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WHITING, Ind. — Reflecting on his priesthood, Monsignor Frank Korba was sure of one thing: “God as my witness, I loved every liturgy I stood at the altar for. It was a privilege, a joy, and a gift.”
“To be able to stand at the altar and make Christ present for all those people in the pews — they walked out better than when they walked in. They came in with their troubles, they left strengthened,” he said.
Monsignor Korba offered this gift throughout the eparchy for more than 40 years of active ministry. He did it all: he built churches, renovated buildings, and formed strong communities, due to his welcoming disposition and love for the Byzantine Catholic Church.
After serving as the cathedral rector in the 1980s, where he entirely redesigned the church interior, he was assigned to St. Nicholas Parish in Munster, Indiana, his home parish, where he spent more than 25 years spreading the joy of the Gospel.
Father Michael Evanick, also retired from active ministry, said the secret to the priesthood is doing what Jesus did. “You gotta work with the people and be merciful to them,” he told Horizons.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Father Evanick’s priesthood took him to St. Michael Parish in Gary, Indiana, which he relocated to nearby Merrillville. His commitment to pastoral work put that parish on a strong footing.
He is especially proud of the church’s generous volunteers, to whom he attributes the parish’s success.
Now in retirement, the priests who gave their lives to the church are being cared for in part through the annual Stewardship Appeal, which assures that they can receive comprehensive medical insurance after many years of generous service.
At press time, the appeal results were about $40,000 short of its $190,000 goal.
“This shortfall will have a very real impact on the various ministries that are supported by the appeal,” said campaign coordinator John Popp.
“If you haven’t yet donated, please consider supporting the campaign today. If you have already donated, and your heart feels pulled to do more, your extra donations are certainly welcome,” he said.
Popp said the monies collected “play a vital role in the ministry and operation” of the eparchy.
The appeal officially ends March 31, but donations are accepted until June 30.
Caption 1: Father Michael Evanick is interviewed at St. Mary church in Whiting, Indiana.
Caption 2: Monsignor Frank Korba is interviewed at his home in Munster, Indiana.
As published in Horizons, March 25, 2018.
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