An Interview with Father Jerry Dvorak

Father Jerry, please tell us about your family.

I was born in 1953 and raised in northeast Minneapolis.  I am of Polish descent, along with Czech and German.  I attended school at St. Cyril and Nazareth Hall and then graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1971.  I earned a degree in History with an emphasis in Philosophy, Theology and Science at the University of St. Thomas.  I attended the St. Paul Seminary and was ordained on June 2, 1979.  I have two brothers—one living in Roseville and the other in Ramsey.  My younger brother is married and has five children.  My parents are both deceased.  My mother passed away in 2008 and that is when I inherited her dog, Rusty.

 

What is your favorite word?  Why?

I love the word awesome, which seems so limitless.  Also, tremendous (much like intense) and fascination (more than just curious) are two other favorite words of mine.

 

Where have you traveled?

I have traveled to Europe, Spain, France, Italy, the Holy Land and several of our United States.

 

What are your hobbies or how do you like to spend your free time?

I love animals.  I’ve had three dogs.  I have Rusty now.  I love the attention they need and give.  I like to watch Animal Planet and historical documentaries.  “Into the Great Silence” is one of the last movies I’ve seen.  I enjoy gardening, hiking and being outside.  I collect icons and nativity crèches.  Currently, I have over 200 nativity crèches.  In fact, the day the bishop called to tell me about the transfer to St. Peter’s, I received four new crèches for my collection!  I plan to display the crèches this year for parishioners to view.  That should be a highlight for me—to see them out of their boxes for the enjoyment of all.

 

Tell us about your order of Carmelites.

I founded a community of brothers, whose current membership consists of three priests (including myself) along with three brothers—Brother Alphonsus (a carpenter), Brother Anthony (an accountant) and Brother Luke (who has a Master’s degree in Art).  On May 1, 2008, my community obtained Church approval from Archbishop Flynn—his last act as Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis.  We became a public association of the faithful.  Prayer and Mass are important components in our community, along with a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother.   Our patron saints are Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Therese.  Our service to the Church flows from the prayer life. 

 

What areas of ministry do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy all areas of ministry.  A great source of joy for me is how children are often in awe of the world.   I have been pastor at a parish school and I love being in the classroom and I love to teach.  Archbishop Nienstedt asked me to serve as Canonical Administrator for Blessed Trinity and I look forward to serving our consolidated parish school in that capacity.

 

What do you think will be the best thing about working at St. Peter’s? 

Coming to St. Peter’s, I’ve found a beautiful spirit with faith-filled hospitality—absolutely no negatives.  I am inspired by the many men and women who have clearly shown witness to their faith for many years.  I rest in their shade.  They are like great trees to me.  I hope that the community of St. Peter’s will grow in the knowledge and love of God and witness all this in charity and justice.  I hope to grow also with the parish.  I enjoy worship and meeting people outside church and look forward to meeting more and more of you.  I am still settling into St. Peter’s very comfortable rectory—which I describe as a five star hotel!