Rev. James C. Friedel, O.S.A. (1937 - 2023)

Rev. James Charles Friedel, O.S.A., entered eternal life on February 11, 2023. He was 85 years old.

James Charles Friedel was born on July 1, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, to August J. and Geneva Friedel. He was baptized on July 15, 1937, at St. Mary of the Lake Church in Chicago. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 7, 1950, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Chicago.

James received his elementary education at St. Mary of the Lake School in Chicago, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Chicago, and St. Agnes School in Chicago Heights. He earned his high school diploma in 1955 from Mendel Catholic High School in Chicago. He studied at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, during 1955 and 1956.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate on February 2, 1957. He professed Simple (temporary) Vows in the Order of St. Augustine on February 3, 1958, and Solemn (permanent) Vows on February 3, 1961.

Following profession of vows in 1958, he began collegiate studies at Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania. When Tolentine College opened in the Fall of 1958 as an extension of Villanova University in Olympia Fields, Illinois, he continued his studies there, and earned a B.A. in Philosophy in 1961. He then pursued theological studies at Augustinian Academy in St. Louis, Missouri, for two years. He completed the final two years of theological studies at Tolentine College. He earned an M.A. in Religious Education from Loyola University in Chicago in 1966 and a D.Min. from St. Mary of the Lake University in Mundelein, Illinois, in 1984. He was ordained a priest on February 6, 1965.

Father Friedel was assigned to Mendel Catholic High School in 1965 as a teacher. In 1966, he was transferred to St. Augustine Seminary in Holland, Michigan, as a teacher and Assistant Rector. He relocated to Tolentine College in 1971, where he was Dean of Men and Master of Professed. He became Master of Theologians in 1972 at St. John Stone Friary in Chicago.

In 1974, Father Friedel was named Director of Chicago Marriage Encounter, a program designed to strengthen marriages. He resided at Mendel Monastery while he worked with Marriage Encounter.

Father Friedel was appointed Associate Pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish in Chicago in 1978. He also served as Prior (local superior) of the Augustinian community there. In 1982, he became Pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco.  In 1984, be became Sub-Prior of the community.

He moved to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery in Olympia Fields in 1991, and began the Parish Retreats ministry. He visited Catholic parishes and religious communities across the United States to conduct spiritual retreats. He served as Prior of Tolentine Monastery from 1993 until 2006. In 1999, he was elected to the Province Council, and served in this capacity until 2002.

He was assigned to the Augustinian Community at St. Jude Parish in New Lenox in 2010, where has was also appointed Prior. At St. Jude Parish, Father Friedel continued his Parish Retreats ministry for several years until health issues caused him to reduce and eventually withdraw from this ministry.  He also assisted at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Joliet, IL, for several years.  During his time at St. Jude’s, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. 

He was moved to Assisted Living at St. Anthony Home in Crown Point in November of 2019. In late February of 2021, he was moved to skilled care at St. Anthony Home, and then placed under hospice services in early March of 2021.   

On February 11, 2023, Father Friedel peacefully entered eternal life. 

Father Friedel is remembered for being a heartfelt person, always compassionate and pastoral.  His life touched so many in their time of need and understanding; he brought healing and lasting memories.  People never forgot his touch of presence and care.    

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, IL.