DANVILLE — That Father Ted Pracz is a happy priest is obvious, from his ready smile to the number of times he works the word “joy” into a conversation.

So he doesn’t see his pending transition to senior status as a “retirement.”

“My plan is to enjoy my priestly life as I always have,” said Father Pracz, who will turn 76 in August and has guided Holy Family Parish here for 21 years. “I’ll just be going into a slower gear.”

What brings Father Pracz particular satisfaction is seeing the hunger for God in people of all stages and backgrounds of life fulfilled through encounters with God’s love.

“That’s the joy of priesthood,” he told The Catholic Post in a recent interview. “That’s our job.”

After Father Pracz settles into “enjoying God’s nature” at his new residence in rural Vermilion County near East Lynn, he hopes to assist area parishes as needed. He also plans to continue making regular visits to area nursing homes as well as to those incarcerated at the Danville Correctional Center, where he has served in prison ministry for two decades.

But before that happens, his grateful faith community at Holy Family has a few plans of its own.

On Sunday, June 9 — after Father Pracz celebrates a Mass of Thanksgiving at noon at Holy Family Church — the parish will host a reception in his honor at the Knights of Columbus Hall until 3:30 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

ORDAINED FOR LA SALETTES
Born in Poland, Father Pracz was 2 years old when he moved with his mother and six older siblings to the south side of Chicago. He attended St. Pancratius Grade School. After serving at the first Masses of two priests who were ordained for the Missionaries of Our Lady of LaSalette, he became interested in the community and attended high school at the seminary at the LaSalette community in Olivet.

He earned his philosophy and theology degrees from St. Procopius Seminary in Lisle, and was ordained a priest for the LaSalette Fathers by Bishop John B. Franz on April 23, 1966, in Olivet.

His first eight years after ordination were spent as a guidance counselor at Schlarman High School in Danville. Father Pracz was the first priest to hold that post, and recalled the teens were initially hesitant to talk with him, believing he would try to steer them into religious life.

“I made appointments to see every kid I could, one-on-one,” he said, and earned their trust. “They were wonderful years.”

Father Pracz then did regional retreat work before becoming pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish in Hoopeston in 1982.

“I always had a hunger to work in parishes,” said Father Pracz. At Hoopeston, he became active in Hispanic ministry, regularly offering Mass and religious education in the camps of migrant workers.

In 1992, he was incardinated into the Diocese of Peoria and became pastor of Holy Family Parish, Danville.

“I’m grateful for all the experiences as a member of LaSalette,” said Father Pracz. “I strongly believe that every moment we have prepares us for the next one in God’s plan.”

He characterized Holy Family Parish as a “very welcoming” community that lives up to its name. “It was easy to be pastor here,” he said. “The same with Hoopeston.”

A difficult period came two years ago when the parish school closed during the merger that formed Schlarman Academy. “People were very supportive” of the school, said Father Pracz and some sadness remains.

But the parish support is being evidenced anew as Holy Family plans the construction of a new parish center. In the final approval stages, the proposed center would include a grand hall with movable walls for religious education and high school youth group use.

“At least I can get it off the ground,” said Father Pracz of the new project. “The next pastor can finish it.”

Meanwhile, Father Pracz — who has been vicar of the Danville vicariate since 1996 and has served on the diocesan Presbyteral Council and as a consultor, remains open to the future plans of his life’s Architect.

“God has always surprised me,” he said. Calling the priesthood an “adventure,” he added “I look forward to the adventure going on.”

Congratulatory notes may be sent to Father Pracz at Holy Family Church, 444 E. Main St., Danville, IL 61832.