June 7, 1969 … August 2, 1998 … June 30, 2020
- June 7, 1969 – the date of my Priestly Ordination – seems no more than five years ago.
- August 2, 1998 – when I became Pastor of our Parish – seems like last year.
- June 30, 2020 – the date of my retirement from Administrative Ministry, not Sacramental Ministry – seems far off. However, in reality the date is close.
With health issues these past months, and age, limiting many activities, there has been time for more prayer and reflection.
Know, God has showered/is showering His mercy and has/is abundantly blessing St. Genevieve-St. Maurice Parish in ways that are continually coming to light. May we always remain humble with a large heart.
On June 30, 2020, I will officially and physically be leaving St. Genevieve – St. Maurice Parish.
On July 1, 2020, Fr. Tomasz Wilisowski, CSMA [Fr.Tom] will officially, physically, and spiritually be coming to St. Genevieve – St. Maurice Parish. As these dates draw closer, there will be an opportunity to meet Fr. Tom. In the interim, we have Fr. Tom’s autobiography.
In the Company of St. Genevieve-St. Maurice,
Fr. Vogan
Fr. Vogan
“Who is like God”
My name is Fr. Tom Wilisowski, and I’m a Polish priest. I was born in 1973 in southeast Poland. I grew up in my hometown, Jaslo, on a small farm. My father, Joseph, who died in 1997, was a factory worker, and my mother, Antonina, was an elementary school teacher. I have one younger brother, Mathias, who is married to his wife, Monica, and they have three children John (8), Karol (5), and Rita (2). My family lives in Poland.
In Jaslo, I finished primary school and high school. After that, in 1992, I joined the Polish religious order of the Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel (CSMA – Michaelite Fathers). Eight years later, in 2000, I was ordained to the priesthood in Krakow. During my first 14 years as a priest in Poland, I was an Associate Pastor, an Educator in the High School for Boys in Miejsce Piastowe, a Vocation Director, and a Pastor. A very important, and satisfying, duty during my priesthood in Poland was leading the yearly Michaelite youth pilgrimage from Warsaw to Miejsce Piastowe. A two-week journey of more than 250 miles on foot for over 100 pilgrims. I held this post for nine years. In November 2014, I joined my Religious Brothers in North America, with its headquarters in London, Ontario. I started my American journey at St. Clare of Montefalco parish in Grosse Pointe Park, and currently, I’ve been serving at St. Andrew’s church in Rochester as the Associate Pastor.
In my spare time, I love nature, hiking, biking, and running. I love sports, not only as a spectator, but also as a participant, especially soccer, volleyball, and recently and unexpectedly, I’ve started to love golf! I also enjoy watching films and listening to music. But most importantly, I love God, I love His people, I love the Catholic Church, my religious community, and my vocation.
Starting July 1, 2020, with God’s help, I’m going to become the Administrator at St. Genevieve and Maurice parish. I’ll take this responsibility with a humble but joyful heart. I’ve heard so many good things about this parish and your current Pastor Rev. Howard Vogan.
In my future ministry, I promise to put GOD first always when with YOU and to put YOU and your intentions first when I will be with HIM.
Since I got the information about my new assignment, I’ve been praying for each of you and for my future ministry so that St. Michael’s name and motto, WHO IS LIKE GOD, would become visible in our lives, and we all will enjoy our journey with God!
Asking God’s blessing upon your Pastor Rev. Howard Vogan and all of you through the intercession of Sts. Genevieve and Maurice, I recommend myself to your prayers and support. I’m really looking forward to serving you with my whole heart.
Fr. Tom Wilisowski