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 My
favorite story about Father Joe Schell SJ
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| From: |
Barbara
Kingsbury |
Terry
Crogan '64 |
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Julie
(Thorud) Adrianopoli '99 |
Carol
Falquette '87 |
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Vince
Passerell '86 |
David
Korn '62 |
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Mary
Howarth Bibbee '00 |
Anthony Romano '57 |
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Martina
Fronczek |
Gretchen Grubb '02 |
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Al
Oberst '56 |
Katie Grace Brandt '82 |
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Ed
Schwallie '55 |
Erin Zuercher '02 |
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Nancy
Zimmer Hiltibrand '74 |
Pat Behmer Lonergan '76 |
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Brian
Henkel '77 |
Trena Marks Pacetti '01 |
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Pat
Gilmore Kearney |
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Katie
Ortlieb '96 |
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Annie
Slota '98 |
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Barbara
Kingsbury, Secretary, Dean of Students |
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I
don't have any stories about Father Schell, but I would be remiss if I didn't
comment that I feel he exemplifies what I believe a true Jesuit to be and
what the Jesuit mission is all about. During the past 10 years that I have
worked here at JCU and working in the same building as Father Schell, I
always see him with a smile on his face. He never lets his age get in the
way of things. He readily makes himself available to students, staff, faculty
and administrators whether to counsel, mentor or assisting or leading the
retreats. And what a wonderful sense of humor - what a gift! He probably
doesn't even really know who I am other than a familiar face he sees in
the halls, but I certainly feel blessed for being in his presence. |
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Julie
(Thorud) Adrianopoli '99 |
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Father
Schell was a friend and spiritual mentor for me while in college. He was
the first person I met when I was touring JCU prior to being accepted to
the school. As a high school senior considering JCU, I found Father Schell
remarkably kind and compassionate. He introduced himself to me and my mother
and welcomed us to the campus. He encouraged me during my first visit to
get involved in community service and attend the campus ministry's spiritual
retreats. Throughout my four wonderful years at JCU I often stopped by Father
Schell's office to seek advice. He always made time for me and often called
me after our meetings to see how I was doing. I feel that I had a better
experience at John Carroll because of Father Schell. |
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Vince
Passerell '86 |
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It
really is impossible for me to try to write a favorite Fr. Schell story
- short of writing a book, nothing could do the subject justice. (And I
have thought that a book would be awesome!) But I am glad to get the chance
to contribute this. (I have no idea, other than the Spirit, why I came to
the JCU site tonight, as I was about to "log off" and haven't been here
in at least six months!)
Among the countless on-campus interactions I had with Fr. Schell, he prepared
me for and directed me on my first 8-day retreat, and he also led an Inquiry
Group, a handful of young students who hungered to learn more about the
faith we love and shared. The Inquiry Group met in Rodman Hall; while I
don't think that we had to remove our sandals before entering, at that time
that was close to "Holy ground" to students! The only other times I went
in was for a very early Mass, and an Alpha Sigma Nu dinner, courtesy of
Fr. Sabo. We thought it was neat that Father Schell would invite us into
his "house." (Now look at "his" house!)
Through these experiences, Fr. Schell was like the hand of Christ to me
and so many others, there to guide, uplift, and offer a welcoming pat on
the shoulder. (And to announce at Mass at Columbiere that whoever was making
the hot-air popcorn - remember those things - Mary, Shannon? - was creating
a distraction!) I consider myself blessed to live pretty close by and to
have remained in contact with Fr. Schell over the years, and it warms my
heart that my children have been able to get to know this awesome guy as
well! By the way, they thought it was the most incredible thing when I showed
them his pictures in the Cleveland Plain Dealer this past weekend!
While it's been too long since the last visit now, we would regularly visit
him in Schell house - he'd get the kids a pop and cookies and head down
to the parlor room, sometimes turn on the fireplace, and just have a good
old-fashioned visit! (If the kids were real lucky, they got to see one of
the other Jesuits on the way out, and all are so kind - uh, thanks for the
extra sugar!) Since my children are only now 6, 5, and 3, you can imagine
what the visits were like sometimes at 4, 3, and 1!! But Fr. Schell would
be so gentle, kind, and inviting to them. And when he did "scare" the younger
ones (maybe his knees were just too bony and hard!), he either didn't mind
the crying or did a great job ignoring it. And even for the occasional picture,
Fr. Schell managed to look not too terrified! (Actually, he always managed
that trademark smile, even if one of the kids was less than amused!)
This leads to one of my fondest, even if not the funniest, memories of Fr.
Schell: Watching the brilliant philosopher reading "Fox in Sox," by Dr.
Seuss, with a toddler hanging at each elbow! If you could close your eyes
and imagine the scene, and hear his voice, you couldn't help but smile:
"Who sews whose socks? Sue sews Sue's socks. Who sees who sew whose new
socks, sir? You see Sue sew Sue's new socks sir..." There it was! Father
Schell was human, just like he insisted! I think that is the only time I
really remember Fr. Schell appearing to be reduced to a mere mortal! But
he was so natural in the role, and I saw him in that moment as any father
or grandfather would look reading to family - that's just how Fr. Schell
makes people feel, because it IS who he IS! And to top it off, when he left
a message later to say he had enjoyed the visit, he went on for a few more
lines of Seuss! While some of it got the better of his tongue, and had the
kids laughing all silly, some was almost as if he was reading it: "My tongue
isn't quick or slick sir. I get all those ticks and clocks, sir, mixed up
with the chicks and tocks, sir." Matthew thought he had kept our book! (Personally,
I'd like to go check his library.)
Anyway, there are so many more, not the least of which is his telling of
the only time (he thinks!) his father ever spanked him, and the letter of
recommendation that he wrote for a prospective RA that I used to ask him
to recite about every year (and oddly enough only about two weeks ago, and
yes, he still remembers it). Sorry this is long, but I have to go with that
letter just quickly here, even though I can't do it justice: It was to the
late Dean McNally, I think, and went in part (since she had been turned
down the year before): "I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf
of Shannon M (now Shannon C); I am attaching last year's letter, as I see
no reason to add to it nor to subtract from it. However, fortunately for
you, opportunity knocks again, and I trust that this will find you a year
wiser and that you will correct the egregious blunder that you make last
year..." Only Fr. Schell could think of such a letter, and then have the
confidence to send it!
Fr. Schell, we love you more than you can ever know. It only seems fitting
to close with the words that end your favorite Dr. Seuss book: "Now is your
Tongue Numb?" !!!!!!!!! (BTW, in addition to his wit, I always loved that
Fr. Schell seems to embrace healthy self-deprecating humor. In his Christmas
2003 letter, he wrote, "If I make it to May I'll be 90 and I will have been
58 years (very enjoyable years) at John Carroll. Sometimes I wonder if God
has allowed me all of these years in the hope that eventually I'll do something
useful. Whatever the reason I am deeply grateful."
Well, Father, so are we and we thank you for your "ineptness!!!" |
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Mary
Howarth Bibbee '00 |
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Father
Schell was the first person that my parents, my twin sister Jane and I met
while visiting JCU for the first time. Our orientation began with a mass
by Father Schell, I immediately knew that he was a very kind, special person
that would influence me and many while at John Carroll. I would often see
Father Schell in the cafeteria or walking around campus, he always had time
to say hello and smile. I recently had the joy of getting married at St.
Francis chapel by Father Casey Bukala, SJ. On the Friday before my wedding,
Father Schell took the time to listen to my confessions. I am so thankful
that he got to be such an important part of my wedding and weekend.
Thank you Father Schell for everything, I hope you will continue to touch
people's lives the way you have mine! |
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Martina
Fronczek, Secretary, Facilities |
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My
favorite Father Schell story is one that I've told several times, even though
I was not there in person to witness it. When the beautiful portrait of
Father Schell was being unveiled at the Schell House Dedication/Board of
Trustees meeting, this sly fox stood proudly next to it and commented, "What
a hunk!" Is that too adorable, or what? Modesty has always been one of Father's
best attributes!
On a more serious note, three years ago when Father Schell was a mere youngster
of 87, my father had heart by-pass surgery. Not only did Father say Mass
for him, he constantly prayed for him (which is probably why my father's
operation was so successful, thank goodness). It was so sweet of him to
be so genuinely concerned. That meant the world to me and my family.
One more cute thing that I don't know how many people are aware of is that
Father Schell was quite the ice skater in his day. My former boss, John
Reali, who was just a young punk himself at the time, used to skate with
him at the old Northfield Road ice skating rink in North Randall. I hear
he was Gold Medal material!
Lucky for me to be working in the same building as Father Schell, so I get
to see him all the time. And when I don't see him, I hear from him -- about
his office being too hot or too cold!!! We'll continue to cater to his every
need, though, because we all love him dearly and want him to be as comfortable
as possible so he can be happy and remain with us for at least another 90
years. We love you, Father Dear. Happy Extra-Special 90th Birthday to you
and many more happy, HEALTHY years! |
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Al
Oberst '56 |
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The
Oberst family which has been part of the Carroll Community since 1936 must
have too many great stories to tell about Father Schell. The main thought
that prevails is that this saintly Father was alway there to help you out.
I know several of my family called on Father Schell for spiritual advice.
I know soon after my brother Gene (BA '58 and MS '68.) died, I could not
find any priest to say a Memorial Mass for him. I called around and several
people suggested Father Schell and thanks be to God, the good Father found
time to say the Mass. Turns out he has said many Masses for uncountable
other JCU Alums. Praise be to God to Father Schell for all his great contributions
to our Catholic community in Cleveland. May he live another 50 years to
serve Christ. God bless! |
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Ed
Schwallie '55 |
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I
started at JCU in the Night School in February, 1952 while I had a full
time job. I was trying to take many, many extra classes to "catch up" to
my friends expecting to graduate in 1955. One of the things that would help
accomplish that goal was to take the course "Logic II" before taking "Logic
I". Father Schell, then the YOUNG (in his 30s) head of the Philosophy Department,
had to approve the arrangement. I thank God he did even though he made it
clear it was somewhat ILLOGICAL to take Logic II before I! With his OK I
did graduate with the class of '55 and more importantly I was able to get
married in June, 1954 after Father Schell had blessed our engagement the
year before. The blessing obviously worked because this year of Father Joe's
90th and 60th, Marge and I celebrate our 50th. He clearly helped make our
dream come true. |
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Nancy Zimmer Hiltibrand
'74 |
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Fr. Schell had a profound influence on my John
Carroll years which I have carried all of my life. "Humble saint" is the
best way I could describe him, though, I know he would never accept such
a title. Now that I'm a "grown-up" celebrating 30 years out of college,
I sometimes get distressed that I am not more "finished" in my life journey.
I still have so much to learn. Then I remember Fr. Schell once asking me
for prayers, as I often asked him after a visit. He said he was still growing
in the spirit and could use the prayers. I thought he was a saint even then
and those words told me our life is a marvelous journey until its very end.
I treasure the many visits we had during my Carroll years and his wonderful
counsel during my own 8-day retreat as a senior. It was wonderful to bring
my children back as youngsters to visit with Fr. Schell and always find
some special sweet treat in his office. I join with many in wishing Fr.
Schell a blessed birthday and joy-filled anniversary. We are all certainly
better for having known him. God bless you, Fr. Schell. |
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Brian Henkel '77 |
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I first met Fr. Schell as a student in his Logic
class. but came to know him better through campus ministry. Somewhat a procrastinator,
I waited until the begininng of my senior year at JCU, my eighth year of
Jesuit education, four high school and four at JCU, to decide to convert
to Catholicism. Too late to fit me into a group program, Fr. Schell met
with me individually about 5 to 8 hours to guide me through the process.
Finally, Fr. Schell even flew back to my home town of Milwaukee to officially
bring me into the church, as my 70 year old God parent was too fragile to
travel to Cleveland. Fr. Schell's kindness, caring and clarity of thought
have inspired me my entire life. Fr. Schell, I think of you often and will
never forget the lessons you taught me and the friendship we've shared.
Happy 90th birhtday and 60th anniversary. Love, Brian Henkel. |
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Pat Gilmore Kearney,
neighbor |
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I believe it was 1955 when my Gesu grade school
classmate, Mary Beth Daniels, was riding her bike in front of John Carroll,
when she fell and broke her arm. Fr. Schell was there to help her and they
became fast friends. On occasion after school (5th grade at Gesu School)
she would go to visit Fr. Schell in Pacelli Hall on her way home from school
and I would tag along. Such fond memories of the visits, holy cards, and
memorabilia. Years later my daughters attended JCU and I was able to see
my friend of many years again. Although we have not had ample time to visit
over the years, I want to thank you for your generosity of time and spirit
for those two giddy 10 year old girls. With wonderful memories of your kindness
I send congratulations on your 60th anniversary and 90th birthday. Wishing
you many blessings. Pat |
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Katie Ortlieb '96 |
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In my time at John Carroll Father Schell was
the swim team's most loyal fan. He attended every home meet and could recall
not only the Carroll swimmers placings, but also their times. |
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Annie Slota '98 |
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I recall first seeing Fr. Schell at freshman
orientation. He seemed so kind and welcoming to the nervous freshmen and
their parents. Over the next 4 years, he would be a fixture at JCU events:
sporting events, Homecoming, walking on the Quad or in the Campus Ministry
hallway. His energy and his memory have always amazed me! I had the privilege
of making the 8-Day Retreat while at JCU which is how I really got to know
him. Throughout those 8 days, whenever I was tempted to talk, I would think
about Fr. Schell's warning: this was a silent retreat - no exceptions! Who
could argue with that? Happy 90th Birthday, Fr. Schell and Congrats on your
60th Jubilee! What a blessing you are to all who know and love you. |
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Terry Crogan '64 |
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This story occurred years after my JCU experience
and further exemplifies the kind of man Fr. Schell is. Last year as my brother
Tom (Class of '60) lay dying from leu- kemia at the Cleveland Clinic, a
family friend contacted Fr. Schell to request his prayers and perhaps a
visit to see Tom at the hospital. There was no hesitation and within hours
this generous man showed up looking frail, tired and needing wheelchair
transportation to my brother's room.
I don't know what transpired during that visit, but I do know what peace
it brought my brother as well as the appreciation of a thankful family.
These are the little things that make the man and are part of a legacy never
to be forgotten. After a courageous and relentless battle with this ravaging
disease, my brother succumbed at the age of 65. Thank you, Fr. Schell for
being there in our time of need. |
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Carol Falquette '87 |
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Father Schell has been the most influential aspect
of JCU for me. The other stories have stirred memories of the ice skates,
M & M dispenser, wind-up toys (chattering teeth), the valid Mass comments,
the laughter, stories about student protests in the '60s, and his passion
for the Spiritual Exercises and role in making the 8-day retreat available
to students. Schell was my spiritual director at an 8-day retreat at Columbiere
when he shared the most memorable and quotable insight that I can recall.
He was listening attentively as I shared my innermost weaknesses and errors
and I was struggling with the weight of these memories as well as the vulnerability
from sharing this with someone whom I respected so much. Good 'ole Father
Schell quipped "Don't worry, Carol. God loves wretches!" |
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David Korn '62 |
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I used to get milkshakes for Fr. Schell's ulcer from the student
union every day. He's still here so the shakes must have done the trick.
He taught me to think. Guess what? I'm still doing it. |
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Anthony Romano '57 |
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Just wanted to wish Fr. Schell Happy 90th Birthday. I have many times thought that the logic course I took in 1955 was the most useful of all my college courses in my business life. It always amazed me how illusive basic logic was. Thanks again Father and I hope you make it to 100. |
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Gretchen Grubb '02 |
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My favorite memory of Fr. Schell is from my sophmore or junior year at John Carroll. I was at the first 10 pm mass of the new school year and he stood up after communion to welcome all of us. As he got to the podium he said, "I know what you're all thinking and, no, I'm not John Carroll." We laughed and laughed. He's truly a wonderful man. I appreciated his presence while I was at Carroll and I know he's been wonderful to so many people. Thank you, Father. |
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Katie Grace Brandt '82 |
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My story begins in the early '80s when I was a student at JCU. As wonderful as the college years can be, they are also searching years. Many a time I would be wondering about "life things" and then go to one of Fr. Schells masses. I would walk away from mass, not only feeling better, but also wondering how this guy, Fr. Schell, could take the readings, apply them to my life in such a way that I saw things clearer. It was just one of his very special gifts. I know that my life is richer for having known Fr. Schell. |
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Erin Zuercher '02 |
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As a sophomore, I decided to go on the 8-day retreat. Before my first preporatory meeting with Fr. Schell, I must admit that I felt very intimidated by him (though we had never met) and was nervous about the one-on-one meeting. However, once I arrived in his office I soon discovered his wonderful sense of humor and kind spirit. I clearly remember him threatening that if I didn't get my deposit in for the retreat that he'd make sure I didn't graduate. At the next meeting he revised his "threat", saying that he had come up with a fate worse than not graduating....he'd transfer me to Mount Union! :-)
Thank you Father Schell for the wonderful guidance and friendship. You are truly a blessing and a joy and have touched more lives than you know. |
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Pat Behmer Lonergan '76 |
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One beautiful spring afternoon, I was working in my front yard at home in Strongsville while my children were napping. I happened to look towards the top of the street and recognized the tall figure standing next to the car he was driving. He was studying a map. I walked over to say hello, and as I approached, Father Schell looked up and said "Hello, Patty"--as if we had spoken recently instead of the almost eight or so years that had passed! We shared a few campus memories from the '70's before he continued on his way to visit relatives. God bless you, Father Schell, and thanks for your enthusiasm for young people, wisdom, and ability to get a group together for ice skating! |
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Trena Marks Pacetti '01 |
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I have two favorite memories of Fr. Schell. The first one has to do with my wedding day. My husband Augie and I were married at Gesu in June of 2002. We had asked Fr. Schell if he would con-celebrate. He politely declined, which we completely understood, but promised to be at the ceremony should his health allow. Augie and I both are Eucharistic ministers, and we wanted to distribute communion at the mass. My biggest fear was that I would be overcome by all the emotions of the day and start to cry during such a solemn and sacred time. But, when the big day came, I did manage to hold it together until the very last person made his way up the long aisle. It was Fr. Schell. When I placed the host into his weathered hands, I thought of all the lives he has so remarkably influenced throughout his many years, including my own. I felt so blessed just to know him. He represents so much of my John Carroll experience. God has really blessed our world with Fr. Schell's life.
The second one paints a picture of how well Fr. Schell takes care of himself and his "aging bones" as he so often calls them. I joined him for lunch one afternoon in the JCU dining hall. As we were conversing, I remember watching him open up his jar of peas...I believe they were made by Gerber. Then he had his fruit cocktail with a pull back metal lid. He put on a pair of black knit winter gloves and slowly and carefully opened up the can. I was amazed at his diligence and patience. Now, several years later, I often think of Fr. Schell when I feed my little boy his jar of peas and marvel at the circle of life.
Happy 90th birthday, Fr. Schell. I am a better person for having known you. |
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