Father Ś+P Edward J. Tomczyk — September 1, 1933 – April 18, 1999
The Reverend Edward J. Tomczyk was long-time pastor of St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, Frackville, PA, and Holy Ghost Polish National Catholic Church, Shenandoah, PA.
Father was the son of John Tomczyk and Helen (Kosierowski) Tomczyk. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA and had two sisters, Josephine and Florence. He received his elementary education at the George Washington Guthrie School and his secondary education in James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Father began his Christian service early serving as an altar boy for thirteen years and taking an active part in his home parish’s activities. Upon completion of his studies at Savonarola Theological Seminary and Wilkes University, he was ordained to the Holy Order of the Priesthood on November 25, 1953, by the Right Reverend John Misiaszek. He married the former Hildegarde M. Maciejewski of Albany, New York and they had a son, Mark.
Following his ordination, he was assigned as assistant at St. Valentine’s PNCC, Philadelphia, PA. In April, 1954, he assumed the pastorate of the St. John the Baptist parish in Frackville. In August, 1965, he was appointed pastor of Holy Ghost PNCC, Shenandoah, PA by the Right Reverend Leon Grochowski.
Father Tomczyk’s activities within the Polish National Catholic Church were many and diversified: He served as Secretary of the Central Diocesan Council, Secretary of the Plymouth Seniorate Clergy Conference, and Secretary of the Plymouth Seniorate. He served on the staff of Rola Boża/God’s Field, the official publication of the Polish National Catholic Church. He served as Treasurer of the Priests’ Conference of the Central Diocese and served as Financial Secretary. He also was Treasurer of the Bishop Hodur Biography Commission and was Chairman of the Diocesan Matrimonial Commission.
Father Ed was also an active member of the Polish National Union of America and was Chaplain of PNU District 8.
Eternal rest grant onto him O Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace.
Wieczne odpoczynek racz im dać Panie, a światłość wiekuista niechaj im świeci. Niech odpoczywają w pokoju, Amen.
On October 31, 1999 the parish dedicated and blessed a memorial plaque in honor of Rev. Edward J. Tomczyk
