Father John became our new priest on May 13, 2024. Get to know a little about Father John by reading the following interview:
Are you a native Texan?
Yes! I was born on August 8, 1959, at Amarillo Air Force Base in Amarillo, Texas.
Tell us about your family.
My parents were from Massachusetts. I come from a family of six siblings. I am the second of six children, 5 boys and 1 girl. My sister is the baby of the family. Two of my brothers and my parents have passed away.
Any fun family tidbits?
My last name is Boiko, but I am not Czech. My dad’s family is from Ukraine, and my mom’s family is from Ireland. A year after I was ordained, I went to Ireland. I stayed in the house where my grandmother lived, and I celebrated Mass at the school where my grandmother had attended in Ireland.
Which seminary did you attend?
I started studying the Claretian Missionary Sons of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Berkley, California. Then I joined the Diocese of Austin and attended the St. Mary Seminary in Houston, Texas.
Where did you get ordained?
My deacon ordination was on December 27, 1986, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Austin, Texas on the Feast of St. John the Baptist. I was ordained a priest on May 30, 1987, at St. Louis Church in Austin, Texas. I was ordained a priest with Father Ed Karasek. I was ordained deacon and priest by Bishop John E. McCarthy.
What ministries have you been involved in?
I served as missionary priest at Arteaga, Mexico for the Diocese of Austin. I served as a hospital chaplain at Providence Hospital in Waco, Texas. I was the Diocesan Spiritual Director for the Guadalupanas for six years.
Father John Boiko comes to us from St. Mary of the Assumption parish in West, Texas. Prior to his coming to Rockdale, he temporarily served during the month of April at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Austin.