Fr. François Mbiyangandu , CJJosephite Novelist

Josephite Fr. François Mbiyangandu , originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and since 2007 a member of the Josephite’s Belgian community, has recently published his first novel “Un brin de lumière au fond de la nuit.”

Fr. François served as novice master in Ilebo and was also the rector of the Scholasticate in Kimwenza. When his African confreres asked for collaboration at the Oudenberg Chapel in Belgium, Fr. François responded and was named Rector there in 2008. He believes that his mission at the Chapel maintains a long Josephite tradition of “keeping alive the devotion to the Virgin Mary.”

His interest in literature goes back to the foundation he got in college but he notes that “it’s not always a cakewalk.” Read (in French) about his novel here.

Br. Joseph F. Schmidt, FSCDe La Salle Christian Brother Retreat Presenter, Author,

and Spiritual Director

De La Salle Christian Brother Joseph F. Schmidt, FSC, recently returned from five years of ministry in Kenya, teaching and giving retreats on St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Br. Joseph has also authored several books about this young saint and Doctor of the Church, including “Praying with Thérèse of Lisieux” and “Everything is Grace: The Life and Way of Thérèse of Lisieux.”

Br. Joseph is one of the world’s experts on St. Thérèse whom he notes “was a contemporary, ordinary saint, who during the last 100 years or so has inspired many in their spiritual growth.”

For many years, Br. Joseph had been on the staff of Sangre de Cristo, an international sabbatical center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His current ministry includes serving as a spiritual director, counselor, author and retreat presenter.

Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P.Itinerant Preacher via TV, Social Media, Print Media

and the Internet

Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna is reaching out far and wide with his ministry which he calls “Live with Passion!” dedicated to “helping people realize their potential” and become their “best selves, deepening their relationship with God.”

Fr. Cedric reports that he preaches by using television, the Internet, social media and print media which he believes “reaches those who are beyond the walls of the Church; fallen-away Catholics, agnostics and atheists.” He believes that “good, inspired preaching can wake up the world. It can inspire people to draw closer to God.”

In addition to his TV programs and podcasts, his ministry’s website includes many books, booklets, worship aids, and daily homilies on a variety of topics.

Fr. Harold Rahm, SJFormer Missionary Priest

In Brazil for 50 Years

Jesuit Fr. Harold Rahm, age 96, recently received the “Segundo Barrio Person of the Year” award named for the neighborhood surrounding Sacred Heart Parish in El Paso, Texas where he served as assistant pastor from 1951 to 1964.

While serving in El Paso, Fr. Rahm founded several services organizations that continue today and also helped alleviate gang warfare. He became known as the “bicycling priest” for his habit of riding his bike to visit people in the neighborhood. “When you work with teenagers, a bicycle is great because you know where they gather and can get there quicker than in an automobile,” he noted.

After his time in El Paso, Fr. Rham spent 50 years in Brazil where he worked for 50 years with individuals dealing with substance abuse.

Fr. Patrick Coyle, SMMarist Priest and

Centenarian

Marist Fr. Patrick (Paddy) Coyle recently celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends from the San Francisco Bay Area, the East Coast, and even from Dublin, Ireland. At the same time, 100 parishioners from St. Catherine Parish on the island of Kaua’i in Hawaii gathered to be “Skyped-in to join the celebration” -- “island-style with pot luck food, dance, song and music.”

A 70 year professed religious priest, Fr. Coyle began the celebration by presiding at the Eucharist celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation, the day on which he was born in 1915 in Dublin.

Fr. Coyle has served as a parish priest, teacher, pastor and chaplain across multiple venues across the US and remains a “man who loves to learn, especially through critical reading and study.”

Fr. Mike Bassano, MMMissionary Priest

at United Nations Basein South Sudan, Africa

Maryknoll Father Mike Bassano is the only priest amid 25,000 civilians who live inside the civilian protection area of the United Nations base in war-ravaged South Sudan. “In Maryknoll, we believe we should be with the people at the margins, and you don’t get any more marginal than this. I’m in love with the people here. They’ve welcomed me and I feel part of their lives.”

Fr. Mike ministers to the people living inside the UN base who sought refuge when fighting broke out in late 2013, just two months after he arrived. Fr. Mike came to South Sudan from Tanzania to be part of the Solidarity with South Sudan, an international community of Catholic groups supporting the training of teachers, health care workers, and pastoral agents in the world’s newest country. Read more about his work here.

Fr. Thomas F. Stransky, CSPRector Emeritus of the

Tantur Ecumenical Instituteand Recipient of an

Honorary Doctorate at University of Notre Dame

May 2015

The University of Notre Dame awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree to Paulist Father Thomas F. Stransky, CSP, at their May 17, 2015 commencement ceremonies in South Bend.

Fr. Thomas is the rector emeritus of the Tantus Ecumenical Institute, a Jerusalem-based center of theological scholarship and learning founded 50 years ago by Pope Paul VI. He spent his ministry as a Paulist in the service of unity among Christians and believers of other faiths. He also was “highly instrumental” in writing the Second Vatican Council document titled “The 1965 Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions.”

Having also served as president of the Paulist Fathers, Fr. Thomas continues to write and lecture on ecumenical and interreligious relations.

Fr. Robert Wynne, M.M.

Maryknoll Missionary in Anlong Knang, Cambodia

In the shantytown of Anlong Knang on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Maryknoll Father Robert Wynne has been serving as a missionary for the past seven years after a long career in the missions in Hawaii. The only foreigner living in the area close to the most marginalized people, Fr. Robert ministers in this resettlement community located on an abandoned rice field.

With the help of the Cambodian government, a clinic and a primary and high school were built in the shantytown where more than 2,000 families live. Fr. Robert chose to help the residents who commute to the city to work in garment factories where they earn the equivalent of $46 a month.

Fr. Robert’s ministry focuses most on offering school support to children, counselling and health referrals, and helping women generate income.

Abbot John B. Klassen, OSB

St. John’s Abbey Collegeville, Minnesota

Benedictine Abbot John B. Klassen recently returned from a visit to Rome where he joined calligrapher Donald Jackson and others from St. John’s University (Minnesota) to present the final volume of Saint John’s Bible to Pope Francis. Watch a video of the presentation here.

Benedictine monks are known for the copying of manuscripts from the Dark Ages “to preserve ancient culture.” This latest volume of the Bible is the result of 15 years of work. “As a major artistic, cultural, and spiritual endeavor, it is the first handwritten, hand-illuminated Bible commissioned since the printing press was invented in the 1440s.”

Since the founding of Liturgical Press in 1926, the monks of St. John’s Abbey have been actively engaged in writing, editing, designing and distributing both journals and books.

Br. Paul Desmarais, SJ

Director of Kasisi Agricultural Training Center in Zambia

Br. Paul Desmarais, director of the Kasisi Agricultural Training Center in Zambia for 40 years, is a Canadian Jesuit who has ”re-thought almost every aspect of conventional Western agriculture and how it’s applied in Africa.”

Br. Paul’s work promotes organic, ecologically sustainable, no-till farming for small-scale farmers. “In Zambia within one year you can double your output using resources you have on your own farm,” Br. Paul said. “We’re promoting it from the point of view that makes economic sense.”

Br. Paul was chosen in May 2014 by the United Nations Development Program as one of the 25 outstanding sustainable development initiatives around the globe. Read more about his work here.

His Eminence Cardinal Francis George, OMI

Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Chicago

R.I.P.April 17, 2015

Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop Emeritus of Chicago and a member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, died on April 17, 2015 after suffering from cancer for several years.

Cardinal George earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Tulane University and a Master of Theology degree from the University of Ottawa. He served as provincial superior of the Midwestern Province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate before becoming vicar general of his religious order for 12 years. While stationed in Rome, he obtained a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree from the Pontifical Urbaniana Unviersity.

Created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1998, Cardinal George also served as president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2007 to 2010.

John McLoughlin, CSsR

Pastor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in

Ephrata, Pennsylvania and Recipient of the 2015

Distinguished Pastor Award from the National Catholic

Educational Association

Redemptorist Father John McLoughlin was recently awarded the 2015 Distinguished Pastor Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) for his dedication and commitment to excellence.

Father John is the pastor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish and School in Ephrata (PA) where he notes that “Sharing my love of Jesus with the students in the classroom is not only rewarding for me but also brings me a great sense of joy.”

Bishop Ronald Gainer of the Diocese of Harrisburg praised Fr. John’s work, remarking that “We are blessed to have such a dedicated and gifted priest serving in our Diocese.”

Read more about this national award here.

Sam Fuller, OFM Cap.

Associate Pastor - Saint Pius X in Middletown, CT

Board Member of the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN) and JPIC

Collaborator with the Franciscan Action Network

Capuchin Father Sam Fuller has played an active role in the Franciscan Action Network (FAN), particularly in the area of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation, and also serves on the Board of the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN) which works through religious communities to “educate, inspire, and empower people to respect and preserve God’s natural order.”

Fr. Sam believes that “understanding the challenges that future generations will face if we do not protect the environment today is important” and that “respecting God’s creations individually and collectively will promote justice, peace and human rights.”

Read more about Fr. Sam’s work here.

Missionaries andVictims of the Ebola Virus

Br. Miguel Pajares, O.H.

Br. Patrick Nshamdze, O.H.

Br. George Combey, O.H.

The Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God have operated outreach missions in Africa for the past 50 years helping the poorest of the poor as their founder once did. Now these missionaries themselves are “in dire need of help to fight and contain the rapidly spreading Ebola virus.”

Br. Jesus Etayo, Prior General of the Hospitaller Brothers, wrote in L’Osservatore Romano, “Faithful to their vocation, our brothers chose not to abandon their fate or the people affected by this deadly virus; they stayed put. Despite their grief, many others continue to give assistance as prophetic witnesses and Samaritans of hospitality.”

Rest in Peace, Good and Faithful Servants

Francois Pellissier, GM

Outreach Ministry at Pulaski State Prison,

Rutledge State Prison and Stewart Detention Center

(Georgia)

“God never leaves” is the message that Glenmary Francois Pellissier shares with incarcerated men at two Georgia state prisons and an immigration detention center near Atlanta.

Francois is the first Glenmarian to serve full-time in outreach to the incarcerated. He provides them with Bibles and a “compassionate presence, as well as the sacraments, rosaries and scapulars with the Catholics he encounters.”

Fluent in French, English and Spain, Francois embraces his ministry because he says “I want to be part of the search for God who longs to be known at the end of the journey. God is longing to be discovered in the Word, the sacraments and the hearts of the inmates.” Read more about his prison ministry here.

Adam Benedict Becerra, fspFriars of the Sick Poor

of Los Angeles

Brother of the Year, Archdiocese of Las Angeles

Adam Benedict Becerra of the Friars of the Sick Poor was recently honored by Archbishop José H. Gomez as “Brother of the Year” at the Annual Brothers Mass and Banquet sponsored by the archbishop and Council of Religious Brothers.

Born to parents of Mexican descent, Adam joined the Friars of the Sick Poor in 2006 and professed his final vows in 2010. The mission of his community is to “give themselves to God in service to the sick, poor and marginalized, and to help them find meaning in their suffering.”

The friars’ home parish is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels but they “live in the midst of the world” with each brother living independently and being expected to participate in the life of the community where he resides.

John of God, CFA

Physician and First Life Professed Filipino Brother

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 a medical doctor who works with lay professionals and health workers to feed malnourished children, give assistance to indigent patients referred for medicines, and to 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.

Tom Enneking, OSC

Prior Provincial andPrison Chaplain &

Music Minister

Though his current "day job" is Prior Provincial of the Crosier Fathers and Brothers in the US, Father Tom Enneking has served as chaplain and leader of music at the Maricopa County Jail. (Tom plays 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 for a number of them wakes them up to God."

Tom's dual degrees in music and psychology have helped him take on such a variety of assignments, including assisting at local Hispanic parishes in the Chicagoland and Phoenix areas. Immaculate Heart Radio AM 1310 in Phoenix recently interviewed Tom about the Crosiers' ministries. Listen to the show here.

Rob Hagan, OSA

Chaplain for Villanova University

Basketball andFootball Teams

As "March Madness" gets underway to crown the college basketball champions for 2015, one Augustinian Father Rob Hagan is on the sidelines as team chaplain for the Villanova University Wildcats. After graduating from Villanova, he earned a law degree at Widener University and 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."

Ken Chapman, CFC

Artist in ResidenceIona College

Rochester, NY

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 many 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 unacceptable to the Islamic community." Take a look at his art gallery here: Brother Kenneth Chapman Gallery.

Glenn Humphrey, OFM

Photographer andLicensed Psychologist

Brother 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.

Mark Hushen, OSFS

President ofFather Martin’s Ashley

National AddictionTreatment Center

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.

Tom Smolich, SJ

International DirectorJesuit Refugee Service

Having served as the President of the Jesuit Conference in the US, Father 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 Jesuit Refugee Service 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."

Ted Hesburgh, CSC

President EmeritusUniversity of Notre Dame

Envoy to Popes and Presidents

R.I.P.Feb. 26, 2015

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.

Fr. Ted had served as an adviser to U.S. presidents and was a special envoy to popes, a theologian, an author, educator and activist. He held dozens of White House appointments under six presidents, including chairman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

His most well-known assignment was "serving generations of Notre Dame students whom he taught, counseled and befriended." The Notre Dame University website quoted him saying, “I hope to live and die a priest, nothing more but nothing less either." Watch the University’s lovely video tribute to Fr. Ted here.

Paul Montero, SC

Director of New Hope Learning Center in

Baton Rouge

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 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."

Ray Fitz, S.M.

2015 Recipient of Hesburgh Award from the

Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities

Marianist Brother Ray Fitz was honored on Jan. 31, 2015 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.

"Brother 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 is the university's Ferree Professor of Social Justice.

John Lager, OFM Cap.

National Chaplain of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic

University Students)

Capuchin Father 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."

Fr. John added that since its founding in 1998, 495 young men and women involved in the FOCUS program have entered into seminary or religious life. Sounds like an excellent recruitment plan!

Leo Ryan, CSV

Founder of the International Vincentian

Business Ethics Conference

Viatorian Brother Leo V. Ryan 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.

Steve Herro, O. Praem.

Manager of Mission Resources and Data

Catholic Charities USAin Arlington, VA

An interest in social justice led Norbertine Brother Steve Herro to Catholic Charities USA in Arlington, Virginia, where he serves as the manager of mission resources and data.

Steve 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.

Donald Senior, CP

President Emeritus Chicago Theological Union

Father Donald Senior is a Passionist who is a 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.

Howard Piller, ST

Family Nursing Practitioner at Whitman-Walker Health Clinic

After graduating from high school, Brother 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.

Howard has 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 in Washington, D.C.

Bill Trader, O. Praem.

Jubilarian Priest and Norbertine Novice

Father 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."

Bill 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."

Ernest Paquet, FIC

Math and Science Professor and

Coordinator of Advisingat Walsh University

After professing his first vows in 1942 and then teaching 36 years abroad, mostly in African boarding schools, Brother 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 Br. Ernest and other former teachers.

James Flint, OSB

Archivist, Librarian, Treasurer and Benedictine

Vocation Director

Brother James Flint 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 tradition allows James "to serve God and my neighbor within a fulfilling way of life that I would never have been able to manage on his own."

Peter Martyr Yungwirth, OP

Seminarian and Frequent Blogger on Dominicana

Dominican House of Studies Washington, DC

Brother Peter Martyr is a Dominican student 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. He is a frequent contributor to the DOMINICANA, a blog published by the friars of the Dominican House of Studies.

Dom Gregory, OSB

Teacher of Sacred Artand Sculptor; Director of

Monastic Formationat Portsmouth Abbey

Brother 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.

Gregory 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."

Gregory describes consecrated life as a way of living that "enables us to give ourselves on a new level to anyone who seeks our help."

Paul Schloemer, OFM Conv.

Formation Director, Province of Our Lady of Consolation

Former Naval Officer and Former Missionary in Costa

Rica and Honduras

Brother Paul Schloemer 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.‘”

Michael Antonacci, OSB

Newly Ordained Priest and Former Teaching Assistant in College Physics Department

Father Michael Antonacci is a Benedictine monk from St. Vincent Archabbey who was ordained in May 2014.

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.

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."

Parker Jordan, B.H.

Campus Minister at Catholic Center

at Rutgers University

Brother Parker Jordan 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.

Dan Horan, OFM

Author, Speaker and Retreat Leader

Fr. Daniel Horan is a friar in the Order of Friars Minor (OFM). He professed first vows as a Franciscan of the Holy Name Province in 2007.

In the past Dan 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.

Dan is also an author, speaker, and retreat leader. His most recent book The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton was published in 2014.

For Dan, 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."

Craig Digmann, GHM

Outreach Minister in Rural Eastern Tennessee

Brother Craig Digmann (left) is a missioner and religious Brother with the Glenmary Home Missioners.

Craig 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."

Benjamin Babb, SDSExecutive Secretary for

Religious Brothers Conference

and Former Minister to

Persons with Disabilities, Seniors & Adult Learners

Brother Benjamin Babb is a religious brother in the Society of the Divine Savior (SDS).

Benjamin 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.

Loughlan Sofield, ST

Senior Editor of Human Development Magazine; Educator, Consultant and Author of Several Books

Brother Loughlan Sofield 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.

Loghlan thinks of consecrated life as "a unique way of responding to the gifts God has given me for the building up of the community."

James Martin, SJ

Editor of America Magazine; Popular Author and Former

Missionary with Jesuit Refugee Service in Kenya

Father James Martin professed his first vows in the New England Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1990. Since that time he has worked in hospitals, cared for the homeless, and worked with persons struggling with poverty and gang culture.

James is a priest, popular author, and the current editor-at-large for America magazine where he has served since 1999.

James has also ministered with the Jesuit Refugee Service in Kenya.

James describes consecrated life as "a single-hearted and wholehearted commitment to God."

Br. David , OFM

Spiritual Assistant to Secular Franciscans

Brother David is a friar with the Santa Barbara Province of the Order Of Friars Minor (OFM). He professed first vows as a Franciscan 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