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On Saturday, St. Peter’s Catholic Church in LaGrange celebrated the 30th anniversary of Father Timothy Gadziala’s ordination.

 

Gadziala graduated from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and was ordained on June 4, 1994. The Lilburn, Georgia native was initially assigned as parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist Church, Hapeville, and has since served at a wide variety of locations becoming the pastor in LaGrange in 2017.

 

Gadziala received a licentiate in canon law from The Catholic University of America.

 

Before coming to LaGrange, Gadziala assisted with the administration of missionary work of the Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica and served the diocese as vicar general and judicial vicar until the summer of 2016. 

 

During Gadziala’s time with St. Peter’s the local congregation has grown under his leadership.

 

Three decades in, Gadziala hasn’t really felt the years, saying his time with the church has been nice.

 

“It feels like yesterday in some ways,” Gadziala said. “I love the church and I love the people here. It’s a beautiful community. I’m very fortunate.”

 

Since taking over at St. Peters Gadziala has overseen several projects including the new columbarium, renovating the kitchen and replacing the roof. Gadziala also began the tradition of hosting a Blue Mass service to thank and recognize first responders each year.

 

The church hosts the Blue Mass each year in September to help them remember the sacrifices made by first responders during rescue efforts after the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center.

 

The church celebrated Gadziala’s anniversary with a dinner banquet after mass on Saturday. The celebration was two-fold for the parish leader. Father Tim also celebrated his 57th birthday on Friday.

 

“I consider myself fortunate to be a Catholic priest and just celebrating mass and being there with the people in the real presence of the Lord,” Gadziala said.