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February 8, 2021

Bishop Byrne names Father Piotr Calik vicar general, moderator of the curia

REGIONAL
Staff report

 

SPRINGFIELD – Bishop William Byrne has named Father Piotr Calik as vicar general of the Diocese of Springfield. A vicar general reports to the bishop and is the moderator of the curia, or administrative affairs.

“After much prayer and consultation, I am appointing Father Piotr Calik as vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Springfield. Father Piotr’s many gifts are well-suited for this time of transition,” said Bishop Byrne. 

“The position will be full-time to allow me to be bishop, not of an office, but of our diocese. I am grateful that Father Piotr has agreed to serve in this capacity because I know he loves being a pastor,” Bishop Byrne said.

Father Calik is currently the pastor of All Saints and St. Mary parishes in Ware.

“Of course, being asked by Bishop Byrne to be vicar general was a huge surprise to me. I do remember very well that after that news, I wasn’t able to sleep the whole night,” said Father Calik. “However, I am a strong believer in obedience, which comes from the rite of priestly ordination. For sure, it is a very humbling experience.”

Father Calik attended SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Krakow, Poland from 2007-2008, before attending SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Michigan from 2008-2013. He was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Springfield in 2013 by then Springfield Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell.

He serves on the College of Consultors and the Presbyteral Council. In addition, he was assigned to the World Youth Day Committee in 2016, the Vocation Advisory Team, New Pastors Program, and the Commission for the Clergy. Father Calik is currently the dean of the Hampden-East Deanery.

“I see my new ministry almost like the parish work but in bigger area. I truly believe that the Scripture from the day when Bishop (Byrne) asked me to be a new vicar general says it all about where our focus should be,” he said, citing 1 Peter 4: 9-11, which states, “Be hospitable to one another without complaining as each one has received a gift. Use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

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