The latest news - Monsignor Francis Pointek, who served at Saint Malachy's Church from 1975 until 1981, passed away yesterday morning at the age of 100. There will be a viewing from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan 19. and immediately following will be a rosary and a vigil at the church. St. Malachy's Church will also host the funeral mass Monday, Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m.∼An era elapsed with the peaceful passing of Reverend Monsignor Francis Joseph Pointek on Jan. 15, 2014 at the age of one hundred years, three months and 22 days. The Mass of Christian Burial was concelebrated on Jan. 20 by twenty priests of the Diocese of Fresno with the Most Reverend Armando X Ochoa, Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno, as main celebrant. Some 350 parishioners and friends were in attendance.
Reverend John Allen, flew to California to represent the Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, Ohio, where Monsignor Pointek, in 1928, began his twelve years of studies for the Priesthood culminating in his ordination on May 26, 1940.
A eulogy was delivered by Monsignor James Peterson, who years ago was a youthful acolyte serving Mass for a very young Father Pointek in Randsburg. Monsignor Peterson’s message was delivered with pathos, humor and great pride in his friend and former Pastor’s accomplishments. He was the fifth of eight children: John, Joseph, Mary, Anne, FRANCIS, Elizabeth, Kathryn, and Anthony. His only surviving sibling is Kathryn Chwaz, 96, of Boron. He is also survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews into the fourth generation.
His Ordination brought him to Fresno, which then, was a part of the very large Monterey-Fresno Diocese. This Priest, soon to have marked 74 years of service, ministered to many parishes throughout the Diocese (now, the Fresno Diocese) officiating at births, marriages, deaths as well as administering to the sick and dying , counseling and listening plus teaching both young and old. All this: being routine in the life of a priest. His last parish was St. Malachy Church in Tehachapi from which he retired in 1981. Of course, his work did not end with retirement and what made him special was the simplicity with which he carried out his priestly duties. He traveled the Diocese subbing in other parishes, celebrating daily Mass and being a willing ear to anyone who needed help. Father Michael Cox, Pastor of St. Malachy Church, always extended a welcome invitation and a thank you for his assistance.
His appearance was that of an ordinary humble working man. His pickup was full of spiritual literature and useful supplies for the less fortunate. His home was simply furnished, material things never being important. He never met a stranger and was known to “literally” give the shirt off his back as well as his coat and shoes, to the needy. Monetary aid was frequently provided.
He was a learned man with an impeccable memory for the most minute details. He spoke several languages, played the trumpet and keyboard, loved opera, had piloted a small aircraft and was a one round-trip world traveler on a miniscule budget. On a lighter note, another talent that would get one’s attention immediately was his ear-splitting, finger whistle!
An immense void exists with the passing of this humble, holy, one hundred year old man. He is at peace and asked that you continue to pray for him knowing that his prayers are with you, always.
A Vigil Rosary was recited at St. Malachy’s on the evening of Jan. 19, led by Deacon Richard Lambert. Father Michael Cox spoke and outlined an interesting personal history of Monsignor Pointek’s life. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, with Deacon Lambert officiating.
Lane Family Funeral Home in Delano handled the arrangements.
Donations in his memory may be directed to St.Vincent de Paul Society at St. Malachy Church, Hoffman Hospice or your favorite charity.
****************************************************
Monsignor Francis Pointek: A century of service
In 1913, the 20th Century had just gotten a good beginning when, in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., Jacob and Catharine Pointek welcomed a son, Francis Joseph Pointek, on Sept. 23.
Woodrow Wilson had just been inaugurated as the 28th President of the United States on March 4 of that year and World War I was yet to come. These events took place 100 years ago and Monsignor Francis Pointek will very soon be reaching the century mark. Seventy-three of those years have been spent as a "man of the cloth", a Catholic Priest.
"Frank" Pointek attended local Wilkes-Barre parochial elementary schools and G.A.R. Memorial High School for a time until 1928 when he entered the Pontifical College Josephinum at Worthington, Ohio, where he would study for the next 12 years. He was one year late entering the studies having broken his leg in 1927. The break was so serious that the doctor said it was necessary to amputate the limb. His father, Jacob, refused to leave his son's side until the doctor agreed to do surgery and implant metal to try to save the leg. The operation was a success and the metal is still within Monsignor's leg today.
In the seminary he played the organ and directed the choir as well as gaining a reputation as a Latin and Greek scholar. It was required of students to include Latin as well as German in their conversations. A common greeting for the professor when entering the classroom would be, "Laudetur Jesus Christus" (Praise be Jesus Christ). The reply would be, "Nunc et in aeternam, Amen" (Now and forever, Amen). Monsignor's Latin professor was Father Harry Heck, D.D., Ph.D. Monsignor recalls that on Christmas vacation, which they had to spend at the seminary, Father Heck would see that they all got a gift from him. Monsignor states: "He was a 'heck' of a guy!"
After their Ordination in 1940, 20 priests of his graduating class found themselves answering a call to the "mission fields" of California where priests were needed. As an assistant at St. John's Cathedral in Fresno, San Carlos in Monterey and later as Administrator for Our Lady of Mercy in Merced, Monsignor Pointek became acquainted with the California inland and coastal climates which were a novel experience after the severe Pennsylvania seasons. The new priest was a "full speed ahead" sort of person and would be known to have established schools in most parishes for which he was Pastor.
By 1943, during World War II, he would be appointed as Ecclesiastical Chaplain of the Military Ordinariate for Monterey and the vicinity. Then, in 1946 he was transferred to the Mojave Desert parish church of St. Barbara in Randsburg. At that time St. Barbara was the mother church for the eastern part of the Diocese. He was instrumental in establishing Mission Churches at Ridgecrest, Inyokern, Cantil and Boron. St. Ann's Church at Ridgecrest and St.Joseph's Church in Boron were later established as parishes. He also served as Chaplain for the areas of the military bases of Muroc Air Force Base (later to be renamed Edwards Air Force Base) and the United States Naval Ordinance Testing Station at Inyokern.
There are some who recoil from the arid desert climate with its winds and triple digit temperatures, but the young Pennsylvania native found it to his liking. When he first saw the huge sandy expanse at what is now Edwards AFB, he asked what it was called. Someone told him it was a "dry lake." He replied, "Well, it's either a lake, or it isn't a lake!"
This Eastern side of the Diocese was pretty well isolated from the San Joaquin Valley area where most of the parishes were. Bishop was the most northern parish in the eastern part of the Diocese and from there one would find churches in Lone Pine and Death Valley as well as more southern sites such as the Ridgecrest, Randsburg, Boron and Mojave areas.
These "East Side Clergy" were separated from the Central California parishes in the San Joaquin Valley by the great Sierra Nevada Range with its unforgiving 14,500 feet high pinnacles and torturous narrow roads, passable only in summer.
A trip to Fresno to Diocesan affairs required driving down to Mojave and then going north again. From the Owens Valley it amounted to a 700 mile round trip. Father Pointek called it "going 'round the horn." As a result he took flying lessons at $10 per lesson, borrowed a plane and crossed the Sierra Nevada range in good time when called to the Diocesan meetings -- at least during good weather.
In 1946, when arriving in the little mining town of Randsburg, he had $7 in his pocket when the battery in the car he was driving was bad. He had to park the car on a hill so as to be able to coast down to start it. It worked.
The rectory, he found, was rented and he had no place to sleep. Rather than impose on parishioners, he slept on the floor of the altar which was carpeted. The sacristan woke him the next morning and told him they didn't allow bums to sleep in the church. He identified himself by showing the man a picture of himself in clerics. The aged sacristan told him the bell in the bell tower needed a new rope and the young priest found himself climbing a steep ladder to attach it with the elder parishioner standing by. The rectory was soon vacated and he settled in. He called it the "wreck-tory" as it needed work.
He enjoyed being the "Desert Priest" and remained so until being sent, in 1954, to St. John the Evangelist Church in Tipton where he remained until 1969. After spending a very short time in Los Banos, he was transferred to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bishop. He arrived in time for a record snow storm that paralyzed the little community for three days. He succumbed to the charm of the little Owens Valley community and the Bishop parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help were good to him.
In 1975, he was sent to the small parish of St. Malachy in Tehachapi to be the 22nd Pastor of the church that was established in 1887. Three hundred families were listed on the parish roster and the City of Tehachapi at that time, used the slogan, "4,000 population, 4000 elevation!"
He was also still well remembered by the people of the desert communities for seeing to the building of schools, and three churches while serving there. With the same spirit of accomplishment he was able to see to the complete payment of St. Malachy's parish debt and to accumulate enough funds, by frugal budgeting, for a new rectory to be built.
His Priest friends bestowed the name "Pancho" on him which is a Spanish name for Francisco or Francis (or Frank). He was to retire from duties at St. Malachy's in 1981 but that only meant "shifting gears" and loaning himself to other parishes whenever needed.
The one remaining fact that needs to be emphasized was that this man, this energetic person who touched all people and left his impression on their minds and souls, was most of all, first and foremost, a Priest, a man of God.
Happy 100th Birthday to Reverend Monsignor Francis Joseph Pointek! Feliz Cumpleanos to "Pancho," too!
Monsignor Pointek requests that no monetary gifts be given to him. He does ask for your prayers and good wishes, however. If you deem a gift of money be sent, please direct it to your favorite charity or St. Malachy's St. Vincent de Paul Charity.
NOTE: Monsignor's "baby sister," Kathryn Pointek Chwaz, age 95, has lived in Boron since 1949. He, at present, resides in Tehachapi, with his niece, Janet Roper.
Reverend John Allen, flew to California to represent the Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, Ohio, where Monsignor Pointek, in 1928, began his twelve years of studies for the Priesthood culminating in his ordination on May 26, 1940.
A eulogy was delivered by Monsignor James Peterson, who years ago was a youthful acolyte serving Mass for a very young Father Pointek in Randsburg. Monsignor Peterson’s message was delivered with pathos, humor and great pride in his friend and former Pastor’s accomplishments. He was the fifth of eight children: John, Joseph, Mary, Anne, FRANCIS, Elizabeth, Kathryn, and Anthony. His only surviving sibling is Kathryn Chwaz, 96, of Boron. He is also survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews into the fourth generation.
His Ordination brought him to Fresno, which then, was a part of the very large Monterey-Fresno Diocese. This Priest, soon to have marked 74 years of service, ministered to many parishes throughout the Diocese (now, the Fresno Diocese) officiating at births, marriages, deaths as well as administering to the sick and dying , counseling and listening plus teaching both young and old. All this: being routine in the life of a priest. His last parish was St. Malachy Church in Tehachapi from which he retired in 1981. Of course, his work did not end with retirement and what made him special was the simplicity with which he carried out his priestly duties. He traveled the Diocese subbing in other parishes, celebrating daily Mass and being a willing ear to anyone who needed help. Father Michael Cox, Pastor of St. Malachy Church, always extended a welcome invitation and a thank you for his assistance.
His appearance was that of an ordinary humble working man. His pickup was full of spiritual literature and useful supplies for the less fortunate. His home was simply furnished, material things never being important. He never met a stranger and was known to “literally” give the shirt off his back as well as his coat and shoes, to the needy. Monetary aid was frequently provided.
He was a learned man with an impeccable memory for the most minute details. He spoke several languages, played the trumpet and keyboard, loved opera, had piloted a small aircraft and was a one round-trip world traveler on a miniscule budget. On a lighter note, another talent that would get one’s attention immediately was his ear-splitting, finger whistle!
An immense void exists with the passing of this humble, holy, one hundred year old man. He is at peace and asked that you continue to pray for him knowing that his prayers are with you, always.
A Vigil Rosary was recited at St. Malachy’s on the evening of Jan. 19, led by Deacon Richard Lambert. Father Michael Cox spoke and outlined an interesting personal history of Monsignor Pointek’s life. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, with Deacon Lambert officiating.
Lane Family Funeral Home in Delano handled the arrangements.
Donations in his memory may be directed to St.Vincent de Paul Society at St. Malachy Church, Hoffman Hospice or your favorite charity.
****************************************************
Monsignor Francis Pointek: A century of service
In 1913, the 20th Century had just gotten a good beginning when, in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., Jacob and Catharine Pointek welcomed a son, Francis Joseph Pointek, on Sept. 23.
Woodrow Wilson had just been inaugurated as the 28th President of the United States on March 4 of that year and World War I was yet to come. These events took place 100 years ago and Monsignor Francis Pointek will very soon be reaching the century mark. Seventy-three of those years have been spent as a "man of the cloth", a Catholic Priest.
"Frank" Pointek attended local Wilkes-Barre parochial elementary schools and G.A.R. Memorial High School for a time until 1928 when he entered the Pontifical College Josephinum at Worthington, Ohio, where he would study for the next 12 years. He was one year late entering the studies having broken his leg in 1927. The break was so serious that the doctor said it was necessary to amputate the limb. His father, Jacob, refused to leave his son's side until the doctor agreed to do surgery and implant metal to try to save the leg. The operation was a success and the metal is still within Monsignor's leg today.
In the seminary he played the organ and directed the choir as well as gaining a reputation as a Latin and Greek scholar. It was required of students to include Latin as well as German in their conversations. A common greeting for the professor when entering the classroom would be, "Laudetur Jesus Christus" (Praise be Jesus Christ). The reply would be, "Nunc et in aeternam, Amen" (Now and forever, Amen). Monsignor's Latin professor was Father Harry Heck, D.D., Ph.D. Monsignor recalls that on Christmas vacation, which they had to spend at the seminary, Father Heck would see that they all got a gift from him. Monsignor states: "He was a 'heck' of a guy!"
After their Ordination in 1940, 20 priests of his graduating class found themselves answering a call to the "mission fields" of California where priests were needed. As an assistant at St. John's Cathedral in Fresno, San Carlos in Monterey and later as Administrator for Our Lady of Mercy in Merced, Monsignor Pointek became acquainted with the California inland and coastal climates which were a novel experience after the severe Pennsylvania seasons. The new priest was a "full speed ahead" sort of person and would be known to have established schools in most parishes for which he was Pastor.
By 1943, during World War II, he would be appointed as Ecclesiastical Chaplain of the Military Ordinariate for Monterey and the vicinity. Then, in 1946 he was transferred to the Mojave Desert parish church of St. Barbara in Randsburg. At that time St. Barbara was the mother church for the eastern part of the Diocese. He was instrumental in establishing Mission Churches at Ridgecrest, Inyokern, Cantil and Boron. St. Ann's Church at Ridgecrest and St.Joseph's Church in Boron were later established as parishes. He also served as Chaplain for the areas of the military bases of Muroc Air Force Base (later to be renamed Edwards Air Force Base) and the United States Naval Ordinance Testing Station at Inyokern.
There are some who recoil from the arid desert climate with its winds and triple digit temperatures, but the young Pennsylvania native found it to his liking. When he first saw the huge sandy expanse at what is now Edwards AFB, he asked what it was called. Someone told him it was a "dry lake." He replied, "Well, it's either a lake, or it isn't a lake!"
This Eastern side of the Diocese was pretty well isolated from the San Joaquin Valley area where most of the parishes were. Bishop was the most northern parish in the eastern part of the Diocese and from there one would find churches in Lone Pine and Death Valley as well as more southern sites such as the Ridgecrest, Randsburg, Boron and Mojave areas.
These "East Side Clergy" were separated from the Central California parishes in the San Joaquin Valley by the great Sierra Nevada Range with its unforgiving 14,500 feet high pinnacles and torturous narrow roads, passable only in summer.
A trip to Fresno to Diocesan affairs required driving down to Mojave and then going north again. From the Owens Valley it amounted to a 700 mile round trip. Father Pointek called it "going 'round the horn." As a result he took flying lessons at $10 per lesson, borrowed a plane and crossed the Sierra Nevada range in good time when called to the Diocesan meetings -- at least during good weather.
In 1946, when arriving in the little mining town of Randsburg, he had $7 in his pocket when the battery in the car he was driving was bad. He had to park the car on a hill so as to be able to coast down to start it. It worked.
The rectory, he found, was rented and he had no place to sleep. Rather than impose on parishioners, he slept on the floor of the altar which was carpeted. The sacristan woke him the next morning and told him they didn't allow bums to sleep in the church. He identified himself by showing the man a picture of himself in clerics. The aged sacristan told him the bell in the bell tower needed a new rope and the young priest found himself climbing a steep ladder to attach it with the elder parishioner standing by. The rectory was soon vacated and he settled in. He called it the "wreck-tory" as it needed work.
He enjoyed being the "Desert Priest" and remained so until being sent, in 1954, to St. John the Evangelist Church in Tipton where he remained until 1969. After spending a very short time in Los Banos, he was transferred to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bishop. He arrived in time for a record snow storm that paralyzed the little community for three days. He succumbed to the charm of the little Owens Valley community and the Bishop parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help were good to him.
In 1975, he was sent to the small parish of St. Malachy in Tehachapi to be the 22nd Pastor of the church that was established in 1887. Three hundred families were listed on the parish roster and the City of Tehachapi at that time, used the slogan, "4,000 population, 4000 elevation!"
He was also still well remembered by the people of the desert communities for seeing to the building of schools, and three churches while serving there. With the same spirit of accomplishment he was able to see to the complete payment of St. Malachy's parish debt and to accumulate enough funds, by frugal budgeting, for a new rectory to be built.
His Priest friends bestowed the name "Pancho" on him which is a Spanish name for Francisco or Francis (or Frank). He was to retire from duties at St. Malachy's in 1981 but that only meant "shifting gears" and loaning himself to other parishes whenever needed.
The one remaining fact that needs to be emphasized was that this man, this energetic person who touched all people and left his impression on their minds and souls, was most of all, first and foremost, a Priest, a man of God.
Happy 100th Birthday to Reverend Monsignor Francis Joseph Pointek! Feliz Cumpleanos to "Pancho," too!
Monsignor Pointek requests that no monetary gifts be given to him. He does ask for your prayers and good wishes, however. If you deem a gift of money be sent, please direct it to your favorite charity or St. Malachy's St. Vincent de Paul Charity.
NOTE: Monsignor's "baby sister," Kathryn Pointek Chwaz, age 95, has lived in Boron since 1949. He, at present, resides in Tehachapi, with his niece, Janet Roper.
The latest news - Monsignor Francis Pointek, who served at Saint Malachy's Church from 1975 until 1981, passed away yesterday morning at the age of 100. There will be a viewing from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan 19. and immediately following will be a rosary and a vigil at the church. St. Malachy's Church will also host the funeral mass Monday, Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m.∼An era elapsed with the peaceful passing of Reverend Monsignor Francis Joseph Pointek on Jan. 15, 2014 at the age of one hundred years, three months and 22 days. The Mass of Christian Burial was concelebrated on Jan. 20 by twenty priests of the Diocese of Fresno with the Most Reverend Armando X Ochoa, Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno, as main celebrant. Some 350 parishioners and friends were in attendance.
Reverend John Allen, flew to California to represent the Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, Ohio, where Monsignor Pointek, in 1928, began his twelve years of studies for the Priesthood culminating in his ordination on May 26, 1940.
A eulogy was delivered by Monsignor James Peterson, who years ago was a youthful acolyte serving Mass for a very young Father Pointek in Randsburg. Monsignor Peterson’s message was delivered with pathos, humor and great pride in his friend and former Pastor’s accomplishments. He was the fifth of eight children: John, Joseph, Mary, Anne, FRANCIS, Elizabeth, Kathryn, and Anthony. His only surviving sibling is Kathryn Chwaz, 96, of Boron. He is also survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews into the fourth generation.
His Ordination brought him to Fresno, which then, was a part of the very large Monterey-Fresno Diocese. This Priest, soon to have marked 74 years of service, ministered to many parishes throughout the Diocese (now, the Fresno Diocese) officiating at births, marriages, deaths as well as administering to the sick and dying , counseling and listening plus teaching both young and old. All this: being routine in the life of a priest. His last parish was St. Malachy Church in Tehachapi from which he retired in 1981. Of course, his work did not end with retirement and what made him special was the simplicity with which he carried out his priestly duties. He traveled the Diocese subbing in other parishes, celebrating daily Mass and being a willing ear to anyone who needed help. Father Michael Cox, Pastor of St. Malachy Church, always extended a welcome invitation and a thank you for his assistance.
His appearance was that of an ordinary humble working man. His pickup was full of spiritual literature and useful supplies for the less fortunate. His home was simply furnished, material things never being important. He never met a stranger and was known to “literally” give the shirt off his back as well as his coat and shoes, to the needy. Monetary aid was frequently provided.
He was a learned man with an impeccable memory for the most minute details. He spoke several languages, played the trumpet and keyboard, loved opera, had piloted a small aircraft and was a one round-trip world traveler on a miniscule budget. On a lighter note, another talent that would get one’s attention immediately was his ear-splitting, finger whistle!
An immense void exists with the passing of this humble, holy, one hundred year old man. He is at peace and asked that you continue to pray for him knowing that his prayers are with you, always.
A Vigil Rosary was recited at St. Malachy’s on the evening of Jan. 19, led by Deacon Richard Lambert. Father Michael Cox spoke and outlined an interesting personal history of Monsignor Pointek’s life. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, with Deacon Lambert officiating.
Lane Family Funeral Home in Delano handled the arrangements.
Donations in his memory may be directed to St.Vincent de Paul Society at St. Malachy Church, Hoffman Hospice or your favorite charity.
****************************************************
Monsignor Francis Pointek: A century of service
In 1913, the 20th Century had just gotten a good beginning when, in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., Jacob and Catharine Pointek welcomed a son, Francis Joseph Pointek, on Sept. 23.
Woodrow Wilson had just been inaugurated as the 28th President of the United States on March 4 of that year and World War I was yet to come. These events took place 100 years ago and Monsignor Francis Pointek will very soon be reaching the century mark. Seventy-three of those years have been spent as a "man of the cloth", a Catholic Priest.
"Frank" Pointek attended local Wilkes-Barre parochial elementary schools and G.A.R. Memorial High School for a time until 1928 when he entered the Pontifical College Josephinum at Worthington, Ohio, where he would study for the next 12 years. He was one year late entering the studies having broken his leg in 1927. The break was so serious that the doctor said it was necessary to amputate the limb. His father, Jacob, refused to leave his son's side until the doctor agreed to do surgery and implant metal to try to save the leg. The operation was a success and the metal is still within Monsignor's leg today.
In the seminary he played the organ and directed the choir as well as gaining a reputation as a Latin and Greek scholar. It was required of students to include Latin as well as German in their conversations. A common greeting for the professor when entering the classroom would be, "Laudetur Jesus Christus" (Praise be Jesus Christ). The reply would be, "Nunc et in aeternam, Amen" (Now and forever, Amen). Monsignor's Latin professor was Father Harry Heck, D.D., Ph.D. Monsignor recalls that on Christmas vacation, which they had to spend at the seminary, Father Heck would see that they all got a gift from him. Monsignor states: "He was a 'heck' of a guy!"
After their Ordination in 1940, 20 priests of his graduating class found themselves answering a call to the "mission fields" of California where priests were needed. As an assistant at St. John's Cathedral in Fresno, San Carlos in Monterey and later as Administrator for Our Lady of Mercy in Merced, Monsignor Pointek became acquainted with the California inland and coastal climates which were a novel experience after the severe Pennsylvania seasons. The new priest was a "full speed ahead" sort of person and would be known to have established schools in most parishes for which he was Pastor.
By 1943, during World War II, he would be appointed as Ecclesiastical Chaplain of the Military Ordinariate for Monterey and the vicinity. Then, in 1946 he was transferred to the Mojave Desert parish church of St. Barbara in Randsburg. At that time St. Barbara was the mother church for the eastern part of the Diocese. He was instrumental in establishing Mission Churches at Ridgecrest, Inyokern, Cantil and Boron. St. Ann's Church at Ridgecrest and St.Joseph's Church in Boron were later established as parishes. He also served as Chaplain for the areas of the military bases of Muroc Air Force Base (later to be renamed Edwards Air Force Base) and the United States Naval Ordinance Testing Station at Inyokern.
There are some who recoil from the arid desert climate with its winds and triple digit temperatures, but the young Pennsylvania native found it to his liking. When he first saw the huge sandy expanse at what is now Edwards AFB, he asked what it was called. Someone told him it was a "dry lake." He replied, "Well, it's either a lake, or it isn't a lake!"
This Eastern side of the Diocese was pretty well isolated from the San Joaquin Valley area where most of the parishes were. Bishop was the most northern parish in the eastern part of the Diocese and from there one would find churches in Lone Pine and Death Valley as well as more southern sites such as the Ridgecrest, Randsburg, Boron and Mojave areas.
These "East Side Clergy" were separated from the Central California parishes in the San Joaquin Valley by the great Sierra Nevada Range with its unforgiving 14,500 feet high pinnacles and torturous narrow roads, passable only in summer.
A trip to Fresno to Diocesan affairs required driving down to Mojave and then going north again. From the Owens Valley it amounted to a 700 mile round trip. Father Pointek called it "going 'round the horn." As a result he took flying lessons at $10 per lesson, borrowed a plane and crossed the Sierra Nevada range in good time when called to the Diocesan meetings -- at least during good weather.
In 1946, when arriving in the little mining town of Randsburg, he had $7 in his pocket when the battery in the car he was driving was bad. He had to park the car on a hill so as to be able to coast down to start it. It worked.
The rectory, he found, was rented and he had no place to sleep. Rather than impose on parishioners, he slept on the floor of the altar which was carpeted. The sacristan woke him the next morning and told him they didn't allow bums to sleep in the church. He identified himself by showing the man a picture of himself in clerics. The aged sacristan told him the bell in the bell tower needed a new rope and the young priest found himself climbing a steep ladder to attach it with the elder parishioner standing by. The rectory was soon vacated and he settled in. He called it the "wreck-tory" as it needed work.
He enjoyed being the "Desert Priest" and remained so until being sent, in 1954, to St. John the Evangelist Church in Tipton where he remained until 1969. After spending a very short time in Los Banos, he was transferred to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bishop. He arrived in time for a record snow storm that paralyzed the little community for three days. He succumbed to the charm of the little Owens Valley community and the Bishop parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help were good to him.
In 1975, he was sent to the small parish of St. Malachy in Tehachapi to be the 22nd Pastor of the church that was established in 1887. Three hundred families were listed on the parish roster and the City of Tehachapi at that time, used the slogan, "4,000 population, 4000 elevation!"
He was also still well remembered by the people of the desert communities for seeing to the building of schools, and three churches while serving there. With the same spirit of accomplishment he was able to see to the complete payment of St. Malachy's parish debt and to accumulate enough funds, by frugal budgeting, for a new rectory to be built.
His Priest friends bestowed the name "Pancho" on him which is a Spanish name for Francisco or Francis (or Frank). He was to retire from duties at St. Malachy's in 1981 but that only meant "shifting gears" and loaning himself to other parishes whenever needed.
The one remaining fact that needs to be emphasized was that this man, this energetic person who touched all people and left his impression on their minds and souls, was most of all, first and foremost, a Priest, a man of God.
Happy 100th Birthday to Reverend Monsignor Francis Joseph Pointek! Feliz Cumpleanos to "Pancho," too!
Monsignor Pointek requests that no monetary gifts be given to him. He does ask for your prayers and good wishes, however. If you deem a gift of money be sent, please direct it to your favorite charity or St. Malachy's St. Vincent de Paul Charity.
NOTE: Monsignor's "baby sister," Kathryn Pointek Chwaz, age 95, has lived in Boron since 1949. He, at present, resides in Tehachapi, with his niece, Janet Roper.
Reverend John Allen, flew to California to represent the Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, Ohio, where Monsignor Pointek, in 1928, began his twelve years of studies for the Priesthood culminating in his ordination on May 26, 1940.
A eulogy was delivered by Monsignor James Peterson, who years ago was a youthful acolyte serving Mass for a very young Father Pointek in Randsburg. Monsignor Peterson’s message was delivered with pathos, humor and great pride in his friend and former Pastor’s accomplishments. He was the fifth of eight children: John, Joseph, Mary, Anne, FRANCIS, Elizabeth, Kathryn, and Anthony. His only surviving sibling is Kathryn Chwaz, 96, of Boron. He is also survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews into the fourth generation.
His Ordination brought him to Fresno, which then, was a part of the very large Monterey-Fresno Diocese. This Priest, soon to have marked 74 years of service, ministered to many parishes throughout the Diocese (now, the Fresno Diocese) officiating at births, marriages, deaths as well as administering to the sick and dying , counseling and listening plus teaching both young and old. All this: being routine in the life of a priest. His last parish was St. Malachy Church in Tehachapi from which he retired in 1981. Of course, his work did not end with retirement and what made him special was the simplicity with which he carried out his priestly duties. He traveled the Diocese subbing in other parishes, celebrating daily Mass and being a willing ear to anyone who needed help. Father Michael Cox, Pastor of St. Malachy Church, always extended a welcome invitation and a thank you for his assistance.
His appearance was that of an ordinary humble working man. His pickup was full of spiritual literature and useful supplies for the less fortunate. His home was simply furnished, material things never being important. He never met a stranger and was known to “literally” give the shirt off his back as well as his coat and shoes, to the needy. Monetary aid was frequently provided.
He was a learned man with an impeccable memory for the most minute details. He spoke several languages, played the trumpet and keyboard, loved opera, had piloted a small aircraft and was a one round-trip world traveler on a miniscule budget. On a lighter note, another talent that would get one’s attention immediately was his ear-splitting, finger whistle!
An immense void exists with the passing of this humble, holy, one hundred year old man. He is at peace and asked that you continue to pray for him knowing that his prayers are with you, always.
A Vigil Rosary was recited at St. Malachy’s on the evening of Jan. 19, led by Deacon Richard Lambert. Father Michael Cox spoke and outlined an interesting personal history of Monsignor Pointek’s life. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, with Deacon Lambert officiating.
Lane Family Funeral Home in Delano handled the arrangements.
Donations in his memory may be directed to St.Vincent de Paul Society at St. Malachy Church, Hoffman Hospice or your favorite charity.
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Monsignor Francis Pointek: A century of service
In 1913, the 20th Century had just gotten a good beginning when, in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., Jacob and Catharine Pointek welcomed a son, Francis Joseph Pointek, on Sept. 23.
Woodrow Wilson had just been inaugurated as the 28th President of the United States on March 4 of that year and World War I was yet to come. These events took place 100 years ago and Monsignor Francis Pointek will very soon be reaching the century mark. Seventy-three of those years have been spent as a "man of the cloth", a Catholic Priest.
"Frank" Pointek attended local Wilkes-Barre parochial elementary schools and G.A.R. Memorial High School for a time until 1928 when he entered the Pontifical College Josephinum at Worthington, Ohio, where he would study for the next 12 years. He was one year late entering the studies having broken his leg in 1927. The break was so serious that the doctor said it was necessary to amputate the limb. His father, Jacob, refused to leave his son's side until the doctor agreed to do surgery and implant metal to try to save the leg. The operation was a success and the metal is still within Monsignor's leg today.
In the seminary he played the organ and directed the choir as well as gaining a reputation as a Latin and Greek scholar. It was required of students to include Latin as well as German in their conversations. A common greeting for the professor when entering the classroom would be, "Laudetur Jesus Christus" (Praise be Jesus Christ). The reply would be, "Nunc et in aeternam, Amen" (Now and forever, Amen). Monsignor's Latin professor was Father Harry Heck, D.D., Ph.D. Monsignor recalls that on Christmas vacation, which they had to spend at the seminary, Father Heck would see that they all got a gift from him. Monsignor states: "He was a 'heck' of a guy!"
After their Ordination in 1940, 20 priests of his graduating class found themselves answering a call to the "mission fields" of California where priests were needed. As an assistant at St. John's Cathedral in Fresno, San Carlos in Monterey and later as Administrator for Our Lady of Mercy in Merced, Monsignor Pointek became acquainted with the California inland and coastal climates which were a novel experience after the severe Pennsylvania seasons. The new priest was a "full speed ahead" sort of person and would be known to have established schools in most parishes for which he was Pastor.
By 1943, during World War II, he would be appointed as Ecclesiastical Chaplain of the Military Ordinariate for Monterey and the vicinity. Then, in 1946 he was transferred to the Mojave Desert parish church of St. Barbara in Randsburg. At that time St. Barbara was the mother church for the eastern part of the Diocese. He was instrumental in establishing Mission Churches at Ridgecrest, Inyokern, Cantil and Boron. St. Ann's Church at Ridgecrest and St.Joseph's Church in Boron were later established as parishes. He also served as Chaplain for the areas of the military bases of Muroc Air Force Base (later to be renamed Edwards Air Force Base) and the United States Naval Ordinance Testing Station at Inyokern.
There are some who recoil from the arid desert climate with its winds and triple digit temperatures, but the young Pennsylvania native found it to his liking. When he first saw the huge sandy expanse at what is now Edwards AFB, he asked what it was called. Someone told him it was a "dry lake." He replied, "Well, it's either a lake, or it isn't a lake!"
This Eastern side of the Diocese was pretty well isolated from the San Joaquin Valley area where most of the parishes were. Bishop was the most northern parish in the eastern part of the Diocese and from there one would find churches in Lone Pine and Death Valley as well as more southern sites such as the Ridgecrest, Randsburg, Boron and Mojave areas.
These "East Side Clergy" were separated from the Central California parishes in the San Joaquin Valley by the great Sierra Nevada Range with its unforgiving 14,500 feet high pinnacles and torturous narrow roads, passable only in summer.
A trip to Fresno to Diocesan affairs required driving down to Mojave and then going north again. From the Owens Valley it amounted to a 700 mile round trip. Father Pointek called it "going 'round the horn." As a result he took flying lessons at $10 per lesson, borrowed a plane and crossed the Sierra Nevada range in good time when called to the Diocesan meetings -- at least during good weather.
In 1946, when arriving in the little mining town of Randsburg, he had $7 in his pocket when the battery in the car he was driving was bad. He had to park the car on a hill so as to be able to coast down to start it. It worked.
The rectory, he found, was rented and he had no place to sleep. Rather than impose on parishioners, he slept on the floor of the altar which was carpeted. The sacristan woke him the next morning and told him they didn't allow bums to sleep in the church. He identified himself by showing the man a picture of himself in clerics. The aged sacristan told him the bell in the bell tower needed a new rope and the young priest found himself climbing a steep ladder to attach it with the elder parishioner standing by. The rectory was soon vacated and he settled in. He called it the "wreck-tory" as it needed work.
He enjoyed being the "Desert Priest" and remained so until being sent, in 1954, to St. John the Evangelist Church in Tipton where he remained until 1969. After spending a very short time in Los Banos, he was transferred to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bishop. He arrived in time for a record snow storm that paralyzed the little community for three days. He succumbed to the charm of the little Owens Valley community and the Bishop parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help were good to him.
In 1975, he was sent to the small parish of St. Malachy in Tehachapi to be the 22nd Pastor of the church that was established in 1887. Three hundred families were listed on the parish roster and the City of Tehachapi at that time, used the slogan, "4,000 population, 4000 elevation!"
He was also still well remembered by the people of the desert communities for seeing to the building of schools, and three churches while serving there. With the same spirit of accomplishment he was able to see to the complete payment of St. Malachy's parish debt and to accumulate enough funds, by frugal budgeting, for a new rectory to be built.
His Priest friends bestowed the name "Pancho" on him which is a Spanish name for Francisco or Francis (or Frank). He was to retire from duties at St. Malachy's in 1981 but that only meant "shifting gears" and loaning himself to other parishes whenever needed.
The one remaining fact that needs to be emphasized was that this man, this energetic person who touched all people and left his impression on their minds and souls, was most of all, first and foremost, a Priest, a man of God.
Happy 100th Birthday to Reverend Monsignor Francis Joseph Pointek! Feliz Cumpleanos to "Pancho," too!
Monsignor Pointek requests that no monetary gifts be given to him. He does ask for your prayers and good wishes, however. If you deem a gift of money be sent, please direct it to your favorite charity or St. Malachy's St. Vincent de Paul Charity.
NOTE: Monsignor's "baby sister," Kathryn Pointek Chwaz, age 95, has lived in Boron since 1949. He, at present, resides in Tehachapi, with his niece, Janet Roper.
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