Society of Jesus (Jesuits) (SJ)
25th Entrance
Father Afonso Seixas-Nunes
Birthplace: Porto, Portugal
Entrance: Sept. 27, 1998
Final profession: Nov. 7, 2021
Ordination: July 10, 2010
Education: Portuguese Catholic University (Porto Law School)
Portuguese Catholic University, philosophy (Braga Philosophy School)
Pontificia Universita Gregoriana, theology
Master’s, London School of Economics
Doctorate, University of Essex
Post-doctoral research fellow, Oxford Institute for Ethics, Laws and Armed Conflict
Service in the archdiocese: Professor of law, Saint Louis University School of Law, 2021-present
Service outside the archdiocese: International humanitarian law teacher in European and British universities
Invited professor at the Catholic University of Portugal Law School, his alma mater
About Father Afonso Seixas-Nunes: From the moment the Portuguese Provincial asked me to return to the field of international law, my only concern has been to serve the Catholic Church in the best way possible. The world, with all its emerging technologies, asks us important questions about what it means to be human. The Church has to be able to give a capable answer. I share in this responsibility. Because of this, I find myself called to shape my life into a continuous offertory act. This is not easy, but it is simple, especially when one considers that living in this way is doing the same work that Jesus did.
50th Entrance
Father Michael Dooley
Birthplace: New Orleans
Entrance: Aug. 14, 1973
First profession: Aug. 15, 1975
Final profession: Aug. 15, 1994
Ordination: June 8, 1985
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Loyola University New Orleans, 1978
Master of divinity, Weston School of Theology, 1985
Master of theology, Weston School of Theology, 1986
Master’s in education, Boston College, 1985.
Service in the archdiocese: Vocations director, Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province, 2015-present
Superior of the Leo Brown Jesuit Community, 2015-21
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Jesuit High School, Tampa, Florida, 1978-82
Pastoral assistant, Sacred Heart Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 1985-86
Director of student activities, Jesuit High School, New Orleans, 1986-88
Pastoral minister and chair of the theology department, Jesuit High, New Orleans, 1988-91
Pastoral minister and theology teacher, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School, Houston, 1992-96
Rector, theology teacher and director of faculty spiritual development, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, 1996-2003
Assistant to the novice master, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 2003-07
Provincial assistant for secondary education, former New Orleans Province, 2004-11
Minister, Immaculate Conception Parish, New Orleans, 2009-13
Assistant to the provincial, former New Orleans Province, 2011-14
About Father Michael Dooley: For more than 25 years, Father Dooley was engaged in secondary education ministry. During that time, he served in several schools as a teacher, administrator, school chaplain and coordinator of faculty spiritual development. He then moved into province administration, as the provincial assistant for secondary education, the assistant to the novice master and the socius — or assistant to the provincial — in the New Orleans Province, before becoming the director of vocations when the New Orleans Province joined the Missouri Province to form the USA Central and Southern Province. He completed his assignment as vocations director this August. Following a brief sabbatical, he will begin a ministry of retreat and spiritual direction in Grand Coteau, Louisiana.
50th Ordination
Father Vernon R. Heinsz
Birthplace: St. Charles
Entrance: Aug. 21, 1960
First profession: Aug. 22, 1962
Final profession: Nov. 5, 1980
Ordination: May 11, 1973
Education: St. Louis University High School
St. Stanislaus Seminary, Florissant
Bachelor’s in the classics, Saint Louis University, 1966
Master’s in English, Marquette University, 1970
Master’s in moral and pastoral theology, Saint Louis University, 1973
Doctor of ministry, Center for Religious Development, Boston, 1984
Service in the archdiocese: Minister of the Spiritual Exercises, Jesuit Hall Community and St. Ignatius Hall Community, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Regis Jesuit High School, Denver
Student counselor, assistant principal, acting principal, teacher, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1974-81 and 1992-95
Assistant to the master of novices, Jesuit Novitiate, Denver, 1982-87
Teacher, Regis College, Denver, 1988-89
Teacher, Regional Major Seminary, Harare, Zimbabwe, 1989-91
Professor of religious studies, Regis University, 1991-92
Director of Ignatian Spirituality, St. George’s College, Harare, Zimbabwe, 1995-2001
Retreat director, Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House, Sedalia, Colorado, 2002-04
Assistant to the director, Ignatian Spirituality Program at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Kansas City, Missouri, 2004-present
About Father Vernon R. Heinsz: I spent 10 years at St. George’s College, the Jesuit school in Harare, Zimbabwe. I came to know “Cloudy,” a young African man who worked at the college, a simple, quiet, respected man. One day, I asked him about his life. Eventually, I asked particularly: With the disastrous political and economic conditions in the country with little relief in sight, how did he and his family manage to cope and remain relatively happy? He thought for a moment, smiled, and said: “We have each other … we have God … we will be fine.” Looking back over my Jesuit life and my various missions, I can recall many of the joys and struggles of the people. And now I can hear — so often intertwined in their lives — words that gave meaning, direction, faith, hope and love to carry on in their lives. And those words are much like those simple words of human-divine experience and wisdom: “We have each other … we have God … we will be fine.” St. Ignatius said we are to find God in all things. There have been many people in my life, people who have expressed, often in very ordinary ways, God’s presence and activity with deep, living truths like, “We have each other …. we have God … we will be fine.” So, in my Jesuit life and ministry — in memory and now — I am filled with wonder, grace and gratitude, especially for people who are God’s gifts to me.
Father Glenn R. Mueller
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: Sept. 1, 1961
First profession: Sept. 2, 1963
Final profession: Dec. 3, 1977
Ordination: May 11, 1973
Education: Bachelor’s in American and European history, St. Stanislaus Seminary, Florissant, 1966
Master’s in American history, Saint Louis University, 1967
Master’s of divinity in theology, Saint Louis University, 1973
Studied philosophy at Saint Louis University, 1964-67
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher of history and religion, St. Louis University High School, 1974-77
Assistant pastor, St. Francis Xavier College Church, 1994-97
Pastoral ministry, Jesuit Hall and St. Ignatius Hall Jesuit Community, 2014-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher of Latin, history and speech, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1967-70
Pastor then associate pastor, St. Stephen’s Mission, St. Stephen’s, Wyoming, 1977-80
Associate pastor, St. Agnes Parish, Springfield, Missouri, 1980-81
Associate pastor then pastor, St. Joseph’s Parish, Pueblo, Colorado, 1981-89
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Kansas City, Missouri, 1990-94
Associate pastor, Guardian Angels Parish, Kansas City, Missouri, 1997-2012
Associate pastor, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, July 2012-December 2012
About Father Glenn R. Mueller: As I reflect over my years as a Jesuit priest, one word stands out: gratitude. I have been blessed in many ways. I thank the Lord for His call to serve people in this way. When I had the good sense to listen, the people I have had the privilege to encounter loved and patiently taught me how to be a better person and how to let the Lord work through me. Through them, I learned what the call to be a Jesuit and a priest is all about.
Father Joseph A. Murphy
Birthplace: Denver
Entrance: Aug. 21, 1960
First profession: Aug. 22, 1962
Final profession: May 19, 1998
Ordination: May 19, 1973
Education: Bachelor’s in classics, Saint Louis University, 1966
Master’s of divinity, Saint Louis University, 1974
Licentiate in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1974
Licentiate in sacred theology, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, 1976
Doctorate in sacred theology, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, 1983
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher of Latin, Greek and literature, St. Louis University High School, 1967-70
Managing editor of Theology Digest, Saint Louis University, 1971-74
Professor of theology, Saint Louis University, 1990-91
Professor of theology, Kenrick Seminary, St. Louis, 1992-93
Pastoral minister and writer, Jesuit Hall then St. Ignatius Hall, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Professor of theology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, 1980-89
Professor of theology, St. John Vianney Seminary, Pretoria, South Africa, 1994-97
Academic dean, Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio, 1998-2001
Professor of dogmatic and moral theology, Pontifical College Josephinum, 1998-2019
About Father Joseph A. Murphy: I felt especially blessed to have wonderful colleagues to work with in doing seminary formation and teaching in training priests for the Church. Earlier university teaching became excellent preparation for eventual work overseas and the exposure it provided for experience of the Church abroad. The work with and for diocesan priests was especially rewarding. With the various assignments besides teaching, I had little or no time for doing very many publications, which was often a drawback I lamented. However, I am now blessed to have time for those very accomplishments, thanks to the goodness and support of Jesuit superiors and of dear Jesuit friends who have given me constant encouragement and care over these years.
Father Gary G. Seibert
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: Aug. 21, 1960
First profession: Aug. 22, 1963
Final profession: Feb. 2, 1981
Ordination: May 11, 1973
Education: Bachelor’s in classics, Saint Louis University, 1966
Master’s in English, Marquette University, 1969
Master’s in dogmatic-systematic theology, Saint Louis University, 1973
Master’s in drama, Carnegie Mellon University, 1976
Service in the archdiocese: Associate professor of theater and communications, Saint Louis University, 2002-13
Pastoral minister, Saint Louis University Health Science Campus, 2013-14
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall, 2017-21
Ministry of prayer, St. Louis, 2017-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher of English, Latin and Greek, Marquette University High School, Milwaukee, 1967-70
Teacher of communication arts, Regis College, Denver, 1976-86
Staff member, America Media, New York City, 1986-89
Editor, Catholic Near East Welfare Association, New York City, 1989-90
Pastoral minister and speech teacher, St. Joseph Church, New York City, 1991-97
Pastoral minister and speech teacher, Holy Cross Church, New York City, 1997-2001
About Father Gary G Seibert: After a lifetime of teaching, Father Seibert is now in a ministry of prayer at St. Ignatius Hall, the Jesuit senior community in St. Louis.
60th Entrance
Father James J. Burshek
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: Sept. 1, 1963
First profession: Sept. 2, 1965
Final profession: Aug. 31, 1983
Ordination: May 3, 1975
Education: St. Louis University High School, 1963
Bachelor’s in philosophy, English and classics, Saint Louis University, 1969
Master’s of divinity, St. Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 1975
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Louis University High School, 1970-72
Director of pastoral program and teacher, St. Louis University High School, 1976-82
Socius (assistant to the provincial), Province, 1988-91
Assistant to the treasurer, Province, 2002-03
Treasurer, Province, 2003-08
Director, White House Jesuit Retreat, 2008-14
Acting superior, White House Retreat Jesuit Community, 2009-11
Teacher, St. Louis University High School, 2014-15
Superior, St. Jean de Brebeuf Jesuit Community, 2014-19
Teacher, De Smet Jesuit High School, 2015-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Director of pastoral program and teacher, Regis Jesuit High School, Denver, 1982-88
Teacher, Regis Jesuit High School, Denver, 1991-96
Interim president, Regis Jesuit High School, Denver, 1991-92
Superior and teacher, Regis Jesuit High School, Denver, 1997-2002
About Father James J. Burshek: God has done great things for me in my 60 years as a Jesuit. God has been good to me and led me to places I would never have suspected. Sometimes I was eager to follow; sometimes reticent. But God always led me to places where I could find life, love and God Himself. A friend of mine had this quote on his ordination card, which has become something of a mantra for me: “Only one thing is important, whether we are brave or cowardly: to be always there, where God would have us, and for the rest to trust Him.”
Father Ralph G. Huse
Birthplace: Wichita, Kansas
Entrance: Aug. 21, 1963
First profession: Aug. 22, 1965
Final profession: Nov. 4, 1979
Ordination: May 3, 1975
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Saint Louis University, 1969
Master’s in historical theology, Saint Louis University, 1975
Service in the archdiocese: Faculty chaplain, De Smet Jesuit and St. Louis University High Schools, 1995-2004
Rector, Bellarmine House of Studies, St. Louis, 1996-2004
Rector, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, 2005-11
Superior, retreat and spiritual director and board member, White House Jesuit Retreat House, St. Louis, 2012-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Kapaun High School, Wichita, Kansas, 1970-71
Teacher, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1971-72
Associate pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Pueblo, Colorado, 1976-78
Retreat director, Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House, Sedalia, Colorado, 1979-80
Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Pueblo, Colorado, 1980-85
Rector and director of novices, Jesuit Novitiate in Denver, 1985-94
About Father Ralph G. Huse: After a long period of formation work with our young men and a term as leader of the Saint Louis University community, I have been blessed for the last 10 years to serve at White House Retreat. When I prepared my first retreat, I was struck at how the Lord has used my various experiences in ministry over the years. He has gifted me with His love and mercy and continues to call me to a deepening relationship. In my retreats I share a combination of the Spiritual Exercises and the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardship as the pathway to peace; taking as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it, trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen.
Father John (JJ) Mueller
Birth name: John J. Mueller
Birthplace: Denver
Entrance: Aug. 21, 1963
First profession: Aug. 22, 1965
Final profession: May 1, 1984
Ordination: May 3, 1975
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy and letters, Saint Louis University, 1969
Master’s in historical theology, Saint Louis University, 1970
Doctorate in systematic and historical theology, Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, 1979
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher of English and religion, De Smet Jesuit High School, 1970-73
Teacher of theology, Saint Louis University, 1984-89
Professor of theology, Saint Louis University, 1990-95 and 1996-2013
Chair of Theology Department, Saint Louis University, 1997
Ministry of prayer, Fusz Pavilion and St. Ignatius Hall Jesuit Communities, 2013-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher of theology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, 1979-84
Teacher of theology, St. Joseph’s Scholasticate in Cedara, South Africa, 1989-90
Professor of theology, Gonzaga University, 1995-96
About Father John (JJ) Mueller: A long-time theology professor at Saint Louis University, Father Mueller began to foster his photography skills late in his tenure, focusing particularly on God’s creation on display at the Missouri Botanical Garden and on stained glass windows in the churches and chapels in the St. Louis Archdiocese. He donated his collection of digital photographs to Saint Louis University. He now prays for the Church and Society of Jesus at the Jesuit senior community in Florissant.
Father Paul G. Sheridan
Birthplace: Pasadena, California
Entrance: July, 1963
First profession: July 31, 1965
Final profession: May 11, 1985
Ordination: June 14, 1975
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy and letters, Fordham University, 1969
Master’s, Saint Louis University, 1971
Master’s of divinity, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, 1975
Service in the archdiocese: President and CEO, Jesuit Program for Living and Learning, later renamed Boys Hope and then Boys Hope/Girls Hope, St. Louis, 1976-96
President, St. Louis University High School, 1997-2005
Assistant to president for mission, 2016-19
Development officer, teacher, Sodality director and assistant to development office, 2019-20
Pastoral ministry, Boys Hope/Girls Hope and Jesuit Hall and St. Ignatius Hall Jesuit Communities, 2021-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Social ministry, Fr. Flanagan’s Boys Home, Omaha, Nebraska, 1975-76
President, Bellarmine College Preparatory School, San Jose, California, 2006-15
President, Regis Jesuit High School, Denver, 2015
About Father Paul G. Sheridan: After a year at the famed Fr. Flanagan’s Home for Boys in Omaha, Nebraska, Father Sheridan moved to St. Louis and established the Jesuit Program for Living and Learning, based on the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Renamed Boys Hope in 1984 and then Boys Hope/Girls Hope in 1992, the organization provides mentoring and caring support for young people so they can achieve their potential. Father Sheridan led the organization as it grew and expanded across the country. He now serves the organization in a pastoral capacity.
60th Ordination
Father A. James Blumeyer
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: Aug. 8, 1950
First profession: Aug. 15, 1952
Final profession: Sept. 10, 1978
Ordination: June 11, 1963
Education: St. Louis University High School, 1949
Bachelor’s in philosophy and classics, Saint Louis University, 1957
Master’s in education and philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1958
Bachelor’s in sacred theology, Saint Louis University, 1965
Doctorate in education, Saint Louis University, 1968
Service in the archdiocese: Provincial assistant for formation, Province, 1980-85
Rector, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, 1992-98
Assistant to the president for university mission and ministry, Saint Louis University, 1993-95
Vice president for university mission and ministry, Saint Louis University, 1995-2001
Retreat and spiritual director, White House Jesuit Retreat, 2015-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Pastoral minister, St. Stephen’s Mission, St. Stephen’s, Wyoming, 1954-55
Teacher, Regis Jesuit High School, Denver, 1958-60
Campus ministry director, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1967-71
Assistant dean, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1971-73
Dean, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1973-78
Vice president, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1978-80
Rector, coordinator of mission and ministry, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1986-91
Director, Ignatian Spirituality Center, Kansas City, Missouri, 2001-06
Assistant director, Ignatian Spirituality Center, Kansas City, Missouri, 2006-15
About Father A. James Blumeyer: I assist part-time at the White House Retreat Center. Every week, retreatants take me into the mystery of how God is or has been a part of their lives. Moreover, many of the retreatants often do not appreciate how the Lord has been with them, calling them, leading them to a more intimate relationship. Many also do not appreciate the role they have played and are fulfilling in helping the important people in their lives live and pursue the lifestyle of the Beatitudes. For me, it is an enriching experience and a great privilege to be able to assist them in seeing and appreciating how the Lord has been working with and through them. The flip side of this is that assisting someone to see the workings of God in the challenges and blessings of their lives often opens me up to what the Lord has done and is now doing for me. I’m able to assist some people because of my own experiences, challenges and failures. In sharing my experiences with them, and vice versa, the retreatants provide me with similar assistance and appreciation of the workings of the Holy Spirit in my life as a priest.
Father L. Gene Martens
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: Aug. 17, 1950
First profession: Aug. 22, 1952
Final profession: Feb. 2, 1970
Ordination: June 11, 1963
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy and letters, Saint Louis University, 1956
Licentiate in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1957
Master’s in Latin, Saint Louis University, 1960
Licentiate in sacred theology from St. Mary’s College/Saint Louis University, 1964
Certificate in higher religious education, University of Strasbourg, France, 1966
Service in the archdiocese: Assistant to the rector, Fusz Pavilion Jesuit Community, St. Louis, 1984-87
Associate director of development, former Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus, St. Louis, 1990-2011
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall and then St. Ignatius Hall Jesuit Communities, 2011-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1957-60
Teacher, Rockhurst High School, 1966-76
Spiritual minister to bishop and clergy, Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, 1977-84
Pastor, Holy Trinity Parish, Marshfield, Missouri, 1983-84
Pastor, Mount Carmel Rectory, Pueblo, Colorado, 1987-90
About Father L. Gene Martens: I’ve recently realized what a most sacred and intimate relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit the priest has when he celebrates Mass. As we pray in Eucharistic Prayers II, III and IV, it seems to be the power of the Holy Spirit which brings about the change of the bread and wine on the altar into the Body and Blood of Jesus. However, it is the words of consecration spoken by the priest at the altar which, so to speak, cause this action of the Holy Spirit to take place. How sacred and intimate, then, is the union which takes place between the priest and the Holy Spirit, as well as with Jesus, every time a priest celebrates Mass! Among other blessings of my 60 years as a priest, I have formed so many friendships over the years with so many people in so many different places, because of the various ministries to which I have been called during my priestly life. Yes, indeed, I have received the “hundredfold” that Jesus promised to those who follow Him in this way.
Father Richard J. Vogt
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: Aug. 8, 1950
First profession: Aug. 15, 1952
Final profession: May 1, 1982
Ordination: Oct. 26, 1963
Education: Bachelor’s, Saint Louis University, 1956
Licentiate in Spanish, Saint Louis University, 1959
Master’s in Spanish and philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1960
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher of Spanish, St. Louis University High School, 1966-75
Teacher of Spanish, De Smet Jesuit High School, 1976-83
Associate pastor, St. Francis Xavier College Church, 1998-2001
Associate pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 2001-09
Pastoral minister, Casa de Salud, 2010-12
Pastoral minister at Jesuit Hall and St. Ignatius Hall Communities, 2012-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher of Spanish and English, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1957-59
Teacher of Latin, Spanish and religion, Regis Jesuit High School, Denver, 1965-66
Associate pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Kansas City, Missouri, 1984-85
Hispanic Apostolate director, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1985-90
Hispanic minister, Diocese of Gary, Indiana, 1990-92
Associate pastor, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Chicago, 1992-98
Staff member, Institute of Jesuit Sources, Boston, 2013-14
About Father Richard J. Vogt: Father Vogt is a St. Louis native, a graduate of St. Louis University High School, St. Stanislaus Seminary and Saint Louis University. Most of his apostolic ministry has been with Hispanic peoples and immigrants. He now serves in pastoral ministry in the Jesuit senior community in Florissant.
70th Entrance
Father Michael H. Durso
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: Aug. 8, 1953
First profession: Aug. 15, 1955
Final profession: Nov. 6, 1971
Ordination: June 8, 1966
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy and letters, Saint Louis University, 1959
Master’s in education, Saint Louis University, 1960
Licentiate in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1960
Licentiate in sacred theology, Saint Louis University, 1968
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Louis University High School, 1960-63
Principal, St. Louis University High School, 1971-74
Teacher, De Smet Jesuit High School, 1974-76 and 1993-2017
Assistant academic principal, De Smet Jesuit High School, 1976-81
Superior of De Smet High Jesuit Community, St. Louis, 1998-2004
Pastoral minister at the former Jesuit Hall Community and present St. Ignatius Hall Community, 2017-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Assistant prefect of studies and teacher, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1968-71
Assistant academic principal and college counselor, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1982-93
About Father Michael H. Durso: Father Durso taught English to thousands of young men at De Smet Jesuit High School, St. Louis University High School and Rockhurst High School. His gruff exterior belied a desire to help each student succeed. A native St. Louisan, he now serves in pastoral ministry at the senior Jesuit community in Florissant.
Father Bert Otten
Birth name: Lammert B. Otten
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: Aug. 8, 1953
First profession: 1955
Final profession: Aug. 15, 1970
Ordination: Aug. 15, 1965
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy and letters, Saint Louis University, 1959
Licentiate in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1959
Bachelor’s in electrical engineering, Saint Louis University, 1960
Master’s in electrical engineering, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C, 1963
Licentiate in sacred theology, Saint Louis University, 1967
Doctorate, electrical engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1973
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher of electrical engineering and university chaplain, Saint Louis University, 1967-70
Floor superior and rector, Fusz Pavilion, 1977-83.
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher of physics and mathematics, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, 1959-60
Professor of electrical engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1970-73
Technical assistant, Vatican Observatory in Rome, 1973-75
Teacher of electrical engineering, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1975-77
Professor of electrical engineering, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington, 1983-90, 1991-94, 1996-2001, 2002-05
Member of a research group at the Vatican Observatory in Tucson, Arizona
Technology consultant, Kasisi Agricultural Training Center in Zambia, 1994-96
Appropriate learning consultant, Diocese of Monze, Zambia, 2005-present
About Father Bert Otten: Three ingredients running through my life were planted within me before entering the Society of Jesus. One was a Catholic spirituality from family, St. Engelbert Parish and Jesuit spirituality from my high school and university experiences. Another was a fascination with the way natural things worked. There was my basement lab with crystal sets, carbide cannons, etc., and my love of the outdoors and hiking, fishing and spelunking. The third was working with underprivileged children in Community Chest-aided summer camps. Entering the Society of Jesus with an idea of “going to the missions” brought new and varied friends from different parts of the country and world, new opportunities for learning about God’s amazing and puzzling creation, opportunities to share knowledge, opportunities to help people experience a fuller life and much more. Most of my apostolic life has been in education. It is wonderful to see the expression on a person’s face when they come to understand a principle of physics or engineering, get a circuit or device to finally work or design/create something new. Another source of joy has been presiding when a believing community comes together to celebrate the Eucharist for some special event. There is also the privileged experience of being present during a retreat or the sacrament of reconciliation to see a person come to terms with himself, with others, and with God.
75th Entrance
Father John L. McCarthy
Birthplace: Sioux City, Iowa
Entrance: Aug. 8, 1948
First profession: Aug. 15, 1950
Final profession: Aug. 15, 1967
Ordination: June 12, 1962
Education: St. Stanislaus Seminary, Florissant
Bachelor’s in philosophy/humanities, Saint Louis University, 1952
Master’s in English and philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1958 and 1959
Bachelor’s in sacred theology, Saint Louis University, 1964
Licentiate of canon law, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, 1966
Service in the archdiocese: Associate editor, Institute for Jesuit Sources, assistant editor of Studies in the Spirituality of Jesuits and compiler of the Ordo, St. Louis, 1988-2017
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall and St. Ignatius Hall, 2017-present
Service outside the archdiocese: High school teacher in Wisconsin, 1955-58
Teacher, Creighton College Preparatory School, Omaha, Nebraska, 1958-59
Teacher of theology, Creighton University, Omaha, 1966-67
Regional secretary for the American assistancy, Jesuit Curia, Rome, 1967-70
Minister, Creighton University, 1970-84
Assistant director, Jesuit Seminary Guild, Milwaukee, 1984-85
Secretary, delegation for the international houses, Jesuit Curia, 1985-88
About Father John L. McCarthy: Many years ago, when I was first received into the Society of Jesus at Florissant, I surely had some vague expectations of what the future might hold for me. How different the Lord’s plans proved to be from what I had anticipated! Most of my apostolates were carried on inside the houses of the Society on behalf of other Jesuits. I was privileged to play a minor role in Father General’s Curia in Rome, where I had the opportunity to meet and observe Jesuit leaders from all around the world. What an opportunity that was, to learn of the flourishing apostolates that Jesuits were carrying on everywhere. At our Jesuit universities, I was greatly edified by the diligent scholarship evident in the classrooms and the zeal to serve the spiritual needs of the students and faculty. To have contributed to the apostolates of these Jesuits even in a minor capacity was a source of much spiritual benefit to me. No, life has not unfolded exactly as I had anticipated, but God has chosen the better paths for me. I am most grateful that His designs for me have been so merciful.
80th Entrance
Father Leo F. Weber
Birthplace: Denver
Entrance: Aug. 8, 1943
First profession: Aug. 15, 1945
Final profession: Nov. 6, 1971
Ordination: June 18, 1956
Education: St. Stanislaus Seminary
Bachelor’s in Latin, philosophy and Greek, Saint Louis University, 1948
Licentiate in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1950
Licentiate in sacred theology, St. Mary’s College, St. Marys, Kansas, 1958
Studies in law at Saint Louis University and in education at London University, London
Service in the archdiocese: Provincial assistant for international apostolates and province planning, former Missouri Province, St. Louis, 1971-73
Provincial assistant for formation, former Missouri Province, St. Louis, 1972-73
Provincial, former Missouri Province, St. Louis, 1973-79
Coordinator for retirement and convalescent care, 1980-81
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall and St. Ignatius Hall communities, 2017-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. John’s College, Belize City, Belize, 1950-53
President, St. John’s College, Belize City, Belize, 1963-71 and 1984-90
Director of extension program, St. John’s College, Belize City, Belize, 1990-94
Assistant director of elementary schools, Catholic Presbytery, Belize City, Belize
Rector and superior of Belize Mission, 1963-71
Rector, Regis Jesuit High School Jesuit Community, 1981-84
Associate pastor then pastor, St. Peter Claver Parish, Punta Gorda, Belize, 1994-99 and 1999-2002
Assistant to the president, Regis Jesuit High School, 2002-05
Chaplain, Arrupe Jesuit High School, Denver, 2005-17
About Father Leo F Weber: At 97, Father Weber is the senior member of the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province. A skilled administrator, he served in leadership roles, including as president of St. John’s College in Belize City, Belize, provincial of the former Missouri Province and as a pastor in Punta Gorda, Belize. He is currently assigned to pray for the Church and the Society of Jesus in Florissant.