Jesuit Journeys
Fall 2001

Province News
Jesuit middle school graduates first class



Seven Jesuit Middle School of Omaha graduates have moved on to high school, three of them at Creighton Prep where they will continue to receive a Jesuit education.

The group is the inaugural graduating class at JMSO. They started in fall 1996 as fourth graders. An additional grade was added each year until reaching the current grades five-eight format. Cameron Edwards, class valedictorian, earned a scholarship to Prep.

The seven students received their diplomas during an emotion-charged ceremony in May. "By the grace of God, they're going to make it anywhere they go," said Principal Kathy Trotter as she watched the graduates celebrate with family and friends.

Of the four remaining graduates, three went on to public high school this fall and one to Roncalli Catholic High.

JMSO was started in response to community concerns that too many young black males were being lost to the streets.

"We are fulfilling our mission of preparing college-bound students and helping to develop future community leaders from among Omaha's African- American male population," said Fr. Jim Michalski, SJ, school president.

While academic success may not have come easily, it is well documented. In 1997 the inaugural class had an Iowa Test of Basic Skills grade-equivalent ranking of 4.1 as fourth graders (below grade level). As eighth graders in 2001 they ranked at 9.2 level (above grade level. Over that time they also improved their national percentile ranking from 32.3 to 51.2.

Five Wisconsin Province men embark on new lives as Jesuit novices

Five Wisconsin Province men entered the Jesuit Novitiate in St. Paul, Minnesota as first-year novices in August.

"I'm very pleased with this new group of young men," says Fr. Warren Sazama, SJ, province vocation director. "Their interest in the Society of Jesus reflects an improving climate for vocations nationwide."

Matthew McGuire, 23, has a bachelor's degree from Marquette University where he majored in computer science and minored in philosophy. A former intern with Covance laboratories, he also worked at HomeBoyz Interactive in Milwaukee, an independent Jesuit ministry that teaches computer and web design skills to former gang members and places them in related jobs. Matt enjoys a variety of hobbies and sports including music, weightlifting, camping, and hiking. He also likes to travel and participated in many volunteer experiences while at Marquette.

Matthew Moser, 31, earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Marquette University, where he also studied literature, psychology, art, and architecture. After working with American Express Financial Advisors from 1995-2000, he lived and worked with the Pere Marquette Jesuit Community at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee before entering the Society of Jesus. He is interested in drumming, reading, and soccer. Matt also likes to travel and camp. While at Marquette High he worked with a Christian Life Community and helped plan a "Meet the Wilderness Trip" to Colorado and another student trip to the Cheyenne River Reservation.


Michael Mosley, 27, holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Marquette University and master's degrees in applied mathematics and computer science, both from the University of Iowa, where he taught calculus as a teaching assistant. He also taught religious education (Colville Reservation in Omak, Washington) while serving as a Jesuit Volunteer.

During the past year he also taught computer classes at HomeBoyz Interactive. In his spare time Mike loves to ski, swim and play the guitar. He also enjoys, in moderation, the fruits of his labor in what he describes as "the ancient art of zymurgy" - an activity known less formally as the practice of home brewing.

Todd Bonkiewicz, 25, attended Creighton Prep in Omaha and earned a bachelor's degree in English from Creighton University. He also holds an associate's degree in aviation business administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. His other areas of academic interest include journalism, creative writing, and British literature. Todd enjoys playing basketball, writing fiction and poetry, reading, and weightlifting.

Prior to joining the Society he was a volunteer teacher at the Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, the Gonzaga Program in New York City, and at Marquette High. He also likes to travel.

Paul Lickteig, 27, holds a bachelor's degree from Creighton University with a dual major in theater and theology. Philosophy, literature, and economics are other subjects he enjoys. Paul also likes to draw, write, and play bass guitar along with "random physical exercise and competitive bantering."

Prior to entering the Society, Paul was an assistant warehouse manager with a major furniture and lighting corporation. He also taught at Xavier High School in New York City and went on an archaeological dig in Israel.

Ignatian Lay Volunteers Organizing in Twin Cities

Men and women over 50 years of age, especially retirees, have the opportunity in the St. Paul-Minneapolis area this fall to go back to work two days a week as members of the Ignatian Lay Volunteer Corps.

Founded in 1995 by Frs. Jim Conroy, SJ and Charlie Costello, SJ, ILVC gives people a chance to offer their wisdom, skills, and experience in direct service to the materially poor. By serving others, volunteers work for a more just society and grow deeper in Christian faith by reflecting and praying in the Ignatian tradition.

Fr. Dick Rice, SJ, will be the group's spiritual advisor, and former St. Paul Mayor James Scheibel is spearheading the local organizational effort. ILVC currently has more than 125 members in about a dozen areas nationwide where groups have formed or will soon. Hundreds more people have expressed interest nationwide. Besides St. Paul-Minneapolis, volunteer corps regions with existing groups or ones in the process of forming include metropolitan New York, central New York, Detroit, Cleveland, Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, Chicago, and San Diego.

The Twin Cities group is an outgrowth of efforts by Catholic Charities volunteers. As of August, preparations were well under way to hire an executive director for the program. A group of about 10 volunteers has been meeting regularly and is preparing to help welcome new members under ILVC guidelines.

"We're growing together as a group and becoming a true community," says Fr. Rice. "We will eagerly welcome others to our growing family.