Fr. James W. Hasse, SJ, 1934-2011
June 20, 2011 in 2011, News, Obituaries
Fr. James Hasse, SJ
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November 25, 1934, to June 19, 2011
Pontiac, Michigan
Fr. James W. Hasse, SJ, United States Navy metalsmith, artist, and Jesuit priest, died on June 19, 2011, in Pontiac, Michigan. “Fr. Jim Hasse was a wonderful Jesuit priest and pastor, and he was also a very gifted artist,” says Fr. George Lane, SJ, longtime friend.
A native of Joliet, Illinois, Fr. Hasse was born to parents Robert and Marie (Grill) Hasse on November 25, 1934. One of nine children, he is survived by three sisters and two brothers.
After graduating from Joliet Catholic High School in 1952, Fr. Hasse joined the United States Navy, where he served three years as a metalsmith before being discharged in 1955. He pursued higher education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for two years (1959-1961). On August 8, 1959, Fr. Hasse entered the Society of Jesus at the Milford Novitiate in Milford, Ohio. Picking up where he left off with his studies, Fr. Hasse received his Bachelor of Arts (1964) and Master of Arts (1965) degrees in philosophy and anthropology from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. He cultivated his talent for art at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1970. Upon returning to his native Illinois, Fr. Hasse received his Masters in Divinity from the Bellarmine School of Theology.
Following his ordination on May 29, 1969, Fr. Hasse began his Jesuit service at Holy Family Church in Chicago, Illinois. His position at Holy Family lasted almost 20 years (1970-1987), and was the beginning of his lifelong ministry with the African-American community. His art was often inspired by those with whom he worked closely. “As much as Jim found beauty in nature, the place where he most found beauty, most found God, was in people,” explains friend and former community member Fr. Joseph Folzenlogen, SJ. “During the years, Jim painted and sculpted in the African-American communities where he ministered. His hope was that seeing themselves mirrored in his images, they would become aware of their own beauty and dignity.”
Fr. Hasse spent ten years (1990-2000) as associate pastor at Holy Rosary/St. John parish in Columbus, Ohio, before becoming a founding member of Claver Jesuit Mission in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2000. Located in and serving a predominantly African-American community, Claver strives to proximate solidarity with the poor. In an article for Partners magazine (spring 2003), Fr. Hasse spoke about his desire to become part of the community in which he served: “That’s why we live here. If we’re going to have an effective ministry, we have to be treated as equals. And by rubbing elbows each day, our images of the people who live here and their images of us become truer.” While at Claver, Fr. Hasse used his passion for art to connect with his neighbors. Marilyn Evans, Cincinnati native and community member for 38 years, told Partners that when Fr. Hasse began hanging his paintings on the fence outside Claver Mission, neighbors were concerned kids would vandalize them. They didn’t. “The kids came and he taught them art,” she said. “They were going around with pieces of paper and crayons and they came and hung them up on the fence. It was their own art gallery.” The Jesuit community created a safe haven for children of the neighborhood.
In 2008, Fr. Hasse received the Martin Luther King “Keep the Dream Alive Award” presented by St. Mark’s parish in Cincinnati, Ohio, recognizing over 40 years of service in African-American communities.
After moving to Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, he devoted his time to working on his art and praying for the Church and Society.
Although he was recognized for his beautiful artwork and dedicated service, “the most important recognition for Jim was the love and affection of his many friends,” says Fr. Folzenlogen. “And that love and affection was mutual. He will be greatly missed.”
To view the full article on Claver Jesuit Mission from the spring 2003 issue of Partners magazine, click here.
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Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.
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more from the most recent issue of Partners
Yes to Jim, to his spirit, to his heart, to his art and to his gift of gentle compassion. I lived with Jim as a novice at Holy Family Parish in the summer of 1969, and I am learning of his death today on July 31, the Feast Day of St Ignatius, 42 years later. I pray in thanksgiving for him, and in celebration of his spirit’s Light now. I join with all readers and writers here to pray as one and to express true condolences to his family and his Jesuit community.
Tim McGowan
Rochester NY
Mary Ann and Bill – We will miss this Gottscheer. My sincerest condolences to you and your families.
Kate Baum
Father Hasse, the earth is simply a more beautiful place because you were here. You are sorely missed by the family of Holy Rosary and St. John; We were so blessed to have you here with us. In many ways, you taught us to love and appreciate ourselves, the fullness of our lips, the colors of our skin; you helped us to see,thru your ministry and your art, that we are indeed made in the image of God and to love and give to one another. Thank you for your many gifts to our congregation. You live on in deeply in our hearts.
Fr. Jim was an extraordinary man of compassion, humility, great faith in God
and in humanity. He was also a very gifted artist, who used his talent to show
the dignity and equality in life…how we are all joined together as children of God.
He will be greatly missed, but his paintings will live on. I am very grateful that
I had the opportunity to be his friend.
Fr. Hasse was a dear friend of my immediate and extended family. We will remember him always. He was family and he will be missed.
I got to know Father Hasse when my older brother, Father George Lane, S.J., and he lived at Holy Family Parish Rectory. Father Hasse was such a gentle and kind man. His beautiful paintings were all over the rectory there. I know that God will reward him for his great life doing good for people. He certainly will be missed. God bless you, Father Hasse.
Fr. Hasse was a large part of Holy Rosary/St. John, he lives behind a long and loving legacy of kindness, beautiful art that adorns the church and just the beauty of his spirit. There is not a kid, man, nor woman at that church that hasn’t been touch or comforted by his council or friendship. Although we have memories and art to remember him by.. He will truly be missed.
I will miss him very much.
Father Jim will be sadly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know him. He was not only devoted to his beliefs and God, but to his art. A very talented gentleman. My family had the pleasure of knowing him outside the church for 21 years. He took us under his wing and allowed us to be part of his life. Sheryl, Donald, Kristina, Nicholas and Brooklyn (Barnes)
On behalf of Holy Family Parish, Chicago, we praise God for the gift of Fr Jim Hasse S.J. He was an outstanding pastor, artist, Jesuit and friend. He will always be in the heart and spirit of this parish community. He truly had the heart of the “Good Shepherd” May he rest in peace. Fr. Jerry Boland and Holy Family Parish.
Fr. Hasse was the reason I started singing. One Sunday as I sat as an altar server he noticed “I had a voice of an angel”. He was an amazing priest, talented artist, and great inspiration. I will definitely miss him. This one’s for you, “Goin’ up yonder”.
A mentor, teacher, server, leader, visionary with a paint brush. My bro/Fr. Hasse have touch/change the direction of many youth live in the summer programs @ Holy Family…I’m a product of one of them…he will be miss…..Thank you JESUS for putting him on my path…..
Father Hasse made believe in myself like no one could. I started praise dancing and my daughter found a love in praise dancing that took her places she may never have gone. I remember the first time he took us to a play, to watch one of his former students in Dayton dance. We so loved it…
Mother of Christ will always remember him, his paintings are on all the walls. Thank you….
Father Hasse taught Mike & I so much about humility and unconditional love by his actions, words and art. He is a reason we joined HRSJ. He will sorely missed. My condolences to his Family.
Father Jim will be greatly missed here at Mother of Christ Church. He’s now one of God’s Angels in Heaven painting beautiful pictures. I will always remember and miss his soft spoken voice as he did his sermons.
Growing up as a Black Catholic in the 1960/70′s you didn’t see images that looked like you, your friends or neighbors. Fr. Hasse was someone that helped changed this. He used us in his paintings! Doesn’t seem like much now but back then it was bigger than words. Ripples from that pebble can still be felt……..
God bless and safe passage.
I met Fr. Jim Hasse as a kid on the West side of Chicago, at Holy Family Church. As a kid, God used Fr. Hasse to introduce me to the word of God. I remember Fr. Hasse would take many of us to the Indiana Dunes Beach. Fr. Hasse was so full of love, so much that he payed out of his own pocket, for many of us to go to Catholic School. I am so very greatful to have known him and to have him as a mentor. My only regret, is that i could not tell him that, the friendship he gave me and the things that he taught me, followed me through my adulthood. We have truly lost an Angel of God, so long friend, job well done.
Fr. Jim was a humble artist. He seemed genuinely surprised that people liked his work, as if he didn’t quite deserve the recognition. For me his work was about his love of people, he saw beauty in all faces, especially in women. By painting a friend, neighbor, a parishioner he validated that person in the sight of God and in the sight of the community. His talent was a bridge, a conversation with those around him, he loved the exchange yet he didn’t take his role too seriously. His humility and gentleness will be missed.
Fr. Hasse was a true inspiration and blessing in my life; a true mentor and friend. Heaven’s gain is our loss. He definitely left an inprint in my heart and thousands of others. He left this world a more beautiful place by the wonderful artwork he left and his gentle spirit. His beauty lives on!
I entered the Society of Jesus as a novice with Jim in August of 1959. I remember working with him once on clean-up in the novitiate kitchen on cleanup. When I thought we were done, Jim said, “When you check to see if things are clean, you don’t look in the center of the floor, you look deep in the corners and under things. That’s the way the Navy teaches you.” It seems a trivial comment, but it really reflects the thoroughness and honesty with which Jim did a job — even if it would not be seen!
Cam von Wahlde
Fr. Hasse was my teacher, mentor and spiritual advisor as a boy. He taught me art at Holy Family and I had the pleasure of serving as an alter boy for him every morning mass at 7am. He was a very giving man, and very open minded. He had a great sense of humor. His inspiration allowed me to go to art school and pursue my passion for art. He was an inspiration which has stayed with me for these over 35 years since I last studied with him. A kind and creative educator and someone who was well respected and loved at his parish. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten by those whose lives he touched. I for one will never forget him! I know the lord will have a special place for this man in his kingdom.
God Bless
George Gonzalez
Several months ago I stumbled across Fr. Hasse’s “Prayer Gallery” His beautiful artwork and deeply moving interpretations of scripture as well as what I can only assume was his personal prayer quickly became part of my own prayer life. My life was enriched by his gift. My deepest sympathy to and prayers for his family and his Jesuit community.
Fr. Jim’s contribution to the Mother of Christ Catholic Church faith community in Cincinnati is immeasurable. He offered his artistic gifts in numerous ways. He designed the covers for the programs of several gospel music concerts;he designed and painted a banner representing the faith community for a city wide revival; and he painted every available exterior brick wall of our church with magnificent murals. All this he did while delivering sermons that touched the heart of the African American community. He truly blessed Mother of Christ Church and Winton Hills.
I will never forget his love of liturgical dance and our Gospel choir.
An artist, a friend and a priest…..he will be missed.
Glen Glenn
Worship Leader
Mother of Christ Catholic Church
5301 Winneste Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45232