About Us † Pastoral Leadership
Queen of Peace Leadership
Fr. Jeffery McGowan
Pastor
Ph. 352-332-6279, Ex. 12
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I was born and raised in Laurel Springs, New Jersey. It is a small town built originally as summer homes around a lake. My grandparents made this their permanent home when the commute to Philadelphia became easy. We couldn't get away with much growing up, because all our parents grew up together and the grapevine was strong. I attended Catholic schools from first grade through college. My job after college sent me to Jacksonville, Florida in 1973. I entered the Seminary in 1984 and was ordained for our Diocese of St. Augustine on May 20, 1989. I was assigned as pastor of Queen of Peace in 1994. I love it here! The Parish is terrific and Gainesville, Florida is a great place to live! God Bless You!
Fr. Kazimierz Ligeza
Parochial Vicar
Ph. 352-332-6279, Ex. 12
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I was born and raised in Poland and come from a very religious family. My father was an organist for many years in his home parish and my mother was a teacher at a local school as well as being actively involved in many ministries in their home parish. I have four brothers and two sisters. One of my brothers, Fr. Jan, is also a priest and currently the pastor of St. Paul’s in Jacksonville, Fl. Like my mother and father, I have a passion for singing and am musically inclined (I play the organ, piano, and guitar).
After graduation from high school, I entered the Seminary in Tarnow, Poland and was ordained to priesthood in 1990. I obtained a Masters in Theology and continued my studies at Pontifical University in Krakow, Poland receiving my License in Social Teaching of the Church and was awarded a Doctorate in Homiletics. Before coming to the United States, I served in the Lord’s vineyard as parochial vicar, pastor, and teacher of religion in several parishes. I came to the United States to study English and Spanish in 2003. Upon completion of these studies, I was directed by God’s mysterious ways to Queen of Peace in 2005. Since then I have been Parochial Vicar serving our Lord in this gracious and loving community. I hope to continue to actively provide religious services to this parish family for many years to come. God Bless you!
Deacon Bo Turner
Pastoral Associate
Ph. 352-332-6279, Ex. 12
Email
I have two children: Owen, and Betty Jo. Owen has one daughter and serves in the Untied States Air Force in the military intelligence unit. Betty Jo works in community adult education at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville.
I graduated from Msgr. Pace High School in Miami. After attending the University of Pennsylvania for a short period, I received my bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida and a master degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University New Orleans. I am currently working on my doctorate at Barry University in Miami.
My previous “careers” have included football (semi-pro and as a free agent with the Houston Oilers), plumbing supplies and journalist.
Sr. Beatrice Caulson, IHM
Pastoral Associate
Adult Faith Formation
Ph. 352-332-6279, Ex. 17
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I grew up in Dunmore, Pennsylvania in a family of six girls and three boys. I attended Catholic Grade School in my home parish and graduated from a Catholic High School in Scranton, PA. Upon graduation, I entered the Convent at Marywood, Scranton, PA and obtained a bachelor's degree in Mathematics Education and later a Masters in Mathematics and Administration. I am also certified as a Spiritual Director from the University of Scranton. I have lived and ministered in several parishes in Pennsylvania, Gridgeport, CT, Brookly, NY, Goldsboro, NC, Baltimore, MD and of course Gainesville, FL. I've had the priviledge of being here at Queen of Peace since 1998 and look forward to many more years of service.
Sr. Nancy Elder, IHM
Principal
Queen of Peace Academy
Born and raised in Southern Maryland, I attended Catholic School and was taught by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Scranton, Pennsylvania. I entered this Congregation after completing high school and joined many of the IHM Sisters in being trained as an educator. I taught in schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, North Carolina, Maryland and most recently in Florida. Prior to coming to Florida, I served as the Director of Curriculum for the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. I opened two schools in the Diocese of St. Augustine, one in Palm Coast and another in Gainesville. In 2009, I celebrated 50 years of Religious Profession as an IHM and 50 years as a Catholic School educator.
Sr. Franziska Laudascher, IHM
Teacher
Queen of Peace Academy
I hail from Germany and came to America at at very young age. Growing up in the Poconos, I received my Elementary and Secondary Education there. I entered the Community of Sisters of IHM in Scranton, Pa and simultaneously attended Marywood College, receiving my B.A. and M.S. in Elementary Education and an M.S. in Religious Studies. My life as a Religious sister has given me a very rich and wide range experience in teaching from 1st grade to 8th grade. I moved to Gainesville in 2002 where I have had the pleasant experience of teaching children at Queen of Peace Academy as a third grade teacher. Cheers!
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