Spring 2018 Midwest Augustinian Flipbook

Augustinian

The

Midwest

“One Mind, One Heart”

SPRING 2018

IN THIS ISSUE: FR. BERNIE SCIANNA, O.S.A. CLOSES HIS 8-YEAR TENURE AS PRIOR PROVINCIAL

LETTER FROM THE PRIOR PROVINCIAL

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

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DEAR FRIENDS OF THE AUGUSTINIANS,

contact the Province Office:

Farewell! During the month of May, we are used to saying farewell to our students as they graduate from our schools; it is always a bittersweet time. And so it is for me as I write my last letter to you as the Provincial of the Midwest Augustinians after eight years in office.

Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel

First and foremost, I thank all of you for your love and Provincial Chapter 2010 support over these years...

My Family, my Augustinian Brothers and Sisters, Affiliates, Friends and Benefactors...and especially all those who have served on my Councils, Boards and Commissions, my small but effective Staff, and the many other professionals who have assisted me in the administration of the Province...I could not have done it without all of You! Thank You!

Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel

5401 South Cornell Avenue Chicago, IL 60615 PHONE 773-595-4008 FAX WEB

www.midwestaugustinians.org

AUGUSTINIANS

We have accomplished a great deal of Good in these eight years as we will briefly review in this newsletter. But now it is time to move on with a new Provincial who will bring his own gifts and personality to running the Province. Please support him as you have supported me.

Fr. Bernie presents St. Rita hat to Pope Francis in 2013

773-595-4004

EMAIL sean@midwestaugustinians.org

In Religious Life, we view Leadership as Service. The Superior is elected by the Brothers and for a time period limited by terms. Then, under a newly elected Provincial, we entrust the administration of the Province to him and his Council for the next four year term. I promise to work with them for a smooth transition.

The outgoing Provincial is typically given some time of sabbatical or rest, before reentering one of our apostolates such as a school or parish. I plan to take at least till Christmas for my sabbatical time.

PRIOR PROVINCIAL

Very Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D. PROVINCE SECRETARY

Bro. Thomas Taylor, O.S.A. PROVINCE TREASURER

Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Dn. Robert Carroll, C.P.A. ASSISTANT TREASURER

Sr. Mary Ann Hamer, O.S.F. PROVINCE COUNSELORS Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. Rev. R. William Sullivan, O.S.A. Rev. John D. Merkelis, O.S.A. Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. PROVINCIAL OFFICES PERSONNEL DIRECTOR

Rev. John D. Merkelis, O.S.A. DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONS

Rev. Richie Mercado, O.S.A. CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

During the summer, I plan to spend much of my time with my folks at their lake house in Western Illinois.

Mr. Michael Gerrity

I also look forward to celebrating my 25th Anniversary of Priesthood in the fall. Then I hope to return to our educational apostolate.

Dr. Sean Reynolds

It has been a privilege, and at times a challenge, to be Provincial for eight years. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and I sincerely apologize for any offenses I may have unintentionally caused.

There is still much work to be done; there always will be! I believe we need to work together, especially across Province lines and with the laity, to forge our future in the best way possible.

Mrs. Mary Gal Carroll

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATE

ADVANCEMENT ASSISTANTS

Mrs. Karon Basile Mrs. Anne Russell DATABASE MANAGER

Mr. Joseph Zurawski

I am proud of all the work of the Province, but a special shout out to St. Rita Parish in Chicago is in line.

They were recently recognized by the Archdiocese of Chicago and received the St. Toribio award. Congratulations and keep up the great work!

I have continued to govern and make assignments that need to be made, and was happy to name Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A, one of our Gala Honorees this year, as the new President of Providence Catholic High School effective immediately.

Scianna family at 2018 Gala Fr. Merk has been a positive presence in that community for the better part of the last 25 years. I have every confidence that he will be a great leader for them now.

I was thrilled with the results of our 6th Annual Gala! The wonderful and heartfelt talks of our Honorees are included in this edition. I am also honored and humbled to be the sole Honoree for 2019. Please mark your calendar for April 26th, the Feast of the Patroness of our Province, Mary, Our Mother of Good Counsel...Hope to see you at the Drake!

Finally, you will see the stories of two of our young men in formation. I can tell you with all seriousness that the best part of my position has been receiving the vows of these young men and visiting them on a monthly basis for Mass and dinner. I could have had the most difficult day in the office, but after a couple of hours with them, I was back in a positive frame of mind and my heart was filled with joy and hope! I pray that they may persevere in their commitment, and that more vocations will join us!

And so, I say farewell, knowing that I have given it my all, am pleased with where we are as a Province, and believing that we have a strong future of hope to come!

Sincerely in Christ and St. Augustine,

Very Reverend Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D. Prior Provincial of Chicago, Canada, and Chulucanas, Peru

Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A. Closes 8-Year Term as Prior Provincial 2010 2011 2012

Fr. Bernie Installed as Prior Provincial St. Rita H.S. hosts first Student Augustinian Values Institute Augustinian Health Care Community Established with "Covenant of Senior Care"

Fr. Bernie opens strategic planning for the future of the Province and Council authorizes first audit of finances and operations Establishes Office of Advancement under the direction of Michael Gerrity Province sells Tolentine Monastery in Olympia Fields, Illinois

Fr. Tom appointed as fulltime Director of Vocations, initiates "Culture of Vocations" Program Augustinians of U.S. and Canada enter into formal Federation; Fr. Bernie elected first Prior Two men profess vows to the Augustinian Order

2013 Inaugural Augustinian Gala held in Downtown Chicago Province ordains first two new priests in 15 years Midwest Augustinians celebrate 50 years in Peru Provincial Council approves plan for a capital campaign focused on the care of retired and infirm friars General Chapter of the Augustinian Order held in Rome with opening Mass celebrated by Pope Francis

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t the Provincial Chapter of the Midwest Augustinian Province on the week of June 4, the 33 appointed delegates will cast their ballots for the new Prior Provincial, who will begin his term following his installation on June 6. As we wait in joyful anticipation for the installation of the new Provincial, we also have occasion to look back over eight years of growth and blessings under the direction Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A.. When he first took office in 2010, the Province was in the midst of a vocational and financial crisis - with no new priest ordained in over a decade and no clear financial mean to care for its retired and infirm friars. These eight years have seen two major capital campaigns, the ordinations of four priests, and the vows of nearly twenty brothers.

2017/18

In the timeline below we look at more of the many milestones the Midwest Province has celebrated over Fr. Bernie's two terms as Prior Provincial.

2014 $3.5 million Continuing Our Journey of Faith Campaign formally launched Fr. Bernie elected to second term as Prior Provincial Augustinians in Peru break ground for St. Augustine High School

2015 Province establishes Restless Heart Society for donors who include the Augustinians in their estate planning Fundraising proceeds increased 76% from 2012; Drawdowns from financial reserves decrease by 55% Opening Mass for the Province's Diamond Jubilee at Holy Name Cathedral

2016 The Continuing Our Journey of Faith Campaign successfully concludes 11 men profess vows to Order Fr. Richie Mercado Ordained to the Augustinian Priesthood Province concludes Diamond Jubilee celebrations and brings in record proceeds at its fourth Augustinian Gala

VISIT US ONLINE!

Midwest Augustinians launch $1.5 million Year of Vocation Campaign Fr. Stephen Isley, O.S.A. ordained to the priesthood Augustinian Memorial Installed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Provincial Council and the Diocese of Joliet approve the construction of a new friary at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Homer Glen Provincial Council approves construction of new monastery at Cascia Hall in Tulsa

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

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CONTENTS SPRING ISSUE 2018

L to R: Br. Jack Hibbard, OSA; Fr. Stephen Isley, OSA; Fr. Bernie Scianna, OSA; Br. Nick Mullarkey, OSA

4 FR. BERNIE CLOSES 8-YEAR TENURE AS PROVINCIAL See a timeline of the milestones the Province reached under the tenure of Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A., which will come to a close at the Provincial Chapter this June.

7 2018 AUGUSTINIAN GALA The proceeds from our sixth annual Gala were enough to cover the annual expenses for three of our men in formation. This was a great way to mark the midway point of our Year of Vocations Campaign.

10 OUR MOST IMPORTANT APOSTOLATE

BY BR. JEROME SYSKO, O.S.A.

Gala Honoree Br. Jerome looks back on his path to becoming an Augustinian beginning with his earliest impressions of the Church as a child on Chicago's southwest side.

11 A DEBT BEYOND REPAYING

BY TONY LAUINGER

Augustinian Affiliate and Gala Honoree Tony Lauinger shares the story of his family's relationship with the Augustinian friars at Cascia Hall and their continued fight for the Pro-Life cause.

12 OUR RELATIONSHIPS ARE OUR PRAYERS

BY FR. JOHN MERKELIS, O.S.A. "My whole life I wanted to be a priest; and I didn’t know the difference between a diocesan priest and a religious order. But, with the grace of God, I became an Augustinian."

14 AUGUSTINIAN WITNESS TO THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY

BY BR. JACK TIERNEY, O.S.A.

"The day I received my badge to UN headquarters, I was thrilled. Representatives from Augustinians International are granted incredible access to important conferences, multilateral summits, and the influential Security Council."

16 SERVING WHERE I AM NEEDED: THEOLOGY, BOWLING, AND THE CASH REGISTER AT CASCIA HALL

BY BR. NICHOLAS MULLARKEY, O.S.A.

"Throughout these past two years, I have witnessed the grace of God in my life in very concrete ways. The beginning years of a teaching career are about survival, and God has helped me grow each and every day."

17 BERNARD HEEREY FAMILY FOUNDATION: ASSISTING ELDERLY AND INFIRM FRIARS Mr. Nathaniel Grey of the Bernard Heerey Family Foundation has given the Augustinians a $50,000 grant to support the healthcare needs for one of our elderly and infirm friars.

IN EACH ISSUE 18 NEWS & NOTES 20 OUR NEWEST DONORS 22 "IN HONOR AND MEMORY ..."

Mission Statement of the Midwest Augustinians We, the Augustinians of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel, are members of the worldwide Order of St. Augustine in the Roman Catholic Church. Centered in the Eucharist and prayer, we search for God in community by sharing our lives, goods and spiritual journey with each other and the people of God. In harmony of mind and heart on our journey toward God, our experience of common life flows into and shapes our ministries. We continue to serve the Church in schools, parishes and missions as we seek to discern new paths of service to which God calls us.

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augustinian gala 2018 An image of Augustinian Unity!

Vicar General Joseph Farrell, O.S.A. (front left) joins Eastern Provincial Fr. Michael DiGregorio, O.S.A. (front center) and Midwest Provincial Fr. Bernard Scianna, O.S.A., along with men in formation from all US provinces.

O

ur sixth annual Augustinian Gala was an extraordinary success! Our proceeds from the evening were enough to cover the annual expenses for three of our men in formation. Truly this was a great way to mark the midway point of our Year of Vocations Campaign. Great memories and inspired generosity were in the air as the Augustinian family came together to honor the service of Br. Jerome Sysko, O.S.A., Fr. John

Merkelis, O.S.A., and Augustinian Affiliates Tony and Phyllis Lauinger.

Thank you to our advancement committee, our sponsors, guests, and advertisers. The Province is particularly indebted to the service of Martin Wojcik, Jim Foody, and Br. Jack Tierney, O.S.A. for leading a heartfelt appeal for donations from the dais.

Look back at some of the great moments of the night in this photospread, and visit us online at

midwestaugustinians.org to see more photos of the night as well as the Gala video featuring our men in formation.

While this was the final Gala for Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A. as Prior Provincial, we will be welcoming him back to the Drake Hotel as the sole honoree for our 2019 Gala on Friday, April 26. Please join us in honoring our outgoing Provincial!

Watch our 2018 Gala Video "Life for an Augustinian Theologian at St. Augustine Friary in Chicago" at midwestaugustinians.org/videos VISIT US ONLINE!

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

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Anne & Don Berschback with Fr. Joe McCormick, OSA

Greg Flanagan Receives the Fidelitas Award

Seminary Alumni from Villanova University with Br. Jerome

Martin Wojcik and Jim Foody lead the appeal from the dais

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Fr. Joe Farrell led the room in grace

Br. Jack Tierney, OSA joins Fr. Bernie at the podium

See all our Gala photos at midwestaugustinians.org/photos

Fr. Bernie congratulates Tony & Phyllis Lauinger

Our 2018 Remembrance Table

Fr. Merk helps with the appeal

Advancement Council members Denise Utter & Rob Utter (center) look on during the appeal VISIT US ONLINE!

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

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OUR MOST IMPORTANT APOSTOLATE Remarks given by Br. Jerome Sysko, O.S.A. on the occassion of the Augustinian Gala April 27, 2018

M

y journey to the Augustinians began at the 1900 block of West 19th street [on Chicago's near southwest side]. It was there that my parents rented a flat. When my sister Jan and I were very small, mom would help us cross Damen Ave and then point us to St. Ann school on Leavitt Street. That's where the seed of my vocation was planted. It all began with kindergarten and sweet Sr. Alma. By the way, she is still living. Our class put on a skit for the school . We reenacted a typical day in kindergarten. My classmate Bernadette was dressed as a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth. I was dressed up as the pastor, Fr. Renklewski, with cassock and biretta! Years later I told Sr. Alma there must have been some magic in that hat she put on my head!

Right across the street was St. Ann Church. I couldn't wait to make my first Holy Communion and serve my first Mass as an altar boy. For me there was a powerful sense of the holy in that church. There was something or Someone that drew my heart there like

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a powerful magnet. My joy was to be in the church and do everything I could to help Sr. Lucita, the sacristan. Still, years later, whenever I pray the psalms and come across Psalm 27--" There is one thing I ask of the Lord and this I seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life."--my heart and memories go back to St. Ann! On Christmas Eve of 1956, we were at my Busia's home on Cullerton for dinner. It was there my parents announced that they bought a home on 27th and Drake, in a new parish. It was a bittersweet experience. I loved our new home but missed St. Ann! I even had dreams going back to St. Ann and getting lost!

It so happened that right across the street from our new home was a mom and pop grocery store owned by the Prevendars. Their son Chuck was in the Augustinian seminary. Chuck and I became good friends. During the summer we would go to daily Mass. We would also go swimming at Cermak pool or drive to Midway airport to

watch the planes coming and going overhead.

When Chuck was a novice in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, his parents took me for a visit. At the gatehouse on the property was the Brothers formation program. I met our Brothers there and was so impressed with them. They were a wonderful and sincerely happy group of men. Again, there was another powerful magnet tugging at my heart !

After some prayer and reflection I told my parents that I wanted to join the Augustinians. I'll never forget what my mom told me." If it doesn't work out, come back home." That was fifty seven years ago. It not only worked out, but was also a wonderful life!

In all those years I have had many great opportunities and experiences. I have been blessed to live with many wonderful Augustinians who taught

"Sysko" continued on page 21

A DEBT BEYOND REPAYING...

Remarks given by Augustinian Affiliate Anthony Lauinger on the occassion of the Augustinian Gala April 27, 2018

I

feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend an Augustinian school – Cascia Hall, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My three brothers also attended Cascia, and I’m especially grateful that two of them are here tonight: my brother Phil, whose two sons also graduated from Cascia, and my brother Frank, who’s here with his wife Kathleen.

One of our three sisters is here tonight, as well. Fran and her late husband, Bob Biolchini, sent five of their children to Cascia Hall.

We had one other brother who graduated from Cascia, the youngest in our family of seven children, our brother Joe. Joe is one of two Cascia Hall alumni whose names are carved in the black granite wall of the Vietnam Memorial.

The Lauinger-family co-honoree tonight is my wife Phyllis. A magnificent mother, Phyllis has been the heart and soul of our family for 47 years. Phyllis is a physician, and she now does wonderful volunteer

work caring for patients at a free clinic in Tulsa. Medicine took a back seat for Phyllis during the years that the eight children with whom we have been blessed were growing up.

Our kitchen was the epicenter of her universe during those years, the place our kids came for loving attention, academic encouragement, emotional support, spiritual guidance, and help with all of life’s childhood challenges.

And through the 45 years since the U.S. Supreme Court’s abortion decision, which made it legal to kill children in the womb, Phyllis has been an indispensable partner in the pro-life cause. For, whereas my brother Joe is one of 58 thousand young Americans who lost their lives in Vietnam, the number of young American lives lost to abortion is 58 million. Fifty-eight million unborn babies killed since 1973: that is the legacy of Roe v. Wade.

of the Augustinians, a verse from a poem by William Wordsworth holds particular resonance: “The Child is Father of the Man.” How we develop in our youth, Wordsworth believed, determines who, and what, we will become in later life. The influences from which we benefit when we are young leave an indelible imprint that shapes not only who we are then, but who we are ever after. It is those years when we are young that set us on our course for life. To have been the beneficiaries of the influence of these Augustinians during those years of our youth was a very special gift, a truly singular blessing.

Those of us privileged to have attended an Augustinian school were shaped, motivated, encouraged by these good men during the most formative years of our lives. It was

For those of us who had the great good fortune to have been students

VISIT US ONLINE!

"Lauinger" continued on page 13

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

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OUR RELAT IONSHIPS ARE OUR P RAYERS

I

was at Villanova University around 1976, attending a Theology class, on Thanksgiving. The professor asked each of us in the class to mention something for which we are thankful. When the first person said, “I am thankful for family and friends,” the entire class followed in order, up and down the rows, repeating the same thing.

Just like high school today! Pretty much everyone followed suit. Even me, the Augustinian seminarian, felt no need to think outside the box. I said, “I am thankful for family and friends.”

Then came my classmate, Ms. Jerry Bloemker. When it came to her, she said, “I am thankful for my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.” Everything came to a halt; we withheld the collective “gasp” when someone breaks ranks.

And my heart spoke; a deep and clear feeling inside of me.

At that moment, I knew. . . I hated Jerry Bloemker! Our class talked about her after class: she was a smart-alecky brown-noser. And, she was right! And I wondered why I didn’t say it. Secretly, I admired her!

In the meantime, I finished my studies and was ordained an Augustinian priest. My whole life I wanted to be a priest; and I didn’t know the difference between a diocesan priest and a religious order. But, with the grace of God, I became an Augustinian.

Now, cut to the chase. It was Fr. Tarcisius von Bavel, O.S.A., who articulated for me the essence of the Augustinians. He said, in a presentation given in Chicago, “For the Augustinians, our relationships are our prayer!”

Community life means our relationships are prayer. Who we encounter, and how we treat them, are prayers! Just like Matthew 25. It is how we treat Christ!

So, with kudos to Ms. Geraldine Bloemker, I am thankful for my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am thankful for my family and friends, who taught me about God! My mom, Helen, my brother Tom and my sister Mary Lu and her husband, Ken. My nephew and nieces, including Jenna, Katy and Tommy who are here this evening; aunts and uncles who are part of the Story of God for me. For my dad and Mark and Ernie and Jean who are with the Lord, but present here this evening.

I am thankful for my friends in the neighborhood, my friends in the seminary, and my dear friend Sr. Therese. I am thankful for the Serra Club, the Knights of Columbus and the Ladies of Coronota, and the faith-filled people whose prayers and contributions helped my family to fund the expenses of a seminary.

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Remarks given by Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A. on the occassion of the Augustinian Gala April 27, 2018

I am thankful for the people of St. Joseph’s in Pekin, IL; Immaculate Conception-St. Henry in St. Louis, MO; Providence Catholic H.S. in New Lenox. I tell people that I discovered my identity in high school---I was 32 years old at the time, but I still discovered who I am in high school. I am grateful for St. Bernard’s parish, and all of the parishes where I have assisted on weekends.

And I am thankful for the many Augustinians through the years who have taught me (and showed me) that our relationships are our prayers! In particular, it has been a privilege to serve so fine a Provincial as Fr. Bernie Scianna, even if it meant putting up with Fr. Tom McCarthy at a Council meeting!

And I am thankful for Jerry Bloemker and Tarcisius von Bavel, who taught me that saying, “I am thankful for my family and friends” and “I am thankful for my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ” are saying the same thing!

I love you all very much, and thank you, from my heart, for your presence in my life.

"Lauinger" continued from page 11

they who were our teachers, our coaches, our spiritual advisors. They mentored, guided, and inspired us. Even more than what they taught us in the classroom, demonstrated on the playing field, or imparted from the pulpit, it was the example of their very lives – lives of sacrifice, spirituality, and service – that left on us such a lasting impression.

One of the priests at Cascia Hall had a favorite verse from Robert Frost through which he used to encourage Phyllis and my children, and the other students at Cascia, to dare to be exceptional: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— “I took the one less traveled by…”

Though intended for the edification of the students, these poignant words are a very fitting description of the path followed by these men of the Order of Saint Augustine. They have taken the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice.

They have renounced the world of which Thomas a Kempis wrote in order that they might single-mindedly serve God and serve us.

These Augustinians whom we are here tonight to thank, to support, and to encourage, answered God’s call as surely as did Peter, Andrew, James and John on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. They have left everything and followed Him. They have chosen the path “less traveled by” in committing themselves to the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They have forsaken independence, freedom, wife, family…

They have given up all that – for us.

Yes – they have given up family of their own, but we are their family – we, who were their students, members of the teams they coached, members of their parishes… We who are seminary alumni of Saint Augustine’s in Holland, Saint Monica’s in Oconomowoc, Tolentine in Olympia Fields… We, who are the parents of children they have taught, guided, and inspired…

There have been many Augustinians to whom I owe a debt of gratitude that I’ll never be able to repay. Their names wouldn’t be familiar to most of you here tonight, but they have had a great impact on my life: Fr. Labadie, Fr. Spielmann, Fr. Gaffney, Fr. Sinnott, Fr.

Porreca, Fr. Hamill, Fr. McCall, Fr. Glynn, Fr. Nash, and many others.

Phyllis and my children had the benefit of the teaching, the influence, the example of Fr. Brecht, Fr. Tack, Fr. Bernie, Fr. Philip, Fr. Laird, Fr. Perez. Others of you have your own personal honor roll of Augustinians to whom you feel indebted – from your years at Saint Rita, Mendel, Austin, Augustinian Academy, Providence, the Augustinian seminary, or parishes across the Midwest.

Christ likened His Church to a flock.

We are the sheep. The Augustinians are our shepherds. We need them. But we must remember that they also need us.

They and we support and sustain each other.

As we benefited from what others did to prepare our way, we have a duty to prepare the way for those who will come after. If future generations of young people are to have the opportunities that we had to benefit from the guidance and the example of these good men, we must help ensure that the Augustinians are able to provide for the men in formation, and to nurture and encourage future vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.

The mission of all of us is to spread Christ’s kingdom on earth. These men of the Order of Saint Augustine do that, and by their living example, they show us how to do that in our own lives.

And so, tonight, we honor, we thank, we celebrate this Order, and these men, to whom we owe so much. We express to you our deepest gratitude for your devotion and selfless service to God and to those of us who have been blessed to be the beneficiaries of your dedication, inspiration, and sacrifice.

We thank you for teaching us, through your daily lives, the great truth that Saint Augustine taught you: “Thou hast made us for Thyself, Oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.”

VISIT US ONLINE!

2018 PRIESTHOOD ANNIVERSARIES 50 Years Fr. John Dowling, O.S.A. Bp. Daniel Turley, O.S.A.

25 Years Fr. Bernard Scianna, O.S.A.

2018 PROFESSION OF VOWS ANNIVERSARIES 60 Years Fr. James Friedel, O.S.A.

50 Years Br. Angelo Sturn. O.S.A. Fr. William Hamill, O.S.A. Br. Mark Emken, O.S.A. Fr. Joseph McCormick, O.S.A. Fr. James Halstead, O.S.A. Fr. Michael Slattery, O.S.A.

40 Years Fr. Robert Dodaro, O.S.A. Fr. William Lego, O.S.A. Fr. Richard Jacobs, O.S..A. Bp. Robert Prevost, O.S.A.

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An Augustinian Witness to the Global Community: My Pastoral Year at the United Nations

By Br. Jack Tierney, O.S.A.

I

n my third year as a simply professed Augustinian friar, I exchanged the theology classrooms of my seminary for the meeting rooms of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. My workdays had me walking the halls past anxious ambassadors murmuring the language of joint resolution and their diplomatic staffs frantically exchanging emails. I attended consultations on international treaties and assemblies on disarmament. This was a sudden transition from life as a student!

In this environment, it can be difficult to see, or even imagine, the direct result of one’s ministry. I was to learn, however, that the most direct impact I could make here would be in providing a small, humble example of mealtime prayer.

In the Augustinian formation process, each friar follows his initial two years of study at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago with what is called the “pastoral year,” which provides the opportunity to apply his pastoral training in one of the Order’s active ministries The Order also approved studies for a Master of Public Policy and Administration at Northwestern University. This preparation has been invaluable as I was exposed to complex policy problems with global impact.

I was assigned to the Bronx, New York where I worked at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish and Augustinians International. One half of the assignment was traditional – I ministered in our Augustinian parish and participated in regular sacramental ministry such as Baptisms, funerals, and Sunday Masses. The other component of my pastoral experience included ministry at the Order

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of St. Augustine’s non-governmental organization (NGO) to the United Nations. Augustinians International represents the Augustinian General Curia to the United Nations.

The day I received my badge to UN headquarters, I was thrilled. Representatives from Augustinians International are granted incredible access to important conferences, multilateral summits, and the influential Security Council.

Our presence there matters: The decisions made here will have both political and personal impact around the globe, for countries and individuals I may never see. For this reason it is critical that faith-based NGOs such as Augustinians International consult with civil leaders, advocate for their convictions, and ensure that governing agencies are accountable and representative.

Every day at Augustinians International introduced different topics. International politics often follows events on the news, so it’s impossible to know where diplomatic attention will focus. The UN is a dynamic environment where I had to learn about issues ranging from peacekeeping deployment to human rights and disarmament. Sometimes, I attended routine budget briefings. Other times, member states displayed rare moments of tension; such as during an informal consultation on the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty.

I also had the honor to represent the Order of St. Augustine to multilateral consultations such as the Peacebuilding Commission.

I was far from being alone as a religious working at the U.N., and I took advantage of this opportunity to interact with them and learn about their ministries. I invited a religious sister to join me for lunch in a UN cafeteria.

She holds a doctorate in political science and is very knowledgeable about political systems. The lunchroom was rather exclusive because high-level officials and delegates eat lunch there. We prayed a blessing over our meal. Some of our neighbors noticed, and we shared an interesting discussion on faith and duty. This year exposed me to good people – government representatives whose consciences are enlightened by faith and whose public duties require the search for common good.

Religious presence recalls that humans are to love one another in this life and to prepare for eternal life.

During my pastoral year, I truly felt like an Ambassador for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). As I learned about the problems of the world, I began to understand Augustine’s response to the decline of the Roman Empire. He wrote the City of God to address the lack of moral values and the absence of public order. Amidst so much uncertainty, it is a great privilege for Augustinians to witness Christian values such as justice and harmony.

Why was I so excited about this pastoral assignment? It brought together two fields that I am passionate about: my faith and the public good. Thomas Jefferson wrote about the ‘wall of separation’ between Church and State. To many, his ‘wall’ divorces government from any reference to God. As an Augustinian seminarian, I minister to people’s needs and reveal Christ wherever he is needed. Most would agree: politics is often where people need God’s presence more than anywhere else. I thank God for the unique pastoral assignment where I learned how to witness the Augustinian spirituality of friendship and communion to policymakers and diplomatic leaders.

Augustinians International cosponsors a side event on human rights and poverty at the United Nations.

L to R: Br. Jack Tierney OSA, Dr. Jean Ponder Soto, Fr. Bob Dueweke OSA, Fr. John Rausch, and Sr. Robbie Pentecost.

VISIT US ONLINE!

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Middle School, unlike the other schools in our Province.

This year I am teaching Theology at the 7th grade and Freshman level. I enjoy both very much, but I am definitely still growing as a teacher every day. Besides classroom management, there is also a lot of planning that goes into each unit we cover. It has been a privilege and honor to be able to discuss the faith with our students. I am amazed every single day by them.

Serving Where I am Needed: Theology, Bowling, and the Cash Register at Cascia Hall

By Br. Nicholas Mullarkey, O.S.A.

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hen I first considered going to Cascia Hall for my pastoral year, I had no idea I would learn how to run the Dining Hall register or assist with the school bowling team. But I knew I was open to learning new things--and I am still learning something new every single day! For the past two years, I have been completing what will technically make up the “pastoral year” of my initial formation as a friar. I have been assigned to the Augustinian Community at Cascia Hall in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I have enjoyed my time here immensely.

Last year I wore a few different hats. I taught 7th grade Theology, did the end-of-day announcements on the loudspeaker, led Middle School chapel reflections, and, yes, I worked as a cashier in the Dining Hall. Before you say, “What! A cashier? What does that have to do with Theology?” I want to say that I was happy to help wherever I

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was needed, and that was where I was needed. As a matter of fact, it provided me a excellent way to meet absolutely everyone in the school and to learn names. And the Pastoral year is all about practical application. So working in the dining hall taught me a lot about engaging with people, thinking on my feet, and about just how valuable the unheralded members of a school staff really are. (In regards to the last one, the cooking, maintenance, and administrative staffs of every school are truly heroes and they do not always get the praise they deserve).

Teaching Theology to 7th graders came with a steep learning curve.

Every day brought something new!

Often times, when I tell people that I am teaching Middle School, a look of pity comes over their faces, and they say something to the effect of “Oh I’m sorry! I’ll pray for you!” Actually, I really enjoy teaching Middle School students, and one of the reasons I came to Cascia Hall was because it includes a

One of the most unexpected activities I did this current year was to help with the bowling team. First of all, yes, that is apparently a thing in high schools.

Second, yes I helped out even though I am not athletic in any way. When people would call me a “coach,” I would correct them and say that I merely drove the van (which was true). Thankfully I was not the main “coach,” so the fate of our bowlers’ performances did not rest on my shoulders.

It was a lot of fun, and our girls even went to State!

During my time at Cascia Hall I have been fortunate to live with a great group of friars. I treasure our shared time for prayer, meals, and hanging out on the back porch. I have learned a lot from their years of wisdom and ministerial experience. This past Fall, I was able to visit Kansas City with Fr. Follmann and we had a great time. We visited the WWI museum and some other sites.

Throughout these past two years, I have witnessed the grace of God in my life in very concrete ways. The beginning years of a teaching career are about survival, and God has helped me grow each and every day. I could not have done any of this without God. Some days are rougher than others, but I love being involved in education.

I look forward to what next year will bring here at Cascia Hall. While those Augustinian friars called to the priesthood return back to our seminary after their pastoral year for two more years of studies, I have been able to enter my active ministry directly since I am a candidate to be a Religious Brother. I am sure my third year at Cascia Hall will be exciting and full of new adventures. So I better work on my bowling technique this summer.

4

Member Spotlight: Bernard HeereyKlasing Family Foundation: Wayne

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Assisting Elderly, Retired Augustinians

s the former CEO of railroad equipment manufacturer Klasing Industries, Wayne Klasing understands the principles of sound financial planning that lead to high returns on investment. When Mr. Klasing invested three years of his career in the mid-1960s to researching existing hand brake models for freight trains, his “return” was the invention of an improved design and patents which continue to be manufactured today.

Fifty years later, when making lasting decisions about what charities he would list as beneficiaries of his will and retirement plans, Mr. Klasing knew from direct experience that the Midwest Augustinian Province would prove a faithful and efficient steward of his legacy. “I have witnessed closely the Midwest Augustinians’ maturity and responsibility in handling their finances,” he said.

Mr. Klasing’s familiarity with the fiscal management of the Augustinians has developed over a period that has seen the Midwest Province rise from the brink of closure to its current positionheofAugustinian healthy vocations and increased Friars began serving infinancial the City sustainability. When Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A., of Chicago in 1905, over 113 yearswas ago.first Today, elected to Priorthere Provincial in 2010, the Midwest Augustinians are almost 30 Augustinian Friars retired lacked in sufficient fundsarea. to care many of the Chicago Thefor majority of their them retired retire atfriars, age while incoming vocations had dropped off and the Province 78 or 79, and most of them each gave over 50 years of before retirement as over religious (as pastors, teachers, had notservice ordained a new priest in a decade. chaplains) to the people of Chicago and across the Fr. Bernie began searching for an advisor, experienced in Midwest. These men have lived modest lives of service serving on non-profit boards, who could help him develop with no thought of retirement, healthcare, or of putting an Office of Advancement and assess the possibilities of funds away for themselves.

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Fr. Bernie Scianna, OSA, the Prior Provincial and a Chicago native, says that -t is the duty – indeed the sacred obligation - of the Midwest Augustinians to see that their brothers are cared for in the twilight years of their lives. These men have lived lives of great purpose and have made major positive impacts on the lives of tens of thousands of men, women, and children in Fr. Bob Guessetto, O.S.A., and in Wayne at Cascia Hall in Tulsa Chicagoland and elsewhere theKlasing Midwest.

Finding the funds to care for our elderly and infirm Friars is no easyatask.

The total cost base. of thatAfter care consulting is well developing sustainable donor with overFr.one million dollars annually.

So, it was a wonderful Dick McGrath, O.S.A., at Providence Catholic High news when Mr. Grey of the Bernard HeereyTreasurer School, and Nathaniel Fr. Mike Slattery, O.S.A., Province Family Foundation informed the Augustinians that the and Pastor of St. Jude Parish, he was quickly directed to Foundation would grant us $50,000 to support the Wayne Klasing. healthcare needs for one of our elderly and infirm Friars Fr.year.

Bernie first contacted Mr.grant Klasing onthe what he for a full This is the third such from Bernard Heerey the benefit of thedid described as Family a “cold Foundation call.” “[Mr. for Klasing] certainly Augustinians. not know who I was at the time, but I had to take a leap of faith and ask for if he would on this enormous Bernard Heerey, whom thetake foundation is named task of rebuilding the Province with me.”

After reviewing a and who has since passed on, was a successful local consultant’s on the Mr. Klasing businessman andreport Catholic whoprovince, loved Chicago and its saw a people.

Mr. for Grey, the Foundation’s that and pathway growth and offeredDirector, to donatestated his time these kinds of grants are in keeping with Mr. Heerey’s experience to assist in establishing an Advancement Office, values andreplaced charitablethe priorities.

The Augustinians areProvince which Development Office. With veryDirector grateful of to Advancement, Mr. Grey and toMichael his deceased friend Gerrity, Mr.and Klasing colleague, Bernard Heerey.

A Long-lasting Gift:

Continued on Page 16

We would like to acknowledge the following members of the

Restless Hearts Society for including the Augusinians in their wills or estate plans.

Pierre M. Adams Joe Bamberger Anne Berschback Don R. Berschback Chuck Cassity James Corona James V. Corrigan Delores Denning Joseph A. Drap Sandra Lyn Drap Carolyn R. Dunskis Gregory Flanagan Dr. Robert J. Fredericks John M. Freese Mary Friedel-Hunt John Gaberino Ardith Goodroe Frank D. Grimaldi

The Midwest Augustinian |

WINTER 2017

Winifred M. Guthikonda Richard Hagedorn Michael C. Kirby Barbara Klasing Wayne Klasing John N. Kost Sandra Kruse John D. Kwiatkowski Robert J. LaFortune Bonnie Leighty Tom Leo Dolores P. Lundeen Robert H. Mace, Jr., Th.M. Elizabeth Manning Michael Manning Dr. Terrance McGuire Helen J. Merkelis Donald Miller

VISIT US ONLINE!

Debra Molinari Thomas J. Moore Michael Schneider Adele O'Sullivan Connee Pines Edward Raher Mary Rasmussen Richard Rasmussen Bernice A. Raubiskis Pauline Reidy Michael B. Schneider, Sr. Lisa Solava Richard Solava Josh Sosnowski Ned Van Hamm David Vaughan Lisa Vaughan Martin Wojcik

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

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NEWS& NOTES St. Rita Parish Honored by Archdiocese for Pastoral Migratoria

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he Midwest Augustinian Province is delighted to announce that St. Rita of Cascia Parish was selected by the Archdiocese of Chicago to receive the 2018 Saint Toribio Romo Award. Saint Rita Parish, located in the southwest side neighborhood of Marquette Park, was chosen out of all parishes of the Archdiocese in recognition of its Pastoral Migratoria program, which ministers to and empowers the Hispanic immigrant population of its surrounding community by addressing "urgent, basic human and pastoral needs in the absence of immigration policy restructure."

In an award letter sent from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity, St. Rita of Cascia was recognized for "their active leadership team that continuously takes initiative responding to the immigrant community's needs.

This includes organizing citizenship

Cardinal Cupich with the parishioners of St. Rita

classes and individual consultations with immigration attorneys, working collaboratively with civic, professional, and governmental organizations, accompanying families in the community, and supporting other Pastoral Migratoria parishes." The award

was presented to the parish community

by Cardinal Blase Cupich at the 2018 Keep Hope Alive benefit concert on Monday, April 9, 2018, at St. Ignatius College Prep and Holy Family Parish.

Fr. Merkelis Appointed President of Providence Catholic

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he Very Reverend Bernard C. Scianna O.S.A., Ph.D., Prior Provincial of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel of the Order of Saint Augustine, and the Most Reverend R. Daniel Conlon, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet in Illinois, are pleased to announce the appointment of Reverend John Merkelis, O.S.A., as President of Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, Illinois, effective April 20, 2018.

Fr. Merkelis has been a presence in the Providence community for many years.

His first assignment at the school came in 1988 as the Director of Pastoral Ministry.

He was named Principal in 1994 where he served for five years. He left the school in 1999 to serve as Director of Vocations for the Midwest Augustinians.

He returned to Providence Catholic in

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2004 as Pastoral Director, a position he has held since.

"Fr. John Merkelis has been a very pastoral person in all of his ministries, most especially at Providence Catholic High School over these many years. His work with the Kairos Retreat Program has been a wonderful way for him to communicate with the young people to help them realize more fully, God's endless and unconditional love!" said Fr. Bernard Scianna, O.S.A. "I am blessed by the opportunity to serve as the President of Providence, and am humbled by the love and support I have felt from the Providence family over the years," said Fr. Merkelis. "I am grateful to God to continue such a beautiful ministry; I am now meeting current students who are the children of students I taught 25 years ago. Together

with their families, we will proudly celebrate our 100th anniversary next year."

Fr. Merkelis's goal is to work with all members of the Providence Catholic Community, its faculty, students, staff, administrators, parents, alums, benefactors and friends, to advance strong relationships that will help the school move forward and to truly reflect the Gospel values shared by the Diocese of Joliet and the Augustinians.

"We are overjoyed that Fr. Merkelis has been named President of Providence Catholic," said Dr. John Harper, Principal of the school. "He has been the school's spiritual leader for many years and he stepped up to fill the leadership position of acting President for the past few months and has done a wonderful job in that role."

Letter from Fr. Tom McCarthy On Exiting His Position in Rome 11 April 2018 Dear Family and Friends, I hope this letter finds you all well. I am writing this letter from Rome and I am doing very well. God is a God of surprises!

On December 6, 2017, my life was turned upside down when I received a request from the Vicar General of the Augustinians in Rome to consider a request, from the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, to move to Rome and become the new English Language Official. I was honored and excited. I was very happy in my ministry at Villanova University and my preaching ministry, but I was trying to be open to how God was calling me at this time by considering this request. I truly felt the “restlessness” that St. Augustine so often spoke of in his life.

I spoke to many people about this opportunity, and the one thing that I was very firm about was that I was not interested in a “desk job.” You who know me, know I am energized by being around people and on the move. I was assured that this position was not a “desk job” but one that actually worked with people more so than any other Roman Curial Office.

Believing this, I said yes and began the process of leaving my present ministries and moving to Rome. I was excited and looking forward to this new adventure and challenge.

Well after a month in Rome and several weeks in the new role, I have come to realize very clearly that this ministry is a “desk job” in the way I understand a desk job. The ministry of the Pontifical Council is a much needed work of the Church. The people I was working with in the Pontifical Council were unbelievably friendly, welcoming and very dedicated to the ministry of the Pontifical Council and the Church. I do not feel that I was lied to or duped, but rather I am realizing that my expectations of the job were different than their expectations. I, therefore, want to tell

you that I have decided to resign from the Pontifical Council and return to the United States. Some may say that I am making a rash decision after only one month, but I can honestly say that after much prayer and conversation, I know that my heart is not in this ministry. The members of the Pontifical Council were very supportive and understanding as were my Augustinian Superiors.

God is a God of surprises!

I followed my heart, and I have realized that this work is not for me. I do not regret the decision to come to Rome, and I feel that I have received many graces from this short experience. One is that I have come to truly appreciate the internal ministry of the Roman Curia and the people dedicated to this work. The other is that I was mandated as a Papal Missionary of Mercy on my last day in the Office. There are just under 900 priests in the world who are Papal Missionaries of Mercy, and because of my time with the Pontifical Council, I was mandated to be a Missionary of Mercy.

We are sent by Pope Francis to preach about mercy and reconciliation in his name. We are also mandated to hear confessions anywhere in the world and to forgive the “reserve sins” that only can be forgiven by the Pope. You can find more information about this if you Google “Papal Missionaries of Mercy.”

Over 600 Missionaries of Mercy have been at the Vatican from Sunday April 8th to Wednesday April 11th for catechesis, prayer and encouragement directly from Pope Francis and the Pontifical Council. I have concelebrated Mass twice with Pope Francis during these days, and I have also met him personally two times. None of this would have happened if I did not come to Rome. So, I now arrive back in the United States as a Missionary of Mercy, and I am open to how God will use me in this very needed and special ministry.

Augustinian Curia. My month with them was awesome!

I will return to Chicago on Thursday, April 12th and will spend some time discerning where I will go next. I am open to where God will lead.

God is a God of surprises!

One of the absolute blessings of this experience has been the unbelievable number of people who have reached out to me through emails, calls, texts, Facebook, Twitter and at the Masses and receptions at Villanova and St. Rita. If you are reading this, you are one of them! The reconnections, affirmations, memories and good wishes were unbelievable! I heard it said once that you should have your wake before you die so you can connect with your family and friends and see how important they are and how you have influenced them. Thanks for the “wake!”

I was overwhelmed by the kindnesses, love, and support that I received. I am so grateful to all who made a gift in my honor to our Augustinian Vocation Campaign.

I am also grateful to all who gave me a personal gift, and I want you to know that I am donating those gifts in your name to the Year of Vocations Campaign – a cause very dear to my heart. Thank you!!

Someone told me that this experience will be a great homily one day. I think I’ll write a new Mission around it!! St. Augustine in his Confessions, wrote, “You had now been teaching me, my God, in wonderful and hidden ways.” I believe that this is exactly what God has been doing in my life. I am grateful, blessed and I look forward to what will come next in my life and ministry. Please pray for me, and I promise you my continued prayers and support!

I am very grateful to my Augustinian brothers with whom I lived in Rome at the

VISIT US ONLINE!

God is truly a God of surprises!

Love and prayers, Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A.

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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 February 1 and May 10, 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, we apologize and ask you to contact the Advancement Office at advancement@ midwestaugustinians.org at 773-595-4008.

Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ally Mr. and Mrs. Steve Angiollo Mr. and Mrs. Phil Arciero Mr. and Mrs. Dean Bass Mr. Wes Benak Marian Bengtson Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Boball Ms. Priscilla C. Bourgault Mr. Erik Carlson Chicago Area LECET Ms. Anne Connelly-Mitros Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Connolly Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Crane Mr. and Mrs. James A. Daluga Mr. and Mrs. Bob Degnan Sr. Therese DelGenio, SND Mr. William DeSalvo Mr. and Mrs. Antony Devassy Mr. and Mrs. David K. Doorneweerd Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Doyle Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Drzal Mr. and Mrs. Mark Duffy Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Dulle Ms. Patricia Egan Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Frank Enright Ms. Deborah Faust Ms. Veronica Ferrick Mr. John Findlay Mr. John Flanagan

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Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Flanagan Mr. and Mrs. John Foody Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Fricilone Ms. Cheryl Garetto Ms. Charlotte Gasca Ms. Joyce M. Gerard Mr. Vincent G. Giff Mr. Edward A. Goldstein Mr. William Grogan Mr. and Mrs. Jerome J. Grygiel Ms. Maureen Hagen Jody H. Hemby Mr. and Mrs. David C. Henze Ms. Jean F. Hickey Ms. Dolores S. Hilden Mr. and Mrs. Hank Hines Mr. Anton Iberle Mr. and Mrs. Paul Janik Mrs. and Mrs. John Jensen Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Kane Mr. and Mrs. John Knazur Mr. Michael Knight Mr. and Mrs. Ken Kot Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Kowalik Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Kozak Mr. Donald Kruse Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Kuzniewski Laborers' International Union of N.A. Laborers' Local 681 Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lagger Mr. Ryan Larson Ms. Evelyn M. Lyons

Ms. Mary C. Lyons Ms. Mary T. Lyons Dcn. and Mrs. Christopher McCaffrey Ms. Mary M. McHugh Mr. and Mrs. James E. McLaughlin Mr. and Mrs. Phill Meegan Mr. and Mrs. Richard Modelski Mr. Phillip Morreale Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth T. Morrissette Ms. Melissa Muehler Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. Newton Ms. Rosemary Niemiec Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Nowak Ms. Patricia H. Omiecinski Ms. Anna Belle O'Shea Mr. Joe Otero Mr. and Mrs. James A. Paruszkiewicz Mr. and Mrs. Ray Pecor Peoples Gas Ms. Margaret June Persicketti Mr. Francis C. Peterson and Ms. Jean Weaver Mr. Frank Pielsticker Ms. Stella E. Piwowar Mr. George Podrebarac Mr. and Mrs. David A. Powers Mr. and Mrs. John E. Pritz Mr. Timothy Quinlan Ms. Mary Margaret Redmond Mr. and Mrs. James M. Reilly Mr. Andrew Relstab Mr. Nicholas Relstab

Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Reynolds Ms. Carole S. Ruzicka Dcn. and Mrs. Kevin Ryan Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Ryan Mr. and Mrs. William B. Ryan Mr. and Mrs. James R. Sanderson Dcn. Kevin Sartorius Mr. Russ Schoenherr Mr. and Mrs. Richard Schouten Ms. Patricia A. Schreiber Mrs. Mary Schroeder Mr. and Mrs. Doug Schultz Ms. Joann M. Serafin Mr. Fred T. Sherry Mr. and Mrs. Mark R. Shields Mr. and Mrs. J. Raymond Simokaitis Mr. and Mrs. Ron Smith Mr. Devry Spreitzer

"Sysko" continued from page 10 me by word and example. I thank all those men who have loved me and challenged me, both those living and deceased.

There was something very different about my last assignment in Crown Point, Indiana in 2010. I knew that after almost eight years of health care ministry I would be transferred. In mid February, Fr. Bernie called and we talked about my transfering to St. Rita H.S. and asked that I relocate in May of this year. After I finished my conversation with him, I felt tears coming down my cheeks. I was surprised at what was happening and felt a sadness in my heart. I was puzzled. After much reflection I realized that this community was very special. One of Brother Mark Emken's frequent mantras is that the care of our elderly friars is the most important apostolate that we have. All of our other communities have both community life and an apostolate connected with it. In Crown Point community life IS OUR Apostolate!

Over the years, the friars at Crown Point have become a very close community. We all come from different backgrounds and ethnicities. Each one of us is very, very

Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Stachon Ms. Mary Beth Stark Ms. Loretta L. Stempinski Mr. Joshua Stewart Ms. Meleesa M. Sullivan Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Szaflarski Mr. and Mrs. David Szafranski Ms. Jenny Tavares Mr. and Mrs. Thomas V. Tervanis Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Theobald Mr. James J. Tierney Ms. Darcy L. Trudelle Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Valentino Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wagner Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Walsh Ms. Mollie Werwas Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. Gary A. White

unique and yet we all seem to get along.

Miracle of miracles! I am very touched by the respect and care they show each other.

It is moving to watch them helping one another with their walkers and wheelchairs.

We are blessed with a great community and I will miss them very much.

In closing, I wish to thank God for the precious gift He gave me in calling me to serve Him as an Augustinian. I thank Him for preserving me and ask that He continue to guide me.

My deepest appreciation to Fr. Bernie, our Provincial, and to you my brother Augustinians for all the love and support you have shown to me over these many years. I would especially like to thank my community in Crown Point for all that you have done for me. It has been a privilege to live with you. You have taught me so much!

Finally, I would like to ask all of you to remember these wonderful men who have served God faithfully over the years and continue to serve Him. If you know any of these men from our various ministries, please reach out and keep contact with them by a phone call, card, or visit. Crown Point is only a little more than an hour away from Chicago. They love visits and appreciate contact.

VISIT US ONLINE!

PROVINCE ADVANCEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL 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 Catherine Hennessy Ed Hennessy Gregory Jania, Vice-Chairman Anthony J. Lauinger Pat Ormsby Very Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D., Prior Provincial Lisa Ann Solava, PHR Richard Solava Robert Sullivan Denise M. Utter Robert Utter Martin Wojcik, CFRE Chairman Mike Zunica

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

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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 February1, 2018 and May 10, 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. Richard D. Appicci, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. James G. O'Connor Rev. David L. Brecht, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. John L. Brecht Mr. and Mrs. Brett Coppens Mr. and Mrs. William B. Harrington Br. Robert O. Carroll, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. McCormack Mr. and Mrs. Gary R. Riemersma Knights of Columbus #1444 Fr. Perez Council Rev. Carmen J. Coletta, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. John E. Ball Rev. Philip C. Cook, O.S.A. Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. William Leighty Rev. Joseph A. Coyne, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Petkus Rev. Francis J. Crawford, O.S.A. † Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Petkus Rev. W. Timothy Cuny, O.S.A. † Ms. Priscilla C. Bourgault Mr. and Mrs. Brett Coppens Mr. and Mrs. Gerald A. Smith Rev. Bernard R. Danber, O.S.A. Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Petkus Rev. John F. Flynn, O.S.A. Rev. John J. Crepeau Rev. Roland F. Follmann, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bonkowski Rev. James C. Friedel, O.S.A. Dcn. Robert L. Fitt Dr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Moore Mr. Patrick M. Walsh Rev. Paul W. Galetto, O.S.A. Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Rev. John R. Gavin, O.S.A. † Mr. Robert Danaher Mr. and Mrs. James H. Jones Rev. Joseph F. Hartman, O.S.A. †

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Mr. and Mrs. Mark VanSile Br. Jack M. Hibbard, O.S.A. Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Br. Samuel L. Joutras, O.S.A. Ms. Joyce C. Reynolds Mrs. Cecilia A. Wingate Rev. John A. Kret, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lagger Rev. Edwin R. Kuczynski, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Fahrner Rev. William W. Labadie, O.S.A. † Mr. Anthony J. & Dr. Phyllis Lauinger Rev. John J. Lambert, O.S.A. † Mr. Ronald P. Centanni Rev. John J. Lydon, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Roger P. Furey Rev. Henry W. McArdle, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Petkus Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald M. Abramowicz Mr. and Mrs. Donald S. Allelujka Mr. and Mrs. Steve Angiollo Dr. Michael J. Bland Mr. and Mrs. James P. Brett Mr. and Mrs. Russell J. Bugan Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Connolly Mr. and Mrs. Bob Degnan Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Doyle, Sr. Ms. Patricia Egan Ms. Veronica Ferrick Ms. Charlotte Gasca Mr. Vincent G. Giff Ms. Maureen Hagen Mr. Michael P. Heeney Mr. and Mrs. David C. Henze Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Hochgraver Mr. Anton Iberle Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Ms. Regina Kristopaitis

SPRING 2018

Rev. Frank A. Kurucz Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lanuti Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lepore Ms. Linda McBride Mr. and Mrs. William J. McNamara, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. John J. McNicholas Mr. Phillip Morreale Dcn. and Mrs. Robert F. Morris Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger Mr. and Mrs. Frank T. Omiecinski Ms. Patricia H. Omiecinski Ms. Anna Belle O'Shea Mrs. Maureen P. Pavletic Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Petkus Ms. Barbara C. Petrick Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rastovac Ms. Mary Margaret Redmond Mr. and Mrs. James M. Reilly Mrs. Mary F. Ricci Mr. and Mrs. Doug Schultz Mr. and Mrs. Mark R. Shields Mr. James J. Tierney Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Viz, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Wolking, Jr. Rev. John Joseph McKniff, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Sabad Aponte Rev. Richie P. Mercado, O.S.A. Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Rev. John D. Merkelis, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ally Mr. and Mrs. Phil Arciero Mr. and Mrs. Dean Bass Marian Bengtson Mrs. Dorothy M. Brown Mr. Thomas P. Cantwell and Barbara A. Bevan Ms. Anne Connelly-Mitros Mr. and Mrs. Antony Devassy Mr. and Mrs. David K. Doorneweerd Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Doyle

Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Drzal Mr. and Mrs. Donald Duffy Mr. and Mrs. Mark Duffy Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Dulle Mr. and Mrs. Frank Enright Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Faford Mr. John Findlay Mr. and Mrs. John Foody Ms. Cheryl Garetto Ms. Joyce M. Gerard Mr. and Mrs. Richard Janicek Mr. and Mrs. Paul Janik Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Kane Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. John Knazur Mr. and Mrs. Ken Kot Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Kowalik Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Kozak Ms. Virginia B. Leonhart Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Mackay Ms. Mary M. McHugh Mrs. Helen J. Merkelis Mr. and Mrs. Patrick G. Moriarty Mr. and Mrs. Stephen G. Morrissette Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. Newton Ms. Rosemary Niemiec Mr. and Mrs. James A. Paruszkiewicz Ms. Angela M. Pascente Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Pavletic Mr. and Mrs. Ray Pecor Mr. and Mrs. Robert Persicketti Ms. Margaret June Persicketti Ms. Sally Petersen Mr. Frank Pielsticker Ms. Stella E. Piwowar Mr. George Podrebarac Mrs. Mary Catherine Reynolds Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Rogers Mr. Roger R. Ruhlin Mr. and Mrs. William B. Ryan Mr. Robert J. Schmitz Mr. and Mrs. Richard Schouten Mrs. Marie C. Shroba Mr. and Mrs. J. Raymond Simokaitis Ms. Janice H. Sosnowski Mr. Devry Spreitzer

Ms. Loretta L. Stempinski Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Sturdy Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Theobald Mr. and Mrs. Gary A. White Dr. and Mrs. Leo A. Wrona Augustinian Community of Providence H.S. Providence Catholic High School Southwest Town Mechanical Rev. John J. Molnar, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Gentile Br. Nicholas J. Mullarkey, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Larry E. Smith Rev. Michael J. O'Connor, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Ron Smith Rev. Richard T. O'Leary, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Eric A. Olesen Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Sullivan Most Rev. Robert F. Prevost, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. William G. Seimetz Br. Jeffrey D. Raths, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Raths Br. Joseph R. Roccasalva, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Insley Ms. Regina Kristopaitis Rev. Frank A. Kurucz Mr. and Mrs. James L. Mudrock Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. O'Malley Dcn. and Mrs. Joseph Roccasalva Knights of Columbus #1444 Fr. Perez Council Rev. Raymond R. Ryan, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Gerald A. Smith Rev. Michael Schweifler, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Gerald A. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Solava Very Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D. Mrs. Peggy Helmerich Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Rev. Frank A. Kurucz Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Petkus Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Tramontana Rev. John L. Seary, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Jack R. Witucki Br. Martin C. Shaw, O.S.A. †

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin W. Desmond, Jr. Rev. Martin J. Sobiesk, O.S.A. † Hon. and Mrs. John E. Fennelly Mr. and Mrs. Peter G. Savaiano Br. Larry R. Sparacino, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. John G. O'Connell Rev. Henry V. Spielmann, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Dennis W. Behan, Sr. Mr. Joseph P. Moran III Rev. Francis P. Sullivan, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Gentile Rev. R. William Sullivan, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. James W. Kennedy Mr. John Seper Br. Jerome A. Sysko, O.S.A. Mrs. Regina Bober Mr. and Mrs. Brian D. Deenihan Mr. Edward Flynn Mr. Michael P. Heeney Mr. and Mrs. Bill Insley Mr. Gregory P. Jenkins Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Mrs. Janet Lucas Ms. Jeanette R. Mansour Ms. Laura J. Nalepka Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger Mr. and Mrs. John Quinn Mr. Robert J. Schmitz Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Stobba Br. Angelo A. Sturn, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. H. Robert Vance Dcn. and Mrs. Emil J. Wernert Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Rev. Theodore E. Tack, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. James H. Jones Dr. and Mrs. John A. Lewis, Jr. Br. Jack B. Tierney, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Lee Bayley Ms. M. Theresa Tierney Most Rev. Daniel T. Turley, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. James G. O'Connor Rev. Jacek J. Tylzanowski, O.S.A. † Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Petkus Rev. John A. Tyma, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel T. Kitamura

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