Fr. Stan Kowal OMI (1995 ~ 1999)

Fr. Stan Kowal was born on February 5, 1953 in Grzesce (Przemyls province). After finishing secondary school, he did compulsory military service for two years and then went to work. At that time, he said he had the chance to get to know the value of money and experience the world of work. In 1979, right after the election of Karol Wojtyla to the Holy See, Stan entered the novitiate at Swiety Krzyz and made his first vows a year later. After spending two years studying philosophy and four years studying theology, he completed his Teologicum exam and earned his Master’s Degree in catechetics. He was ordained a deacon and then a priest (1985-1986) by Archbishop Jerzy Stroba-of Poznan. After ministering for two years in St. Stanislaus Kostka parish in Lubliniec, Poland, Fr. Stan was sent to Canada, arriving in November 1989. His first assignment took him to Holy Ghost parish in Winnipeg (1991-1993). He then went to St. Maximilian Kolbe parish in Mississauga (1993-1995) and later to Holy Rosary parish in Edmonton (1995-1999). Fr. Stan returned to St. Maximilian Kolbe parish in Mississauga, where he worked as pastor from 1999-2005. He was pastor at St. Hyacinth’s parish in Ottawa. Fr. Stan has two brothers, one of whom is a priest working in Germany. He also has two sisters. Fr. Stan was an avid sports fan and enjoys skiing, golf and team sports. He also enjoyed trouble-shooting.