1. Special commemor ative iSSue
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 • Vo l u m e 1 0 6 , N u m b e r 3
T h e
Messenger
Waifs’ of Merc y hoMe for Boys & gir l s
InsIde: a close look • Father Scott reflection • a legacy of miracles • alumni reminisce • the value of education

2. A close look
a
I knew this was going to be hard.
fter all, it’s been thirty-three years. But this isn’t goodbye.
And i have to admit, i was a little instead, think of my retirement
embarrassed when i was told as a necessary change—because
they wanted to dedicate an entire change, after all, is one of the
issue of The Waifs’ Messenger to reasons Mercy home has been
my life here at Mercy home. able to succeed for over 119 years.
But seeing some of the pictures on i’ve learned many lessons in my
pages 6–11 of this issue of The Waifs’ time at Mercy home. And learning
Messenger did bring back fond memories. to embrace change is one of the
most crucial of them all.
And reading some of the gracious
comments from caring friends like you you see, kids today face challenges
on pages 18–19 warmed my heart. drastically different from the
challenges kids faced five, ten,
on pages 16 and 17, you’ll see warm twenty or thirty-three years ago.
messages from some of our kids
who have gone on to lead productive And that’s one of the things we do so
and successful lives. i’m not afraid well here at Mercy home—we adapt
to tell you, when i first read them, to the changing needs of our kids.
i got more than a little choked up.
When i first came to Mercy home in
i am truly touched by—and proud 1973, childcare organizations across the
of—this issue of The Waifs’ Messenger. country were being closed down—and
But i don’t think i deserve special even Mercy home was nearly bankrupt.
recognition for anything i’ve done.
i’ve just followed my calling in life Most of our kids didn’t go on to
For over three decades, and traveled along the path god has college then—and few stayed
Father Jim Close has been shown me. it’s been a wonderful with us beyond the age of 18.
committed to providing journey working with kids—and And the truth is, i didn’t really know
love, shelter and guidance friends like you—over the years. what to do when i first came to
to God’s neediest children. Mercy home. But i did know that if i
surrounded myself with the brightest,
most compassionate people i could find
and relied on god’s guidance and the
kindness of gracious friends like you,
we could turn Mercy home around.
And i knew that the children in our
care would always be what mattered
most. Mercy home is more than a
building, and more than me. our
goal through the years has always
been to make a significant and lasting
impact in the lives of our children.
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3. And the memories of the lives we’ve you are the past, the present
saved—together—will stay with and the future of Mercy home.
me long after i’ve left this earth.
friends like you are the reason
i was shocked at the stories i heard thousands of children could
when i arrived at Mercy home. i had come to Mercy home in search
just come from st. John Brebeuf Parish of new lives—and the reason
in niles, illinois, and i had no idea thousands more will continue
what to expect from the kids at this to find hope, comfort and love
Boys’ home in a rough part of the city. long after we have all passed on.
The hurt and sadness in the eyes i will always cherish your
of every child who came to our friendship and the blessings you
door shook me to the core. have given me. And when i look
back at that young priest who came
But when i realized that, through to Mercy home thirty-three years
love, affection and prayers, we could ago, unsure of what the future
make a profound difference to every might hold, i have to smile.
child in our care…well, it truly was
the best feeling in the world. he couldn’t have seen the challenges
that lay ahead. he couldn’t have
When i look back, i’m proud of the known the friendships he’d find.
work i’ve done—but i also know we And he couldn’t have guessed at the
can always do better. There are still lives that would be saved thanks to Contents
many more girls and boys who need so many kind and faithful friends.
our help, children who live in poverty A Close Look 2
without real families, hope or love. And most of all, he couldn’t
have done it without you. Father Scott Reflection 4
But Mercy home rests in good
hands. Just knowing that our home Thank you again for helping save 33 Years of Caring 6
will have a tremendously qualified our children’s lives—and thank you
leader in father scott Donahue for bringing a purpose to my own. A Legacy of
gives me enormous comfort. Miracles 12
Know that you always remain
of course, the success of Mercy in my most heartfelt prayers. Mercy Home
home doesn’t really rest in father Alumni Reminisce 16
scott’s hands…or my own. And please remember,
this isn’t goodbye.
Donor Messages to
And it didn’t rest with father Kelly
or father campbell, either. god bless you, Father Close 18
It rests with you. The Value of Education 20
you are the reason Mercy home It’s the Thought
is a model of childcare—and That Counts 22
has been for over a century.
t h e Wa i f S ’ m e S S e N g e r • S p r i N g 2 0 0 6

4. father scott reflection
Words. They’re so powerful, but rarely
t
do we feel that they are enough.
his is definitely one of those occasions. And just as important as father Jim’s
i feel a wealth of words coming to me generosity is his ability to see and
as i think about father Jim close’s inspire it in others. father Jim has
impact on Mercy home, the kids and truly touched the hearts of people
our own relationship—but nothing around the world with stories of his
that captures his spirit in its entirety. efforts. But he wasn’t just writing
with the hope of getting a donation
Generous back—he was inviting folks to join
not only has father Jim given himself with him in this compassionate work.
fully to his work from the first day Humility
he walked through Mercy home’s
heavy oak door, but he has always father Jim has helped Mercy home
been willing to give that something go from a simple housing facility
extra when needed. he won’t turn for lost kids to one of the nation’s
away a child, a friend or a colleague leading organizations in providing
when the clock strikes five. his door care, therapy and opportunities
is always open to those in need of for kids in need. And he’s done it
counsel or those just looking for through all these years most humbly.
a friendly dinner companion.
i can say with absolute certainty that
Personally, i’ve benefited from his father Jim will even be embarrassed
wealth of knowledge, both studied as he reads this special issue of The
and hard earned, that he’s passed Waifs’ Messenger—one dedicated
on so freely. father Jim has done solely to him and not this mission.
so much to make me a part of this
home—he’s helped me grow as a Inspired
Father Scott, just
person and a priest and has opened i know that the most important
new to Mercy Home,
my eyes to the many complexities words to father Jim are the words
learns the ropes
of this very special ministry. of our lord and the lessons
from Father Jim.
of his son, Jesus christ.
it is father Jim’s conviction in the
gospel that has given him the strength
and inspiration to do this mission
work for all these years. it has taken
great faith to see his dream for
Mercy home realized. As practical as
father Jim is, he’s never been one to
shy away from dreaming big. god’s
word propped him up when he was
tired, encouraged him when others
turned their backs and gave him
light when he needed direction.
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5. As for me, i am eternally grateful
for all that father Jim has done to
help me better understand my own
calling, for the number of lives he’s
invited me into, and for the fact father Jim
that even though he’s retiring he’ll
still be here with his door open.
truly sees
father Jim now considers himself
god in the
the grandfather of this Mercy home hearts of
family, meaning he has the freedom
As friends and colleagues, Father Jim and to dote on the kids, all the while the children
Father Scott have worked together to sharing his wisdom and support
bring healing into the lives of countless with me behind the scenes. under his
boys and girls over the years.
Honor stewardship.
This is mine alone, as it has been a true
he told me when i started here at honor to work with my brother priest
Mercy home that the gospel of at Mercy home. Thank you father
Matthew (25:35-40) has been the great Jim for all you’ve done for the kids, for
guiding lesson in all he has done. this community and for me. you’ve left
in that passage we learn from Jesus behind some mighty big shoes to fill.
that “Whatever you did for one of
these least brothers of mine, you did
for me.” father Jim truly sees god in
the hearts of the children under his
stewardship. he recognizes them for
what they are, his brothers and sisters
in christ, and treats them with all of
the love and respect they deserve.
Grateful
i know father Jim is grateful for
the mission he’s been given, for
the many friends who have helped
him in this crucial work and, most
importantly, for those kids who
trusted him with their lives.
i know that our kids—generations
of them—and our extended Mercy
home family are grateful for his
work, friendship and limitless love.
t h e Wa i f S ’ m e S S e N g e r • S p r i N g 2 0 0 6

6. 33 years of caring
1973
In 1973, Father James J. Close,
a young parish priest from
St. John Brebeuf Parish in Niles,
1981 Father Close’s compassion for
kids in need extends beyond
the walls of Mercy Home.
In order to expand the level
of care offered to Mercy
Illinois, was sent by Cardinal Home’s children, in 1981
Cody to accept a position as Father Close established
the head of Mercy Home. Father the Aftercare program to
Close had never worked with offer guidance and services
abused and abandoned children, for children who no longer
but Cardinal Cody admired Father reside at Mercy Home. Many
Close’s intelligence, enormous organizations offer guidance
dedication and endless compassion and comfort to desperate
and knew that he would be an and troubled children—but
exceptional and committed leader. Father Close wanted Mercy
Although he was hesitant, Father Home to be different. The
Close accepted the position creation of the Aftercare
and embarked on a path that program sent a message to
would change the course of his Mercy Home’s children and told them that no matter where
life—and the lives of countless they went in life, or how far removed they were, they could
suffering children—forever. always turn to Mercy Home for help, guidance and love.
1973 1975 1977 1979
1972 1974 1976 1978 1980
1975
After working with hurting
kids for two years, Father Close
recognized that there are many
ways to help needy children heal.
In 1975, he started the “Meet
the Wilderness” program for
Mercy Home’s kids—a chance for
them to go camping, hiking and
enjoy the beauty of the natural
world. Most importantly, Meet
the Wilderness was a chance
for needy kids to find comfort
in God’s creation, and leave the
trauma of their pasts behind.
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7. 1987
At Mercy Home’s centennial
celebration, Bishop Kane,
Vice Chairman of Mercy
Home’s Board of Directors,
announced: “Father Mahoney and Father Campbell
responded to the challenge of abandoned kids 100 years
ago and brought Mercy Home into being. They were the
Founders. In every generation, the Home has been founded
1987
again and again.” With these words, Francis Kane bestowed
Mercy Home’s first Founders Award to Father Close
for his unparalleled achievements in childcare, and his
passionate commitment to save hurting kids. It was a sign
In 1987, Mercy Home’s “Friends First” began, a program of the incredible esteem Father Close commanded, and
that paired adult mentors and role models with at-risk children another indication of the impact of his enduring legacy.
in the community. Father Close wanted to take a proactive,
preventative approach to childcare. He recognized that Mercy
Home’s residential programs provide desperate children with
the family structure they need, but by pairing at-risk girls and
boys with mentors and role models, kids could be helped—
and saved—before they ever came to live at Mercy Home.
1981 1983 1985 1987 1989
1982 1984 1986 1988
1987
For many years, Mercy Home was a haven
1988
for troubled and abused boys. But in 1987, Father Close recognized
Father Close established the Girls’ Home on that there was no single,
Chicago’s South Side so that young girls from correct way to care for
broken pasts could find the same support as abused and desperate
the boys who came to Mercy Home in search of children. In order for
comfort, guidance and love. It was a ground- Mercy Home to continue
breaking moment in Mercy Home’s history, and to be a leader in childcare,
yet another example of Father Close’s enormous it would have to adapt to the changing needs of the children.
compassion and extraordinary vision. While In 1988, Father Close restructured the counseling and youth-
other organizations were struggling to meet care programs so that all of Mercy Home’s kids met directly with
the needs of their kids, Father Close was taking their youth care workers and therapists in a comfortable, family-
measures to ensure Mercy Home could care like setting. Father Close realized that this more personalized,
for more children, girls who had few, if any, family-structured form of care would be crucial to giving our
places to turn for comfort, safety and security. kids the greatest attention—and the best guidance—possible.
t h e Wa i f S ’ m e S S e N g e r • S p r i N g 2 0 0 6

8. 33 years of caring
1990
In 1990, Mercy Home
formally changed its
name to Mercy Home
for Boys and Girls.
This subtle but essential
change signified that
Mercy Home was a place
for all hurting children—a
true Home where hurting
and neglected girls and
boys could finally turn
their lives around.
1991 1993
1990 1992
1992
For many years, Mercy Home
had been known as a leading
childcare organization. In 1992,
thanks to Father Close’s vision
and leadership, Mercy Home
was acknowledged by the
Council on Accreditation
for its pioneering efforts for
hurting kids. Mercy Home was
one of the first organizations of
its kind to be recognized in the
region, and has been recognized
by the Council ever since.
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9. 1994
Father Close continued enhancing
1996
In 1996, with the support of
the scope of care offered to hurting Joseph Cardinal Bernardin
children. In 1994, Mercy Home opened (pictured), Father Close
its doors to younger boys, ages 11 asked Father Scott
to 13, increasing an already exemplary Donahue to join him as
commitment to saving suffering kids. the Associate President
of Mercy Home. This was
the beginning of a strong
partnership—and friendship—
between two men who
would take Mercy Home
to unprecedented levels of
success…and save more
homeless and abandoned
kids than ever before.
1995
1994 1996
1995
In 1995, Father Close orchestrated a similar 1996
Father Close wanted to offer
incentives for our kids that
encouraged them to work hard
in school and in the community.
change on the Girls’ Campus, and added a
In 1996, the Leadership All
program to care for young girls in need.
Stars program was created at
Mercy Home to honor leaders
among our kids and help
them earn rewards for their
achievements, such as group
trips to Washington, D.C., Boston,
and New York City. To this day,
becoming a Leadership All Star is
a great honor for Mercy Home’s
kids, and a powerful motivational
tool for them to excel in school,
at home and in their jobs.
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10. 33 years of caring
1999
1997
Father Close continued to
As a testament to his remarkable leadership, in 1999 Father Close
was given the extraordinary honor of Grand Marshal of the 1999
Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. He was recognized as a visionary
and pioneer for his long history of philanthropy and compassion.
expand Mercy Home’s programs
in 1997 by adding a home
for girls 17 years old and
older. Once again, Father Close
demonstrated his intention to
help as many children as possible.
Mercy Home’s ability to tailor its
unique level of care to kids of
all ages once again set it apart
as one of the premier childcare
organizations in the country.
1997 1999 2001
1998 2000
1997
One of the first steps in saving a
2000
In 2000, Father Close and Father Donahue unveiled
wounded child is simply getting them Mercy Home’s Strategic Plan for the 21st Century. In
into Mercy Home. Father Close knew conjunction with this announcement, the “Legacy
that the longer a hurting child was of Miracles” campaign was launched to raise
left on the streets, or in an abusive $10 million for the expansion and renovation of
home, the more difficult it was to the Boys’ Home, now named the Hay Campus.
help them heal. In 1997, Father
Close restructured the admissions
process at Mercy Home, in order
to welcome as many kids as quickly
and efficiently as possible, knowing
the sooner they were part of a new
family, the sooner they could heal.
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11. 2005
In October 2005, Mercy Home dedicated the Tichenor 2006
Family Chapel, a tranquil place for comfort, solace In February 2006, after
and prayer for the entire Mercy Home family. an unprecedented
legacy of achievements,
Father James J. Close
retires from Mercy
Home. Countless
children owe their
lives to his consistent
compassion, and his
indelible mark on
Mercy Home—and
on its children’s
futures—can never be
forgotten or erased.
2003 2005
2002 2004 2006
2003
In 2003, construction was completed on the
Father Close Building—a brand new building
with added space and expanded facilities, a
place of hope, help and love for even more
of God’s neediest children. As part of Mercy Home’s “Legacy of Miracles,”
the Bosco Home opened at Mercy Home the next year, to offer care and
assistance to some of the most hurting and neglected kids in our family.
t h e Wa i f S ’ m e S S e N g e r • S p r i N g 2 0 0 6 11

12. A legacy of Miracles
…an exemplary history of achievement
i
n 1973, father James J. close didn’t Then, in 1973, father close was
know much about running a home summoned to a meeting with cardinal
for hurting and troubled kids. cody—and his life changed forever.
Thirty-three years later, he is cardinal cody told father close about
retiring from Mercy home, leaving a position as head of Mercy home
behind an exemplary history of (then known as father Kelly’s home
achievement and success. for Boys). father Kelly, who had served
as President of the home for thirty-
James Joseph close, the son of irish nine successful years, was retiring.
immigrants, was born in 1936 on Although he was flattered, father
the north side of chicago. even at close was somewhat taken aback at
a young age, father close knew he the thought of working with kids.
was being called to do god’s work.
he attended st. Mary of the lake “i didn’t think i could do it at first,”
seminary in Mundelein, illinois, father close says. “What did i know
and was ordained in the priesthood about running a home for kids? so i
in 1963 by cardinal Meyer. went to the cardinal, told him i had
prayed about my decision, and i wasn’t
father close began his career in the sure if Mercy home was right for me.
priesthood at st. John Brebeuf Parish cardinal cody answered me, ‘i prayed
in niles, illinois. for ten about it last night, too. And i decided
years, he dedicated himself you should go to Mercy home.’”
to his parish and helped to
orchestrate many landmark Though he was hesitant at first, at
events, including the Mercy home father close found his
building of a new church true mission—and began a legacy
and the creation of a parish that would bring hope and healing to
athletic department. thousands of shattered young lives.
But times were tough for childcare
agencies in the 1970s. father close
remembers that “many places
were forced to close down in those
days because their funding was
being cut, and Mercy home was
nearly bankrupt. i tried going to
Father Close’s parents, springfield, illinois to get more
Catherine and Sylvester help, but it was not forthcoming.
(pictured above in 1930 so i turned to our friends for help.”
and later with their two
our generous friends responded to
youngest daughters),
father’s strong spirit and his passion for
instilled in him the values
helping kids in need. inspired by father
of humility, faith and love.
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13. and success
close’s determination and leadership,
friends from all over the country
helped to turn Mercy home around.
And as the home began to improve, life
for our kids began to change as well.
reflecting on the changes throughout
the years, father close recalls that The Reverend James J. Close
“things were different then, even the “We’ve always wanted to give our was ordained at University
setup of our home. our kids slept in kids the best education possible, of St. Mary of the Lake
large rooms, like dormitories, and the but initially it was difficult. Seminary on May 1, 1963—
cots were all lined up, one after another, over time, we began setting and began a vocation that
camp-style, with a small metal bed- up more meetings between our would ultimately save
stand between each cot. All our kids kids and their therapists and the lives of thousands of
woke to a bell every morning, and the counselors to get them the best desperate and needy children.
lights were shut off at 9:00 every night.” education at the school that
suited their skills and needs.”
Though the layout of Mercy home may
have changed drastically over the years, After he brought Mercy home back Father Close was sent
the commitment to healing the whole from the brink of bankruptcy, by Cardinal Cody to
child—mind, body and soul—has father Jim was also able to focus Mercy Home, where he
never wavered. even when father close on more dramatic improvements transformed a dilapidated
first came to Mercy home, the kids over the years. As President, he boys’ orphanage into one
were given more than food, shelter and oversaw some of the most profound of the most successful—
clothing—they were taught skills they changes in Mercy home’s history. and loving—Homes for
would use for the rest of their lives. children in the country.
The creation of Mercy home’s
“one thing that hasn’t changed at Aftercare program in 1981
Mercy home is that we’ve always illustrated father close’s deep
encouraged our kids to find commitment to caring for kids and
employment. even when i first his understanding that helping
came here, many of our kids had hurting children can never be a
part-time jobs, and they all worked quick fix—but requires a long-
after school and on saturdays.” term investment in their success.
“Mercy home is a true home, and
in fact, many of Mercy home’s kids
that means that we don’t stop
worked in our own printing press,
caring for our kids at any age, and
often for an entire summer, and over
keep the relationship for as long
time they could gain experience
as they need us,” father says.
toward a career in printing.
As Mercy home changed, father
in addition to providing our kids with
knew that he, too, had to adapt.
jobs and life skills, Mercy home has
in 1981, in addition to creating
always stressed the value of education.
Continued on next page
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14. A legacy of Miracles
Continued from previous page
Mercy home’s Aftercare program, father close also
received his master’s degree in business from the
University of notre Dame. he realized that as a
leader he had to be as familiar with as many of the
day-to-day details of Mercy home as possible. The
more he knew, the better he could help our kids. Thanks to Father Close’s vision, hurting girls now
would have a place of safety, security and love.
But father close also recognized that even
though Mercy home was a pioneer in childcare, expand Mercy home to care for desperate and
a new direction was needed. for 100 years, hurting girls was considered bold, even risky.
hurting boys had found comfort, hope and But father close knew that hurting girls were
shelter at Mercy home—and thanks to father being overlooked, and their numbers continued
close’s hard work, in 1987, a new building was to increase. he was driven to help all kids—girls
opened for girls on chicago’s south side. and boys—in every way he possibly could.
There were few organizations around that But there were setbacks, too. father close remembers
provided intimate, personalized care to both boys having to restructure Mercy home’s programs to
and girls. At the time, father close’s decision to better fulfill the kids’ needs. currently, our kids
meet with their youth care workers and therapists
together. Both the therapists and the youth care
workers spend as much time with the kids as they
can—they interact with them, they participate in
activities with them, they listen to their stories and
their problems—and the better they know our kids,
the easier it is to help them heal. for many years,
our kids met with their therapists and care workers
separately—and therapists often saw the children
only once a week, in their offices. Because they were
removed from the kids’ day-to-day activities, and
didn’t get to see them truly being themselves, the
therapists weren’t able to completely
understand the pain the kids were
feeling or the anger and frustration
they were experiencing—and
Mercy Home has changed they weren’t able to give them the
dramatically since its early level of attention they deserved.
years, but the compassion and
remembering the changes,
dedication of its leaders and
father says, “nobody has a book
staff have never wavered.
on how to care for kids, at least
not one that covers everything.
The quality and methods of
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15. care are constantly changing—and one of the
strengths of Mercy home throughout the years has
been its adaptability. you have to learn that there
is no perfect recipe for helping children heal—
you have to be open-minded to new things.”
And the unique, personal care we give our kids
continues to be a cornerstone of our home today.
Thanks to father close’s innovations, abandoned
and neglected children who came to Mercy home more wounded and Through part-time jobs—
wounded and withdrawn learned to discuss their desperate than any such as working in Mercy
problems and share their concerns with their before—kids who come Home’s own Mission Press
youth care workers and therapists. And the more from backgrounds of in the 1970s—our kids learn
they opened up, the more they began to heal. terrible abuse, kids who the value of hard work and
have never known an discipline that helps them
Although father close overcame numerous setbacks ounce of love in their develop into productive
as President and ceo of Mercy home, the most entire lives. father and successful adults.
difficult news came in 2000, when he was diagnosed close’s tireless efforts
with cancer. in spite of the physical strain, father throughout the years
close’s commitment to helping homeless and have helped transform a
abandoned kids never faltered, and he remained crumbling boys’ home on the edge of financial ruin
tireless in his dedication to the future of Mercy home. to a nationally recognized leader in childcare—a
true home, where abused and homeless kids can
since his diagnosis, father close has overseen the find the loving family they so desperately need.
largest expansion in the history of Mercy home,
with the addition of a new home to care for kids father close’s legacy will never be forgotten,
and the true testament of his work—the impact
he’s made in the lives of countless children—
can never be measured. Words cannot do
justice to his humble spirit, his unshakeable
faith or his boundless compassion. “if only
there could be a hundred, or even a dozen,
homes like Mercy,” father has often said.
it’s a remarkable
thought—a dozen
Mercy homes
would be an
incredible thing.
But there will
still only be one
Throughout the years, Father Close has been more
father close.
than a leader—he has been a mentor, a father figure, a
counselor and a friend to all of Mercy Home’s children.
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16. Mercy home Alumni reminisce
…his priority has
always been the kids
f ather Jim’s accomplishments at
Mercy home—like the expansion of
the Boys’ home and the opening of
the girls’ home—can be seen and
admired by any passerby. They stand
as a testament to his hard work and
vision as the home’s President.
But, as father Jim would be the
first to remind you, his priority has
always been the kids. everything
a special place in their hearts for
father Jim. This close relationship
is the basis of the lifelong affection
father Jim shares with his kids.
he has accomplished has been
in the interest of giving kids
who lacked hope a better life. “father close is always talking
about roots and wings. Well, my
There are thousands of boys, girls, roots are at Mercy home while
“he is bigger men and women out there—from my wings have taken me all over,”
than life itself ages 11 to 50—who’ve had their
lives shaped by father Jim’s work.
said robby. “But i’ve kept coming
back to Mercy ever since i left.”
and someone he’s been their caregiver, parish
robby had bounced around from
priest, mentor and, more often
i’ll never than not, their only father figure. relative to friend and back, before
finding a stable home at Mercy
forget.” home in the early 1980s. he’s since
Kellie, who recently started her own gone on to graduate from stanford,
family, really appreciated father’s earn his MBA from harvard and
guidance, “you volunteer with the Peace corps in
helped us learn the costa rica. he now lives in california
importance of life with his wife and two children.
and its many roles
and responsibilities.” “father close was there for me each
A sentiment shared time i graduated from school, he
by so many of this presided over my wedding, invited
Mercy home family. my wife and me to chicago where
he baptized our son and he even
And that’s just what it flew out to california to baptize
is—a family. each and our daughter when she was born.
every one of Mercy you know, i still send him father’s
Father Jim has been giving our kids both home’s children, past Day cards every year. he’s the
spiritual and fatherly guidance over the years. and present, keep closest thing i have to a real dad.”
16 Speci a l com me mor at i V e i S Su e

17. robby has always received full nice. he’d laugh and joke with
encouragement and support from me before and after mass which
father Jim. he particularly remembered made me feel like a friend.”
father’s enthusiasm when robby had
developed an interest in photography. “i in that time, Matt came to
was so excited, and father let me know appreciate the lessons father could
Robby and Father Jim share a
how much he, too, liked photography. teach him and really embraced the
special bond that will last a lifetime.
he even loaned me several different opportunities he found at Mercy
lenses to try out on my camera. When home. “he got me off the ground.
i went away to college, father wanted There’s no way i can thank him
me to keep them because i told him i enough for all he’s done. i hope
wanted to be on the yearbook staff.” to give back by taking psychology
and therapy.
Many of the young men and i want to deal with kids that were
women who grew up under in my position. But my job as an
father Jim’s supervision can easily altar boy at Mercy home has still
recall some similar episode or been my favorite vocation so far!”
time that they still hold dear.
like Matt, so many want to give
matt, who just recently left Mercy back or find some way to share
“father close
home, has fond memories of the their thanks with father Jim. is always
four years he spent at father Jim’s But behind their expressions
side as altar boy for the sunday Mass of gratitude is something even talking about
program. he was always impressed greater, more personal. Mercy
by father’s generous spirit, “i didn’t home alumna ellen probably roots and
really know what to expect. he was
kind of intimidating at first—he
came closest to capturing
the unspoken best when she
wings. Well,
seemed so large to me at the time. But said, “father close, i love you my roots
for such a big guy, he was always so a lot. Thanks for everything.”
are at Mercy
Mercy home will be around for
many years to come, but father home while
“he got me Jim’s true legacy is in the hearts of
my wings
those who’ve known and benefited
off the ground. from his devoted care—those have taken
who’ve gone on to live happily
There’s no way and successfully in the world. me all over.”
i can thank or as Dan, another Mercy home
him enough for alumnus, would like the world to
know, “he is bigger than life itself
all he’s done.” and someone i’ll never forget.”
t h e Wa i f S ’ m e S S e N g e r • S p r i N g 2 0 0 6 1

18. Donor Messages to father close
‘…you became a father in the real sense
m ercy home for Boys and girls is so
blessed to have the assistance of
generous and loving friends—people
who have opened their hearts to father
Jim’s request for assistance in caring for
hurting, lost or abandoned children.
father Jim invited these good
folks to make his mission—god’s
work—their own. And from
down the block to the other side
of the world, they’ve responded
with overwhelming kindness and
warmth. There is something in
father Jim’s humble and generous
spirit that inspired these friends to
take a chance on Mercy home.
And as they came to know more
about the home, about the kids and
about father Jim, the closer they felt.
They became more than friends, they
became an extended family. This
a unique and loving
Father Close
W e want to wish
lthy retiremen
t. Just relationship is the
happy and hea ome’s achievements reason the children of
cy H
following Mer Mercy home continue
for the la st dozen years
or so has been
ife,
F ather Jim, I w
ill
ber your to heal, grow and
f itself to my w always remem our
a ble ssing in and o e for us s, y succeed in life.
e. Taking tim way with word y
Susan, and m he has had so
many man
idually, when a, smile and the Who are these
indiv s on his agend ays in which y
ou’ve
more im portant matter d thoughtful w for
friends? They are
gracious an alwa ys been there you, dear readers.
has made the to us an hono
r to u are truly
om Father Jim re the Vatican those kids. Yo every day, father
letters fr of the finest m .
en
me long befo one Jim writes notes of
receive. In a ti ing, St. Paul addressed is earth
be God put on th gratitude to you
ever came into llow believers and
is fe
his letters to h ll as “the saints.” Bill hart
a
addressed them m is already one chicago, il
er Ji
So to us, Fath all the years o
f
too an d we applaud nd
rvice above a
ded ication and se en to
uty he has giv
beyon d the call of d exhibited
y this he has
M ercy Home. B Christian lov
e ng
you are retiri
for all who know him
k our Lord in
tended it to b
e. T he news that
ept. You are le
aving
as we thin portant role m
odel is hard to acc
Close is an im to follow. You
Father that we have av ery tough act ith
we thank God onderful job w
for all and r have done a w rs and everyone
are a bit of ou m, yea
been privileged to sh you, Father Ji kids for many were,
er. God bless not easy. You
lives togeth ys! knows that is ve
retirement da onal. Lots of lo
in yo ur well-earned an d are, excepti re.
lth for the futu
n Valet and better hea
gene susa l
d, f l
Amelia islan eileen Pretze
chicago, il
1 Speci a l com me mor at i V e i S Su e

19. of the word’ F or several dec
as well as ma
ades the child
ren of Mercy
ny others hav H
And rightly so e called you “F ome
and gives thanks for you in his . For the child ather.”
many still are ren
prayers. some friends decided to , a father in th you became, and for
For others ad e real sense o
share their thoughts and wishes dressing you a f the word.
priesthood an s Father recog
with him, in return. We share d the respect nized your
important to that comman
us h ds. But
them with you on these pages. years we have as been the fact that over th more
been privileged ese many
So Father, ou to call you “fri
father Jim is so grateful for the kind r dear friend, end.”
wonderful me we thank you
words and warm wishes he’s received mories and a for
of working wit lso for the opp the
since he announced his retirement. h you and for ortunity
ministry that you in the ma
Though he feels incredibly honored has been your rvelous
Our grateful life at Mercy
and humbled, he cannot say he’s heart says tha Ho
nk you and G me.
surprised. he’s not surprised because evely n and r od bless you!
ay
he already knows that those who Bradenton, f hentges
have befriended the children of l
Mercy home are possessed of
truly generous souls—friends
who let god work through them
to bring healing to those in need.
Although I never met Fath
Jim in person er
, we
through our co became friends
rres
Because of him pondence.
, hundreds of
Now that the time has co children have
Jesus and a n
found our Lord
to retire, it is me for you ew life. They
with both sad found love, fr have
that we wish ness and joy iendship and
you well. It is ability to cope the
no one will be sad because with life. It is
able to do wh an easy task no
have done. It
is joyful becau ou
at y to give meanin t
be enjoying yo se you will to life for child g
ur retirement ren who were
that you have kno lost before he
really accomp wing found them.
everything th lished Father Jim ha
at God wante s giv
d you to do.
Jesus, your m years of his life en the best
to
ento
on earth to pro r, spent 33 years Jesus. I’m sure them and to
claim the goo the Lord has
to us all. You d news been smiling d
have spent 33 own on him fr
nurturing Go yea above. He wil om
d’s forsaken ch rs l be greatly m
issed.
ildren. Katherine M
It has been m eech
y pleasure an Tonawanda,
to know you a d hon
nd to be a part or ny
your family a of
t Mercy Hom
e.
frank Denn
y
escondido, c
A
t h e Wa i f S ’ m e S S e N g e r • S p r i N g 2 0 0 6 1

20. The Value of education
‘…he pointed us in the right direction’
f
ather Jim knows that today’s challenges college. it was my top priority—a goal
are different than yesterday’s and will i would do anything to accomplish.”
be nothing compared to what kids he was also the very first kid under
face ten years from now. That’s why in father close’s watch to do so.
caring for the children at Mercy home,
he has made education a top priority. carl and his twin brother, Michael,
made Mercy their home at the age
now, all of Mercy home’s kids are of 14, after escaping a string of
different and are capable of different abusive foster homes. “We never
degrees of personal success. some are knew our real parents. father close
ready for the world once they get out embraced us with open arms.”
of high school, while others flourish
in trade school or go on to college. After arriving at Mercy home, carl
faithfully pursued his academics
carl Allen was one of those kids throughout high school. he earned
destined to go to college. “no matter honor roll and dean’s list recognition
what else i did, i knew i had to go to semester after semester, eventually
being named “student of the year 1976”
“We never as a junior. By senior year, he was the
only student allowed to leave school
knew early to go to work for half of the day.
our real carl’s counselors at Mercy home
encouraged him to look around at
parents. colleges. Although carl had always
been an exceptional student, he was
father unsure of the exact path he wanted to
close take in life. carl decided to “do what
embraced
us with
open arms.”
Carl Allen in high school—his
future secure thanks to the loving
support he received at Mercy
Home. He remembers those years
fondly and still has his jersey from
the Mercy Mission All Stars.
20 Speci a l com me mor at i V e i S Su e

21. the rest of the pack was doing,” and
pursue a business degree at a university
in northern illinois. The separation
from Mercy home was difficult, so
after two years carl transferred to
northeastern University, where he
would be closer to those who cared
about him. he eventually graduated
from northeastern with honors and
in the top 5 percent of his class.
After graduation, carl went into
restaurant management for about
five years. it just didn’t seem to be a
good fit, however. “i knew it wasn’t
what i really wanted, so i looked for
work in accounting, my high school
passion.” his love for numbers was
actually something that was inspired
by his mentors at Mercy home.
Now a proud father, Carl
carl Allen is now the comptroller for of course, none of this could be is passing on the love and
a manufacturing company. he credits accomplished alone. Without the values he learned at Mercy
his success to his Mercy home family. support of friends like you, the Home to his son, Kenny.
now a father himself, he realizes children of Mercy home would not
the financial and emotional strength have the chance to take advantage
necessary for raising children. “What of such life-building opportunities.
father close did for my brother and
me is immeasurable. he will live in Though the cost of education continues
my memory forever, but not just for to climb, the cost of not receiving
welcoming us, feeding us and educating an education would be far worse.
us. he pointed us in the right direction. if you’d like to help in educating some
There’s a reason he’s called father. he very deserving girls and boys, you
is, and always will be, our father.” might want to consider sending a gift
to the father Jim close scholarship
And like a father, father Jim continues fund—a resource father scott
to help kids—hopeful boys and girls Donahue established in honor of
just like carl was—to find their path father Jim’s 30th anniversary at Mercy
to a happy and successful adulthood. home. Please feel free to call Ann
generations past have benefited from Kisting at (312) 738-4381 to discuss
his dedication, just as generations to this and other ways you can help
come will benefit from his legacy. prepare a child for the future.
t h e Wa i f S ’ m e S S e N g e r • S p r i N g 2 0 0 6 21

22. father Jim close
It’s the thought that counts
i
didn’t grow up in the lap of luxury. There were many, many lessons i
Times were tough in the 1930s and learned growing up. But perhaps
1940s, and you often wondered the most important lesson of all was
where your next meal was coming that in being poor, god seemed
from. it’s funny, though—i never closer to me than he ever has. it was
thought of myself as poor. That’s there that i found my life’s calling.
probably because almost everyone
was in the same boat as i was. i met some wonderful priests
as i followed my vocation to the
We lived in public housing for a while. priesthood—first at our lady of
We had to. so not only did i learn my lourdes parish where i grew up, and
lessons at school, i learned a few after then later at Quigley and st. Mary
as well, at the school of hard knocks. of the lake seminaries. These were
good men who genuinely loved god
But i also learned the meaning and the priesthood, and inspired that
of sacrifice and i learned the key love in others. i wanted to be like
importance of family. sometimes them—who wouldn’t want to follow
family is all there is, and they help in their footsteps? After all, i was
you through the tough times. i also named after my uncle, Monsignor
learned to work hard. first there James J. close of Belfast, ireland.
was the newsstand, then the paper
route, and later i pumped gas. What i particularly admired how they
i earned went to my family. i did gave their life for others. in addition
what i could to help us to survive. to saying Mass and their other
sacramental responsibilities, they
got involved with us and took a
great interest in our lives. Whether
it was playing ball or listening to
a problem, they always seemed to
i learned the key care. i pray i’ve been able to do that
in my life—i’ve always tried to show
importance of our kids that whatever problems they
family. sometimes had, i was always there for them.
People ask what i think my legacy will
family is all there be. i’ve never really thought about my
is, and they help life in those terms, but i hope when
people look back on my days they
you through the will remember that i always tried to
give a kid a second chance. everyone
tough times. makes mistakes, especially kids, and
everyone deserves to be forgiven and
the chance to try again. That’s what
Father Jim with his Mercy home has always stood for.
mother in 1986.
22 Speci a l com me mor at i V e i S Su e

23. you see, years ago i made the decision girls in your Will. As i mentioned,
to include Mercy home for Boys and i, myself, have taken those words
girls in my Will. i know the estate to heart. you should also know that
of a priest doesn’t compare to most. each day in my prayers i remember
But i find tremendous satisfaction in those who have so generously made
knowing that whatever good i was that decision. My successor, father
able to accomplish will continue scott, will continue to do the same.
on in more children’s lives through
that gift. And it’s really true: it’s Upon my retirement, i would like to
not the amount that matters, what ask you to consider including Mercy
counts is the thought. Why wouldn’t home in your Will. remember, it’s not
i remember those whom i believed the amount but the thought that counts.
in so deeply during my lifetime? if you would like to include Mercy
i just want to be remembered as home in your Will, call Dan
someone who did everything he could Pritchard at (800) 378-8266.
to help hurting children find a new Thank you for all that you have helped
home and the promise of a better future. to accomplish as you stood at my side
i have often asked you to please as we cared for these children of god
remember Mercy home for Boys and over the past thirty-three years.
May god continue to bless you.
everyone makes
mistakes, especially
kids, and everyone
deserves to be forgiven
and the chance to try
again. That’s what
Mercy home has
always stood for.
Jesus asks us to forgive 70 x 7
t h e Wa i f S ’ m e S S e N g e r • S p r i N g 2 0 0 6 2

24. Mercy begins in God and is His response to the bad things
that sometimes happen in life. God longs that His passionate
mercy become a regular practice. Mercy needs a home!
God ’s mercy is always looking for a place to call its own.
God’s mercy has found a home at
Mercy Home for Boys Girls!
G His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Bernardin • 100th Anniversary, 1987 G
1988
2003
Present
1973
mercy Home for Boys Girls • 1140 West Jackson Blvd. • chicago, il 6060 • www.mercyhome.org • (12) 8-80