Faith

Faith Life at DePaul Prep

Rooted in Faith and Service

The Mission & Ministry department at DePaul Prep functions as the starting point for forming Vincentian Graduates who are committed to living the Vincentian Mission of humble and grateful service to the poor. This means not only serving those who are marginalized and exist without basic necessities, but approaching community service as one’s primary education on the truths surrounding poverty. It is in response to what we witness in service that we ask the central Vincentian question, “What must be done?”

The word Ministry speaks to our individual and communal spiritual formation through retreats, prayer and liturgies, and pastoral care. We meet students where they are with a spirit of inclusivity. Through upholding the dignity of each student as a unique beloved creation with intentionality, we cultivate a communal mindset dedicated to upholding the dignity of every member of the human family.
The word Ministry speaks to our individual and communal spiritual formation through retreats, prayer and liturgies, and pastoral care. We meet students where they are with a spirit of inclusivity. 

Who was Saint Vincent de Paul? 

Saint Vincent de Paul, along with Saint Louise de Marillac, transformed 17th-century French society by revolutionizing charitable care for the marginalized. Together, they established robust systems to address poverty, illness, and ignorance, elevating the standard of social welfare and expanding the role of women in religious life.

List of 6 items.

  • Spiritual Foundations

    Saint Vincent de Paul, a visionary priest, provided the overarching spiritual framework and recruited wealthy Parisians to fund early welfare efforts.
  • Institutional Administration

    Saint Louise de Marillac acted as the vital administrator, translating Vincent’s vision into the practical infrastructure necessary to manage hospitals, orphanages, and schools.
  • Revolutionary Order

    In 1633, they co-founded the Daughters of Charity, the first non-cloistered religious institute for women devoted entirely to active, day-to-day service in the streets and homes.
  • Holistic Care

    The Daughters of Charity delivered unprecedented care directly to the poor, nursing the sick, feeding the hungry, and educating abandoned children.
  • Societal Reform

    Beyond direct charity, their work encompassed early social work, vocational training, and advocating for improved prison conditions and literacy.
  • Enduring Legacy

    Their collaborative efforts fundamentally reshaped how the Catholic Church and modern society approach humanitarian aid, inspiring thousands of volunteers and religious members globally.

What distinguishes a Vincentian?

Just as Saint Vincent and Saint Louise did in their time, DePaul College Prep strives to bring a contemporary approach to Catholic education and living the Catholic Faith in service to humanity, with Jesus as our model and the treasures of the Tradition as our tools. The central Vincentian question of What must be done? compels us to approach the needs of the world with curiosity, and a desire to listen and observe without arrogance. We then serve, reflect, and serve again, consistently meeting people where they are. Unlike many peers of his time, Vincent intentionally partnered with women and laypersons to draw on the gifts and talents of anyone with resources and passion for serving the mission. It is in this spirit that we continue his legacy. We are Catholic education for everyone: students of non-Catholic Faith Traditions, diverse backgrounds and family structures, or who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Mission & Ministry Department

List of 6 members.

  • Photo of Florence Merkl-Deutsch

    Florence Merkl-Deutsch 

    Director of Mission and Ministry
  • Photo of Jackson Ford

    Jackson Ford 

    Campus Minister
  • Photo of Nora Gatto

    Sr. Nora Gatto D.C. 

    Coordinator for Vincentian Mission
  • Photo of Emelia Gleber

    Emelia Gleber 

    Campus Minister
  • Photo of Faith LaVoie

    Faith LaVoie 

    Campus Minister
  • Photo of Chris Robinson

    Fr. Chris Robinson C.M. 

    Chaplain

Contact

Main Entrance & Parking: 3300 N. Campbell Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
Mailing Address:
3333 N. Rockwell Street, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 539-3600