Announcement - Monday, November 13, 2023
Congratulations to Father Peter Schuessler, SDS, who, upon the resignation of Father Jeffrey Wocken, SDS, has assumed the position of Provincial for the USA Province for the Society of the Divine Savior (the Salvatorians).
Father Peter, a native of Rosland, NY, professed first vows as a Salvatorian in 1976 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1980. He holds undergraduate degrees from York College of Pennsylvania (York, PA) and Susquehanna University (Selinsgrove, PA), a Master's in Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.), as well as a Master of Arts in Formative Spirituality from Duquesne University (Pittsburg, PA).
Father Peter has held several offices within the Society of Divine Savior, including two previous terms as Provincial (2000-2006), and, most recently, as Vicar Provincial and Director of Formation since 2012.
Outside of the Society, he has ministered in a variety of capacities, including as a drug rehabilitation counselor and counselor for runaway teens, as a teacher for children with learning disabilities at the Frost School in Rockville, MD, as well as in parish ministry in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Maryland.
“It has been 17 years since I last served as Provincial for the US Salvatorians. Much has happened since then in the world and in the Church, and there have been many changes. One thing that has not changed is my commitment to Blessed Francis Jordan’s founding vision of a community of men and women who are dedicated to making the love and kindness of the Savior a reality in all parts of world,” said Fr. Peter. “As we continue our planning for the Province and our future I am confident that trust in our Divine Savior along with prayers and support from our Salvatorian Family and friends will move us forward.”
Special thanks and appreciation to Fr. Jeff Wocken for his contributions to the Society these past years.