Fr. Grzegorz Ogorzalek (Fr. Gregory)
My name is Fr Gregory (Grzegorz) Ogorzalek. I was born in Zamość (Poland), and raised in the small town of Turobin in the southeast. I have a younger sister and brother. They are both married. My parents are farmers, and I know what it means to work hard from an early age. Maybe this is also why I love nature so much.
During my high school years, I was part of a youth ministry in my parish. During one of the youth retreats, I had moments that I like to call: awakening. From then, my faith became alive. So, after some time, I began to discern a vocation to the priesthood.
I have always seen myself as someone who could work with youth and students.
After graduating high school, I applied to the Metropolitan Seminary of Lublin. My application was accepted, and the process of further discerning has continued. After six years of formation, full of ups and downs, I became a priest on May 26, 2007. I was appointed to my first parish as an associate in Krasnik. After almost four years, I was transferred and worked in the diocesan youth ministry in Lublin. I went with a group of young people to World Youth Day in Spain and Brazil during this time. It was also a fantastic time of creative work with students. I also began work on doctoral studies in the Theology of Spirituality at the Catholic University of Lublin. I defended my dissertation after four years. My doctoral thesis was titled: "The spirituality of encounter in life and legacy of Fr Henri Nouwen."
I have also worked as an associate for one year in the Cathedral church in Lublin.
After eight years of priesthood, my bishop asked if I could work as a spiritual director in the seminary. Aware of the significant responsibility, I began a six-year journey with young men who were discerning a vocation to the priesthood. I was happy to accompany these guys during their time of formation.
I spent my summer break in England and USA while working in the seminary. I was visiting my friends and learning how the Church does its work in these countries. I had a very positive experience. I started thinking and discerning that maybe someday I could work in English speaking country. Long story short, my bishop let me go to work in Canada, and I arrived here on August 18, 2021. I'm grateful to bishop Crosby that I can serve in the Diocese of Hamilton.
I love meeting friends, travelling, reading good books, photography, and making videos. I also like watching movies and discussing them. My favourite sports activity: are running, hiking, and swimming.
I enjoy my time in Canada and look forward to getting to know you and serving you.
Sister Mary McIntyre
Sr. Mary is the Coordinator of Liturgical Ministries for Canadian Martyrs Parish and Chaplaincy. Sr. Mary also provides ongoing spiritual direction for Canadian Martyrs Chaplaincy. This includes a weekly drop for spiritual direction and guidance on campus Wednesday mornings. She can be found in the back pew of the church at all the weekend liturgies and loves to meet and greet members of our faith community. She is a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada who have a long history in the Diocese of Hamilton.
Deacon Andrew Roch
Born into a large Catholic family, Deacon Roch has strong roots in the community, having spent his whole life in Hamilton. He has worked in Hamilton all of his life, mainly at McMaster University.
Ordained as a Permanent Deacon in 2008 after attending St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto, he has served as a Deacon in the downtown Hamilton core, and his experience there taught him about the value of a strong Parish presence and how it strengthens the Community. We are only as strong as our people’s faith.
Outside of his Parish duties and work you may find him on his mountain bike on the beautiful Hamilton trails, as he loves nature. He also enjoys reading, watching history programs and being a part-time armchair referee for all things football.
Campus Minister: Jason Greig
Jason lives in Kitchener with his wife and two sons. He spent over 13 years in L'Arche, living with and accompanying people with various abilities. He has taught as a part-time lecturer at King's University College in London, Ontario, bringing Disability Studies in dialogue with theology and bioethics. He entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 1999 and has come more and more to value the traditions, practices, and spirituality of Catholicism. He is excited to begin his role as the campus minister and greatly looks forward to serving with you in God's work of witnessing to the peace and joy of Christ in the world.
Music Minister: Tyler Seidenberg
A father of seven, Tyler works as a freelance musician/producer, private educator, and social media influencer (Mr S. the Catechist) based out of Burlington. His original music has been performed on radio and television across North America, streamed globally hundreds of thousands of times on Youtube, Spotify etc., and his Catholic educational videos have reached over one million views online, inspiring thousands of people all over the world.