I was born in 1971. I think I am now enjoying the best age – the storms of the youth are over but I wake up in the morning and nothing aches yet. I am already wise but still handsome.
I come from a port city, Szczecin (sh-CHE-chin), on the coast of the Baltic Sea in northern Poland. Every time I visit my family I feel the urge to have a long walk along the Odra river to see again the ships, the yachts and the cranes. I have to climb to the castle of our Pomeranian dukes. I have to drive to the sandy beaches, walk there for hours and smell the fresh salty wind.
RODENTS
Part of my heart remained in Namyslin, a village two hours by car away from Szczecin. My brothers and I spent there, at our grandmother’s, a good part of our school holidays.
Much of my childhood experience with nature occurred there. We used to play in the surrounding orchards, woods, meadows and fields. We used to build moss houses for krasnoludki (tiny folks that populate Polish woods and meadows). We watched ants, rabbits and cows. We climbed trees, barns and fences. We hurt our hands and legs on all kinds of plants. We were happy.
My father earned his doctor’s degree on some topic about cancer. There are types of cancer that develop only on human or hamster tissue. That’s why, since my early childhood, I was growing up with hamsters (oh, just tons of them in endless rows of cages in the garage, when I was small), later on with cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and other creatures my parents wanted to have themselves or were tricked into having by us. My father loves telling us this story when I, aged three, did not want to eat at home from my Mom, but munched happily away the bread I stole from the rabbits in his garage.
Both of my parents have always been passionate about nature and, both of them avid readers, they have acquired extensive knowledge about it. They kept opening our eyes to things around us, both visible and invisible to the naked eye, and we were grateful listeners.
As a teenager, I lived in Poland under the martial law and social unrests. It was a very difficult time for our family and the whole nation. The economy was disastrous and most families had a hard time making ends meet. Therefore, for a few years, I earned my pocket money by breeding and selling hamsters and mice. I had a dozen cages in the garden shed and spent hours there watching and tending to my dear pets. They provided me with a steady flow of cute fluffy litters, which in turn, after a few weeks, provided me with money.
Today I cannot breed rodents anymore, given my lifestyle, but I miss it very much. However, I still read a lot about nature. Nature channels are my favorite and I do sometimes stay up late because there is this documentary about zebras and I simply have to see it – you understand. I also need to have a share of nature experience by hiking regularly.
STORIES
I remember countless fairy tales our mother and our grandmother told us. My mother’s stories contained more adventures and thrilling events. My grandmother’s tales were generally very heartbreaking, but in the end things were all good again. They both included and shaped at will different Polish folk stories. We seem to be a nation with an endless collection of legends and fairy tales. A good number of them are tragic – a mirror of our history.
Unlike my brothers, I loved reading and I started with it at a very early age. If you smirk at the Polish spelling, believe me, it is by far more ordered and logical that the English one. The hours spent with books introduced me into this vast realm of Polish tales. It also gave me access to knowledge about animals. I even used to read manuals for chicken- or horse-breeders, scaring my parents to death that they might have a “weird” child.
As a teenager I used to baby sit for my youngest brother and then for other kids and I loved to tell them stories. I made them up as I went along, just as my mother and my grandmother used to do when I was small.
Needless to say, I ended up with a job based primarily on talking. Challenge me! I can talk you to death in half an hour.
GOD
As I was small, we had a very good children ministry in our parish. I forgot the details, but I have a vivid recollection of having fun singing, playing with other children and loving our priests, nuns or “misses” – whoever’s turn it was to work with us.
They must have been telling us good stories, because I remember moments of intense listening and moments of laughing loud together – so they must have been funny but I do not know why anymore.
When I reached this age of 13 when most kids stop going to church, my parents joined a Bible group for couples and this changed them to the point that I had to believe there must be a God. This moved me to join the youth ministry in our parish, which was very well run so I really wanted to be a Christian.
In my deliberations about the career choice, I felt torn between foreign languages, teaching and ministry. Finally, ministry felt the most appealing. I went to Krakow (Cracow), my favorite city in the world, and started my theology and philosophy studies.
From Krakow I was transferred to Austria. There I finished my theology. I took up teaching at the Vienna University and graduated with very good results. I was ordained priest and, along with my parish ministry, I started teaching religion and social skills in schools.
The Austrian education system is different from the American one so I wound up facing 17-year-olds early in the morning, then 10-year-old after 10-minute recess, then 13-year-olds, etc. Each class had other needs and a different dynamic. I loved it. There were some disasters along the way but 95 % of my teaching experience was pure joy. In no time, I became a teacher with 10 years of experience.
September 2006 I moved to Arizona, USA. Until December 2007, I served as pastor associate in the St. Rose parish in Anthem and the Good Shepherd community in New River. It was a very precious experience and I will keep it in my heart all my life. I met there many very valuable people. I am so thankful for the time there.
Jan to Dec 2008 I worked at St. Timothy in Mesa, AZ. I met there many good friends and a very welcoming community.
The following is my reflection at the beginning of my stay at St. Tim’s:
“The parish is very big and very active so there are a lot of names to learn and details to remember. So far, at the sight of me, most people narrow their eyes, extend their lips laterally revealing their teeth, and vigorously thrust one of their upper limbs in my direction trying to pronounce my name. So I am very optimistic and very excited.”
Dec 2008 I moved to Cottonwood, AZ. I am very excited to meet new people in this part of AZ.
When I look back, I see some moments when life was difficult. I cannot imagine, however, being this happy that I am now without a dedicated Christian life, without meditations, without the Bible, without the sacraments, and without many valuable people God put on my path. All these encounters with God, His creation and His grace are the best things that happened in my life.
Fr. Pawel, Thank you for your inspiring sermons. We are rather new to Arizona also, but you have made such an impression on me. I wrote a card to your parents telling them the same.
Our daughter needed prayers and I told her about your sermon to “not give up asking”. You can “demand” that God listen you your prayer.
Thank you and may God Bless you in your new position at St Timothy’s.
I have also ordered your book from Amazon.
Monica Harrington
Thank you for letting us know a bit about you and your background. It was a pleasure to hear you at mass last weekend and I look forward to seeing you at St. Tim’s.
Catherine
Ms. Bishop, thank you for the kind words. People here are very friendly so it is a real pleasure to be here. Unfortunately it will take some time until I remeber the names and faces. Please, wink at me in a special way next time we are shaking hands after mass so that I know it is you.
Mrs. Harrington, thank you so much. Welcome to Arizona. I hope things got better with your daughter. My parents were very moved by the cards that came. I still have not thanked the parishioners because new cards keep coming so I thought I’d wait a little bit.
Greetings Fr. Pawel,
Welcome to St. Tim’s! Thank you for your website. Many will benefit from it. It sounds like you have had some interesting experiences. You will be wonderful for the children. I know this because I see the attention and participation you ask of the children at Mass. You have a gentle spirit that demands respect for our Lord. May God continue to bless you as you run toward heaven in all that you do on earth.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Marianne
Dear Marianne, thank you so much. You and others at St. Tim’s are making this transition such a joyful experience. Thank you for welcoming me and for making me feel at home here. I like interacting with children and I hope this works well here too. In this field of work there are no givens. What functioned well in one group does not have to succeed in another. I am not always gentle. I get easily angry. Please, shake hands with me after Mass so that I can remeber your face. Blessings.
Fr. Pawel,
Welcome to St. Tim’s! We are so glad to have you. Your homily this morning was very inspiring. I am a mom, so I must remember to just “give my kids good water” and God will do the rest. Today at mass, my 7 year old would not sing. My husband told me it was just my job to give him good water.
Kim
Fr. Pawel, My husband and I were very impressed with you and your homily at the 8:30 mass a week ago.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Welcome to St. Tims!!
Marian Adams
Kim, thank you for your feedback. We preach 10 to 15 minutes so we can cover more or less one aspect. It would be interesting to go on and reflect what exactly this pure water can/should be and what we shall do in case the kids refuse our water. But I guess it is more your area of expertise and less mine. Blessings on you and your family.
Mrs. Marian Adams, the pleasure is all mine. I enjoy being here in your community.
Dear Fr. Pawel,
Welcome to St. Timothy’s! My husband and I have been members for about a year and I am very excited to say that I will be confirmed this Easter. We enjoyed your 8:30 Mass. We are so thankful that you are now with us at St. Tim’s. I will pray for you as you begin your ministry in this new Parish.
Dear Allie, thank you so much for your prayer. This is exactly what I need – now and always. And I am saying thank you on behalf of the parishioners. I know that many times I am successful because somebody prayed for me and not because I was so smart. So your prayer for me contributes to the ministry in general too. I will pray for you as you are preparing yourself for the Confirmation.
Dear Fr. Pawel, I am having so much fun getting to know you. I am going to send your blog on to our sons, who are 23 and 34 and attend St. Annes parish. They live together with Jorge whom you would also enjoy and St Anne’s is closer to them. They like to hike so maybe…I can’t wait to get your book for my grandson. Dante is 6 and is so bright. My daughter has done such a great job with him. He loves reading about everything, and has great self confidence. Welcome to St. Tim’s. Ned and I will introduce ourselves.
Best Wishes,
Virginia Kircher
Welcome Fr. Pawel,
My first mass with you was on Jan. 6th, I remember being so excited about your sermon that as soon as mass was over I ran to my car and jotted down 3 words you used: simple, wise and half-intelligent. I later journaled on these words and thought about them all day. I was very inspired by your words and am thrilled you are with us. Thanks for the awesome sermons that hit the soul and heart, may God continue to bless you and us with your presence. Sincerely, Brenda Hogan
Mrs. Kircher, please, say ‘hello’ to your sons at St. Anne’s from me but do not punish them with an assignment to hike with me. As a reverend, I walk slowly. They would have to really insist. Please, say ‘hello’ to Dante too. I hope he likes the book. I look forward to shaking hands with you. Thank you for the welcoming words.
Mrs. Brenda Hogan, it is such a wonderful compliment, I thank you so much. In order to stay in reality, I have to always keep in mind that it is the Holy Spirit, not me, who moves the hearts of people. One knock with a truck and I am gone. One bout of depression and I may change. But it is a great feeling to know that my work contributes with a small brick to a better world. Thank you for letting me know. Blessings
Fr. Pawel,
I want to welcome you into the St. Timothy family. It is a wonderful parish and we are blessed to have you here. Out of curiosity, what other languages fo you speak besides English? You will be in my prayers as you continue on at St. Timothy’s.
Thanks,
Rich
Dear Rich, thank you so much for welcoming me. It may seem just a nice gesture but it does make a difference whether people welcome you in a new place or not. And you do – thanks for making the difference. I’m sorry but I never share about my language knowledge. However, ask me about my travels and I’ll talk you to death. I hope we shake hands next Sunday. Blessings.
Fr. Pawel,
Thank you for the words of truth that you give to us through your homilies. This week I experienced a “bringing the water” moment in my everyday life. In this case, “the water” was giving a friend of mine the information about the Adoration Chapel – and that you do not have to be Catholic to go there. Today, she told me that she went to the chapel and God met her there. There are no words to describe how God is – except to say, GOD IS!! Again, thank you for being obedient to the Holy Spirit!!
Peace and Blessings,
Donna
Dear Donna, I am so happy to hear about this experience. Isn’t it great how we can be God’s instruments in small things? You could make a difference by merely offering “water” and letting Him do the rest. May God bless you and your friend.
DEar Fr. Pawel
welcome to st.tims!! i go to the st.tims acdemy and at one of the school masses you did such an inspiring homily it was my favorite ever!!
Dear Brooke, thank you very much for welcoming me. I am happy you liked the homily. I hope you enjoy your school too. All the best and may God bless you.
Father Pawel,
I am soooooo glad you’re here at St. Tim’s. I hope you’re always glad you’re here and can stay a long time. I feel personally touched by your homilies, like you were sent here just for me.
Drobinka is such a sweet story. I have to wait for my grandson to be old enough to understand so I can read it to him. And, thank you for signing the book for me. That makes it even more special.
I wish you Peace and Happiness here always.
Dear Joyce,
I am so glad my work makes a difference. Thank you for your wishes and prayers. I hope you grandson grows up to a happy person. If “Drobinka” can be a contribution in it, my dreams will come true.
Blessings.
Dear Fr. Pawel, hallo I am happy to see you in Arisona. I just want to say you hallo and please send me you email or skype name becouse I want to hear you.
Lep pozdrav iz Slovenije (Googbye from Slovenia).
matej krizanič
Matej!!
Lepa hvala, da si mi napisal! Zelo sem rad. Bom ti odgovoril v posebnem e-mailju, dobro?
Z Bogom in lep pozdav.
Fr. Pavel, I enjoy your blog more and more…I have just read your “meet me” page and enjoy the sharing of your life experience. I enjoy the Funny page as well…never knew Fr. Jack had dogs and that they understood Polish… we have only been here about 1 year. I am envious as my language skills are terrible. My wife and I ived in Asia/Israel for a few years and everyone thought my company gave me the assignment because I had such great language skills… I tell them I speak 3 languages…bad English, worse English and even worse English. We attend the 5:00pm Mass on Sunday and the 7:00pm on Thursday. I am intrigued by the idea of Christian meditation, never gave it much thought before. We are happy you are here, God Bless you and we hope He brings you joy here also. …Dennis & Barbara Ferreira
Mr. Ferreira,
it is interesting to me to hear yet another time from somebody that “Christian meditation” is a new concept. This pushes me to speak about it even more. I hope you find it helpful to read the summaries of our meditation sessions on the page “Meditation” on this blog.
And do not worry – they are in English so you do not need the skills that Fr. Jack’s dogs have.
Blessings.
I worked at Ohio State Universwity for 3 years before coming to Phoenix and there was a priest ther who used to talk about “centering prayer” as something that was asscoaied with Catholic mystics. I did not pursue it much but did buy soime books that I never finished reading. The idea was to try and repeat a short phrase, like “God is Love” and focus on reaching God …….. I was wondering if yiu had ever heard of it and if you had used it?…THX dennis
Dear Dennis,
yes, this type of prayer is known to all religions, e.g. “mantra” or our well-known rosary. You will find a lot about it just by gooling it. Much of what we are discussing right now during the Thursday evening Masses roots in this concept. Please, look up the page “Meditation” on this blog.
Blessings.
Hello Father Pawel,
Thank you for your wonderful sermons… We are truly blessed to have you at St Timothy. After a 12 year bout with infertility and all the sadness thatt comes along with it…I must say I lost faith for a little while after the doctors told me there was no hope for me ever to have a baby. I prayed and cried for many years and told god that I accepted my fate and for it to be his will and I would be at peace. Well in 2005 after being very sick and going to the hospital I was told I was pregnant but not to get my hopes high. My chances to miscarry where high. I prayed so much and had more faith than I ever felt in my life. Our healthy beautiful son Julian Xavier was born on December 1, 2005 (so much for all those docotors that said it would never happen!!!! lol) So,I am new to St. Tims and am so happy to go to mass every Sunday …We have soooo much to be thankful for. I want to join events but I am shy so It might take me a little longer but your blog and your sermons make me feel like I have been a part of St Tims for many years… Thank you soooo much ! (and Julian also enjoys the daycare while mommy and daddy are at mass!!!)
Arlene Gil
Father Pawel,
We are so grateful to be part of your parish. You are an inspiration to us. We love your sense of humor and how you apply God’s word to today’s situations. My husband and I are part of a couple’s prayer group. We are gathering Next Sunday at Teen Mass and then going to Nello’s for dinner following. Would you like to join us?
Blessings,
Jen
Fr Pawel
My wife and I are sadden by the fact you will be leaving St. Tim’s. We enjoy your homilies and always walk away inspired.
We will miss you,
Adam and Aimee
Fr. Pawel
Thank you for giving, serving, inspiring, praying, teaching, laughing, and loving all of us at St. Tim’s. When you arrived last January, I received many new insights into Meditation. I will miss your many gifts. I loved how you would pray with us after each of your homilies. Our family has been so blessed by your Christian friendship. Your priesthood reflects the abundant love of God. May you be filled with “great things” in Cottonwood. I am still upset about you leaving so soon, yet trust in God’s marvelous plan for your life.
Prayers and blessings,
Genine and Ted Telepak
Where are you being transferred????? I’m really going to miss you and hope you will be around somewhere in Phoenix…
-Becky
Thank you so much for your words. I enjoyed the community very much. I will truly miss you. I will continue to pray for you. Please keep me in your prayers.
Becky, the new parish is in Cottonwood.
Really enjoyed reading about you. We are very thankful to have you join us in Cottonwood. Have enjoyed your sermons and praying with you afterwards. May you have a Very Blessed Christmas.
God Be with you,
Linda
Dear Linda,
thank you for your welcoming words. Merry Christmas to you too. See you next weekend.