Bottrop sexton Ludger Pawlak is retiring after 30 years!

Bottrop sexton Ludger Pawlak is retiring after 30 years!

On Sunday, August 31st, the St. Cyriakus Church in Bottrop will host a special service. The long-time sexton Ludger Pawlak, who held the office for 30 years, is retiring. The farewell begins at 11:15 a.m. during Holy Mass and the congregation is invited to say goodbye to a valued member. Pawlak, who is 64 years old, has had an eventful career that began as a locksmith and lasted 13 years in mining at Ruhrkohle until he found his calling as a sexton. He discovered a job advertisement and didn't even suspect that it was for the provost's church, which eventually grew close to his heart. He qualified as a sexton through the Essen diocese's training center.

With his special work schedule, which always included opening and closing the church, the preparation and follow-up of church services as well as the training of the altar boys, he not only mastered the routine tasks. “I always valued meeting people in my community,” Pawlak recalled. His experiences ranged from special highlights, such as the 850th anniversary celebrations of the Cyriakus community and the gospel nights, to the challenges during the corona pandemic, which required entry controls to be carried out.

A new chapter in Ludger Pawlak's life

Pawlak has developed a close bond with St. Cyriacus Church and knows its history down to the smallest detail. He is particularly proud of the late Gothic carved altar, which was purchased in 1863 and is still an important part of the church architecture today. His partner, who also works as a community representative at the church, has supported him over the years. In the coming weeks he will work with his successor Lars Meyer, who is already known as a Liturgy of the Word leader and lector. Meyer will then be officially welcomed to St. Cyriakus on Sunday, September 28th at 6 p.m.

During the last days of August, Pawlak will serve alongside Meyer to ensure a smooth transition. And what is he planning for his retirement? The answer is simple: more time for your hobbies, especially cycling. He is also interested in joining the circle of church guardians. Last weekend was accompanied by pleasant weather - on Sunday worshipers can look forward to 22°C, which will feel pleasant after the heat has warmed up. There will be a light wind and the chance of rain will remain at 2%. An ideal setting for properly celebrating Pawlak's last service and looking back together on his 30 years as a sexton. Weatherdata reports that temperatures will gradually decrease over the coming days.

Ludger Pawlak will undoubtedly leave a gap, but with Lars Meyer a capable successor will be available to keep the traditions and memories of St. Cyriakus Church alive. “There’s something going on,” the entire community is certainly thinking as they prepare for the upcoming event.

For more information about Pawlak's amazing journey as a sexton and the upcoming farewell party, visit the website Bottrop newspaper.