Butler to Take Over Ministry Efforts

A familiar face from on campus will soon lead the University's Mission and Ministry efforts. Rev. John T. "Jack" Butler, S.J., will take the role of vice president for University Mission and Ministry, according to a statement released by the University this week.
He will succeed Rev. Joseph A. Appleyard, S.J., who has been named assistant and adviser to Rev. Myles Sheehan, S.J., the provincial of the New England Province of the Society of Jesus.

University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., praised Butler in a statement, calling him a talented and energetic individual who is deeply involved at Boston College. "Fr. Butler is a Jesuit who is widely known on campus, and someone who cares deeply about the University's mission, especially the intellectual and religious dimension," Leahy said. "I look forward to working with him in strengthening Boston College."

Butler has strong ties to the BC and New England Jesuit communities. He is a graduate of St. Thomas University and also holds degrees from Providence College, Loyola University in Maryland, and the former Weston Jesuit School of Theology.

He entered the Society of Jesus in 1991 and started his career at BC as a campus minister in 2002. In 2007, Butler was appointed the inaugural director of Manresa House, which provides information and guidance to students at BC who are considering the priesthood and religious life, and since his appointment he has brought the house regional acclaim.

"Since Manresa House was established in 2007, Boston College has become the place for people to come and talk about their vocations. During that time, many people have come here to talk about serving God, with three entering the Society of Jesus and several others entering diocesan seminaries," Butler said in a statement. "While I was one of many who was involved in these conversations, I am proud of what we have accomplished."

Butler said he is excited about his new position within the University and the challenges he expects will come with the position.

"Prior to coming to BC, I had worked in prison ministry with violent offenders and I never thought of higher education as a career option, but I have fallen in love with BC and the higher education apostolate," Butler said. "I believe in this ministry, in our faith, and our commitment to Jesuit, Catholic education. To help articulate and proclaim that belief is exciting to me."

He  said that even though he is committed to building upon the work of his predecessor, he also has developed some goals of his own for the future of Mission and Ministry at BC.

"I believe that Mission and Ministry can be a department that helps to set the tone for the larger University, where people are challenged to be caring, to be excited, and to be free to be the people God has chosen them to be," Butler said. "Ultimately, the goal is to become a University where, through our academics, service programs, and personal reflection, men and women can find their deepest desire, which is at the heart of Ignatian spirituality."

Rev. Terrence Devino, S.J., vice president for university ministries at the University of Scranton, will move to BC and assume Butler's previous role as director of the Manresa House and special assistant to the president.

While at the University of Scranton, Devino oversaw its ministry programs, in addition to serving on University leadership teams.

"I am thrilled to be coming back to Boston College to serve as special assistant to the president and to continue the good work Fr. Jack Butler has done at Manresa House in supporting and encouraging vocations," Devino said in a statement. "To engage in conversations with people interested in religious life and, in particular, the Society of Jesus, and to take part in pastoral activities on the BC campus is an honor."

Leahy said he looks forward to working with Devino. "Terry Devino brings many years of experience as a priest and has served with great effectiveness at both Fairfield and the University of Scranton," he said. "I am confident he will continue doing great work at Boston College."

Butler and Devino will both assume their appointments during the summer months.