Celebrating the Golden Years

Transcription

1 A PUBLICATION OF THE MIDWEST JESUITS SUMMER 2013 Celebrating the Golden Years Dear Friends, Last summer, Fr. General Adolfo Nicolás addressed an international group of Jesuits gathered in Nairobi with these words: I am convinced that the key for determining the spiritual health of the Society depends on whether Jesuits continue to have the ability to give absolutely everything to the Lord, as Ignatius did.... We are still amazed at the great service and the daring courage of great Jesuits in the past, who did incredible things in the midst of almost impossible odds. When we visit with Jesuits in their golden years, we are inspired by the example of their lives, their accomplishments in ministry, and their approach to life. They exhibit a peaceful sense that their service to the Church and the Society of Jesus has been, and continues to be, a great gift. We see Christ in the eyes of the older Jesuits. By the Lord s grace, their lives have been transformed, through the crucible of service and labor for the Kingdom. These men have spent many years serving the Church as teachers, administrators, founders of ministries, missionaries, spiritual guides, and men of God serving wherever people were in need of hearing the Gospel. In talking with these men, we discover that they were able to do these things not by their own power and talents, but with the help of God s grace. They found joy in giving their lives entirely to the Lord in His service. Saint Ignatius of Loyola prayed at the end of the Spiritual Exercises that our whole lives can be an offering of gratitude to God for the love that has been poured out upon us in creation, in our lives, and especially in Jesus Christ. Jesuits do not retire after they reach a certain age; they have a mission until their last breath. Oftentimes, these legends will continue in some kind of direct service or ministry, offering mass in parishes, hearing At the office of the Jesuit Seminary Guild of the Wisconsin Province, Jesuit Br. Gerald McKeever and Frs. Augustine Giunta and Jerome Breunig welcome visitors to an Open House event. The Guild, established in 1955, encouraged benefactors to pray for vocations and to support the training of novices and Jesuits in formation. Prayers for vocations are still an important priority of the Society today. confessions, providing spiritual direction, or performing research and writing. One of the most important labors they do for us in their final years is to pray. Jesuits who live at our healthcare communities, St. Camillus in Milwaukee and the Colombiere Center near Detroit, pray every day for the intentions of our benefactors and friends, the needs of the Church, the world, the Holy Father, for vocations, and the missions of the Society of Jesus. We are grateful for the example of our older Jesuits who share their wisdom and insight. Please join us in thanking them for the service they have rendered through years of preaching the Gospel, working in the field of education, pastoral service, spiritual ministry, and serving the poor. We are grateful to you, our devoted partners, for your continued prayers and support for our living legends. Sincerely yours in Christ, Timothy P. Kesicki, SJ Provincial, Chicago-Detroit Province Thomas A. Lawler, SJ Provincial, Wisconsin Province To view the enhanced web version of Partners, please visit our website at and click the red web icon as shown here.

2 Midwest Jesuits By the Numbers 6,703 collective years of service from the Midwest Jesuits residing at the Colombiere Center and St. Camillus healthcare communities 2,463 views of Fr. Kesicki s YouTube video featuring his reaction to the election of the first Jesuit pope, Pope Francis 870 attendees at this year s Lenten mornings of reflection 150,000 Jesuit high school alumni in the Midwest region $450,000 total cost of formation per Jesuit over an average of NEWS Society of Jesus Names New President of Jesuit Conference On May 10, 2013, the Society of Jesus announced the appointment of Fr. Timothy P. Kesicki, SJ, as the next president of the Jesuit Conference. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Jesuit Conference is the liaison office that coordinates the national work of the Society. Father Kesicki, the current provincial of the Chicago-Detroit Province, first met the Jesuits when he was an undergraduate at John Carroll University in Ohio. 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, he explains. Father Kesicki will assume his new position on August 1, n Hearts on Fire Retreats Inspire Young Adults The Hearts on Fire young adult retreats are hitting the streets of the Midwest again this summer in a six-city tour. In collaboration with the Apostleship of Prayer, this day-and-a-half renewal experience based on Ignatian Spirituality is open to young adults aged To register for a retreat near you, visit n Johns Hopkins Grant Awarded to Father Michael Simone, SJ, for Summer Abroad Father Michael Simone, SJ, has received a grant from Johns Hopkins University to fund archaeological research this summer. Father Simone spent May and early June studying in the Holy Land in Teleilat Ghassul, a site that was in the care of the Pontifical Biblical Institute from 1929 to During that time, Jesuits from France, Germany, England, and Ireland were the site s principal excavators. Work there continues today under the direction of archaeologists from the University of Sydney. n Father Bernard Owens, SJ, Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award O n March 1, 2013, Fr. Bernard Owens, SJ (right), was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Manresa Jesuit Retreat House. The award, presented by Fr. James Serrick, SJ, at the Leadership Banquet, honored Fr. Owens for his exceptional contributions to Manresa over the past 19 years. Father Owens will soon begin a new assignment offering retreats in the Eastern Africa Province. n 10 years 2

3 ASSIGNMENTS Bill Burke and Nora Dabrowski have joined the Chicago-Detroit Province staff as major gifts officers. Bill spent his professional career in media sales and has a deep understanding of communications. He spent many years with ESPN and most recently was with The Weather Channel. Bill has a great love for the Society and feels called to participate more directly in its work at this time in his life. He is a 1973 graduate of John Carroll, where he earned a degree in communications. Nora is an alumna of Loyola University Chicago and worked with the province s advancement office from 1995 until 2001 before accepting a position at Loyola Academy where she was a director of development until Nora is excited to be back with the province as a major gifts officer in the Detroit area. Father Patrick Fairbanks, SJ, will serve as the next pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church in Cincinnati, beginning July Father Fairbanks joins the Cincinnati community following assignments as the vocations director for the Chicago-Detroit Province as well as superior of the Taylor Street Community. After 8 years as pastor, Fr. Eric Knapp, SJ, will be leaving St. Francis Xavier to prepare for Tertianship, a period of preparation for final vows in the Society, the last stage of Jesuit formation. On July 2, 2013, Creighton Prep in Omaha will welcome its first lay President, Michael Giambelluca. Michael previously served 12 years as the principal of Jesuit High School in New Orleans. Father Timothy Meier, SJ, has been deployed to Kosovo to serve as chaplain to the troops as a member of the US Army. Since joining the Army in 2005, he has completed deployments to both Kosovo and Iraq, and at age 51, was the oldest serviceman without prior military experience. Father David Mastrangelo, SJ, has been assigned superior of the newly formed Taylor Street Jesuit Community. For the past 19 years, Fr. Mastrangelo was assigned to Loyola High School in Detroit as a teacher, principal, and president. After teaching at Marquette University s Law School since 2006, Father Gregory O Meara, SJ, has been appointed as rector of Creighton University s Jesuit Community in Omaha, beginning July For a full listing of assignments, please visit and click the red web icon as shown here. Missioned to Serve at: Colombiere Fr. James Creighton, SJ Fr. John Crocker, SJ Fr. Francis Gignac, SJ Fr. Emmett Holmes, SJ Br. Robert Schneider, SJ Fr. James Serrick, SJ Br. James Small, SJ St. Camillus Fr. William Foster, SJ IN MEMORIAM We give thanks for the following Jesuits who have gone home to God. CDT=Chicago-Detroit Province, please visit for more information WIS=Wisconsin Province, please visit for more information Fr. Richard W. Cherry, SJ (AOR)* April 3, 1937, to April 2, 2013 Clarkston, MI Father Cherry was most admirable in his 100% dedication to whom and for what he was a full-time Jesuit. 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! Fr. Bernard Mallia, SJ *Father Cherry joined the Chicago Province in 1955 and was later transcribed to the Eastern Africa Province (AOR). Fr. Paul F. Conen, SJ (CDT) September 23, 1926, to February 19, 2013 Pontiac, MI Father Paul Conen had many talents; he was a brilliant philosopher. 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. Fr. Jerry Cavanagh, SJ To view full obituaries, sign a guestbook, and/or make a gift, please visit our website at and click the red web icon as shown here. 3

4 ORDINATION 2013 Patrick Gilger and Jayme Stayer were ordained Jesuit priests on Saturday, June 15, 2013, at a Mass at Madonna della Strada Chapel at Loyola University Chicago. (From left) Fr. Timothy Kesicki, provincial of the Chicago-Detroit Province; newly ordained Fr. Jayme Stayer; Most Reverend George V. Murry, SJ, Bishop of Youngstown; newly ordained Fr. Patrick Gilger; and Fr. Thomas Lawler, provincial of the Wisconsin Province. Father Patrick Gilger, SJ Born: September 18, 1980 Parents: Gary and Kristin (Grady) Gilger Assignment Following Ordination: Associate Pastor, St. John s Parish Creighton University in Omaha Father Patrick Gilger, SJ, 32, was raised in New Orleans until the age of 12 when his family moved to Salem, Oregon. After graduating from high school in 1998, Fr. Gilger attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, earning a BA in philosophy in While at Creighton, he met Jesuits who were interested in social justice and philosophy, a combination of intellectual and spiritual pursuits that would light a spark in Fr. Gilger and inspire him to join the Society of Jesus after graduation in Father Gilger co-founded The Jesuit Post, a website launched in January of 2012 by a group of young Jesuits. The goal of The Jesuit Post s blogs, essays, photos, and videos is to draw the connection between contemporary culture and spirituality using a language and tone to which young adults can relate. Gratitude I m grateful for my family for loving me before I knew what love was, and for reminding me of who I ve been while helping me become who I am. I m grateful for my college friends for the quiet generosity they ve shown in letting me become a better man. I m grateful to so many of my Jesuit brothers for taking care of me when I ve been lonely, celebrating my successes, challenging me, and helping smooth the way between Jesus and me. I m grateful to all the people who enriched my life on the Pine Ridge reservation for teaching me to laugh, suffer, and hope with love, and for refusing to let me be anything but honest with God. And I m grateful to God, who at my request has taken all I have, and has filled me relentlessly, over and again, no matter the vehemence of my refusals with affectionate love. In the face of great love thank you is an insufficient response, but it will have to do. Thank you. Father Jayme Stayer, SJ Born: June 25, 1968 Parents: Richard and Patricia (Streb) Stayer Assignment Following Ordination: Assistant Professor, Department of English, John Carroll University Father Jayme Stayer, SJ, 44, is a native of Canton, Ohio. A lifelong musician and vocalist, Fr. Stayer has performed with the choruses of the Chicago and Boston Symphony Orchestras, to name a few. After earning a BA in English literature and music from Notre Dame in 1990, Fr. Stayer continued his studies at the University of Toledo in Ohio, earning an MA in 1992 and a PhD in Father Stayer first came to know the Jesuits as a member of Gesu Parish in Toledo, and entered the Society in His first year of regency was spent at the Universidad Centroamericana, the Jesuit university in El Salvador. After months of intensive language training, he taught English to university students and to the poor in the mountains near the Honduras border. Gratitude Even though I was happy as a layman, I never knew how deeply joyful my life could be until the Jesuits showed me. My own vocation to the priesthood took root when I asked myself the question, even in the context of a generally happy, comfortable life: What makes me the most happy? The answer I found was in serving God and others. My life is filled with joy because my vocation has called me to service and the only response to such a state of affairs is gratitude. If I could chart a large-scale shift in my prayer over the years, it would be the shift from totaling up the millions of things, large and small, that I ve done wrong to a simple gratitude to God for his many blessings and his abundant care for me. For a full gallery of images from ordination, please visit our website at and click the red web icon as shown here. 4

5 SENIOR JESUITS Words of Wisdom from Our Jesuit Living Legends What advice can you give to someone considering joining the Jesuits? Run, don t walk. This is the best adventure you will ever have. It is simply great! Fr. William Burke, SJ, 54 years of service During your deliberations, keep the word service close to your heart. Your mission in life is to serve the Lord and to make his kingdom come alive on earth as it is in heaven. Fr. Lawrence Jonas, SJ, 64 years of service What are your thoughts looking back on your years with the Jesuits? I have enjoyed 71 years as a Jesuit. I am the happiest man in the world! Fr. James Chambers, SJ, 71 years of service What surprised you most about the Society after you joined? My greatest surprise after joining the Society has been how the Society remains the same, and yet, at the same time, has changed and adjusted to modern and post-modern times. The fundamentals are still there, but we are on the move to find new ways to bring Christ to the world. Fr. James Creighton, SJ, 66 years of service What are your hopes for the future of the Society? As Jesuits, we have been bound together by a special bond of love and service. We are the Society of Jesus; its vitality depends on us and on how we follow our way to God. Fr. David Gau, SJ, 64 years of service What are your words of wisdom for the younger generations of Jesuits? The younger generation of Jesuits today is quite different from the younger generation who entered the Society in 1950, when many novices came directly out of high school with little to no life experience. This new class of Jesuits should work carefully with their superiors to develop and enhance their out-in-the-world experience, which can be very useful at times in present-day apostolic work. Fr. Paul Prucha, SJ, 63 years of service Rely on one another; cherish the deep bond of Jesuit companionship; love; sacrifice for others; be honest; have a sense of humor; have fun; and most of all, be prayerful. Fr. Jeffrey Loebl, SJ, 43 years of service 5

6 VOCATIONS A Vocation Driven By My Heroes By Fr. Robert Wild, SJ On September 1, 1957, I traveled from Chicago to the Cincinnati suburb of Milford. It was there that I entered the Society of Jesus. I was just short of 17 ½, the youngest person in our first-year novice class. Most of us were just out of high school, although some had gone to college and a few were older still. Looking back, I realize how very much I still had to learn about the world, about God, and about myself. In recent years I have joked that my state of mind back then was that of ignorantia simplex, simple and complete ignorance, the lowest form of ignorance there is. An exaggeration of course, but also a recognition that I had to grow into my chosen vocation if it were to prove right for me. Nowadays, those entering the Jesuits generally have graduated from college and very often have further degrees and work experience beyond that. Still, more mature though they may be, they face the same basic challenge I faced, that of becoming a Jesuit internally and not just outwardly. I suppose it was hero-worship that first drew me toward the Jesuits. I was very impressed by my young Jesuit teachers at St. Ignatius High School in Chicago, as well as by my Jesuit uncle, Fr. Edward Colnon, SJ. But what finally moved me to apply to the Society was the experience of reading 6 During his formation in the 1960s, Fr. Wild was assigned to serve at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati where he was responsible for both leading the liturgy and disciplining the (sometimes disruptive) students! Looking back, I realize how very much I still had to learn about the world, about God, and about myself before joining the Jesuits, says Fr. Robert Wild, SJ, about his early vocation. Here he enjoys the summer of 1957 in the backyard of his Chicago home with Cider, his family s cocker spaniel. Played by Ear: The Autobiography of Fr. Daniel A. Lord, SJ, during my senior year retreat and feeling within myself a strong Left to my own devices I think I would not have made it as a Jesuit... desire to become part of the religious community that produced such men. Hero-worship, however, will take you just so far. Left to my own devices I think I would not have made it as a Jesuit, but fortunately that did not happen. Various religious superiors helped me to mature as a Jesuit and as a person, and that sort of generous care and support kept materializing as I went on in Jesuit life and does so even to this day. For me, my regency period of several years of fulltime work in a Jesuit ministry, was particularly important in my Jesuit formation. I was assigned to St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, the school which beforehand I felt least drawn to. But what did I know? In fact, it took me just a month to realize this was going to be a truly wonderful experience. I taught a full load of classes, coached debate and speech events, and even, non-jock that I was, helped in the spring with the school s track and field team. It was in this period that I became an adult in the Society of Jesus. A young adult, quite true, but an adult nonetheless. In the ninth year of my assignment at Marquette, I went on sabbatical, but then my life changed rather completely in ways I never imagined. I became the superior of the young Jesuits studying at Loyola University Chicago, then provincial of the former Chicago Province, then president of our theology school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and finally president of Marquette. Each of these responsibilities was, for me, quite unexpected but all brought much consolation and grace. Not every day, every hour, no, indeed, but as I look back over 55 years of Jesuit life, my predominant feeling is that of gratitude. Gratitude to God for His love and care for me, gratitude to superiors who believed in me even when I harbored doubt, gratitude to my brother Jesuits and to ever so many other men and women, especially my colleagues in these different works, who generously brought to the enterprise their experience, talent and faith, and who at times made me look much better than I rightfully deserved. For all that, I give thanks to God. n Fr. Robert Wild, SJ, Special Assistant for Advancement for the Chicago-Detroit and Wisconsin Provinces and Treasurer for the Wisconsin Province

7 IN PARTNERSHIP Supporting the Jesuits: It s a Privilege By Tim Hanley Tim and Monica Hanley, both born and raised in Waukesha County, have been married for 29 years and have four children, Rob (27), Laura (25), Mike (24), and Colleen (21). Both of their sons, as well as Tim and Monica themselves, have been Jesuiteducated, all graduating from Marquette University. Tim served on the Board of the Jesuit Council for 9 years and served as chair for 3. Now living on Okauchee Lake, Tim and Monica enjoy boating, golfing, and biking. They have plans to visit Istanbul this summer. Before attending Marquette University, I wasn t especially familiar with the Jesuits, nor did I know any personally. Today, I am pleased to say my life has been enhanced by their impact. To be sure, I had known about Marquette and, to a certain extent, its Jesuit tradition long before. For one thing, my father and all of his brothers graduated from the university. (Since and during my own days there, my wife Monica, three of my four brothers, and two of our sons have also gone to school there.) But truly understanding Jesuit-ness came to me through direct experience. One of the most impressive characteristics of the Jesuits I ve known is the consistency in their approach to others their openness to creating lasting personal relationships with their students and, indeed, anyone with whom they come in contact. For example, I met Fr. Richard McGarrity, SJ, as a college sophomore. I was a young and not-so-wise college student and this accomplished, wise, important person at Marquette took the time to form a friendship with me, as he did with countless others in Schroeder Hall over his many years there. Fast-forward to 2001: I was now fairly established, both at work and in our community, Monica and I had established our family, and I was invited to volunteer on the Jesuit Partnership Council of Milwaukee. About that time, Fr. McGarrity had begun working in advancement for the Society, and would be involved with the Council s work. I thought, What a wonderful opportunity to reconnect. I considered it a privilege to work with him more closely on mutual goals. The nine years I served on that Council were highly satisfying, and I found Jesuits give of themselves as they try to change the world for the better, says Monica Hanley. My experience with them bears this out, as they were always my favorite teachers at Marquette. It is only fitting for us to support them and their work. Even beyond these amazing individuals, however, I am grateful for the Jesuits biggerpicture influence. A Jesuit education instills values like excellence, faith, leadership, and service to others. it personally very fitting that we were able to pay tribute to Fr. McGarrity by instituting a speaker series in his name. Monica and I felt privileged to be part of the initial group which established the fund to carry the series into the future. In addition to Fr. McGarrity, many other Jesuits have made a difference in our lives. People like Fr. Fred Zagone, SJ, who was helpful to my family as my brother was fighting melanoma, and Fr. Ron Bieganowski, SJ, who was a friend and mentor to our two sons at Marquette. Even beyond these amazing individuals, however, I am grateful for the Jesuits bigger-picture influence. A Jesuit education instills values like excellence, faith, leadership, and service to others. I have been shaped by these values. In addition to our desire to give back for such gifts for example, by making sure senior Jesuits get the care they need we hope to pay it forward to future generations of Jesuit-educated people, like the students at Milwaukee s Nativity Jesuit Middle School. There are so many good causes, but at the end of the day, Monica and I want to feel we are making an impact in a handful of places. The Jesuits provide the opportunity to make that impact, and we feel privileged to share our blessings with them. n It is said that Jesuits never retire. However, they do eventually find themselves among those who need care. In the Midwest, many of these Jesuits live at Colombiere Center just north of Detroit or at St. Camillus just west of Milwaukee. These Jesuit communities include both assisted living and skilled nursing services. The Jesuits at Colombiere and St. Camillus are missioned to pray for the Church and the Society. Those who are able, continue active pastoral ministry. All the men minister to one another in these vibrant Jesuit communities. Please support our senior Jesuits: Number of Jesuits missioned to Colombiere and St. Camillus: 109 Years of Service to the People of God: 6,703 Annual Cost of Care: $7,000,000 7

8 SUMMER 2013 JUBILARIANS Fr. Timothy P. Kesicki, SJ PROVINCIAL, CHICAGO-DETROIT PROVINCE Fr. Thomas A. Lawler, SJ PROVINCIAL, WISCONSIN PROVINCE Jeremy Langford DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, CHICAGO-DETROIT PROVINCE David McNulty PROVINCIAL ASSISTANT FOR ADVANCEMENT, CHICAGO-DETROIT PROVINCE Jack Paquette VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS, WISCONSIN PROVINCE Nancy Kolar Alex Kournetas Quentin Maguire COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Qwurk Communications DESIGN Stay Connected with the Jesuits Visit our website, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube by searching Midwest Jesuits Join us on our new prayer site, and get the App for your mobile device. Major Gifts Officers Bill Burke Jeff Smart 2050 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL Phone (800) Mark Maxwell 607 Sycamore St. Cincinnati, OH Phone (513) Rachel Brennan Nora Dabrowski Detroit Office c/o Chicago Office (see above) Phone (248) Daniel O Brien Fr. Robert Wild, SJ 3400 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI Phone (414) dobrien@jesuitswisprov.org rwild@jesuitswisprov.org Sixty-five Jesuits of the Chicago-Detroit and Wisconsin Provinces celebrated jubilees in Golden jubilarians celebrating 50 years in the Society of Jesus were honored at a special Mass at the Madonna della Strada Chapel at Loyola University Chicago on Friday, June 14, Father Timothy Kesicki, provincial of the Chicago-Detroit Province and Fr. Thomas Lawler, provincial of the Wisconsin Province presided and, Fr. Bill Creed delivered the homily. Among those recognized for their service and dedication included (Back row L-R) Frs. Robert Sears (60 years in the Society); Paul Macke (50 years in the Society); Bill Creed (50 years in the Society); (Front row L-R) Frs. James King (50 years in the priesthood); Gerald Cavanagh (60 years in the Society); James Riley (50 years in the Society); and Chuck Niehaus (50 years in the Society). Faithfulness Richard P. Abert, SJ When I reflect on my 50-year adventure in the Society, the refrain from Dan Schutte s song, Yahweh the Faithful One begins to play in my heart. Faithfulness is at the heart of my gratitude for the path I keep discovering in my journey God s faithfulness. I recently happened upon a reflection I crafted at the time of my ordination. Not surprisingly I can still recognize a taste of my truth in it, honed quite a bit in the blessing of ministry with people who, in God s deep faithfulness, became the gifted potters of the vessel I am still becoming. I am repeatedly invited to fall into Deuteronomy 7: 7 10, and that Word keeps me discovering a faithful love that is a true blessing, and keeps pushing me to live and speak that gift for others. n To read the full reflections from our 50-year jubilarians and leave comments in the guestbook, visit Have a story you d like to see in Partners? Or a suggestion? Contact us at: partners@jesuits-chgdet.org.