The Passionists of Holy Cross Province

The Love that Compels

Claire Smith

Daily Scripture, April 27, 2025

Scripture:

Acts 5:12-16
Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19
John 20:19-31

Reflection:

For the first few Sundays of Easter, our Gospel readings are accounts of the appearances of the Risen Jesus to His disciples. We don’t usually associate these appearances with healing, as we do the miraculous cures we read about during Jesus’ ministry before His Passion and death. but I am more and more beginning to realize that these appearances of the Risen Jesus are healing experiences.

The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter is the encounter between the Risen Jesus and the apostle Thomas (John 20:19-31). Where is the healing in this encounter? I see Thomas healed of grief, of disillusionment and of despair. For some time, I have seen Thomas’ adamant refusal to take the other apostles’ word that Jesus was risen, not as a weakness of faith, but as a defense from being hurt again. I can imagine Thomas vowing to himself that he would never let himself believe in anything or anyone again, lest he be hurt as he was when he saw Jesus die on the Cross.

When Thomas finally sees that Jesus is indeed risen, he is healed of despair and doubt and grief. When does this occur? When Thomas touches Jesus’ wounds. When we are hurting from grief or despair; when we are wondering whether God really loves us or not, or even if there is a God, we can do as Thomas was invited to do – touch Jesus’ wounds. We can contemplate the Cross and reflect on all that Jesus endured for our salvation, and be healed. We can let the Risen Jesus enter our hearts and touch our wounds and be healed.

For me, the encounter between Jesus and Thomas also has something to say about the healing needed in our world. I think one of the most prevalent doubts in our world is doubting the humanity of the “other.’ We human beings can justify violence and slavery and all sorts of oppression and injustice, as well as indifference, by convincing ourselves that “they” are somehow less than human, or at least, less than us.

How could we be healed of that? I think it might be healed if we were willing to “touch” the wounds of others. By that I mean, being willing to hear people’s stories; being willing to hear about the wounds inflicted by prejudice and hate and fear (by our prejudice and hate and fear?). Perhaps we could also see their wounds, just as we might see our own, as connected to the wounds of Jesus. And maybe, just maybe, we could recognize their humanity, and we could let the love of God in Jesus Christ lift us all up.

If we would be willing to take on such a task of love, filled with the hope of Easter, we might let ourselves be open to respond to God’s call, and be willing to help bring healing and love, just as we read about the apostles in our first reading (Acts 5:12-16). We might find ourselves willing to work for justice, even justice for the “other,” and seek to make peace.

If we celebrate this Sunday as Divine Mercy Sunday, may we not only reflect on the mercy God has shown us in Jesus Christ, but be willing to be instruments of God’s mercy for others.

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Daily Scripture, April 26, 2025

Scripture:

Acts 4:13-21
Mark 16:9-15

Reflection:

How easily we judge by appearances according to our own set expectations! The Sanhedrin wouldn’t believe Peter and John’s testimony or the miracles they performed because they knew them as “simple, uneducated” men. Earlier in the scriptures, when God sent Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king, Jesse didn’t initially even present David, because surely God chose one of the seven older brothers rather than a young sheepherder. Later, Jesus’ apostles and companions refused to believe either Mary Magdelene, who saw Jesus after he rose, or the two disciples who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus, as those witnesses didn’t sufficiently fit their criteria for reliability. When Jesus finally appeared to the disciples, dispelling their doubt, he rebukes them for their refusal.  

Knowing what I know on this side of the story, it’s easy for me to rebuke all of these people, too, and convince myself I would have believed if I’d been there. After all, I’ve been taught that God has a habit of speaking in unexpected ways and through unsuspecting sources. But would I? How often do I discount a message because I don’t accept the messenger? How often do I shut out other voices because I believe I know more or they don’t know enough?

In our current milieu, entire classes of people are labeled as ignorant, evil, misguided, or just wrong, rendering us incapable of hearing genuine wisdom from a member of that group. Young adults in our Church constantly experience their perspective being discounted or unheard in favor of the “seasoned veterans” who, of course, are smarter and wiser. Women often perceive that, just as in biblical times, their words carry less weight than a man’s. Surely, too, people living in poverty have little to teach those who’ve achieved success. We see it everywhere we look. Are we so blind?

So I must ask: In my life, who do I discount or shut out? Can I hear wisdom and answers from God when they are given by someone of another faith tradition? Am I open to insight from a member of another culture or race? What about when the messenger is half my age? I need to remember the scriptural message: “Not as humans see does God see, because humans see the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart.”

Gracious God, open my eyes that I may see your face in every person. Open my ears that I may hear your voice from unexpected mouths. Open my mind that I may perceive the movement of your Spirit. Open my heart that I may give and receive love from those I consider most unlovable. Lead me and all of us to more readily hear your Word in our world. Amen.

Amy Florian is a teacher and consultant working in Chicago.  For many years she has partnered with the Passionists.  Visit Amy’s website: http://www.corgenius.com/.

Daily Scripture, April 25, 2025

Scripture:

Acts 4:1-12
John 21:1-14

Reflection:

The gospel stories during these days of Easter are like a tutorial. They help us deepen our understanding of Jesus’ life and ministry. The Risen Lord tutors the apostles. He helps them move through the dark days, the disappointment, the confusion. Everything they need know about Jesus they have within themselves. They just require his help in piecing it all together. And as they deepen their understanding, they know—and hopefully we also—what they must do.

Today’s story of Peter jumping out of the boat to join Jesus is not the first time we’ve seen Peter do something like this. In other gospel accounts, Jesus beckons Peter to come to him…across the water. Today we see Peter jumping into the water to swim to Jesus who waits for him on the lakeshore. In both these stories, Peter knows he needs to get to Jesus. But that means leaving the boat. That boat, remember, represents what he knows best – fishing. It is his comfort zone. But Peter knows what he needs to do. And it means leaving the boat.

Whether it is on the lakeshore or on the road to Emmaus or in the Upper Room, the apostles and disciples spend time with the Risen Jesus. And in spending time with him, their path forward becomes clearer. In these days following Easter, we are invited to find time with the Lord. Let’s sit quietly with him and let him help us see our way forward. We’ll know what we need to do in that quiet moment, even if it means jumping out of our boats and leaving behind what is familiar and safe.

Robert Hotz is a consultant with American City Bureau, Inc. and was the Director of The Passion of Christ: The Love That Compels Campaign for Holy Cross Province.

Daily Scripture, April 24, 2025

Scripture:

Acts 3:11-26
Luke 24: 35-48

Reflection:

The Easter Octave:  “Peace Be With You…”

In almost all his Resurrection appearances, Jesus greets his disciples with “peace.”  He seems eager to dispel any fear in their hearts…and when you think about it, without faith we humans have reason to fear.  Illness, injustice, economic uncertainty, loneliness, violence, hunger, etc.:  realities all too common in today’s world, just as they were in the time of Jesus.

The risen Jesus shows us that we have no reason to fear either the present or the future.  In His life, death, and resurrection, He triumphed over sin and death.  In his life-long ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing, Jesus revealed that He has fulfilled the promises God made throughout Old Testament times.  Such was the point St. Peter wanted to make in his sermon to the crowd in Solomon’s Portico that is our first reading today.  We in the 21st Century can thus be confident that both we and our world are in the loving hands of God…there’s no reason to fear…have faith!

Jesus’ words “Peace be with you” to His early disciples are not an empty, casual greeting.  They express the great gift of God’s “shalom” which can dissipate all fear from our lives and embolden us to witness in word and deed God’s unconditional love for our needy world.  Are we women and men of Jesus’ peace?  Do we radiate that Christ-centered peace in the 1,001 details of modern life…at times with our lips, often with our lives? 

As 21st Century Easter People, “alleluia” is our song; Jesus’ gift of peace adds a richness to that song which invites the world to sing along.  As the words to an old soft drink advertisement stated:  Let’s teach the world to sing…

Fr. John Schork, C.P. serves as the Province Vocation Director and also as Local Superior of the Passionist Community of Holy Name in Houston, Texas.  

Careers

About the Passionists

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province are a Roman Catholic religious order of priests and brothers founded by St. Paul of the Cross, dedicated to keeping alive the memory of Christ’s Passion through preaching, compassion and solidarity with the suffering. Our mission reaches across pastoral ministries, retreats, spiritual direction, social justice and care for creation. Rooted in community life and contemplative prayer, we serve with humility, simplicity and a profound sense of hope. See more at www.passionist.org.

We are seeking mission-driven individuals who share an appreciation for our values and will help steward the well-being of our province and ministries for the following positions. Click on the title below for a more detailed description:

-Director of Connections, Flexible within Holy Cross Province

-Director of Donor Relations, Park Ridge, IL, (Hybrid)

-Alumni Engagement and Development Officer, Park Ridge, IL, (Hybrid)

-Financial Controller, Park Ridge, IL, (Hybrid)

-Accounting Specialist, Park Ridge, IL, (Hybrid)

-Administrative Coordinator, Park Ridge, IL, (In person)

 

Administrative Coordinator

Job Title: Administrative Coordinator
Location: Park Ridge, Illinois (in person]
Reports To: Provincial Superior
Status: 32 hours per week Monday – Thursday| Non-Exempt

About the Passionists

The Passionists are a Roman Catholic religious congregation of priests and brothers founded in 1720 by St. Paul of the Cross. Rooted in the Passion of Jesus Christ, Passionists are committed to proclaiming God’s love and mercy through preaching, spiritual direction, outreach to the suffering and marginalized and a life of prayer and community. Holy Cross Province, one of the geographic regions of the Congregation, includes communities and ministries across the United States and beyond.

Passionists seek to live and share the message of Christ Crucified in a world in need of hope, healing and compassion. Their charism calls them to walk with those who suffer and to be a voice of justice, peace and reconciliation. Visit www.passionist.org for more information.

Position Summary

The Province Offices Administrative Coordinator plays a central role in supporting the life and operations of Holy Cross Province, working closely with the Provincial Superior, the Provincial Leadership Team and staff. This position involves a wide range of responsibilities including administrative support, recordkeeping, correspondence, compliance filings and coordination with Passionist communities and external partners.

This is a mission-driven role requiring confidentiality, attention to detail and a genuine sense of service to the Church and the Passionist Congregation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provincial Superior and Staff Mail and Communication

  • Open, scan and distribute mail addressed to the Provincial Superior
  • Email scanned correspondence to the Provincial Superior promptly
  • Sort and distribute mail to the Province Offices staff

2. Phone Support – Development Office

  • Answer phones on Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Record details of donor calls in database
  • Fulfill donor requests and provide appropriate follow-up

3. Mass Intentions

  • Distribute Mass intentions to appropriate clergy
  • Provide corresponding credit memo information to the Finance Office

4. Finance Office Support

  • Prepare checks for mailing and file check copies
  • Set up folders/files for each new fiscal year
  • Identify financial records for shredding under document retention policy
  • Distribute payroll and mail annuity checks and letters

5. Medicare/Medicaid Coordination

  • Enroll Passionist members in Medicare Part D
  • Assist in selection of new drug plans as needed
  • Respond to Medicare inquiries. Forward Medicaid enrollment information to partners

6. Member Records and Documentation

  • Maintain accurate and organized files for all members
  • File incoming correspondence and legal documents
  • Respond to immigration attorney requests with relevant documentation

7. Recordkeeping and Directory Maintenance

  • Keep records updated for deceased members, jubilees, ordination dates, etc.
  • Maintain and distribute updated Province Directory

8. Provincial Leadership Team Support

  • Draft minutes for meetings and prepare board resolutions
  • Coordinate signature collection and organize official files

9. Office File Maintenance

  • Ensure Province Offices file cabinets are organized and maintained
  • Conduct regular reviews and disposal of outdated material

10. Reporting and Legal Compliance

  • Prepare annual reports for the Congregation, dioceses and external entities
  • File reports with Secretaries of State and maintain legal entity records
  • Access Official Catholic Directory (OCD) flipbook and download Passionist pages

11. Correspondence and Letters

  • Draft testimonial letters for ministry outside of home dioceses
  • Send donor acknowledgment letters for gifts to the Province Offices

12. Mission Office Support

  • Respond to requests for Missionary Cooperation Plan appeals
  • Contact parishes, write letters, identify available Passionists and prepare logistics

13. Seasonal and Special Duties

  • Send Christmas cards to bishops, legal representatives, and key contacts
  • Serve as a Notary Public for the Province Offices

14. Other Projects and Duties as Assigned

Qualifications and Skills

  • A deep appreciation for and alignment with the mission and values of the Passionist Congregation
  • Strong organizational and clerical skills with excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic filing systems
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities
  • Experience in nonprofit, religious or diocesan administration is preferred

Work Schedule and Environment

This is a 32 hour per week (Monday through Thursday)on-site position based at the Province Offices in Park Ridge, Illinois. The role involves collaboration with Passionist leadership, staff and external partners. Occasional flexibility in work hours may be required in service to the needs of the Congregation.

Compensation and Benefits

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province offer a competitive wage commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off and retirement contributions. Employees are supported in a work environment that values mission, respect and a spirit of service.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest about the position to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Accounting Specialist

Job Title: Accounting Specialist – Auxiliaries
Location: Park Ridge, Illinois (hybrid)
Reports To: Controller
Status: Full-time | Exempt

About the Passionists

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province are a Roman Catholic religious order of priests and brothers founded by St. Paul of the Cross, dedicated to keeping alive the memory of Christ’s Passion through preaching, compassion and solidarity with the suffering. Our mission reaches across pastoral ministries, retreats, spiritual direction, social justice and care for creation. Rooted in community life and contemplative prayer, we serve with humility, simplicity and a profound sense of hope. See more at www.passionist.org.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a mission-driven and detail-oriented Accounting Specialist to support the financial operations of our religious communities, retreat centers and affiliated ministries. Working under the guidance of the Controller, this role plays a key part in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of financial transactions, preparation of reports, and ongoing stewardship of the resources entrusted to our care. This position supports the broader mission of the Passionists by providing reliable financial insight and administrative support to help our ministries thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounts Payable and Reimbursements

  • Coordinate and process payments for vendors and community-related expenses, including preparing check runs and initiating ACH transfers.
  • Manage affiliated entities’ requests for reimbursement from the Provincial Office and ensure accurate documentation for credit memos.
  • Handle manual deposits, ensuring proper account allocation and updating related donation and mission appeal records.

 Transaction Recording and Journal Entries

  • Review financial submissions from local communities and accurately record corresponding journal entries.
  • Deposit donor contributions and other collections, maintaining detailed records to ensure proper tracking.
  • Post financial adjustments such as debit and credit memos, reconcile bank statements, and prepare journal entry batches for management review.

Payroll and Benefits Support

  • Collect and compile wage information to support pension contributions and prepare related payment requests.
  • Review and verify requests for payroll reimbursement from affiliated entities, ensuring accuracy before requesting appropriate interbank transfers.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

  • Analyze trial balances, identify errors and post necessary corrections to ensure accurate financial reporting.
  • Prepare concise monthly financial summaries for communities, highlighting key variances and trends.
  • Assist in the quarterly closing process and compile consolidated financial reports for various entities within the organization.
  • Regularly compare financial data reported by communities, retreat centers, the Provincial Office, and other affiliated entities to resolve inconsistencies across entities.

Insurance, Budgeting, and Compliance

  • Allocate insurance costs across relevant entities and coordinate electronic payments.
  • Support the preparation, submission, and tracking of annual operating and capital additions budgets.
  • Enter approved budgets into the accounting system and provide analysis and reporting to finance leadership.
  • Maintain compliance records by collecting final audit reports and required tax documentation such as IRS Forms 990, and collect data necessary for information reporting by communities on Forms 1099.

Administrative Support & Communication

  • Manage ordering and inventory of financial supplies such as checks and deposit slips.
  • Maintain current W-9 records for vendors and contractors, ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Serve as a liaison for accounting system users, providing troubleshooting support and communicating system updates.
  • Identify and track donations requiring acknowledgments and coordinate with administrative staff for timely follow-up.
  • Act as a backup for payroll processing during the absence of the primary payroll specialist.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 3–5 years of experience in accounting, preferably in nonprofit, religious or mission-based organizations.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
  • Experience with accounting systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to handle sensitive financial and personal information with discretion and confidentiality.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and a collaborative spirit.
  • Familiarity with Catholic religious life or working in a faith-based environment is highly desirable.

Personal & Mission Alignment

  • Respect for Catholic teaching and religious life.
  • Demonstrated ethical integrity, confidentiality and accountability.
  • Ability to work individually and collaboratively with religious leadership and lay staff.
  • Willingness to understand and be familiar with Passionist charism and spirituality.

Additional

  • Willingness to travel occasionally to Passionist meetings, communities and ministries.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a fair salary in accordance with the values and mission of The Passionists of Holy Cross Province. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support the overall well-being of our employees and may include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for spiritual growth and professional development. We strive to foster a supportive and faith-centered work environment rooted in respect, service and community.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest about the position to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Alumni Engagement and Development Officer

DEPARTMENT:       Office of Donor Relations
POSITION TITLE:   Alumni Engagement and Development Officer
CLASSIFICATION:  Professional, Exempt, Part-Time
REPORTS TO:          Director of Donor Relations
LOCATION:            Province Offices – Park Ridge, IL

Passionist Mission:

We Passionists proclaim God’s love for the world revealed through the Passion of Jesus Christ. The Passionists, a global family of priests and brothers, nuns and sisters, and lay men and women, reach out with compassion to the crucified of today. We keep alive the memory of Christ’s Passion through our commitment to community, prayer, ministries of the Word, and service to those who suffer. We welcome all who seek renewed life through the power of the Cross and the hope of the Resurrection.

Position Overview:

The Passionist Alumni Engagement and Development Officer reports to the Director of Donor Relations and collaborates with the Donor Relations Team and the Passionist Formation Alumni.

Playing a pivotal role, the Passionist Alumni Engagement and Development Officer represents the vision, mission, and religious values of The Congregation of the Passion, Holy Cross Province, to donors, alumni, and the broader public through various communication channels, including digital media, print, electronic/audio-visual, and face-to-face interactions. Beyond mere representation, this individual serves as a well-informed and dedicated advocate for the Passionists, adept at articulating the organization’s strategies for a sustainable and vibrant future. Essential to this role is the ability to engage sensitively and inclusively with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds.

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province are enthusiastic about fortifying their donor relations program by adding an Alumni Engagement and Development Officer. This position extends beyond relationship management to provide crucial support for the life and ministries of the Passionists through soliciting planned and major gifts.

Additionally, the Alumni Engagement and Development Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Passionist Formation Alumni, executing and expanding a comprehensive alumni engagement program to foster volunteerism, service, support and personal growth through alumni events and initiatives. These efforts are intended to enhance loyalty, dedication, and support for the Passionist Congregation, our community, and to the world.

Alumni Engagement and Development Officer – Key Responsibilities

As a vital member of the Donor Relations team, the Alumni Engagement and Development Officer will:

  • Cultivate and Steward Relationships – Manage a portfolio of approximately 70 donors and alumni, fostering meaningful connections to enhance the long-term financial stability of Holy Cross Province. Tailor engagement strategies and solicitations based on donor interests and giving capacity.
  • Strategic Communication & Marketing – Maintain transparent and consistent communication with donors about fundraising initiatives. Collaborate with the Director of Donor Relations to develop and implement strategic marketing plans that promote philanthropy.
  • Passionist Community Engagement – Build relationships with Passionist priests, brothers, alumni and lay partners to deepen understanding of the Passionist mission, spirituality, history, and values.
  • Committee Participation & Collaboration – Serve on Province and alumni committees to support initiatives that advance the mission and strategic goals of Holy Cross Province.
  • Travel & Donor Outreach – Conduct regional travel to engage with donors and alumni, strengthening connections and furthering development efforts.
  • Database & Moves Management – Document donor interactions, engagement efforts, and follow-up actions in the Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system (Aegis) to ensure accurate and strategic relationship management.
  • Ethical Fundraising & Professional Development – Adhere to best practices and ethical standards in fundraising through continuous learning, networking, and industry research.
  • Event Support – Assist with donor and alumni events, including planning, execution, and follow-up activities.
  • Reporting & Accountability – If working remotely, provide quarterly progress reports to the Director of Donor Relations, detailing key activities and outcomes.
  • Additional Responsibilities – Perform other duties as assigned to support the goals of the Donor Relations team.

Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is desired.
  • Five or more years of development experience (fundraising, donor relations, marketing/communications).
  • Ability to empathize with donors, typically aged 45 and older.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be a self-starter and team player with a positive outlook and ability to manage ambiguity and change, proficient in identifying solutions and opportunities.
  • An understanding of the programs associated with the donor relations office (planned giving, major gift solicitation, monthly giving program, and the donor recognition program).
  • Demonstrated ability to prospect, cultivate and steward donors.  Experience in personally soliciting gifts and/or pledges is necessary.
  • Proven management and leadership capabilities.
  • Familiarity with faith-based (preferably Catholic) fundraising.   Must have an intuitive sense of church and religious life.
  • Able to travel nationally. Some night and weekend travel as necessary.
  • Experience with a Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) database such as Aegis is desirable.
  • Possess an outgoing personality that is engaging, pleasant, kind and confident.

Working Conditions:

This is a hybrid position. The Passionist Province Offices is situated in a safe and accessible neighborhood in Park Ridge, Illinois.

Compensation:

Salary will be commensurate with experience. The Passionists offer a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work-life balance and professional development.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest about the position to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.