The Very Rev. John Michael Fields

1950 - 2020

The Very Rev.  John Michael Fields obituary, 1950-2020, Frackville, PA

John Fields Obituary

The Very Rev. Archpriest John Michael Fields, of Frackville, entered into eternity Friday, Nov. 27, 2020.

A son of the late John "Jack" Fields and Olga Uhryn Fields, John was born Feb. 19, 1950, in Butler Township.

He is survived by his sister, Diane M. Berkheiser and her husband, Dennis; sister, MaryAnn Fields-Whyne; nephew, Keith John Berkheiser and his wife, Shawn; niece, Kristen A. Berkheiser; niece, Katharine A. Whyne and her husband, Chris; niece, Maria A. Whyne; great-niece, Caroline G. Berkheiser; great-nephew, Wyatt "Jack" Berkheiser.

John began his extensive academic resume at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, graduating magna cum laude with a dual degree in Russian studies and political science in 1972. He continued to Villanova University, Villanova, graduating from The Charles Widger School of Law with his juris doctorate in 1975. Upon passing the bar exam, he began practicing law in Frackville, partnering with Attorney Jack Thomas to form Thomas and Fields Law Office.

Years later, John entered St. Josaphat's Ukrainian Catholic Seminary, Washington, D.C., to begin his pursuit of religious studies. During this time, he entered The Catholic University of America, Washington, School of Theology and Religious Studies, obtaining his master's degree of sacred theology from the university in 1986. During that year, he also completed coursework from Catholic University's School of Canon Law, receiving his doctorate of canon law.

On April 4, 1985, John was ordained to the diaconate at Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, Philadelphia, by Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen Sulyk. A year later, on May 11, 1986, Deacon John was ordained to the Holy Priesthood, also in Philadelphia. On May 17, 1998, Archbishop Sulyk conferred upon Father John the honor and title of protopresbyter, or archpriest, for his dedicated work in the priesthood.

His pastoral and administrative work within the Archeparchy of Philadelphia was numerous and varied. Father John began his parish assignment as an assistant in 1988 at The Presentation of Our Lord parish, Lansdale. Later that year, he was named administrator of the parish and at the neighboring St. Anne parish, Warrington. During this time, from 1988 through 2004, he oversaw the construction and rededication of two new churches and took pride in helping design both to emulate the traditional wooden church structures found in Ukraine. In 2003, Father John was named pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church, Frackville, his home parish, and also the neighboring St. John the Baptist Church, Maizeville, until 2014. Finally, from 2013 until his passing, he was director of communications with Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

Father John served in various and numerous ministries within the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy. Over the years, he was assistant editor, and later editor, of "The Way," the official newspaper of Ukrainian Archeparchy; member of the Archeparchial Insurance Department; assistant finance officer and member of the board of directors of Pennsylvania Catholic Conference of Bishops; spiritual director of Holy Name Society in the South Anthracite Council; member of the Presbyteral Council; president of the Priests' Beneficial Fund, member of Archeparchial Corporate Board; protopresbyter of South Anthracite Protopresbyterate; director of Ascension Manor Nursing Facility, Philadephia; and vice chancellor of the Archeparchy.

Father John's civil involvement and achievements were likewise numerous and varied. He was a member and past grand knight of the Frackville Knights of Columbus; a member of Frackville Rotary; member of Frackville Centennial Committee; and previous member of the North Schuylkill school board, during which he was instrumental in building the high school in Fountain Springs. He was also an active member of the Schuylkill County and Pennsylvania bar associations; former partner of Thomas and Fields Law Office, Frackville; instructor of religious studies at Cardinal Brennan High School, Fountain Springs; and participant in the recent Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial being conducted by University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Father John was active in numerous other projects to benefit both the Borough of Frackville and Schuylkill County.

Father John sought also to enjoy life - he thoroughly enjoyed all things Disney, was an avid political spectator, possessed a particular love of firework displays, and sharing his love and knowledge with his family, community and peers. His loss is tremendous to all who knew him.

In his communique to the Archeparchy on Friday, His Grace, Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak regretfully informed the bishops, clergy, religious and faithful that Father John passed away peacefully in his home. Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys called him "an ardent American and a proud carrier of the legacy of his Pennsylvania coal-mining homeland." Father John remained "hopeful" about the future: the future of the Church, of the United States and of his ability to help make a better future for us all.

Funeral services are as follows: On Thursday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m., the clergy of the South Anthracite Deanery and the priests of the Archeparchy will celebrate a Panakhyda at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Frackville. Father John will lie in repose at St. Michael Church until 7 p.m. for those wishing to pay their respects. At 7 p.m., a priestly Parastas will be celebrated by the bishops and clergy of the Archeparchy. On Friday, Dec. 4, a viewing will begin at 7 a.m. and the Divine Liturgy Funeral beginning at 10 a.m. The main celebrant will be His Grace, the Most Rev. Borys Gudziak. Following the Funeral Liturgy, interment will take place in the parish cemetery. Father John's family requests, in lieu of flowers or other offerings, that donations be made in his name to St. Josaphat Seminary Endowment Fund, c/o Archbishop's Chancery, 810 N. Franklin St., Philadelphia, PA 19123, as he was dedicated to the academics and study of those wishing to enter the priesthood. Special note: The viewing and all services are open to the public. All CDC COVID-19 regulations regarding masks and social distancing will be strictly enforced. Upon entering the church building, everyone is required to wear a face mask. All services will be livestreamed on St. Michael's parish Facebook page.

Published by Republican & Herald from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2, 2020.
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4 Entries

So sorry to hear about John Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Joan, Danny Jones

Thomas Palubinsky

December 5, 2020

mary Ann and Diane so sorry to hear about John he was a great person. Always talked when we seen him .Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you .Tom, Bonnie Hope Palubinsky

Thomas Palubinsky

December 5, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the family of The Very Rev. John. I grew up a few blocks away from him. God bless you all at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Marilee (Flail) Greig

December 2, 2020

Our condolences and prayers to the Fields family. May John rest in peace and enjoy eternal happiness and joy with the Lord. God bless the Fields family!

Ed & Gigie Kunigonis

December 1, 2020

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Memorial Events
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3

Reposing

11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

St. Michael the Archangel Church

Frackville, PA

Dec

3

Service

11:00 a.m.

St. Michael the Archangel Church

Frackville, PA

Dec

3

Service

7:00 p.m.

St. Michael the Archangel Church

Frackville, PA

Dec

4

Viewing

7:00 a.m.

St. Michael the Archangel Church

Frackville, PA

Dec

4

Liturgy

10:00 a.m.

St. Michael the Archangel Church

Frackville, PA

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