Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Ciuba
Deceased: 2024-01-19
Diocese: NEWARK
Seminary Graduation Year: 1959
CSM Graduation Year: 1962
Msgr. Edward J. Ciuba – for many “Father Ed” – was born of Polish immigrant parents, Joseph and Anna Ciuba, (siblings Stanley and Helen) in Port Elizabeth New Jersey on March 20th, 1935. He attended St Adalbert’s Grammar School in Elizabeth and then boarded at Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey where he played on the baseball team. He attended Seton Hall University in 1950 and entered Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington in July of 1952. In 1955 he sailed for Rome on the USS Constitution with his friend Angelo Caligiuri, from Buffalo. In Rome he lived at the North American College and attended the Gregorian University, where he obtained a licentiate in theology in 1959. He was ordained to the priesthood in Rome on March 14 of 1959. On returning to the United States in 1960, he was assigned to St. Ann’s Parish, Jersey City, as associate pastor. In 1961 he was sent back to Rome to obtain a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture. He also spent a year at the Ecole Biblique in Jerusalem.
In 1965 he returned to Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington, to teach Scripture to seminarians for a number of years. Early on, he authored a book on Scripture, Who Do They Say That I Am? He would ask the seminarians to have the New Jerusalem Bible with them with its up-to-date critical notes. As a young professor, his weekend assignment was Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Park Ridge, where he met Fr. Tom Kleissler. Fr. Tom asked him to attend a Cursillo weekend with four laymen from the parish. “This experience changed my life and vision of Church, God, and the important role of lay people in the Church,” he said.
In 1974 he was named Rector of Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington, and remained in that position until the Seminary returned to the campus of Seton Hall University in 1985. A love for the priesthood, respect for the people to whom he ministered, a life immersed in Sacred Scripture, an interest in learning, and a passion for living were all marks of the spirituality of Msgr. Edward Ciuba – who preferred to be called “Father Ed.”
Assignment as pastor of Notre Dame Parish in North Caldwell, N.J. after years of seminary teaching offered Fr. Ed the opportunity to make the fruits of his studies relevant to his parishioners. Small faith-sharing groups provided ideal contexts for relating the Gospel to the rest of life. During his years as a priest and pastor Msgr. Ciuba became very involved in the Cursillo and Cornerstone movements and was very involved in promoting small faith-sharing groups among the faithful. He also became very involved in the RENEW International movement, founded by his friend Tom Kleissler. The following was written by the present President of RENEW, Greg Tobin:
As a theologian, professor and rector of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, pastor and preacher, he touched many tens of thousands of Catholics and was respected and cherished by all. He was a longtime active supporter of the mission of RENEW International to foster small Christian communities, and dear friend of our founders, leaders and staff over more than 40 years. In 2016, Father Ed wrote RENEW’S faith-sharing book, Creation at the Crossroads: Laudato Sí-A Small- Group Resource on Pope Francis’ “On Care for Our Common Home.” He was sought after as a speaker on topics related to the Scriptures and Christian discipleship. As a priest retired from active ministry in recent years, he was ever ready to proclaim the Good News.
While living for many years after his retirement in Our Lady of the Presentation Church in Upper Saddle River, he was very involved in small faith-sharing groups in that parish and was dearly loved by the parishioners, in particular by the men’s prayer and sharing group that would meet every Wednesday morning at 6 am.
Msgr. Ciuba died on January 19, 2024, in Holy Trinity Rectory, Westfield, New Jersey, not far from where he was born – the rectory whose pastor, Rev. Anthony Randazzo, was his associate pastor in Notre Dame Parish in North Caldwell for 12 years. Fr. Anthony reflects that while in residence at Holy Trinity, Fr. Ed often asked while having a meal at the dining room table – “Why am I here? What is my purpose?” Fr. Anthony’s response always, “Ed, your presence is your purpose.”
The faithful will gather to remember Father Ed at Notre Dame R.C. Church, 359 Central Avenue, North Caldwell, NJ 07006 with visitation on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 2-8 pm, followed by the Vigil Prayer Service at 8:00 pm. Visitation will begin again on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 10 -10:45 am, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. The interment will immediately follow at Mary Rest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ. Arrangements entrusted to Garrett Jones Memorial Homes.
At Father Ed’s request, donations to Waterspirit, 4 East River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760 (waterspirit.org) would be deeply appreciated.
May he rest in peace; may the perpetual light shine upon him; and may he be in our prayers of remembrance and thanksgiving.
Published by The Star-Ledger from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22, 2024.
