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SS.CC. Community Mourns the Death of Fr. Richard Czerwien, ss.cc.
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The Rev. Richard Czerwien,
ss.cc., 65, died unexpectedly, Saturday, May 19, 2007, after a brief
stay at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas. The son of
the late Catherine and Casimir Czerwien,
Father Richard is mourned by his sister Elaine A. King of Bethesda,
Maryland, and two brothers Gerard Czerwien of Chicago, Illinois,
and Arthur Czerwien of Pensacola, Florida.
Father Czerwien entered the Congregation of the Sacred
Hearts in 1978 and attended Washington Theological Union, earning a
Masters Degree in Pastoral Theology. He was ordained in 1983. Before
making his religious profession, he earned an undergraduate Business
degree and CPA and went on to earn a Masters in Science Education. He
was a grammar school science teacher in Chicago, Illinois. In addition,
he taught at St. Walter’s Parish Grammar School and was known for his
willingness to provide support to students who struggled academically.
In Rochester, where he interned at Sts. Peter and
Paul Parish prior to his ordination, he founded St. Peter’s Kitchen in
1981.
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Photo Illustration by Jack Iddon
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This ministry continues its significant work today through the strong
volunteer base established early on by Father Czerwien. Later, from 1984
to 1988, he was pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul. In the time he served in
the Diocese of Fall River, he is remembered for his active participation
in parish life at St. Joseph’s Parish in Fairhaven, where he especially
enjoyed his involvement in religious education.
While he served in the Diocese of Brownsville, he assisted
young people who were incarcerated. In this ministry he not only shared
his pastoral presence but also his encouragement to those he sustained
to complete their high school studies by enrolling in the GED program
that was available.
After a wake and Funeral Liturgy at Queen of Peace
Parish in Harlingen, Texas, where Father Czerwein served, his body will
be brought back to Damien Residence in Fairhaven, Mass. A Christian wake
and prayer service will be held Friday May 25, 2007 at Damien Residence.
His Mass of Christian burial will be at 10: 00 AM Saturday, May 26, 2007
at St. Joseph’s Church, Fairhaven, Mass., followed by burial in the
Congregation of the Sacred Hearts Cemetery.
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Date
originally published: 05-21-07
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