St. Peter's celebrates pastor's 25th ordination anniversary

On June 7, the St. Peter Church congregation honored its pastor, Msgr. Joseph F. Jarmoluk and his 25th ordination anniversary. More than 1,000 people, including his mother, sisters and several relatives participated as he celebrated a Solemn High Mass. A special guest, the Rev. Herbert Gappa, a longtime friend and mentor, celebrated the Mass with him. Jarmoluk met Gappa while doing missionary work in Tanzania in the 1980s.

Monsignor Jarmoluk, fondly known as Father Joe, is loved and appreciated by many. That was evident as parishioners united to make a wonderful day for their pastor. St. Peter choral and instrumental groups combined to provide powerful renditions of sacred music.

Another group planned the luncheon menu and made a major portion of the food themselves. Another parish member baked and decorated a two-tier cake. Several instrumentalists provided big band and jazz background music. Others made sure the room decor was elegant and tasteful for the special occasion. Scores of people acted as greeters, servers and cleanup helpers. A photo montage depicting Father Joe's early priesthood and service to his parishes was on display. Several parishioners combined to give Father Joe a leather box, filled with letters of appreciation, congratulation and memories about the special ways he helped them.

The event chairmen were pleased with the outcome. Shari Neeley, one of the chairs said, "We worked on this for a few months and wanted to really honor Father's priesthood and service. Everyone's contribution made it a great day!"

Reflecting on his 25th anniversary, Monsignor Jarmoluk told parishioners and visitors, "Somewhere along the line, what was a vague willingness to at least think about being a priest when I was just a boy, deepened into a conviction that God had called me and I was in for the duration." He went on to say, "- if the choice was mine to make all over again, I would still choose priesthood." He explained he would say "yes" again because he believes he is where God wants him to be; he sees the worthiness of everything he has been asked to do, finding his time and talents are used for good purpose; and the Mass, which he says is his anchor in the Church and in life. Monsignor Jarmoluk was ordained on June 9, 1984.