Fr. Marshall's Reflection 

The evening of Thursday, June 4, 2009 was an exciting surprise for me.  I had anticipated that we were celebrating the 30th anniversary of the John Paul II Newman Center.  When I arrived, I was surprised to learn that also we were celebrating the 30^th anniversary of my ordination as a priest.  It was great to have people together from various parts of my life who support me and the ministry of the John Paul II Newman Center.

As you may be aware, 18 of my 30 years as a priest have been spent at the JPII Newman Center. The Newman Center is a wonderful gem of the Church in Chicago.  It is an exciting place to be.  During these years, I have witnessed the faith of thousands of young people who are striving to discern the presence of God in their lives as informed by the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.  I’m continually impressed with how sincere, generous and talented these young Catholics are.  Through the programs of the Newman Center they learn the values of the Christian life; they’re taught the teachings of the Church; and they’re taught how to live those teachings in their daily lives.

 Having been here for so many years, it is great to see our alums come back after having been married, or ordained or professed and settled in their careers.  They’ve taken their faith and integrated it into their lives.  This is the main purpose and goal of the Newman Center’s ministry.

On the evening of Thursday, June 4, 2009, the Rev. Patrick Marshall Endowment Fund was formally announced to help ensure that those students who wish to participate in our programs have an opportunity to do so.  Many of our students have limited financial means.  Through your generosity and that of others, we will continue to provide these opportunities to them.  I am most grateful for your support of that endowment which I hope continues to grow in the years ahead.

Being a priest is a great vocation.  While at times we face turbulence in the Church and in the world, God remains constant and God’s grace and His love continues to flow through people that I am privileged to minister to.  I thank you for your support and generosity in helping the ministry to grow and serve more students in the future. 

God bless you,

Father Pat Marshall