Page 7
embraced the Belleville community and that he greets the
students as they start their day at BellevilleHighSchool.
“Newly appointed as the Pastor, Father John was asked
by Belleville High School to give a blessing at the Robotics
competition,” she said. “We appreciate his time and energy
and involvement in somany activities,” Pesta said.
Kiselica said that his first reaction on learning of his new
post was “Where is Belleville?” While he served in several
communities in the state, he is a native of Hartford, CN and
grewup inSyracuse, NY. He saidhe had to consult amap to
findBelleville but after his first drive through the communi-
ty he was won over by the warm, small-town atmosphere
and friendly people.
Hewill undoubtedly be evenmore impressed by the spir-
it of community and celebration that the Strawberry
Festival brings to town. While all the venues will be packed
with visiting crowds, the St. Anthony participation has
always been ahuge part of the event.
St. Anthony's will again offer live bands and entertain-
ment, bingo, a carnival midway, pony rides, Polish foods and
ahuge variety of all things strawberry for sale.
Kiselica has been warmly welcomed by members of the
parish, including John Zaroff who commented, “Father
John is breathing new life into our parish.”
Others appreciateKiselica'smanagement style.
“Father John has taken control and the parish seems to
have peace and tranquility,” said parishioner Sharon
Manier.
“Father John has turned our church into a place where
you want to come and worship,” agreed Marcel and Linda
LeBlanc. “His sermons make you sit back and think onmat-
ters like your salvation. We are very grateful for his calling
to be a priest.”
