John A. Trese

Trese died October 20, 2004, following complications resulting from cancer. He was 81. His life was celebrated in two funeral masses; the first was celebrated by Cardinal Adam Maida and the second was a more personal one for the St. Columban church community. He received a final blessing from the community, and received many eulogies, one being The Good News of Jack Trese.

In 2001, St. Columban was named one of the Excellent Catholic Parishes by Paul Wilkes, citing programs developed by Trese: spontaneous prayers of the faithful during Mass, collaborative spirit between leadership and laypeople, emphasis on learning and personal development, and suicide support group.

At one point the congregation was challenged to come up with 'one word' to describe the experience at St. Columban. 'Freedom' was unanimously voted on. In that context, they felt free to offer ideas for their Catholic spiritual development. One of the unique avenues that came out of this environment was an alternative to, or an addition to, CCD for families called 'Family Experience'. In the 1980s and 1990s several families met once a month and taught and experienced their faith through some family activity. And since the environment of St. Columban was inclusive, the term 'family' came to mean everyone, and those who were single were welcomed.

In 1968 he was appointed rector of St. Columban Church, a position he held until 2000 when he retired as senior priest. While there, he served as Vicar Pro-tem of the South Oakland Vicariate and instituted many innovative programs at St. Columban's including his ministry to fellow priests, to Catholics affected by divorce, and to families touched by suicide.

From 1965 to 1968, Trese directed the Archdiocesan Opportunity Program. While there, Trese began more than 13 programs including many Headstart sites and teaching programs for women in prison. During the 1960s he became one of the leaders of the emerging consciousness for greater social justice in the Detroit area.

In 1962 he was appointed Spiritual Director of the National Council of Catholic Nurses. He authored an article in The Catholic Nurse monthly journal titled "Life with Father."

Shortly after his death, a small group of St. Columban parishioners decided to develop a website dedicated to the spirit and teachings of Trese. The site, frjack.org, serves a variety of purposes. For a number of years, his sermons were taped, and are now available for listening on the site. In addition, many of his writings, dating back to 1962, have been scanned for reading purposes. The accumulated material provides a unique look at a post-Vatican II church, struggling to deal with a school closing, rejoicing in the strength of their community, sharing their faith. The site is in wiki format, so anyone can share thoughts about Trese and how he impacted their lives.

Trese believed in the power of the community. He trusted the integrity of those in the pews. "Never let anyone or any organization think for you" was a phrase he was known to use. He very seldom discouraged a community member who came to him with an idea for a new group or event. He felt if there was a need in the community for it, it would grow; if there was no need, it would not survive. He believed in inclusion, and invited those in the congregation who were not Catholic, but to whom the mass was a significant event, to receive communion. The greatest sin, he said, was indifference. He began support groups for divorced Catholics in the 1960s, when this was an uncommon practice. He also started support groups for those touched by suicide and those with a non-traditional sexual orientation. Regarding suicide, Trese would say that, "...people die from suicide, not by suicide." Just as people die from cancer, not by cancer. Members of the parish participated in faith-sharing groups, sharing the stories of their faith journeys. Trese deeply believed that "every individual's faith story matters."

In 1953 he was appointed associate secretary for Catholic Charities, eventually becoming Director of Catholic Social Services of Oakland, Monroe, Washtenaw, and Lapeer counties in Michigan. He held the post until 1965.

Following his first assignment to St. Louis Parish in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, in 1951, Trese was tapped to attend graduate school at Saint Louis University where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in social work.

Trese attended Sacred Heart Major Seminary for his college work and completed his studies for the priesthood at the Theological College of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He was ordained May 22, 1948.

Monsignor John Arthur Trese ("Fr. Jack") (June 20, 1923 – October 20, 2004) was an American Catholic priest serving the Archdiocese of Detroit from 1951 to 2000.

Born in St. Clair, Michigan, in 1923, Trese was the eldest of the six children of Arthur Thomas Trese. He graduated from St. Joseph Elementary and St. Stephen's High School in Port Huron. Recognizing his vocation to the priesthood early in life, he followed the path of his uncle, Father Leo J. Trese, a diocesan priest and noted author. His uncle's published writings and books of reflections for priests were revolutionary in their time for their candor and sincerity.