Born in Sealy, TX in 1948 to Arnold and Victoria Zurek, Bishop Zurek was the youngest of three children. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics from the University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX, and graduating Magna Cum Laude. He attended St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, and the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He also received his STB (Bachelor of Sacred Theology Cum Laude from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas (The Angelicum), in Rome. He also received his STL (License in Sacred Theology) in the field of Moral Theology from the Alfonsianum, in Rome. He graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Bishop Zurek continues to hold several important offices on the national, international and regional level. He serves on the USCCB Planning Committee to develop the New Spanish Bible. He also remains a member of the Border Bishops Committee organized to discuss pastoral initiatives and immigration issues; and is the president and CEO of the Czech American Priests Association.