Fr. Krzysztof Gazdowicz

“Father Krzysztof,” as he is best-known, was born in Brzozow, Poland, where he lived with his family until he attended the seminary in Cracow.

When he was 19, he joined the Order of Capuchin Fathers of St. Francis of Assisi and completed his philosophical studies at the Papal Theological Academy in Krakow. During college, Father Krzysztof was a member of the Mission Club and other student organizations that ministered to the poor.

In 1996, he transferred to the Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius, in Orchard Lake, Michigan, where he was enrolled in the pre-theology program for cultural adjustment and in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. It was at this time that Father Krzysztof came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He wanted to become a priest when he was a child but felt God calling him when he was in high school. He completed his seminary at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary and was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on March 29, 2003. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of St. Petersburg by Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch on May 15, 2004.

Since ordination, he has served as Parochial Vicar at Corpus Christi Parish, Temple Terrace (2004-2007), St. Catherine of Siena, Clearwater (2007-2009), and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Spring Hill (2009-2013). On July 1, 2013, he was assigned as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Dade City, where he served until 2024. From 2017 to 2024, he also held the office of Vicar Forane of the East Central Deanery. On July 1, 2024, Father Krzysztof began his current assignment as Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, New Port Richey, Florida.