Rev. Tomasz Wojciechowski, CR
Parochial Vicar

Rev. Gene Szarek, C.R., a resident of the Janski House at St. Hedwig Parish since the summer of 1990, is a professor of Theology at Loyola University Chicago.

He was baptized as a baby at St. Hedwig Parish and graduated from St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Elementary School and Weber High School. He entered the Congregation of the Resurrection and professed religious vows in 1959, spent eight years at the seminary in St. Louis, being ordained a priest at the St. Louis Cathedral in 1967.

He holds graduate degrees in philosophy and mathematics (St. Louis University) and theology (University of San Francisco). He earned a Ph.D. in biblical exegesis from Marquette University in 1975. He was religious superior of this house for nine years and served numerous terms as provincial councilor and assistant provincial. He was elected four times to serve as a delegate to the Congregation’s general chapters, held every six years in Rome.

He taught mathematics and religious at Gordon Tech High School (1957-1971), served as pastor of St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Parish (1976-1981) and principal of Archbishop Weber High School (1981-1990). He has been teaching Theology at Loyola University Chicago since 1991 and helping with sacramental ministry as needed at St. Hedwig Parish.

He loves the people of this parish and his students and prays each day for their health and well-being.



Rev Walter Wilczek, C.R., celebrated his 55th anniversary of ordination, and although he is retired from active ministry, he serves as the Religious Superior of the Resurrectionists living at St. Hedwig parish. Father Wally spent most of his priestly ministry in Catholic Secondary Education as a teacher and administrator. He taught at Weber and Gordon Tech Highs Schools, and had been Principal Of Gordon Tech High School in Chicago and Notre Dame High School in Riverside, California. He climaxed his priestly ministry as Pastor of St. Stanislaus B M parish in Chicago until medical conditions prompted his retirement.


Bernadine (Bernie) Popp is the Secretary of St. Hedwig Parish. She was a catechist for 20 years. She was baptized at the parish in 1939, attended school here, received all of her sacraments, and then married here in 1962. Bernie has a beautiful family, including husband Bernard now deceased. 3 daughters and one son, 6 grandchildren and 2 great children. Bernie has been employed at St. Hedwig since October 16, 1995.


Ana Concepcion Flores is the Director of Religious Education at the parish. She has been involved in Catechesis for 18 years, but the last 5 she has served as Director. She majored in Religion for Catholic Schools and taught at Madonna High School for girls Religion and prepared the girls for their sacraments. She also studied as a certified nursing assistant for school nursing. Ana taught catechism at other catholic churches as well. She is who she is today because of her parents who taught her the importance of Catholic faith and following in Jesus and Mary’s footsteps. She has always loved Catechesis since she was a small child of 9 years old. Her prayer is “Lord you help me with my health, and in return I serve you where you need me.” God bless everyone.




Nayeli Urquiza started working here July 18, 2002 as the parish receptionist (English/Spanish). She received most of her sacraments here and attended Noble St. Charter High School and graduated in 2005. She is married and has a gorgeous baby.