The Rev. Edwin L. Gros, S.J., dean of University Ministry for more than three years, was appointed pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Church after its previous pastor stepped down due to health problems.
Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes appointed Gros to replace the Rev. Tom Stahel, S.J., who had been pastor for almost two years. Gros’ appointment started Jan. 16.
Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., university president, announced Gros’ departure in an e-mail to the Loyola community on Jan. 15. “I am very grateful to Father Gros for all the work he has done in the past and for his generosity in taking on this new responsibility,” Wildes wrote. “Father Gros has been a leader in that partnership [between University Ministry and Holy Name of Jesus Parish] and this new arrangement will deepen the collaboration.”
Gros was approached by the Rev. Fred Kammer, S.J., on Dec. 12 about taking the new position. After a week of contemplation and Wildes’ enthusiastic support, Gros decided to accept the position.
“God was calling me to do this,” Gros said. “There’s a certain amount of sadness [about leaving] because I do love my work at University Ministry.”
Despite this sadness, Gros views his new work at Holy Name of Jesus Church as an opportunity to build bridges between Loyola and the parish. Jesuits from Loyola performing masses, members of the Loyola Theology Department giving talks and Education Department members becoming involved with Holy Name of Jesus School are a few examples he gave of increased collaboration.
Gros hopes the parish will have an impact in the efforts to rebuild and renew New Orleans.
“We have the opportunity to be a flagship in the Archdiocese.”
Gros asked all students to keep in touch.
“Don’t forget I’m over here. Come see me,” he said.
Kurt Bindewald, an associate chaplain in University Ministry, has been appointed to interim dean of University Ministry. Bindewald said he was surprised to be offered the role of interim dean.
“It became clear that this is an invitation to step in and help out in a time of need for both the Loyola and Holy Name communities. The decision to accept the appointment was, ultimately, an easy one to make,” Bindewald said.
“Loyola has a remarkable opportunity in the history of the New Orleans region to show that what we stand for and believe in here can have very real, practical effects on the renewal of the city and its people,” he said. “My current vision for University Ministry is to build on the successes of the past and encourage all members of the Loyola community to prayerfully discern how God calls us to action in our own lives.”
As interim dean, Bindewald will be responsible for the liturgical and religious life of the Loyola community. This will be done through day to day interaction with the community and administrative work. His prior responsibilities were limited to the Christian Life Community Program and Resident Chaplain Program.
Tara Templeton can be reached at [email protected].
