Rev. Don WoznickiBiography
Fr. Don Woznicki, 47, is a South Bend, Indiana native.
Before his calling and ordination to the priesthood for the Archdiocese
of Chicago (Mundelein Seminary - 2002, M. Div. & S.T.B.),
he attained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. (1984). He moved to
Chicago in 1987 where he developed his career as an environmental
engineer. In 1994, He sensed the call to the priesthood while working as an investigations/enforcement officer for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Air & Radiation Division, Enforcement Branch, Region V in Chicago, Ill. In 1996, Fr. Don was able to work part-time at the U.S. EPA while he began his studies and discernment for the priesthood as a candidate with the Congregation of the Resurrectionist (C.R.) in Chicago. At this time, he also began his priestly formation, living as a candidate with the C.R.s at St. John Cantius Parish, a C.R. staffed parish. In June 1997, Fr. Don left his job with the U.S. EPA, and entered the C.R. novitiate program in Chicago. It was during this time of deep reflection and prayer that Fr. Don initially felt the great urgency and call to minister to the Entertainment Industry in some capacity. During this time as a novice, something "just clicked" for him about how much he loved and valued entertainment, was enamored by the talent of artists who contribute to it, and how much this industry effects the global culture. Before completing the novitiate, Fr. Don's priestly discernment took a turn toward Diocesan priesthood. In January 1998, Fr. Don entered the minor seminary for the Archdiocese of Chicago at St. Joseph College (on the Lake shore campus of Loyola University - Chicago) for just the 1998 Spring Semester to finish up his pre-theology and philosophy studies before entering in August of 1998, the Chicago Archdiocesan Theologate (University of St. Mary of the Lake - Mundelein Seminary, Mundelein, ILL.). Fr. Don also pursued his interest to investigate how the Church was reaching out to the people of the entertainment industry (“Hollywood”). In 1998, the summer before beginning his seminary studies, he temporarily went to Los Angeles to work in various aspects of the industry to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the industry and the people who work in it. For one, he worked in production on the set of Aaron Spelling's soap opera, Sunset Beach (NBC), and worked on commercials for Mattel, Honda, and Toyota. He continued, as time permitted, to stay connected to the Entertainment Industry during his seminary years (1998 – 2002). In 2003, Fr. Don became a part-time Chaplain to Act One, Inc.: Writing and Executive Programs (Hollywood, CA.) while serving as Associate Pastor for St. Norbert Parish (Northbrook, IL - a Chicago suburb). Fr. Don has since worked to improve relations between the Church and Entertainment Industry so that the global community can experience the great benefits that such a relationship can bring. In 2005, Fr. Don founded the non-profit organization, New Ethos, as a way for the Church and the Entertainment Industry to collaborate for the good of society. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California to develop New Ethos (Hollywood, CA.) as a vehicle for a "new ethos" in entertainment. |