St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Altoona recently announced on its Facebook page that June 28 was the 17th Anniversary of Fr. Derek Sakowski's ordination.

Sakowski received a Licentiate in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. before completing his theological studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, the announcement said. He was ordained on June 28, 2003 for the Diocese of La Crosse. 

Sakowski earned a Licentiate in Theology in 2010 and a Doctorate in 2012 from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He now pastors St. Mary's and St. Raymond's parishes and is Dean of the Eau Claire Deanery.

“We are so blessed to have him at St. Mary's,” the post said.

“When parishioners ask me where I grew up, I like to quip that I am still figuring out the whole growing up thing,” Sakowski wrote on his blog. “ I was raised by my mother and stepfather in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, together with my four siblings.“

While he and his siblings are grateful for their upbringing, “It wasn’t always easy,” Sakowski wrote.

In recent years, he says, “I’ve embarked on a journey of deeper emotional and spiritual healing, which I believe has enriched my ministry as a priest, not to mention my identity as a beloved child of God.”