Rev. Jack Ruzicka

My favorite definition of "mercy" is "love poured out on misery."  That was exactly what I experienced in the confessional on Sunday, October 24, 2010.  I was 16 years old and was a sophomore in high school.  In that moment, the priest spoke truth into areas of my life where I was believing lies about myself and God.  It was the loving, merciful example of that priest that set me on the trajectory of discerning a vocation to the priesthood.
I was born and raised in South St. Louis City and am the youngest of 4 siblings.  My home parish was Immaculate Heart of Mary and I attended St. Mary's High School.  My confession experience my sophomore year was so impactful that I felt called to enter seminary immediately after high school.  I graduated from St. Mary's in 2013 and entered Kenrick-Glennon Seminary that Fall.  Eight years later, I was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 2021 and now I find myself as the new association pastor of St. Peter's in Kirkwood.  
I love reading, learning about history, watching movies, and listening to (and playing) music.  I look forward to serving this community and building relationships with this incredible parish family.