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.

Click here for Partners Spring 2013 Index

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Fr. Christopher Devron, SJ, founding president of Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School in Chicago, will return to his home province of New York to serve as the president of Fordham Preparatory School, effective summer 2013. Christ the King recently celebrated the success of its first graduating class with all 50 students being accepted into colleges and universities.

Fr. Daniel Hartnett, SJ, began his new position as pastor at Bellarmine Chapel in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 2013. Prior to serving the Cincinnati community, Fr. Hartnett was on a brief sabbatical following his assignment as pastor of Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan, Illinois.

After many years of service in Omaha, Nebraska, as superior at Creighton Prep, Fr. James Ryan, SJ, has relocated to Creighton University in support of the Jesuit Community’s pastoral ministry outreach.

Father Thomas Schloemer, SJ, has taken on the newly created position of guestmaster for the St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Father Schloemer has supported the Jesuit mission through positions at Creighton University in Omaha and ministries in Milwaukee.

After eight years of service, Fr. Richard Twohig, SJ, will conclude his service
at the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, caring for his fellow Jesuit brothers.

 
Father Twohig will be succeeded at the Colombiere Center by Fr. John Libens, SJ, beginning summer 2013. Most recently, Fr. Libens assisted both the Chicago-Detroit and Wisconsin Provinces with secondary and pre-secondary education and served as superior of the St. Ignatius Jesuit Community in Cleveland.

Fr. James Creighton, SJ was missioned to serve at the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan.

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We give thanks for Fr. Patrick E. Walsh, SJ (Wisconsin), Fr. Nicholas E. Schiel, SJ (Wisconsin), Fr. Louis J. Lipps, SJ (Chicago-Detroit), Br. Richard C. Conroy, SJ (Chicago-Detroit), Fr. Francis J. Smith, SJ (Chicago-Detroit), Fr. Joseph C. Gill, SJ (Wisconsin), Fr. J. Peter Deane, SJ (Chicago-Detroit), Fr. William T. Kolarec, SJ (Wisconsin), Fr. Lothar L. Nurnberger, SJ (Chicago-Detroit), Fr. John E. Reilly, SJ (Chicago-Detroit) and Fr. John D. O’Neill, SJ (Chicago-Detroit) who have gone home to God.

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Click here for Partners Spring 2013 Index

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Deepen Your Lenten Reflection with JesuitPrayer.org

With the Lenten season upon us, we invite you to deepen your practice and reflection with www.Jesuitprayer.org, our new prayer site, eNewsletter, and App. Since Ash Wednesday, JesuitPrayer.org has featured daily thought-provoking reflections from nine contributing Jesuit and lay authors. Visit the site or use the App to submit intentions and prayer requests. We invite you to rate the App and share JesuitPrayer.org with friends and family. Be assured that the Jesuits are praying for you during this Lenten season.

Jesuit Frs. Peter Etzel, Ed Witt, and Dave Matzko, Celebrate Canonization of First Native American Saint in Rome

In October, Frs. Etzel, Witt, and Matzko of the Kino Jesuit Community in South Dakota traveled to Rome for the canonization of St. Kateri Tekawitha, the first Native American saint. All three Jesuits have served Native American ministries for many years in parishes, retreat centers, and schools including the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Indian Reservations in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Father Patrick Kelly, SJ, Explores Catholics and Sports in New Book

In his new book, Catholic Perspectives on Sports: From Medieval to Modern Times, Fr. Patrick Kelly, SJ, gives readers a provocative look at how Catholics have engaged in play and sports through the ages, and how this engagement has been related to theological and spiritual sensibilities. Father Kelly recounts how the humanists and early Jesuits played an important role in introducing games and sports as part of the school day in the Western world. Available at www.paulistpress.com.

Steve Specht, St. Xavier High School Football Coach, Receives Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award

On February 1, St. Xavier High School football coach Steve Specht was honored with the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award. Created in 2010 to honor exemplary coaches who display integrity, achievement, and leadership, the winner receives $10,000 and another
$15,000 for his football program. “People need to realize what great things he is doing,” explained Greg Scruggs, a 2008 St. Xavier graduate who nominated Coach Specht. “I think because St. X is a private school it overshadows the fact that young men still need positive role models, and that’s what Coach Specht is, a role model.”

Kohima Region Jesuit, Anand Pereira, Earns PhD from Creighton University

Anand Pereira, SJ, from the Kohima Region of northeast India, successfully defended his dissertation and received his PhD from Creighton University. Father Pereira recently returned to the Kohima Region to manage the self-help groups that foster the “co-operative” style of economics to improve living conditions and educational opportunities. He will work to support economic initiatives between northeast India and Jesuit Partners in the US.

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Click here for Partners Spring 2013 Index

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A Flourishing Partnership

Dear Friends,

Anyone talking about organizational change these days focuses on two words, strategic planning. Strategists are abuzz about the tactics and vision that will propel an institution forward. Change without strategic planning is like driving without directions—you’re on the road, but you don’t know where you’re going.

Saint Ignatius Loyola is considered by many to have been on the forefront of organizational change; however, he has never really worn the moniker of strategic planner. If anything, his vision is more one of strategic flexibility. In asking a Jesuit to go wherever in the world the need was the greatest at a moment’s notice, our founder emerged as one of the more change-ready religious leaders of his time. He neither planned nor imagined the network of institutions and missions that characterize today’s Society, but he set the course that enabled so many new works to come into existence. And while most of those first institutions are not operating today, new schools and missions open each year in response to the needs of God’s people.

Welcome to the “new” Partners magazine—the first joint publication of the Chicago-Detroit and Wisconsin Provinces. Current and new readers are invited to learn about the Jesuits and Jesuit ministries in our shared 12-state region. This publication is a work in progress, an effort to combine our two magazines into one. It reflects the continuing efforts of our two Jesuit Provinces to work together towards the creation of a new Province in 2017.

We wish to be at the frontiers in evangelization of God’s people for the good of the Church.

The name Partners reflects the essential relationship that we Jesuits have with you, our companions and collaborators. From the Society’s beginning, we have been privileged to have partners who strengthen our mission. The stories and images contained in this publication reflect our vital relationship with you.

In a recent conversation with senior Jesuits, one was overheard saying, “I sometimes forget what we’re calling the province now, but I know that it’s still the Society of Jesus.” The wisdom of our elders reflects this most fundamental truth. Some of our Jesuits entered the Society before there even was a Chicago, Detroit, or Wisconsin Province; they’ve lived long enough to see their province split, re-unite, or merge. In the end, the size and the name of this new province matters only in as much as it helps us to do the work of the Church. With your support, we can meet this challenge and serve the generations to come.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

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Partners Spring 2013 Read the Spring 2013 issue of Partners with enhanced multimedia content! Click on the image (left) to read an interactive PDF of Partners in your browser, or view the web version by choosing stories from the index below.

 

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We’re proud to announce the launch of JesuitPrayer.org for daily Scripture, Ignatian Reflection and Ignatian Prayer.
Request a prayer, download a prayer card and more…

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A    F L O U R I S H I N G    P A R T N E R S H I P
A Letter from the Provincials, Fr. Thomas A. Lawler, SJ, and Fr. Timothy P. Kesicki, SJ
Welcome to the “new” Partners magazine—the first joint publication of the Chicago-Detroit and Wisconsin Provinces. Current and new readers are invited to learn about the Jesuits and Jesuit ministries in our shared 12-state region. This publication is a work in progress, an effort to combine our two magazines into one. It reflects the continuing efforts of our two Jesuit Provinces to work together towards the creation of a new Province in 2017. (view story)

N E W S
In the news: By the numbers, we’re focused on the Jesuits’ international efforts; our newest pastoral ministry focused on Ignatian Spirituality, JesuitPrayer.org; the canonization of St. Kateri Tekawitha, the first Native American Saint; a new book by Fr. Patrick Kelly, SJ, featuring a provocative look at how Catholics have engaged in play and sports through the ages; St. Xavier High School Football Coach Steve Specht’s honor as Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year; Anand Pereira, SJ, Kohima Region Jesuit, earns a PhD from Creighton University. (view stories)

A S S I G N M E N T S
New assignments have been announced for Fr. Christopher Devron, SJ, Fr. Daniel Hartnett, SJ, Fr. James Ryan, SJ, Father Thomas Schloemer, SJ, Fr. Richard Twohig, SJ, Fr. James Creighton, SJ, and Fr. John Libens, SJ. (view stories)

I N    M E M O R I A M
We give thanks for Fr. Patrick E. Walsh, SJ (Wisconsin), Fr. Nicholas E. Schiel, SJ (Wisconsin), Fr. Louis J. Lipps, SJ (Chicago-Detroit), Br. Richard C. Conroy, SJ (Chicago-Detroit), Fr. Francis J. Smith, SJ (Chicago-Detroit), Fr. Joseph C. Gill, SJ (Wisconsin), Fr. J. Peter Deane, SJ (Chicago-Detroit), Fr. William T. Kolarec, SJ (Wisconsin), Fr. Lothar L. Nurnberger, SJ (Chicago-Detroit), Fr. John E. Reilly, SJ (Chicago-Detroit) and Fr. John D. O’Neill, SJ (Chicago-Detroit) who have gone home to God. (read more)

I N T E R N A T I O N A L    M I N I S T R I E S
As the Chicago-Detroit and Wisconsin Provinces prepare to unite, together they continue to dedicate their efforts to making a difference in the lives of those in northeast India. (read more)

Over the years, immersion groups comprised of Jesuits and laity have had the privilege of accompanying the Jesuits and indigenous communities of Kohima. Jesuit Post blogger Paddy Gilger, SJ, shares his honest and humorous life lessons from his six weeks abroad. (view story)

V O C A T I O N S
Fr. Paul Coelho, SJ and Fr. James Prehn, SJ reflect on Spreading the Word in the Digital Age (view story)

Father Don Doll, SJ, celebrates 50 years of award-winning photography in his new book, A Call to Vision: A Jesuit’s Perspective on the World. (view story)

I N   P A R T N E R S H I P
“I have been shown how Jesuits in their compassion and giftedness are lovingly making a difference for their brothers and sisters all over the world,” says Susie Murphy, in this personal reflection of her experience with the Society of Jesus. (read more)

On December 9, 2012, John and Barbara Schubert (front row, center) were honored by the Chicago-Detroit Province as Founders of the Province. (read more)

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Jesuits and our partners in ministry are energized, by gratitude, a lively faith, and the desire to make, our world a better place for all. Together, we are making a difference.

Would you like to put your Faith into Action? Here are some ways you can act:

LEARN
Visit our website for stories, podcasts, videos and more! Contact us to request special promotions such as books, CDs, and DVDs.

GET NEWS
Stay informed about the Jesuits, their work, and its impact. Join our email list to receive periodic electronic communications, and bookmark our homepage.

SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS
Promote an awareness of our works and share “Good News” about the positive impact the Society of Jesus is making.

MAKE A GIFT
Support Jesuit ministries, the education and formation of Jesuits, and the care of elder Jesuits.

GET INVOLVED
Share your time and expertise through service work, and enrich your faith life with Ignatian spirituality.

PRAY
Please keep the Jesuits, their companions in ministry, and their works in your prayers. Be assured that the Jesuits keep you in their prayers and are forever grateful for your support.

For more information or to request special offerings, please contact Eileen Meehan at (800) 922-5327, or by email at emeehan@jesuits-chgdet.org. Or, feel free to contact our Advancement Staff

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Click here for Partners Winter 2012 Index

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

By Mike Higginbotham

On September 4, 1962, Fr. William Schmidt, SJ, realized his dream of starting what was, and still is, the only Jesuit school in Indiana. On that day, 168 freshman boys walked into a brand new building on Route 100, just north of Indianapolis, and became a part of history. On that day, the first students, faculty, and staff members began laying the foundation and creating the traditions that would define Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School.

For the past 50 years, Brebeuf Jesuit has created men and women for others by fostering the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of its students and providing the tools to become societal leaders who do all things for the Greater Glory of God. Brebeuf’s extraordinary faculty and staff have gone above and beyond to set their students up for success.

There have been myriad changes to Brebeuf since 1962 such as becoming coeducational with the addition of 153 young women in 1976 and the construction of new facilities including a new Jesuit residence in the 1990s. The latest change to Brebeuf is welcoming its 11th President, Fr. Jack Dennis, SJ, who began his service in July 2012.

Father Dennis has already outlined his plans to maintain Brebeuf’s strong identity as a Jesuit school while still being able to communicate that students and families of
 
all backgrounds are not only welcomed, but embraced. And in light of the school’s 50th anniversary, Fr. Dennis has his own visions for its future. “Our focus is on maintaining our competitive edge in academics, arts, and athletics, and to continue to evolve as a school community,” he explains. “We will also continue to serve the larger Indy community; seek healthy, enriching ways to utilize new technology; and continue to discover who God is and how we relate to and develop a stronger relationship with him.”

   

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Mike Higginbotham is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis, IN. A graduate of Purdue University, he has been serving Brebeuf since December 2011

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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