waif's messenger - spring 2006 - fr. close commemorative edition

T h e Waifs’ M e s s e n g e r

o f M e r c y h o M e f o r B o y s & g i r l s

S p e c i a l c o m m e m o r a t i v e i S S u eS p r i n g 2 0 0 6 • Vo l u m e 10 6 , N u m b e r 3

InsIde: a close look • Father Scott reflection • a legacy of miracles • alumni reminisce • the value of education

2 S p e c i a l c o m m e m o r a t i V e i S S u e

after all, it’s been thirty-three years.

And i have to admit, i was a little embarrassed when i was told they wanted to dedicate an entire issue of The Waifs’ Messenger to my life here at Mercy home.

But seeing some of the pictures on pages 6–11 of this issue of The Waifs’ Messenger did bring back fond memories.

And reading some of the gracious comments from caring friends like you on pages 18–19 warmed my heart.

on pages 16 and 17, you’ll see warm messages from some of our kids who have gone on to lead productive and successful lives. i’m not afraid to tell you, when i first read them, i got more than a little choked up.

i am truly touched by—and proud of—this issue of The Waifs’ Messenger. But i don’t think i deserve special recognition for anything i’ve done. i’ve just followed my calling in life and traveled along the path god has shown me. it’s been a wonderful journey working with kids—and friends like you—over the years.

A close look

But this isn’t goodbye.

instead, think of my retirement as a necessary change—because change, after all, is one of the reasons Mercy home has been able to succeed for over 119 years.

i’ve learned many lessons in my time at Mercy home. And learning to embrace change is one of the most crucial of them all.

you see, kids today face challenges drastically different from the challenges kids faced five, ten, twenty or thirty-three years ago.

And that’s one of the things we do so well here at Mercy home—we adapt to the changing needs of our kids.

When i first came to Mercy home in 1973, childcare organizations across the country were being closed down—and even Mercy home was nearly bankrupt.

Most of our kids didn’t go on to college then—and few stayed with us beyond the age of 18.

And the truth is, i didn’t really know what to do when i first came to 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.

I knew this was going to be hard.

For over three decades, Father Jim Close has been committed to providing love, shelter and guidance to God’s neediest children.

t h e W a i f S ’ m e S S e N g e r • S p r i N g 2 0 0 6 �

And the memories of the lives we’ve saved—together—will stay with me long after i’ve left this earth.

i was shocked at the stories i heard when i arrived at Mercy home. i had just come from st. John Brebeuf Parish in niles, illinois, and i had no idea what to expect from the kids at this Boys’ home in a rough part of the city.

The hurt and sadness in the eyes of every child who came to our door shook me to the core.

But when i realized that, through love, affection and prayers, we could make a profound difference to every child in our care…well, it truly was the best feeling in the world.

When i look back, i’m proud of the work i’ve done—but i also know we can always do better. There are still many more girls and boys who need our help, children who live in poverty without real families, hope or love.

But Mercy home rests in good hands. Just knowing that our home will have a tremendously qualified leader in father scott Donahue gives me enormous comfort.

of course, the success of Mercy home doesn’t really rest in father scott’s hands…or my own.

And it didn’t rest with father Kelly or father campbell, either.

It rests with you.

you are the reason Mercy home is a model of childcare—and has been for over a century.

you are the past, the present and the future of Mercy home.

friends like you are the reason thousands of children could come to Mercy home in search of new lives—and the reason thousands more will continue to find hope, comfort and love long after we have all passed on.

i will always cherish your friendship and the blessings you have given me. And when i look back at that young priest who came to Mercy home thirty-three years ago, unsure of what the future might hold, i have to smile.

he couldn’t have seen the challenges that lay ahead. he couldn’t have known the friendships he’d find. And he couldn’t have guessed at the lives that would be saved thanks to so many kind and faithful friends.

And most of all, he couldn’t have done it without you.

Thank you again for helping save our children’s lives—and thank you for bringing a purpose to my own.

Know that you always remain in my most heartfelt prayers.

And please remember, this isn’t goodbye.

god bless you,

ContentsA Close Look 2

Father Scott Reflection 4

33 Years of Caring 6

A Legacy of Miracles 12

Mercy Home Alumni Reminisce 16

Donor Messages to Father Close 18

The Value of Education 20

It’s the Thought That Counts 22

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father scott reflection

this is definitely one of those occasions. i feel a wealth of words coming to me as i think about father Jim close’s impact on Mercy home, the kids and our own relationship—but nothing that captures his spirit in its entirety.

Generous

not only has father Jim given himself fully to his work from the first day he walked through Mercy home’s heavy oak door, but he has always been willing to give that something extra when needed. he won’t turn away a child, a friend or a colleague when the clock strikes five. his door is always open to those in need of counsel or those just looking for a friendly dinner companion.

Personally, i’ve benefited from his wealth of knowledge, both studied and hard earned, that he’s passed on so freely. father Jim has done so much to make me a part of this home—he’s helped me grow as a person and a priest and has opened my eyes to the many complexities of this very special ministry.

And just as important as father Jim’s generosity is his ability to see and inspire it in others. father Jim has truly touched the hearts of people around the world with stories of his efforts. But he wasn’t just writing with the hope of getting a donation back—he was inviting folks to join with him in this compassionate work.

Humility

father Jim has helped Mercy home go from a simple housing facility for lost kids to one of the nation’s leading organizations in providing care, therapy and opportunities for kids in need. And he’s done it through all these years most humbly.

i can say with absolute certainty that father Jim will even be embarrassed as he reads this special issue of The Waifs’ Messenger—one dedicated solely to him and not this mission.

Inspired

i know that the most important words to father Jim are the words of our lord and the lessons 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.

Father Scott, just new to Mercy Home, learns the ropes from Father Jim.

Words. They’re so powerful, but rarely do we feel that they are enough.


he told me when i started here at Mercy home that the gospel of Matthew (25:35-40) has been the great guiding lesson in all he has done. in that passage we learn from Jesus 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.

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 that even though he’s retiring he’ll still be here with his door open.

father Jim now considers himself the grandfather of this Mercy home family, meaning he has the freedom to dote on the kids, all the while sharing his wisdom and support with me behind the scenes.

Honor

This is mine alone, as it has been a true honor to work with my brother priest at Mercy home. Thank you father Jim for all you’ve done for the kids, for this community and for me. you’ve left behind some mighty big shoes to fill.

As friends and colleagues, Father Jim and Father Scott have worked together to bring healing into the lives of countless boys and girls over the years.

father Jim truly sees

god in the hearts of

the children under his

stewardship.


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 Home’s children, in 1981 Father Close established the Aftercare program to offer guidance and services for children who no longer reside at Mercy Home. Many organizations offer guidance and comfort to desperate and troubled children—but Father Close wanted Mercy Home to be different. The creation of the Aftercare program sent a message to

Mercy Home’s children and told them that no matter where they went in life, or how far removed they were, they could always turn to Mercy Home for help, guidance and love.

33 years of caring

1973

1975

In 1973, Father James J. Close, a young parish priest from St. John Brebeuf Parish in Niles, Illinois, was sent by Cardinal Cody to accept a position as the head of Mercy Home. Father Close had never worked with abused and abandoned children, but Cardinal Cody admired Father Close’s intelligence, enormous dedication and endless compassion and knew that he would be an exceptional and committed leader. Although he was hesitant, Father Close accepted the position and embarked on a path that would change the course of his life—and the lives of countless suffering children—forever.

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.

1973 19751974

19771976

19791978 19801972

1981


1987

1981 19831982

19851984

19871986

1989 >>>>1988

In 1987, Mercy Home’s “Friends First” began, a program that paired adult mentors and role models with at-risk children 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.

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 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 of the incredible esteem Father Close commanded, and another indication of the impact of his enduring legacy.

For many years, Mercy Home was a haven for troubled and abused boys. But in 1987, Father Close established the Girls’ Home on Chicago’s South Side so that young girls from broken pasts could find the same support as the boys who came to Mercy Home in search of comfort, guidance and love. It was a ground-breaking moment in Mercy Home’s history, and yet another example of Father Close’s enormous compassion and extraordinary vision. While other organizations were struggling to meet the needs of their kids, Father Close was taking measures to ensure Mercy Home could care for more children, girls who had few, if any, places to turn for comfort, safety and security.

Father Close recognized that there was no single, correct way to care for abused and desperate children. In order for Mercy Home to continue to be a leader in childcare, it would have to adapt to the changing needs of the children. In 1988, Father Close restructured the counseling and youth-care programs so that all of Mercy Home’s kids met directly with their youth care workers and therapists in a comfortable, family-like setting. Father Close realized that this more personalized, family-structured form of care would be crucial to giving our kids the greatest attention—and the best guidance—possible.

1987

1987 1988

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1991 199319921990

1990In 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.

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.

1992

33 years of caring


Father Close continued enhancing the scope of care offered to hurting children. In 1994, Mercy Home opened its doors to younger boys, ages 11 to 13, increasing an already exemplary commitment to saving suffering kids.

19951994 1996 >>>>

1995In 1995, Father Close orchestrated a similar change on the Girls’ Campus, and added a program to care for young girls in need.

1994In 1996, with the support of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin (pictured), Father Close asked Father Scott Donahue to join him as 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.

Father Close wanted to offer incentives for our kids that encouraged them to work hard in school and in the community. In 1996, the Leadership All 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.

1996

1996


1998 20001999 20011997

Father Close continued to 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.

One of the first steps in saving a wounded child is simply getting them into Mercy Home. Father Close knew that the longer a hurting child was left on the streets, or in an abusive home, the more difficult it was to 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.

1997

1997

1999As 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.

In 2000, Father Close and Father Donahue unveiled Mercy Home’s Strategic Plan for the 21st Century. In conjunction with this announcement, the “Legacy of Miracles” campaign was launched to raise $10 million for the expansion and renovation of the Boys’ Home, now named the Hay Campus.

2000

33 years of caring

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2004 200620022003 2005

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.

2003

In October 2005, Mercy Home dedicated the Tichenor Family Chapel, a tranquil place for comfort, solace and prayer for the entire Mercy Home family.

2005 2006In February 2006, after 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.


in 1973, father James J. close didn’t know much about running a home for hurting and troubled kids.

Thirty-three years later, he is retiring from Mercy home, leaving behind an exemplary history of achievement and success.

James Joseph close, the son of irish immigrants, was born in 1936 on the north side of chicago. even at a young age, father close knew he was being called to do god’s work. he attended st. Mary of the lake seminary in Mundelein, illinois, and was ordained in the priesthood in 1963 by cardinal Meyer.

father close began his career in the priesthood at st. John Brebeuf Parish

in niles, illinois. for ten years, he dedicated himself to his parish and helped to orchestrate many landmark events, including the building of a new church and the creation of a parish athletic department.

A legacy of Miracles

Then, in 1973, father close was summoned to a meeting with cardinal cody—and his life changed forever.

cardinal cody told father close about a position as head of Mercy home (then known as father Kelly’s home for Boys). father Kelly, who had served as President of the home for thirty-nine successful years, was retiring. Although he was flattered, father close was somewhat taken aback at the thought of working with kids.

“i didn’t think i could do it at first,” father close says. “What did i know about running a home for kids? so i went to the cardinal, told him i had prayed about my decision, and i wasn’t sure if Mercy home was right for me. cardinal cody answered me, ‘i prayed about it last night, too. And i decided you should go to Mercy home.’”

Though he was hesitant at first, at Mercy home father close found his true mission—and began a legacy that would bring hope and healing to 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 springfield, illinois to get more help, but it was not forthcoming. so i turned to our friends for help.”

our generous friends responded to father’s strong spirit and his passion for helping kids in need. inspired by father

Father Close’s parents, Catherine and Sylvester (pictured above in 1930 and later with their two youngest daughters), instilled in him the values of humility, faith and love.

…an exemplary history of achievement and success

t h e W a i f S ’ m e S S e N g e r • S p r i N g 2 0 0 6 1�

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 “things were different then, even the setup of our home. our kids slept in large rooms, like dormitories, and the cots were all lined up, one after another, camp-style, with a small metal bed-stand between each cot. All our kids woke to a bell every morning, and the lights were shut off at 9:00 every night.”

Though the layout of Mercy home may have changed drastically over the years, the commitment to healing the whole child—mind, body and soul—has never wavered. even when father close first came to Mercy home, the kids were given more than food, shelter and clothing—they were taught skills they would use for the rest of their lives.

“one thing that hasn’t changed at Mercy home is that we’ve always encouraged our kids to find employment. even when i first came here, many of our kids had part-time jobs, and they all worked after school and on saturdays.”

in fact, many of Mercy home’s kids worked in our own printing press, often for an entire summer, and over time they could gain experience toward a career in printing.

in addition to providing our kids with jobs and life skills, Mercy home has always stressed the value of education.

“We’ve always wanted to give our kids the best education possible, but initially it was difficult. over time, we began setting up more meetings between our kids and their therapists and counselors to get them the best education at the school that suited their skills and needs.”

After he brought Mercy home back from the brink of bankruptcy, father Jim was also able to focus on more dramatic improvements over the years. As President, he oversaw some of the most profound changes in Mercy home’s history.

The creation of Mercy home’s Aftercare program in 1981 illustrated father close’s deep commitment to caring for kids and his understanding that helping hurting children can never be a quick fix—but requires a long-term investment in their success. “Mercy home is a true home, and that means that we don’t stop caring for our kids at any age, and keep the relationship for as long as they need us,” father says.

As Mercy home changed, father knew that he, too, had to adapt. in 1981, in addition to creating

The Reverend James J. Close was ordained at University of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary on May 1, 1963—and began a vocation that would ultimately save the lives of thousands of desperate and needy children.

Father Close was sent by Cardinal Cody to Mercy Home, where he transformed a dilapidated boys’ orphanage into one of the most successful—and loving—Homes for children in the country.

Continued on next page >>>

…an exemplary history of achievement and success

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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.

But father close also recognized that even though Mercy home was a pioneer in childcare, a new direction was needed. for 100 years, hurting boys had found comfort, hope and shelter at Mercy home—and thanks to father close’s hard work, in 1987, a new building was opened for girls on chicago’s south side.

There were few organizations around that provided intimate, personalized care to both boys and girls. At the time, father close’s decision to

expand Mercy home to care for desperate and hurting girls was considered bold, even risky. But father close knew that hurting girls were being overlooked, and their numbers continued to increase. he was driven to help all kids—girls and boys—in every way he possibly could.

But there were setbacks, too. father close remembers having to restructure Mercy home’s programs 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 they weren’t able to give them the level of attention they deserved.

remembering the changes, father says, “nobody has a book on how to care for kids, at least not one that covers everything. The quality and methods of

A legacy of Miracles

>>> Continued from previous page

Mercy Home has changed dramatically since its early years, but the compassion and dedication of its leaders and staff have never wavered.

Thanks to Father Close’s vision, hurting girls now would have a place of safety, security and love.


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 wounded and withdrawn learned to discuss their problems and share their concerns with their youth care workers and therapists. And the more they opened up, the more they began to heal.

Although father close overcame numerous setbacks as President and ceo of Mercy home, the most difficult news came in 2000, when he was diagnosed with cancer. in spite of the physical strain, father close’s commitment to helping homeless and abandoned kids never faltered, and he remained tireless in his dedication to the future of Mercy home.

since his diagnosis, father close has overseen the largest expansion in the history of Mercy home, with the addition of a new home to care for kids

more wounded and desperate than any before—kids who come from backgrounds of terrible abuse, kids who have never known an ounce of love in their entire lives. father close’s tireless efforts throughout the years have helped transform a crumbling boys’ home on the edge of financial ruin to a nationally recognized leader in childcare—a true home, where abused and homeless kids can find the loving family they so desperately need.

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 father close.

Through part-time jobs—such as working in Mercy Home’s own Mission Press in the 1970s—our kids learn the value of hard work and discipline that helps them develop into productive and successful adults.

Throughout the years, Father Close has been more than a leader—he has been a mentor, a father figure, a counselor and a friend to all of Mercy Home’s children.


father 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 he has accomplished has been in the interest of giving kids who lacked hope a better life.

There are thousands of boys, girls, men and women out there—from ages 11 to 50—who’ve had their lives shaped by father Jim’s work. he’s been their caregiver, parish priest, mentor and, more often than not, their only father figure.

Kellie, who recently started her own family, really appreciated father’s

guidance, “you helped us learn the importance of life and its many roles and responsibilities.” A sentiment shared by so many of this Mercy home family.

And that’s just what it is—a family. each and every one of Mercy home’s children, past and present, keep

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.

“father close is always talking about roots and wings. Well, my roots are at Mercy home while my wings have taken me all over,” said robby. “But i’ve kept coming back to Mercy ever since i left.”

robby had bounced around from relative to friend and back, before finding a stable home at Mercy home in the early 1980s. he’s since gone on to graduate from stanford, earn his MBA from harvard and volunteer with the Peace corps in costa rica. he now lives in california with his wife and two children.

“father close was there for me each time i graduated from school, he presided over my wedding, invited my wife and me to chicago where he baptized our son and he even flew out to california to baptize our daughter when she was born. you know, i still send him father’s Day cards every year. he’s the closest thing i have to a real dad.”

“he is bigger than life itself and someone

i’ll never forget.”

Father Jim has been giving our kids both spiritual and fatherly guidance over the years.

…his priority has always been the kids

Mercy home Alumni reminisce


robby has always received full encouragement and support from father Jim. he particularly remembered father’s enthusiasm when robby had developed an interest in photography. “i was so excited, and father let me know how much he, too, liked photography. he even loaned me several different lenses to try out on my camera. When i went away to college, father wanted me to keep them because i told him i wanted to be on the yearbook staff.”

Many of the young men and women who grew up under father Jim’s supervision can easily recall some similar episode or time that they still hold dear.

matt, who just recently left Mercy home, has fond memories of the four years he spent at father Jim’s side as altar boy for the sunday Mass program. he was always impressed by father’s generous spirit, “i didn’t really know what to expect. he was kind of intimidating at first—he seemed so large to me at the time. But for such a big guy, he was always so

nice. he’d laugh and joke with me before and after mass which made me feel like a friend.”

in that time, Matt came to appreciate the lessons father could teach him and really embraced the opportunities he found at Mercy home. “he got me off the ground. There’s no way i can thank him enough for all he’s done. i hope to give back by taking psychology and therapy. i want to deal with kids that were in my position. But my job as an altar boy at Mercy home has still been my favorite vocation so far!”

like Matt, so many want to give back or find some way to share their thanks with father Jim. But behind their expressions of gratitude is something even greater, more personal. Mercy home alumna ellen probably came closest to capturing the unspoken best when she said, “father close, i love you a lot. Thanks for everything.”

Mercy home will be around for many years to come, but father Jim’s true legacy is in the hearts of those who’ve known and benefited from his devoted care—those who’ve gone on to live happily and successfully in the world.

or as Dan, another Mercy home alumnus, would like the world to know, “he is bigger than life itself and someone i’ll never forget.”

Robby and Father Jim share a special bond that will last a lifetime.

“father close is always

talking about roots and

wings. Well, my roots

are at Mercy home while

my wings have taken

me all over.”

“he got me off the ground. There’s no way i can thank him enough for all he’s done.”

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mercy 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

Donor Messages to father close

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

unique and loving relationship is the reason the children of Mercy home continue to heal, grow and succeed in life.

Who are these friends? They are you, dear readers. every day, father Jim writes notes of gratitude to you

We want to wish Father Close a

happy and healthy retirement. Just

following Mercy Home’s achievements

for the last dozen years or so has been

a blessing in and of itself to my wife,

Susan, and me. Taking time for us

individually, when he has had so many

more important matters on his agenda,

has made the gracious and thoughtful

letters from Father Jim to us an honor to

receive. In a time long before the Vatican

ever came into being, St. Paul addressed

his letters to his fellow believers and

addressed them all as “the saints.”

So to us, Father Jim is already one

too and we applaud all the years of

dedication and service above and

beyond the call of duty he has given to

Mercy Home. By this he has exhibited

for all who know him Christian love

as we think our Lord intended it to be.

Father Close is an important role model

for all and we thank God that we have

been privileged to share a bit of our

lives together. God bless you, Father Jim,

in your well-earned retirement days!

gene & susan Valet

Amelia island, fl

Father Jim, I will

always remember your

way with words, your

smile and the many

ways in which you’ve

always been there for

those kids. You are truly

one of the finest men

God put on this earth.

Bill hart

chicago, il

The news that you are retiring

is hard to accept. You are leaving

a very tough act to follow. You

have done a wonderful job with

kids for many years and everyone

knows that is not easy. You were,

and are, exceptional. Lots of love

and better health for the future.

eileen Pretzel

chicago, il

‘…you became a father in the real sense of the word’


and gives thanks for you in his prayers. some friends decided to share their thoughts and wishes with him, in return. We share them with you on these pages.

father Jim is so grateful for the kind words and warm wishes he’s received since he announced his retirement. Though he feels incredibly honored and humbled, he cannot say he’s surprised. he’s not surprised because he already knows that those who have befriended the children of Mercy home are possessed of truly generous souls—friends who let god work through them to bring healing to those in need.

For several decades the children of Mercy Home as well as many others have called you “Father.” And rightly so. For the children you became, and for many still are, a father in the real sense of the word. For others addressing you as Father recognized your priesthood and the respect that commands. But more important to us has been the fact that over these many years we have been privileged to call you “friend.” So Father, our dear friend, we thank you for the wonderful memories and also for the opportunity of working with you and for you in the marvelous ministry that has been your life at Mercy Home. Our grateful heart says thank you and God bless you!evelyn and ray hentges Bradenton, fl

Now that the time has come for you to retire, it is with both sadness and joy that we wish you well. It is sad because no one will be able to do what you have done. It is joyful because you will be enjoying your retirement knowing that you have really accomplished everything that God wanted you to do.Jesus, your mentor, spent 33 years on earth to proclaim the good news to us all. You have spent 33 years nurturing God’s forsaken children. It has been my pleasure and honor to know you and to be a part of your family at Mercy Home.

frank Denny escondido, cA

Although I never met Father Jim in person, we became friends through our correspondence. Because of him, hundreds of children have found our Lord Jesus and a new life. They have found love, friendship and the ability to cope with life. It is not an easy task to give meaning to life for children who were lost before he found them.Father Jim has given the best years of his life to them and to Jesus. I’m sure the Lord has been smiling down on him from above. He will be greatly missed.

Katherine Meech Tonawanda, ny

‘…you became a father in the real sense of the word’


father Jim knows that today’s challenges are different than yesterday’s and will be nothing compared to what kids face ten years from now. That’s why in caring for the children at Mercy home, he has made education a top priority.

now, all of Mercy home’s kids are different and are capable of different degrees of personal success. some are ready for the world once they get out of high school, while others flourish in trade school or go on to college.

carl Allen was one of those kids destined to go to college. “no matter what else i did, i knew i had to go to

The Value of education

college. it was my top priority—a goal i would do anything to accomplish.” he was also the very first kid under father close’s watch to do so.

carl and his twin brother, Michael, made Mercy their home at the age of 14, after escaping a string of abusive foster homes. “We never knew our real parents. father close embraced us with open arms.”

After arriving at Mercy home, carl faithfully pursued his academics throughout high school. he earned honor roll and dean’s list recognition semester after semester, eventually being named “student of the year 1976” as a junior. By senior year, he was the only student allowed to leave school early to go to work for half of the day.

carl’s counselors at Mercy home encouraged him to look around at colleges. Although carl had always been an exceptional student, he was unsure of the exact path he wanted to take in life. carl decided to “do what

‘…he pointed us in the right direction’

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.

“We never knew

our real parents.

father close

embraced us with

open arms.”

t h e W a i f S ’ m e S S e N g e r • S p r i N g 2 0 0 6 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.

carl Allen is now the comptroller for a manufacturing company. he credits his success to his Mercy home family. now a father himself, he realizes the financial and emotional strength necessary for raising children. “What father close did for my brother and me is immeasurable. he will live in my memory forever, but not just for welcoming us, feeding us and educating us. he pointed us in the right direction. There’s a reason he’s called father. he is, and always will be, our father.”

And like a father, father Jim continues to help kids—hopeful boys and girls just like carl was—to find their path to a happy and successful adulthood. generations past have benefited from his dedication, just as generations to come will benefit from his legacy.

of course, none of this could be accomplished alone. Without the support of friends like you, the children of Mercy home would not have the chance to take advantage of such life-building opportunities.

Though the cost of education continues to climb, the cost of not receiving an education would be far worse. if you’d like to help in educating some very deserving girls and boys, you might want to consider sending a gift to the father Jim close scholarship fund—a resource father scott Donahue established in honor of father Jim’s 30th anniversary at Mercy home. Please feel free to call Ann Kisting at (312) 738-4381 to discuss this and other ways you can help prepare a child for the future.

Now a proud father, Carl is passing on the love and values he learned at Mercy Home to his son, Kenny.


ididn’t grow up in the lap of luxury. Times were tough in the 1930s and 1940s, and you often wondered where your next meal was coming from. it’s funny, though—i never thought of myself as poor. That’s probably because almost everyone was in the same boat as i was.

We lived in public housing for a while. We had to. so not only did i learn my lessons at school, i learned a few after as well, at the school of hard knocks.

But i also learned the meaning of sacrifice and i learned the key importance of family. sometimes family is all there is, and they help you through the tough times. i also learned to work hard. first there was the newsstand, then the paper route, and later i pumped gas. What i earned went to my family. i did what i could to help us to survive.

father Jim close

There were many, many lessons i learned growing up. But perhaps the most important lesson of all was that in being poor, god seemed closer to me than he ever has. it was there that i found my life’s calling.

i met some wonderful priests as i followed my vocation to the priesthood—first at our lady of lourdes parish where i grew up, and then later at Quigley and st. Mary of the lake seminaries. These were good men who genuinely loved god and the priesthood, and inspired that love in others. i wanted to be like them—who wouldn’t want to follow in their footsteps? After all, i was named after my uncle, Monsignor James J. close of Belfast, ireland.

i particularly admired how they gave their life for others. in addition 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 care. i pray i’ve been able to do that in my life—i’ve always tried to show our kids that whatever problems they had, i was always there for them.

People ask what i think my legacy will be. i’ve never really thought about my life in those terms, but i hope when people look back on my days they will remember that i always tried to give a kid a second chance. 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.

It’s the thought that counts

i learned the key importance of family. sometimes family is all there is, and they help you through the tough times.

Father Jim with his mother in 1986.


you see, years ago i made the decision to include Mercy home for Boys and girls in my Will. i know the estate of a priest doesn’t compare to most. But i find tremendous satisfaction in knowing that whatever good i was able to accomplish will continue on in more children’s lives through that gift. And it’s really true: it’s not the amount that matters, what counts is the thought. Why wouldn’t i remember those whom i believed in so deeply during my lifetime?

i just want to be remembered as someone who did everything he could to help hurting children find a new home and the promise of a better future.

i have often asked you to please remember Mercy home for Boys and

girls in your Will. As i mentioned, i, myself, have taken those words to heart. you should also know that each day in my prayers i remember those who have so generously made that decision. My successor, father scott, will continue to do the same.

Upon my retirement, i would like to ask you to consider including Mercy home in your Will. remember, it’s not the amount but the thought that counts.

if you would like to include Mercy home in your Will, call Dan Pritchard at (800) 378-8266.

Thank you for all that you have helped to accomplish as you stood at my side as we cared for these children of god 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

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

mercy Home for Boys & Girls • 1140 West Jackson Blvd. • chicago, il 6060� • www.mercyhome.org • (�12) ��8-��80

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waif's messenger - spring 2006 - fr. close commemorative edition

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