By John Petty, Catholic Editor
Since the fall semester of 2023, Aquinas College has been blessed with a then-newly ordained, Dominican priest as one of the Campus Chaplains, Father Jordan DeGuire, O.P.
It is with bitter-sweetness that DeGuire is preparing to move on to his next assignment.
Fr. Jordan DeGuire, O.P. – Photo by Trista Cridler
Many know him–whether it is as a friend, colleague, professor, confessor or simply the man in a white habit walking across campus–DeGuire is a well-known member of the Aquinas community. When he is not celebrating Mass or hearing confessions, Father Jordan can be found teaching about the goodness of God in his Catholic Vision class, or having conversations with others in his office about everyday life and the journey of faith.
“I think he does a great job living out being a disciple,” junior Tomas Rampe said. “He is truly there for the community, and he is a great representation of a Dominican priest.”
“I think he is really fun and an awesome professor,” said senior Haris Sendijarevic. “He really cares about his students, and he makes theology class fun and engaging even for people who are not Catholic.”
Another notable aspect of DeGuire’s ministry is his formidability as a frisbee player at some of the After-Mass socials. A half-hour after celebrating Mass, DeGuire would temporarily shed the habit in order to compete with students in Ultimate Frisbee. Whether he was on the winning team or not, DeGuire’s speed and accuracy made a name for him as a feared opponent and as a skilled teammate.
“My favorite memory of him is his pregame frisbee speech where he says this is ‘church league frisbee and not to play rough,’ senior Ryan Maddock said. “And a few minutes into the game he is jumping on top of people to catch a frisbee.”
Fr. Jordan observes cornhole – Photo by Trista Cridler
Above all, DeGuire’s life of holiness radiates evidently to all those around him. His collected matter of speaking, approachability and lighthearted humor combined with his knowledgability and wisdom make Father Jordan the great son of Dominic that he is. The sky is the limit in terms of the positive impact that DeGuire will leave at his next assignment.
DeGuire will be pursuing a Doctorate in Liturgical Theology at the University of Notre Dame.
Though the Aquinas community is sad to see DeGuire leave, it is well-known that he will continue to make his mark on the world for the better. His love for conversation, frisbee, friendship and most of all the love of God, have and will continue to have an impact on Aquinas College for years to come.
“Father Jordan is a perfect example of what it means to be a servant of Jesus Christ… The impact he has made at Aquinas will be remembered,” Maddock said.
The Saint 