When there are fingerprints on something, it usually means there was someone involved in creating, changing or developing that thing. That's true, too, with our brother, priest-friar Richard Zelik, OFM Cap. Though a self-described “senior friar” now and “almost semi-retired,” he continues to leave his fingerprints on several different ministries that make for an interesting and challenging week.
On weekday mornings, he celebrates Mass for the School Sisters of Saint Francis at Mount Assisi. Over the past few months, fr. Rich shared the commitment of that daily celebration of Mass with confrere Jonathan Williams, OFM Cap., who was also a welcome guest presider for the Sisters. Jonathan recently passed to the Lord, and he is genuinely missed by the Sisters. They expressed their gratitude for the Capuchin Franciscan presence and often take time to chat with us after Mass.
Both of our friars learned quickly, of course, that these retired Franciscan Sisters had their own fingerprints on many international ministerial experiences beyond their work as educators. They're eager to recount stories of their Provinces and missions in India, Chili, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Central Asia and Kazakhstan. Celebrants have found that, for every personal story they themselves share, the Sisters respond with their own memories. All those fingerprints left indelible marks on the hearts of men, women and children around the world. The Sister-seniors continue to exercise their hearts in prayer for others, though now without the burden of travelling across the world. Aging may narrow the world, but the Sisters continue to mark their fingerprints both locally and beyond.
On weekends, Rich might be said to have a "country home" in the Greensburg Diocese in Westmoreland County at St. Anne’s Church in Rostraver and Holy Family Church in West Newton. Pastor Fr. David Nazimek invites Rich to add his fingerprints to the weekend Masses. Their collaboration has been a welcome blessing to the parishioners. And of course, Capuchins love to find themselves where parishioners are.
As chaplain to the Allegheny County Jail, Rich certainly leaves his mark on the incarcerated folks that he ministers to each week. The “captive audience” responds appreciatively when he celebrates Mass in person and have found in him a confidante and advocate. Some, once released, maintain a connection because of that bond they've created. In addition, our confrere gathers a few local parishioners to proclaim the readings that he records every week. The videos of the readings, our confrere’s homilies as well as thematic liturgical music and songs offer each prisoner an opportunity for inspiration and encouragement.
Part of Rich's ministry with the corrections community includes his affiliation with Amachi Pittsburgh whose mission is to raise awareness and deliver services to families and children of incarcerated parents. Because children of incarcerated parents are one of the most underserved constituencies, Amachi focuses on strengthening families, one on one mentoring and empowering youth.
It's pretty obvious that "Senior Friars" don’t retire: they just find new and different ways to leave fingerprints.