St. Joseph Parish welcomes new priest to Libby, Troy

Father Richard Kluk on July 1 will become priest and leader for St. Joseph Parish in Libby and Immaculate Conception in Troy, according to a June 28 news release. He will replace Father Jozef Perehubka, who is moving to a parish in Bonner.

Kluk most recently served the Catholic church in East Helena and Townsend, the news release states. Yet because he has also served in White Sulphur Springs and Cutbank, “he understands the needs and challenges of small town Montana.”

Kluk “heard his call to the priesthood after a career as a software engineer in the aerospace industry,” the news release states. “Originally from Lincoln, Illinois, he lived in Illinois, New Mexico and California before settling in Montana where he was ordained to the Priesthood in 2010.”

A welcome lunch will be held noon Sunday, July 16 at the St. Joseph Parish Hall at 719 Utah Ave. in Libby. Those interested in attending are asked to bring a dish to share.

Masses are at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. on Sundays in Libby and 9 a.m. on Sundays in Troy.