Hello! I was ordained a Roman Catholic priest by Bishop Nelson Perez on May 18, 2019 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Cleveland. I am the only child of two wonderful parents, Arthur and Anne Petkosek of Amherst, Ohio. My mother is a retired teacher of thirty-five years; and my father is retired from the FAA, where he worked as an assistant manager for automation at the Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Center.
I grew up attending St. Peter Parish in Lorain where I was blessed to serve in the ministries of altar server, lector, and extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. During my senior year of high school, Fr. Ken Wolnowski (deceased) employed me as the parish sacristan. This experience proved to be formative in my life of faith and helped to cultivate the calling from God to consider the priesthood.
My studies at the University of Dayton led me to the federal Civil Service in 2005, when I accepted a job with the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. It was a privilege to work in several research and strategic positions that explored the operational needs of the Air Force and sought to develop technological solutions. After eight years, I left federal service to return home and formally discern the priesthood for the Diocese of Cleveland.
Seminary formation blessed me with many wonderful opportunities to discover God’s grace at work in my life, the chance to serve God’s people through a variety of ministries, and the company of good men that I call brothers. My diaconate assignment took me to Mary Queen of the Apostles in Brook Park. I thoroughly enjoy the study of theology, writing, and teaching and try to find opportunities to relax in mountain biking and movies.
I am excited to be assigned to our parish and to journey in faith with all of you!