A new school year has brought many new renovations, routines, and people, but one person in particular is ambitious for this new beginning.
After the reassignment of four-year chaplain Father Luke Rawicki, the Diocese of Raleigh began a new chapter for the Gibbons family. Bishop Louis Zarama welcomed now Chaplain, Father John Kane.
Previously at St. Anthony’s in Southern Pines, Kane was in the position to spend six years there as the pastor until five years in, when he got a call from Bishop Zarama. He was told there was an open position for him to become the Gibbons chaplain, but he’d have to leave St. Anthony’s a year early.
After deep reflection, prayer, and cogitation, Kane saw this as God wanting him there. So he went.
“I was able to say no, according to the Church, and spend my last year at St. Anthony’s. Of course, then the window would’ve closed for me here at Gibbons,” said Kane, explaining his process through this discernment. “I spent a week praying about it in Rome… I finally was like, okay, this is the Holy Spirit saying yes, this is what you want me to do.”
From being a Pastor to becoming a Chaplain at a school of over 1,600 students and staff is a big jump, and Kane noticed that quickly.
“I was constantly having pastoral meetings with people and overseeing many, many things, whereas at Gibbons I am not a main point person; I am a point person for a little liturgy; here it’s more about relation,” said Kane.
While this is a new beginning for Kane, this is also a new beginning for the Spiritual Life family as a whole. With a strong ministry already in place that Rawicki facilitated, Director of Campus Ministry Kathleen Kozak stated, “Good ministry continues, and I think Father John will be able to walk alongside us to understand what we do by being a Spiritual father.”
Only a few weeks into the school year, there has already been a shift: Kane has enjoyed reaching out, joining, and learning about the different clubs and groups Gibbons has to offer.
“He came to the Hispanic Student Union club excited to speak Spanish and learn about our culture,” senior Charlotte Bouchard said.
Not only has Kane celebrated Masses and joined Freshman retreats, but he has also made it his mission to connect with the community.
“He’s made his mission very clear: first looking at everybody as a child of God before making any assumptions about them, and it has helped me see people in a new light as well,” said sophomore Henry Liebler.
Although this year may be different in many ways with new students, educators, routines, and more, we must not forget our foundation of Christ.
Fr. Kane is here to be that vessel, that light of Christ for us to learn and reflect from. That is his goal; that is his purpose.
“I really love people and getting to know them, and I want to love everyone here. I want to be here for them in a way God has passed me to be,” Kane said.
