Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

LEADERSHIP

Rev. John (Jack) A. Kolodziej, OSFS, Provincial, Wilmington-Philadelphia Province (Elected 2022)

Reverend Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, was elected to a four-year term as Provincial of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in June of 2022.   

A 1987 graduate of Oblate-ministered Northeast Catholic High School and 1991 graduate of Holy Family University, Father Jack made his first profession to the Oblates in 1993.  He studied theology at DeSales School of Theology in Washington, DE and received a Master of Divinity from the Washington Theological Union. He was ordained a priest in 1999.

Father Jack ministered as Director of Campus Ministry at Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE; Assistant Principal for Student Affairs and Director of Salesian Mission and Identity at Father Judge High School (Philadelphia); Superior of the Oblate community at Father Judge and Superior of the Oblates at the Salesianum Residence.  Father Jack studied gerontological administration at St. Joseph’s University and ministered at the Oblate Retirement Center in Childs, MD.  He most recently served as Director of Development for the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province and was a member of the Provincial Council. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of Nativity Preparatory School (Wilmington, DE).  Father Jack is a weekend minister at St. Timothy’s parish in Northeast Philadelphia.

When asked about the future of the Oblates, Fr. Jack said: “My hope is that all Oblates, in both Provinces, will work together for a common mission and vision. My prayer is that our Oblate presence and ministry in North America will experience renewal and growth in the 21st century as we work to "live Jesus" each day.”

Rev. Joseph (Joe) Newman, OSFS, Provincial, Detroit-Toledo Province (Elected 2023)

The Toledo-Detroit Province has elected Father Joe Newman, OSFS, to minister as Provincial Superior. Fr. Joe grew up in Toledo and was first introduced to the Oblates at Christ the King Parish where he attended grade school and served as an altar server. He went on to St. Francis de Sales School and DeSales University (DSU). In both of these settings, he continued to meet Oblates and developed friendships with many priests and brothers.

Fr. Joe always felt very at home with the Oblates. He appreciated their friendship and encouragement throughout his years as a high school and undergraduate student. “They wanted me to become the person God created me to be,” he recalled.

After graduating from DSU with a degree in biology, Fr. Joe began teaching and living at St. Francis de Sales School. He felt great joy living and working in community and chose to become an Oblate. He received his Masters of Divinity from the University of Toronto and was ordained an Oblate priest in 2013.

Fr. Joe’s ministry continued at St. Francis de Sales School where he has served as teacher, Director of Admissions and, most recently, Vice-President. With a lifelong interest in science, Fr. Joe loved teaching math, chemistry, and physics at St. Francis. His favorite class however was Salesian Leadership where students work in cohorts to explore the intersections of spirituality and leadership and collaborate with community mentors on projects. Fr. Joe also ministers at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and Camp DeSales. He serves as Foundational Chair for St. Francis de Sales School Foundation and is a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Francis de Sales School.

When elected Provincial, Fr. Joe felt great shock and awe and told his Oblate brothers, “I give you my whole heart.” He looks forward to serving his Oblate brothers and, as he did with his students, challenging them to reimagine and rethink how they do what they do.

Fr. Joe is excited about this new ministry and keeping the momentum of the Toledo-Detroit Province. He is confident that he will continue to “keep falling in love with the religious life, God, and people” he ministers with as Provincial.

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