QUOVADIS02-08 - Congregation of the Resurrection, Priests ...

SECOND HOUSE OF FORMATION
4302 WEST PINE BLVD
After considering the animated discussion that ensued at our
provincial chapter last summer, the provincial council decided to
approach our General Curia in Rome for permission to purchase
another house for residence for more men in formation on the
corner of Pine Blvd and Boyle. Our current building at 4252 W.
Pine Blvd is inadequate to house more than six individuals. A
conservative estimate is that we will need to house perhaps eight
to nine men in post-novitiate formation and two of our brothers,
Gary Hogan and Steve Gira, totaling ten to eleven men in the
next few years. There were plans to construct a new facility and
a double lot was purchased for $500,000 in May of 2006. The
construction of a new facility would have taken perhaps two
years to successfully achieve. After considering the costs of demolishing
and building a new facility and balancing this with
the tenuous financial status of the province, it was decided to
purchase a house in very good shape literally a few hundred feet away from the present building and simply run one program
between both buildings. This building can house five more individuals and was purchased for $409,000. We are currently listing
the double lot which we purchased for $619,000 and hoping for selling this property soon. There is some minimal work(such as
painting, furniture, some bathroom work, etc.) needed on the new building and Steve Gira is already residing at 4302 W. Pine
Blvd. Perhaps as soon as summer others might be residing in this building along with Steve Gira. Certainly, we now have adequate
room for any member of the province to come and visit our men in formation. Please feel free to contact our director of
post-novitiate formation, Gary Hogan, CR if you wish to travel to St. Louis, MO. Our seminary community is quite welcoming
and enjoys visits from our members.
2008 PRAYER CALENDAR BOOK
We have a few extra copies of the 2008 edition of our Prayer
Calendar Guide available at the provincial office. If you are
truly in need of a copy please let Terry know at the provincial
office and we will try to get you a copy. Also we have
many copies of the brief booklet published through our
generalate in Rome about the life of Bogdan Janski in
three languages: English, Polish, and Spanish. These copies
at Gordon Tech in storage. Pastors might want copies
to pass out to their parishioners. Just call Br. Ed Jaszkowski,
CR, and come and pick up as many copies as you
need.
FEBRUARY/MARCH BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES-AD MULTOS ANNOS!
BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES
Feb 12-Charles Mrowinski– 77 yrs. March 5-Edward Howe-44 yrs. March 11-Richard Grek-41 yrs.
Feb 16-Henry Licznerski– 42yrs. March 8-Steve Bartczyszyn-50 yrs March 11-Dennis Sanders-41 yrs.
Feb 19-Joseph Korabik-94 yrs. March 12-Marty Bratek-65 yrs. March 11-Gene Szarek-41 yrs.
Feb 20-Edmund Jastrzebski-61 yrs. March 21-Joseph Glab-63 yrs. March 11-Don Suberlak-41 yrs.
Feb 21-Edward Jaskula-79 yrs. ANNIVERSARIES March 11-Jerry Watt-41 yrs.
Feb 22-John Stephen– 97 yrs. March 3-Richard McGee-34 yrs March 11-Bishop R. Kurtz-41 yrs.
Page 4
On January 7, 2008, our re-elected assistant provincial, Leonard Krzywda was delegated
by our superior general, Norbert Raszeja, to receive the profession of faith of
my second term as provincial in our chapel at the Provincial Residence before a
Provincial Council Meeting. Please pray for me in this second term.
Inside this issue:
Provincial’s Monthly Letter 1
First Vows Profession 2
New Novitiate Begins 3
Second Building for Formation
Purchased in St. Louis
Spiritual Thought of the Month
By Michael Danek, CR
Society is frequently obsessed with
suggesting different ways to better
oneself with physically, emotionally,
or spiritually. Each year the
church offers us the ultimate guide/
advice on how to better oneself.
The simple answer is to have a
blessed and personally enriching
Lent. The traditional three-fold
motto of Lent is prayer, fasting,
and almsgiving. These three ways
of growing closer to our Lord can
be effective methods of rejuvenating
our personal lives. Paragraphs
54-79 of our Constitutions beckon
us to a greater devotion to prayer.
A good idea is to read them during
Lent. Fasting is a splendid way to
focus more time on the Lord and
not simply a new diet method.
Almsgiving is perhaps a true tool
for focusing on the importance of
each other. So often we perhaps
see almsgiving as a method to help
the destitute but perhaps it can be
a good way to help each other in
community. Charity truly begins
at home. Perhaps we can be more
concerned about each other during
this Lent! Rejuvenate your spiritual
life this Lent!
Congregation of the Resurrection-USA Province
QUO VADIS
VOLUME 2008 EDITION NO 1
4
FEBRUARY 2008
PROVINCIAL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
My Dear Brothers,
As many of you know, I am not a fan of wintry weather especially the radical mix of weather
conditions that prevail in our Chicago climate. One day temperatures can be in the fifties and
the next day in the single digits. Snow can fall radically one day and start to melt the next day
leaving a trail of ice and slush. Perhaps you may have heard me jokingly refer to my preference
of moving the provincial office to Florida or some other more palatable climate. I am just
joking. The Provincial Council has met during these weather challenging months unfortunately
often by phone because of the difficulty of flight cancellations that strand some of our
provincial councilors in their respective cities. I would like to share some of the matters that
take up much of our time and sincere discussion that will not profiled in other parts of this edition
of Quo Vadis.
Some personnel decisions had to be enacted upon for various reasons outside of the normal season
of transfers and personnel moves. Fr. Adam Piasecki, CR, the former Provincial Supeior,
of our Polish Province, arrived in mid-December in the United States to begin assisting us as
associate pastor at St. Hyacinth Basilica. Our province truly appreciates his willingness to assist
us in the challenging and busy ministry of the Basilica. Our brother, Marcelo de Jesumaria,
CR, has resigned as pastor of St. Hedwig Parish to pursue some needed personal time
and help sacramentally at St. Joseph Parish in Fontana, CA for the next six months. Our
brother, Stanley Jankowski, CR, has been selected as the new pastor at St. Hedwig Parish and
will be installed on Sunday, February 17, 2008. Our brother, Jacek Junak, CR, has been assigned
as the associate pastor at St. Hedwig Parish to assist Fr. Jankowski, CR. After completing
the directing of the past year’s novitiate, our brother, Stephen Glab, CR, has been approved
to spend six months of sabbactical time. He will be traveling to Bermuda to help with a Lenten
mission, perhaps some time at our Generalate, and preparing for his next assignment. A separate
article in this edition will focus on the First Profession of Vows on January 6, 2008. Our
brother, Richard Grek, CR, has been assigned as this year’s novice director. A novitiate class of
three novices, namely Scott Coahran, Patrick Dwyer(both profiled in our October edition of
Quo Vadis), and Delwyn Haroldson(profiled in this edition) began on Monday, January 21,
2008 at our chapel in Resurrection Center where Rich and the three novices are residing. Jerry
Watt, CR will assist Rich Grek in working with our novices this year. Our brother, Christopher
Trimpe, CR has been assigned to reside at our Bull Valley residence and assist the novitiate
program with his culinary talents and help pastorally minister
at Resurrection Parish in Woodstock, IL. There is no doubt
that there will be other transfers in the near future due to other
issues that affect personnel and assignments. Many other hours
have been spent initially discussing the challenging demands of
personnel and various ways in which we can respond with our
limited personnel. It is very difficult to poll the entire province
on possibilities of withdrawal from certain commitments when
at times bishops desire complete discretion in some decisions.

Page 2
PROFESSION OF FIRST VOWS-JANUARY 6, 2008
On Sunday, January 6, 2008, on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, at
Resurrection Chapel at Resurrection Retreat and Conference Center,
Charles Messler(pictured on the right of this photo) and Rafal
Wasilewski(pictured on the left of this photo) professed their first vows
in a beautiful Eucharistic liturgy witnessed by over 150 community
members, family and guests of the newly professed, and friends of the
Congregation of the Resurrection. Many complimented on the beauty
of the liturgy and it’s warm and inviting spirit. The music was led by
the choir from our Resurrection Parish in Woodstock, IL. Our last profession
of first vows was in 2003. Their profession of vows and reception
of cassock and cincture was truly inspiring. Afterwards a splendid
dinner was served in the dining room. Both Charles and Rafal are now
happily registered at Aquinas Institute pursuing studies for ordination.
A sincere word of thanks ought to be expressed to our brother, Stephen
Glab, CR, who had served as novice director of these newly professed.
His dedication and willingness to journey with our newest members on year of novitiate can only be rewarded by the knowledge
that his efforts and spiritual insights have made a true impression on these men. Michael Kruszewksi, the Ontario-Kentucky
province novice professed his first vows in Waterloo, Ontario on Saturday, January 12, 2008. Our province was represented by
Steve Glab, our two newly professed members, Bart Pindela(one of our seminarians), Marty Bratek, and yours truly. God has
truly blessed us by these wonderful new members. Please pray for them as they continue their formation.
PROVINCIAL’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER(con.)
Often times information shared in this publication is shared with individuals outside of the province who do not understand
or appreciate the need for the discretion of information shared. Members of the province who are completing
three year assignments or special one year assignments have received in the mail the form seeking their preferences
for renewal or a new assignment.
Considerable energy has been spent discussing the rigorous communication from Bishop Robert Brom, the ordinary of
the Diocese of San Diego, in his determination to request our province sharing in financially supporting the settlements
received in four cases of alleged sexual misconduct against two deceased Resurrectionists in the 1940’s and
early 1950’s in Fontana, CA. These awards have amounted to $4.3(less than the original $5.5 million) million dollars.
Bishop Brom feels that our province ought to bear the cost of these settlements even though we had no active participation
in agreeing to settlement before going to trial and any input into specific settlement costs. Bishop Brom has
rejected our offer of $100,000. With the advise of our civil attorney and canon lawyers, we are strongly urged to suspend
any more discussions of settlements until they can further research this issue. Canon lawyers who are associated
with the Conference of Major Superior of Men are assisting us in this issue. This issue is sadly far from being resolved.
I have attended two meetings of the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy Advisory Committee at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish.
I feel quite comfortable being included in the proceedings of this very capable and dedicated group of individuals.
Among other important considerations is the unveiling of the Ark of Mercy Iconic Monstrance at a Mass scheduled for
May 31, 2008.
At each council meeting, I share a complete financial picture of the province with all the challenges facing the province.
We continue to bear a great financial deficit in two of our corporate ministries namely: Resurrection Retreat
and Conference Center in Woodstock, IL and Resurrection Life Center in Montgomery, Alabama. The Corporate
Members of both these corporations are in discussion as to a future which will not jeopardize the limited resources of
the province. More information will be shared in this and the next edition of Quo Vadis.
Three of our houses will need to conduct superior elections this year namely; St. Joseph the Worker House at Gordon
Tech in April, Immaculate Conception House in California in May, and Archbishop Weber House in Chicago in September.
A wonderful hope is that our house in St. Louis, MO will soon be resurrected when there are at least three or
more perpetual professed members will be residing in that house by this summer.
RESURRECTION RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER-WOODSTOCK, IL
As was reported in the last issue of Quo Vadis, the due diligence period of investigating
the possibility of developing acreage for single family senior life-lease
residences is proceeding. This exciting project is truly a Catholic faith-based
development. There are many exciting and expanding developments. One plan
calls for developing senior life-lease residences behind the center building and on
the adjacent property located next to the parish which the Congregation owns
rather than as was originally proposed the tracts of acreage along aside the main
driveway. There are other plans seeking to include the new addition wing and/
or entire building as possible senior suites. There are many details being delineated
such as feasibility and posturing with zoning concerns among other considerations.
On January 30, 2008, the Board of Directors were convoked and have
given their support to proceed with this venture. The Corporate Members met
with the Provincial Council to further study the critical point at which the center
finds itself financially. A lack of occupancy among other factors have necessitated the province assisting with $353,745.02
so far in this current fiscal year. There is confident reason to believe that more financial aid will have to be given in the next
five months to assist the center in meeting its indebtedness and financial obligations. Something must be done to rescue the
center! New business in the guise of new clients has not yet materialized in any great financial sustenance. This senior life-lease
project can possibly be the solution. A critical and absolute component of this development will be to provide many of the
spiritual opportunities which the center is providing now to a new client base-perhaps a senior aged population. The Corporate
Members and the Provincial Council are earnestly trying to respect the rich history of the center in providing spiritual retreat
and guidance and yet be financially responsible. There are critics that might try to argue that the center needs time to attract
more groups who would boost occupancy but it seems that there is not much time left. Our province is jeopardizing our financial
status by extending financial aid on a regular basis. Some might object that if we agree to this senior life-lease project we
are selling out on our mission but this is not true! We can continue the mission if we are in a healthy position to offer retreats,
etc. This new venture can provide the needed financial revenue to continue the mission and perhaps create a strong financial
base for the future. Please pray for this project as it unfolds. God’s grace, the creativity of province membership, and courage
resurrected the center building once before perhaps we need it again.
NEW NOVITIATE BEGAN JANUARY 21, 2008
With gratitude to our loving God, a new year of novitiate began on Monday, January 21, 2008. Upon the unanimous consent
of the provincial council, the recommendation of the Vocation Director, and the recommendation of the Board of Examiners
(Tim Keppel, Joe Malczyk, and John Nowak), we are blessed to have three men, Scott Coahran, Patrick Dwyer, and Delwyn
Haroldson begin this year of prayer and discernment. Our brother, Rich Grek, CR, has agreed to serve as Novice Director for
this year. A simple ceremony of investiture was celebrated during Evening Prayer on January 21, 2008 at which the members
of the Woodstock House, Jim and Mary Ivers, Patty Cardy, and yours truly attended. A dinner was held at the Bull Valley
Residence afterwards. The novices are residing at Resurrection Retreat and Conference Center, spending time in classes and
prayer, traveling to St. John the Baptist Parish in Johnsburg, IL weekly to work with Jerry Watt, CR. A sincere expression of
thanks ought to be extended to our vocation director and brother, Paul Sims, CR who coordinated the process by which these
men were admitted into the novitiate. Please pray daily for our novices and seminarians. God has certainly blessed us when so
many other religious orders are struggling with no vocations.
Page 3
NOVICE DELWYN HAROLDSON BIOGRAPHY
Delwyn(he prefers to be called ’Del’) is originally from Seattle, Washington and is the eldest of
four boys. Del is 49 years old. His dad is a retired school superintendent and his mom is a retired
secretary. Del’s mother is originally from Monterey, Mexico and Del speaks Spanish. Del has
been a CPA but most recently was a practicing lawyer in Boulder, CO. Del primarily worked
with Latino clients and provided a social justice ministry to the poor. Del has been active at his
parish, Sacred Heart in Boulder, CO. Del comes to us with great recommendations from his pastor
and others due to his profound dedication to helping the poor and solid spiritual life. Del is a
man of prayer and simplicity. He joins our other two novices, Scott Coahran and Patrick
Dwyer, profiled in the October edition of Quo Vadis. Please keep Del, Scott, and Patrick in your
prayers in this special year of novitiate