Editor,
a position that allows him to focus his time and attention on his first love,
the creative and writing side of the communications ministry.The
Provincial Council of St. John the Baptist Province is pleased to announce the appointment
of Pat McCloskey, O.F.M., as the new editor-in-chief of St. Anthony Messenger
magazine, effective June 3. Pat will replace Jack Wintz, O.F.M., who
earlier this year had requested a change in his role at the magazine. Jack will
remain as Contributing Editor,
a position that allows him to focus his time and attention on his first love,
the creative and writing side of the communications ministry.
“Pat
is a very disciplined, hard-working and talented individual,” said Provincial
Minister Fred Link. “During our interview with Pat, SAMP publisher Jeremy
Harrington pointed out that Pat is ‘both an academic and a popularizer.’ His
brilliant mind and sharp insight, coupled with a deep knowledge and love of his
Franciscan heritage, will serve him well in his new position. I believe St.
Anthony Messenger is in very capable hands.”
In a
letter to the Council, Jack said he is grateful to God and to the province
“for having the honor of being one of the editors of St. Anthony Messenger
during its more than 100-year history, and especially by being part of the
renewal of the Church resulting from Vatican II.” This summer he will
celebrate his 30th anniversary with SAM.
Pat
brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Before he was appointed Associate
Editor of the Messenger in 1999, he was a frequent contributor to the
magazine and had served the Order in many capacities on the local, national, and
international levels. An instructor at Roger Bacon High School from 1975-1984,
he returned there from 1993-1999 to teach and serve as chaplain. He was
Promotion/Tape Editor at the Messenger from 1984-1985, and then
ministered at the friars’ General Curia office in Rome as Director of Protocol
from 1985-1988 and as Director of Communications from 1986-1992. He is the
author of numerous books and was co-editor with Arnulf Camps, O.F.M., of The
Friars Minor in China 1294-1955. A native of Howell, Mich., Pat entered the
Order in 1967 and was ordained in 1975 after receiving a Master of Divinity
degree at St. Leonard College in Centerville. He also holds an M.A. in Theology
from the University of Dayton and an M.A. in Franciscan Studies from St.
Bonaventure University.
As
editor, Pat will be responsible for the day-to-day editorial operations of the
magazine. In his new capacity, “Jack will remain editor of Catholic Update
and Friar Jack’s E-Spirations on SAMP’s Internet site,” said
Jeremy. “He will remain a member of the Publisher’s Board and will attend
SAM editorial meetings.”
In
thanking Jack for his service at the helm of the Messenger, Fred said,
“The Provincial Council has deep appreciation for the wonderful job you have
done for the past three years in a very demanding role. As editor-in-chief, you
have served the Messenger very well, so often going above and beyond the
call of duty.”