley Dominik, who had been administrator of Sacred Heart, St. Adalbert, and Immaculate Conception.

Father Mosley, 47, who attended the University of South Carolina and St. Meinrad Seminary, was ordained May 4, 1985. Having served as a parochial vicar at OLPH and Nativity of Our Savior, Portage, Father Mosley has been an instructor and campus minister at Bishop Noll Institute, residing at St. Mary, Griffith, since July 1997. The Noll graduate had attended St. Monica and Holy Trinity grade schools in Gary.

Father Pavlina, 55, had studied at St. Francis School of Pastoral Ministry in Milwaukee prior to his ordination to the priesthood on Oct. 4, 1975. He has been pastor at St. Joseph, Dyer, since June 1992. After serving as a curate at Nativity of Our Savior, Father Pavlina served as an assistant pastor at Ss. Peter and Paul, Merrillville; St. Thomas More; and Our Lady of Grace, Highland. In 1991 he was named a parochial vicar at St. John Bosco, Hammond.

Father Steffens, 50, has been pastor at St. Matthias since July 1994. He had previously served as curate or parochial vicar at St. Mark Gary; St. Paul, Valparaiso; OLPH; St. Bridget, Hobart; and St. Michael. In 1989 he was named chaplain at St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Hammond. An East Chicago native, Father Steffens attended Bishop Noll Institute and St. Meinrad. He was ordained a priest Aug. 21, 1982.

Father Virus, 42, was ordained June 5, 1993. A graduate of Bishop Noll Institute and St. Meinrad Seminary, he is receiving his first pastorate. Previously he had served as an assistant pastor at these parishes: St. John the Evangelist, St. John; St. Joseph, LaPorte; St. Maria Goretti, Dyer; St. Thomas More, Munster; and, most recently, St. Michael, Schererville.

 The Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek has announced the following appointment from the Chancery, effective Jan. 3, 2005:

   Reverend Brian D. Chadwick is appointed Judicial Vicar of the Tribunal of the Diocese of Gary and interim Director of Communications, with continuing responsibilities at St. Michael Parish, Schererville.
   A native of Hobart, Father Chadwick, 30, graduated from Portage High School and Valparaiso University. Following studies at Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, and the North American College in Rome, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary in June 2001.
   Father Chadwick served as an associate pastor of Queen of All Saints, Michigan City for 26 months following ordination. He then undertook graduate studies in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, graduating in June 2004.
   Since that time he has served as a part-time judge in the Tribunal. In September, Bishop Melczek named Father Chadwick coordinator of the Charismatic Renewal for the Diocese of Gary.

The Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, bishop of the Diocese of Gary, has announced the following appointments at the chancery, effective Sunday, August 1, 2004:
 

Reverend William F. O’Toole is appointed pastor of St. Casimir Parish in Hammond, effective Aug. 1, 2004.

Father  O’Toole, had been named administrator of Blessed Sacrament in April. However, he was asked by the bishop in June to become pastor of St. Casimir when Father Donald E. Siciliano, a priest of the Diocese of Jefferson City, Mo., was unable to accept the assignment to which he had agreed.  Father O’Toole, who will turn 34 on July 23, is a native of Lombard, Ill. He was ordained in 1996. His first assignment was as associate pastor at Queen of All Saints, Michigan City, He served there until 1999 when he was named associate pastor of St. Thomas More, Munster. In 2001, he was assigned to Nativity of Our Savior, where he has served as an associate pastor.  Father O’Toole has also ministered to the Hispanic community, and has been involved in vocations work, serving as associate vocations director from 1998 to 2000.

     The Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, bishop of the Diocese of Gary, has announced the following appointments at the chancery, effective Thursday, July 1, 2004:

Msgr. John J. Siekierski is appointed Judicial Vicar pro tem of the Marriage Tribunal, in addition to his responsibilities as pastor at St. Stanislaus, East Chicago.
Sister Evelyn Ovalles, S.P., is appointed director of the Marriage Tribunal, in addition to her responsibilities as a judge in the Tribunal.
Rev. Michael J. Maginot is appointed to part-time responsibilities as judge in the Marriage Tribunal, in addition to his responsibilities as administrator at St. Stephen, Martyr, Merrillville.
Rev. Brian D. Chadwick is appointed part-time judge in the Marriage Tribunal and part-time associate pastor at St. Michael, Schererville.
Adeline Torres is appointed coordinator of the Office of Hispanic Ministry.
Rev. Terrence Bennis is appointed associate pastor of St. Mary, Crown Point.
Deacon Michael Hoffman is assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Thomas More, Munster, through Aug. 15, 2004, when he returns to Mundelein Seminary for his final year of studies for the priesthood.
Deacon Joseph Codespoti is assigned to diaconal ministry at St. John the Evangelist, St.  John, in addition to his responsibilities as Director for the Diaconate/Post-ordination.
Deacon John Bacon is assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Mary, Griffith, in addition to his responsibilities at Holy Trinity (Croatian), East Chicago.
Rev. Lee R. Purcell is appointed administrator of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Gary.  Father Purcell, 53, was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary in 1999.  He has served as an associate pastor at St. James, Highland; St. Thomas More, Munster; and St. Paul, Valparaiso.

Reverend James E. Wozniak is appointed associate pastor of Nativity of Our Savior Parish, Portage.
Reverend Lourdu Pasala is appointed associate pastor of St. Mary Parish, Griffith.
Reverend Selvaraj Selladurai is appointed associate pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Chesterton.
Rev. Gerald A. Sroka is granted Senior Priest status.
Rev. Vladimir Janeczek is granted Senior Priest status.
Rev. Patrick J. Kalich is appointed pastor of St. Mary Parish, Crown Point.
Rev. William J. O’Toole is appointed pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Gary, with additional part-time responsibilities at Andrean High School.
Rev. Ian J. Williams is appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, LaPorte.
 

Father Wozniak, 34, is a native of Hammond. He was ordained a priest in 1997. Since ordination he has served as an associate pastor at St. Michael, Schererville; St. John the Evangelist, St. John; and St. Mary, Griffith. Back to the top

Father Pasala, 49, was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Nalgonda, India in 1980. In his home diocese, he served in several parishes, as principal of a high school, and as Judicial Vicar. He holds a licentiate degree in Canon Law. Since coming to the Diocese of Gary in 2002, Father Pasala has served as an associate pastor at Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville; St. Andrew, Merrillville; and Blessed Sacrament, Gary. He has also served as chaplain at Southlake Methodist Hospital. Back to the top

Father Selladurai, 50, was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Bbhopal, India, in 1985. In his home archdiocese, he served as a seminary professor, pastor, and high school principal. He holds a master’s degree in social sciences and a doctorate in guidance and counseling.  Since coming to the Diocese of Gary in 2001, Father Selladurai has served as chaplain at St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers – South Campus, and as associate pastor at St. Michael, Schererville. Back to the top

Both Father Pasala and Father Selladurai are engaged in the process of incardination — a process through which a member of the clergy becomes formally attached to a diocese. Back to the top

Father Kalich, 54, is a native of Uniontown, Pa. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary in 1994. Following ordination, he served as an associate pastor at St. Mary, Crown Point.   In 1997, he was named associate pastor of Nativity of Our Savior, Portage, and in 1999, was named pastor of that parish. The following year, he began to teach full-time at Andrean High School, while residing and fulfilling sacramental responsibilities at St. Mary, Crown Point.  Prior to entering the seminary, Father Klaich was a teacher and counselor at Bishop noll Institute, Hammond.  Back to the top

Father O’Toole, 33, is a native of Lombard, Ill. He was ordained in 1996. His first assignment was as associate pastor at Queen of All Saints, Michigan City, He served there until 1999 when he was named associate pastor of St. Thomas More, Munster. In 2001, he was assigned to Nativity of Our Savior, where he has served as an associate pastor.  Father O’Toole has also ministered to the Hispanic community, and has been involved in vocations work, serving as associate vocations director from 1998 to 2000.  Back to the top

Father Williams, 35, is a native of Westville. He was ordained a priest in 1996. His first assignment was as an associate pastor at St. Thomas More, Munster.  In 1999, was assigned to Bishop Noll Institute as a theology teacher and campus minister. He resided at St. John Bosco, Hammond. While he completed his work at Noll in 2002, he continued to serve at St. John Bosco until 2003.  Father Williams was named an associate vocations director in 1998, and became the diocese’s first full-time vocations director in 2000. He held that position until 2003.  His most recent assignment had been at St. Patrick, Chesterton, where he has served since July 2003.  Back to the top

The Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, bishop of the Diocese of Gary, has announced the following appointment from the chancery for 2003:

Reverend Patrick J. Kalich is appointed administrator of St. Mary Parish in Crown Point, in addition to his responsibilities as full-time instructor at Andrean High School.
Reverend Patrick Theodore A. Nordquist is appointed Dean of the LaPorte Deanery, in addition to his responsibilities as pastor of St. Joseph Parish, LaPorte, effective Monday, Aug. 11, 2003.
Reverend Selvaraj Selladurai is appointed associate pastor of St. Michael Parish, Schererville, effective Monday, July 14, 2003.
Marcella Walters is appointed Victim Assistance Coordinator, effective immediately.

Father Kalich, 54, is a native of Uniontown, Pa., who grew up in Hammond.  Following nearly two decades of service at Bishop Noll Institute as a teacher and counselor, he entered the seminary and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary in 1994.  His first appointment was as associate pastor of St. Mary, Crown Point.  In 1997, he was named associate pastor of Nativity of Our Savior, Portage.  Two years later, he was named pastor of that parish.  In 2000, Father Kalich was appointed a full-time teacher at Andrean High School, with residence and sacramental responsibilities at St. Mary, Crown Point. Back to the top

Father Nordquist, 50, is appointed to fill the remainder of the term of Father Richard H. Ameling, who was appointed pastor of St. Andrew Parish, Merrillville, outside the LaPorte Deanery. The term of Father Nordquist extends until Sept. 1, 2005.  as Dean, he shares in the pastoral role of the bishop as his representative in the deanery. He extends the pastoral leadership of the bishop among the clergy, religious, and laity of the parishes and institutions in the deanery; promoting the fulfillment of the four-fold mission of the Church: proclaiming the Word of God, forming a community characterized by love and unity, carrying out a mission of service to the broader community, and sanctifying through the celebration of the Eucharist and other sacraments.  Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary in 1980, Father Nordquist has been pastor at St. Joseph since 1996. Back to the top

Father Selladurai, 49, is a native of India. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Bhopal in 1985.  In the archdiocese he served as a professor at the minor seminary and as a principal at two high schools. He was also a pastor for two years.  father Selladurai came to the U.S. in 1997, and served as an associate pastor at St. John Parish, Glenwood, Ill. In 2001, he became a chaplain at St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center’s South Campus.  Among Father Selladurai’s educational accomplishments are bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and education, a master’s degree in social sciences, and a doctorate in guidance and counseling from De La Salle University, Philippines.  Back to the top

As Victim Assistance Coordinator, Walters, an employee of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary, is to ensure that appropriate professional assistance is provided to those who may be affected by alleged sexual misconduct by clerics and other Church personnel, and to assist them in healing and reconciliation. She may be reached at 844-4883. Back to the top

The Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, bishop of the Diocese of Gary, has announced the following appointments from the chancery, effective Tuesday, July 1, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

Deacon Terrence Bennis is assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Michael Parish in Schererville, effective June 9, 2003 until August 15, 2003, when he is assigned to return to Sacred Heart Major Seminary for the final year of preparation for priestly ordination. Back to the top
Deacon Robert Angelich is assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Mary Parish in Crown Point.  This assignment includes ministerial outreach to St. Francis Center in Dyer. Back to the top
Deacon Edwin Gatons is assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Michael Parish in Schererville.  This assignment includes ministerial outreach to men incarcerated at Lake County Jail. Back to the top
Deacon Thomas Gryzbek is assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Andrew Parish in Merrillville.  This assignment includes ministerial outreach to Westville Correctional Center. Back to the top
Deacon Jack Krol is assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Michael Parish in Schererville.  This assignment includes ministerial outreach to men incarcerated at Lake County Jail. Back to the top
Deacon Brian Nosbusch is assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Valparaiso.  This assignment also includes ministerial outreach to the inmates at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City and also ministry at Broadway Methodist Hospital. Back to the top
Deacon Mark Plaiss is assigned to diaconal ministry at Queen of All Saints Parish in Michigan City.  This assignment includes continued ministry as Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, an outreach to the men incarcerated at Indiana State Prison, and continued ministry in convalescent homes. Back to the top
Deacon Joseph Stodola is assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Thomas More Parish in Munster.  This assignment also includes ministerial outreach to Lakeside Correctional Unit in Michigan City. Back to the top
Deacon Napoleon Tabion is assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Thomas More Parish in Munster.  This assignment also includes continued outreach to those in nursing homes and the development of a ministry to patients in hospice. Back to the top
Deacon Steven Zubel is assigned to diaconal ministry at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Merrillville.  This assignment includes ministerial outreach to Westville Correctional Center. Back to the top

 

Reverend Robert P. Gehring is appointed administrator of Holy Rosary Parish, Gary, in addition to his responsibilities as pastor of Holy Angels Cathedral, Gary.
Revered Theodore J. Mens is appointed administrator of St. Ann Parish, Gary, in addition to his responsibilities as pastor of St. Mary Parish, Griffith.
Reverend Dennis J. Teles is appointed administrator of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Gary, in addition to his responsibilities as pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Merrillville, and as dean of the Southlake Deanery.
Reverend Brian D. Chadwick is appointed to graduate studies in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, effective Monday, Sept. 1, 2003.
Reverend David W. Kime is appointed to full-time responsibilities as chairperson of the Religion Department, teacher of religion, and campus minister at Marquette Catholic High School in Michigan City, with residence and responsibilities for the Latino community at St. Joseph Parish, LaPorte.
Reverend Keith McClellan, OSB, is appointed associate pastor of Queen of All Saints Parish, Michigan City, effective Monday, Sept. 1, 2003.
Reverend Lourdu Pasala is appointed resident associate pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Gary, in addition to his responsibilities as chaplain at Methodist Hospital.
Reverend Frank D. Torres is appointed associate pastor at St. Mary Parish, East Chicago.
Reverend Keith M. Virus is appointed associate pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Munster.
Reverend Ian J. Williams is appointed associate pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Chesterton.


Father Gehring, 65, is a native of North Judson. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary in 1966. He has served at parishes in East Chicago and Gary, including as pastor of St. Mary, East Chicago, for 10 years; pastor of St. Mark, Gary, for nearly four years; and, since 1997, as pastor of Holy Angels Cathedral.  Besides his pastoral work in the diocese, Father Gehring has served as vice chancellor and chancellor. He served a year in Cambodia with Catholic Relief Services, and five years in Central America as an associate member of the Maryknoll Fathers. Back to the top

Father Mens, 61, is a native of Arnhein, Holland. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary in 1967. He has served as an associate pastor at St. John Bosco, Hammond; All Saints, Hammond; and St. Thomas More, Munster.  He has also been an instructor at Bishop Noll Institute.  Father Mens became a pastor for the first time in 1977, when he was assigned to All Saints, San Pierre. Eight years later, he was named pastor of St. Mary, East Chicago. In 1993, he was appointed to St. Mary, Griffith.  Father Mens has also been the diocese’s pro-life activities director since 1975.  Back to the top

Father Teles, 64, is a native of East Chicago. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary in 1965. He has served as an associate pastor at St. Peter, LaPorte; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Hammond; St. Mary, East Chicago; St, Paul, Valparaiso; St. Stansislaus, Michigan City; St. Patrick, Chesterton; and St. Mary, Crown Point.   Father Teles became a pastor for the first time in 1972, when he was assigned to Sacred Heart, LaPorte. In 1984, he was named pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul, Merrillville. He has served as dean of Southlake County since 2000. Back to the top

Father Chadwick, 28, is a native of Hobart. He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Gary in 2001. Since that time, he has served as associate pastor at Queen of All Saints, Michigan City, while working in the diocese’s Marriage Tribunal. Back to the top

Father Kime, 33, is a native of Griffith. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary in 1997. His first assignment was as associate pastor of St. Mary, East Chicago. In 2000, he became a full-time religion teacher at Andrean High School, while residing at St. Bridget, Hobart, and while ministering to the Hispanic community at St. Joseph, LaPorte. From 1998-2000, he served as an associate vocations director. Back to the top

Father McClellan, 51, is a native of Illinois. He professed vows as a Benedictine monk in 1975, and was ordained a Benedictine priest in 1979. Since coming to the Diocese of Gary in 1998, he has served at St. Michael, Schererville, as an associate pastor. Back to the top

Father Pasala, 49, is a native of India. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Nalgonda in 1980. In India, he was involved in parish work, education, and the Marriage Tribunal.  Father Pasala began his ministry in the Diocese of Gary in 2001. He has served at Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville, and St. Andrew, Merrillville, in addition to his hospital ministry. Back to the top

Father Torres, 50, is a native of Gary. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary in 1994. His first assignment was as associate pastor at St. Mary, East Chicago. In 1997, he was appointed administrator of Holy Rosary, Gary. Back to the top

Father Virus, 40, is a native of Hammond. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary in 1993. His assignments — all as associate pastor — have included St. John the Evangelist, St. John; St. Joseph, LaPorte; St. Maria Goretti, Dyer; St. Thomas More, Munster; and St. Michael, Schererville. Back to the top

Father Williams, 34, is a native of Westville. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary in 1996. His first assignment was as an associate pastor at St. Thomas More, Munster. In 199, he became full-time campus minister and theology teacher at Bishop Noll Institute.  In 2000, he was named the diocese’s first full-time vocations director. He had served as an associate vocations director during the previous two years. Since 1999, Father Williams had resided at St. John Bosco, Hammond. Back to the top