Parish Staff
PASTOR
Rev. Brad Schoeberle, CSP
he/him/his
I go by Fr. Brad to almost everyone, but my full name is Fr. Brad Schoeberle, CSP. CSP means I am a member of the Paulist Father's Community which is an important part of my identity. I have been with the Paulists since 1996, and a priest since 2000. I have had the blessing of growing up in Wisconsin and studying there, Minnesota, Jerusalem, and Washington, DC from kindergarten through three different graduate programs prior to becoming a priest. After a year of internship in Austin, TX (under the pastor, Patrick Johnson, CSP), I have served at St. Paul the Apostle in Los Angeles for eight years, Ten years at St. Luke University Parish in Allendale, MI where I was founding pastor, and now Pastor here at Old St. Mary's Catholic Church since 2018 (and 2 years of Covid).
I love being a priest. l love being with all of you. I love being here at Old St. Mary's where the adventure of new people learning new things while remembering we are in the Oldest Parish in Chicago with the country's original religious order of men. In short, I am gifted to be with you where so many diverse stories come together and we can challenge and encourage one another as we discover Jesus and share that faith together. The one other part of my background - discovering Jesus when I was in Catholic grade school. He is such a big part of my life that I want to share his story with all of you. I hope to hear your stories of Jesus too!
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Rev. Patrick Johnson, CSP
My name is Father Patrick Johnson and I am a member of the Paulist Fathers community which has staffed Old St. Mary's Parish since 1903. Most people refer to me as Father PJ. I was ordained in 1974 and have served in many places, including over 8 years as a U.S. Navy chaplain. I came to Old St. Mary's in January 2012. I'm originally from Walla Walla, Washington.
DIRECTOR OF LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION
Oblate James
Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB
he/him/his
Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB (he/él) is a Third Order Member of the Order of St. Benedict with St. Scholastica Monastery in Rogers Park. James made his final commitment to the Order in 2018 after study. James lives in Evanston with his partner, Denisse, and their puppy, Biscocho.
James is educated in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, DEI, and Nonprofit Administration from John Carroll University and DePaul University. James is a certified diversity practitioner.
James has professional background in both the secular nonprofit and religious worlds. James has worked for organizations like the YMCA in youth development, Evanston/Skokie School District 65 as a district-wide fluency program manager, and Kids Playing Camp as an operations and DEI director. James has also worked for religious institutions like St. Athanasius School as a middle school religion teacher and campus minister, Pope John XXIII School as an associate principal for DEI and Catholic Identity, and for the Evanston parishes as regional director of youth, young adult ministry, and campus ministry.
Currently, James works as an adjunct faculty member at DePaul University in the College of Education, as a retreat chaplain for the Junior Class at St. Ignatius College Prep, Executive Director of United Catholic Youth Ministries, and joins us as the Director of Lifelong Faith Formation at Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School.
In both his personal and professional life, James spends a lot of time advocating for marginalized people in both secular and religious environments. “The world should be a place that truly fosters equitable opportunity for all, whether that be in social structures with things like jobs, housing, and food or in religious contexts with things like answering our vocational call, serving in leadership no matter your age or identity, or knowing you belong and are loved simply because you were made in the likeness and image of God or your religion’s higher power.”
Outside of advocacy work, James enjoys talking about Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Lord of the Rings lore, playing soccer and volleyball, and enjoying spending time with loved ones.