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 Joseph Altman, 75, was associate pastor of St. Daniel the Prophet (1976-1981), St. Juliana (1981-1987), and St. Catherine Laboure, Glenview (1987-1992). He was pastor of Ascension-St. Susanna, Harvey (1992-2011); and St. Gerard Majella, Markham (2002-2011), before becoming pastor of Nativity of Our Lord (2011-2018).
He was associate pastor of St. Louise de Marillac Parish, La Grange Park (2018-2019) and Holy Guardian Angels, Brookfield (2019-2020) before retiring.
He was also a cluster vocation director and a vicariate representative for marriage preparation.
Father John Boivin, 75, whose home parish was St. Rene Goupil, attended St. Basil School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College of Loyola University and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in English in addition to a master’s in divinity.
He was associate pastor of St. Jude the Apostle, South Holland (1976-1982); St. Gerald, Oak Lawn (1982-1985) and St. Pius X, Stickney (1985-1989).
He was associate pastor (1989-1994) and administrator (1994-1995) of St. Giles, Oak Park, and associate pastor of Holy Name Cathedral (1995-2021) until he retired.
He also was moderator of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (1982-1995) and director of the Office for Ethnic Ministries (1995-2001).
Father Vincent F. Costello, 75, was born in Chicago and attended St. Peter Canisius School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary North, Niles College of Loyola University and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from Loyola and a master’s degree in spirituality from the University of San Francisco as well as a master’s degree in divinity.
He served as associate pastor of St. Francis Borgia (1976-1981) and St. Christopher, Midlothian (1981-1984). He was on the faculty of Niles College Seminary (1984-1993), then associate pastor (1994) and pastor (1994-2005) of Our Lady of the Wayside, Arlington Heights. He served as co-vicar for priests (2005-2010) and pastor of Holy Cross, Deerfield (2011-2021).
He also served on the Presbyteral Council, including time as secretary and vice chair; as a member of the Priest Placement Board; interim episcopal vicar; and dean of Vicariate 1-A and 2-B.
He will celebrate his anniversary on Sept. 19 at Holy Cross Parish, Deerfield.
Father Rich Creagh, 75, was born in Evanston and attended St. Cornelius School; Quigley Preparatory Seminary and St. Mary in Manhasset, New York; Niles College of Loyola University; and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in addition to a master’s degree in divinity.
He was associate pastor of St. Edna Parish, Arlington Heights (1976-1981) and a resident at St. Ethelreda Parish (1981-1987). He taught psychology and was head of the counseling department at Quigley South (1981-1990), before becoming pastor of Holy Rosary Parish (113th Street) (1991-2005).
Since 2005, he has served as associate pastor of St. Gabriel Parish, now Nativity of Our Lord and St. Gabriel Parish.
Father Kenneth J. Fleck, 76, was associate pastor (1976-1984) and administrator (1979-1981) of St. Felicitas; pastor of Our Lady of Peace (1984-1996); associate pastor of St. Jude the Apostle, South Holland (2002-2003); and pastor of St. George, Tinley Park (2003-2020).
After he retired in 2020, he served as administrator of St. Catherine of Alexandria, Oak Lawn (2022).
Father John Griffiths, 75, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew up in Harvey, where he attended Ascension School. He graduated from Quigley Preparatory Seminary South and attended Niles College of Loyola University, before entering the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He served as associate pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview; St. Mary of the Woods; and Holy Name Cathedral. In 1994, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin appointed him to studies in canon law. From 1998 until retiring in 2023, he served as a judge at the Chicago Metropolitan Tribunal, while residing at Queen of Angels and at St. Tarcissus parishes. He is currently the interim adjutant judicial vicar at the appeals court of the Chicago Tribunal.
Father William P. Grogan, 76, was born in Chicago. He attended St. Sabina School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology as well as a master’s degree in divinity and a licentiate in sacred theology, and later a law degree and then a master’s in healthcare ethics, public policy and jurisprudence from Oxford University.
He served at St. Teresa of Avila Parish (1976-1981), with time for language studies in Cuernavaca, Mexico. He also was part of the Ranch Triangle Community Organization, field education supervisor for Catholic Theological Union and Jesuit Theology Ministry students and assistant chaplain at Calvert House at the University of Chicago.
He served at St. Ita Parish (1981-1986), ministering to the Cuban community in Chicago and to nursing homes in the Uptown neighborhood.
After attending Oxford University, he ministered at St. Jerome, especially to the Haitian Creole-speaking and Hispanic communities (1987-2001) and then at St. Ignatius Parish (2001-2023). He has been vicar for healthcare affairs for Cardinals Francis George and Cupich (2013-present) and liaison for the archdiocese to Mount Sinai-Holy Cross-Marquette Park Hospital.
He also has taught at Loyola University Chicago in the law, nursing, graduate and business schools, as well as at St. Joseph College Seminary, and has been a visiting lecturer at other schools, as well as serving as a pro-life bioethics advisor to dioceses, Catholic health ministries and other organizations and chaplain to the Catholic Lawyers Guild and the Oxford-Cambridge Chicago Alumni Association.
Father Gerald T. Gunderson, 75, was born in Chicago and attended St. Margaret of Scotland School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College of Loyola University and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in addition to a master’s degree in divinity.
He was associate pastor of St. Agatha (1976-1981); pastor of St. James (Wabash Avenue) (1981-1992); associate pastor of St. Mary, Star of the Sea (1992); pastor of St. Mary, Riverside (1992-2004); associate pastor of St. Luke, River Forest (2005); pastor of Mary, Seat of Wisdom, Park Ridge (2005-2020); and administrator of St. Patrick, Lake Forest (2024-2025).
He has also served on the Priest Placement Board, serves as the cardinal’s representative to the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums and is the president of Friends of Chikwa Parish NFP.
Father John T. Hannigan, 76, was associate pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption (137th Street) (1976-1982); St. Jude the Apostle, South Holland (1982-1987); and St. James, Sauk Village (1987-1990). From 1990 to 2003, he was on leave serving in the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois.
During that time, he served as a U.S. Air Force chaplain (1990-1991) and U.S. Navy chaplain (1991-2012), before serving as a chaplain in a Veterans Administration medical center (2012-2020).
Father Thomas R. Kasputis, 75, was born in Chicago and attended Nativity BVM School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College of Loyola University and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in addition to a master’s degree in divinity.
He served as associate pastor of Immaculate Conception, (1976-1982); St. Symphorosa (1982-1987); St. Denis (1987-1993); St. Mary, Riverside (1993-1999); and Christ the King (1999-2000). He was pastor of St. Rene Goupil (2000-2012) and associate pastor of St. Agnes/St. Kieran (2012-2020).
He also served as a field advocate for the matrimonial tribunal, a member of the Presbyteral Council and a member of the Commission for the Beatification of Mother Maria Kaupas, foundress of the Sisters of St. Casimir.
Father Ronald Kondziolka, 75, was born in Chicago and attended Our Lady of the Angels School, Weber High School, Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in addition to a master’s degree in divinity.
He was associate pastor of Assumption BVM (1976-1981) and St. Martin de Porres (1981-1983) before becoming administrator of St. Brendan (1983-1986). He was a chaplain and director at St. James Hospital (1986-2026). He taught at Maria High School (1976-1986) and a contract chaplain for the U.S. Army (1977-1987).
He will celebrate with an outdoor Mass and picnic Aug. 9 in the picnic grove at the Polish American Community Fair in Glenwood.
Father John P. McNalis, 75, was associate pastor of St. Gabriel (1976-1982), a U.S. Air Force chaplain (1982-1984), and then associate pastor of St. William (1984-1985), St. Pascal (1985-1988), St. Peter Canisius (1988-1993), St. Cornelius (1993-1994) and Immaculate Heart of Mary (1994-1997).
He was pastor of St. Gabriel (1997-2007), and then resided at St. Angela (2011-2013) and Immaculate Heart of Mary (2013-2020).
He also served as a Chicago Fire Department chaplain (2017-2020).
Father Robert J. Miller, 75, was associate pastor of St. Joachim Parish (1990-1995), administrator (1995, 2002-2006) and associate pastor (1995-2002) of Holy Angels and pastor of St. Dorothy (2006-2021) before he retired.
He is author of six books related to Civil War history and gives talks across the country about the era, often through a religious lens.
Father James V. Quinlan, 81, attended Our Lady Help of Christians School and St. Ignatius College Prep, Marquette University and Loyola University before the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He has a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s in divinity, as well as a master’s in marketing from Northwestern University.
He was associate pastor of St. Simeon, Bellwood (1976-1977) and St. Josaphat (1977-1983). He was associate pastor (1983-1986) and pastor (1986-2003) of St. Eulalia, Maywood.
He was vice chairman of the Association of Chicago Priests and worked with PreCana and Marriage Encounter.
He went on leave in 2003 and was later granted faculties in the Archdiocese of Miami. He retired in 2015.
He will celebrate his anniversary Sept. 27 at St. Eulalia Church.
Father Patrick J. Rugen was associate pastor of St. Mark (1976-1978); and on the faculty of Quigley Preparatory Seminary North (1978-1982) while residing at St. Sylvester Parish. He was on the faculty of Niles College of Loyola University (1982-1995).
He was on leave to the Diocese of Winona, Minnesota (1995-1998) before serving as associate pastor of Our Lady of Mercy (1998-2000). He continued to reside at Our Lady of Mercy while serving on the faculty at St. Joseph College Seminary (2000-2004). He returned to the Diocese of Winona to teach (2004-2005) before becoming director of Calvert House at the University of Chicago (2005-2009). He then was pastor of St. Dismas, Waukegan (2009-2019) before retiring.
He also served as dean of Deanery I-B.
Father Michael J. Solazzo, 75, was born in Chicago and attended Komarek School, North Riverside; St. Joseph High School, Westchester; Niles College of Loyola University; and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in addition to a master’s degree in divinity.
He was associate pastor of St. John Brebeuf, Niles (1976-1982); St. Cletus, La Grange (1982-1984); St. Mary, Evanston (1984-1990); and St. Benedict (Irving Park) (1990-1992). He also was chaplain at Misericordia Home (1984-2000). He was pastor of St. Mary, Evanston (2000-2010); associate pastor of St. Matthias (2010-2011); pastor of St. Tarcissus (2011-2017); and associate pastor of St. Philip/Divine Mercy, Northfield (2017-2020) before retiring.
Father Dennis M. Zalecki, 75, was associate pastor of St. Gertrude, Franklin Park (1976-1979) and St. Philomena (1979-1983). He also served on the faculty of Quigley Preparatory Seminary North (1979-1983). He was associate pastor of St. Joseph, Wilmette (1983-1988), and Queen of All Saints Basilica (1988-1992). He was on the faculty of the University of St. Mary of the Lake (1992-2002).
He then was associate pastor (2002), administrator (2002-2003) and pastor (2003-2010) of St. Colette, Rolling Meadows. He then was associate pastor of St. Emily, Mount Prospect (2010-2014); pastor of St. Anastasia, Waukegan (2014-2020); and associate pastor of Little Flower, Waukegan (2020-2021) before retiring.
25 years
Father Tomy Abraham, 51, was born in Kannur in Kerala, India. He attended Sacred Heart elementary and high schools there before attending St. Francis de Sales College, the University of Nagpur and St. Charles Seminary in Nagpur, India.
He earned a master’s degree in English literature and then a master’s degree in divinity from St. Thomas Aquinas University in Rome.
He was pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Agra, India (2001-2006) before coming to Chicago, where he served as a chaplain at Resurrection Health Care (2006-2009). He was associate pastor of St. Edward (2009-2012); St. George, Tinley Park (2012-2017); and Mary, Seat of Wisdom, Park Ridge (2017-2019). He was pastor of St. Terence, Alsip (2019-2022) and associate pastor of St. Edna, Arlington Heights (2022-2024) before being named pastor of Holy Archangels Parish, Hoffman Estates (2024-present).
He will celebrate his anniversary Sept. 26 at Holy Archangels Parish.
Father Jo Andre Beltran, 61, was associate pastor of St. Mary of the Woods (2001-2002); Queen of Martyrs, Evergreen Park (2002-2005); St. Francis de Sales, Lake Zurich (2005-2007); and Notre Dame de Chicago (2007-2012).
He was pastor of St. Ita (2012-2016); associate pastor of St. Celestine, Elmwood Park (2017-2019); pastor of St. James, Highwood (2019-2022); and associate pastor (2022-2024) and administrator (2024-2025) of San Pio Pietrelcina. He has been associate pastor of St. Mary, Lake Forest since 2025.
He also has been assistant director for Filipino outreach and assistant to the Vicariate III associate vocation director.
Father Paul Duy Cao, 52, was born in Vung Tau, Vietnam, and attended elementary and secondary school there. He attended St. Joseph College Seminary of Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in addition to a master’s degree and doctorate in divinity. He was associate pastor of St. William (2001-2005) and formation director at St. Joseph College Seminary (2005-2012). He went on sabbatical in Rome (2012), and then was associate pastor of St. Edward (2013) before being named pastor of St. Celestine, Elmwood Park (2013-2018) and then Mother Theodore Guerin (2018-2026). He now serves as pastor of Holy Child Jesus.
He also has been a member of the Presbyteral Council and dean of Deanery IV-A and is a coordinator of the Asian Catholic Initiative.
He will celebrate his anniversary May 17 at St. Celestine Church and May 24 at Holy Child Jesus.
Father Miguel A. Martinez Figueroa, 52, was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
He attended elementary and secondary schools there, the Seminary de San Jose in Guadalajara, and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, where he earned a master’s degree in divinity.
He served as associate pastor of St. Nicholas of Tolentine (2001-
2005); rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Des Plaines (2005-2013); pastor of Immaculate Conception (88th Street) (2013-2017); and serves as pastor of Santa Maria del Popolo, Mundelein (2017-present).
He also served on the Presbyteral Council, the Priest Placement Board, the sabbatical board and as dean of Deanery I-A.
Father Michael J. Novick, 58, was born in Chicago and attended St. Christopher School, Midlothian; Marist High School; Lewis University, Romeoville; and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein University.
He has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in addition to a master’s degree in divinity.
He was associate pastor of St. George, Tinley Park (2001-2006), and Holy Name Cathedral (2006-2008). He has been pastor of St. Lawrence O’Toole, Matteson (2008-2002) and St. Cletus, La Grange (2022-present).
Father Edward Pelrine, 67, was born in Evanston and attended St. Gertrude School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary, Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He has bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and English, a master’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in divinity.
He was associate pastor of St. Cajetan (2001-2003) and St. Celestine, Elmwood Park (2003-2007). He was pastor of Queen of the Rosary, Elk Grove Village (2007-2015) and has served as pastor of St. James, Arlington Heights since 2021. He also was vice rector, a formator and a spiritual director at Mundelein Seminary (2015-2021).
He will celebrate his anniversary May 17 at St. James.
Father Robert Schultz, 53, was born in La Grange and attended Westchester Public Schools; St. Joseph High School, Westchester; Milliken University in Decatur; and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He has bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology, a master’s degree in divinity and a baccalaureate in sacred theology.
He was associate pastor of St. Joseph, Wilmette (2001-2006), and St. Paul of the Cross, Park Ridge (2006-2009). He was pastor of St. Beatrice, Schiller Park (2009-2020); administrator of St. Maria Goretti, Schiller Park (2019-2020); and pastor of Holy Virgin Martyrs, Schiller Park (2020-present).
He also served as a spiritual director at St. Joseph College Seminary and a board member for the Priests Retirement and Mutual Aid Association.
He will celebrate his anniversary May 17 at Holy Virgin Martyrs Parish.
Father Paul Stein, 51, attended Winston Churchill Elementary School in Schaumburg, Eisenhower Junior High in Hoffman Estates and Hoffman Estates High School, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, a master’s degree in divinity and a baccalaureate and licentiate in sacred theology.
He was associate pastor of St. Turibius (2001-2005) and Holy Name Cathedral (2005-2007), where he also served as director of liturgy. He was pastor of St. Sylvester (2007-2012), rector of St. Joseph College Seminary (2012-2015) and pastor of St. Frances of Rome (2015-2022). He now serves as associate pastor of St. James, Arlington Heights.
He will celebrate his anniversary at 5 p.m. May 16 at St. James with his classmate, Father Edward Pelrine.
Father Walter Yepes, 53, was born in Cisneros, Antioquia, Colombia. He attended elementary and high school in Bello, Antioquia, and undergraduate seminary at the Pontifical Bolivariana University in Medellin, all in Colombia. He attended major seminary at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.
He has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in divinity.
He was associate pastor of St. Benedict, Blue Island (2001-2003), and St. Adalbert (2003-2006). He was pastor of St. Roman (2006-2019), and has been pastor of Our Lady of Nazareth since 2020. He also has served on the Presbyteral Council and as dean of Deanery VI-C.
He will celebrate his anniversary with a bilingual Mass May 23 at Our Lady of Nazareth.