We are consecrated men.
David is a friar with the Santa Barbara Province of the Order Of Friars Minor (OFM). He professed first vows in 1992. Since joining the friars,David's ministerial priority has often been persons dealing with homelessness and poverty. For the past 16 years David has served as a spiritual assistant to Secular Franciscans. David has a special interest in small, intentional Franciscan communities as a way of personal and communal renewal toward the challenging Franciscan charism
Benjamin is a religious brother in the Society of the Divine Savior (SDS). He professed first vows in 2011. Since then he has helped with ministries to persons with disabilities, seniors, and adult learners. "For me, consecrated life and the vows are about prioritizing the spiritual and making myself available to meet the needs of my community, the Church, and the world." Benjamin's current ministry focus is nonprofit management and he is the executive secretary for the Religious Brothers Conference.
Michael is a Benedictine monk at St. Vincent Archabbey. Life in community has given him a spectrum of opportunities for ministry and service, from working in a gristmill to serving as a teaching assistant in a college physics department. Michael plans to pursue graduate studies in both theology and physics and currently serves as a deacon. According to Michael, consecrated life "means dedication to living our the Gospel in community and witnessing to the depths of Christ's love for us."
Peter Martyr is a Dominican friar with the Province of St. Joseph who first professed first vows in 2008. "Consecrated life is the complete offering of one's life to God," he writes, "through an imitation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who was obedient, chaste, and poor." Peter Martyr is preparing for ordination and in the future hopes to serve in college campus or parochial ministry.
Bill Trader may have celebrated his 40th anniversary as a priest recently but he's a "first year Norbertine novice" as of summer 2014. Although he was pastor at nearby St. Monica Parish in Berwyn (PA), he entered the community of Daylesford Abbey as a novice after discerning that "there was something inside calling him to more." In an article in the local newspaper explaining his decision to become a Norbertine, he said that he was "looking forward to a more contemplative life." He hopes that this "new" vocation will allow him to "spend more time priesting." Bill noted that Pope Francis' humble ways inspired him and that he hopes the Pope will inspire others to live a "life of simplicity."
After graduating from
high school, Howard Piller joined the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. After taking final vows in
1958, he served in missions in New Jersey, Alabama and Maryland. At the age of 42, Howard entered
nursing school in response to the need he saw among the Missionary
Servants. As members of his Congregation aged, they
needed someone to minister to their medical needs. Howard's studies culminated in
1991 with a Master’s Degree in nursing as a family nurse practitioner.
For years, Howard not only served his fellow priests and brothers, but he also ministered
to poor men and women suffering from HIV and AIDS. Today Howard spends two days a
week at the Whitman-Walker Health Clinic, ministering to the underserved in
Washington, D.C.
Marianist Br. Ray Fitz was honored on Jan. 31 at the Washington, DC meeting of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) as the recipient of the Hesburgh Award, the highest recognition for service in Catholic higher education. "Br. Ray's contributions to Catholic higher education are both local and global," noted Michael Galligan-Stierle, president of the ACCU. "He lent his insights to the Vatican as a consultant during the drafting of Ex corde Ecclesiae (on apostolic constitution on Catholic Universities issued by Pope John Paul II in 1990)." Br. Ray served as the president of the University of Dayton from 1979-2002 and currently serves as the university's Ferree Professor of Social Justice.
The former president of the University of Notre Dame, Holy Cross Father Theodore (Ted) Hesburgh died on Feb. 26, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana at age 97. He had served as an adviser to U.S. presidents and was a special envoy to popes, a theologian, an author, educator and activist. Fr. Hesburgh held more than a dozen White House appointments under six presidents, including chairman of the United States Commission on Civil Rights. Perhaps his most well-known assignment was "serving generations of Notre Dame students whom he taught, counseled and befriended." The Notre Dame website quoted him saying, “I never wanted to be anything but a priest, which is in itself a great and unearned grace. I hope to live and die a priest, nothing more but nothing less either." The University offers a lovely video tribute to Fr. Ted here.
Glenn Humphrey, a Franciscan from the Holy Name Province, is celebrating 50 years as a friar in 2015. Although his passion is photography, Glenn is a licensed psychologist and has devoted his years of religious life to teaching and counseling at hospitals and schools. In addition, he has written and spoken extensively on psychological issues, including coping with disaster, suicide, and alcohol abuse. Glenn currently serves as a counselor and photography instructor at St. Michael Indian School in northern Arizona where he works with Navajo students. He has also served in the poor neighborhoods in Harlem, New York City. Enjoy some of Glenn's beautiful photographs on his website.
Br. John of God, the first life professed Filipino Alexian Brother, serves the poor and sick on the Philippine Island of Mindanao. John of God is particularly attentive to their needs as he is medical doctor who works with many lay professionals and health workers who feed malnourished children, give assistance to indigent patients referred for medicines, and provide medical services. The American Alexian Province funds the operation of a mobile unit equipped for simple laboratory procedures, minor surgery, dressings and many other services, in addition to the Alexian Health and Wellness Center in Matina, Davao City. John of God is one of a staff of 45 medical/dental practitioners of varied specialties providing affordable and accessible health care to all in need.
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Loughlan is a religious brother with the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. He professed his first vows in 1957 and has ministry experience as a educator and consultant within dioceses, religious communities, and other institutions. Loughlan has served on the faculty of a number of universities and colleges, is the author of several books, and has ministry experience in the fields of counseling and clergy education. He served as Senior Editor of Human Development magazine for over 35 years. He thinks of consecrated life as "a unique way of responding to the gifts God has given me for the building up of the community."
Daniel is a friar in the Order of Friars Minor (OFM). He professed first vows in 2007 as a member of the Holy Name Province. In the past Daniel has ministered to chronically mentally ill women and men through an art therapy program, worked in a soup kitchen, and served as a chaplain and sacramental minister. Daniel is also an author, speaker, and retreat leader. For Daniel, consecrated life "serves as a prophetic witness to the world that the good news is real and that an alternative way to live in the world--supporting one another and revealing the compassionate face of God to each other--is indeed possible."
Gregory is a Benedictine monk who made first profession of vows in 2005 at Portsmouth Abbey. Since entering the abbey Gregory has served as a director of monastic formation and taught courses in Sacred Art. Gregory is also a sculptor. He describes consecrated life as a way of living that "enables us to give ourselves on a new level to anyone who seeks our help." He sees the Benedictine Rule and its focus on manual labor, liturgy, prayer, and a simple diet as a lifestyle that allows him to pay "ever greater attention to the Lord."
James is a Benedictine monk at St. Procopius Abbey. He professed his first vows in 1975 and has served as an educator, historian, and writer within his community and its two schools. He currently works as an archivist, librarian, treasurer, and vocation director. He writes that what he enjoys most about consecrated life is the "fraternal support and guidance of an established community with a lengthy and solid tradition." This allows him "to serve God and my neighbor within a fulfilling way of life that I would never have been able to manage on his own."
Donald Senior is a Passionist who is world renown as a Scripture Scholar who also leads pilgrimages to Israel and other historical biblical sites. In addition to being the President Emeritus of the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois, he continues to serve on the CTU faculty where he teaches courses on the New Testament. In June 2014, Donald addressed a gathering of the Association of US Priests reflecting on the "remarkable moment" we are living in the Church today.
An interest in social justice led Norbertine Steve Herro to Catholic Charities USA in Arlington, Virginia, where he serves as the manager of mission resources and data. He sees his role as "helping those on the ground to make the connection between the ministry they provide and the Catholic identity of our organization." Catholic Charities USA is a membership organization that serves a network of more than 160 Catholic Charities agencies in the country. Steve's work in the Ministry and Ministry division helps members understand Catholic tradition and social teaching to effectively connect with parishes.
In an interview with WBRZ-TV for Catholic Schools Week on January 28, Br. Paul Montero of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart described a "new mission of the brothers" to "give new hope to young adults who need a second chance by helping them to get their high school diplomas." Their goal is prepare young people to take the high school equivalency test which has questions in English, math, science, social studies and essay writing. Paul and his brothers host classes in these subjects for young people between the ages of 17-23 at the New Hope Learning Center
in Baton Rouge. Also, in 2012, Br. Paul was named to the Hall of Fame at Edward Douglas White Catholic High School in Thibodaux, Louisiana, being recognized for "exhibiting outstanding Christian values in his contribution to his profession and in his religious, civic, business, and educational involvement."
Having served as the President of the Jesuit Conference in the US, Tom Smolich is currently in the Democratic Republic of Congo where he is preparing to serve as the International Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). The JRS seeks to "accompany, serve and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced persons." Reflecting on his first few weeks in the DRC, Tom remarked that the reality of the situation there is "made worse by the lack of infrastructure." As we in the US worry about potholes after a tough winter, Tom observed, " Imagine the worst road you've ever been on, and lower your expectations considerably."
As "March Madness" gets underway to crown the college basketball champions for 2015, one Augustinian Rob Hagan is on the sidelines as team chaplain for the Villanova University Wildcats. After graduating from Villanova in 1987, he earned a law degree at Widener University and then served as a criminal defense counsel for several years before joining the Augustinians in 1997. In addition to his duties as chaplain for the Villanova basketball and football teams, Rob volunteers as a prison chaplain at the State Correctional Institution in Chester, Pennsylvania. Read a recent New York Times article on how Rob, Jesuit William Kelly at Marquette University, and other chaplains minister to college basketball teams. "They are also there to provide someone outside the basketball world to talk to."
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James professed his first vows in the New England Province of the Society of Jesus (SJ) in 1990. Since that time he has worked in hospitals, cared for the homeless, and worked with persons struggling with poverty and gang culture. He has also ministered with the Jesuit Refugee Service in Kenya. James is a priest, popular author, and the current editor-at-large for America magazine where he has served since 1999. James describes consecrated life as "a single-hearted and wholehearted commitment to God."
Parker is a member of the Brotherhood of Hope (BH) who professed his first vows in 2010. Parker serves as a campus minister and says it is rewarding to see the "transformation that takes place when young people open up to the love of Jesus." Parker sees consecrated life as a "call to give all to Jesus" that can have a "powerful impact" on the lives of young people.
Craig (left)is a missioner and religious Brother with the Glenmary Home Missioners. He professed first vows in 2008 and has served primarily in eastern Tennessee where his outreach work is focused on rural residents where the Catholic population is less than 1%. Being a missioner has taken Craig into schools, homes, churches, nursing homes, and senior centers in order to assist with what he describes as "Catholic Presence Ministry." For Craig consecrated life means "that I desire and have been called to fully give my life to serving God and his people."
Paul is a Conventual Franciscan friar with the Province of Our Lady of Consolation. Since professing vows in 1998 Paul has ministered in Costa Rica and Honduras, served in campus and parish ministry, worked as a vocation promoter for his province, and is currently a formation director. Paul writes that "consecrated life means that everything I am...is directed towards my relationship with Christ; or, as St. Francis put it, 'My God, my all.'"
After professing his first
vows in 1942 and then teaching 36 years abroad, mostly in African boarding
schools, Ernest Paquet came to Walsh University in Canton, Ohio to teach math and
computer science. More recently he changed to half-time professional staff as
Coordinator of Advising. His ministry is not just in the classroom: the Brothers of Christian Instruction are
both elder brothers to students and mentors available to them at all times. After
graduating many of them keep in touch with their former teachers.
Leo V. Ryan, a Viatorian brother, was honored in
November 2014 as a founder of the annual International Vincentian Business
Ethics Conference which began in 1993 as a joint effort between DePaul, Niagara
and St. John’s Universities, all Vincentian institutions. The four-day event drew 350 academics and
corporate leaders from 90 countries, who explored the conference theme: The
Impact of Business Ethics on Public Life. Leo is the former dean of the College of
Business at DePaul where, in 1985, he developed what is
now the Center for Business and Professional Ethics.
Capuchin John Lager is the National Chaplain of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students), a peer to peer ministry to equip college age students with tools to grow in their faith. In an interview published in the February 2015 America Magazine, John further describes the mission of FOCUS noting that "although the work of FOCUS happens on the college campus, the goal is actually to prepare the students for a lifetime of committed Catholic life, so that the students can be leaders in their parish, community, and workplace." He added that since its founding in 1998, 495 young men and women involved in the FOCUS program have entered into seminary or religious life.
Father Mark Hushen, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, serves as the president of Father Martin's Ashley, a national addiction treatment center in Havre de Grace, Maryland. In his reflections on the "Pascal Mystery: Real Time," Fr. Mark notes that he "experiences many women, men and young people managing their diseases and reclaiming their lives." He continues to say this is a grace at every turn, and "though differently, grace still abounds when someone falls under the powerful weight of addiction." St. Martin's Ashley's website includes dozens of podcasts by Fr. Mark and others on topics related to the challenges of addictions and the hope for recovery. Check them out here.
Br. Kenneth Chapman, a member of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers of North America, is the artist in residence at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. Ken "brings to his canvases a lifetime of teaching, community leadership, spirituality, prayer, and deep sensitivity to both the joys and pains of those he has taught and served." Ken spent several years working in the missions to Native Americans, "awakening children to the rich tribal art forms of their ancestors." When the Vatican sought art that might be used in programs for Catholic-Muslim interreligious prayer services, it turned to Ken, whose work "rich in texture, color and inspiration, does not contain distinct human features that would be unacceptable to the Islamic community." Take a look at some of the art work which is currently displayed at Iona College's Brother Kenneth Chapman Gallery in New Rochelle.
Though his current "day job" is Prior Provincial of the Crosier Fathers and Brothers in the US, Tom Enneking has had a variety of "side jobs" including ministry at the Maricopa County (Arizona) Jail where he served as a chaplain and leader of the music for that community's prayer. (Tom's musical skills include playing the piano, guitar, flute and bass guitar. ) "Prison ministry has been very significant for me as many of those who are incarcerated come from families where there was little attention given to their life of faith. The experience [of incarceration] for a number of them wakes them up to God." Tom's dual degrees in music and psychology obviously have helped him take on such a variety of assignments, including assisting at local Hispanic parishes in the Chicago and Phoenix areas. Immaculate Heart Radio AM 1310 in Phoenix recently interviewed Tom about the Crosiers' ministries. Listen to the show here.
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