Pastor looks forward to sharing Church’s mission with flock

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at a Mass at Good Shepherd Parish, Most Holy Rosary worship site, concelebrated by Father Krystian Burdzy, to celebrate the Polish-born priest’s installation as pastor and the 20th anniversary of his ordination.

Father Burdzy was named administrator of the parish Feb. 4, received a letter of installation and was installed just before Mass on May 21.

Father Burdzy’s friend – Father Krzysztof Maslowski, also a native of Poland and pastor, Holy Spirit Parish, Union – gave the homily. Father Maslowski, also serves as an adjunct professor of pastoral theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Seton Hall University, South Orange.

As pastor of Good Shepherd, Father Burdzy provides for the spiritual and pastoral needs of 830 registered families. There are 75 registered in its religious education program.

“During my time here at Good Shepherd Parish, I have come to know many of my parishioners and found that we share common goals,” Father Burdzy said. “With the many cultural differences and English being my second language, we share the importance of our faith and success and the vitality of our Church. I am grateful to my deacons, staff, ministries, organizations and members of my parish who have been there and will continue to remain with me in our continued mission.

“Thank you, Good Shepherd Parish.”

Father Burdzy was born in Nisko, Poland, the eldest of three siblings. His younger brother, Arthur, also a priest, serves in the Diocese of Sandomierz, Poland. After graduating from high school, Father Burdzy studied at the seminary in Sandomierz, where he earned a master’s degree in theology from KUL University in Lublin. He was ordained to the priesthood May 24, 2003. After three years of teaching religious education in a public school and working with youth and young adults – with his local bishop’s permission – Father Burdzy came to the United States.

He served as a parochial vicar at several parishes in the diocese, including St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick, and then to St. Joseph Parish, North Plainfield, where he worked with the Latino community. Father Burdzy also served at St. Joseph Parish, Washington; and The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Hackettstown. He most recently served as parochial vicar at St. James Parish, Basking Ridge.

Father Burdzy, who speaks English, Polish, and Spanish, also took English as a Second Language courses at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.