My name is Steve Jekielek.  I am currently 46 years old.  I am from Lewiston, New York where I own a house.  My parents live in Lewiston while my two sisters and their families live in the Niagara Falls area.  I am the middle child.  I attended public schools all my life and graduated with two degrees from the University at Buffalo.  I worked my entire nineteen-year career for one company.  I began working in the production labs but quickly found that my real interest was in the business end.  I moved to Operations Management and went back to school at night to earn my MBA.  I continued to advance my career, taking on greater roles.  I eventually was a member of a team of people from around the world that worked to implement a global software system to run the business.  I totally enjoyed my work.  I ended my career as a project manager in charge of support of the global software.
          I eventually realized that I must pursue this feeling that I had that I was meant to be a priest.  I was very involved in my home parish and I found that I was happier doing that ministry than I was doing my work.  My love for God and the joy I get from helping others made me realize that the priesthood is really, where I am meant to be.  I came to the Seminary in January of 2005 and began my Pre-Theology studies of Philosophy.  I am currently finishing Second Theology and will begin my Pastoral Year assignment in May of 2008.  During this Pastoral Year, I will reside and work at Blessed Sacrament Parish in the City of Buffalo to gain hands-on pastoral experience.  I have just completed a Field Education assignment at the Response to Love Center, which provides food and education for the most underprivileged people in our diocese.  It was a fantastic experience! 
          While we spend a lot of time studying at the seminary, we also make time for many fun activities. During my free time, I love to cook, watch and play sports, watch movies, and go to the theater.  Before entering the seminary, I was part of a community theater group working in administration of the group, behind the scenes, and on stage.  I also love to read.  However, most of my reading now involves textbooks!