As we complete the first month of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, we are excited to share with you some updates and photos from happenings across our Augustinian community. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support and prayers as we continue to grow together in faith.

The Midwest Augustinians

Fr. Jack Tierney, Br. David Relstab, Br. David Marshall, and Fr. Tom McCarthy

On January 1-5, the Vocation Office attended the Focus SEEK 2025 Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. There were over 17,000 college students in attendance. Br. David Marshall, Br. David Relstab, Fr. Tom McCarthy (Vocation Director), and Fr. Jack Tierney (Assistant Vocation Director) attended. They passed out stickers, wristbands, and booklets on Augustine’s conversion story. They promoted the Augustinian charism and spirituality and collected information from young men interested in discerning our way of life. They also watched the St. Rita Novena in Chicago during dinner! (picture attached)

Please continue to pray for vocations, foster relationships with discerners, and refer candidates to the Vocation Office! Click link below for an Instagram interview with Fr. Jack! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEYX71_xdEO/

The Friars met Catholic youth from across the country at the conference.

Participating virtually in the St. Rita Novena in Chicago.

On Saturday, January 4, St. Rita Parish hosted a procession of the Blessed Sacrament from St. Clare of Montefalco Church to St. Rita Church. This was to celebrate and inaugurate the Jubilee Year of 2025, for which the Archdiocese of Chicago has designated St. Rita Church as a pilgrimage site. After the procession arrived at St. Rita Church, there was adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions.

From Dec. 18 through the end of January, Fr. Chris Steinle visited the mission parish of San Pedro in the Apurimac region of Peru. He assisted the Missionary Sisters of Jesus Word and Victim (Missionarias de Jesus Verbo y Victima), who serve the parish of San Pedro de Haquira. Fr. Steinle has been assisting the Sisters there annually for over 20 years. 

Fr. Chris Steinle celebrating Mass in the town of Humuyto, Apurimac, Peru. 

Sr. Hildalita, MJVV offering a reflection at Mass in Humuyto, Apurimac, Peru.

Fr. Steinle and Bishop Edinson sponsored a toy distribution. There were also parties for the children with hot chocolate and sweetened bread. 

Fr. Joel Okojie Appointed Spiritual Director for Catholic Charismatic Renewal Council, Toronto

On January 1, Fr. Joel Okojie, Prior of Marylake Monastery and Director of Our Lady of Grace Shrine in King City, Ontario, was appointed by Cardinal Frank Leo as the Spiritual Director for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Council of the Archdiocese of Toronto. He brings many wonderful gifts to this new role and will do a great job, just as he does as Shrine Director. 

Congratulations, Fr. Joel!

Cascia Hall Students Visit Rome

This month, a group of students from Cascia Hall visited Italy. (Picture courtesy of Sarah Kennedy, faculty member of Cascia Hall.)

The group was able to walk through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome for the 2025 Jubilee and visited St. Mark's Square in Venice (pictured), along with other historic locations.

The trip was part of Cascia Hall's Minimester Study Abroad program.

Augustinian Education Mission Appointments

Mr. Shawn Gammill (left) and Mr. Todd Goldsmith (right).

Mr. Shawn Gammill (left), Upper School Principal at Cascia Hall, will be the Superintendent of Schools - Director of Augustinian Mission across our Province's high schools. In this new role, Mr. Gammill will promote, cultivate, and implement ways that our schools can integrate our values, charism, and spirituality. Mr. Gammill replaces Fr. Richard Young, O.S.A., of Providence Catholic (New Lenox, IL) in this role.

Mr. Todd Goldsmith (right), Middle School Principal of Cascia Hall, was appointed as Chairperson of the Augustinian Secondary Education Association (ASEA). Mr. Goldsmith will help the Augustinian high schools of the US and Canada to collaborate, share resources, and promote the Augustinian values and charism in our schools. He replaces Mr. Ronald Algeo of Malvern Preparatory School (Malvern, PA) in this role.

On January 10th, Fr. John Tyma celebrated his 93rd birthday in Peru! He’s the oldest member of the Province!

On January 25th, Bishop Daniel Turley celebrated his 82nd birthday! He celebrated with the St. Rita, St. Clare and Crown Point communities.

If you have pictures of any celebrations or events involving the Augustinians and/or the places they serve, please send them to secretary@midwestaugustinians.org.