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FIRST ONE TO BE ORDAINED:
Father Charles Wonch, SCJ Charles “Chuck” Wonch, SCJ, returned to his home diocese of Jackson, Miss., May 18, for his ordination to the priesthood. A member of the Priests of the Sacred Heart since 1997, Fr. Chuck is 55. He was ordained to the diaconate last December. 
Although he was born in Washington State, Fr. Chuck considers Mississippi — where he lived for 26 years – to be home. After serving in the Air Force, Fr. Chuck moved to Crystal Springs and earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Jackson State University. He later earned a master's in theological studies from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala. In 2001, Fr. Chuck completed a master's in divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Following his vocation later in life, Fr. Chuck is grateful for his years of candidacy and novitiate. “They were a great help for me in making the transition from living alone to living in the SCJ community.” 
A s a seminary student, Fr. Chuck was active in local parish activities, including RCIA and liturgy planning, and in various social outreach programs in Chicago's inner city. Before completing his studies at CTU, Fr. Chuck spent a year ministering on the Lower Brule Indian Reservation in South Dakota. It's a ministry to which he was anxious to return full-time last year. Besides parish ministry on the Crow Creek and Lower Brule reservations, Fr. Chuck has also taught English and computer skills at the local junior college. “God has opened many new paths for me and I hope that I will always be able to continue to serve as He leads me,” said Fr. Chuck. Fr. Chuck was ordained by Bishop William Houck, bishop of Jackson, along with a diocesan priest. It was an historic celebration for the diocese. Not only were two men being ordained to the priesthood, but Fr. Ricardo Phipps was the first black Mississippian to be ordained for the diocese. Soon after the ordination, Fr. Chuck was back to the South Dakota prairie that he loves. He will continue his ministry with the Lower Brule Pastoral Team. WANT TO SEE MORE?
 
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