The Midwest Augustinian, SUMMER 2018

Augustinian

The

Midwest

“One Mind, One Heart”

SUMMER 2018

LETTER FROM THE PRIOR PROVINCIAL DEAR FRIENDS OF THE AUGUSTINIANS, It is with great joy and privilege that I am able to write to you for the first time as Prior Provincial of the Midwest Augustinians. I am grateful to my fellow friars for electing me at the open of our Provincial Chapter on June 4. I also owe tremendous gratitude to my predecessor, Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A., who has given us all an effective example of servant leadership.

Owing to the fact my term in office began immediately after my election, I have spent much of the summer arranging my departure from the position of Pastor at St. Rita of Cascia Parish, Chicago, and familiarizing myself with the new responsibilities incumbent on the Prior Provincial. All this while moving my personal residence to the Augustinian Community at St. Rita High School!

Having been born, raised, and educated in my earlier years on the Southwest side of Chicago, I was ordained in 1984 in Chicago and spent the majority of my priestly life in parochial ministry. Before assuming the role of Prior Provincial, I served as Pastor for 12 years at St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Chicago prior to this present position as Provincial. In this period, I was afforded the opportunity to develop social outreach to an area of the city that has faced many challenges and changes demographically. These efforts continue to result in a transforming social ministry that attempts to bring Christ to the neighborhood through the ministries of immigration, affordable housing, healthcare, anti-violence initiatives and educational mentoring.

Already, the role of Prior Provincial brought with it a great gift, as I received the vows of two new brothers to the Midwest Province. Fr. Ray Flores, O.S.A. joins the Order after 12 years as a diocesan priest in New Mexico, and he will enter directly into active ministry as the new Chaplain at St. Rita High School. Br. Spencer Thomas, O.S.A. came to us as an alumnus of Cascia Hall, and his vocation offers witness to the impact of our Province’s educational ministry. Br. Spencer will begin his graduate studies with the rest of our men in formation at CTU this Fall. Please keep them both in your prayers.

The welcoming in of new vocations, however, also underscores the financial responsibilities that fall upon the Province to support and educate these men. Remember that, before any Augustinian enters into ministry at your school or parish, he goes through a period of formation lasting an average of seven years, during which time his living expenses and tuition are solely the responsibility of the Province. Indeed, the great wealth of vocations we have received in recent years necessitated the opening of the Year of Vocations Campaign on November 13, 2017. We are only a few months away from the close of our Campaign, and still short of our $1.5 million goal. Please look for more information at augustiniancampaign.org or make a donation using the attached envelope and designate it for the vocations campaign.

I ask that you all accompany me in prayer as I take on the leadership for the Province. I look forward to getting to know all of our friends and supporters better in the years to come.

Sincerely in Christ and St. Augustine,

Very Rev. Anthony Benedetto Pizzo, O.S.A. Prior Provincial of the Augustinians of the Midwest, Canada and Peru

THE MIDWEST AUGUSTINIAN SUMMER 2018 The Midwest Augustinian is a publication of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel.

For additional copies, or to unsubscribe, please contact the Province Office: Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel 5401 South Cornell Avenue Chicago, IL 60615 PHONE 773-595-4021

CONTENTS

FAX

SUMMER ISSUE 2018

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EMAIL sean@midwestaugustinians.org WEB

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4 THE INSTALLATION OF VERY REV. ANTHONY B. PIZZO O.S.A. The Augustinian friars of the Midwest Province elected Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A. to serve as the next Prior Provincial, succeeding Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A., who served in the role for 8 years. Fr. Pizzo exited his position as Pastor at St. Rita Parish, Chicago.

AUGUSTINIANS Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel PRIOR PROVINCIAL

Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. PROVINCE SECRETARY

Rev. Richie Mercado, O.S.A. PROVINCE TREASURER

Rev. James Halstead, O.S.A. FINANCE OFFICE

Sr. Mary Ann Hamer, O.S.F. Dn. Robert Carroll, C.P.A. PROVINCE COUNSELORS Rev. John D. Merkelis, O.S.A. Rev. Homero Sanchez, O.S.A. Rev. Robert Basler, O.S.A. Rev. James Halstead, O.S.A. Br. Joe Ruiz, O.S.A. Rev. Richard Young, O.S.A. PROVINCIAL OFFICES DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONS

Rev. Richie Mercado, O.S.A.

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FIRST PROFESSIONS Br. Emmanuel Isaac, Br. Spencer Thomas, and Fr. Ray Flores made their first profession of vows to the Augustinian Order at an August 4th Mass at St. Jude Parish, New Lenox.

10 COMING HOME: THE VOCATION OF FR. RAY FLORES, O.S.A. After 12 years of diocesan priesthood in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Fr. Ray began to notice a need for community in his spiritual life. What led him to the Augustinians?

12 INAUGURAL ADDRESS TO THE PROVINCIAL CHAPTER

BY VERY REV. ANTHONY PIZZO, O.S.A.

On June 6, 2018, Fr. Pizzo made his first address to the friars as Prior Provincial. He outlines the current state of the Province as well as his plans, concerns, and areas of focus as he begins his four-year term.

14 OUR IMPACT AND NEEDS IN PERU The missions in Northern Peru remain one of the largest financial responsibilities of the Midwest Augustinian Province. Here, we highlight three Augustinian communities in Peru, their ministries to the public, and their financial needs.

16 "PEAR" PRESSURE: DON'T BE A PEAR HEAD!

BY BR. JOE RUIZ, O.S.A.

The Pear Story is one of the most famous passages in Augustine's Confessions. What can it teach today's high school students about peer pressure, or, rather, "pear" pressure.

17 LEAVING A LEGACY OF LOVE, MERCY, AND GRATITUDE

CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

BY MICHAEL GERRITY, DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Mr. Michael Gerrity

Each of us hopes to leave a legacy that lingers long after we journey to our eternal home.

Will the future friars of the Augustinian Order be part of your legacy?

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Dr. Sean Reynolds ADVANCEMENT ASSISTANTS

Mrs. Karon Basile Mrs. Anne Russell DATABASE MANAGER

Mr. Joseph Zurawski

IN EACH ISSUE 20 IN MEMORIAM 22 "IN HONOR AND MEMORY ..."

21 OUR NEWEST DONORS 23 WHO'S MOVED WHERE?

The Installation of Very Reverend Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. Prior Provincial

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t Evening Prayers on Wednesday, June 6, members of the Augustinian family gathered for the doubled task of thanking their exiting Prior Provincial, Fr. Bernard Scianna, O.S.A., and inaugurating his successor, Very Rev. Anthony Pizzo, O.S.A..

In an installation ceremony at the St. Rita Shrine Chapel, Chicago, Vicar General Joseph Farrell, O.S.A. ratified the election of Fr. Tony by the delegate friars present at the open of the Provincial Chapter just two days earlier.

The transition of leadership was remarkably abrupt, given that Provincials are most often elected in the December preceding their

installation, allowing them a six-month period of preparation. However, this term’s December elections failed to produce an elected Provincial, which meant that, according to the Augustinian Constitution, the election needed to take place during the June Province Chapter.

As a result of this immediate transition, the June installation ceremony also served as a “farewell” celebration for Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A., who closed his second term and eighth year at the head of the Midwest Province. These eight years were a period of remarkable growth and blessings for the Midwest Augustinians, including two major captial campaigns, the establishment of a health care community, the ordination of four priests, and the vows of nearly twenty brothers.

Unlike positions of leadership in the ecclesiastical hierarchy, leaders in the Augustinian Order are elected democratically by their peers and, following the end of their terms of service, leaders return to the “regular” status as a friar. The position of Prior Provincial serves on behalf of the Prior General of the Augustinian order, receiving the vows of incoming friars, making personnel assignments, serving on various boards and managing assets.

In recognition of the authority and responsibility entrusted in him, Fr. Tony was presented by Fr. Joseph the Constitution of the Order, the official seal of the province, and all financial records. Fr. Pizzo also introduced and inaugurated his Provincial council at the installation. The six-member team, who, according to the Order’s constitution, “have the duty of assisting the Prior Provincial in the governance of the Province by their prudent advice and energetic work,” includes Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A, Fr. Homero Sanchez, O.S.A., Fr. Robert Basler, O.S.A; Fr. Jim Halstead, O.S.A.; Br. Joe Ruiz, O.S.A.; and Fr. Rich Young, O.S.A.. Fr. Richie Mercado was appointed to the position of Provincial Secretary. Of these men, five made their solemn profession to the Order in the past five years.

Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A. prays with parishioners before his final Mass as Pastor of St. Rita of Cascia, Chicago

Fr. Pizzo said of the formation of his Council, “I hope to present a vision of inter-culturality and diversity of age, ethnicity, and the various ministries of the Province (and Order). We have to gain momentum toward the future by including younger friars especially in age and profession in Province leadership.”

For the last 12 years, Fr. Pizzo has served as Pastor at the St. Rita Parish on the southwest side of Chicago, in a diverse area of the city with a large immigrant and Spanish-speaking

population. Under his direction the parish gained recognition both by news outlets and the Chicago Archdiocese for its social outreach ministries, which focused on healthcare, immigrant rights, affordable housing, and anti-violence campaigns. His election to the role of Prior Provincial marks a growing recognition among Midwest Augustinian friars of the need to reach out to Hispanic parishioners, students, and vocations to the Order.

"Provincial" continued on page 18

The incoming Provincial Council (L to R): Fr. Rich Young; Fr. Richie Mercado (secretary); Fr. Homero Sanchez; Br. Joe Ruiz.; Fr. Jim Halstead; Fr. John Merkelis, and Fr. Robert Basler VISIT US ONLINE!

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You 3 remind us that we Augustinians are a living testimony of the truth of Christ in a world broken through violence, division, racism, discrimination, and every other threat to the well-being of humanity.

- Homily of Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A.

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Br. Emmanuel Isaac, Br. Spencer Thomas, and Fr. Ray Flores (L to R) made their first profession of vows to the Augustinian Order at an August 4th Mass at St. Jude Parish, New Lenox, Illinois.

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remember saying ‘thank you’ to God at many points throughout the Mass of Profession,” said Br. Spencer Thomas, O.S.A., about his August 4 profession to the Augustinian Order. “My emotional state, though multi-dimensional was encapsulated by an immense feeling of gratitude.”

Br. Spencer’s gratitude, indeed reflected the heart of the Midwest Augustinian community as he joined Fr. Ray Flores, O.S.A. and Fr. Emmanuel Isaac, O.S.A. in making their first, temporary vows to the Order during an evening Mass on Saturday, August 4 at St. Jude Parish, New Lenox, IL.

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Left: Augustinian friars congratulate the newly professed friars at St. Jude Parish.

Top Right: Br. Spencer Thomas, O.S.A. Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A., and Fr. Ray Flores, O.S.A. Bottom Right: Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A. receives vows from Br. Spencer Thomas, O.S.A.

Prior Provincial Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A. presided over the liturgy, receiving the vows of Br. Spencer and Fr. Ray. As a friar of the California Province, Br. Emmanuel, who is also a native of Pakistan, professed his vows to Prior Provincial Kevin Mullins, O.S.A..

Temporary vows--which are to be renewed annually until the solemn profession of vows— mark the close of the friars’ novitiate, a yearlong period of prayer and contemplation during which men discerning a vocation are introduced to Augustinian community life. Within the novitiate year, each man makes a personal decision to move forward within a temporary profession of vows, or to pursue a different vocational path.

Fr. Ray enters the Augustinian Order from diocesan priesthood, having been first ordained in the Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico, 12 years ago. His discernment of a vocation to the Augustinians came with the generous support of diocesan bishop, Most. Rev. Oscar Cantu, even though it has meant his departure from his position as Pastor of the St. Albert the Great Newman Center.

Since Fr. Flores already received the education required for Augustinian formation, he will enter directly into active ministry as the new Chaplain at St. Rita High School, Chicago. “I look forward to working with a team at St. Rita High School. As a pastor, there were often times I felt like I had to do it all myself. So I am excited to experience being part of something larger than myself.”

Br. Spencer, a Tulsa native, was drawn to the Augustinians through his experience as a student at Cascia Hall Preparatory Academy. He will begin his first year of graduate school this Fall at the Catholic Theological Seminary.

“I am very humbled and thankful for all who have, in their own unique ways, shared with me God’s boundless beauty and limitless love,” said Br. Spencer. “I recognize that this is the beginning of another chapter—a new chapter—in my life journey, one that I pray will continue to bring me into greater wholeness with myself, with others, and with God.”

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Profile of a Vocation

Coming Home What drew Fr. Ray Flores from diocesan

priesthood to religious community and the Augustinian Order?

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or many Augustinian priests, the call to enter an Order and the call enter priesthood are experienced as one and the same. Fr. Jim Thompson, O.S.A., for example, remembered that “from fourth grade on I was in St. Rita Parish… I knew I wanted to be a priest for a long time…[my call] was just the familiarity with the Augustinians, and the fact that they asked me.”

For others, the path to religious brotherhood may only become clear after years of service in the priesthood.

Fr. Ray Flores, O.S.A., heard the call to religious life after a decade of diocesan priesthood, and it echoed loudest in a place of very literal emptiness in his life: an empty house. In his 12 years of priesthood, Fr. Ray had lived alone for all but one year.

In his first discernment retreat with the Augustinians, just three years ago, Fr. Ray was faced with a question by Br. William Gabriel, O.S.A., then 24 years old and only in the novitiate stage of his formation. “Bill Gabriel, when talking about his discernment experience, posed the question 'who do you come home to' as a general reflection to the group. The question he posed for us really spoke to

my heart and resonated with a desire to find a community that I could belong to, work with and call home.”

This question captured Fr. Ray’s attention, and led him to a moment where he saw the difficulties of his faith life revealed to him more clearly. “I said to Bill and the other men on the retreat, ‘As a diocesan priest, I come home to an empty house.”

As an undergraduate student in Psychology at Western New Mexico University, Fr. Ray felt his first attraction to the priesthood through the ministry of the campus Newman Center. Following college, Fr. Ray began working as a guidance counselor for a middle school and entered into what he describes as a 9-month personal and informal discernment. “I kept asking God what is it You want me to do. My work was three hours from my family, and on the drive to see them I would turn off the radio and just try to listen to God as I was driving.”

THE BLESSINGS AND CHALLENGES OF DIOCESAN PRIESTHOOD One Sunday while still working at the middle school, Fr. Ray attended a Mass

at the Las Cruces Cathedral celebrated by Bishop Ricardo Ramirez. “All the timing came together. It felt as though God were addressing me personally. Bishop Ramirez focused his homily that day on how the Church in the future may not have enough priests and how God was calling men, if they would listen.”

Fr. Ray entered formation in the Diocese of Las Cruces in 2000 and was ordained six years later at the age of 32.

Three years after that he received an assignment from Bishop Ramirez to take over as Pastor at the small parish of Our Lord of Mercy, which served a town with a total population of less than 1,000 people.

“It was located in an area called the Hatch Valley, a wonderful strip of farmers known for producing the best green chili peppers. It was a great, small place in which I could learn how to be a pastor.” Following this, Fr. Ray returned, two decades after his first thoughts of priesthood, to the setting of a college Newman Center, this time as pastor and

"Flores" continued on page 19

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W

hen my name surfaced initially as a possible Provincial candidate, several people asked me: “Do you want it?” I responded by saying, “You’re asking the wrong question.

The correct question is, ‘Are you willing to serve?’” The answer to the wrong question has been “NO,” I’ve never had any ambition toward this level of leadership. However, the second question was more appropriate and my answer just as appropriate, “YES.” I thank my brothers for putting their trust in me. I plan on relying on the collective wisdom of the new Provincial Council and will draw off of the wisdom of the previous Council, the pastoral vision of Pope Francis, the Father General and his Council, and any positive influence that will enhance my service and ministry to you and with you for the common good of the Midwest Province, Canada, and our missions in Peru.

I want to thank Fr. Bernie Scianna for 8 years of extraordinary leadership, for your commitment to serve the Church through the Order and your willingness to walk with us and listen and respond effectively through the wisdom and counsel of our brothers, Fr. John Merkelis, Fr. Bill Sullivan, and Fr. Tom McCarthy. Thanks also is due to outgoing Provincial Secretary Br. Tom Taylor for keeping our Province on track canonically and constitutionally for the past 17 years.

COMMUNITY/SPIRITUAL LIFE: Fr. Adolar Zumkeller, O.S.A., in his book Augustine’s Rule, writes:

INAUGURAL ADDRESS TO THE PROVINCIAL CHAPTER On June 6, 2018, Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo gave an extended version of the following address to the Midwest Augustinian Provincial Chapter on the occasion of his election to the position of Prior Provincial of the Midwest Province, Canada, and Peru.

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Those who follow the Rule of Saint Augustine ought…to be, before all else, loving people whose lives manifest something of Christ’s love. [We] are called each day to take up anew the struggle against the egotism of [our] own hearts, the struggle against a life of ease, against inconsiderateness, against every kind of selfseeking.

Augustine emphasized “friendship.” We know that the ideal would be that we are all friends. We know, however, that’s not always the case and that is one of the biggest challenges in our religious life. However, for the most part, I have seen good efforts put forth in maintaining an atmosphere of positive mutual regard. I ask that we always

make valiant attempts to consider the uniqueness of the other friar especially when we don’t see eye to eye. We don’t need to be competing with each other, but rather we need to encourage and build one another up. I’ve seen this result in healthy communities when we support one another.

VOCATIONS & FORMATION: Our external signs of faith and worship are helpful in attracting new vocations - those men who will initially encounter our daily lives and how we relate to God and to one another.

I ask further, though, that we all accompany such candidates to the Order by helping them look more deeply into their desire to further their love for Christ and to serve Him through our Augustinian life and ministries. This includes helping potential candidates identify what it is that is attracting them into our life and spirituality.

I believe that, as a result of our Vocations outreach and the recruiting of the present professed friars and candidates, we have good numbers.

Yet, while we have decent numbers, there is a specific area I would like us to concentrate on. That is, that we be even more intentional about attracting and recruiting people of color. I believe that the Augustinians of North America must reflect the multi-racial, multiethnic and multi-cultural Catholic population in the Church today.

The US Latino Church is fertile territory, for example. In the present climate of xenophobia and racist attitudes and behavior, we must, by all means, be a welcoming community to all people whom we encounter in our respective ministries. I strongly encourage our men in formation to study the Spanish language and develop skills in conversation.

PARISH/PASTORAL MINISTRY: As we speak, our friars are fulfilling their responsibility as pastors and administrators in eight parishes. The most recent parish we have taken is

Fr. Tony Pizzo sits with his newly appointed Council

St. Bernard, in the Joliet diocese. In collaboration with Our Mother of Good Counsel parish, we are planning to build a new friary residence for the Augustinians who offer ministry in both parishes. The friars in both places will share communally and may also offer retired friars a place to live.

I, along with the Council, will encourage and support any social ministry outreach programming in our parishes. A few of our parishes have

social programming that addresses the physical and social needs of their parishioners and local residents. If a parish does not have one, I ask our pastors and their pastoral staff to consider ways to offer outreach beyond the church walls. Or consider collaborating with neighboring parishes or even with our schools.

"Pizzo" continued on page 19

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UPDATES ON O UR IMPACT AND NEEDS IN P ERU The Augustinians of the Midwest Province have served the faithful and the needy of Northern Peru since the first invitation of St. Pope John XXIII in 1963. Following decades of growth in the cultivation of native vocations, the Peruvian Vicariate no longer has an urgent need for missionary friars from North America. Nevertheless, the Augustinian mission to Peru, which serve some of the country’s poorest and most remote populations, remain one of the Midwest Province’s largest financial responsibilities.

PACAIPAMPA When the Augustinians first reached the remote Andean village of Pacaipampa in the 1980s, its residents lacked not only a parish where they could worship, but also electricity, roads, or running water. Still today - after the addition paved roads, utilities, and a parish staffed by three Augustinians - Pacaipampa remains one of the poorest communities in the country.

cutlery, and refrigeration for students who travel great distances from their homes to attend the local middle school. These students, who often walk hours to school, find themselves unable to return home for lunch. One student reported that he wakes up at 2 AM in order to arrive at school by the 7 AM bell.

Once a year, the Augustinian priests of Pacaipampa travel to even more remote mountain villages, inaccessible by car to say Mass for the grateful Catholic communities there. For some, these visits offer the only Mass they will be able to attend all year. For the priests these are long, often dangerous treks by foot and by horse which keep them away from the care of their own parish.

One of the simplest, but most vital, services of the Augustinians in Pacaipampa is the St. Rita Cafeteria, which offers a safe, clean place to eat,

PACASMAYO In the arid seaside village of Pacasmayo, the Augustinian Community is responsible for the administration and finance of three schools: the primary and secondary schools of The Lord of Miracles, and the Center for Basic Special Education. The latter offers basic care, education, and arts therapy for grade school students with special needs such as severe learning and developmental disabilities or communication disorders.

Currently the Center for Basic Special Education serves 22 students with a staff of psychologists, physical therapists, and social workers. Highest paid among staff members are the psychologists, who receive only $6,100 for the academic year. The school refuses no child on the basis of the parents’ ability to pay tuition. However, for this reason it depends upon outside funding, largely from

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donors to the Midwest Augustinian Province. Specialized care for children with disabilities, even those from families without money, is truly an extraordinary and exceptional service for this region.

TRUJILLO In 2013, the Colegio San Agustin opened its doors to become the first school founded by our Augustinian Vicariate in Peru. Located in the city of Trujillo, just a short distance from the Augustinian seminarians, the school began its first year with first through third grades, with a new grade added each year. With the continued annual growth of the student body, the school has outgrown its current campus, where buildings are still shared with the Augustinian parish, and schoolrooms meet their capacity at 8 desks (due to earthquake safety laws). Initial construction has begun on a new campus at a separate location, across from the Catholic University of Trujillo, that will be able to accommodate the increased student enrollment.

Due to the large itinerant population in Peru, any construction project needs to be preceded by the construction of a barrier wall, to deter the establishment

of pop-up communities of individuals seeking work. This wall was completed in 2017, but added a large front-end expense. Currently, the Peruvian Vicariate has $700,000 saved toward the target of $1 million that would be needed for the construction of the classrooms. The Augustinians view the construction of the new Colegio San Agustin as a necessary step towards the financial independence of the Peruvian Vicariate.

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"Pear" Pressure: Don't Be a Pear Head!

By Br. Joe Ruiz, O.S.A.

T

he Pear Story in Augustine’s Confessions is one of his wellknown adolescence stories and one of my favorites in his writings. I must admit my favorite fruit is pear, especially pear sorbet! Anyhow, as the story goes Augustine finds himself among a band of friends who went off to a nearby orchard and shook down a pear tree of all its fruit. Augustine and his buddies had no intention of eating the fruit, which they found distasteful; rather they took a large quantity of pears and threw them to the pigs.

This particular narrative in Augustine’s Confessions, although very short, is a great example of peer pressure and a great entrance into the topic of morality. In the Pear Story, Augustine finds pleasure in the act of doing something that was forbidden, namely stealing. Yes, little Augie and his buddies broke one of the Ten Commandments!

As a Theology teacher at St. Rita of Cascia High School, there is no better place to examine the Pear Story than in a freshmen Theology class titled: Introduction to Catholicism. I think that Augustine’s story has a lot to offer to young people, in light of the topic

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of peer pressure, or, as I would like to call it, for the sake of play on the word peer, “Pear” Pressure.

Every one of us, at one time or another has had the experience of being peer pressured. Nowadays, with social media, our young people are much more visually enticed to engage in harmful activity. So, I asked myself, how can I visually engage my freshmen on the topic of peer pressure? My answer: find a BIG fake pear somewhere, bring it to class, and title the lesson “Pear” Pressure! Thanks Hobby Lobby!

After reading the Pear Story in Augustine’s Confessions, I brought the BIG fake pear out, wrote on it “Pear” Pressure and introduced it to my students. The biggest question I was asked about the pear was, “Is it real?”

I said, “Yes, take a bite.” Immediately my students were engaged, I carried the BIG fake pear in my hands, and asked them, “Have you ever been “Pear” pressured?” After my question, I said boldly, “Don’t be a pear head!” They responded, “Ah, yeah! I get it! Cool, Bro Joe! I like the play on words!”

Midwest Augustinian Restless Hearts Society

A Lasting Legacy of Mercy, Love, and Gratitude

We would like to acknowledge and thank the following supporters for including the Augustinians in their wills or estate plans:

Your Lasting Legacy - Each of us hopes to leave a legacy with impacts that linger long after we journey to our eternal home. Living a life of goodness and great examples for children and grandchildren is great legacy; and so is being a good steward with God’s gifts. Recently Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A., our new Prior Provincial sent a letter asking you to please pray about and consider a planned gift as a legacy for the Augustinians. Please consider including the Midwest Augustinians in your plans.

Who Makes Planned Gifts to Midwest Augustinians? - The good people making such gifts generally share three or more of these attributes:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Pierre M. Adams

Dr. Phyllis Lauinger

Joseph F. Bamberger

Bonnie Leighty

Donald R. Berschback

William Leighty

Anne Berschback

Thomas Leo

Chuck Cassity

Steve Leos, Jr.

James A. Corona

Dolores P. Lundeen

James V. Corrigan

Robert H. Mace, Jr., Th.M.

Thomas C. De Corte

Elizabeth Manning

Delores Denning

Michael P. Manning

Joseph A. Drap

Dcn. Terrance McGuire

Have donated for five years or more to the Midwest Augustinians,

Sandra Lyn Drap

Kathleen McGowan

Know and respect one or more Augustinians for the work in schools, parishes, or hospitals,

Carolyn A. Dunskis

Helen J. Merkelis

Gregory J. Flanagan

Donald V. Miller

Rita M. Fortino

Debra Molinari

Dr. Robert J. Fredericks

Dr. Thomas J. Moore

John M. Freese

Harry J. O'Sullivan

Mary Friedel-Hunt

Adele O'Sullivan

Support our efforts among the rural, poor people of Northern Peru,

John A. Gaberino, Jr.

Lorraine Pavelcik

Believe that all good come from God and that God will be interested in how they distribute their goods at life’s end.

Ardith E. Goodroe

William F. Pines

Frank D. Grimaldi

Connie Pines

Winifred M. Guthikonda

Mary Rasmussen

Richard H. Hagedorn

Richard Rasmussen

David J. Hougan

Bernice A. Raubiskis

Give and be recognized now but not pass on any assets until you no longer need them,

Lois J. Jacobs

Pauline Reidy

Michael C. Kirby

Michael B. Schneider, Sr.

Give a larger gift than you would ordinarily be able to do while living,

Wayne G. Klasing

Lisa Ann Solava

Designate how your planned gift is used: for vocations, retired Augustinians, or missions work in Peru,

Barbara G. Klasing

Richard C. Solava

Richard D. Kornowski

John S. Sosnowski

John N. Kost

Ned Van Hamm

Sandra Kruse

David Vaughan

John D. Kwiatkowski

Lisa Vaughan

Robert J. LaFortune

Martin H. Wojcik

Believe that the retired and infirm Augustinians should be cared for, Support and are encouraged by the consistent growth in Augustinian vocations the past 10 years,

Benefits of Enrolling Now -

Name a family member, Augustinian, or loved one to be remembered too.

Simply Done - You just name the Midwest Augustinians (legal name: Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel - The Augustinians):

Anthony J. Lauinger

As a beneficiary in your will for a fixed sum, a percentage of your final estate, or an asset like a house or land, As a beneficiary in your IRA, other retirement plan, in your annuity, or on your insurance policy.

Donors of planned gifts are entitled to special recognition and enrollment in the Midwest Augustinians’ Restless Hearts Society. For information about the Society or planned gifts, or if you have already remembered the Midwest Augustinians in your plans please contact me at 773-595-4035 or michael@midwestaugustinians.org. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

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accomplishments while serving as their Pastor.

"Provincial" continued from page 5 “I am delighted that Fr. Tony Pizzo is willing to take up the mantle of leadership for the Province” said Fr. Bernie. “He is passionate about and dedicated to whatever he undertakes, so I am confident that he will not only be a good Administrator for the Province, but also a Good Pastor to the Brothers. While this is not always an easy balance, I believe he will do it well. I have pledged my support to him and am happy to serve as a resource for him especially in this time of transition.”

For much of the community of St. Rita Parish, the news of Fr. Pizzo’s election was bittersweet, as the responsibilities of Prior Provincial meant he would need to leave his role of Pastor. He presided over his final Mass as Pastor of the parish on June 17, at which point Fr. Homero Sanchez took over direction as Administrator. Though the community was saddened to say goodbye, they were glad that this election recognized his great

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“Fr. Tony had an incredible impact on the community of St. Rita, not just within the parish itself but throughout the entire deanery as he served as dean for over 10 years,” said Jenny Meehan Pastoral Associate at St. Rita.

“I experienced that he grew as pastor, priest as human being during his years at St Rita. It was while he was here that he also experienced the loss of both his parents and had to go through his major surgery and health scare last year. The community was extremely supportive of him and like he has said, through the community’s prayers he came through that, and now in this new role of Provincial he is counting on our prayers again to be his support.”

St. Rita parishioner Maria Luisa Ceniceros emphasized Fr. Tony’s personable and approachable demeanor as a Pastor: “Fr. Tony was a caring spiritual leader who would always have time to listen to you when you approached him with whatever concern was troubling you,

leaving you with a sense of hope that all would be better because God would show his mercy and love and never abandon you. A friend, a man of great humanity, compassion, and love for all his parish community.”

“Words cannot express how much we appreciate the help which he gave us,” said another parishioner, “helping us resolve our problems in our marriage, helping us resolve financial problems, helping us to avoid eviction when we were behind in paying our rent, helping us get food when we had no money to buy groceries, helping us deal with the death of a spouse, of a son or of a daughter.”

The friars and family of the Midwest Province give thanks for the election of a gifted, generous leader and ask for your continued prayers in this period of transition. Those wishing to join the Augustinians in thanking Fr. Bernie Scianna for his 8 years of leadership are invited to attend our next Gala on Friday, April 26, 2019 at the Drake Hotel, downtown Chicago, where he will be celebrated as our sole honoree.

"Pizzo" continued from page 13 More concretely, I hope to create and develop an Augustinian social ministry network in all of our ministries where Augustinians are presently serving. Accompanying the

people of our parish communities in their social needs in conjunction with their spiritual needs are essential components in pastoral ministry.

Pope Francis gives us the image of the parish as a field hospital where the wounded come to for attention and healing. We are healers, even though we are wounded ones. What a great way to encounter Christ!

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: I consider Augustinian education a treasure trove of gifted friars who witness the Gospel in their commitment to and presence in our schools. I have always been impressed by the Augustinian Values Institute.

Further, I urge the leadership in our schools to enhance the curriculum by emphasizing the principles of Catholic Social Doctrine. I hope to see this develop as part of the DNA of Augustinian Education. Both the Educational and Parochial Apostolates are part and parcel of our prophetic ministry to the Church. People of lowincome, the poor and the disenfranchised should be beneficiaries of our respective ministries.

MISSIONS: It is a welcomed site to see our Peruvian brothers sharing in our deliberations. What a treasure to have Augustinian presence in some of the poorest areas of the world. We are blessed to have come as far as we have in our Peruvian Missions, and I support the efforts thus far to form a Peruvian Federation and the unification of our circumscriptions in Peru. I strongly encourage our friars in formation to consider spending time in Peru widening their perspective of mission.

We look to you, Peruvian brothers as our experts in Mission. You are our

teachers. You need to “rattle our cages” with your prophetic role as missionaries.

Pope Francis emphasizes that the Church by its very nature is missionary.

I emphasize the importance and the essentiality of mission and missionary spirit in all that we do even in our common life and ministry.

CONCLUSION: In our life together and in our respective ministries, we accompany people all the time. Yes, at times it’s a struggle to see Christ in some as well as see Him in each other. I hope that we are able to foster a positive attitude and regard toward each other as well as to all of our lay associates, our retired and infirm brothers, our men in formation, our Missions in Peru, and all of our ministries and institutions, wherever our friars are living and serving.

My prayer every morning is, “Lord, how can I serve you faithfully today?”

Sometimes I hit the mark and sometimes I fail but it is my resolve to commit myself every morning to fulfill my responsibilities and to face whatever comes across my path that day. I want to see the face of Christ every day. This is my daily goal. This is what keeps me focused and energized.

"Flores" continued from page 11 vocation director for the St. Albert the Great Newman Center.

A BISHOP AND PRIEST DISCERN TOGETHER While at St. Albert, Fr. Ray began to see that one piece of insight he regularly shared with the college students began to reveal, for him, a lack in his own spiritual life. “I used to tell the guys discerning a vocation, ‘As a priest you can be as active as you want, or you can be as lazy as you want, and no is really going to hold you accountable.’” This lack of external accountability and fraternal companionship began to develop into a sense of loneliness and isolation, Fr. Ray recalls.

Fr. Ray received his first glimpse of Augustinian life when his former

spiritual director, Fr. Brian Barker himself discerning a vocation with the Augustinians at the time - invited him to visit the Novitiate House in Racine, Wisconsin. “Their community life attracted me and I always felt that that was missing in my priesthood.”

Fr. Ray continued to communicate his interest in Augustinian life to Vocation Director Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., but truly began to feel his call in earnest after attending the discernment retreat weekend and hearing the testimony of Augustinian brothers at various levels of formation and profession.

However, Fr. Ray had yet to communicate any of this discernment process with his bishop or his parishioners.

Fr. Ray recalls the complex emotions surrounding his choice to enter religious life: For me discerning a call to the Augustinian Order was not just about my future; I had to also think of the parish, diocese, and students I currently served and what it would mean to leave them.

When I first presented my thoughts to Bishop Cantu, the man who’s sermon at the Cathedral first pointed me to the path of priesthood, he responded with great charity. He told me ‘Who am I to stand in the way of the Holy Spirit?’

Since Fr. Ray’s path also affected the path of the Las Cruces Diocese, Bishop Oscar Cantu requested that the two of them must each go through a discernment period that demanded prayer, contemplation, and forethought.

“He wanted to make sure it was an authentic calling, not only for the sake of his diocese, but for my sake as well.”

In 2016 Fr. Ray received the blessing and formation of his bishop to enter the Augustinian Novitiate.

After a year of prayer and education in the Augustinian Rule and Spirituality spent with Augustinian novices from across the world - Fr. Ray made his first vows to the Order this August. He has now joined a community of brothers at St. Rita High School Monastery.

“I am looking forward to working with a team and being part of something larger than myself.”

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IN MEMORIAM

The following two friars were called to their eternal home. We ask that you remember them and their families in your prayers.

Br. John J. Stobba, O.S.A. passed on during the night of August 14, 2018. He was 88 years of age

Fr. Alfred M. Burke, O.S.A., passed away in Japan on the evening of June 20, 2018.

Father Burke was born August 17, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to William D. and Mary C. Burke. He was Baptized September 7, 1930 at St. Carthage Church, Chicago. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation May 19, 1942 at St. Sabina Church, Chicago.

He entered the Augustinian formation program in 1946.

He completed his secondary education at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, which awarded him a high school diploma in 1948.

Alfred entered the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1948. He professed Temporary Vows September 10, 1949 and Solemn (permanent) Vows September 10, 1052. He was ordained a Priest February 9, 1957.

Following profession of vows, he earned a B. A. in Philosophy in 1953 from Villanova University. Father Burke’s first assignment was to Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, where he taught from 1957 to 1961.

Responding to the needs of the Church, he volunteered for the missions in Japan, and was assigned there in 1961. Father Burke arrived in Yokohama August 14, 1961. He studied the Japanese language for two years, and then served at parishes located in Hatano (1963-69) and Takanawa, Tokyo (1969-73).

In 1973 Father Burke became the founder and first pastor of the Church of Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture. He remained there until 1983, when he was appointed pastor of the Futamatagawa parish. He was named pastor of the Sueyoshi-Cho Church in 1992. He was named pastor of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Naka-Ku, Yokohama, in 1994, and pastor of the Totsuka-Ku Church in 2005. In April, 2014 he was assigned to the Ofuna Catholic Church as Associate Pastor.

On December 23, 2015, Father Burke suffered a major heart attack. After several weeks of hospitalization and months of rehabilitation, he continued his remarkable recovery. However, his heart never did regain its full capacity.

In September, 2017, he took up residence in a home for the elderly in Hokkaido, Japan, where he assisted with chaplain ministries.

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Brother Stobba was born May 14, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to Hugo J. and Catherine Stobba. He was Baptized May 18, 1930 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Chicago. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation October 29, 1941 at St. Rita Catholic Church, Chicago.

John received his elementary education at St. Raphael and St. Rita Schools, both in Chicago. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1948. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1949 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1952.

He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1953. He pursued theological studies from 1953 to 1956.

Brother Stobba was assigned to Cascia Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a Teacher in 1956. In 1958 he was transferred to St. Rita High School, Chicago. He served there until 1995 in several different capacities at various times. He was a Teacher, Sacristan and Director of Audio-Visual Media. He worked in the book store and the school office. He was in charge of the Student Work-Study Program and the school’s bus service. From 1993 to 1995, he lived with the Augustinian Community at St. Rita Parish, Chicago, while continuing his work at St. Rita High School.

In 1995, Brother Stobba was named Director of the Augustinian Mission Office. At that time he relocated to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields, Illinois. He served in this role until the end of 2006.

He was assigned in January, 2007 to St. Peter Parish, Douglas, Michigan, where he assisted in parish ministry. He returned to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields, in March, 2010. When St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery closed in December, 2010, Brother Stobba relocated to St. John Stone Friary, Chicago.

Because of declining health, Brother Stobba was transferred in 2014 to Bl. Stephen Bellesini Friary at St. Anthony Home, Crown Point, Indiana, where he received appropriate care.

W

Thank You to Our Newest Donors!

e are so grateful for those that join us in our mission to serve the Church through their charitable support!

In each issue, we thank those newest donors that have given their first donation to support our Province.

Thank you to the following donors that began donating between May 11 and August 9, 2018. We ask all our readers to keep these newest supporters in your prayers.

Please note this is not a list of all donors from this period, but only those making their first donation to the Midwest Augustinians. If you feel your contribution is not properly reflected in this report, please contact the Advancement Office at advancement@midwestaugustinians.org at 773-595-4021.

Mr. Dominic R. Adducci

Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Jedrey

Mr. Natsuo Okada

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen R. Amann

Jerry Sharko's & Company, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Duane R. Pecci

Ms. Mary C. Audette

JK Business Services

Ms. Anna Poliszot

Ms. Louise Bajorek

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Joyce

Providence Advisors, Inc.

Ms. Lynn Basker

Mr. Michael J. Kammerer

Mr. and Mrs. John Pukala

Mr. Frank E. Benda

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony F. Kaufmann

Mr. John T. Rogers

Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Blaha

Ms. Mary R. Keeling

Mr. and Mrs. James E. Rohan

Mr. and Mrs. Francis M. Blake

Mr. and Mrs. John J. Kiely III

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Ruzas

Mr. and Mrs. Keith L. Blazaitis

Lenihan Family 2008 Trust

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Schumacher

Mr. Daniel J. Brasky

Ms. Cathleen J. Limburg

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Seidl

Ms. Deborah J. Breakey

Mr. Matt Longino

Mr. Arthur E. Sharley

Mr. James E. Burke

Mr. and Mrs. James J. Lucas

Mr. and Mrs. Elgin D. Shupert III

Mr. Gerard J. Carroll

Ms. Barbara J. Lusk

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Siwek

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Chomicz

Mr. Mark Mahanes

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Sobczak

Ms. Donna Costello

Mr. David C. Maroney

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas J. Sotiros, Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Coughlin

Ms. Lili Anne Max

St. Cajetan Parish

Mr. Steven A. Cozzi

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. McCarthy, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Lou Storino

Mr. Daniel R. Cronin

Sr. Kathleen McClelland, R.S.M.

Ms. Joan Sullivan

Mr. and Mrs. James P. Davoren

Mr. Kevin McGee

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Taff

Mr. Richard Dziennik

Ms. Barbara V. Meade

Mr. Jacob P. Thomas

Mr. Dan Evans

Ms. Patricia J. Monahan

Mr. and Mrs. James J. Tierney

Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Fitzsimmons

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Morgan

Ms. Joann F. Villasenor

Mr. Martin Flaherty

Ms. Carol Marie Mravinac

Vitco Steel Supply Corporation

Mr. and Mrs. Carl W. Fosnaugh

Ms. Patricia M. Mullaney

Ms. Ann T. Walsh

Ms. Mary Gonzalez-Snyder

Mr. and Mrs. David S. Natalino

Mrs. Donna Wilkinson

Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Graney

Mr. and Mrs. William Newman

Ms. Mary Lou Zarlengo

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Guilfoyle

Mr. and Mrs. Greg B. Nick

Ms. Maureen Heffernan

Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Norris

Ms. Andrea S. Hogan

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Norris

James F. Relstab & Co., P.C.

Ms. Sandra A. Novak

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I

In Honor and In Memory Of… n each issue, we recognize the Augustinians, parishes, schools, and individuals that have been honored with a tribute or memorial gift. The following gifts were received between May 11 and August 9, 2018. List a friar in the enclosed envelope with a donation, and he will be recognized in the next issue of The Midwest Augustinian!

Rev. Robert C. Basler, O.S.A. Ms. Lili Anne Max Rev. Donald J. Bates, O.S.A. Ms. Lili Anne Max Rev. David L. Brecht, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. William B. Harrington Rev. Alfred M. Burke, O.S.A. † Mr. Dominic R. Adducci Mr. Natsuo Okada Rev. Edward J. Chapman, O.S.A. † Austin Alumni Association Rev. Francis J. Crawford, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Camillo C. DeNello Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Doyle Rev. W. Timothy Cuny, O.S.A. † Mr. John J. Ziemba Rev. Erwin J. Dodge, O.S.A. Mr. Thomas J. Purtell Rev. Lawrence P. Dore, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. William J. Dore Br. Robert J. Fisher, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. John J. Burke Rev. John J. Flaherty, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Flaherty Rev. John F. Flynn, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. John C. St Andre Rev. James C. Friedel, O.S.A. Dr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Moore Rev. John R. Gavin, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. John G. Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth F. Lewis Mr. and Mrs. William J. Spatz, Jr. Mrs. Catherine F. Brennan Rev. Eugene L. Hamilton, O.S.A. † Ms. Marilyn J. Dock Rev. Michael P. Hogan, O.S.A. † Mr. Dan Evans Br. Samuel L. Joutras, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. John F. Kocourek

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Rev. John A. Kret, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lagger Rev. William W. Labadie, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Camillo C. DeNello Rev. Francis X. Lawlor, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Camillo C. DeNello Mr. Frank J. Drabik Rev. Donald R. Lewandowski, O.S.A. Mr. Louis M. Gale Ms. Lili Anne Max Rev. John R. Mabarak, O.S.A. † Ms. Lili Anne Max Rev. Henry W. McArdle, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Doyle Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. Dcn. Robert L. Fitt Mr. and Mrs. Brian D. Deenihan Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lepore Ms. Lili Anne Max St. Cajetan Parish Rev. Bernard T. McConville, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Cousins Rev. Thomas A. McGowan, O.S.A. † Mr. Arthur E. Sharley Rev. Walter F. McNicholas, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Doyle Rev. John D. Merkelis, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Duffy Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey M. Whalen Mr. and Mrs. Ken Kot Mr. and Mrs. Mark Duffy Mr. and Mrs. Paul Janik Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Santucci Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Kane Mrs. and Mr. Christine Knop Ms. Janice H. Sosnowski

Providence Advisors, Inc. Rev. John J. Molnar, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Gentile Rev. Patrick E. Murphy, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. John F. Ruzas Rev. John M. Ohner, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence J. Graber Rev. Joseph J. O'Malley, O.S.A. † Mr. Arthur E. Sharley Rev. Casimir A. Pazera, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Palgen, Sr. Rev. William A. Perez, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Gary C. LaGere Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Lou Storino Mr. Patrick T. Murphy, CFRE Most Rev. Robert F. Prevost, O.S.A. Ms. Lili Anne Max Br. Joseph R. Roccasalva, O.S.A. Dcn. and Mrs. Joseph Roccasalva Mr. and Mrs. Bill Insley Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Coughlin Mr. and Mrs. David S. Natalino Mr. and Mrs. Dennis J. McSweeny Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Graney Mr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Schumacher Mr. and Mrs. Greg B. Nick Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Norris Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Jedrey Mr. Kevin McGee Mrs. M. Patricia McGrail Ms. Barbara V. Meade Ms. Cathleen J. Limburg Ms. Deborah J. Breakey Ms. Maureen Heffernan St. Cajetan Parish Rev. Raymond R. Ryan, O.S.A.† Ms. Cynthia B. Vernon

Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. Brian D. Deenihan Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hackett Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Olsen Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger Mr. and Mrs. Gary C. LaGere Ms. Lili Anne Max St. Cajetan Parish Br. Martin C. Shaw, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Edwin W. Desmond, Jr. Rev. James J. Sheridan, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. John C. St Andre Rev. Martin J. Sobiesk, O.S.A. † Hon. and Mrs. John E. Fennelly Rev. Francis P. Sullivan, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Gentile

Rev. R. William Sullivan, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Roger R. Sullivan Mr. John Seper Br. Jerome A. Sysko, O.S.A. Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Bill Insley Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Kukawka Mr. and Mrs. Patrick F. O'Connor, Jr. Ms. Jeanette R. Mansour Rev. Theodore E. Tack, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Gary C. LaGere Br. Jack B. Tierney, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Tierney Rev. Gerald J. Van Overbeek, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Sampson Rev. Raymond P. Wheeler, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Doyle

Who's Moved Where?

Norma Berman Ted C. Berman Anne Berschback Donald Berschback Matthew F. Coughlin, III Jim Foody, M.D. Nancy Foody Ryan Gandurski

Michael Gerrity, Chief Advancement Officer Mark S. Hacker

Over the past few months several Augustinians have transferred into new communities and begun new ministries. Below are the most recent assignments.

Br. Thomas Taylor, O.S.A. concluded 17 years as Provincial Secretary this June.

He has left the formation community at St. Augustine Friary for his new assignment to the community at St. Rita Parish, Chicago.

Fr. Thomas McCarthy, O.S.A. will take over as the Director of the Marylake Shrine of Our Lady of Grace, in King City, Ontario, Canada. He will reside at the Marylake Augustinian Monastery.

Fr. Richie Mercado, O.S.A. was appointed to the position of Provincial Secretary and has, as a result, left his position as Chaplain at St. Rita High School. He will continue to serve as the Director of Vocations for the Midwest Augustinian Province and will live at St. Augustine Friary, Chicago

Fr. Joseph Mcormick, O.S.A., Pastor of St. Bernard Parish, has joined the Augustinian Community at Our Mother of Good Counsel, Homer Glen, IL

Fr. Jim Thompson, O.S.A. has moved to the community at St. John Stone Friary, Chicago.

Three of the Province’s Men in Formation have also relocated for their Pastoral Year, which follows two years of graduate studies at Catholic Theological Union. Br. Sam Joutras, O.S.A., will joining the Convento Senor de los Milagros in Pacasmayo, Peru. Br. Jeff Raths, O.S.A. will serve at the St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in the Eastern Province.

Br. Joe Roccasalva, O.S.A. will teach at Providence Catholic High School and reside at the school’s St. John of Sahagun Friary.

Very Rev. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A. has moved to the community at St. Rita of Cascia High School.

Returning to St. Augustine Friary after the close of his Pastoral Year is Br. Jack Tierney, O.S.A..

Fr. Ray Flores, O.S.A. has begun his first assignment as an Augustinian in the position of Chaplain at St. Rita of Cascia High School, and he now resides there with the Augustinian community.

PROVINCE ADVANCEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

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Catherine Hennessy Ed Hennessy Gregory Jania, Vice-Chairman Anthony J. Lauinger Pat Ormsby Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo O.S.A., Prior Provincial Lisa Ann Solava, PHR Richard Solava Robert Sullivan Denise M. Utter Robert Utter Martin Wojcik, CFRE Chairman Mike Zunica

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MIDWEST AUGUSTINIAN

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