This is a printer friendly version of an article from the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune. Posted with the permission.
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Posted May 15, 2008

Around the region: Pacelli chaplain, Rapids native, to study in Rome
Wisconsin Rapids native will pursue doctorate in sacred theology in Rome
By Ivy Farguheson
For the Tribune
STEVENS POINT -- The Rev. Derek Sakowski isn't exactly headed for a Roman Holiday, but he is ready for a Roman education.

The popular Pacelli High School chaplain and Wisconsin Rapids native will leave his position this summer to pursue a doctorate in sacred theology at the Gregorian University in Rome. Asked by Bishop Jerome Listecki to attend the prestigious school, Sakowski was excited with the news but was also bittersweet about his departure.

"Realizing that this would be the end of my time here at Pacelli and that I wouldn't be working with youth as much ... It was two emotions at the same time," Sakowski said. "It's an amazing opportunity that I'll never have again in my life."

Pacelli students, with whom Sakowski had worked for the last five years, also have a variety of emotions regarding his departure.

Although they're excited to know someone studying so close to the Vatican, they wonder if the school could ever replace a man who has meant so much to them.

"He'll definitely be missed," said Chelsea Rudiger, 17, a junior at Pacelli. "He's always standing up for what he believes in and he really taught us that serving others can be fun."

Teaching Latin and various religious classes at the high school also gave students the opportunity to see Sakowski as more than just a spiritual leader. He became someone they could trust, teaching with a humor they weren't used to seeing in their priests.

"He really loves what he does ... he loves to be a teacher," said Kyle Rosenthal, 15, a freshman at Pacelli. "That might be why I might miss him the most, because he's so good at being a teacher and a friend."

Sakowski believes his successor, who will be named during the summer, will bring new talents and ideas to his assignments of Pacelli and St. Peter. Until then, he'll brush up on his Italian and continue with plans for summer youth retreats.

"I'm very grateful for all the wonderful people at Pacelli and St. Peter," he said. "They have really made it a blessed five years. I give my thanks to them for being so supportive."