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. 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. We are ever-mindful of the mandate of St. Benedict's Rule 53: Welcome the stranger in whom you will see the face of Christ.

Ben Pfaller, formerly our chief “minister of maintenance,” a former Chicago police officer, is now taking orders from his son Patrick Pfaller, our new "chief." Both of these men, together with George Schopper, apply tender loving care to keep this large building running. Truly, we could not keep the doors open without Patrick's, Ben’s and George's gifts of craftsmanship. They exemplify 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

We note with sadness the death of Fr. Ed Siedlecki, our emeritus administrator, on September 9, 2009. He was a steady spiritual presence. His constant good humor and keen intellect made him an ideal companion, even through his difficult health in the final months of his life. His prayers sustained us before. We expect no less presently. Fr. Ed was available for the sacrament of Reconciliation and spiritual counseling. His many years of teaching liturgy were a valuable resource for us. He will not be replaced.

Fr. Ed

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. Gladys and Erika are often complimented on how clean everything is. They make the place shine--literally.

Erika (l.) and Gladys

Deacon Richard Hudzik is the director of the Retreat House. An attorney and a deacon, he will cheerfully respond to the oft-heard remark, “A deacon and a lawyer—that’s an oxymoron.” He is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree in Theological Reflection at University of St. Mary of the Lake and is now engaged in the preparation of his doctoral project. The doctoral project is preparation of catechetical and apologetic tools for deacons and their wives to teach the Church's teachings--and do so both faithfully and lovingly--against same sex marriage. He holds the Masters of Divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union, as well as a Masters of Pastoral Theology from St. Mary of the Woods College. His Juris Doctor is from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). 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.)