Featured Stories | June 13, 2025
On Thursday, June 12, members of the US Province celebrated the religious jubilees of Fr. Gary Lantz, SCJ, and of Br. Frank Snider, SCJ. It was also the closing liturgy of the US Province Election Assembly. Fr. Vien Nguyen, SCJ, provincial superior, was the main celebrant.
Lifelong teacher
Br. Francis (Frank) Snider, SCJ, 78, celebrates his 60th anniversary of vows this year. Originally from Zanesville, Ohio, much of Br. Frank’s life has been devoted to education. He taught at Divine Heart Seminary (while also serving as academic dean, business manager and treasurer) and at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary before taking a teaching position at Aquinas High School in San Bernardino, CA. That was the start of a nearly 40-year commitment to Catholic high school education. Starting in 1988, he taught at Incarnate Word High School in San Antonio.
One of Br. Frank’s few breaks from teaching was when he stepped in as provincial treasurer for a year when the then treasurer, Fr. Jerry Schaad, SCJ, was on sabbatical.
Br. Frank retired in 2022 and is now a member of the Sacred Heart Community in Pinellas Park, FL.
Called to serve in South Dakota
Fr. Gary Lantz, SCJ, 89, is originally from Decatur, Il. He professed his first vows in 1975 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1980. His assignments have included parish ministry in St. Louis and Milwaukee; however, it was in South Dakota where he truly found his call.
He served in parochial ministry with the Lower Brule – Crow Creek Pastoral Team, as well as at parishes throughout South Dakota. He also ministered at St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, and for many years was a chaplain at the South Dakota Women’s Prison in Pierre.
In 2005 he was honored by the South Dakota Department of Corrections for his work.
Fr. Gary is a member of the Sacred Heart Community at SHML but also a regular lunch-time visitor at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology.
Click here to view an online photo album.
