Rev. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, was elected to a four-year term as Provincial of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in June of 2022.
A 1987 graduate of Oblate-ministered Northeast Catholic High School and 1991 graduate of Holy Family University, Father Jack made his first profession to the Oblates in 1993. He studied theology at DeSales School of Theology in Washington, DE and received a Master of Divinity from the Washington Theological Union. He was ordained a priest in 1999.
Fr. Jack ministered as Director of Campus Ministry at Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE; Assistant Principal for Student Affairs and Director of Salesian Mission and Identity at Father Judge High School (Philadelphia); Superior of the Oblate community at Father Judge and Superior of the Oblates at the Salesianum Residence. Father Jack studied gerontological administration at St. Joseph’s University and ministered at the Oblate Retirement Center in Childs, MD. He most recently served as Director of Development for the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province and was a member of the Provincial Council. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of Nativity Preparatory School (Wilmington, DE). Fr. Jack is a weekend minister at St. Timothy’s parish in Northeast Philadelphia.
When asked about the future of the Oblates, Fr. Jack said: “My hope is that all Oblates, in both Provinces, will work together for a common mission and vision. My prayer is that our Oblate presence and ministry in North America will experience renewal and growth in the 21st century as we work to "live Jesus" each day.”