The Staff

Cardinal Stritch Retreat House

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The Staff.

We present to you some of the people whose job it is to make your stay comfortable, quiet and prayerful.

We urge you to let us know how we can do our jobs better. In doing what we do here, we, as a staff, try to be guided by the Benedictine core values of Hospitality, Stewardship, Justice and Respect.

Ben Pfaller, our “minister of maintenance,” a former Chicago police officer, is the man who applies tender loving care to keep this large building running. Truly, we could not keep the doors open without Ben’s gifts of craftsmanship. He exemplifies the Benedictine value of stewardship.

Ben

Eva Schopper, office manager and general "take-charge" person, is the one whose voice you will likely hear when you call. Eva has been with Stritch for many years in a variety of capacities and knows the operation from top to bottom. Presently, she is the manager of all administrative functions at the House. Eva is a graduate of advanced studies in education in her former home in Hungary.

Eva Schopper

Fr. Ed Siedlecki, our emeritus administrator, is a steady spiritual presence. His constant good humor and keen intellect make him an ideal companion. His prayers sustain us. Fr. Ed is available for the sacrament of Reconciliation and spiritual counseling by appointment. His many years of teaching liturgy are a valuable resource for us.

Fr. Ed

We note with sadness the death of Don Wichlin, facilities manager, who died in 2006. During his life with us, Don had the unenviable task of seeing to it our bills were paid, the staff was happy and the supply room was stocked. Don, in prior careers, was a bank vice-president, as well as an executive with a coin-laundry chain. Truly, Don was the one to count our coins. Not only a "bean-counter," Don also held a Master of Liberal Studies from Lake Forest College. We will miss him. We remain inspired by his courage in his final months as he battled cancer.

Don

Our housekeeping staff is led by Gladys Naval. She, together with Erika, makes sure the place is clean, healthy, safe and welcoming. Our sheets smell fresh—just how Mom used to do it.

Erika (l.) and Gladys

Deacon Richard Hudzik is the director of the Retreat House. An attorney and a holder of the Masters of Divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union, he is able to cheerfully respond to the oft-heard remark, “A deacon and a lawyer—that’s an oxymoron.” He also has a Masters of Pastoral Theology from St. Mary of the Woods College. He is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at University of St. Mary of the Lake. Richard looks to the overall operation of Stritch and also attends to programming and development. He always hopes to visit with the retreatants—to hear what they need, for conversation or for prayer.

Richard

Morrison Senior Food Service is the company which is contracted to serve the nutritious and attractively presented ample portions of food. It is the case that one of the things that we do best here, many say, is the food. We try to tailor our offerings to the group which is staying at the Retreat House. Ask if we can accommodate any special needs. Bart Stopyra is the manager of the fine, courteous staff, which frequently is commented on for its solicitude for our guests.

Our two chefs--Paul (r.) and Tony with Manager Bart (l.)