Fr. John Petrich Recognized for Significant Service

DULUTH, Minn. — For a career described as “behind the scenes work” Fr. John Petrich provided years of support as a chaplain for officers, and the public, after overcoming troubling events.

“In the last 34 years, we can name off all of the major kind of catastrophe-things that have happened in the St. Louis County, and many of us were there, working on those things,” said Fr. John Petrich.

After putting in the years, Fr. Petrich has taken away a lot of wisdom prior to his retirement.

“I’ve learned a lot about citizens in the community. They all have the same purpose. Wanting peace, wanting resolution, wanting reconciliation in whatever’s happening around them,” said Petrich.

Some of the core lessons, taken on during some of our nation’s most significant tragedies, such as the 9/11 attacks.

“We found when we were in New York in 2001, there’s a foundation in everyone. And with that foundation, that’s what we use when we deal with troubles and trials. and relying, digging down deep into our hearts, and finding the ways to get through things. And working with the people we’ve worked with. Our whole team we ended up working with, stress management people from east and west, all over the country. Police and sheriff chaplains all over the country with a common purpose. To bring resolution to the lives of the people who lost their loved ones,” said Petrich.

And with that significant experience, it was celebrated in Tuesday’s court board meeting.

A standing ovation to honor and recognize the number of lives touched by the St. Louis County Chaplain.

That love was well received by Petrich.

“Fantastic. I don’t know, very wonderful. And it kind of takes your breath away. Having people say ‘We like what you did, and it was good. And we all look for that in our lives. And as Chaplains, we do it every day and we don’t really look for the immediate gratification. But when you’re coming to the end and changing the chapter, it’s a good thing to have someone say, ‘good and faithful servant, job well done,” said Petrich.

As for retirement plans?

He’s going to continue his other ministry job at Aspirus St. Lukes and the Parish at St. Joseph’s. He will also be working with local veterans.

Where he says, it will be different, but the same.