Father Jack Wintz's stories and photos have taken the Franciscan friar all over the United States as well as Asia, Europe, the Middle East and to more than a dozen Latin American countries. He has been writing, editing and photographing for St. Anthony Messenger (a national, Catholic family magazine, circulation 310,000) since 1972. He was editor of the magazine from 1999-2002 and now serves as senior editor. Since 1973 he has been editor of the popular religious education monthly newsletter, Catholic Update. In May (2006) Father Jack received the St. Francis de Sales Award, the highest honor given to an individual by the Catholic Press Association.

Among Father Jack's many interviews are those with Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Gene Kelly, Bob Newhart and Senator Ted Kennedy. He is author of the inspirational book, Lights: Revelations of God's Goodness (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1996). The book traces his spiritual journey as a Franciscan friar and journalist. His most recent books are the children's story, St. Francis in San Francisco (Paulist Press, 2001) A Retreat With Pope John Paul II: Be Not Afraid (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2001) and Anthony of Padua: Saint of the People (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2005). In addition to his theological training, Father Jack holds an M.A. in English literature from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio. He was ordained in 1963.

Read the story of how Friar Jack got his name
(from a past issue).

Fr. Jim Van Vurst, OFM has been a Franciscan friary for 58 years and a priest for 50 years. After ordination, he received his graduate degree in psychology and 15 years in his Province’s college seminary. He has done pastoral counseling in mental health clinics. His ministries include 15 years as chaplain at a maternity home, 11 years as Pastoral Care Director in a large Midwestern retirement and nursing center as well as administration in his own Franciscan Province.

Currently, he is assistant for the Poor Clare Nuns in the Midwest and is on the staff at St. Anthony Messenger and American Catholic.org for the past 8 years in the ministry of evangelization. Most recently he was appointed Associate Pastor at St. Clement Church in Cincinnati.