Fr. Joseph “Fr. Joe” Juracek, O.F.M., was born in Johnson City, New York. His journey of faith and service began during his early college years when he was drafted into the United States Air Force. While stationed in Rome, NY, he became part of the pioneering team that launched the very first Cursillo retreats on military bases—an experience that would change his life. It was through one of these retreats, and a passionate conversation about St. Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan vocation, that he discerned his call to join the Order of Friars Minor.
Fr. Joe was ordained to the priesthood on May 14th, over 41 years ago, and has since served in diverse pastoral and educational roles across the country. He began his ministry at Holy Name Parish in Garfield, NJ, first as a deacon and then as a newly ordained priest. His academic pursuits led him to advanced studies in Scripture and Spirituality, which opened the door to a year of teaching Scripture Studies.
His pastoral journey includes ministry in Long Beach Island, St. Stephen of Hungary Parish in New York City(serving the Hungarian community), and a six-year tenure as Vicar at the Church of St. Francis in NYC. During his time there, he founded a spiritual counseling center, which eventually led him to pursue credentials as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). He served in that center for an additional six years.
Fr. Joe continued his ministry as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph’s Church in East Rutherford, NJ, and then as Pastor at St. Mary’s in Obernburg, NY, where he remained for six years. A transformative three-month sabbatical in the Holy Land enriched his spiritual and intellectual life through both study and pilgrimage.
Upon returning to the U.S., he was assigned to St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes, NJ, where he led Adult Faith Education, followed by a six-year term as Pastor of St. Anthony’s Church in Butler, NJ. Later, he returned to the Church of St. Francis in NYC to serve as Pastor once again.
Now on the West Coast, Fr. Joe serves at Mission San Luis Rey Parish, bringing with him decades of experience, spiritual depth, and a heart formed by the Franciscan charism of peace, humility, and pastoral care.
