In Remembrance Fr. Francis J. Houdek, S.J.

Reflection by William L. Verbryke, SJ          

Fr. Francis J. Houdek, SJ, died April 23, 2009 in Oakland, California.

“Teach them to love the Society.”  This is the one piece of advice Frank offered me when I asked him when I was appointed director of novices for the Chicago and Detroit Provinces of the Society of Jesus.  Frank served as both my director of novices and rector in theology at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley so I sought his counsel as I began this position. 

Frank had many superb qualities such as his intelligence, articulation as a teacher and homilist, insights and compassion as a spiritual director, and (he would include) picking wisely at the track.  He served a variety of roles for many people such as a devoted family member, spiritual director, teacher, rector, priest, counselor, and author and, above all, friend.

“We were always able to continue the relationship from where we left off” was a refrain I often heard about Frank from friends he saw infrequently, especially those in the Midwest and East Coast.  This was also my experience. During a fine meal Frank was always interested in my latest adventures and interests, engaged in lively conversations on contemporary events in the world, Church, and the Society of Jesus.  He always inquired about members of my family and especially the Jesuits around my time. And, at the end of the meal, it was if we had not missed a step.

I can list many gifts I received through my friendship with Frank such as a confidence in myself, an understanding of the Spiritual Exercises, an example of someone caring for many people. But the greatest gift from Frank was a love for the Society of Jesus!                                                                                 

Father Houdek was born June 16, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio.  He entered the Society of Jesus on August 11, 1952, at Milford, Ohio.  He was ordained on June 17, 1965 at Colombiere College. He pronounced final vows at Loyola House, Berkley, Michigan on November 11, 1973.  

Father Houdek taught at Loyola Academy I Wilmette, Illinois (1959-1960) and Colombiere College, Clarkston, Michigan (1960-1962).  He was Master of Novices at Loyola House, Berkley, Michigan (1972-1979).  He became Rector at the Jesuit School of Theology (JSTB), Berkeley, California (1979-1985).  After a one year sabbatical cal he taught at JSTB.  From 1986-1992 Father Houdek served as Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese of Oakland, California.  He was Sacramental Minister at St. Paschal Baylon Parish, Oakland, California (1985-1991) and at St. Perpetua Parish, Lafayette, California (1991-2009)

Mass of Christian burial took place on Monday, April 27, 2009 at St. Perpetual Parish, Lafayette, California followed by the burial at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Lafayette, California.