On Saturday, November 20, Greg Schill, SCJ, was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Donald Kettler of the Diocese of Fairbanks. Also ordained was Clint Landry, who is preparing for diocesan priesthood in Fairbanks.
The ordinations took place at Sacred Heart Monastery/School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wis.
Dn. Greg, 34, is originally from San Antonio, Texas. Before entering candidacy with the Priests of the Sacred Heart in 2003, he served in the U.S Marine Corps for four years. Following an honorable discharge, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. In May, Dn. Greg received his Master’s of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.
“The welcoming spirit and presence of the SCJs attracted me to the Priests of the Sacred Heart,” said Dn. Greg. “I cannot tell you how many times I have brought guests to Dehon House and heard them comment on how much they appreciated the community and energy of the place.
“The SCJs’ emphasis on reaching out to the poor and marginalized has also given me the spirit and inspiration to become an SCJ.”
Dn. Greg professed his first vows in 2006. In 2008, he completed a CPE Program (Clinical Pastoral Education) and did his pastoral year in northern Mississippi. During the past summer he, and Dn. Duy Nguyen, SCJ, spent two months in Argentina doing an intensive Spanish language course.
As a student in Chicago, Dn. Greg was active with Chicago Lighthouse, an organization that assists people who are visually impaired. In 2009 he was named “Volunteer of the Year.” To give a sense of the significance of the award, Dn. Greg was one of 300-plus volunteers at the center. These volunteers are in addition to the 200 paid staff members of the center.
On October 2, Dn. Greg made his final profession of vows, also at Sacred Heart. He now joins the pastoral team at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Franklin, Wis., that includes Fr. Yvon Sheehy, SCJ (pastor), Fr. Thi Pham, SCJ and Fr. Bob Naglich, SCJ.
