HERMAN — The pastorship of St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Herman seems to be something of a family legacy.

The current pastor, the Rev. Ward Stakem, 71, a Capuchin Franciscan, took over at St. Mary in 2008.

His uncle, also a Capuchin Franciscan, the Rev. Gary Stakem, served as pastor at St. Mary from 1983 to 1989. He retired in 2001.

The now 91-year-old lives at the friary at St. Mary with his nephew and three other friars.

The Rev. Gary Stakem is the brother of the Rev. Ward Stakem's father.

He grew up in Midland, Md., and after eighth grade came to St. Fidelis High School Seminary in Herman.

“After being pastor at St. Mary's, I took a sabbatical,” Gary Stakem said. “I worked at other ministries and came back to Herman in 2000.

Today, he said he helps celebrate Masses during major holidays such as Christmas and Easter, or if a church's regular priest is away.

“It's because there is a shortage of priests,” he said.

“I didn't come to work in a parish per se,” he added. “I'm on call and help out at different parishes as a fill-in. I spent 10 months in Clairton. I help wherever's needed.”

Ten months in Clairton must have seemed like an afternoon day trip to him because he spent 18 years, from 1956 to 1974 as a missionary in New Guinea.

“The missionary work was in the southern highlands. The first thing we had to do was put in new roads,” the elder Stakem said.

“The primary purpose was evangelism, meeting the people and learning the language,” the elder Stakem said.

“We started schools right away. The (Australian) government insisted we teach English. They were quick learners,” he said.

Ward Stakem said, “When I was growing up he was in New Guinea, and I only knew of him through family relations.”

Ward Stakem also came to the St. Fidelis Seminary after eighth grade.

Ward Stakem said, “We both joined the community after two years of college to begin a religious life. I moved in that direction and we reconnected.”

Asked if his uncle was a reason he went into the Capuchin Franciscan order, he said, “Not in a major way. I think only after I got into the community I saw his fidelity and consistency. He was a very positive witness.”

Ward Stakem serves as pastor both at St. Mary and St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Cabot.

Ward Stakem said he also “helps out” occasionally at St. Andrew in Butler, and there are the visits he makes to the residents of six area nursing homes.

That's in addition to celebrating private Masses for the friary's residents in their private chapel.

“It's quite a challenge to make a schedule,” he said.

Ward Stakem said he knew of his uncle's location in Herman through the Capuchin grapevine.

“We are all one big family in the order. We know where everyone's at,” he said.

As for his “other” family, Ward Stakem said there haven't been any big family reunions, although his relatives try to get together.

“He's (Gary) the oldest in the clan now. His brothers and sisters are deceased,” Ward Stakem said.

In addition to blood ties, the two Capuchins both said they share a commitment to the Franciscan lifestyle, one based on the three vows of the Franciscans: poverty, chastity and obedience.

Ward Stakem said, “It's a commitment we both share in, we've been called to live the same lifestyle.

“For me, I've enjoyed the community aspect of it,” he added. “People grow and strengthen their faith in God. It has been a positive experience for me. It is a different way of serving God.”