Polish seminarians studying to be Albany diocesan priests

He and Thomas Babiuch, 25, are both Polish-born seminarians preparing for ministry in the Diocese. Mr. Tkocz should be ordained in June 2001 after completing three more semesters at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. Mr. Babiuch should become a priest in June 2002 after finishing his pastoral year at St. James Church in Albany this summer and returning to the seminary.

Both men recently spoke with The Evangelist about pursuing a priestly vocation in the United States and adapting to a new culture as they prepare for ordination.

Amid communism

"We didn't have Catholic school at the time because Poland was still a Communist country," he explained, "but we didn't have problems going to our parishes for religious education."

A member of the Polish National Soccer Team, he had planned to play the sport professionally, so he didn't think seriously about becoming a priest when he was a teenager. There was a priest in his parish, however, whose example made him reconsider.

"I was asking myself, 'How can this person seem so happy?' Maybe, it's because that was not only a job but his vocation," he said.

Called by God

"I was pleasantly surprised at my parents and brother," he said. "They were supportive and said it was my choice, which was very nice."

He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the seminary in 1994, but his plan to become a missionary had changed.

"From the beginning, I wanted to work in a different culture, but being in the seminary doesn't mean all your plans have been made," he said. "Being a missionary isn't the same as being with people all of the time at a parish; there's more traveling, and you don't keep in touch with people as much."

Off to America

"I would call them and speak Polish, which was good because I didn't know English at all," he said.

During his first two years at Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Mr. Tkocz studied English and acculturation in order to adapt to life in America. Once he became comfortable with English, he spent the next two years studying theology, but he didn't totally give up his native language.

"When I was at Ss. Cyril and Methodius, we had classes in English, but we [seminarians] talked to each other in Polish because everybody was from Poland," he said.

Albany visit

"I saw parish life on a daily basis," he said, including daily Mass, youth ministry, the Holy Name Society, thrift shop, food pantry, hospital and nursing home visits, and preaching. Parishioners welcomed him, and his ministry there convinced him that he was meant to be a priest.

"The people are fantastic. They're so friendly and open," he said. "I was afraid to spend a whole year at a parish, but it was so great. The thing I enjoyed most was being in contact with parishioners. I didn't feel above them or below them; I was part of them. That was the key moment when I decided I wanted to continue my studies."

Model of priesthood

"He's a very good person and, at the same time, a very good priest with lots of experience," Mr. Tkocz said. "Whenever I asked him for suggestions, he was very open and helpful."

Mr. Tkocz still keeps in touch with parishioners, especially during the holiday season. "When I sent my Christmas cards, 60 of them went to people from Blessed Sacrament, and I would've sent more if I had more addresses," he said.

Adapting

"That was a good choice," he said. "I feel more comfortable speaking English because I have more practice. It's easier to speak in your native language, but I need to speak English.

"When I see myself being ordained in three more semesters, I'm not as afraid as when I started and first came to the United States. I didn't know the language or much about the country, but I feel more comfortable right now."

Mr. Tkocz sees himself working as a parish priest or hospital chaplain, and wouldn't mind speaking his native language in his ministry, if that's what the Diocese wants.

"I'm not necessarily going to be at one of the Polish parishes in the Diocese," he noted. "But if there's a need to work with Polish people or Polish-Americans, I'm open to it."

Weighing priesthood

While studying philosophy at a Catholic university in Poland, however, Mr. Babiuch kept in touch with a priest from Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Michigan who encouraged his vocation. During a five-day retreat in college, he seriously considered becoming a priest.

"There were a lot of people on retreat looking, searching for something in their lives, and I started to think about priesthood more and more," he said.

Each retreatant was asked to pick a Scripture passage that spoke to them during those five days, and Mr. Babiuch chose the words of Jesus to His disciples: "Be not afraid. Come, follow me."

U.S. experience

"I always liked to visit different countries. I wanted to try a different culture, check it out here in the United States," he said.

He spent his first two years learning to speak English and adapt to American culture, after which he studied the theology that motivated him to become a seminarian.

"The seminary has helped me to find the God I was looking for," he said. "The more I've studied, the better understanding I've gotten. We've got to question some things, and when you do, you get answers, good and bad."

Preparing for priesthood can be difficult, but it's hard preparing for any vocation, Mr. Babiuch pointed out. "We have different vocations in our lives," he said. "Life is always challenging, whether you're a priest, married person or whatever. It's not always easy, but during my pastoral year, I'm revitalized."

Diocesan time

"It's been great, and I've enjoyed every moment," he said. "The people are lovely and have given me a lot of inspiration. I know this is the right thing to do."

Of all the ministries in which Mr. Babiuch is gaining experience, visiting patients at Albany Medical Center Hospital is one of the most rewarding.

"This is where I can really express and put my theology to work," he said. "You bring the real presence of Christ to people who suffer, and this is what Christianity is all about."

Rev. Dominic Ingemie, pastor of St. James, also has helped Mr. Babiuch learn about priesthood. "He's taught me a lot and helped me, and it's been a very positive experience," he said.

As he looks to his ordination in two years and reflects on the vocations shortage, he says: "I'm aware that it's going to be a challenge and a lot of work for us as priests. Every crisis brings the answer sooner or later, and hopefully we'll be able to make this work."

(02-17-00) [[In-content Ad]]