Archdiocesan priests celebrate jubilee milestone

Every year, Chicago Catholic honors archdiocesan priests celebrating jubilees, men who have dedicated themselves to serving the Lord through the Catholic Church. They often wear many hats, such as pastor, administrator, maintenance man, cook, accountant, friend. They have served mostly as parish priests, and some have also served as teachers, chaplains and counselors. Chicago Catholic congratulates and thanks them.

50 years

Father Martin J. Barnum, 75, was born in Chicago and attended St. Lawrence and St. Felicitas schools, Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College of Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. After seminary, he earned a master’s degree in religious studies from Mundelein College and a doctorate in ministry from Catholic Theological Union.

He served as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Winnetka (1974-1979). He then was a faculty member at Quigley North (1979-1986) while residing at St. Aloysius Parish, before serving as associate pastor of St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Niles (1986-1989) and being named pastor of Our Lady of the Wayside Parish, Arlington Heights (1989-1994).

He was a faculty member at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, Hales Corners, Wisconsin (1994-2005); and at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary (2005-2018), while serving as a weekend assistant at Transfiguration Parish, Wauconda (1996-2018).

He retired as a professor emeritus of USML in 2018, and now lives in Arizona.

Father John (Jack) Hurley, 75, was born in Chicago and attended St. Augustine and St. Christina schools, Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College of Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

He served as associate pastor of St. Fidelis (1974-1982), and then served in two parishes in Bolivia as part of the Missionary Society of St. James (1982-1987). He was associate pastor of Providence of God (1988-1989) before ministering in the Cicero/Berwyn area (1989-1997), including as administrator of Mary, Queen of Heaven. He was coordinator of Hispanic Ministry for Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights from 1997-2020.

He is now retired and lives at the Bishop Lyne Retirement Home.

Father Andrew Izyk, 76, was born in Czarna Sedziszowska, Poland, and attended school in Poland, including the Theological Seminary of Tarnow. He also earned a master’s degree in patristics at the Catholic University in Lublin.

In Poland, he was an associate pastor in Brzesko (1974-1977), Tuchow (1977-1980) and Krynica Zdroj (1980-1984), and a pastor in Rzepiennik Biskupu (1984-1991).

In Chicago, he was associate pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka (1992), St. Joseph (Hermitage Avenue) (1992-1995), St. Helen (1995) and St. Constance (1995-2002). He was rector of Bishop Abramowicz Seminary (2002-2005), and associate pastor of St. Monica (2005-2018). He has resided at St. Mary, Undoer of Knots, since 2018. He will celebrate his anniversary in June in Poland and at St. Mary, Undoer of Knots, on Oct. 6.

Father Joseph M. Jackson, 76, was born in Chicago and attended elementary school at St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest, and St. Cyprian, River Grove; then Quigley Preparatory Seminary North, Niles College of Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He also holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Loyola University Chicago and a doctorate in social and organizational psychology from the University of Chicago.

He served as associate pastor of St. Thaddeus (1974-1979) and St. Peter Canisius (1979-1981), and as pastor of St. Leo the Great (1981-1990). He was associate pastor of St. Hubert, Hoffman Estates (1990-1996); St. Thomas of Villanova, Palatine (1996-2001); and St. Ignatius (2001-2002). He served as pastor of St. Ignatius from 2002 to 2018. He has resided at Sts. Faith, Hope and Charity, Winnetka, since then.

He also taught at St. Joseph Seminary (1994-2004) and has been an adjunct faculty member in psychology at Loyola University since 1991.

He will celebrate his anniversary May 18 at Sts. Faith, Hope and Charity.

Father Michael Kalck, 75, was born in Chicago and attended St. Edward School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary North, Niles College of Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, where he also earned a licentiate in sacred theology.

He served as associate pastor of Queen of Angels (1974-1975); Sts. Peter and Paul (1974-1998); Our Lady of the Mount, Cicero (1998-2003); and St. Christopher, Midlothian (2003-2008). He was pastor of Holy Rosary Parish (2008-2019).

He also was a full-time faculty member at Quigley South (1975-1990).

Father Clete Kiley, 75, was born in Chicago and attended St. Thomas More School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College of Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. After his seminary education, he earned a master’s degree in applied spirituality from the University of San Francisco and a doctorate in ministry from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. He also holds qualifications in the Spanish, Italian and French languages and Hispanic culture from various institutes.

He was associate pastor of Epiphany Parish (1974-1977), and pastor of St. Agnes of Bohemia (1996-1997). He also served as associate dean on Mundelein Seminary’s formation team (1977-1983) while doing weekend Masses at St. Mary of Vernon Parish, Indian Creek; was director of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s department of personnel services (1983-1990) while residing at St. Teresa of Avila Parish; and served as rector/president of Niles College Seminary/St. Joseph College Seminary (1990-1996) and as a member of the College of Consultors for the Archdiocese of Chicago (1996-1999).

He served as executive director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Priestly Life and Ministry (1997-2006) and assistant to the general secretary for Child and Youth Protection (2002-2003). He was president and CEO of the Faith & Politics Institute in Washington, D.C. (2006-2010), and he has served as director of immigration policy for UNITEHERE International Union since 2010.

He also was a senior fellow at the Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies, Catholic University of America (2012-2016), and special adviser and delegate for labor in the Office of the Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Chicago (2015-present).

He will celebrate his anniversary with Mass at Misericordia Home on June 2 at 11 a.m., followed by a light luncheon.

Father Curtis A. Lambert, 76, was born in Oak Park and attended St. Eulalia School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary North, Niles College of Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

He was associate pastor of St. Basil (1974-1976), St. Bartholomew (1976-1983), Sacred Heart (1983-1990) and St. Michael (1991-1995). He was pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes (1995-2007) and St. Alphonsus Liguori, Prospect Heights (2007-2018). He also served as vice chairman and treasurer of the Presbyteral Council, on the sabbatical board and as a member of the Association of Chicago Priests.

He will celebrate his anniversary May 19 at 11 a.m. Mass at St. Peter Damian Church in Bartlett.

Father Marcel Pasciak, 75, was born in Chicago and attended St. Joseph School (Hermitage Avenue), Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College of Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, where he also earned a licentiate in sacred theology and a doctorate in ministry. Father Pasciak also earned a master’s degree in literature from DePaul University.

He served as associate pastor of St. Turibius (1974-1979); resided at St. Camillus (1979-1988) and Most Holy Redeemer, Evergreen Park (1988-1991) while teaching at Quigley South; and was pastor of St. Symphorosa (1991-2007) and St. Patricia, Hickory Hills (2007-2021).

He was associate director of the Catholic Youth Organization (1977-1980), Scripture columnist for the Catholic New World (1995-2011) and dean (2001-2007).

He celebrated his anniversary at St. Patricia.

Father John Plotkowski, 75, was born in Chicago and attended St. Turibius School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College of Loyola University and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

He was associate pastor of St. Marcelline, Schaumburg (1974-1979) and St. Stephen, Des Plaines (1979-1982). He resided at Our Lady of Hope, Rosemont, while teaching at Quigley Preparatory Seminary North (1982-1986), then was pastor of St. Simeon, Maywood (1986-1992). He was associate pastor of Our Lady of Hope (1992-1996) and St. Mary, Buffalo Grove (1996-2001), before becoming pastor of St. Zachary, Des Plaines (2001-2018).

Msgr. John Pollard, 76, was born in Chicago and attended St. Thomas More School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College of Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. In addition to his theology degrees, he has master’s degrees in English literature and in educational administration from Loyola University.

He was associate pastor of St. Albert the Great, Burbank (1974-1980), and St. Julian Eymard, Elk Grove Village (1980-1985). He resided at Our Lady of Mount Carmel (1985-1987) and St. Clement parishes (1987-1991) while serving as executive director of DePaul University’s Center for Church/State Studies and then director of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Religious Education.

He was on the staff of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (1991-1998) in various roles, including as director of catechesis for World Youth Day 1993, founding director of the Office for the Catechism and general editor of the National Directory for Catechesis.

He then served as the Archdiocese of Chicago’s director of the Department of Education and then director of the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis, while assisting Cardinal Francis George and helping write the 1999 accord between the archdioceses of Mexico City and Chicago.

He was pastor of St. Joseph, Wilmette (2003-2010), and Queen of All Saints Basilica (2010-2018).

Father Robert C. Rizzo, 75, attended Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Anthony School in Cicero, St. Mel High School, Niles College of Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

He was associate pastor of St. Peter Canisius (1974-1979), St. Barbara (Throop Street) (1979-1980), St. Edward (1980-1987) and St. Lambert, Skokie (1987-1988). He was pastor of St. William (1988-1997) and St. Paul of the Cross, Park Ridge (1997-2004) before taking a sabbatical. He then was pastor of St. Hubert, Hoffman Estates (2005-2017).

He will celebrate his anniversary at the 5 p.m. Mass on May 11 at St. Hubert.

Father George Schopp, 76, was born in Hammond, Indiana, and attended St. Victor School, Calumet City; Quigley Preparatory Seminary South; Niles College of Loyola University Chicago; and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, where he earned a doctorate in ministry in addition to his master’s degree in divinity.

He served as associate pastor of Nativity of Our Lord (1974-1976); St. James, Arlington Heights (1976-1981); and St. Francis de Sales (1981-1983). He was pastor of St. Kevin (1983-1994); St. Benedict, Blue Island, and St. Peter Claver, Robbins (1994-2006); and Our Lady of Grace (2007-2017).

He also served as dean and on the archdiocesan finance council.

Father Patrick Michael Tucker, 75, was born in Milwaukee and attended St. Helena of the Cross School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College of Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He also earned a master’s in education at DePaul University.

He served as associate pastor of St. Charles Lwanga (1974-1979) and St. Benedict, Blue Island (1979-1981), before being named pastor of St. Martin (1981-1990). He was then associate pastor of St. Benedict the African (1990-1992) and Mater Christi, North Riverside (1992-1996). He was pastor of St. Bernardine, Forest Park (1996-2009), and Sacred Heart, Palos Hills (2009-2016). He also served as administrator of St. Charles Lwanga (1986-1987), St. John of God (1990-1991) and St. Edmund, Oak Park (2003-2004).

He also served on the religion advisory council of the Office of Catholic Schools (1976-1984), as a field advocate for the tribunal (1980-1986), as a chaplain for Project Rachel (2008-2011) and as an adjunct faculty member in the theology department of Loyola University Chicago (1988-1998).

He will celebrate his anniversary at Mass at 4:30 p.m. on May 18 at Sacred Heart, Palos Hills.

25 years

Father Daniel J. Brandt, 53, was born in Chicago and attended Our Lady of Ransom School in Niles and Maine South High School in Park Ridge. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management from Northern Illinois University before attending the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

He was associate pastor of St. William (1999-2005) and pastor of Nativity of Our Lord (2005-2011). Since 2011, he has been director of chaplains for the Chicago Police Department, and has resided and served as a sacramental minister at Resurrection Parish (2011-2021) and Our Lady of Unity Parish (2021-present).

He will celebrate his anniversary at a police Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls on May 26.

Father Robert Clark, 76, attended St. Raymond Cathedral School, Joliet Catholic High School and the University of St. Francis, all in Joliet, before embarking on a 27-year career as a lay teacher and principal.

After ordination, he was associate pastor (1999-2006) and administrator (2004-2006) of St. Michael, Orland Park. He was pastor of St. Cletus, La Grange (2006-2021), and during that time he served as a dean for 13 years. He retired in 2021.

Father W. Scott Hebden, 68, was born into a Protestant family in Philadelphia and became Catholic as an adult. He has worked as a social worker and public health educator. After ordination, he was associate pastor of St. Philomena Parish (1999-2001) before studying for a doctorate in systematic theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He was administrator of St. Joseph, Round Lake (2002-2005) and on the faculty of the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary (2003-2018). He was pastor of St. Raymond de Penafort, Mount Prospect, from 2018 until he retired in January.

Father Francis Li, 50, was born in the Shan Xi province of China.

He attended the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, where he earned his master’s in divinity and a licentiate in systemic theology. He also has a doctorate in ministry from Catholic Theological Union.

He was associate pastor of St. Andrew (2001-2006) and St. Barbara (2006-2010) before being named administrator (2010-2011) and then pastor (2011-2019) of St. Therese Chinese Catholic Parish. He has served as pastor of St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta Parish since 2019.

He has been a member of the Asian Catholic Initiative board and the Priest Placement Board.

Father John T. Noga, 77, was born in Chicago and attended St. Daniel the Prophet School, Quigley Preparatory South, Loyola University Chicago for undergraduate college and law school and Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University before entering the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

He served as associate pastor of St. Joseph, Libertyville (1999-2002); St. Barnabas (2002-2004); and St. Louis de Montfort, Oak Lawn (2004-2008). He was pastor of St. Daniel the Prophet (2008-2020), and has served there as administrator since March.

He also has been a dean, served on the priests’ senate and the board of St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. He will celebrate his anniversary at the 5 p.m. Mass at St. Daniel the Prophet on May 18.

Father Manual G. Padilla Puga, 67, was born in Mexico and attended elementary and secondary school there before coming to Chicago and studying at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

He was associate pastor of St. Colette, Rolling Meadows (1999-2000); Maternity BVM (2000-2010); and Our Lady of Lourdes (2010-2016). He has been vice-rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Des Plaines, since 2016.