Father Peter J. Morciniec

Father Peter John Morciniec, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Lacoba Homes in Monett, MO with friends by his side. He was born and raised in Opole, Poland on Saturday, September 23, 1944; son of John and Gertrude (Kotz) Morciniec who were very devout Catholics. His dad built their family home in which his niece still lives today. Father Peter was baptized, received his First Communion and was confirmed in St. Joseph's Church in Opole. He shared his sufferings and joys of a family life. His older brothers, Alfred and John were killed in World War II at the age of 21. His sister, Stephanie, got married. His sister, Teresa, professed her vows and became a nun. His sister, Anna, got married and had a family adding two more generations throughout the years to the family tree. Father Peter was the youngest of his siblings and cousins. Father Peter attended primary education (grade school) in Opole, and Secondary High School (High School) in Warsaw (Warszawa). He studied Philosophy and Theology when he entered the seminary in Cracow (Krakow). While a seminary student, Father Peter met the future Pope John Paul II. At that time the future pope was a bishop (Karol Wojtyla). Father Peter was assigned to serve meals to the bishops in the dining hall and had several conversations with the pope. Father said he cherished the memories of being with him. He was a humble man. Father Peter J. Morciniec was ordained for the Order of St. Paul the Hermit on June 13, 1970, at Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine, also known as the Black Madonna Shrine by Bishop Stefan Barela. He was one of eight young men ordained that day. From 1970 to 1976, he was assigned Associate Pastor duties in Poland. One of the assignments was near his hometown which he very much enjoyed since he was close to his family. During that time, the communist regime was at its height in power and restricted the work of the Catholic church to a minimum. Before he left his homeland of Poland, Father Peter had participated in eight pilgrimages to the Black Madonna Shrine. This is a nine-day, 140-mile spiritual journey. In 1976, he accepted a call to the ministry in the United States. From 1976 to 1979, he worked at the Polish National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA. In 1979, he came to the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. On March 24, 1983, Father Peter was incardinated into the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese by Bishop Bernard F. Law. He was Associate Pastor of Neosho, Noel and Seneca from 1979-1987. During those eight years, he learned to speak English. it was also during that time that he decided to make his stay permanent in the United States and became a US Citizen on December 4, 1981, at the age of 37. From 1987 - 1998, he was pastor Verona and Aurora. From 1998 - December 2017, he was pastor at Pierce City and Sarcoxie. For a brief period in 2011, Father was pastor at Pulaskifield. Father Peter was pastor at St. Mary's when downtown Pierce City was devastated by a tornado on May 4, 2003. Father opened the doors of St. Mary's gymnasium, which would become the command center for recovery efforts for several weeks. President George W. Bush made a visit to St. Mary's during that time. Father Peter shared with his church family in southwest Missouri many happy moments and consoled many during their times of illness and loss. Even when he had to use a walker, he still visited the sick and shut-ins of St. Mary's and St. Agnes Parish. He knew the importance of the home bound receiving communion on the First Friday, of hearing their confessions and anointing them when facing an illness or death. Even after retiring, Father Peter continued to visit with his fellow Catholics at Lacoba and provided spiritual guidance. Surviving are the following: one brother-in-law, Edward Reiskittel; one niece, Wioletta (Joachim) Smolin of Poland; one nephew, Robert (Beata) Reiskittel of Germany; four great-nieces, Diana, Anna, Zuzanna, and Carmen; one great-nephew, Sabastian; and many, many parishioners, and friends. Father Peter was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertrude (Kotz) Morciniec; five siblings, Alfred Morciniec, John Morciniec, Stephanie Fuchs and husband Anton, Teresa Morciniec, and Anna Reiskittel. A sweet note from his family in Poland... He was born in a small Silesian village in southern Poland, in the house his parents built nearly a century ago—a home that has sheltered five generations. No matter where life took him, he always returned there: to see his family, to renew old friendships, to restore his spirit. He loved that house, that village, and above all, he loved us. And we loved him. He was kind, generous, and full of quiet humor. A brother, uncle, and grand-uncle who never judged, never preached—only listened, cared, and helped. From an early age, he chose to serve God, and we rejoiced with him as he followed that calling. When his mission led him far across the ocean, we let him go, even though it was hard. In America, he found you—his second family. You welcomed him, gave him belonging and purpose, and in his final days, you stood by his side, holding his hand. For that, we thank you with all our hearts. Through his love and his life’s service, Peter joined us together—two families, across an ocean—united today in prayer and in gratitude for his life. - Thank you from the extended Morciniec family. Rosary will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM with visitation to follow until 8:00 PM. Memorial Mass will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Monday, September 22, 2025, beginning at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Pierce City, MO. Memorials may be made, in Father Peter's memory, to St. Mary's Catholic School in care of Lakin Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.

Father Peter J. Morciniec

September 23, 1944 - August 27, 2025

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Father Peter J. Morciniec

September 23, 1944 - August 27, 2025

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