March 5, 2026
Reverend John Jerek
Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene Parish
“Wrestling With Our Cultural Myths”
Biography
Father John Jerek, a native of Youngstown, currently serves as Pastor of Saint Mary Magdalene Parish. After attending St. Matthias School and Woodrow Wilson High School, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bowling Green State University with degrees in journalism and communication. He later earned his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in theology from Mount Saint Mary Seminary, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and was ordained in 1988. He also holds a master’s degree in Religious Education from Boston College.
Father Jerek has served in diverse pastoral, educational, and diocesan leadership roles, including vicar for clergy for 13 years. Dedicated to service and outreach, he is a strong supporter of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, the Dorothy Day House, and Catholic Charities.