Father Kenneth Michael Opat

Opat, Fr. Kenneth M, OSC. Born on September 3, 1942, in Hammond, Indiana, to George and Veronica (Wozniczka) Opat. Died April 6, 2011, in Onamia, MN. Attended the Crosier Our Lady of the Lake Seminary in Syracuse, IN, eventually entering the Crosier novitiate in 1962. Professed first vows in 1963, and was ordained into the priesthood on May 10, 1969, by Bishop Leo Pursley of Fort Wayne, IN. Beginning in 1969, Fr. Opat served the Crosier Order and the Church on the faculty of Crosier Seminary in Onamia, MN, at various times holding the positions of teacher, registrar, counselor, facilities director, and vice-rector. Other Crosier assignments included service as Provincial Treasurer, as well as Superior of the Crosier house in Anoka. In 1978, Fr. Opat helped found the Central Minnesota TEC program in the Diocese of St. Cloud, MN, helping to make it one of the most successful TEC programs anywhere in the country. In 2008, he became TEC Director Emeritus, giving his all to the Together Encountering Christ retreat experience until the end. Fr. Opat is survived by one brother and his Crosier confreres. Services will be at the Crosier Priory Church in Onamia, MN. Vigil on Sunday, April 10th from 3:00 - 5:30 PM, with lunch available in Holy Cross Center. Funeral Mass will be Sunday at 5:30 PM, with a reception to follow. A private burial in the Crosier Priory cemetery will take place on Monday. Memorials are preferred to the Crosier Fathers and Brothers for the Fr. Kenneth M. Opat, OSC, Memorial Scholarship in support of Crosier Vocation and Formation work.