Fr. Thomas O’Donnell IV, SJ
Entered the Society of Jesus: 2014
As a Jesuit: Father O’Donnell taught at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Twin Cities in Minneapolis, and served as a chaplain at the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center in St. Paul, Minn. He also worked as a social worker at Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago.
Assignment Following Ordination: Father O’Donnell will teach theology at University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy in Detroit.
Expression of Gratitude and Inspiration: I give thanks first and above all to God, who has continually invited me, with astonishing patience and mercy, to the priesthood in the Society of Jesus. It is His grace, shining through so many generous people, that has kept me saying “yes” to that invitation. I am deeply aware that my life has been carried by the love, prayers, sacrifices and encouragement of many.
I am especially grateful for my parents, Janet and Tom. My mother has taught me what it means to proclaim the Gospel by the quiet eloquence of a faithful life. My father formed in me a love and respect for others, especially those whose stories and experiences differ from my own. I give thanks as well for my grandparents, Tom, Patricia, Dorothy, and Jim, who surrounded me with the steady and generous love of God.
To my family and friends, who supported me from the first moment I shared the strange yet persistent thought that God might be calling me to the priesthood: I am more grateful to you all than I can adequately say. Your support has been one of the great graces of my formation.
I am profoundly grateful to the Society of Jesus and to its benefactors, whose generosity has made my Jesuit life and formation possible. I give thanks for formators, superiors and mentors such as Jesuit Frs. Tom Pipp, Charlie Rodrigues, Tim Lannon, Michael Boughton, George Collins, Dave Mastrangelo, Mark Luedtke, Tom Neitzke, Pat McGrath, Paul Harman and the late Brad Schaeffer. Each has shown me, in his own way, what it means to live this vocation with humility, joy, generosity and faith.
