Father John Hatcher, SJ, 66, was born at Wichita Falls, Texas, to Calvin and Margaret Mary Hatcher.His seminary training was at Regis College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
He recalls the examples given by several priests in his life: “Msgr. Warren Larroque (my cousin and godfather) showed me that being a priest was possible for me. Father Ed Curry, SJ, principal of Jesuit High School in Tampa, inspired me to be a Jesuit. Fr. John Edwards, SJ, was an excellent novice master and first interested me in the study of theology. Father H. James Yamauchi, SJ, guided me as a spiritual director in my early years as a Jesuit. Father Tibor Horvath, SJ, a Hungarian refugee and an excellent theologian, was my mentor in theology.
Currently, Msgr. William O’Connell is my mentor in pastoral work and has given me the example of how to be a better human being.
“I enjoy being a priest, always have, can’t think of anything else I would want to be. It is more than a little humbling to realize that people prayed for help and God sent me to share their darkest moments and their times of joy.
“Reviewing 35 years of priesthood, it astounds me the number and kinds of people Christ has healed, encouraged, forgiven and nourished through my presence — truly a mysterious undertaking,” he said.
Next he related what he thought was most touching during his vocation. “The really great experience of my priesthood has been the opportunity given me by Bishop Harold Dimmerling to implement the deaconate program and later the lay ministry program. Few people are given the opportunity to literally change the face of a diocese or of the church. In the beginning of 1975 there were no married clergy in the diocese and very few Native American people participating in the diocesan affairs.
“Now, there are numerous deacon couples and commissioned lay ministers working throughout the diocese. Today there is not a committee or event in which Native American Catholics do not have a prominent role. It is gratifying to see the success that Bishop Dimmerling’s vision has brought about and to have had a hand in making it happen.”
Father Hatcher is the Jesuit Superior at St. Francis Mission, St. Francis
