Provincial Council

"The Counselors have the duty of assisting the Prior Provincial in the governance of the Province by their prudent advice and energetic work.  Together with the Prior Provincial they constitute the Council of the Province."
- The Constitutions of the Augustinian Order

Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A., Prior Provincial

Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel
5401 S. Cornell Ave.
Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: 773-595-4033
Fax: 773-595-4004
provincial@midwestaugustinians.org

Rev. John D. Merkelis, O.S.A., Counselor

Father "Merk" currently serves as the Province Personnel Director and is assigned to the Augustinian community at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, Illinois.  He also serves as the Victim Abuse Coordinator for the Province.  Father Merk is a graduate of St. Augustine Seminary High School in Holland, Michigan.

Providence Catholic High School
1800 W. Lincoln Hwy.
New Lenox, IL 60451-1693
home: 815-485-6880  ext. 17
office: 815-717-3172
cell: 708-829-3423
jmerkelis@providencecatholic.org

Rev. Richie P. Mercado, O.S.A., Province Secretary

Father Richie was ordained to the priesthood at St. Rita Parish in 2016. He served as Chaplain and Director of Augustinian Mission at St. Rita High School following his ordination. He became the Midwest Province's Director of Vocations in 2017 and is a member of the International Commission on Vocations for the Augustinian Order. He will continue to serve as Director of Vocations while serving as Province Secretary.

St. Rita of Cascia Monastery
7740 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60620
Email: secretary@midwestaugustinians.org