70th First Profession
Father Jim Tobin
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1954
First profession: 1955
Ordination: 1969
Education: Bachelor’s in English, St. Mary’s University, 1958
Master’s in Latin, Saint Louis University, 1965
Licentiate in sacred theology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland, 1969
Master’s in liturgy, University of Notre Dame, 1976
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, McBride High School, 1960-61
Prefect, Maryhurst Prep, 1961-64
Teacher, St. Mary’s High School, 1969-71
Teacher and Chaplain, St. John Vianney High School, 1972-77
Assistant novice director, Marianist Novitiate, 1977-79
Chaplain and campus minister, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1979-93
President, Marianist Retreat and Conference Center, 1993-96
Pastor, Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, 1997-2012
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Victoria, Texas, 1958-59; El Paso, Texas, 1959-60
Ministry, Vincent Gray Community, East St. Louis Inner City Ministry, 1971-72
Chaplain, Greehey School of Business at St. Mary’s University, 2013-present
About Father Jim Tobin: I thank God for the blessing of my family, my fellow brothers, so many friends, students and Pillar parishioners for all their love, support, and encouragement over the years. I am grateful for all the different ministries, especially the sacramental ministry as a Marianist priest. I give thanks for all the education and opportunities for travel, opening my mind and heart to the wonder and mysteries of life and all its grace. Our Church celebrates this Jubilee Year of Hope, and so for my fellow Marianist jubilarians and myself we are grateful to be anchored in that hope of our Marianist vocation.
75th First Profession
Brother Paul E. Metzger
Birthplace: St. Louis
First profession: 1950
About Brother Paul E. Metzger: I was born and raised in south St. Louis, and professed my first vows in Galesville, Wisconsin, on Sept. 15, 1950. I’ve been very blessed to be able to live as long as I have and to dedicate so much of my life as a Marianist brother. It means that I am able to be faithful to my vows, continuously trying to live my life according to those vows, and to grow my personal relationship with Jesus and Mary. This dedication is not automatic — I’ve always tried to make it a personal goal, to give myself up personally to Jesus and Mary. Overall, I’m happy about my life. If ever I feel fed up with it, I think of the Lord and Mary. Now that I am retired at the Marianist Residence in San Antonio, my message to young Marianists is: Always do your best to make Jesus and Mary personal in your life. Be faithful — those are the things that make it!
