BY KATHI STEARNS

Rev. Mr. Adam Ozimek, a native of Stary Dzikow, Poland knew he was called to the priesthood when he was 11 or 12 years old, but was unsure whether or not he should pursue his calling.

At 24 he visited Lourdes, France, and had “a very deep religious experience” which prompted him to make a move to determine his vocation.

He said that the discernment process has been a struggle. “It was only just before my ordination to the diaconate that I made up my mind that this is truly what I should be doing.”

His pastoral internship at Transfiguration Parish in Marietta in 1993 reinforced his decision to explore his calling. “It was the first time I felt comfortable working with people and felt satisfaction in helping them with their spiritual growth. That assignment was pivotal in helping me make up my mind to continue on.”

For Rev. Mr. Ozimek the discernment process has been a strenuous task. “Going through seminary training is difficult for everyone, but it is a necessary part of the decision-making procedure.”

“God has led me to the point where I am now. Without God’s grace and a lot of people continuously praying for me, I don’t think I would have made it. Friends encouraged me to go on because they saw in me some sign of a religious vocation. They constantly encouraged me to continue on.”

Yet Rev. Mr. Ozimek feels confident that his decision to be ordained to the priesthood is right for him. “I feel very comfortable with the choice I am making now; it is really what God is calling me to do. What the future will bring only God knows, but I am dedicated to serving the Archdiocese of Atlanta and its people.”

His educational background includes elementary, high school, and seminary education in Poland. He speaks English and Polish fluently and can read Spanish. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy earned at St. Mary’s College in Orchard Lake, Mich., in 1989. He was ordained to the diaconate Dec. 4, 1993, at Transfiguration and in May of this year he was granted his master of divinity degree from St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fla.

“As I look back upon my life, I feel I have achieved quite a bit … I am quite proud of my accomplishments.”

However, without the support of the Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev. Mr. Ozimek doesn’t feel his personal goals or those of other seminarians could be attained. “The support we get from the archdiocese, the Serra Club, the priests, Father Don Kenny and the archbishop is quite remarkable. What we have achieved so far is due to the tremendous support they constantly provide. The archdiocese has been so successful recruiting seminarians because they are always there for us.”

Rev. Mr. Ozimek’s aunts Irene Alderman and Francis Iglikowski will travel from Michigan to attend his ordination.

Father Ozimek will celebrate his first Mass at Transfiguration Church June 5 at 6 p.m. On June 7 he will leave for Poland to celebrate his first Mass outside of the United States in Stary Dzikow, Poland, with his mother and sister, who are unable to attend his ordination.

He has been appointed to Holy Spirit, Atlanta, for his first assignment as a parochial vicar.