Rev. Richard H. Ameling

Fr. Ameling was born and raised in the Merrillville area and attended Ss. Peter and Paul Grade School in Merrillville, Our Lady of the Lake Seminary in Syracuse, IN, Mount St. Mary of the West Seminary in Norwood, OH and was ordained to the Priesthood May 28, 1966 at Holy Angels Cathedral by Bishop Andrew J. Grutka. Fr. Ameling served at St. Mary of the Lake Church in Miller, St. Peter’s Church in Laporte, St. Mary’s Church in Griffith, St. Emeric Church in Gary, Our Lady of Grace Church in Highland and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Hammond. In 1970 Fr. Ameling accepted an invitation from the United States Army to serve as a chaplain to the Indiana National Guard. Fr. Ameling was very proud to serve his country. Fr. Ameling’s first pastorate was as the Founding Priest at St. Maria Goretti Church in Dyer, which was dedicated in December of 1981. He served as their Pastor for 17 years. His second pastorate was at Notre Dame Church in Michigan City for nine years. In July of 2003, Fr. Ameling was appointed Pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Church. What better place to conclude his 42 years in the priesthood.

Fr. Ameling had a passion for fishing, the outdoors, photography and chocolate chip cookies. There will be a Rite of Reception at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 801 W. 73rd Ave., Merrillville on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will follow the Rite of Reception at the Church and will conclude at 9:00 p.m. The Services will be held Monday, August 4, 2008 at St. Andrew the Apostle Church with Morning Prayer at 10:00 a.m. to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek. Burial will follow atCalumetParkCemetery, Merrillville In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Another Christ Burse or Aquinas Community School in Merrillville in Memory of Rev. Richard H. Ameling.