Most of us have a hard time trying to figure out what to do when we become adults—it can be the age-old question that can take years for most to figure out. Frank Zolvinski, however, knew that he wanted his life path to follow faith as early as the eighth grade and has made a rewarding career doing so as the Deacon at St. Joseph Catholic Church in La Porte.
“I feel this is where God, the Holy Spirit, wants me,” Zolvinski said. “My life is centered around church and ministry. If God didn't want me to do what I'm doing, I wouldn't be here, and He would have told me a long time ago if I needed to quit, but he hasn’t.”
Born and raised in Michigan City, Zolvinski and his six siblings went to St. Mary’s School of Michigan City. After graduating from eighth grade in 1964, Zolvinski headed to Mason, Wisconsin to attend Salvatorian Seminary School, as he planned to attend vocational priesthood post-graduation. After graduating, he came back home to Indiana and attended Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. Zolvinski graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy.
“I graduated and then took some time off. I was thinking I needed to have some time to discern my vocation, that I was going to continue to go on to the priesthood,” Zolvinski said.
In 1972, Zolvinski ended up in La Porte where he planned to take time off, but he actually ended up working for the Diocese of Gary. While there, he was sent to work for the migrant ministry and Zolvinski fell in love with this job.
“I worked in the migrant camps, helping them with all kinds of things like taking them to the doctor, providing blankets and clothing, and setting up programs for the children. I set up mass on the campgrounds where Spanish priests came in from service, and this is also where I met my wife, Susan,” Zolvinski said. “That's how I got to La Porte and I've been here ever since, continuing my life in the faith.”
After working in migrant camps, Zolvinski received a job at St. Peter’s where he worked for 11 years organizing classes for adults and religious programs, and also sang in the folk choir.
In the summer of 1987, after a new Bishop joined the church, Zolvinski was asked to come back to the Diocese of Gary to start a department of youth ministry. From 1987-2015, Zolvinski served the Diocese of Gary branches all across the Region.
Before retiring at the age of 65 in 2015, Zolvinski talked to his bishop about remaining an active member of the church. As of 2013, he was ordained as a Deacon Frank Zolvinsk for Sacred Heart Church (Holy Family Parish). As a Deacon, Zolvinski does a lot of weddings and funerals but his real passion lies as a volunteer.
“The scripture passage Matthew 25 nails it for me because I’m to be of service to help those who are in need,” Zolvinksi said. “I am here to help the homeless, the outcasts, the widows, all those people that Jesus hung out with, and to be of service whether it’s spiritual or physical need.”
Always on the path to be of service to those in need, Zolvinski attends and serves in every type of program he can and also helps with partner organizations. He and fellow parishioners help Meals on Wheels. He also helps with the Red Cross Blood Drive, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and so many others. He hosts a monthly support group for caregivers, and a fall and Lent book club, and he also has a program to make the Catholic church more equitable. Recently, he has started a recycling program at his church where the funds go to local food banks. His parishioners also help with a weekend backpack program where children are able to get meals to help them through the weekend. If there is a need and Zolvinski can be of service, he’ll be there.
“My idea is to help make people aware of what the needs are and then say, ‘Here are some opportunities for you to use your gifts to build up God's kingdom,’” Zolvinski said.
When Zolvinski has free time, he and his wife of 40 years, Susan, walk at least two miles every day on their local park trails. If not walking, they spend time with their three grandchildren or travel. Zolvinski also loves to read, play music, go outdoors, and enjoy the simplest things in life.