St Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church recently welcomed its new parish priest. Fr Pawel (Paul) Czoch, who replaces Fr Digno Jore, was officially installed during the regular 9 am mass on Sunday Oct 4th 2009 at St Gerard’s by Fr George Williams, Permanent Delegate for the Bishop of the Diocese of St Johns-Basseterre.

Fr George Williams (right) handing keys to Fr Pawel Czoch

During the installation ceremony, Fr Paul was given the keys to the church and presbytery. In attendance were members of the Youth & Catechetical Ministry of the Diocese of St John’s-Basseterre.

In his remarks, Fr George referred to Fr Paul’s training in cross cultural issues which makes it easier for him to relate to different cultures. He asked for the support of the Parish Council and parishioners in any changes and initiatives which Fr Paul may seek to institute.

“Each priest has a different style and brings a different set of gifts and talents to his work to build God’s Kingdom. I trust that Fr Paul will be given your full support and that the Catholic Church in Anguilla will grow from strength to Strength,” Fr George said.

Fr Paul who is a native of Poland was called to the priesthood in 1994. He is fluent in several languages including Spanish and French, and studied and served in various countries including Montreal, Canada, Togo, West Africa, and St Kitts-Nevis.

While he is not entirely new to Anguilla, having visited briefly in 1996, Fr Paul expressed his pleasure at being assigned here for a 3-year term.

“I feel truly blessed to have been given this opportunity to serve the Catholic community in Anguilla, and I also look forward to working closely with not only the Parishioners, but also to collaborate with other religious leaders on the island, as the opportunities present themselves”, said Fr Paul.

When asked about his immediate plans Fr Paul said, “At this time the Parish Council and I are in the process of making preparations to host the Diocesan Clergy of the Province of Castries for the first time in Anguilla. Over 29 catholic priests and clergy from across the region are expected to visit the island for a week-long assembly next January.”

Mrs Fiona Curtis, President of the Parish Council, added that, “While this is a serious undertaking, the assembly can also be considered as religious tourism, as it will make a contribution to the tourism economy in Anguilla.”

Fr Paul can be contacted at St Gerard’s at 497- 2405.

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