Rev. Stanley J. Dominik Reaches Half-Century Mark!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Congratulations and best wishes are in order for Fr. Dominik as he celebrates his 50th Jubilee! Remembered affectionately as Fr. Stas by BNI’ers of the 60’s, Fr. Dominik is one of six priests from the Diocese of Gary marking such a milestone in 2008.
Father Stanley Dominik is a graduate of Ss. Cyril & Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, MI. He was ordained at Holy Angels Cathedral on May 31, 1958. His first assignment led him to St. Stanislaus in East Chicago where he was assistant pastor and he also became a teacher at Bishop Noll.
Along with his pastoral duties, over the years Fr. Dominik served as diocesan dean, consultor, personnel board member; vicar general and director of Gary Diocesan Cemeteries. He served as pastor at Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception parishes in Whiting, retiring to senior priest status in 2005.
In the May 25, 2008, issue of the Northwest Indiana Catholic (formerly Our Sunday Visitor), Fr. Dominik is quoted as saying that the seminary was great for theory and practice, but the most important thing for a priest to have is a “heart for the people.” Father felt that his parochial ministry – service to the parish – has been of first and foremost importance. And, he reminds those currently studying for the priesthood to always keep in mind their service to the Lord, that is, to bring Christ to the people, with compassion and understanding.
Guess Father's story wouldn't be complete without an excerpt from a Bishop Noll "memory" of Father Stas from classmate Elaine (Engle) Bielefeld: "He was so young! We, in his only sophomore girls, class called him Papa Stas. He required a Beedle Report to be read every day and a weekly Beedle (reporter) was assigned to keep track of classroom and other happenings. Some of these were hilarious - like who fell asleep, was caught eating potato chips, or who was in love with whom. Justina still has one of them. He also let us work with his sophomore boys' class (Murph, Kudnowski, Schweitzer, et al) to write, produce, direct, and star in "East Side Fable" for the Latin Banquet. He left us alone at St. Stans to rehearse and Bob can tell you some funny and some embarrassing stories about that! All in all, we behaved and put on a pretty darn good show. I have the script in my files. Papa Stas even came to our cast party at Kathy Fuss' house. On another occasion, Father brought his chalice into class to explain all the symbols that made it personal to him. What a funny, upbeat, gentle, and personable guy! Even though I got some of my first "C" grades from him, I relished being in his class."
Thelma (Stocki) Matthew tells us, “I knew Father Stas more from the St. Stan's viewpoint, which was very warm and wonderful. And, Father was always good for a little laugh, especially during CYO trips to the Dunes and I vaguely remember a Christmas dinner at a restaurant in Gary with the Young Ladies' Sodality, probably freshman or sophomore year in high school, in which Father presided.”
If you wish to congratulate Fr. Dominik, he is still residing at Sacred Heart Rectory, 1731 LaPorte Avenue, Whiting, IN 46394, or he may be reached by e-mail at stasdom@sbcglobal.net.
