Rev. Albert J. Gondek, OSFS
First Profession:
September 14, 1957
Final Profession:
September 25, 1960
Ordination:
October 1, 1966
Ministries: Faculty, Northeast Catholic High School, Father Lopez High School; Parochial Vicar, St. Brendan; Pastor, Sacred Heart, Our Lady of the Rosary
Present Ministry:
In 2017, Fr. Gondek was assigned to full retirement with no public ecclesial ministry at the Oblates’ retirement community in Maryland, and is no longer serving as pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington, North Carolina, in the Diocese of Charlotte.
Email:
Pope Francis has called for a jubilee Year of Mercy. How do you experience the mercy of God in your life?
Mass and the Sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Confession. Retreats and Eucharistic Adoration.
With many experience of violence in the world and in our country, what is one way that you see Salesian gentleness as a healing agent?
Visiting the prison in town. Being with families and friends of those who committed crimes. Support – being there and praying together especially with drug addicts.
What is the most recent book you read? Who was the author, and what did you think of it?
I keep myself updated with “The Prist Magazine”. Pamphlets – The Preaching of Pope Francis by Gregory Heille. The Joy of the Gospel.
What is the most challenging dimension of Salesian Spirituality for you?
Being patient. Living the present moment.
If you were pope, what would be one decision you would make to impact church in a life-giving way?
Since youth are the future of the church, I would establish an International/Global Youth Council to represent youth world-wide.
What gives you joy as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales?
Togetherness, caring and sharing (support), being there for each other.
If someone were to write a biography of your life, what title would you give it?
“Heavenward Bound”
Which person taught you a lesson that is especially valuable to you? What was the lesson?
Many people have left an impact on my life – Fr. Conmy stands out in my heart because of his simplicity, humility and prayerfulness.
