Staff

Tom was born and raised in Poland, where his early service in the Catholic Church inspired his lifelong call to ministry. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from the Theological Institute in 2002 and later continued his studies in the United States, completing a Master of Divinity at Loyola University Chicago. His ministry has included family outreach at Holy Innocents Parish, chaplaincy at UIC Hospital, and pastoral leadership at St. Stan’s Polish Independent Catholic Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Chicago’s Little Village.

Tom’s work focuses on spiritual care, community building, and advocacy for dignity and human values, particularly for immigrants, veterans, stroke survivors, and those impacted by trauma. He has also led humanitarian projects including earthquake relief in Mexico, outreach to unhoused and food insecure communities, refugees, and opening a migrant shelter in Chicago that served 25 adults and children over two years. His journey reflects a deep commitment to faith, service, and building welcoming communities.

Pastor Tom speaks English, Spanish, and Polish.
El pastor Tom habla inglés, español y polaco.
Pastor Tom mówi po angielsku, hiszpańsku i polsku.

Katherine Kishka is a distinguished musician and educator with a Ph.D. in musicology and a Doctorate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the National P.I. Tchaikovsky Music Academy in Kyiv, Ukraine. For more than forty years, she has taught at respected institutions including City Colleges of Chicago (Wilbur Wright College campus), Balti State University, and her alma mater in Kyiv. Her career in liturgical music spans multiple communities and denominations, most recently Acacia Park Lutheran Church in Norridge and Holy Trinity Evangelical Church/Clovinian in Chicago.

Beyond her musical leadership, she partners closely with the Ukrainian Christian Church in Willow Springs to support humanitarian aid. This ongoing effort has already sent over 15 tons of food and clothing overseas, and continues to provide much needed essential supplies to those who remain impacted by the war.