Fr. John Juszczak CSsR, Ph.D (Biography)

Fr. John Wladyslaw Juszczak C.Ss.R. was born in 1960. Ordained a priest in Poland for the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer in 1988, before arriving at Annunciation Parish, he had served as Missionary in Northwest Africa, Burkina Faso-Niger, for eight years. As Director of Religious Vocations, he taught spirituality in the local seminary and has coordinated youth programs on diocesan and national levels

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, he served as a pastor in the American, Polish, and Spanish communities. Fr. Juszcak was involved with Religious Education and youth ministry in English and Polish languages, and was the Principal of Polish Catholic School, creating many groups. In California, he has served in the U.S. Air Force as a chaplain, is a veteran of the Iraq war, and was decorated with many medals. Directly from California, he arrived on St Lucia and served as Pastor-missionary improving in various areas on his territory. After he was assigned as Pastor of Holy Cross Parish on the island of St. Croix, he was instrumental at returning the parish and school to a more spiritual and financial balance by introducing many parish programs on different levels. Despite his busy schedule, he was able to teach theology, morals, and spirituality to deacon’s candidates. After he was assigned to St John XXIII parish, he re-initiated the youth group, as served in various pastoral areas. Continuing his attentive service, he was assigned to St Timothy Parish. He initiated the Bible Study, Divine Mercy, and Soldiers of Mercy youth groups.

His education is distinguished, with High Honors, Bachelor’s, Redemptorist’s Theological Seminary in Tuchow (Accredited by the Papal Theological University of Cracow). He studied French culture and language at La Sorbonne University in Paris; he holds a Master’s of Pastoral Study from the Loyola University of Chicago, and a licentiate in Divinity from the Catholic University of Lublin, as well as a Ph.D. (Psychotherapeutic aspect of the Sacrament of Reconciliation) from the Catholic University of Lublin. He wrote two books and many articles. Fr. John has learned many languages to better serve in his ministry, including French, Gurrmashe (an African language), English, Polish, and Spanish. Everything for the glory of God, and love of sisters and brothers through the Perpetual Help of Mother Mary!