Our name could begin ROMAN CATHOLIC because we are all Roman Catholic priests. Some of us are married while others are still in active ministry. Our founder was Jim Wilbur, who invited any of our priests group to have lunch at Felici’s Round Table, a restaurant where Jim and a group of local ministers met in the evening. At this time, Jim was working nearby in his second career and could get away for an hour’s lunch. The exact date is uncertain but it was in the summer of 1982. The group averaged about 8-10 each week. Unfortunately, Felici’s closed and we had to find a different location.

            Since March 1995 we have met at Gulliver’s Restaurant on Howard Street and California on Chicago’s North side. Our gracious hosts were Jerry and Nancy Freeman. Jerry had a hobby of finding antique chandeliers, sconces, statues and paintings. The restaurant became famous for its delicious food and kitschy décor. (See picture.) They also provided a huge round table away from the main dining area. Jerry died two years ago and Nancy ran the business alone for another year before selling to the present owners.

            We meet at 12:30 pm every Wednesday and attendance varies from 8 to 13. Conversation is spirited and loud with major topics being the state of the Catholic Church and local and national politics. The tenor is left of center in both these areas and the institutional Church fares a little less favorably than the Republican government. A couple of die-hard Cub fans insist, “This is the year!”

            We have a distinguished and gifted list of members. In the picture, front and center and clockwise: John Giannini (Dominican) internationally known Jungian Analyst and author of Compass of the Soul – A study of Jungian typology. Fr. Bill Jabusch, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, composer of such well-known hymns as Whatsoever You Do…and The King of Glory. Dominic Cronin, former sales manager. Roger O’Brien, Human Resource trainer for a large Chicago Bank and, in retirement, national consultant to a large banking consortium. Marty Hegarty, Industrial Psychologist, and founder of WEORC, an international organization to assist priests, ministers and religious men and women who transition from full-time church ministry.

Jim Wilbur, Editor of the largest publisher of Liturgical Missalettes in the United States. Joe Fitzharris, special ministry to Hispanic Catholics and retired Warehouse manager. Ben Giovannone (Holy Cross) teacher, computer geek and with his wife, marriage and couples therapy. Barry Rankin (Passionist), founding member of the largest school of Catholic theology in the U.S. and retired Federal Probation officer. Bill McGlynn, our techie expert who worked for a large camera retailer and assisted fund raising efforts of a Catholic religious order.

            Some additional ROMEOs not shown: Bernie Curran and Gus Wilhelmy (Passionists) who founded the Safer Foundation to assist released convicts transition to jobs. Bob McClory, retired journalism professor from Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University, author of Turning Point: The Inside Story of the Papal Birth Control Commission; As It Was in the Beginning. The Coming Democratization of The Catholic Church; writer for The Chicago Reader and The National Catholic Reporter. Dan Maloney (Maryknoll), Management Consultant. Bill Riordan, purchasing officer Argonne National Labs. Cas Obie, Real Estate broker. Ed Gilpartric (Jesuit) university lecturer. Larry Harman (Passionist), chaplain and ethics committee for a large Catholic hospital. Frank McGrath, professor in City College of Chicago, and active in The Ministerial Group of his Florida community. Fr. Tom Millea, advocate for civil rights and daily pay workers, retired chaplain for Veterans Hospitals.

            Four of our Round Table now enjoy the heavenly banquet. Rocco Facchini, Real Estate Management, cartoonist, raconteur and author of Muldoon, a True Chicago Ghost Story about his first parish assignment where the rectory was haunted by a Bishop. Francis Moroney, founded his own Industrial Cleaning Service, second career as teacher in a special needs high school, marathoner, tri-athlete and cross country bicycler .Tim Unsworth, nationally known commentator on the Catholic Church, columnist for The National Catholic Reporter and author of many books including Last Priests in America, Here Comes Everybody and I Am Your Brother Joseph: Cardinal Bernardin of Chicago.

Wally Bloch, Property Manager for Northwestern Mutual Insurance, philanthropist and supporter of L’Arche, Chicago Seminaries, St John Cantius, St Christopher Episcopal Church and a local synagogue where he was called “our Tuesday goy”.

ANTIQUES AMONG THE ANTIQUES

Restaurant details:

Gulliver’s Restaurant, 2727 W Howard St., Chicago IL 60645, (773) 338-2166.

If you would like to contact this group e-mail Marty