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Priest’s ministry from tribunal to chaplain

He is: Father Joseph C. Mol, associate pastor, St. Patricia’s in Hickory Hills. Born Jan. 21, 1951. Has a bachelor’s in elementary education from DePaul University and a master’s in divinity from St. Mary of the Lake University. Ordained May 11, 1977, by Cardinal John Cody.

Grew up Back of the Yards: St. John of God was his home parish. Has two younger sisters. His dad was Polish, his mom Italian.

“The name ‘Mol’ was shortened but we don’t know from what.”

The household was more American than ethnic. “Dad sometimes would do some homemade soups, and Mom would cook Italian once in a while, but it was basically pot roast.”

The family later moved to the Garfield Ridge community and became parishioners of St. Symphorosa.

Part of an educational experiment: “There was an experimental program started by the late Bishop [William] McManus. He was a monsignor at the time. It involved St. Paul High School at 59th & Narragansett and nearby John F. Kennedy High School. It was half-day Catholic and then you’d go down the street to JFK for your other subjects. We also shared Kennedy’s gym and cafeteria. Boys were taught by the Christian Brothers and girls by the Sisters of St. Joseph of La- Grange. About third year it went co-ed to get a bigger enrollment. The program lasted about 10 years. It was a good experience.”

Value of vocation directors: “The vocation of wanting to be a priest started way back in 5th or 6th grade. That’s because in those days vocation directors would be visiting the schools. We’d go on seminary weekends with the SVDs [Society of the Divine Word Missionaries]. I kept in contact with vocation directors. I finally made the decision as a junior at DePaul. ‘This is what the Lord wants, and I’m ready to accept the call.’”

His parents’ reaction: “My parents were very excited about it. They had no second thoughts. The very fact I was the only boy and the name would die with me, they were still that generous. My dad was so proud he’d carry my picture in his wallet. One time he got stopped by the police and when the cop saw the photo fall out of his wallet and learned it was his son, he didn’t give him a ticket.”

Priest mentors: “I had parish priest mentors at St. Symphorosa, like Father Leonard Bogdan. He got me interested in Mundelein and took me up there and showed me the place. I kept in contact with him all through ordination. My second mentor would be Father John Dolciamore, my deacon pastor. We’ve been best of friends ever since.”

He would like to see a stronger support system for priests.

A varied schedule: Besides his normal duties at St. Patricia’s, he’s been a field advocate for the Marriage Tribunal and now works on special cases involving the Pauline Privilege and on Favor of the Faith cases.

“For five or six years I’ve also been spiritual director to seven men preparing for the permanent diaconate. I’ve had two ordained already. There’s a lot of personal satisfaction in working with these men. I get to help them in their faith journey, discovering the presence of God in their lives — the call to ministry. There’s a special bond. It’s very enriching.”

Wears one more hat: He’s been police chaplain for the Hickory Hills police department for over four years. Their first one.

“I go out on patrol with the guys once a month.” He’s also on call. “For example, where there’s a domestic disturbance or a teen drug problem, if the people want to talk with somebody, I’ll invite them into the station.”

He listens and refers them for anger management or other social service resources. He smooths the rough spots for them. At the station he visits all the departments as a morale check.

Motto: “‘Give it 100 percent and stay close to the Lord in prayer.’ That’s from the good Felician Sisters at ‘St.-John-by-God.’”