Julius Frazier

When the phone rang, Julius Frazier answered it and began fielding a barrage of questions from his inquisitive six year-old daughter. With sweeping patience, he answered her questions, allayed her fears, and imparted to her a sense of understanding and calmness. For Frazier, this is probably part of his daily routine as teacher, talk radio host, student, husband, and father.

An Augustus Tolton graduate, Frazier juggles his time between teaching religion classes at Notre Dame High School for Girls and hosting a Tuesday talk radio program on WYLL, 1160 AM.

BLACK CATHOLIC CHICAGO: Who is Julius Frazier?

JULIUS FRAZIER: I could best be described as a person trying to help people have a deeper experience of God. I do this via teaching, ministry, and discussion on the radio show.

How did you get involved with the Catholic faith?

FRAZIER: My sister [laughs]. I'm originally from East Chicago, Indiana but I've spent most of my life here. My big sister is the one who influenced my Catholicism. It started in second grade. I attended choir rehearsal and mass with her. For me, it wasn't just curiosity that called to me, but I was sincerely intrigued with the faith. I was an altar boy when the church was in Latin. So I've been blessed to see the church change and grow. That is what has fueled my inspiration towards theology.

Where do you teach?

FRAZIER: I teach at Notre Dame High School for Girls. I teach Scripture to sophomores and morality to juniors. I've been teaching for two years.

As a teacher, what's been the most frustrating thing for you?

FRAZIER: Hearing the adults say 'it's too hard' or 'I can't do it'. And among the students, just witnessing the closed-mindedness of them at such a young age.

What's your assessment of students today? Are they teachable?

FRAZIER: I think so. See, I'm an optimist. I maintain that things are hopeful. One thing we need to do, you know, as parents is to tighten our relationship with God and then pass it on. Right now, there's a lot of superficial stuff being passed on. Not enough necessary stuff. That's where we, as parents, come in.

Okay, so you're on the radio?

FRAZIER: Yes. Every Tuesday from 9-9:30pm. The show is called God's Praises Tell and our broadcast on WYLL 1160AM.

How did that happen?

FRAZIER: My background is in Radio, TV, and Film. I have my undergraduate degree in RTVF from Northwestern University. And, I have an MA from CTU in Theology. The cluster I was affiliated with was looking for different ways to evangelize. And, the Catholics have done a poor job of utilizing electronic media. So, God provided a way for us to get the word out. We started out doing a live one-hour show at first. Then, as things progressed, we moved to where we are now. So, my background helped pave the way. Plus, I love to talk so it was a perfect transition for me [laughs].

Who have some of your guests been?

FRAZIER: We've had Bishop Perry on the show. Let's See... Andrew and Terry Lyke. Sid Hammond of St. Felicitas. Frederick Young of St. Ailbe. Lots of folks.

And what's typically the format?

FRAZIER: We talk about a range of topics. Marriage, family life, spirituality, and prayer. In May, we'll be discussing the music of liturgy and another interesting topic... deacons in the workplace.

Any shows dealing with the youth? Youth issues?

FRAZIER: In June, we'll be focusing on that. We'll be doing shows focusing on the youth ministry and young adults.

Speaking of youth, what do you say to them?

FRAZIER: In my classes, I'm constantly reminding them that everything they see and hear is trying to teach them a certain point of view. Too many young people feel they are not sacred or special. Take the music of today. They no longer sing love songs. They sing sex songs. And when you sing them, you buy into them. You inculcate those messages. Anything you say, if not looked at critically, can take you out. We are all products of our home and environment.

Mr. Frazier, given all of your efforts, do you think you're getting through?

FRAZIER: I hope so. I feel like I am. I hope my efforts are allowing people to come into a serious understanding of God. I don't like to gauge my effectiveness. I do the best I can with all that God has given to me. My job is to plant the seed. God does the nurturing, the watering, and the growing.

What's been the single greatest defining moment in your life?

FRAZIER: Holding my daughter minutes after she was born. As I held her, I promised to love her forever no matter what happens. In that moment, this understanding came over me that this is how God loves us. I started to understand God's unconditional love. He loves us forever, no matter what happens.

You're a Tolton Scholar?

FRAZIER: Yes. I am a 2000 Tolton Alumni.

Are you still involved with the program?

FRAZIER: Yes. I meet with the scholars. I talk to them and try to pass on some of my practical experience. It's truly a great program. I learned many lessons and continue to. Probably the greatest lesson was passed on to me by Sr. Jamie Phelps. She taught me that getting a degree in higher education only meant that I was smart enough to know that I don't know everything and never will.

What's your take on the church today?

FRAZIER: The Catholic Church has a depth that we don't always recognize. Some of us see the ornamentation and the rituals, but we don't really understand the spirituality inherent in the church. It's the spiritual that calls you in thoroughly. The total understanding that brings one closer to God.

What's on the horizon for you?

FRAZIER: I'm looking forward to taking summer classes at CTU. My interest is in Christology. Trying to understand what Christ means.

Any last words?

FRAZIER: Just that we must be more demonstrative about our faith. Which means we must discuss it more. We are the beacon. As African American Catholics, we are in a great situation. We can show the world what faith in God can do. The key is trusting the faith.

 

CREDITS: Written by Lasana Kazembe; Photographs courtesy of Catholic Theological Union Office of Communications