Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity are grateful for Franciscan Friar of the Assumption BVM Province Father Finian Zaucha, OFM, who has served us as our chaplain, not one, but three times. The most recent venture was a four year assignment beginning in August 2013. Sister Kay Elmer wrote the following account after interviewing Father Finian. The words attempt to tell the story of a dedicated Franciscan who has embarked whole-heartedly on many adventures throughout his vowed life. Industrious, Father enjoys varied and interesting pastimes, including a passion to preserve history. Father begins a new chaplaincy assignment in Mishawaka, IN in September. Till we meet again, may the Lord bless you, Father Finian!
Father Finian was born in Chicago and left home at the age of 13 to attend St. Bonaventure High School in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, operated by the Franciscan Friars of Pulaski. After graduating in 1959, he entered their Community and was ordained in l968. He has served in numerous administrative posts for his Province, including Provincial Librarian, Archivist, Superior of five different friaries, Dean of Students, and Principal of St. Bonaventure High School, all in the state of Wisconsin. Father has served as a substitute Chaplain and Pastor for priests who are on vacation, or medical or sabbatical leave. He taught Religious Education to both elementary and high school students for 43 years.
After finishing an assignment as Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Lena, Wisconsin, he was sent to Eastern Pennsylvania where he began his ministry among the parishes of the Ruthenian, Ukrainian, Melkite and Maronite rites. For ten years he was involved in ministry to the Eastern Churches, as well as other parish ministries, and most recently to the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, Manitowoc. This is the third time that Father has been Chaplain at Holy Family Convent, as he shared chaplaincy duties with Father Sam Jadin, O.Praem. for two months in September 1999 and then from August, 2009 through August, 2011, after which he was assigned Pastor of the BVM Assumption Parish at Pulaski with missions at Hofa Park and Krakow for two years.
His current four year missioning began in August 2013. His presence with two other Franciscan Friars has been a special gift to our Community and to the local Church.
Father has, with family or friends, visited all 50 states and 13 countries. He has slimmed down his 23 wide interests, or hobbies, to a current 13; his most recent one is collecting “scratch-off” lottery tickets. He is a dues paying member of the “Global Lottery Society.”
