Saint James Church: Msgr Capik

Reverend Monsignor William J. Capik

Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Monsignor Capik attended Holy Trinity Elementary School in Perth Amboy. He then went to Saint Charles School Seminary and Saint Mary's Seminary in Baltimore where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. He earned a Baccaluareate in Sacred Theology and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Saint Mary's, Roland Park-Baltimore. Monsignor Capik also holds a Master of Science degree from Fordham University in school administration. He was involved in Catholic education in the Dioceses of Trenton and Metuchen for more than 15 years as a teacher and as an administrator.

Monsignor was ordained June 4, 1955 in Saint Mary's Cathedral, Trenton. During the summer of 1955, he served at Saint Ann's in Hampton and from 1955 to 1957 at Saint Anthony's in Hightstown. He taught at Notre Dame High School from 1957 to 1967 and then served as principal of Holy Cross High School in Riverside from 1967 to 1972. From 1972 to 1974, Monsignor served at Saint Michael's Church in Trenton and from 1974 to 1981 as Pastor of Saint Peter's Church in New Brunswick. In April, 1979 Monsignor was named a Prelate of Honor of His Holiness the Pope.

Monsignor served as the first Vicar for Education for the Diocese of Metuchen from 1981 to 1985. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Saint Peter's University Hospital. He also currently serves on the boards of McCarrick Care Center Partners in Care, Family Practice Center, Saint Peter's Foundation, and the New Brunswick Affiliated Hospitals.

In May, 1981, Monsignor became Pastor of Saint James Church in Basking Ridge. During his tenure, the parish grew from 800 to 3400 families. He oversaw the addition of a gymnasium to Saint James School and the construction of a new church. He was also instrumental in the establishment of a group home for developmentally disabled adults adjacent to the church property.

Monsignor Capik retired in June, 2005 after 24 years of service to Saint James parish.