The Midwest Augustinian Gala was held last week, and it was a night to remember! The event honored one of our very own, Fr. John Sotak, a proud Mendel Catholic High School graduate. Fr. Sotak has immensely impacted the Augustinian community, and it was a privilege to recognize his contributions.

Fr. Sotak has had an impressive career journey. After graduating from Mendel Catholic High School in 1969, he pursued his passion for Journalism at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He then completed his undergraduate degree in History at DePaul University in Chicago while living at Mendel Monastery. In 1984, he was received into the Augustinian Novitiate, and in 1992, he was ordained a Priest.

Fr. Sotak has held various teaching and chaplain positions in multiple Catholic schools and parishes throughout his career. He has also served as the Provence Liturgy Director, Province Director of Continuing Education, and Assistant Province Personnel Director. His most recent assignment is as a parochial vicar at St. Jude Parish in New Lenox.

The Midwest Augustinian Gala was a beautiful way to honor Fr. Sotak’s lifetime of service to the Augustinian community. It was an evening filled with good food, great company, and inspiring speeches. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to recognize Fr. Sotak’s many achievements, and we hope that this event will inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event and made it such a success. We look forward to seeing you at future Mendel Alumni Association events.