USA MIDWEST PROVINCE | SUMMER 2018
Ordination 2018 Celebrating the New Midwest Jesuit Priests
Also in This Issue: n Remembering Jesuit Giants of Spirituality n Jesuit Jubilarians Share 50 Years of Wisdom n A Jesuit’s Journey Leads Him Back to the High School Where His Vocation Began Dear Friends, This time of year is always filled with joy as we celebrate ordinations. Of the 27 Jesuits ordained this summer across the United States, Canada, and Haiti, five are from our Midwest Province. In this issue you will learn more about four of these remarkable men—a physician, a lawyer, a paramedic, and an MBA graduate—who were ordained together on June 9 at Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee. In the fall, we will cover the ordination of Andrij Hlabse, SJ, a Ukrainian Greek Catholic who was ordained July 15 according to the Byzantine Rite at St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio.
We give thanks for our Jesuit jubilarians, especially our four golden jubilarians who offer wonderful (and brief) reflections on their 50 years of ministry. We also remember our Jesuits who have gone home to God with special tributes to two giants of Ignatian spirituality: Fr. Howard Gray, SJ, and Fr. Richard “Dick” Hauser, SJ.
As you will see from our news, Jesuit reflections, and upcoming events, the Midwest Province has many reasons to give thanks—to God and to you, our companions in ministry. We currently have 75 Jesuits in formation, and this August we will welcome the new class of novices as our second-year novices take their first vows and move into first studies. Please join me in praying for these Jesuits who are taking the next steps in response to God’s call.
We also give thanks to the many benefactors and friends who have helped our $25 million With Others. For Others. Campaign for Senior Jesuit Healthcare cross the $11 million mark. To learn more about this essential campaign to ensure necessary healthcare for today’s historically high number of senior Jesuits and for generations to come, please visit www.WithOthersForOthers.org. With your help, we can reach our goal and honor Jesuits who have meant so much to so many.
As we enter the second year in the life of the new USA Midwest Province, I am filled with gratitude for the powerful difference we are making throughout the region and the world. With your help, we are able to recruit and form Jesuits for an amazing array of ministries, care for our senior Jesuits who have given their all for the Lord, support our international missions, meet the needs of our operating budget, and serve wherever the needs are greatest. It cannot be said enough—thank you!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Brian G. Paulson, SJ Provincial, USA Midwest Province
(From left to right) Newly ordained Jesuit Frs. Tho Vu and Kyle Shinseki, Most Rev. David Ricken, bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wis.; Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, provincial of the Midwest Province; newly ordained Jesuit Frs. Nathaniel Romano and Kevin Embach. ®
USA MIDWEST PROVINCE Summer 2018
Celebrating 50 Years in the Society Page 10
ON THE COVER Four Midwest Jesuits were ordained priests by the Most Reverend David L. Ricken, bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wis., on June 9, 2018, at Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee.
Concelebrant and homilist Father J. Michael Sparough, SJ (right) and Fr. Provincial Brian Paulson, SJ at a Mass honoring 2018 jubilarians.
For additional content and more information, connect with us online: WWW.JESUITSMIDWEST.ORG Page 4 Page 9 Ordination 2018 Let the Spirit Drive A decade ago, five men from diverse For Daniel Kennedy, SJ, the Spirit of ea e e a e e e P e e e a ag a backgrounds answered the call to join God “dwells both in the extraordinary the Midwest Jesuits. Meet four* of and the ordinary moments of our lives.” ga e e a e e g g these men—a physician, a lawyer, a The Spirit led him to the Jesuits and paramedic, and an MBA grad—who ministries serving homeless men and were ordained priests together on women, students, and callers on a crisis June 9, 2018. line.
Page 12 Page 15 JOIN THE JESUIT A Path Marked By Many Graces Celebrating Lives Well Lived PRAYER COMMUNITY! As a student at St. Xavier High School, Fathers Howard Gray, SJ, and Richard Fr. Dennis Ahern, SJ, was drawn to Hauser, SJ (left), were both giants of JesuitPrayer.org the Jesuits who worked hard, but also Ignatian spirituality. Their fellow Jesuits laughed often. His call came full circle fondly remember their extraordinary lives ■■Daily Scripture, Ignatian when he returned to the school, this and contributions. reflection, and Ignatian time as a Jesuit ready to inspire a new prayer generation. ■■Free iPhone, iPad, and Android Apps ALSO IN THIS ISSUE ■■Submit a prayer request ■■Download prayer cards News...... 2–3 ■■Free daily email Assignments...... 13
In Memoriam...... 14 * Fr. Andrij Hlabse, SJ, was ordained according to the Byzantine Rite in a separate ceremony on July 15. Coverage of his ordination will appear in the fall/winter magazine. Advancement...... 17 NEWS
Jesuit Superior General Makes IVC Chicago Volunteers and Midwest Jesuit Schools Thankful First Visit to North America Ministers Recognized for Service for Generous Gifts
Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, visits with a student at Mother Fr. Paul Faulstich, SJ (right), was granted the Ignatian Students at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Teresa Middle School in Regina, Saskatchewan. Spirituality Award from IVC Chicago. Neb., walk with Fr. Thomas Neitzke, SJ.
Father Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) Chicago was Several Midwest Jesuit schools have been the the Society of Jesus, made his first trip to the recognized by the Cook County Board of beneficiaries of generous gifts recently, further Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United Commissioners for their service to the poor enabling them to teach the next generation of States in late May when he visited Canada and marginalized in a resolution crafted this Ignatian leaders. for 12 days to participate in the conference’s spring. IVC Chicago was one of seven Chicago- Creighton Preparatory School in spring meetings. based organizations that was included in the Omaha, Neb., received a historic $8 million “The visit gave him an opportunity to resolution calling for Cook County residents lead gift from the Heider family for the engage in our important discussions as well to “recognize the positive impact of national building of a new $16 million student learning as express his vision for the Society of Jesus service in our community and to thank those commons on the campus in honor of Father today,” said Fr. Timothy Kesicki, SJ, president who serve.” Timothy Lannon, SJ, who served as president of the Jesuit Conference. “In his remarks to “The faith-focused organization Ignatian from 1988 to 1995. us, he commented on our ongoing discernment Volunteer Corps has served in close to 50 “Creighton Prep’s mission to care for the of Universal Apostolic Preferences for the partner agencies working with youth and whole person will be significantly enhanced Society. He reminded us that we are looking young adults in education and mentoring by this gift,” said Fr. Thomas Neitzke, SJ, for apostolic orientations which will bind the programs, refugee and immigrant services, president of Creighton Prep. many Jesuit ministries around the world in women’s and children’s services, and hospital Arrupe College of Loyola University light of the needs of the world.” and prison ministry,” the resolution stated, Chicago received a $1.5 million gift from the Born in Venezuela in 1948, Fr. Sosa is noting the depth of IVC Chicago’s service. Robert R. McCormick Foundation in support of the first Latin American Superior General of ... diversity and student success programming. the Society, having been elected in 2016. At their annual Evening of Gratitude, IVC “This is another game changer brought to On his first official visit to Canada, Fr. Sosa Chicago recognized Father Paul Faulstich, SJ, us by McCormick,” said Fr. Stephen met with all of the provincials; attended the with the Ignatian Spirituality Award. Katsouros, SJ, dean and executive director ordination of Jesuit priests and deacons in “I am very grateful for his friendship, of Arrupe College. “All of us at Arrupe are Toronto and Quebec City; and visited the his insights, and his gentle and prayerful extremely grateful to McCormick.” Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, Ontario, Loyola guidance,” said Patrick McCourt, who John Carroll University received $10 High School in Montreal, and Regis College presented Fr. Faulstich with the award. “He million to establish the John M. and Mary Jo in Toronto. Fr. Sosa also met with Indigenous has helped me appreciate God’s presence Boler College of Business, which will include leaders and Jesuit representatives from these in my IVC work with the Catholic Charities two new schools: The School of Accountancy ministries, including Red Cloud chairperson Refugee Resettlement Program.” and Information Science and the School of Norma Tibbitts and St. Francis Mission For more information on the Ignatian Leadership and Social Innovation. chief operating officer Rodney Bordeaux, to Volunteer Corps, visit www.IVCUSA.org. “The vision for what the Boler College can engage in an important dialogue on Jesuits’ achieve with new schools and programs will history with Indigenous people and harmful have a powerful impact on how we prepare connections between evangelization and our students for careers in business,” said colonialism. JCU president Michael Johnson.
Page 2 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 NEWS
JRS/USA Announces New Fr. FitzGerald Named to Education Leaders Begin New Executive Director Creighton Endowed Chair Roles Across the Province
Joan Rosenhauer joins Jesuit Refugee Service/USA Fr. Kevin FitzGerald, SJ, holds PhDs in both molecular Vanessa Solis, new principal of Nativity Jesuit from Catholic Relief Services. biology and bioethics from Georgetown University. Academy, regularly spends time in the classroom.
As the number of forcibly displaced people Father Kevin FitzGerald, SJ, will join Creighton There are several new faces in education worldwide has reached a historic high, University as the new holder of the John A. leadership positions in the Midwest Province Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA) has Creighton University Professor endowed chair this summer. They are all highly qualified announced that Joan Rosenhauer has been and associate professor in the Creighton for their roles, and the Midwest Jesuits appointed as its new executive director. University School of Medicine, Department of are excited to welcome them to their new “With more than 65 million people Medical Education. positions. displaced around the world, the work of the “We are extremely excited to welcome In Chicago, Brendan Conroy has been Jesuit Refugee Service has never been more Fr. FitzGerald to Creighton,” said Creighton named the associate provincial assistant for critical,” said Rosenhauer. “I have personally president Fr. Daniel Hendrickson, SJ. “His secondary and pre-secondary education for seen that the approach JRS takes is effective, research and expertise in healthcare ethics the Midwest Province. Conroy succeeds Cathy essential, and gives refugees the dignity that and bioethics are a perfect fit for our Jesuit, Karl, who retired on July 1. Conroy joins the they deserve. I am proud to join JRS and Catholic university, as we continue to position Midwest Jesuits from St. Rita of Cascia High look forward to advancing this critical work ourselves as a leader in values-centered School on Chicago’s South Side, where he alongside our partners and supporters.” healthcare education, research, and patient served as principal for eight years. He was the Rosenhauer is a former JRS/USA board care.” founding principal of Christ the King Jesuit member and has spent most of her career Fr. FitzGerald was the Dr. David Lauler College Preparatory School in Chicago and has advocating for social justice and mobilizing Chair of Catholic Health Care Ethics in the served in many roles at Saint Ignatius College the U.S. Catholic community to do the same. Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics at Prep in Chicago. As the executive vice president of Catholic Georgetown University. He has also been Lucas Schroeder, formerly assistant Relief Services (CRS), Rosenhauer led the an associate professor in the Department principal for student services at St. Xavier organization’s outreach, marketing, and of Oncology at the Georgetown University High School in Cincinnati, has become the communications. Medical Center since 2001. principal of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Under her leadership, CRS programs, “I enjoyed my time here a great deal, and in Chicago. Before becoming assistant followers, and revenue grew. Before joining I’ve always been interested in Creighton,” principal at St. Xavier, Schroeder was an AP CRS, Rosenhauer spent 16 years with the said Fr. FitzGerald, who studied humanities at Spanish teacher for more than ten years at US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Creighton from 1979 to 1980 and also served St. Xavier; Bloomington High School South where she served as associate director of the on the university’s board of trustees from 1997 in Bloomington, Ind.; and The Pike School in Department of Justice, Peace, and Human to 2005. Andover, Mass. Development. Prior to that role, she held a Fr. FitzGerald has published articles on In Milwaukee, Vanessa Solis was variety of positions, including special projects both science and ethics in peer-reviewed elevated to her new role as principal of coordinator and outreach coordinator for the journals, books, and in the popular press, Nativity Jesuit Academy. She previously USCCB’s Department of Social Development and has given presentations nationally served as director of the elementary school. and World Peace. “I am particularly excited to be serving and internationally. To learn more, visit To learn more about Jesuit Refugee Nativity Jesuit Academy and its families www.Creighton.edu. Service, visit www.JRSUSA.org. during this period,” said Solis.
Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 | Page 3 ORDINATION
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Four Midwest Jesuits were ordained Catholic priests on June 9, 2018, at Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee. 2018 (From left to right) Jesuit Frs. Tho Vu, Kyle Shinseki; Brian Paulson, provincial of the Midwest Province; Ordination Nathaniel Romano, and Kevin Embach.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me.
— Isaiah 61:1 Meet the New Midwest Jesuit Priests Ordained in 2018.
Fr. Andrij Hlabse, SJ, was ordained according the Byzantine Rite in a separate ceremony on July 15. Coverage of his ordination will appear in the fall/winter magazine.
Page 4 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 ORDINATION
Fr. Kevin J. Embach, SJ ■■Entered Society: August 29, 2009 ■■As a Jesuit: Fr. Embach has served as an assistant professor of medicine at Loyola University Medical Center and the Stritch School of Medicine. ■■Assignment Following Ordination: Creighton University School of Medicine.
irst and foremost, I am thankful to God for “Flife and all that exists. I’m also grateful to my parents, who are the first teachers of the faith, and my grandparents and extended relatives who also bore witness to that faith. I am grateful to my parents for wonderful educational opportunities and those who taught me, including many wonderful priests who have been good examples of priesthood and what a good priest can do for the people of God. All of healthcare is close to the heart of Christ. When we look in the Gospels we see numerous examples of Jesus having compassion for the sick and for healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is something that he models for us in the Gospel, and I am grateful to all the physicians who have mentored and formed me. I’m also thankful for the Society of Jesus for accepting me into the novitiate and helping form me, and to other Jesuits who have helped form me along the way. I’m grateful for the many people I’ve met at ministries, such as in medicine or ministry to the incarcerated, who have helped form me as well. I look forward to serving God and his people as a Jesuit priest and physician. I hope to continue to follow Christ in having compassion for the sick and helping to form younger people as healthcare providers and being able to care for other people as a way to follow Christ.”
Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 | Page 5 ORDINATION
Fr. Nathaniel V. Romano, SJ ■■Born: November 7, 1981 ■■Entered Society: August 23, 2008 ■■As a Jesuit: Fr. Romano has represented low- income clients at the Creighton University School of Law’s Milton R. Abrahams Legal Clinic. ■■Assignment Following Ordination: Church of the Gesu in University Heights, Ohio
story that jumps out at me is when I was “A working with a client as a regent in the Creighton University Law School Abrahams Legal Clinic. My client and I had gone to court and the “ judge and opposing counsel were unjustifiably beating up on my client, so I was getting angry on my client’s behalf. My client was suffering and things didn’t go the way I thought they should have gone. However, I was able to walk with my client and minister to them because of my training as a Jesuit, to listen and to accompany them even when they were struggling. I was able to channel this anger into prayer, where I was able to pray for the other side and the judge. It led me to this place where I felt like I was walking with Christ while I was walking with my client. I’m grateful to God for loving me, for being a place of peace and healing reconciliation even when I feel I don’t deserve it. I’m grateful to God for all the people he has put in my life, including my parents, my brother, and my family. There have been a number of Jesuits who have been mentors, spiritual directors, and friends. Any list is too short. I am also incredibly thankful for the women and men I’ve had the opportunity to minister with and minister to. The people we are set to walk with form us far more than any studies.”
Page 6 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 ORDINATION
Fr. Kyle K. F. Shinseki, SJ ■■Born: January 14, 1973 ■■Entered Society: August 29, 2009 ■■As a Jesuit: Fr. Shinseki coordinated Asian/ Pacific Islander initiatives for the Office of Multicultural Affairs and taught in the business school at Creighton University. ■■Assignment Following Ordination: Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, Calif., to complete a licentiate in sacred theology.
s I reflect upon my ordination to the “Apriesthood and the past nine years of Jesuit formation, first and foremost, I am grateful to God for the gift of my vocation. When I became Catholic as a junior in college, I would have never imagined that one day God would call me to be a Jesuit priest. Throughout my life, with its ups and downs, God has always been generous in love and grace with me, which ultimately gave me the courage to say yes to this call. I would like to express my gratitude to my family, godparents, brother Jesuits, and friends who have accompanied me along this journey with their love and care. I would like to thank my parents, who, while not Catholic, have supported my vocation unconditionally even while they may not ever fully understand it. I also greatly appreciate the prayers and generous support of our benefactors who enabled me to have an incredible range of ministry experiences, education, and travel that have formed me to be the Jesuit I am today. Finally, as I look forward to priestly ministry as a Jesuit, I thank all those who I have had the privilege to serve in ministry and especially those with whom I have served—colleagues, lay ministers, religious women and men, diocesan seminarians and priests, and fellow Jesuits—for their faith, example, and wisdom.”
Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 | Page 7 ORDINATION
Fr. Tho Vu, SJ ■■Born: August 18, 1984 ■■Entered Society: August 18, 2007 ■■As a Jesuit: Fr. Vu has served as an associate pastoral intern at Saint Thomas More Catholic Community in Saint Paul, Minn., and has completed medical immersion trips to Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, and India. ■■Assignment Following Ordination: Loyola University Chicago to complete a pre-med, post-baccalaureate program.
here was a time when I first came to the United TStates when everything was new to me, and “I did not know English that well. When I was in first grade at recess, standing alone, watching the others play, one of the kids came up to me, put out his hand, took mine, and brought me into the game. I felt so much acceptance and gratitude, and for the first time, I recognized that gratitude had no boundaries or limits. It was a very similar feeling I had when standing at the novitiate door eleven years ago when a hand reached out to shake mine, and the novice director greeted me with such warmth and love. I believe that all of us share in God’s unique gifts and in the Lord’s care as God continues to bless us. I can never be grateful enough for all the Lord has done for me. Being ordained a Jesuit priest is the most wonderful and also humbling gift that I could have been given. When I looked around the church during my ordination, I saw family, relatives, brother Jesuits, friends, all those who share in my faith. If it weren’t for them, I certainly wouldn’t have been able to answer and fulfill this call. There are so many people who ‘have ignited the flame’ of faith, hope, and love within my own heart, over so many years leading up to my ordination. I can only offer my thanks to them in my prayer and my priestly, sacramental, pastoral service to God’s people.”
Page 8 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 A HEART ON FIRE
Daniel Kennedy, SJ, was drawn to the Jesuits by the story of St. Ignatius and by the influence of Jesuit mentors in his life.
Drive…Let the Spirit
By Daniel Kennedy, SJ
e as a Church commemorate movement in my vocational discernment The Spirit eventually led me to enter Wthe moment Jesus went into the that I look back on and think that either the novitiate in Saint Paul, Minn., and wilderness of the desert because the Spirit I was a weird kid or the Spirit had been has led me to different ministries in my was leading him (Mk. 1:12). I find the tugging at my heart from a young age. I Jesuit formation. I have been able to serve image of the Spirit leading Jesus powerful selfishly choose the latter option! men and women facing homelessness, and true for all of us. When looking back I first met the Society when I attended grade school students, callers on a suicide on our lives, we can see God quietly St. John’s Jesuit High School in Toledo. and crisis line, and now the students of conspiring for our benefit in decisions I remember sitting in freshman theology Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, that drew on a wisdom beyond us, on class when I first heard the story of St. Neb., as the director of student activities. the people who taught us to love, and Ignatius. His conversion from soldier At each new place, I’ve been challenged on the experiences that challenged our and courtier to pilgrim and saint shows to trust the Spirit that brought me there faith to find a new depth. My vocation a transformation we can only attribute and to continue to let it guide me. I take in the Society has been where I am able to the Spirit’s work. I could not shake comfort in the ways the Spirit has been to see the Spirit leading me beyond my Ignatius’s story from my memory. I generous to me in this vocation with the people that I have been able to encounter awareness in the moment. also met wonderful Jesuits like Fathers because I am a Jesuit. I pray to stay out of The Spirit of God dwells both in the Thomas Pipp, SJ, and Francis Canfield, the Spirit’s way with my own plans so I extraordinary and the ordinary moments SJ, who served in the high school. They can go where and to whom it leads me. @ of our lives. I grew up in Toledo, Ohio, had a joyful air that they brought to their where I went to a parish grade school. encounters with students that led me to I was fortunate that I had an excellent think about a vocation to the Society. pastor that sparked my early imagination When I studied at Boston College, I met Daniel Kennedy, SJ, is a Jesuit about being a priest. It led to an incessant more Jesuits who were men of great regent serving as a theology teacher and director of student amount of cheek squeezing by my aunts faith, joy, and compassion. I credit the activities at Creighton Prep in when I said I thought I could grow up Holy Spirit’s guidance for the exemplary Omaha, Neb. to be a priest. It was the Spirit’s first models of Jesuit life I have experienced.
Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 | Page 9 JUBILARIANS
Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, provincial of the Midwest Province (second from left), with 2018 jubilarians (left to right) Frs. Robert Thesing, J. Michael Sparough, and Celebrating 50 Years Mitchell Pacwa. Not pictured: in the Society Fr. Simon Hendry, SJ.
HAPPY AND GRATEFUL my desire to follow and serve GRATITUDE FOR THIS him. By Fr. Simon Hendry, SJ VOCATION Long-term friendships have By Fr. Mitchell Pacwa, SJ s I look back on my 50 become incredibly valuable Ayears as a Jesuit, my for me. I have walked with remendous gratitude to overriding sense is that I am so many good and wonderful TGod our Lord, to the incredibly happy and grateful. people. When I was younger, Catholic Church, and to the I am happy and grateful that I had good Jesuit role models Society of Jesus dominates God has been interested in me, and mentors. Various Jesuit my reflections on these first has loved me, and has been companions have become decades as a Jesuit. faithful to me. And I am happy life-long, intimate friends. I First, to God our Lord for and grateful because of the have developed and deepened this vocation to the Society people who are and who have relationships with men and as a circumvention of my been part of my life. women outside the Jesuit adolescent temptations to God kept me a Jesuit. I do community. These include not get credit (or blame) for people I knew before I that. My momentous decision entered, former students, when I first made the Spiritual as their superior. Each job Jesuit volunteers, work Exercises was to stay until challenged and delighted colleagues, and so many tomorrow. It turned out to be me, and each called forth others. They all provide a 50 years of tomorrows. something new and different richness that I cannot fully I appreciate the way God from me. describe except to say that I has led me on a winding path: Each community where have been amazingly blessed teaching high school, doing I lived and where I worked by them. spiritual direction and giving touched my heart and taught So, after 50 years, I find retreats, working in minority me something of how to be myself grateful, especially communities, directing the loved and how to love. Each for the people, and I also find Jesuit Volunteer Corps, brought forth deeper and myself looking happily toward studying in grad school, deeper places in myself. Each the future. teaching in universities, and has enhanced my awareness of guiding Jesuit communities Jesus’ presence in my life and
Page 10 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 JUBILARIANS
acquire property. Beyond that, is that in this life of self- the Society opened the more surrender, I continue to important gifts of the Spiritual uncover ever-deeper levels Exercises, which gave a of my heart’s true desire. I vision of service to Christ our could not imagine the joy King and the greater good, in Christ has gifted me with personal accompaniment of the amazing education I’ve Jesus our Lord. received and the loving I am grateful to the Church colleagues with whom I am for her array of gifts. Her privileged to serve. Sure, schools and universities there are problems, but they offered an education that pale in comparison to the opened unimaginable vistas, treasures given. Even my plus the opportunities to share own sin and failure have ideas and experiences about become opportunities for me truth, goodness, and beauty. to discover the unfathomable Ordination to the priesthood A FOOL FOR CHRIST depths of Jesus’ love. To what is the gift of acting In persona a gifted life we companions of of Jesus has again and again Christi, bringing Christ to By Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ Jesus have been called! broadened and strengthened his people in many ways, hen I entered the my own faith, hope, and love. particularly in the sacraments. WSociety of Jesus I knew For this I am most grateful! I stand in amazement at I wanted to be like the Jesuits Early in my Jesuit training engaging people in their who had inspired me while COMPANIONS IN JESUS I had the opportunity to most privileged moments I was a student at Loyola By Fr. Robert Thesing, SJ work at Holy Family Parish from birth, through Holy Academy. They were talented, in Chicago, an inner-city Communion and the extension fun-loving, hard-working, s a Jesuit I have had church with African- of God’s mercy in Confession, manly men who had given Amany opportunities to American, Latino, and white and their final moments in their lives to Christ. I wanted work with two of my greatest parishioners. I’m sure I death. Because the Church to walk in their footsteps loves: sharing the spirituality learned more there than I ever trusts us priests to speak and following Jesus. of St. Ignatius Loyola and gave to them! I learned about act for Jesus Christ, we easily My dream was to become fostering communities of faith community, trust in God, move from being strangers a doctor priest — because and justice. cultural diversity, the lives to sharing their deepest I loved science, math and Making the Spiritual of the poor, and striving for moments. religion. But when I made the Exercises in the novitiate justice. That foundation set the I am particularly grateful to Spiritual Exercises, another opened for me the possibility stage for my serving as pastor the Society for accepting me. part of my brain awakened of personally encountering in four different parishes Christians form the temple of — a love for drama, poetry, the Lord. In surprising and in Chicago and Cincinnati the Lord (Eph. 2:19-22), as dance, mime, and storytelling. moving ways, God meets us during my Jesuit career. In roughedged stones needing to The more I prayed, the in our prayer and in our daily these faith communities I be smoothed out to be joined stronger was my desire to lives. In pursuing that quest have continually found fellow in line with the foundation. bring others to Christ, to teach I have felt the call to be a companions of Jesus. I have God bless the many Jesuits them how to pray, and to use companion of Jesus. been deeply touched by their who have patiently smoothed the arts as a vehicle for this I find I often learn best example, friendship, and out some of my rough edges pursuit. I’ve become, quite when I attempt to teach support. My ministry as a and continue to do so. literally, a fool for Christ — others, and I have had many Jesuit has been an enormous embracing St. Paul’s metaphor opportunities to teach and blessing for me, and I pray for for those who seek God’s mentor others in the spirit of others as well. kingdom above all else. St. Ignatius through my work It’s been a call to deep training spiritual directors and humility as I’ve discovered being a superior for young what I’m good at and what Jesuits in formation. The faith I’m not. What surprises me and commitment of these lay and Jesuit companions
Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 | Page 11 A JESUIT’S JOURNEY
A Path Marked by Many Graces
By Amy Korpi, staff writer
he call to ministry for Fr. Dennis nights, and all the peace-filled, talented, Over six years (with help from a team T“Denny” Ahern, SJ, can be traced and happy Jesuits; men who experienced of couples), more than 150 couples were to his days at St. Xavier High School positive directions in and through their prepared and married — with Fr. Ahern in Cincinnati. “I could not help but lives.” witnessing most of the weddings. notice that the Jesuits, who worked very Joining the staff at Loyola University THE DIE WAS CAST hard, also laughed a lot and enjoyed so Chicago in 1989 as a university chaplain, much about their lives — like playing He sought guidance from a director of Fr. Ahern chaired the Rite of Christian basketball on gym nights,” he recalls, vocations, who believed God was calling Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program and, aided by laypeople, initiated some 200 adding that the seeds for his vocation him to the Society of Jesus. “As our students and graduates into the Catholic were also sown at home in a faithful conversations went on, I grew much more at peace with this conclusion and began Church. Catholic family. discerning the The RCIA program also played a role particular path while Fr. Ahern served as chaplain at I might need the Loyola Rome Center from 1997 to to follow,” Fr. 1998. “In addition to Sunday liturgies, Ahern says. opportunities for reconciliation, and Fr. Ahern’s attendance at a papal audience each early work as a semester, we set up and completed the Jesuit included RCIA for a young man who had begun teaching Latin the program at John Carroll University; and French at he was baptized while in Rome,” he Saint Ignatius recalls. College Prep in Chicago. Then, FULL CIRCLE shortly after When Fr. Ahern finally returned to St. ordination, he Xavier High School in 2001 as alumni returned to St. chaplain, he also began a monthly Xavier High luncheon for his own class (1956) that School in 1971, continues to this day. Additionally, he Yet by the end of high school, when teaching French, religious education, and wrote “The Beginnings of the Long Blue several in his class entered the Jesuits, theological reflection and serving as a Line,” a paper chronicling the Jesuits, he did not feel ready to begin religious department chair. Cincinnati, and St. Xavier College from For several years, Fr. Ahern also 1840 to 1865. life. But he did attend a Jesuit college — accompanied St. Xavier High students In 2015, Fr. Ahern moved to the Georgetown University — and that was on service trips to help poor, elderly, and Colombiere Center near Detroit, where where his calling to the Jesuits truly took disabled people in the Appalachian region senior Jesuits live in community, serve in root. to improve and repair their homes. ministries as they are able, and pray for Fr. Ahern explains, “I began thinking In 1981, Fr. Ahern moved to Xavier the Church and the Society. “In addition, about lifetime plans, asking myself, University as a campus minister and I continue to pray for all the wonderful ‘What is life all about, anyway? Is there associate pastor at Bellarmine Chapel, people and their families with whom I anything more to it? Where is God in all helping with liturgies, reconciliation, and have come in contact during my many of this?’ And I thought about my high infant baptisms. He was also put in charge years in this amazing vocation as a school years — the classes, the gym of the Marriage Preparation Program. Jesuit,” he says. @
Page 12 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 Assignments
Formation Fr. Martin Connell, SJ, Fr. Thomas Krettek, SJ, Fr. Robert Kroll, SJ, has has been appointed rector has been named the been named the director of the Jesuit Community academic director of the of spiritual formation at of the Jesuit School of Loyola University Chicago at St. Francis de Sales Theology of Santa Clara First Studies Program and Seminary in St. Francis, University. He previously the dean at St. Joseph Wis. He was previously served as a professor of Seminary. He previously a theology and French education at John Carroll served as vice president teacher at Creighton University and as rector of for mission and ministry Preparatory School in the John Carroll University at Marquette University in Omaha, Neb. Jesuit Community. Milwaukee.
International Parish Matthew Ippel, SJ, Fr. James Gartland, SJ, Fr. Thomas Lawler, SJ, has been missioned to has been appointed has been appointed work with Jesuit Refugee parish administrator of St. administrator of Service, in South Sudan. Mary Student Parish in Bellarmine Chapel in He previously was in the Ann Arbor, Mich., for the Cincinnati. He was first studies program in 2018-2019 academic year. previously on sabbatical Peru. He was previously rector after serving as provincial of the Saint Peter Faber of the former Wisconsin Jesuit Community and an Province. area vocation coordinator in Boston.
Province Fr. Richard Baumann, SJ, Br. Patrick Douglas, SJ, has been appointed as a has been appointed as the province vocation director. new provincial assistant He previously served as for vocations for the the co-director of tertians Midwest Province. He for the Assistancy of previously served as a Africa and Madagascar. regional vocation director in Omaha, Neb.
The following Jesuits have been missioned to pray for the Church and Society at one of the province’s two senior Jesuit healthcare communities.
Fr. Richard Anderson, SJ Fr. William Gerut, SJ Fr. G. Paul Peterson, SJ Fr. James Arimond, SJ Fr. Leon Klimczyk, SJ Fr. George Von Kaenel, SJ Fr. Joseph Bracken, SJ Fr. William Kurz, SJ Br. Michael Wilmot, SJ Fr. Richard Murphy, SJ The Campaign for Senior Jesuit Healthcare
Learn more about how you can support those who have spent their lives in service of others at www.WithOthersForOthers.org
Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 | Page 13 To read the full obituaries of Jesuits who have gone home to God, In Memoriam visit us at www.JesuitsMidwest.org/Memoriam We give thanks for the following Jesuits who have gone home to God.
Fr. George R. Fr. Michael G. Fr. Robert J. Menke, SJ Morrison, SJ Ochs, SJ August 31, 1942 March 9, 1937 January 22, 1930 June 15, 2018 May 24, 2018 May 4, 2018 “George was able to use “Mike was a respected “Bob published two his diverse talents to help administrator and a books: The Death in Every Brebeuf by working on the familiar figure to thousands Now (1969) and God is school’s databases, in the of Creighton students who More Present Than You school’s business office, driving school buses, and remember him occupying his favorite bench on Think (1970). Bob studied the Enneagram system volunteering for school athletic events. George campus. He served on numerous boards and was a of personality and is significantly credited with truly was devoted to Brebeuf and its students and province consultor for many years. In his 19 years bringing it to Catholics in the USA—first to the will be missed by the entire school community.” as president of Creighton, he made a tremendous Midwest Jesuits, and then to students at Berkeley.” impact on the school and the community. All his Spanish teacher at Saint Ignatius College Prep in life he was a voracious reader.” Teacher at University of Detroit Jesuit High Chicago; administrative assistant to the president, School; professor of theology at the Jesuit School teacher of Spanish and social justice, special History professor at Marquette University; history of Theology in Chicago; spirituality teacher in assistant to the development director, assistant professor, academic vice president, and president Berkeley, Calif., adjunct professor of theology at the in campus ministry, and special assistant to the at Creighton University; pastoral minister at Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley; writer and principal at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Oshkosh Jesuit Retreat House. researcher. Indianapolis.
Fr. Francis P. Fr. James E. Fr. Robert L. Chamberlain, SJ Chambers, SJ Bireley, SJ March 15, 1937 April 17, 1924 July 26, 1933 April 29, 2018 April 3, 2018 March 14, 2018 “Frank was involved in “In the community Jim “Bob was a faithful efforts to help those was never without a smile Jesuit whose life was affected by the “Shining or a joke. He also loved grounded in his prayerful Path” in the 1980s and to bring guests for dinner, love of the Lord; he lived 1990s. He was instrumental in founding the sometimes forgetting, of course, to tell the cook. the vows with great integrity; he integrated Matteo Ricci House which is a place where the Jim also loved to ride his bike totally oblivious, of well the intellectual apostolate of the Church 26 groups (who came to the capital city to avoid course, to traffic. Jim remained a valued member through his scholarship, research, and teaching, the war) meet once a week to get the reparations of the community and was greatly missed when alongside his love of the priesthood, celebration they justly need for having to leave everything they he moved to Colombiere, where he was equally of the sacraments, and preaching. Bob enjoyed had to save their families from the killing. He was cherished by his brothers there.” and invested in community life. He loved a lively beloved in Peru by Jesuits, the poor he served with discussion around the dinner table and, while great love and dedication, and the professionals he English teacher and assistant principal at St. Xavier strong in his opinions, was always eager to listen accompanied and inspired.” High School in Kathmandu, Nepal; associate pastor to those of others as well.” at Saint Ignatius Church in Chicago; chaplain at Pastoral work in Ilo, El Agustino, and Ayacucho, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lexington, Ky.; associate History professor at Loyola University Chicago; Peru. pastor at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Indianapolis; history teacher at Saint Ignatius High School in chaplain at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Cleveland.
Fr. Robert H. Schmidt, SJ: A Jesuit Contemplative Remembered By Sr. Benedicta A. Pinto, AC Ever joyful and happy, loving and lovable, full of life and enthusiasm, humble and hard-working, Father Bob Schmidt, SJ, was deeply spiritual and human. He was a genuine, religious man and a perfect blend of deep spirituality and humanness. He was a true Jesuit contemplative. The secret of Fr. Bob’s continuous joy, zeal, and kindness lies in this: Conversation with God in prayer leads one to total transformation in God through love. Affability, gratitude, discretion, gentleness, and other social qualities were the fruit of his life of prayer. Fr. Bob was a person always positive with a “never say die” attitude. The funeral brochure – “The Servant Priest has Returned to the Master,” really fit him well. Read the rest of the reflection and remembrances of Patna Jesuits at JesuitsMidwest.org/PatnaSummer18
Page 14 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 SPIRITUALITY
Celebrating Lives Well Lived: Fr. Howard Gray, SJ
Fr. Howard Gray, SJ, died on May 7, 2018. He held many academic and administrative roles and was one of a group of Jesuits and lay people who helped bring back the one-on-one personally-directed retreat.
Photo: Georgetown University Excerpted from the funeral homily given by Fr. John W. O’Malley, SJ
f the church is a field hospital, I have Then there was the human being we all spiritual direction, and there they found balm known a place within the Church where knew. There is so much that could be said, for their wounds and comfort for their souls. Iboth the badly wounded and the lightly but if I say simply that Howard was a deeply To that hospital came bishops, university wounded have flocked for many decades. I am affectionate person, I have hit upon one of his presidents, students, faculty, staff, countless speaking, of course, of Howard Gray. deepest traits. He loved his sister Marge and Jesuits, sundry others, and at least one What an extraordinary life he had as a considered her his best friend. cardinal. Jesuit! The day he died the province sent out He formed friendships easily and quickly Several weeks ago, Howard was at a biography that listed the important positions but never superficially. Once his friend, always Georgetown University, where he gave a he held, including provincial of the Detroit his friend. He and I were friends for 70 years, marvelous lecture. In it he quoted a passage Province, where he was not only esteemed since we were teenagers, and I consider his from the spiritual diary of St. Peter Faber, one as provincial, but loved as provincial — not a friendship one of the most precious blessings of the founding members of the Society of small achievement in the Society of Jesus! of my life. We bantered and teased and Jesus along with St. Ignatius: Howard was, moreover, a key player in the feigned indignation at one another’s foibles. rescue of Jesuit spirituality from the moralism Howard looked, he saw, he loved. A With great devotion and new depth into which it had largely fallen over the course Jesuit who for years has been engaged in a of feeling, I hoped for and beg this from of the centuries, and in promoting Ignatian courageous and difficult ministry wrote me the God, that it be given me to be the servant spirituality, whose blossoming we experience other day when he heard of Howard’s death: and minister of Christ the consoler, the today. He was one of the first to promote the “Nothing prepared me better for the ministry minister of Christ the helper, of Christ the individual-directed retreat, and he helped I have been engaged in for over 30 years than healer, the enricher, the strengthener. establish programs to teach others how to be the affection Howard gave me and showed Thus it would happen that even I might compassionate and prudent guides for those me how to extend to others. He was a tender be able through him to help many — to making such retreats. He opened the programs glance of God, empowering us all to be that console, liberate, and give them courage … and thus bring help to each and every to lay men and women. Today we take such tender glance in the world.” one of my neighbors whomsoever. things for granted, but we need to realize that That was the gift that drew people to they constitute a significant turning point in Howard with their darkest secrets, their What better description could there be of the the history of Christian spirituality. deepest wounds, and their highest hopes. life of our beloved Howard, that little guy and That was Howard the public person. They came to the field hospital he called that great man. @
Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 | Page 15 SPIRITUALITY
Celebrating Lives Well Lived: Fr. Richard “Dick” Hauser, SJ, died on April 3, 2018. He was a mainstay at Creighton University, where he shaped theology programs and influenced the Fr. Richard vocations of young Jesuits for more than 40 years. “Dick” Hauser, SJ
Excerpted from the funeral homily given by Fr. Donald Doll, SJ
e joined the Jesuits the same year, when Abbot W1955; I didn’t think much of the Thomas Keating rules, and Dick got migraines trying to labeled Dick’s follow the rules. He was made spiritual book one of the father for the incoming first year novices. best spiritual We had both novice experiments together, theology books a month in a local hospital and eight in America. weeks at the Saint Paul retreat house. To this day, Our novice master, Joe Sheehan, had Creighton’s asked Dick to keep an eye on me. And theology Dick never did report that I arranged for department myself a family visit in the hospital and stands out in the train station during the Milwaukee among Jesuit stopover between Oshkosh and Saint Paul universities for while Dick wandered around the station its focus on alone, missing his Milwaukee family. discovering God Photo: Creighton University We really didn’t become close friends in our lives. until seven years later. He joined me This is Dick Hauser’s legacy. his last homily to his Renew group that teaching in our third year of regency at We made many retreat trips together in met regularly for the last three decades. St. Francis Mission, where we each had Wyoming’s Ten Sleep Canyon. In the At that Mass, he reflected on the Gospel life-changing experiences. He learned to ’70s he introduced me to Centering reading of the day: “Everyone who pray in a new way by taking long walks prayer during those retreats. We camped believes in him will have Eternal Life,” at night under the beautiful South Dakota around the West and thoroughly he said. “My focus on finding God in skies. I wondered what I was going to explored Nebraska, following the do as a Jesuit and asked myself what I Great Platte River Road while reading this life is the right focus, but it hasn’t love doing and answered “photography.” the diaries of the 1849 travelers. And made me look forward to the next life.” It was Dick who eventually helped me yes, he thoroughly enjoyed sitting in a He paused: “I like this life and I don’t realize it was how the Spirit speaks to camp chair watching the sun set with a want to die.” Then he reflected: “The each of us in our hearts. Manhattan in his hand. He loved praying, spirituality I’ve been doing would be We developed a deeper friendship and reflecting, and writing in his journal in the enhanced by a realization that this life is a love when Dick arrived at Creighton midst of nature. prelude to the next life.” in 1972 and began teaching theology The final leg of our sacred journey At the end of Dick’s last homily, he classes. Those early years were extremely was at Creighton during Dick’s last eight asked a question that he often did in a difficult for Dick. He was teaching about weeks, as my brothers and I did home dialog homily: “What occurs to you as we God, the Holy Spirit, in our hearts, not hospice with him, in his “room with a concepts in our heads. Some theology view.” He loved praying and journaling begin to think about our next life?” professors termed his classes “window each morning overlooking the Jesuit Dick’s great gift is to remind us to dressing” and lobbied to get Dick fired Gardens. always look to our God, to speak to the from the faculty. Those were difficult In his room, Dick came to terms with one who loves us so deeply, and to find years for Dick. He was finally vindicated dying, which he described so honestly in that Spirit in our hearts. @
Page 16 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 ADVANCEMENT
USA MIDWEST PROVINCE
Fr. Brian G. Paulson, SJ IRA Taxwise Giving PROVINCIAL
Don’t miss the chance to make a charitable IRA gift this year! If you are 70½ or older Jeremy Langford and own a traditional IRA, please consider making an IRA charitable rollover gift this PROVINCIAL ASSISTANT (VP) FOR ADVANCEMENT year. A gift of up to $100,000 made from your IRA to us will: AND COMMUNICATIONS Quentin Maguire ■■ Not be included in your taxable income. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNICATIONS ■■ Satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year. Ben Gartland ■■ Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize deductions. COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST ■■ Not be subject to the 50% limitation on charitable gifts. Kurt Metzler ■■ Help the work of our organization. DESIGNER
Contact us or your plan administrator to make a qualified transfer from your IRA to us. USA MIDWEST PROVINCE Jeff Smart, Regional Advancement Director, [email protected], 773-975-6920 1010 N. Hooker St., Chicago, IL 60642 (800) 537-3736
Regional Advancement Directors distributions. Now, with her last grandchild An IRA rollover finished with school, she provides for the Al Bill (Minneapolis/Saint Paul) education of Jesuits by directly making her [email protected] | (952) 715-0770 gift to the charitable gift from her IRA to the Midwest Nora Dabrowski (Detroit) Jesuits. [email protected] | (773) 368-6399 Midwest Jesuits “I knew that I would never use all the can educate the money in my IRA,” said Virginia. “My son Paul Jeremy Langford (Omaha) is an estate planning attorney, and he shared [email protected] | 773-975-6913 next generation with me that a pre-distribution gift from my IRA could reduce my income taxes this year Jeff Meyrose (Cincinnati/IN/KY) of Jesuits while while educating a Jesuit who would go out [email protected] | (513) 751-6688 and serve where the need is greatest.” reducing your taxes Dan O’Brien (Milwaukee) NOW, WITH HER LAST [email protected] | (773) 975-5755 Virginia DePorre, and her late husband Dr. GRANDCHILD FINISHED WITH Pierre DePorre, were blessed with a wonderful SCHOOL, SHE PROVIDES FOR THE Jeff Smart (Chicago/Cleveland) family and a great veterinary practice in EDUCATION OF JESUITS. [email protected] | (773) 975-6920 Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Pierre passed the practice onto his son and nephew who have The formation of a Jesuit takes more than continued and grown the business with great ten years and costs over $500,000. Virginia SPECIAL THANKS made a four-year pledge to support the success. Virginia and Pierre came to know of Fr. Glen Chun, SJ; Nora Dabrowski; education of a Jesuit from her IRA each year, the work of the Jesuits through Jesuit Father Fr. Donald Doll, SJ; Ann Greene; Francis Dermott Rabaut’s sister, Carolyn including naming the Midwest Jesuits as a Nancy Hrdlicka; Dave McNulty; DePorre. Fr. Rabaut was a beloved educator at beneficiary in order to honor her commitment Br. John Moriconi, SJ; Dan O’Brien; Loyola Academy ’45 to ’46 and University of should she pass away before her pledge is Fr. John W. O’Malley, SJ; John Sealey; Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy ’56 fulfilled. Becky Sindelar to ’60. To learn more about IRA rollover gifts, With Pierre’s wise retirement planning, contact Jeff Smart, Regional Advancement Virginia was able to provide for her Director, at [email protected] or at FOR MORE INFORMATION grandchildren’s education through her IRA 773-975-6920. WWW.JESUITSMIDWEST.ORG
Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Summer 2018 | Page 17 Society of Jesus 1010 N. Hooker St. Chicago, IL 60642
Join Us for Events This Fall
Jesuit Connections — Chicago* Jesuit Friends and Alumni Network of Milwaukee Sept. 5, 2018 Sept. 10, 2018 Speaker: Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ, retreat director at Bellarmine Jesuit Speaker: Dr. Michael Lovell, president of Marquette University Retreat House Location: The Wisconsin Club, 900 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI Location: Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661 53233 For more information, contact Contact Dan O’Brien at (773) 975-5755 or at [email protected] Lauren Gaffey at (773) 234-5482 or at [email protected] or Dan O’Brien at (773) 975-5755 or at [email protected] * Program for Young Adults
Jesuit Friends and Alumni Network of Cincinnati Jesuit Friends and Alumni Network of Chicago Sept. 19, 2018 Sept. 25, 2018 Speaker: Fr. Michael Graham, SJ, president of Xavier University Speaker: Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, provincial of the Midwest Province Location: US Bank Tower, 425 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 Location: University Club of Chicago, 76 E. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603 For more information, contact Jeff Meyrose at For more information, contact Jeff Smart at (773) 975-6920 or at (513) 751-6688 or at [email protected] [email protected]
Jesuit Alumni and Friends of Detroit Oct. 4, 2018 Ensuring the future Speaker: Fr. Thomas Smolich, SJ, international director of Jesuit The process of forming a Jesuit can take ten years or more and costs Refugee Service approximately $50,000 per year per Jesuit. Your generosity today Location: Detroit Athletic Club, 241 Madison Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 will make a lasting difference for generations to come. Learn more at For more information, contact Nora Dabrowski at (773) 368-6399 or at www.JesuitsMidwest.org/FormationSummer18 [email protected]