Midwest Jesuits | Chicago-Detroit Province

In letters to President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress, the nine provincials of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in the United States are calling for comprehensive and humane immigration reform. More than 200 Jesuit communities, affiliated organizations, parishes and institutions are also lending their support to the provincials’ appeal.

Provincials are leaders in the Society of Jesus, an order of priests and brothers founded in 1540, responsible for colleges, middle schools and high schools as well as parishes and ministries that practice a faith that promotes justice. The provincials’ letters to Congress and the president urge that any proposed immigration reform include a path to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants as well as a legal employment structure protecting both migrants and U.S. workers, expedited family reunification and an end to policies that exacerbate family separation.  The letters to Congress and the Obama Administration follow a similar appeal made by the provincials in 2011.

The letter is the most recent action by the Jesuits supporting immigration reform. Earlier this year, the Jesuit Conference, the Kino Border Initiative and Jesuit Refugee Service/USA released a new study, “Documented Failures: The Consequences of Immigration Policy on the U.S.-Mexico Border,” highlighting excessive use of force, particularly dangerous deportation practices and abuse of migrants attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border by U.S. Border Patrol agents. Jesuit Father Sean Carroll, executive director of the Kino Border Initiative, testified at a congressional hearing on the report in April.

The provincials’ letter may be accessed at the links below:
Letter to the President
Letter to Members of the Senate
Letter to Members of Congress

At an award reception in New Orleans, Louisiana, Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ, was honored by the Ignatian Solidarity Network with the “Robert M. Holstein: Faith that Does Justice Award.” Sister Helen is an internationally-recognized advocated against the death penalty whose passion is rooted in experiences of ministering to death row inmates. The Robert M. Holstein award annually honors an individual who has demonstrated a significant commitment to leadership for social justice grounded in his or her faith. The Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN) is a national social justice education and advocacy organization inspired by the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order of Catholic priests and brothers. ISN works primarily with individuals connected with Jesuit universities, high schools, parishes, and social ministries throughout the US.

Sister Prejean began her prison ministry in 1981 when she dedicated her life to the poor of New Orleans. Since then, she has been committed to educating citizens about the death penalty and counseling individual death row prisoners. She has accompanied six men to their deaths. In 1994, Sr. Prejean turned her experiences into the book titled, Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty, which was later developed into a major motion picture starring Susan Sarandon as Sr. Prejean and Sean Penn as a death row inmate. The movie received four Oscar nominations.

To read the full press release announcement and watch a video of Sr. Helen’s acceptance speech, click here.

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Fr. Timothy P. Kesicki, S.J., to Head U.S. Office for Society of Jesus,
Largest Order of Priests and Brothers in Roman Catholic Church

(WASHINGTON, D.C., May 10, 2013)—The Society of Jesus in the United States announces that Father Timothy P. Kesicki, S.J., has been named the next president of the Jesuit Conference. Fr. Kesicki, who was appointed by Fr. Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, will assume his new position August 1, 2014. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Jesuit Conference is the liaison office that coordinates the national work of the Society of Jesus, the largest order of priests and brothers in the Roman Catholic Church.

Father Kesicki, currently serving as the provincial of the Chicago-Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus, says, “This assignment comes at a very exciting time for the Church and the Society of Jesus here in the U.S. and around the world. Clearly, the election of Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope in history, has highlighted the Jesuit vocation. Going back to St. Ignatius himself, we Jesuits have always put ourselves in service of the Church to minister where the needs are the greatest. I look forward to helping the Society continue its mission with a renewed zeal, strategic use of our resources, and commitment to serving in Christ’s name here and around the world.”

To read the entire press release in pdf form, (click here)

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About the Society of Jesus in the United States
Founded in 1540 by Saint Ignatius Loyola, the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) is the largest order of priests and brothers in the Roman Catholic Church. Jesuit priests and brothers are involved in educational, pastoral and spiritual ministries on six continents and in 127 nations, practicing a faith that promotes justice. For nearly 500 years, Jesuit education has made its mark on the world. In the United States, there are 28 Jesuit colleges and universities, 59 Jesuit high schools and 16 middle schools with a shared goal of developing competent, compassionate and committed leaders in the service of the Church and society. Jesuits minister in parishes and at retreat houses and serve as chaplains at prisons, hospitals, nursing homes and in the military. For more information on the Society of Jesus, visit http://www.jesuit.org.
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On April 24, 2013, the Cristo Rey Network’s Board announced the appointment of Randy Kurtz as the organization’s new President and CEO. Randy brings more than three decades of experience to his new role. Cristo Rey’s school model is unconventional and his unconventional background has given him a unique set of leadership skills and grounded him in a strong commitment to drive the mission.

For further details, read the full press release.

Visit the Cristo Rey Network website.

(April 2013) “Sharing Best Practices”

The Jesuits work in more than 130 countries throughout the world, in a variety of spiritual, social and educational apostolates, always present on the frontiers of faith and culture.

In some places, their development offices have well-established systems and processes for raising funds and building community outreach. In others, the work is just beginning. And this is where Fr. Jorge Eduardo Serrano-Ordoñez, SJ, is hoping to bridge the gap – as assistant treasurer for development resources of the Society of Jesus.

Before taking this position in 2010, this native Colombian, who joined the Jesuits in 1969, and was ordained in 1983, worked as director of the peace campaign, “Todos somos hermanos” (We are all brothers and sisters), pastor for several parishes, director of Colombia’s Jesuit Refugee Service, and more.

One of the most important things he’s learned over the course of those years – and which he now preaches as well as practices – is that “people want to be invited to be part of the mission of the Society of Jesus.”

He explains, “When I was doing parish work and asked people to help simply because I knew I needed money to get the work done, a friend was blunt with me. He said, ‘Jorge, you are so selfish. You know my family and I have received so much from associating with the Jesuits in our lives. Why do you not give me the gift of asking me to be useful to the Jesuits?’ It gave me a whole new way of looking at fundraising.”

“I always thought I was begging people for money to do ‘my’ work, so I could be the provider – when they were waiting for me to invite them to be companions in God’s work,” Fr. Serrano-Ordoñez adds.

And that is how he sees his current job: to help other Jesuits recognize this mindset and employ it for the benefit of causes and donors alike.

Toward this end, Fr. Serrano-Ordoñez leads the Society’s “Flagship Project” working with Provinces to understand community outreach and fundraising. The original five provinces were Indonesia, Madhya Pradesh (India), Malta, Eastern Africa, and the Philippines. Then these provinces will in turn educate and work with other provinces that have less established fundraising programs. Starting in 2013, they are Lithuania, East Timor, Cuba, Amazon, and Zimbabwe.

“It is important that every province start to look for companions locally,” says Fr. Serrano-Ordoñez. “It is not enough to just seek support from the United States and Europe. We are very thankful for those gifts of course. However, we should not deny any local community the opportunity to say, ‘This is my church; I am helping to build it.’”

“Ultimately, it is my goal to help empower more and more of our provinces to engage laypeople worldwide to support the Society and its work,” Fr. Serrano-Ordoñez explains, “not only through monetary contributions, but also to help us do our jobs better, as advisors, evangelists, energizers, and fellow workers.”

(Read More) about the specific results of the Flagship Project in an informative pdf.

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(April 2013) It started with football.

John Madden (not to be confused with the former NFL coach of that name) received a football scholarship to Marquette University.

That scholarship enabled him to study at a place where he was “deeply impressed by the work of the Jesuits. I had a wonderful experience and made great friends at Marquette.”

The Jesuit impact on John’s life did not end there, however. The reality is far from it.

“My wife Mary and I have been so fortunate to have Jesuits in our lives as friends, mentors, and spiritual directors,” he says. “For example, in 1958 we started a retreat group going to Bellarmine Hall – the Jesuit Retreat Center in Barrington, Illinois. More than 50 yearly experiences of following the Spiritual Exercises have added great depth to our spiritual life and considerably strengthened our faith.”

“After all these years, Ignatian values have become part of the fabric of who we are, of how we think and feel,” he adds.

John’s gratitude has led to a life of giving back. His numerous contributions include service as a Bellarmine Retreat Center board member and Marquette University trustee.

“There are so many ways the Jesuits impact and enrich our lives through their work in high schools, universities, hospitals, retreat centers, and missions with Native Americans and in foreign lands, that it is hard not to want to help in some way,” he explains.

“The Jesuit motto of ‘Women and Men for Others’ is powerful,” John continues. “If those of us who have been exposed to it have heard the message loud and clear, it means we have to reach out and make this world a more hospitable place for those who are disadvantaged. Supporting the Society of Jesus fosters an ever-growing number of committed people who will continue to strive to make the world a better, more just place for all.”

John is quick to say that supporting the Society is not a relationship with one-sided benefits.

“Volunteering in Jesuit ministries exposes you to the true spirit these men exhibit to promote Ignatian spirituality and Ignatian values in their schools and in their dealings with people on a daily basis,” he says. “Being involved in decision-making roles, I’ve observed how they bring Ignatian principles forward when making tough choices. That rubs off on all of us who are working with them.”

John’s enthusiasm for the Jesuits is difficult to contain.

“They are very skilled at so many roles and adapt to various assignments so well – from university president one year to serving in a foreign mission the next,” he explains. “And, in spite of all their education, they are easy to know and make wonderful lifelong friends. Some of our dear Jesuit friends like Fr. John Dillon are now at the Colombiere retirement center in Michigan, and we stay in touch with them and visit them when we can.”

After all, “Once they got ya, it’s hard to get away!”

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(April 2013) Fe y Alegría.

Faith and joy. That is how more than 80,000 students have an opportunity to view their education in 72 primary and secondary schools associated with the Society of Jesus in Peru. “Good news like this continues to come out of this country, even amid great poverty,” says Francisco Ibañez, who recently visited both province offices of the Midwest Jesuits in Chicago and Milwaukee.

“There is a network of educational institutes connected to the Society of Jesus in my country,” explains Francisco, also known as Paco, who is a member of the Development and Procurement Office (DPO) for the Peru Province, based in Lima. “This network includes two universities, four high schools and the Fe y Alegría of Peru schools.” (Fe y Alegría is a popular educational movement which, per its website, seeks to form Peruvians who are “democratic citizens with Christian values, academic expertise and trade skills that meet the emerging economic and material realities of Peru.”)

Paco adds, “The DPO collaborates with the Society in Peru in the search for financial, human (volunteers) and material resources, as well as by offering various services. The office plays an important role in that it contributes to the development of the mission of the Jesuits by seeking to improve, help administer and sustain the Society’s apostolic works and endeavors in Peru which, in addition to education, include social justice and pastoral work.”

Already twinned with the Chicago-Detroit Province, the Peru Province is in the process of developing a similar relationship with the Wisconsin Province as well. Twinning involves an agreement of mutual support – including the exchange of ideas, personnel and educational resources, and occasional financial assistance.

In the spirit of collaboration and solidarity with the Peru Province, the Wisconsin Province hosted Paco in June, and advancement office staff discussed awareness-building and fundraising ideas and strategies. His visit here was preceded by English language study at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“Our provinces share similar goals, but in different contexts,” Paco says of his conversations in the States. “For example, we all want to make people’s lives better through education, social justice and spiritual development. However, 35 percent of the 29 million people in Peru live in poverty (most are indigenous people), and more than 3 million children are laborers. For reasons like these, many of our projects have as a priority to improve economic circumstances.”

In support of such projects, Paco’s position includes researching and maintaining foundation grants. He and Province leaders are also hoping to build the donor base locally in Peru – with a natural area for potential growth among alumni of Jesuit schools.

“Historically in Peru, there are great economic divisions, so the idea of raising money is very complicated,” Paco explains. “A culture of solidarity with the poor is not strong. We hope to change this way of thinking, to develop more of a philanthropist mindset among those who can help people who are less fortunate than they are.”

“With growing vocations, strong projects and continuing collaboration with our partners,” he adds, “we have great hope for the future.”

Learn more about the Peru Province at Jesuits.pe.

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It is with great gratitude and joy that the Midwest Jesuits welcome Francis, the First Jesuit Pope.

In a statement, V. Rev. Timothy P. Kesicki, S.J., Provincial of the Chicago-Detroit Jesuits, reflects upon the Election of Francis as Bishop of Rome and Holy Father (read more).

Fr. General P. Adolfo Nicolás S.J. issued a statement on the election of Pope Francis (Read More)

Jesuit Fr. General Adolfo Nicolás Recounts His First Visit with Pope Francis (read more).

In a letter to Jesuit Fr. General Adolfo Nicolás, the Holy Father asks for prayers, offers blessings to the Jesuits and to all those who cooperate with the Society of Jesus in her activities, those who benefit from her good deeds, and those who participate in her spirituality. (read more ).

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Photo: Newly-elected Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, waves after praying at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome March 14. (CNS photo/Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters) (March 14, 2013).

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Date Posted: April 8, 2013
Job Title: Religious Studies Teacher
Description: Click the link for PDF of the Position Announcement – Religious Studies Teacher – Brebeuf Jesuit
Contact: Send resume and cover letter to:

Shannon Buelt
Religious Studies Department Chair
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
2801 W. 86^th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Email: sbuelt@brebeuf.org
Website: www.brebeuf.org

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Fr. Richard W. Cherry, SJ
April 3, 1937, to
April 2, 2013

Father Richard W. Cherry, SJ (AOR), who served as a Jesuit missionary to the people of Eastern Africa, died on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan. Born to parents Richard and Rose Marie (Wilkie) Cherry on April 3, 1937, he was raised in Toledo, Ohio, until joining the Society of Jesus at the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Milford, Ohio, in 1955. “I would label Dick a man of deep faith, absolutely committed to using his teaching skill to improve the lives of the poor,” said Fr. Norm Dickson, SJ, a coworker of Fr. Cherry’s at the Loyola Secondary School in Wau in the mid-80s. “His dedication to those who populated his classrooms was absolute.”

As a Jesuit, Fr. Cherry earned a BA in Latin, a PhL in Philosophy, a ThL in Theology, and an MA in both Mathematics and Physics. With a view to his working as a missionary in India, Fr. Cherry was assigned to study Theology at the Papal Athenaeum in Poona, India, (1966-1970) and was ordained in Patna on March 18, 1969. He subsequently taught science at various Jesuit high schools in the Patna Province including New Delhi (1970-72), Jaipur (1974-82), and Patna (1982-85).

Fr. Cherry would spend the next 43 years assigned as a teacher in Eastern Africa. In 1985, Fr. Cherry began teaching at Loyola Secondary School in Wau, Sudan, (in its first incarnation) where he taught until Loyola had to be closed in 1987 due to the civil war. He continued to teach in Wau, usually as the only Jesuit there, at St. Mary’s Senior Secondary Seminary and at John Paul II Intermediate School.

His work as a missionary eventually relocated him to Adjumani to work as Assistant Project Director for the Jesuit Refugee Service (1992-1994). He moved to Dar es Salaam and taught science at Loyola Secondary School (1995-2006) and also served as Superior of the Jesuit Community (2000-2004). “As a superior, he was very kind to me when I first arrived in Dar es Salaam,” explained Fr. Maria Wenish, SJ, of the Madurai Province. He was a simple, quite man, who always enjoyed a ‘safari evening.’” Father Cherry returned to Wau in 2006 to be involved with preparing for the reopening of Loyola Secondary School. He was assigned to serve as Acting Superior (2006-2007) and then teacher when the school reopened in 2008. In 2012, Fr. Cherry was missioned to supervise the laboratories and teach at St. Peter Claver Secondary School in Dodoma, but fell sick before he was able to take this mission. He went to Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, to deal with health needs until his death on April 2, 2013.

“Father Cherry was most admirable in his 100% dedication to whom and for what he was—a full-time Jesuit,” said Fr. Bernard Mallia, SJ, a longtime friend and coworker at Loyola Secondary School. “He was a truly good and quiet companion whose presence spoke more than words could speak. I am sure he is enjoying life in heaven to the hilt!”

Memorial gifts:
Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.
To make an online contribution, click here.

We share a special message of the Holy Father to Fr. General

Dear Father Nicolás,

I received with great joy the kind letter you sent me, in your name and that of the Society of Jesus, on the occasion of my election to the See of Peter, in which you assure me of your prayers for me and my apostolic ministry as well as your full disposition to continue serving – unconditionally – the Church and the Vicar of Christ according to the teachings of St. Ignatius Loyola.

My heartfelt thanks for this sign of affection and closeness, which I am happy to reciprocate, asking the Lord to illuminate and accompany all Jesuits, so that faithful to the charism received and following in the footsteps of the saints of our beloved Order, they may be evangelical leaven in the world in their pastoral action, but above all in the witness of a life totally dedicated to the service of the Church, the Spouse of Christ, seeking unceasingly the glory of God and the good of souls.

With these sentiments, I ask all Jesuits to pray for me and to entrust me to the loving protection of the Virgin Mary, our Mother in heaven, while as a sign of God’s abundant graces, I give you the Apostolic Blessing with special affection, which I also extend to all those who cooperate with the Society of Jesus in her activities, those who benefit from her good deeds and participate in her spirituality.

Francis
Vatican, 16 March 2013

Fr. General P. Adolfo Nicolás S.J. issued a statement on the election of Pope Francis (Read More)

Jesuit Fr. General Adolfo Nicolás Recounted His First Visit with Pope Francis (Read More)

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Date Posted: March 18, 2013
Job Title: Assistant Director of Campus Ministry
Description:  Click the link for PDF of the Job Description – Assistant Director of Campus Ministry
Contact:  Send resume and cover letter to:

Fr. Michael Christiana, SJ
VP of Mission and Identity
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
2801 W. 86^th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Email: mchristiana@brebeuf.org
Website: www.brebeuf.org

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VISIT WITH POPE FRANCIS OF MARCH 17,  2013

At the personal invitation of the Pope Francis I went to the Santa Marta House, that had been used for the Cardinals present at the Conclave at 5:30 p.m. He was at the entrance and received me with the usual Jesuit embrace. We had a few pictures taken, at his request, and at my apologies for not keeping protocol he insisted that I treat him like any other Jesuit at the “Tu” level, so I did not have to worry about addressing him as “Your Holiness,” or “Holy Father.”

I offered him all our Jesuit resources because in his new position he is going to need counsel, thinking, persons, etc. He showed gratitude for this and at the invitation to visit us for lunch at the Curia he said he would oblige.

There was full commonality of feeling on several issues that we discussed and I remained with the conviction that we will work very well together for the service of the Church in the name of the Gospel.

There was calm, humor and mutual understanding about past, present and future. I left  the Casa de Santa Marta convinced that the Pope will gladly count on our collaboration in the vineyard of the Lord. At the end he helped me with my coat and accompanied me to the door. That added a couple of salutes to me from the Swiss Guards there.  A Jesuit embrace, once again, as the natural way to greet and send off a friend.

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Statement of V. Rev. Timothy P. Kesicki, S.J. (bio) (photo)
Chicago-Detroit Provincial of the Society of Jesus
Upon the Election of Francis I as Bishop of Rome and Holy Father
March 13, 2013

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Chicago, March 13, 2013

With great joy we praise God for entrusting His servant, Francis I, as the 265^th successor to St. Peter.  The Society of Jesus in the Chicago-Detroit Province welcomes the first Jesuit pope with great pride and with even greater humility.

This son of St. Ignatius Loyola, who has so faithfully served the Society of Jesus and the Church of Argentina, now serves the entire Church as our Holy Father.  In his first public appearance on the Loggia of Blessings at St. Peter Square he bowed his head to receive the prayers of the faithful of Rome.  We call upon all Jesuits, colleagues, friends and people of faith to pray for our Holy Father.

It is only fitting in this holy season of Lent that we commit ourselves to St. Ignatius Loyola’s Prayer for Generosity:

Lord, teach me to be generous.
Teach me to serve You as You deserve;
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to ask for any reward,
save that of knowing that I am doing your will.

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Date Posted: March 5, 2013
Job Title: Director of Communications
Description: Click the link for PDF of the Position Announcement – Director of Communications, Chicago
Contact: Send resume and cover letter to:

Stephen Holte
Director of Development
Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School
5088 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60644
School: 773-413-3509 Cell: 773-426-2815 Fax: 773-261-7507
Email: sholte@ctkjesuit.org
Website: www.ctkjesuit.org

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After conducting an extensive search, Clement V. Martin, a Catholic school leader and educator, has been named the next president of Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School (CTK), effective July 1, 2013.  Martin will become the school’s second president and replaces Fr. Christopher J. Devron, SJ, who will return to the New York Province of the Society of Jesus in his new role as President of Fordham Preparatory School (Bronx, NY), after coming to Chicago to help establish Christ the King six years ago.

An experienced Catholic school leader, Martin has demonstrated a commitment to social justice and helped create access to quality, educational opportunities for underserved students.  He comes to Christ the King after serving as the executive director of Cicero Catholic Schools, where he built a reputation as a mission-driven educator focused on expanding school enrollment.  Educated in the Jesuit tradition at the College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA), Martin is deeply motivated to extend Christ the King’s mission to a growing number of students, and is committed to helping them become “men and women for others,” dedicated to God’s greater glory.

“I am deeply honored to join CTK’s Jesuit, Cristo Rey mission to educate students on Chicago’s West Side,” said Martin.  “I am eager to become part of CTK’s pioneering vision and mission that is transforming the lives and futures of so many young people, and I am excited to contribute to the innovative Cristo Rey model in which high school students have the opportunity to earn their tuition while gaining valuable, on-the-job experience through the Corporate Work Study Program.  I look forward to helping CTK grow its mission and expand its effort to educate more deserving students.”

Martin and his family are residents of Chicago.  He and his wife, Norma, a first grade Chicago public school teacher, have three children: Clemente, Mateo and Itzel, who all attend Catholic schools.

To read the full media release, click here.

Fr. Paul F. Conen, SJ
September 23, 1926, to
February 19, 2013

Father Paul F. Conen, SJ, philosopher and Jesuit for 69 years, died on February 19, 2013, at the age of 86 in Pontiac, Michigan. Born to parents August and Loretta (Cronan) Conen on September 23, 1926, he was raised in Youngstown, Ohio. He is survived by two siblings, Jane and James. “Paul Conen loved serious thinking and conversation when people engaged one another and followed the trail of a complex and richly textured interpretation of the human condition,” explained Fr. John Staudenmaier, SJ, a fellow teacher and friend at the University of Detroit Mercy.

Father Conen attended St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland for the first two years of high school but graduated from St. Charles High School in Cantonsville, Maryland, in 1944. Following graduation, Fr. Conen joined the Society of Jesus at Milford, Ohio, and was ordained on June 19, 1957. During his years in formation, Fr. Conen earned numerous degrees including a BA and MA in Greek and Latin from Loyola University Chicago and a PhD in philosophy from the University of Munich.

With a love of language, Fr. Conen used his talents to teach Latin & Greek during regency in the Juniorate at Milford (1951-1953) and St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland (1953-1954).  After receiving his doctorate, he spent two years teaching Philosophy at the University of Detroit and the Bellarmine School of Theology in North Aurora, Illinois (1963-1965).  He spent much of his apostolic life at the University of Detroit where he was served in various capacities including professor of Philosophy (1965-1969), Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (1965-1969), Rector (1969-1972), Director of Religious Activities (1970-1972), worked in the Romero Spiritual Exercises Center (1980-1987), and professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies (1987-1997). “Fr. Paul Conen had many talents; he was a brilliant philosopher,” said Fr. Jerry Cavanagh, SJ, a longtime friend and former coworker. “Those skills showed in his every word. Students found him challenging and engaging in class, and they commented that they learned much from his teaching”

The rest of Fr. Conen’s life was spent at the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, where he acted as both a retreat and spiritual director (1972-1980) and in recent years, performed community service (1997-2013).

Memorial gifts:
Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.
To make an online contribution, click here.

Date Posted: February 21, 2013; Applications accepted until April 15, 2013
Job Title: Executive Director
Description: Click the link for PDF of the Position Announcement – Executive Director, Milford
Contact: Send resume and cover letter with references via email to jbrown@jesuitspiritualcenter.com

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The Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP) works to end homelessness by providing Ignatian Retreats to men and women who are homeless and in recovery. To raise awareness and to help foster and fulfill their mission, ISP will host the annual Run for Hope.

This year, the Run for Hope will be hosted both in Chicago and St. Louis.  Last year’s Run for Hope in Chicago was very successful, with over 30 participants. One of the participants, a 19 year-old college student name Charlotte Schumacher, shared:

“The day of the race was incredible! I was slightly nervous but after meeting the great ISP staff and other runners I felt pumped up for the run! Their enthusiasm really made me feel welcome. At times during the run when I was really feeling tired, I reminded myself of the cause I was running for, thought about all those supporting me, and prayed for the men and women who would benefit from the upcoming retreats.”

We invite you to participate in the Run for Hope this year.  There are several ways to do so:

-       Participate as a runner and fundraiser

-       Share the event with friends and colleagues to increase runner participation

-       Provide race day support as a volunteer by cheering on ISP runners and staffing the ISP table

-       Make a prize donation to the Run for Hope.  ISP provides prizes to the top 3 fundraisers of the Run. Last year these prizes include an Aveda spa package, gift certificates to restaurants, and tickets to the opera.

The dates for the Run for Hope St. Louis are April 6^th -7^th and the date for the Run for Hope Chicago is April 13^th.   If you would like more information about either event please visit the ISP homepage or email becca@ispretreats.org.

To view a brochure for the Chicago event, click here.
To view a brochure for the St. Louis event, click here.

February 2013

By Fr. Timothy Kesicki, SJ,
and Fr. Thomas Lawler, SJ

Blessings of Lent to all our dear friends and benefactors, as well as our fellow Jesuits.

For the first time, we present to you a common message from the leaders of the two Provinces in the upper Midwest that will eventually come together into a single 12-state region of the Society of Jesus. This is part of a national reconfiguration that will move the Society from nine Provinces to four in the United States. While the formal merger is a few years away, our respective staffs and programs—with resulting outreach to the general community—are working closer and closer together to better serve our Jesuit Partners. Among the good reasons for this change is that it enhances our ability to respond more effectively to the needs of the Church and make better use of our resources.

As an example, our mutual renewal of cooperation with the Jesuits of the Eastern Africa Province allows us to share resources, ideas, and evangelization efforts. Recently, both of us traveled to Eastern Africa on different occasions to renew our shared support agreement with our East African brothers to encourage grassroots initiatives, cooperation with local leaders, and educational and self-help opportunities. In comparing notes, we reflected on the gracious hospitality we received and the profound impact the Jesuits and our companions are making in Eastern Africa. Two examples are worth highlighting:

Loyola Jesuit High School in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was built through the generosity of benefactors and Jesuits of the former Detroit Province. As Mr. Michael Rossmann, SJ, a young Midwest Jesuit who is teaching at the school as part of his formation, can attest, today Loyola is a flourishing example of success and hope. On one visit, the school year was ending and student groups were proudly displaying projects and giving demonstrations in a packed auditorium when a lively student dance performance caught everyone’s attention. Laughter, smiles, and joy filled the room; it was like watching a rehearsal for American Idol! Teenagers are the same wherever you go.

A visit to Ocer Campion Jesuit School in Gulu, Uganda,further confirmed the importance of our work in Eastern Africa. This boarding school was started by the Jesuits, with the assistance of Frs. Jim Strzok, SJ, and Tony Wach, SJ, who both hail from the Midwest. After suffering from years of violent civil war and atrocities, Uganda is slowly recovering and rebuilding. The word ocer from the local language means “it is/he is risen.” And indeed, the school brings new life and hope to the children and their families every day.

The fraternal relationship between the Jesuits in the Midwest and Jesuits in Eastern Africa, as well as the philanthropic support of our Jesuit Partners, has enabled remarkable achievement with limited resources. We all share a love of Jesus Christ, and a passion for His people, serving the mission of the Society of Jesus through education and evangelization. Returning home, it is clear that violence, war, hatred, and prejudice can be addressed and healed when people work together in solidarity and friendship.

Thank you, dear friends, for your prayers and assistance in these and all our ministries.

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Jesuit Fr. Thomas Reese, expert on the papacy, offers a thorough Q and A on papal transitions, conclave, and the election of a new Pope. To read the full article from America Magazine click here.

The Jesuits of the Chicago-Detroit Province are “twinned” with the Eastern Africa Province, which means we help each other increase awareness of and support for a wide variety of needs. In thanksgiving for the generosity of many who make possible Jesuit works in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and North and South Sudan, we invite you to read the latest issue of Shukran (Swahili/Arabic for Gratitude), the official newsletter of the Eastern Africa Province.

In this issue, Fr. A. E. Orobator, SJ, Provincial of the Eastern African Province, counts his blessings for the generosity of others who support Jesuit formation and help face challenges such as alarming illiteracy levels, high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, conflict and war, and care of thousands of refugees.

If you’d like to make a donation to help the Jesuits in Eastern Africa, please contact a member of our Advancement staff (see below) or click here to make an online contribution.

Rachel Brennan     rbrennan@jesuits-chgdet.org

Mark Maxwell        mmaxwell@jesuits-chgdet.org

Jeff Smart              jsmart@jesuits-chgdet.org

“Why has so little been written on the clear intersections between sports and spirituality in the Catholic worldview?  Because Catholics sometimes forget the importance of not only the physical body, but also the virtues of play, relaxation and enjoyment.  Patrick Kelly’s fascinating new book looks at the rich connections between ‘physical’ topics (the body, athletics, competition and exercise) and ‘spiritual’ ones (theology, prayer, worship and salvation).  This provocative study may change the way you play – and pray.”
–James Martin, SJ, author of “The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything”

Father Kelly will be giving talks about his book in various cities in the Midwest including:

Sunday, Jan 27, 7:00 p.m.
Academy of the Sacred Heart — talk co-sponsored by U of D Jesuit High School and Academy
1250 Kensington Road
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan , United States 48304 (for high school coaches, in particular)

Monday, Jan. 28, 7:00 p.m.
University of Detroit Mercy
Ford Life Sciences Bldg, Rm 113
4001 W. McNichols
Detroit, MI

Thursday, Jan. 31, 3:30 PM
Loyola University, Chicago
Catholic Minds, Catholic Matters Lecture Coffey Hall, McCormick Lounge Lake Shore Campus
1032 W. Sheridan
Chicago, Ill

For information on how to purchase Fr. Kelly’s book, click here.

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Date Posted: January 16, 2013
Job Title: Major Gifts Officer
Description: Click the link for PDF of the Position Announcement – Major Gifts Officer, Chicago
Contact: Send Letter of Application and Resume to:

David K. McNulty
Provincial Assistant for Advancement
Midwest Jesuits
2050 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
dmcnulty@jesuits-chgdet.org

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Date Posted: January 16, 2013
Job Title: Major Gifts Officer
Description: Click the link for PDF of the Position Announcement – Major Gifts Officer, Wisconsin
Contact: Send Letter of Application and Resume to

John D. (Jack) Paquette
Provincial Assistant/Vice President for Advancement and Communications
Midwest Jesuits
3400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208
jpaquette@jesuits-wisprov.org

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Br. Richard Conroy, SJ
October 14, 1932, to January 5, 2013

Br. Richard (Dick) Conroy, SJ, Jesuit for 60 years and Jack-of-all-trades, died on January 5, 2013, in Clarkston, Michigan, at the age of 80. Br. Conroy was born to Joseph and Marie (TeLinde) Conroy on October 14, 1932, in Avon, Ohio. He is survived by a brother and numerous nieces and nephews. “Uncle Dick will be missed! He gave so much of his time to others. He gave me a life of wonderful Christmas memories. May he rest peacefully in heaven with Jesus and the rest of his family,” wrote Laura Kuczynski in an online tribute.

After graduating from Holy Name High School in 1950, Br. Conroy joined the Society of Jesus in Milford, Ohio, in 1953, and professed his first vows on March 25, 1955. He earned his BA in History from the University of Detroit in 1981.

Brother Conroy spent many years ministering to and caring for his Jesuit brothers.  He was a cook at the Milford Novitiate (1955-1957), the Detroit provincial residence (1958-1959), Colombiere Center (1959-1960), St. Stanislaus in Parma (1960-1962), and was the director of the refectory and kitchen at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland (1962-1964).  He also served as the assistant community treasurer and infirmarian at the University of Detroit (1964-1966), the assistant minister at Bellarmine School of Theology in Aurora (1966-1969), and the minister at St. John’s High School (1969-1971).   He spent many years working in Jesuit high schools and took on a variety of roles including secretary at Loyola Academy (1957-1958), the special projects manager at the University of Detroit High School (1982-1988), and worked in the Development Office at St. Ignatius in Cleveland (1988-1994).  Brother Conroy also spent a good portion of his Jesuit life working in the Detroit Province Office.  He was assistant to the Socius and to the Province Treasurer (1971-1972), worked in the Province Development Office (1994-1995), served as the Provincial’s secretary and assistant director of the Apostleship of Prayer (1995-2001), and was the director of the Apostleship of Prayer (2001-2006).

Since 2006, Br. Conroy has been living at the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan.

Memorial gifts:
Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.
To make an online contribution, click here.

Mr. Sam Schloemer worked for 35 years in sales and marketing before being appointed director of the then  newly created Cincinnati chapter of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps  in 2005. He served as director for 6 years.

December 1, 2012

I’m sending you a “Thank You” in this format to enable you to read what I have to say. There are so many people I want to thank, hand writing about a hundred legible notes would have been impossible. I hope you understand.

Thinking back to September 2005, I received a letter from the selection committee asking me to consider starting an Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC). At the time I thought, “I really don’t need one more thing.” Over the next several weeks, I started thinking about the spiritual component, its value and my need for it in my journey, and that’s when I put together a letter of interest.

In late December 2005, after several interviews, the last being with Fr. Edward Schmidt, SJ, Provincial of the Chicago Province of the Jesuits (now the Chicago-Detroit Province), he appointed me to start an IVC in Cincinnati. Nationally, it was the 16th location the various Jesuit provinces sponsored.

Spiritually, I could not have taken on a more significant activity than IVC. I’ve been a most thankful person for the past six years. The spiritual component, which was the focus of my discernment, was everything I had hoped for. Volunteering, meeting with a Spiritual Reflector, gathering with over 15 people on a monthly basis to share and reflect on where we had found the face of God in the faces of the materially poor exceeds anything I could have envisioned.

Organizing, scheduling, networking, and meeting with new people were natural for me after being in sales and marketing for 35 years. I loved it and my enthusiasm for IVC showed. There was no doubt as to what I was going to accomplish.

Initially, I depended on 3 people: Fr. Joe Folzenlogen, SJ, George Sullivan, my counterpart in Chicago, and Suzanne Geaney, former CEO of IVC National. They were always there to answer my questions, but were kind enough to hold back on too much advice.

I will not forget Nancy Danehy, a dedicated volunteer who died shortly after we started. That was a tremendous loss in our short life at that time, but a significant reminder of the fragility of life and relationships.

I’m thankful for the Spiritual Reflectors who bring further meaning to volunteering, and for words of support from many Jesuits in recognizing the IVC mission is what Ignatius gave us to ponder.

For all the directors of the service agencies for your willingness to have one of our volunteers, and who have come to know, appreciate the kindness, the commitment and the quality of our volunteers.

For our volunteers, even if I tried, I could never fully express all the good you do as you address the most urgent needs of our society today and the thousands of hours you have given through your commitment of service two days a week.

Thanks, its been a great journey,

Sam

Since 1898, the Jesuit Retreat House (JRH) has been serving people of the Diocese of Cleveland by providing leaders and programs to meet the needs of the times. The Jesuit Retreat House continues to share the mission of the Society of Jesus, particularly its strong reliance on the tried and true approach of Saint Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises. As it begins its second century, faithful to the original vision of Fr. Van Rossum, the JRH continues to provide a wide variety of retreat programs that foster personal and spiritual growth in men and women. The Jesuit philosophy of “Finding God in All Things” continues to permeate the work of the JRH and its holy ground as we begin a new century of service at the dawn of a new millennium. Faithful to its past, JRH faces the challenges of the future with confidence that the Lord will continue to bless its ministry of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius.

In a recent holiday letter from Jesuit Retreat House director, Sr. Mary Ann Flannery, SC, she describes an encounter with a homeless woman during an Advent retreat to remind us all to lift people up and to let us know that there is a place for everyone at the table of our precious faith.

Just yesterday at our advent retreat day, a homeless woman appeared to make the day. She had taken the RTA to get here and was burdened with a heavy cough that she found difficult to restrain. When she paid for the retreat, she took bills from empty pill bottles because she cannot carry a wallet for fear of having it stolen. In the group were people of significant means as well and a parish staff and their pastor and a retired priest. When I developed the theme of Jesus as the Great Equalizer, drawing everyone to the stable, no matter our circumstances, a noticeable hush came over the group and it lingered for quite a while. I believe the Lord was making real the meaning of that moment suggest by Karl Rahner, SJ, who said, “Only the person of the Advent God is down to earth.”

Fr. Francis J. Smith, SJ
May 22, 1920, to
December 13, 2012

Fr. Francis (Frank) Smith, SJ, published poet and John Carroll University professor, died on December 13, 2012, after 63 years as a devoted Jesuit priest. Born to parents Thomas and Ella (Stack) Smith on May 22, 1920, Fr. Smith was an Ohio native. He is survived by his brother, James. “What a great man and mind and how very lucky we were to have known him,” writes Angie and Kevin Geraci in an online tribute. “We so loved him and his wisdom.”

Following his graduation from St. Mary’s High School in Lorain, Ohio, he joined the Jesuits at the Milford Novitiate. During his Jesuit formation, he earned numerous degrees including a BA in literature from Xavier University (1941-1943), a PhL in philosophy and STL in theology from West Baden College (1943-1946 and 1949-1953), and an MA from Oxford University (1954-1957). Fr. Smith celebrated his priestly ordination on June 18, 1952.

Fr. Smith had a love for education and shared his passion through teaching. He served as an English professor throughout his life. During regency, he taught Latin and English at the University of Detroit High School (1946-1949). Fr. Smith then went on to become a professor and taught English at the University of Detroit (1957-1959), Colombiere College (1959-1963), and John Carroll University (1963-2006).

As well as being a devoted educator, Fr. Smith was also a published poet with four books of poetry to his name. John Carroll University inaugurated the “Francis J. Smith, SJ, Endowment for the Promotion of Poetry” in his honor. “Father Smith and I would talk about his poetry—especially a poem dealing with the violence in El Salvador in the 1980s,” explains Fr. Robert Scullin, SJ, a longtime friend of Fr. Smith. “Through his poetry he engaged the world with his unique vision as a Jesuit.”

“My family remembers Fr. Smith as holy enough to wear vestments, but human enough to love Las Vegas,” writes Tony Drew, a longtime family friend.

In 2006, Fr. Smith moved to the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, where he remained until his death.

Memorial gifts:
Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.
To make an online contribution, click here.

Last year, nearly 500 people in the Chicagoland area gathered together at Old St. Patrick’s Church to honor those who died without hope, without a home. On the heels of last year’s success, the Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP) will host the fourth annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial. “This is an annual event that has been held around the country, typically on Dec. 21st (the longest night of the year) for approximately the last 30 years.  Right now about 30 cities have some kind of memorial for the homeless,” explains Tom Drexler, executive director of ISP. “The memorial for those homeless men and women who died on the streets last year was the very best experience of what it means to be a Church, to proclaim the dignity of all human beings, especially the poor and most vulnerable among us.”

The National Health Care for the Homeless Council, states, “Homelessness dramatically elevates one’s risk of illness, injury and death.  Join us as the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and the Ignatian Spirituality Project host the Memorial Service for Those Who Died Homeless. The Memorial will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 West Adams Street.

This Memorial Service and Candle Lighting Ceremony is an opportunity to give grieving loved ones a moment of remembrance for those they’ve lost as well as a chance to celebrate their lives. “I am convinced that there are certain things that only the weakest and most vulnerable among us can teach us about life. We have to offer hope to those still in the midst of this struggle, a life struggle for survival,” said Wayne Richards, community organizer for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

To view the full press release for this event, click here.

For more information about the Ignatian Spirituality Project or this event, contact:
Tom Drexler
Executive Director, Ignatian Spirituality Project
(312) 226-9184

About the Ignatian Spirituality Project

Founded in 1999, The Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP) works to end homelessness by providing Ignatian Retreats to men and women who are homeless and in recovery.  ISP has found that people living in shelters and on the streets are confronting enormous obstacles in their transition out of homelessness and into recovery.  ISP has pioneered a retreat program, which effectively addresses this need.  Spirituality and spiritual retreats have proven to be an effective and important resource in laying a fundamental foundation of hope, which can lead to further and long lasting transformation.

About the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless

Since 1980, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) has had a clear mission: We organize and advocate to prevent and end homelessness because we believe housing is a human right in a just society.

CCH advocacy targets access to affordable housing, job training and public schools in Chicago and the suburbs. Community organizers, policy specialists, and public interest attorneys work with people who are impacted by homelessness, including mothers with children, unaccompanied youth, prostitution survivors, ex-offenders, and low-wage workers. CCH runs regular outreach at 30 shelters, transitional housing and street programs across Chicago, involving 4,500 people a year.

About Harmony Hope and Healing

Harmony Hope and Healing (HHH) is a creative music program that, since 2003, has been offering dignity and spiritual healing to homeless and under-served individuals in Chicago.   Through music therapy, HHH promotes healing to those experiencing homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, community and domestic violence, and isolation.   HHH offers a means to make positive changes through the restorative power of music.

Fr. J. Peter Deane, SJ
February 24, 1934, to
December 1, 2012

Fr. J. Peter Deane, SJ, dedicated Jesuit for 59 years, died on December 1, 2012, at the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, at the age of 78. Father Deane was a Detroit native born to parents James and Eleanor (Mahoney) Deane on February 24, 1934. He is remembered by many cousins, friends, as well as his Jesuit brothers.

Following his high school graduation from the University of Detroit High in 1951, Fr. Deane attended John Carroll University in Cleveland and the University of Detroit. He entered the Milford Novitiate in 1953. During his formation training, Fr. Deane received various degrees including a BA in literature from Xavier University (1957), an MS in library science from Western Reserve in Cleveland (1963), an STB in theology from West Baden College (1967), and a MEd in guidance and counseling from the University of Toledo (1985).

Father Deane was ordained a priest on June 14, 1966, at West Baden College, West Baden Springs, Indiana, by John Cardinal Dearden. He professed final vows on May 1, 1976.

His love for literature blossomed throughout his Jesuit career and also during his first assignment at St. John Jesuit High School in Toledo where he served as the school’s librarian (1967-1974). Father Deane then moved on to fulfill the challenging but much needed chaplain position in the alcohol rehabilitation unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Toledo. “Father Deane had a remarkable ministry to people suffering from alcoholism; he also did tremendous work with adolescents in a residential facility near Monroe,” explains Fr. Robert Scullin, SJ, a longtime friend of Fr. Deane. “He really made himself available to Christ’s poor in those ways.”

Father Deane went on to serve as a counselor and chaplain in various institutions in the Midwest, putting into practice his degree in guidance and counseling. These ministries include Flower Memorial Hospital (1979-1992) in Toledo, Boysville of Michigan (1995-2006) in Monroe, and Guest House (2006-2007) in Lake Orion, Michigan, where he ministered to the women religious.

In 2010, Fr. Deane moved to the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, where he remained until his death.

Memorial gifts:
Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.
To make an online contribution, click here.

Fr. Lothar L. Nurnberger, SJ
March 10, 1910, to
November 1, 2012

Fr. Lothar L. Nurnberger, SJ, professor and Jesuit for 80 years, died on Thursday, November 1, 2012, in Clarkston, Michigan. Born to parents Lothar and Anna Mabel (Burke) Nurnberger on March 16, 1910, he was raised in Chicago until the age of 22. At the time of his death, he was 102 years of age, the oldest living Jesuit in the US. “Fr. Nurnberger was a gift from God to the Society of Jesus,” explained a friend in an online tribute. “He is survived by numerous extended family members.

In a recent article in the summer issue of Partners, Fr. Nurnberger explained that the beginning of his relationship with the Jesuits dated back to 1923, when he convinced his parents to allow him to attend the Jesuit-run Loyola Academy. After graduating from Loyola Academy in 1927, he attended Loyola University Chicago (1927-1931) where he earned a BA in history with a minor in philosophy and Latin. The Jesuits at Loyola Academy and Loyola University had such a strong impact on him as a young man that he decided to become one of them. Following his graduation from Loyola University and a year spent working with the Mars Candy Company as a salesman, Fr. Nurnberger joined the Milford Novitiate in Milford, Ohio. “During my year at Mars I came to realize that I belonged in the Jesuits. My mother and father were satisfied with my decision because they felt it would help me behave better,” Fr. Nurnberger explained in Partners. Throughout his ten years of formation, he earned various degrees including a MA in Classics (1935) from Xavier University, as well as a MA from the University of Toronto (1959).

Fr. Nurnberger began his teaching career in 1937 and continued to teach at various high schools around the Midwest until 1974 including St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, and the University of Detroit Jesuit High School. He served as a professor of philosophy (1949-1950) at West Baden College in West Baden, Indiana, and Loyola University Chicago (1955-1974). Fr. Nurnberger spent much of his life studying and completing research in Champaign, Illinois. In 2007, he retired to the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan until his death.

As the oldest living Jesuit in the US, Fr. Nurnberger had high hopes for the future of the Society. “Life is a gift from God. As Jesuits, we are responsible for building a culture of life,” he expressed in Partners.

Br. Daniel McCullough, SJ, a longtime friend, remembers Fr. Nurnberger as a passionate man. “Our personal friendship grew and endured until he died. We were true friends and still are,” he explained.

Memorial gifts:
Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.
To make an online contribution, click here.

Fr. John Reilly, SJ

Fr. John E. Reilly, SJ
October 22, 1928, to
October 29, 2012

Fr. John E. Reilly, SJ, Chicago native and former Saint Ignatius College Prep president, died on October 29, 2012. He was born to parents Norman and Helen (Colnon) Reilly on October 22, 1928, and is remembered by numerous brothers and sisters as well as nieces and nephews. “Fr. Reilly was a Jesuits’ Jesuit. He was an outstanding priest, a great listener, and compassionate friend to all. He was much beloved by those he served,” said Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, a longtime friend of Fr. Reilly.

Upon receiving his diploma from Saint Ignatius College Prep (SICP) in Chicago in 1946, he joined the Jesuits at the Milford Novitiate. He earned many degrees including a STL in theology (1960) from West Baden College in Indiana and a MS in educational administration (1962) from Fordham University in New York.

Fr. Reilly spent much of his early Jesuit life at his high school alma mater, SICP. While there, Fr. Reilly held the positions of teacher and assistant principal (1962-1968), principal (1968-1970), and president (1970-1975). “He loved Saint Ignatius College Prep and was always interested in its progress during the years I served as president,” explained Fr. Paulson. He then moved on to Loyola University Chicago where he spent 33 years in a variety of roles such as assistant to the chancellor and acting director of athletics (1976-1978), assistant vice president for development (1984-1997), and assistant vice president for special advancement projects (1997-2008).

In 2008, Fr. Reilly moved to The Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, where he remained until his death in 2012.

“Fr. John Reilly was a ‘gentle giant’ of a priest, held in the highest regard by everyone. While he suffered great physical diminishment in these last years, he had a Loyola cadre of friends and relations who kept contact with him,” expressed Fr. Donald Rowe, SJ, fellow Jesuit and longtime friend.

Memorial gifts:
Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.
To make an online contribution, click here.

Fr. John O'Neill, SJ

Fr. John D. O’Neill, SJ
July 9, 1929, to
October 28, 2012

Fr. John D. O’Neill, SJ, professor, mathematician, and Jesuit priest for 65 years, died on October 28, 2012, in Clarkston, Michigan at the Colombiere Jesuit retirement facility. A Detroit native, Fr. O’Neill was born on July 9, 1929, to parents Michael and Ellen Mary (Dacey) O’Neill. “Fr. John O’Neill was a world renowned mathematician and a faithful Jesuit. Colleagues and friends from around the world came to him for advice, as did his students,” said Fr. Gerald Cavanagh, SJ, longtime friend.

After receiving his high school diploma from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School in 1947, he entered the Jesuit novitiate in Milford, Ohio.  He earned various degrees including a BA, MA, and MS from Loyola University Chicago as well as a PhD from Wayne State University in Detroit. Fr. O’Neill excelled at mathematics and truly found his calling with the Jesuits during his first assignment at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland as a math teacher. From there he went on to become a professor of mathematics at the University of Detroit (1963-1978; 1979-2009) and a visiting professor at the University of London and UCLA.

Fr. O’Neill returned to his hometown of Detroit in 2009 to server as professor emeritus of mathematics at the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM). “Fr. O’Neill was a gifted mathematician and dedicated professor with man surprising talents (e.g. cutting hair, playing piano, etc.),” explained Katherine Snyder, PhD, associate dean at UDM. “He was not shy about giving his opinion, helping keep faculty meetings interesting and productive. His brilliance, honesty, and approachable teaching style made him a popular teacher and valuable colleague. He will be sorely missed.”

In 2010, Fr. O’Neill joined the Colombiere Community where he remained until his death.

Memorial gifts:
Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.
To make an online contribution, click here.

The Rev. Theodore C. Ross, SJ, has been named Teacher of the Year by The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West. He was honored at the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities (USCCB) annual Celebration of Teaching.

Father Ross has been a Jesuit for 58 years and a Jesuit priest for 45. He holds a MA in both History and Theology from Loyola University Chicago and a Licentiate in Philosophy from West Baden College and a Licentiate in Theology from Bellarmine School of Theology.

His priestly ministry has been spent teaching historical theology to priests, deacons, seminarians, and lay ministers of the Church at the Jesuit School of Theology in Chicago, Mundelein Seminary, the Catholic Theological Union, and for the last 15 years at The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West. He has also lectured throughout the country. Among other things, he has given diocesan convocations to clergy from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Orlando, Florida; from Portland, Maine, to Los Angeles, California.

The United States military invited him to give spiritual conferences to all the Catholic chaplains in the United States Army. He did this in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Honolulu, Hawaii, and the Bavarian Alps. He has previously lectured at Oxford University in England on the occasion of the centenary of the death of Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman.

For the past 25 years, he has preached the retreat at Mundelein seminary as immediate preparation for priestly ordination. The constant theme for all his work was the preservation of authentic Catholic tradition in an age of rapid change. This marks the second time Fr. Ross is being honored with this award by the Athenaeum.

For more information, visit The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary’s Seminary.

The Chicago-Detroit and Wisconsin provincials have appointed Fr. Robert Wild, SJ, special assistant for advancement for both provinces. He brings to the role a wide range of prior experience as provincial of the Chicago Province; president of Weston Jesuit School of Theology; and, most recently, president of Marquette University. “I’m honored to help the provinces work together to serve our 12-state region, which includes 6 universities, 19 high schools, 12 parishes and missions, 8 retreat ministries, and many works that serve those in need,” says Fr. Wild.

During his homily at the Mass of the Holy Spirit on August 24, 2012, Fr. Pat McGrath, SJ, president, reminded students and faculty of Loyola Academy that mediocrity didn’t fit the image that St. Ignatius had in mind when he created the Jesuits and the Jesuit education system. In the front row surrounded by his four siblings, parents, and countless extended family members, sat Conor Dwyer, a young man who is anything but mediocre.  As the Holy Spirit is sent by God to move and inspire us to use our gifts each and every day, Conor Dwyer has inspired his community and the nation.

A graduate of the class of 2007, Conor wanted to share his gold medal excitement with a community that has served his family for generations and a school where Conor hopes to one day send his own children. Loyola, an institution that is rooted in tradition, has played a significant role in Conor’s success in and out of the pool. During a press conference with student reporters from the school newspaper and yearbook, Conor was asked about his time at Loyola and how the school prepared him for competition. “I would never have been in the water if it wasn’t for Loyola and [former] coach, Dennis Stonequist.” Conor went on to explain, “I took a break from swimming in grade school to spend time with friends and focus on other sports. When I got to Loyola, coach Stonequist pushed me to get back in the pool. It was at Loyola that I learned what it meant to be part of a team and that carried over into the Olympic Games.”   During his week of photo and video shoots at Loyola, Conor took time to greet each and every student and encouraged them to “work hard and think positively at all times.”

At the end of mass, Fr. McGrath presented Conor with the St. Ignatius Medal, a medal given to a student or alum who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the values of Loyola Academy, and who has merited outstanding achievement in the pursuit of their God-given calling. Winners of the medal exemplify the Ignatian ideal of striving for Magis or more as they seek to use their gifts and talents in a spirit of gratitude and generosity. In his acceptance speech, Conor thanked his coach, his family and friends, and most importantly, the Loyola community, one that has stood behind him, prayed for him and with him, and molded him into the man for others he is today. He proudly donned his St. Ignatius Medal next to his Olympic medal as he exited the stage to a standing ovation. Conor has showed his community and an entire nation what is possible when you strive to use God’s gifts and talents in a positive way.

To see more coverage of Conor, visit the Loyola Academy website
View a photo gallery on our Facebook Page: Midwest Jesuits

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Date Posted: September 12, 2012
Job Title: President
Description: Click the link for PDF of the Position Announcement-JVC President
Contact: Please direct all questions, suggestions, and resumes to Carole Schwartz who can be reached at:

Carole Schwartz
CRS Associates LLC
Office: 908-273-6664
Cell: 908-419-1417
carole@crsassociatesllc.com

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Fr. Richard M. Mackowski, SJ
May 19, 1929, to
September 10, 2012

Fr. Richard M. Mackowski, SJ, died at 7:15 am on Monday, September 10, 2012, at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan.  May he rest in peace. He is survived by numerous siblings, nieces, and nephews.

A native to the Midwest, Fr. Mackowski was born on May 19, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, to Martin and Helen (Borowski) Mackowski. After graduating from the University of Detroit High School, he entered the Society of Jesus on July 24, 1948 at Milford, Ohio. He was ordained a priest on June 15, 1961 at Colombiere College, Clarkston, Michigan, and final vows on June 30, 1977.

He spent many years of his life teaching including: teacher of Latin during regency at Loyola Academy in Chicago (1955-1958); teacher of Latin, Greek, and French at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland (1962-63); and professor of Greek and Biblical Archaeology at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Jerusalem (1968-73). While in Jerusalem, he spent time as a tour guide. “What Fr. Mackowski indicated he treasured dearly was his role as a director of tours of biblical lands. Beginning while he was a doctoral student in Jerusalem, and continuing during vacation periods during his long satay in Rome, Fr. Mackowski led over 325 tours of biblical locations. His secrets was not only the meticulous care with his he planned each trip, but also his efforts to make each stop along the way meaningful and explain scriptural texts referring to each stop on the tours. It was hard work because he did not take a tour group to a site he had not previously researched and visited himself.”

Following his time in Rome, Fr. Mackowski continued his service in teaching as professor of theology at Loyola University Chicago (1975-78); professor of Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Archaeology at the Gregorian in Rome (1980-87); adjunct professor at the Gregorian (1988-99); emeritus professor at the Gregorian (1999-2002); and a visiting professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit (2007-10).  Fr. Mackowski was also a writer, and for a year, was director of the Loyola University Chicago Rome Center.

Memorial gifts:
Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.
To make an online contribution, click here.

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It is with great joy that we introduce the fifteen men who entered the Society of Jesus for the Chicago-Detroit and Wisconsin Provinces at our bi-province novitiate in St. Paul, Minnesota, on August 25, 2012. They are:

Nicholas Albin (CDT), 22, is from Chantilly, VA, and graduated from Bishop Denis O’Connell High School. He earned a BA in finance from Xavier University, where he was active in student government and St. Robert Bellarmine Parish. He speaks fluent Spanish.

Andrea Bianchini (CDT), 30, is a native of Milan, Italy, where he earned an MA in electrical engineering. He received his PhD in physics from the University of Michigan and served as a eucharistic minister at St. Mary Student Parish. He designed optics software in Munich and has an interest in laser technology.

Maxwell Bindernagel (CDT), 23, a Cleveland native, graduated from Ignatius High School. He earned an MA in philosophy from Boston College, where he was a member of the Pro-Life Club and Sons of Saint Patrick, and served as an RA and peer minister. He speaks fluent German and enjoys the guitar.

Aaron Bohr (WIS), 34, is from St. Paul, MN, and taught Chinese at St. Paul Academy and Summit School for the past six years. After receiving a BA in history and East Asian Studies from Occidental College, he earned two MAs—in social science from the University of Chicago and in teaching from the University of St. Thomas.

Patrick Carroll (WIS), 37, is from San Diego, CA, and holds degrees in mechanical engineering and medieval studies from the University of Notre Dame. He earned an MBA from INSEAD (France/Singapore) and worked in the nonprofit, finance, and telecom sectors. He has volunteered with Jesuit Refugee Services in Haiti and at Catholic University in South Sudan, and has traveled the Silk Road and Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

Dan Dixon (CDT), 25, a native of Birmingham, MI, graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School. He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a BA in theology and philosophy and an MA in education with the Alliance for Catholic Education. He spent the past two years teaching at a Catholic grade school in Phoenix.

Brian Geeding (CDT), 24, graduated from St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati and went on to earn a degree in business marketing and geology from Miami University. He spent the last year as a volunteer with the Jesuits teaching religion and providing sacramental preparation on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Andrew Hanson (WIS), 25, lived the first 10 years of his life in São Paulo, Brazil, before moving to West Liberty, IA. He earned degrees in psychology and organizational communications from Creighton University and spent two years as a volunteer with the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic.

Daniel Kennedy (CDT), 22, graduated from St. John’s Jesuit High School in Toledo and earned his BA in philosophy and theology from Boston College, where he received the Edward H. Finnegan, SJ, Memorial Award. He has done service work in Boston (hospice and tutoring), Kathmandu, and Guatemala.

Paul Leon (WIS), 22, hails from Minneapolis and graduated from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, with a degree in English literature. He has studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and has been a teacher’s assistant at the St. Ignatius College Prep Higher Achievement Program in Chicago.

Aaron Malnick (CDT), 33, graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BS in marketing and sales. After earning an MA in Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago, he most recently served in campus ministry at Alvernia University outside of Philadelphia. He is also a Knight of Columbus.

Steve Molvarec (CDT), 32, is a summa cum laude graduate in history from Canisius College and earned a PhD in medieval history from the University of Notre Dame. He also served in pastoral ministry with graduate students while teaching history at Indiana University South Bend.

Aaron Pierre (WIS), 24, is from Rhinelander, WI, and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in theology and pre-professional studies. He spent a year at Rostro de Cristo in Guayaquil, Ecuador, before working in the US as an ELL instructor for Spanish-speaking adult migrants and an interpreter at OneWorld Community Health Center.

Damian Torres-Botello (CDT), 34, hails from Kansas City and is an accomplished playwright and performer. He co-founded Full Circle Theater Company and has written and presented original plays on social justice themes. He earned a degree in theater from University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS.

Matthew Wooters (CDT), 25, is from suburban Washington, DC, and earned degrees in political science and history from John Carroll University. He served two years with the Jesuit volunteers in Belize, and most recently taught history and geography at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy.

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The Chicago-Detroit Jesuits have a rich history of service where the need is greatest; their more than one hundred years of chaplaincy at Cook County’s Stroger Hospital is one example of this commitment. Now, as the chaplain’s program transitions to the Chicago Archdiocese, the Jesuit Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) comes to the fore as volunteers in spiritual partnership with the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Stroger. Watch and listen as two IVC volunteers share with the Ignatian News Network (INN) their experiences working as the hospital chaplains at Stroger Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps
Ignatian Volunteers are Christian men and women, aged 50 and over, who commit to serving in poor and marginalized communities, two days per week, ten months per year (generally Sept. to June). The program only requires a one-year commitment, however many volunteers choose to renew their commitment year after year.

From the IVC website: “Volunteers agree that what sets IVC apart is the spiritual reflection program. IVC volunteers gather with other members each month to reflect on their service experience, and also meet individually once per month with a spiritual reflector. The reflection aspect is integral to the IVC experience; when we take the time to reflect spiritually, we begin to notice shifts in our own point of view. We begin to find Christ in our day-to-day experiences. We begin to see with God’s eyes, from God’s perspective.” The Jesuits are proud to support IVC, and recognize the impact that they have in our community.

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