St. Anthony Church

Reverend Grzegorz (Gregory) Jaworowski

Pastor
Phone: 203-758·4056

Father Gregory’s spiritual formation began with his very religious family in Szczuczyn , Poland where he was born. His family all still live in Europe, his four brothers, one sister, five nieces, and four nephews all in Poland and Berlin.

His vocation began at a young age and after High School, he entered the NOMZA Seminary. After six years, he received his Master’s in theology from the Catholic University in Lublin Poland and was ordained a priest in 1994. Shortly after becoming a priest in Poland, he relocated to France where they had a need for Pastoral leadership.

Father Gregory was fortunate to meet Pope John Paul, also a native son of Poland. He describes his meeting as an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime event where he received a blessing from the now St John Paul “that will stay with me my whole life”.

Father Gregory served 11 years in the Archdioceses of Sens and Auxerre France where he immediately was happy with the joyful nature of the parishioners and was very happy to be their priest. Over the 11 years, he was Pastor of over 17 churches and had to split his time in several locations. He enjoyed the strong community of people who were always socializing and enjoying life! He always liked improving parishes and building the community in all the parishes. He then transferred to the United States where he served at parishes in Bristol and Manchester CT before he was assigned Pastor of St Jude Church in Derby CT for the last five years.

Father Gregory is very positive about his assignment at St Anthony Church. He would like to continue to build a family and a community within the Parish. He would like us to pray together but also have a good time together as a parish family.

“To be a Pastor is to care for and pray for the people… it is consecration and administration.” There are many components to running this large parish. When asked what fortifies his faith while supporting so many, Father replied “Perseverance gives me strength, always striving to remain close to Jesus by praying and the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Before I always say the prayer to St Jude and now I add St Anthony to remain close to Jesus.”

He refers to this quote by Mother Teresa to help guide him at times: “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”

Father Gregory’s favorite Holiday is Christmas because we celebrate Christ’s Birth with wonderful music and decoration. Easter is also very important because through the Triduum we live more deeply in our faith. During the three-day period of prayer, people take more time to reflect on Christ’s journey.

In his free time, Father Gregory likes to ski and swim, he enjoys nature, walking and being outside!