Bishop Samuel J. Aquila, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, has accepted the retirement of Msgr. James F. Andraschko.
Msgr. Andraschko is presently serving as pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, Sioux Falls.
James Andraschko was born February 27, 1934, in Grand Forks, ND, to Albert and Barbara (Ackerman) Andraschko.
He was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 1959 at St. Joseph Cathedral by Bishop Lambert Hoch.
Following ordination, Father Andraschko had several short assignments his first summer as a priest including service at Turton, Zell and Vermillion.
On July 31, 1959, he was assigned as an assistant for St. Mary Parish, Dell Rapids, where he remained until 1962.
At that time, he was assigned as a assistant for Little Flower Parish, Sioux Falls, while teaching at O’Gorman High School, Sioux Falls.
Father Andraschko was appointed administrator for Little Flower Parish during the summer of 1964.
In August of 1969, he was assigned vice-rector of the minor seminary, Sioux Falls and was assigned as administrator for St. Joseph Parish, Emmett and St. Edward Parish, Worthing from 1968-1969.
Father Andraschko was assigned as rector of the minor seminary on June 30, 1969 and served in that capacity until August 1975.
At that time, Father Andraschko was assigned as administrator of St. Dominic Parish, Canton from 1975-1976.
In 1976, Msgr. Andraschko was assigned as pastor of St. Nicholas Parish, Tea, where he served until 1977.
He also served as assistant for Sacred Heart Parish, Aberdeen, in a relief capacity during this time.
In March, 1977, Msgr. Andraschko was assigned as pastor of St. Mary Parish, Sioux Falls, where he served until the summer of 1988.
At that time, he was assigned as the pastor of the new Holy Spirit Parish, Sioux Falls, where he has served until his retirement.
The people of Holy Spirit will host an open house June 26 for him.
At 1 p.m., there will be a program in the church worship area with a reception to follow at 1:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.
The event is open to the public.