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Augustinian Achievers Several Augustinians of the Midwest have recently received recognition or made significant accomplishments.           Martin S. Laird, O.S.A. featured in T.V. broadcast           Bishop Daniel Turley, O.S.A. awarded Peace Prize           Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. receives Neighborhood Leadership Award           » Read about these Augustinian Achievers

Read The Midwest Augustinian See more news in the Fall 2011 issue of The Midwest Augustinian magazine. (.pdf file - Adobe Reader required - Opens new window)

North American Augustinians Expected to Approve Federation

Augustinian leaders from across the United States and Canada are expected to give formal approval during their February 7 - 9 meeting to the formation of a new Federation of the four English-speaking North American Provinces.

Friars hope that the Federation will facilitate increased collaboration to make the Augustinian mission more effective and more efficient, and to enhance Augustinian life in North America for the 21st century.

At the North American Augustinian Convocation of June, 2009, more than 200 friars endorsed the formation of an Augustinian Federation in order to further the Augustinian mission in North America. The Chapters of the four Provinces, meeting in 2010 or 2011, approved entering into Federation.

The Federation is expected to focus on

• Vocations

• Formation (Novitiate and Theologate)

• Missions (Foreign and Domestic)

• Communications

• Development for Common Ministries

• Peace and Justice

• New Initiatives in Ministries

If approved in February, Augustinian Prior General (world leader) Robert F. Prevost, O.S.A. will be asked to officially form the Federation.

Hear Augustinian Provincial’s Radio Interview

Augustinian Provincial Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A.

Listen to Provincial Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A.’s December 9, 2011 radio interview. The leader of the Augustinians of the Midwest discussed the current status and future challenges of the Province in a live 30-minute interview on the Archdiocese of Chicago’s “Catholic Community of Faith” program simulcast over radio stations WNTD, A.M. 950 in Chicago, and WAUR, A.M. 930 in Aurora. Father Scianna highlights the innovative Augustinian Covenant of Senior Care, developed with the assistance of the National Religious Retirement Office. He also describes actions being taken to keep the Augustinian charism alive and to advance the Augustinian mission in the 21st Century. The Augustinians are featured during the first 30 minutes of the one-hour program. The final half of the program centers on the Sisters of the Living Word. If you were not able to tune in to the original broadcast -- or if you want to listen again -- you can hear it now on your computer.      » Hear the Augustinian Provincial’s radio interview              (.mp3 file -- 54.9 MB -- Used with permission) NOTE: This hour-long interview program is a rather large (54.9 megabytes) computer file in MP3 format. Because the file is large, it could take up to three minutes (or more) to download, even with a fast Internet connection. Please be patient and let the interview load.

Two Profess First Vows as Augustinian Friars

Two men are the newest Augustinian Friars, following their profession of first vows. Richard A. Young and Stephen M. Isley, having completed their year-long study of Augustinian spirituality, the Sacred Scriptures, prayer, the vows, the Rule of St. Augustine and the Constitutions of the Augustinian Order at the Augustinian North American Novitiate, Racine, Wisconsin, consecrated themselves to God August 6, 2011 through temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. By their vow of poverty, they promised to share their goods and money with the community, rather than seeking personal wealth through the accumulation of material things. (--See Acts 4:32) By their vow of chastity, they promised to forego a relationship of exclusive love for any one person in order to give expression to a love that is both universal and everlasting, and a witness to that remarkable union between Christ and his Church which will be fully manifested in the world to come. (--See Eph. 5: 23-32) Chastity will help their hearts to become capable of a profound love of God, while setting them free to be available to others in service to Christ and the Church. (--See 1 Cor 7: 32) By their vow of obedience, they dedicated their wills to God in imitation of Christ, who became obedient even unto death. (--See Phil 2: 8) Obedience, grounded in faith, is an expression of love toward God and toward the community. Richard's and Stephen's vows are renewable after one year. They will continue in temporary vows, renewed annually, for three to six years. After this time, they will be able to make their final life-long commitment through profession of solemn vows. Richard A. Young is a Chicago native and a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago. He previously served as Associate Pastor of St. Ita Parish, Chicago. He also was an Adjunct Faculty member at DePaul University, Chicago, where he taught in the Religious Studies Department. He earned an M. Div. summa cum laude from St. Thomas Theological Seminary, Denver. Richard will continue his Augustinian formation while serving as Campus Minister at St. Rita of Cascia High School, Chicago, during the 2011-12 school year. Stephen M. Isley is from Wichita, Kansas. He is a 2009 graduate of the University of Tulsa (Oklahoma), where he earned a B. A. in Philosophy and Religion. He was active in his home parish, serving as lector, Eucharistic minister, and religious education teacher, and volunteering to help at Teens Encounter Christ and Confirmation retreats. Stephen will continue his Augustinian formation at St. Augustine Friary, Chicago, while doing graduate studies in Theology at nearby Catholic Theological Union. Three more men began their Novitiate year August 10, 2011 in Racine, Wisconsin. Richie Mercado (Midwest Province), Nick Porter (West Coast Province) and Anthony Veiga (Eastern Province) will spend the year experiencing and learning about Augustinian community life and the vows. Men interested in exploring the Augustinian way of life are invited to contact the Augustinian Vocations Director.

Stephen M. Isley (left) and Richard A. Young prepare to make their profession of first vows in the Augustinian Order August 6, 2011. Nick Porter (West Coast Province) (from left), Anthony Veiga (Eastern Province) and Richie Mercado (Midwest Province) begin their year of study of Augustinian spirituality, prayer, vows, the Rule of St. Augustine and the Constitutions of the Augustinian Order. The three men were received into the Augustinian Novitiate, Racine, Wisconsin, August 10, 2011.

Augustinians Featured in 2011 RFR Campaign Posters

Retirement Fund for Religious poster for 2011 includes photos of Ronald Turcich, O.S.A. as he looked in 1958 (top left) and as he looks today (right). In recognition of the innovative Covenant of Senior Care developed with assistance from the National Religious Retirement Office. Augustinians of the Midwest are featured in the the poster and other materials promoting the December 2011 R.F.R. appeal.

Augustinians of the Midwest are featured prominently in the in the posters and other promotional materials for the 2011 Retirement Fund for Religious Campaign. They and their Covenent of Senior Care are also the topic of the lead story in the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of Retirement Fund for Religious News, and are featured in the 2011 Annual Report of the Retirement Fund for Religious. The National Religious Retirement Office decided to feature Augustinian friars in recognition of the innovative Covenant of Senior Care developed with N.R.R.O./R.F.R. assistance and formally adopted at the 2010 Province Chapter. The Covenant seeks to provide quality care for elderly friars in need of skilled nursing care or assisted living care while preserving essential elements of community life, which is central to the Augustinian charism. N.R.R.O. coordinates the annual December R.F.R. appeal, distributes funds to help religious institutes meet current and future retirement needs, and facilitates comprehensive retirement planning to help religious institutes evaluate and prepare for long-term needs.      » Read about the Augustinians in R.F.R.’s Annual Report              (.pdf file - Adobe Reader required - Opens new window)      » Read about the Covenant of Care in R.F.R. News              (.pdf file - Adobe Reader required - Opens new window)      »  Provincial discusses Senior Friars in radio interview              (.mp3 file -- 54.9 MB -- Used with permission) (Opens new window)

Michael Gerrity is New Province Advancement Director

Michael Gerrity has joined the Augustinians of the Midwest to serve as Director of Advancement.

He comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in advancement. During the past 27 years he has worked in advancement for religious orders, dioceses, secondary schools, hospitals, a university, and overseas missions. Michael also brings more than four years of post-graduate work in law, economics, marketing, and business management to the position.

He has authored a few articles on best practices and enhancing performance in fundraising and has trained more than 1000 volunteers including clergy, business leaders and staff. He has made thousands of personal visits to cultivate relationships and solicit donors for gifts ranging from $1000 to $10 million.

He feels that this move was providential -- and says his wife and five children agree. Michael is confident that working harmoniously and collaboratively with the Augustinians and their extensive family of supporters can dramatically increase the fundraising so essential to the fulfillment of the Augustinian mission -- especially in priority areas such as care of retired Augustinians, vocations, and seminary support.

John Barrett has retired as Director of Development, a post he held during the past 11 years, But John and his wife, Diane, are graciously helping to facilitate the transition to a new Director of Advancement.

          » Contact Director of Advancement Michael Gerrity

Friars Gather for June Retreat

Augustinians of the Midwest came together for their June 13 - 17 community retreat. The retreat took place at University of St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center, Mundelein, Illinois.

During the retreat, friars paused from their busy ministry schedules in order to devote more time to prayer and spiritual growth. In addition, the retreat provided an opportunity for fraternal fellowship.

Rev. Richard Fragomeni, Associate Professor of Liturgy and Homiletics and Chairperson of the Department of Word and Worship at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, provided one conference each day. Friars celebrated Eucharist, prayed the Liturgy of the Hours, and took part in quiet contemplative prayer together each day.

Friars celebrating major anniversaries of profession of vows were honored during Evening Prayer June 14. Friars marking major anniversaries of ordination as priests were recognized during Evening Prayer June 16. A moving ceremony June 15 remembered the friars who had died since the previous Province Retreat.

Ample time was available for private prayer, reading or quiet walks around the spacious U.S.M.L. grounds.

An annual five-day retreat is an integral part of Augustinian life.

Province Offices Relocate

After 52 years at Tolentine Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois, the offices of the Augustinians of the Midwest (Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel) moved to a new location December 20, 2010.

The new mailing address for the Province Offices, including Augustinian Guild and Augustinian Missions, is
     Midwest Augustinian Province Offices
     5401 S. Cornell Ave.
     Chicago, IL 60615-5664

The main telephone number is 773-595-4000.

The FAX number is 773-595-4004.

To gain entry, visitors may press “020” on the intercom in the vestibule.

The Tolentine facility served the Province well as a seminary, a retreat house, an adult education and Catholic Christian resource center, a home for the elderly, and an assisted living facility for Augustinian friars needing extra support and care in their daily living.

After the relocation in mid-2010 of the assisted living program to Bl. Stephen Bellesini Friary at Franciscan Village, Lemont, Illinois, the Tolentine facility was much larger than what the Province needed. Good stewardship made a move to a smaller facility imperative. The new location provides adequate space at a greatly reduced cost.

The new Province Offices are located on the third floor of the original Catholic Theological Union building. The Augustinians of the Midwest are corporate members of C. T. U., the largest graduate school of theology in the United States. Augustinian seminarians reside next door at St. Augustine Friary and study at C. T. U. Several other Catholic groups also have offices in the C. T. U. building.

The Augustinian Vocations Office is still at 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60620-5867, Telephone 773-776-3044. Contact the Augustinian Vocations Director. All other Province offices are at the Cornell Ave. location.

16 Experience Vocational Discernment Retreat Week-end

Participants in a 2009 Augustinian Vocational Discernment Retreat

Eleven men from the central United States joined five men from the East for a vocational discernment retreat February 4-6, 2011 at St. Rita Cottage, Ocean City, New Jersey. The week-end program consisted of presentations on St. Augustine, religious life, the Rule of St. Augustine, and the process of becoming an Augustinian. Discussion followed each presentation. Daily Mass, community prayer, meals, and free time were also included. Midwest Vocations Director Thomas McCarthy, O.S.A. said that the group’s excellent discussions and interaction made this one of the best discernment retreats he had experienced. Only days after the retreat, four of the 11 retreatants from the Midwest had already decided to apply for admission to formation in the Augustinian Order. Another discernment retreat is planned for the future. Men interested in exploring the Augustinian way of life are invited to contact the Augustinian Vocations Director.

Institute Examines Augustinian Values in Education

Teachers and administrators from 12 Catholic High Schools associated with the Augustinians became more aware of the Augustinian underpinnings of their mission at the latest session of the Augustinian Values Institute, held April 8-10, 2011 at Providence Catholic High School, New Lenox, Illinois.

Participants came from Augustinian Schools in six countries (U. S., Canada, Australia, England, Ireland and Malta) took part.

Institute participants explored the implications of Augustinian educational values and considered ways in which these values can be applied more effectively in their schools.

Based on the core values of Truth, Unity and Love, workshop sessions examined topics such as

• Augustine: His experience and teaching as inspiration for Christian life and expression of Gospel values

• Truth: The search for truth, love for learning, interiority, the Inner Teacher, Grace

• Community: Unity - one mind, one heart on the way to God

• Love: Compassion, care, love and service

• Institutional Identity and Expression of the Core Values

• Values to Vision to Mission: Next Steps

Augustinian Values Institute Adapted for Student Leaders

Student leaders in Augustinian schools took part in the Student Augustinian Values Institute, held April 14-17, 2011 at St. Augustine Prep School, Richland, New Jersey.

The 60 students, accompanied by adults from all eight Augustinian schools in the U.S. and Canada, were enthusiastic. The ptogram adapted the structures of the Augustinian Values Institute for adult lay leaders of Augustinian schools in order to help student leader to become more aware of the core values underlying Augustinian education.

With the goal of involving a wider spectrum of students, S.A.V.I. in 2010 replaced the former annual “Augustinian Shoot-out” basketball program that brought the schools’ basketball teams together for games and fellowship.

The Augustinian Tradition of Education seeks to educate the whole person (body, mind and spirit), to encourage and develop an ongoing pursuit of the truth, which leads to God, who is ultimate Truth.

Province Receives Accreditation for Protection of Young

The Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Augustinians of the Midwest) has been accredited by Praesidium, Inc. for its policies and practices for the protection of young people.

The Province participates in a program designed by Praesidium called Instruments of Hope and Healing. This program has led the Province through the many steps required for accreditation.

During this process, Praesidium looked at three major areas:

• Prevention of misconduct,

• Response to allegations of misconduct and

• Supervision of any member of the Province who may need it.

The Province was found to be in full compliance with Praesidium's standards.

Praesidium praised the Province leadership team, and Personnel Director Jerome Knies, O.S.A. in particular, for their work and dedication meeting the accreditation standards.

        » Learn more about Augustinian efforts to maintain ethical ministry

        » Read Praesidium's official notification of accreditation (.pdf file -- Adobe Reader required)

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Augustinians Receive Accolades for Ministry

Several communications have been sent recently to the Augustinian Provincialate praising Augustinian Friars for the ways in which they share their gifts in ministry.
          Homily at mission appeal inspires teen
          Discover the effect of elderly friars’ prayers
          Friars at St. Peter - example of the love of Jesus in action for his people

       » Read comments about Augustinians in ministry

Bernard Scianna, O.S.A. Leads Augustinians of the Midwest

Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Prior Provincial (regional leader) of the Augustinians of the Midwest, was confirmed in office by Prior General (world leader) Robert F. Prevost, O.S.A. during the 2010 Ordinary Province Chapter, held June 7-11, 2010. As Prior Provincial, Father Scianna is responsible for preserving the unity of the Province, safeguarding the religious observances of the friars, appointing friars to various positions of service, promoting apostolic undertakings and providing for the general well-being of the Province. He is advised and assisted by a leadership team and a four-member Province Council. (cf. Constitutions of the Order of St. Augustine) Father Scianna is serving a four-year term as Provincial. He will be eligible for reelection to a second four-year term in 2014. He may not be elected to a third consecutive term.         » Learn more about the Augustinian Provincial

Prior Provincial Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A.

Prior General is from Midwest Augustinian Province

The Prior General (worldwide leader) of the Augustinian Order, re-elected to a second six-year term at the General Chapter held in Rome September 3 - 23, 2007, is a member of the Augustinians of the Midwest. He is Fr. Robert F. Prevost, O.S.A., a native of Chicago, Illinois.

In addition to the Prior General, International Augustinian leaders are:

• Vicar General: Michael DiGregorio, O.S.A., of the Province of Villanova (U.S.A.)

• Assistants General:

  • Alejandro Moral, O.S.A., of the Province of Spain

  • Franz Klein, O.S.A., of the Province of Germany

  • Luciano De Michieli, O.S.A., of the Province of Italy

  • Miguel Angel Keller, O.S.A., of the Vicariate of Panama, Province of Madrid

  • Michael DiGregorio, O.S.A., of the Province of Villanova (U.S.A.)

  • Rommel Par, O.S.A., of the Province of Cebu (Philippines)

• Secretary General: Miguel Angel Martín Juárez, O.S.A., of the Province of Spain

• Econome General: Martin Micallef, O.S.A., of the Province of Malta

• Procurator General: Alejandro Moral, O.S.A., of the Province of Spain

Most Recent Deaths

    » Charles J. Bodden, O.S.A., died December 16, 2011

    » John A. van der Beek, O.S.A., died April 12, 2011

    » Walter F. McNicholas, O.S.A., died March 9, 2011

Earlier Deaths

    » Read about those Augustinian friars who entered eternal life at an earlier time