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Convicted child molester Father Ken Greer second from left. Then Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Regina Msgr. Donald Bolan fourth from left - Bolan is now the Bishop of Saskatoon. Also concelebrating is Father Eugene Schaffer. Fr. Gordon Rushika celbrant is in the centre. Priest to right concelebrating unknown.
September 21, 2009
On Sunday, September 20, the parishioners of St. Joseph Parish – Balgonie, and St. Agnes Parish – Pilot Butte celebrated the 50th anniversary of the ordination of former pastor, Rev. Gordon Rushka in the presence of many fellow priests, sisters, religious, family members, and friends. The church was filled to capacity with family members and parishioners.
Rev. Rushka attended St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton and Regina Cleri Seminary, Regina. He was ordained September 19, 1959 by Archbishop O’Neill. His first assignment was as Assistant Priest at St. Cecilia’s, Regina. In 1961 he was assigned as pastor to St. Ann, Kennedy. His following assignments were St. Francis Xavier – Wawota, Our Lady of Hope – Dumas. Sacred Heart – Benson, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception – Macoun, St. Joseph – Midale, The Immaculate Heart of Mary – Outlook, Holy Redeemer – Elbow, Our Lady of LaSalette – Forget, St. Aloysius – Fillmore, The Infant Jesus – Griffin, Church of Our Lady – Carlyle, The Immaculate Heart of Mary – Arcola, St. Francis – White Bear, The Sacred Heart Chapel – Kenosee Lake, St. Joseph – Manor, St. Joseph – Balgonie, St. Agnes – Pilot Butte. In 1974 he was also given responsibility for the Chaplaincy of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Estevan.
Rev. Rushka is now retired from permanent ministry but frequently assists priests throughout the diocese by celebrating mass for them in their absence. He also celebrates weekly mass at the Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy (EADM) apostolate and spends several hours there daily in front of the Blessed Sacrament, praying for others. He currently resides at Martha House, Regina.
The celebration day on September 20, 2009 started with Sunday Liturgy with Rev. Ken Greer as homilist and several brother priests in attendance. Archbishop Bohan was unable to attend as he was in Swift Current at an Archdiocesan 100th anniversary celebration. He was represented by Vicar General Emeritus Rev. Msgr. Ken Miller and current Vicar General Rev. Msgr. Donald Bolen, who is also the current pastor of St. Joseph and St. Agnes Parishes. Rev. Msgr. Bolen read the Archbishop’s congratulatory letter to Rev. Rushka.
The celebration continued with a luncheon and program attended by close to 300 people in the Balgonie Multi-Plex. Presenters included representatives of the Catholic Women’s League, Knights of Columbus, Queen of Peace Centre, and EADM. Private tributes were also given. Rev. Msgr. Miller presented Rev. Rushka with a beautifully framed Papal Blessing.
During the speeches, mention was made of his longevity in the face of many health trials including multiple knee replacement surgeries and open heart surgery. As Archbishop Daniel Bohan once described Rev. Rushka, he is the priest that shouldn’t be anywhere but you see him everywhere! But it is so important to Rev. Rushka to celebrate the presence of God in people’s lives.
The words of tribute to Rev. Rushka included his ability to praise God at all times, even in times of trouble, and his selflessness in giving the best of himself at all times, for the greater glory of God.
Rev. Rushka replied with heartfelt thanks to all but especially to God whose generosity he has experienced throughout his life. Before his ordination, he prayed to be able to say at least one mass, but through the generosity of God he has now said masses that number in the tens of thousands! He regards his life as one truly blessed.
Janette Rieger
Photos Bill Rieger