Rev. Jonathan R. Ruzicka

Fr. Ruzicka was raised in south Saint Louis City. He is the youngest of four children born to John and Jeanne Ruzicka. Although he was baptized and raised Catholic, he did not fully embrace the Catholic Faith until he attended a youth retreat as an 8th Grader. 
 
During his sophomore year of high school, Jack felt a subtle yet profound call to serve God as a priest after a life-changing experience in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. After graduating from Saint Mary’s High School in May of 2013, he entered Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in August of that same year. He graduated from Cardinal Glennon College Seminary in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. In May 2021, he graduated from Kenrick School of Theology with an M.A. in Theology and Divinity.
 
Father Ruzicka was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on May 29, 2021 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. He returns to St. Joseph Parish as Associate Pastor and part time chaplain of Saint Pius X High School in Festus. St. Joseph Parish holds a special place in Fr. Ruzicka’s heart, as he previously served here as a full-time intern from 2018-2019. He is honored to serve the good people of St. Joseph as a priest! “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” (2 Corinthians 12:15).