3 minute read
Answering God's Call to Serve
Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, has always felt the call to serve. After twelve years as an officer specializing in nuclear engineering for the U S Navy (1996–2008), including four deployments to the Arabian Gulf, Fr. Greg felt the call to navigate another vocation and joined the Jesuits in 2009 "I realized that I was wearing the wrong uniform," he says.
During his path to ordination, he began a comprehensive program of service, ministry, study, and prayer. He served as a prison minister and taught physics, coached athletics, served in campus ministry, and moderated student clubs at several Jesuit schools including Loyola Academy during his regency from 2014–2016.
After his ordination in 2019, Fr. Greg served as a parish priest and Jesuit school administrator and board member. In July 2022, he began a new chapter of service as Loyola Academy's ninth president.
–Rev Gregory J Ostdiek, SJ President
Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ
–Rev. Karl Kiser, SJ, provincial of the Midwest Jesuits
A Special Blessing: Provincial of the Midwest Jesuits Rev Karl Kiser, SJ, blesses Fr Greg at his missioning: "Lord Jesus, at the intercession of St Ignatius of Loyola, patron of Loyola Academy, bless Fr Greg in the work he is about to commence Please guide him in wisdom, lead him in hope, embolden him in faith, and deepeninhimYourLove "
Answering the Call to Serve: Fr Greg (center) on a summer service trip with Ramblers in July at Jerusalem Farm in Missouri "In the Navy, I learned that all of our successful missions had one thing in common: a group of dedicated individuals united by a shared vision of what could be This is also true of Jesuit education " he says.
In his new role as president, Fr Greg's key responsibilities include leading the Jesuit, Catholic mission of Loyola Academy, sustaining key focus on its strategic vision, and directing the institutional advancement program.
Signing on the Dotted Line: Board Chair James P Walsh '79 (left) meets with Fr Greg and Rev Karl Kiser, SJ, provincial of the Midwest Jesuits (right), to make official Fr Greg's missioning as Loyola Academy's ninth president on August 19 There was a small reception hosted in the Loyola lounge after the Mass of the Holy Spirit.
"I am tremendously excited to join Loyola Academy in its mission of forming women and men for others in service to the Church and the world," says Fr. Greg. "Loyola is a school with incredible students, a talented and caring faculty and staff, and an amazing community. I am humbled and honored to be chosen to serve the Loyola community of students, alumni, parents, and friends in the months and years to come."
Ordination in 2019: Fr Greg (second from right) was ordained at Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee on June 8, 2019 Also pictured is Loyola alumnus Fr Brian G Paulson, SJ, '77 (second from left), current president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.
Ordination in 2019: Fr Greg (second from right) was ordained at Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee on June 8, 2019 Also pictured is Loyola alumnus Fr Brian G Paulson, SJ, '77 (second from left), current president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.
Family Day in 2000: Pausing for a photo with family during an open house-style event on the USS San Jacinto (CG-56)
