Pinkowski Files

James Kevin Mazurek
born: July 31, 1947
Roman Catholic Priest
James Kevin Mazurek (C'69) was born on July 31, 1947. The Pittsburgh native has become a key player in the Orchard Lake Schools growth as they reached the 125-year mark of their founding. A 1969 graduate of St. Mary's College (now Madonna University) in Michigan, he had achieved a distinction as a fast learner, noted for character and knowledgeable service during his undergraduate years, before returning to the Greater Pittsburgh Metro Area for the completion of his priestly formation at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. At only 21, he graduated from St. Vincent's with a Masters in Divinity in 1973; later that year he was ordained to the priesthood.
After his ordination, Fr. Mazurek began his ministry as an associate pastor at St. Michael's Church in Butler, Pennsylvania. Three years later he was called back to Michigan. The Orchard Lake Schools had already been integral to Fr. Mazurek's past, and new they would play a decisive role in his future.
Returning to campus in 1976, he joined the administrate staff. As the Orchard Lake Schools gradually made their way toward and into the new millennium, Fr. Mazurek assumed a greater number of responsibilities, which only served to solidify his dedication to the Schools and their Mission. Like many at Orchard Lake, Fr. Mazurek attached his own personal Polish heritage to that of the Schools foundation, finding a kinship in their shared lineage. His early positions included responsibilities as Director of Campus Liturgy, Director of Campus Locations, and Spiritual Director at the Seminary. Perhaps most notable, however, was Fr. Mazurek's presence during and contribution to the Orchard Lake Schools 100th Anniversary in 1985, when he served as Chairman of the Centennial Committee. In 2002, the Orchard Lake Schools Chancellor, Fr. Timothy F. Whalen named Fr. Mazurek his Vice Chancellor. He was 55. As celebrations surrounding the Centennial of the Relocation from Detroit lo Orchard Lake became prevalent in 2009, he agreed to serve as Chairman of the Quasquicentennial (125-year) Anniversary Committee. Having been informed that he must relinquish his eight-year role as Vice Chancellor to return to his home Diocese of Pittsburgh in January 2011, his administrative oversight and responsibilities as Chairman of the OLS Quasquicentennial, will likely be his last major accomplishment as Vice Chancellor of his Alma Mater.
Fr. Mazurek did not foresee his long tenure at Orchard Lake. In fact, when the Schools had celebrated their 1985 Centennial, the 100th Anniversary Since Their Founding in Detroit in 1885, he predicted that wouldn't be around campus for the next major jubilee, namely the Quasquicentennial -- the 125th Anniversary, which would be celebrated in 2010. Perhaps, like many, Fr. Mazurek underestimated the significance of his own contributions to the development of the Orchard Lake Schools and the spiritual formation of the students and their families.
"That was a special moment for me and who would have thought that I would be here serving in the same position on the occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the founding of this great institution," he recently told the Good News. "What makes this a truly remarkable experience is that after nearly two years of preparation, it all comes together. All the meetings, the e-mails, the letters, and phone calls have passed. The day arrives ... when you look around you will see cardinals and bishops, priests and deacons, seminarians and Prep students. You will see long-time supporters and new visitors. Some will have traveled hundreds of miles while others are neighbors from across the street."

Short and often curt, with a stiff smile and little patience for photographers, Fr. Mazurek has directed the majority of Orchard Lakes regular fundraising activities and events with aplomb. With the future of the schools financial stability frequently hanging in the balance, he has little time to concern himself with anything else -- contributions which come in through his development programs are essential to the viability of the Schools. Steady as steamship he manages the twice yearly Friends of the Seminary Appeal, reaching out to nearly 70,000 supporters. His successful execution of the Annual Ambassadors Ball, the Annual Chancellors Senate Recognition Dinner, Annual Ladies Day Benefit Gala, and the Annual Founders Day are the result of years of his personal sacrifice, unparalleled expertise, and dedication. His constant attention to the details of each has made for flawless presentations. His commitment and dedication will be impossible to replicate upon his departure.
Like those employed in a manufacturing oriented region like Southeast Michigan, where a nervous economy is constantly in flux, Fr. Mazurek worries about the Orchard Lake Schools balance sheet. He cherishes the peace that comes each June with the end of the fiscal year, realizing the respite will be short-lived. The fundraising wheels will need to turn again. Orchestrating the OLS annual events starts all over again. Unlike business professionals, Fr. Mazurek balances these demands with his first vocation -- his life as a Catholic priest. He finds himself responding to frequent requests to say Mass on when the Preparatory needs a celebrant, or helping hear the confessions of the large percentage of Catholics who make up the student body during Advent and Lent. Fr. Mazurek does not refuse to do what is asked of him; he simply handles the challenge. He could not have been a successful fundraiser if he didn't. Drawing his greatest strength from his ministry, Fr. Mazurek's reach extends beyond 3535 Indian Trail. He serves as a weekend pastoral associate at St. Fabian's Parish in Farmington Hills. He travels to St. Louis the King Parish in inner city Detroit to celebrate Mass and hear confessions when needed. The Vice-Chancellor is also responsible for classifying arriving donations and responding to donors. For each, he responds individually with thanks and prayers. For Fr. Mazurek, fundraising has never been strictly about money. It has been about supporting the Mission of the Orchard Lake Schools, tied to the Christian nature of giving. "I've always approached my work as a ministry," he said, rushing out to review the SAVE THE DATE postcard, inviting all OLS supporters to the 125th Anniversary Celebration in July 2010 for the Quasquicentennial.
"This looks good," he said. "How soon can we mail it?" The wheels never stop.
From: Good News, Orchard Lake, No. 85 (Summer 2010)