Priests of the Sacred Heart Provincial Council Meets in Chamberlain

This week was the occasion for a special gathering in Chamberlain. The Priests of the Sacred Heart, centered out of Hales Corners, Wisc., gathered at Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center for a planning retreat of the Provincial Council regarding the next three years for the religious community in the U.S. Province. The opportunity provided them an environment “away-from-it-all” for some spirit-led planning. 

“It is exciting to host this session here on the beautiful Missouri River,” said Fr. Greg Schill, SCJ, current chaplain at St. Joseph’s Indian School and member of the new Provincial Council. “A fresh environment opens us up to fresh thought.”

In addition to Fr. Greg, among those gathering on April 5 and 6, were newly elected Provincial Superior Fr. Vien Nguyen, SCJ, along with other members of the Provincial Council: Fr. Jack Kurps, executive director of Sacred Heart Southern Missions, Walls, Miss.; Fr. Rafael Querobin, SCJ, admisintrator at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Houston, Texas; Bro. Duane Lemke, SCJ, superior of the Sacred Heart Monastery Community, province director of Justice, Peace and Reconciliation and member of the English and Cultural Studies Program at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, Hales Corners, Wisc., and Dn. David Nagel, SCJ, who besides serving on the Provincial Council is also Provincial Treasurer. 

Sr. Cathy Bertrand, SSND, facilitated the session. A well-regarded facilitator, she has worked with the Priests of the Sacred Heart for many years. Also joining in the planning retreat were Bro. Frank Presto, SCJ, province secretary, and Mary Gorski, communications director.

Fr. Vien, Fr. Greg, Deacon Dave and Fr. Jack stayed in town meet with the Board of Directors of St. Joseph’s Indian School on April 7.