Detroit
Detroit JFAN Home
About JFAN Detroit
Past Events
JFAN Detroit Home
About JFAN Detroit
Past Events
CONTACT
William A. Moylan, Chair
WAMoylan@gmail.com
Frank Brady, Chair WUJA Congress
fjbradyjr@gmail.com
Fr. Gary Wright, SJ, Jesuit Liaison
wrightgr@udmercy.edu
Past Events
Landscape of Our Catholic Faith
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, guests gathered for a wine and cheese reception at the historic Gesu Catholic Church, a parish founded by Jesuits in 1922 and once home to four Detroit mayors, several congressmen, and the renowned Fisher Brothers. The event showcased rare architectural drawings and antique stained-glass window designs—some dating back to the late 1800s—from two Detroit families who worked closely with the Jesuits and the Archdiocese of Detroit. The firms of Diehl & Diehl Architects and Detroit Stained Glass Works helped shape many of the city’s sacred spaces, including Gesu and Colombiere Center for the Jesuits, as well as landmarks such as Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Sweetest Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Old St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Joseph Shrine, and Holy Name Catholic Church. Special guests included Paul G. Diehl, Patricia Montemurri, and Mary Clare McCormick. The evening included Mass, refreshments, and a guided tour of the historic worship site.
Transforming Business: Ignatian Values at the Heart & Soul of Success
On Wednesday, November 6, 2025, Fr. Nicholas Santos, SJ, Associate Professor of Marketing at the Heider College of Business at Creighton University, shared how Ignatian values can transform leadership and redefine success in both business and life. Drawing on his global experience and Jesuit formation, Fr. Santos explored the Jesuit paradigm for business education and emphasized themes of purpose-driven leadership, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth. He encouraged attendees to lead with heart and soul, creating success that uplifts both their organizations and the broader community.
A Jesuit Walks into a Bar
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, Fr. Jake Martin, SJ joined Jesuit friends and alumni in Detroit for an evening of comedy fused with Ignatian spirituality. Fr.Mark Luedtke, SJ, was the co-host of the event held at Detroit Shipping Company.
"What is a Jesuit Brother Anyway?"
On March 26, 2025, Br. James J. Boynton, SJ, president of University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, spoke about the role of Jesuit brothers in the Church today. Since the founding of the Society of Jesus, brothers have played a vital role, but their contributions are often less understood. Br. Boynton shared his insights on their vocation, mission, and impact, offering attendees a deeper appreciation for their work within the Jesuit community and beyond.
Finding God in All Things (...sometimes through the eyes of others)
On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Tom Szczepanski, executive officer of Angel’s Place, gave a JFAN talk about how sometimes it takes the eyes of others to open your own. Watch the event video below.
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Fr. Patrick Kelly, SJ, PhD, current associate professor of Religious Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy, gave a JFAN talk entitled “Sport, Human Flourishing and the Common Good: Opportunities and Challenges Today.” Watch the full video below.
On Tuesday, November 14, Rita Dollard-O’Malley presented “Transformative Moments in the Life of Ignatius” at the Detroit Athletic Club. Click below to watch the full video.
On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, JFAN Detroit featured speaker Angela Moloney spoke on “Delighted by the Spirit” at the Detroit Athletic Club. Click below to view the complete video.
On March 9, 2023, Fr. Karl Kiser, SJ, provincial of the Midwest Jesuits, spoke at the Detroit Athletic Club on “What’s a Jesuit Provincial Anyway? And Why Should We Care?” View the recording of his talk in the player below.
On October 18, 2022, Fr. Tim McCabe, SJ, presented “A Home for Detroit’s Homeless,” highlighting the work of the Pope Francis Center in addressing chronic homelessness. His talk can be viewed in the player below.
On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Fr. Timothy Kesicki, SJ, spoke to a sold out crowd on "A New Path to Reconciliation: the Jesuits and Slaveholding."
Father Kesicki works with the Descendants Truth and Reconciliation Foundation, a new partnership between Descendants of Jesuit slaveholding and the Society of Jesus in the United States.
On May 11, 2021, basketball coach John Beilein spoke on The Impact My Jesuit Education Has Had on My Life As a Leader and Coach.
On November 12, 2020, JFAN partnered with the Catholic Foundation of Michigan to offer an interactive virtual event featuring speakers from International Samaritan. Focusing on The Pandemic’s Impact on People Living in Extreme Poverty in Developing Nations, Mike Tenbusch (president) and Selam Terefe (Country Director of Ethiopia) from International Samaritan led participants in large and small group conversations. The recording of the Zoom conversation can be found here.
On February 11, 2020, Tom Chabolla, president of Jesuit Volunteer Corps, gave a presentation on Forming Great-Souled Persons: The Power of JVC’s Core Values,