Chandler Family's $600,000 Gift Supports Vital Part of Mission

Strake Jesuit has received a transformative $600,000 gift from Chris and Fiona Chandler in support of our mission. This significant gift is a meaningful representation of their deep connection to our ongoing effort to form Men for Others. In gratitude, Strake Jesuit’s Pastoral Ministry Center (PMC) will be dedicated in honor of their family.

The Chandlers' relationship with Jesuit runs deep. Their sons, Jack ’22 and James ’23, were profoundly shaped by their time in the PMC. "Our two boys loved their time at Jesuit. The PMC was a special part of the experience for both Jack and James. Jack spent many hours in the PMC with his friends. It was a nice refuge during the pandemic for him," the Chandlers shared.

Their generous contribution reflects their belief in Jesuit's core values of forming graduates who are Open to Growth, Loving, Religious, Committed to Doing Justice, and Intellectually Competent. "We have seen the benefit that the school provides first hand with our two sons," they noted. "We believe in the mission of 'Men for Others' and had a desire to continue to support the school after our boys graduated.” As a current member of the school board, Fiona saw how this opportunity to give back would ensure the sustainability of other students having formative experiences in the PMC similar to the experiences of her sons.

The Chandlers’ involvement with the functions of the PMC has been extensive and meaningful. "One of our sons was an altar server and a Eucharistic minister, both of our sons supported Freshman retreat for multiple years, our family cherished the Kairos and father/son retreats, and Fiona also enjoyed her weekly mother's bible study and offsite mothers' retreat," they reflected.

Though not much time has elapsed since the Chandler boys have been on campus, the PMC has experienced some recent growth through its development of new and exciting opportunities for formation.

One of the central aspects of the PMC is helping students discern their spiritual paths, offering a space where they can explore God's call in their lives. Mr. Lucas Nocera, Director of Ministry, noted, "Our main effort is creating a welcoming and intentionally communal space in the PMC. We do this through community lunches (often joined by other faculty and staff) and programs we offer." He emphasized that the goal is intentionally creating a place where students can encounter God and build a community of holiness through fellowship and shared experiences.

The efforts of the Pastoral Ministry Center typically belong in one of four categories: Fellowship, Prayer, Vocations, and Trips/Pilgrimages. Some of the most impactful initiatives include Students With A Testimony (SWAT), “This is where students can give brief talks regarding their personal reflections on faith, prayer, and friendships, followed by small group discussions," Mr. Nocera noted. Another initiative that is going strong is the Discipleship Group program. These are faith-centered groups that students sign up for and are moderated by faculty/staff members. Currently, there are 8 groups and over 55 students involved.

Looking ahead, several exciting opportunities are on the horizon. The Pastoral Ministry Center will bring students to the Texas Rally for Life in Austin. Mr. Nocera also highlighted the upcoming Italy Pilgrimage, where students will experience prayer, hiking, culture, and community, culminating in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the canonization of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati in Rome. "We're thrilled to be able to bring a group of students to different areas of Italy," he said, underscoring the importance of such formative experiences in fostering a deeper relationship with God.

 

With profound gratitude to the Chandlers for their support of our mission, we are happy to dedicate the Pastoral Ministry Center in their honor. Their generosity supports the entire school, including the PMC's vital role in developing young men who embody Jesuit's mission through retreats, liturgical celebrations, and service to others.