Staff

Pastor Tom Pels

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.

Staff

Katherine Kishka, Organist