2024 Gala Honoree: Rev. Walter McNicholas, O.S.A.

The 2024 Augustinian Gala will honor and pay tribute to the life and lasting impact of Rev. Walter McNicholas, O.S.A., an Augustinian renowned for his service to the Order and community. With nearly half a century dedicated to education and pastoral care, Father McNicholas, known as "Father McNic" by generations of students, left an enduring mark on the community.

Born in Chicago in 1926, Fr. McNicholas joined the Augustinian formation program in 1946, later being ordained in 1952. Throughout his 58-year ministry, he served at various schools and parishes across the Midwest, cementing his legacy as an Augustinian “Legend” to generations of students and members of the communities he served.

A St. Rita graduate himself, Fr. McNicholas served at the school in the 1950s and 1960s, and then the 80’s and at the turn of the century, taking on various roles such as chaplain, teacher, guidance counselor, vocations director, and alumni association chaplain. Well-liked by his students, he knew each student by name, and cared about their well-being. He was frequently sought out for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to provide life advice. Whenever there was a death in the family of any St. Rita student, Fr. McNicholas would attend the wake.

His impact extended to day-to-day needs, and he famously purchased second-hand items at the local St. Vincent DePaul resale shop for unequipped students.

“His office looked like a garage sale,” said Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., who was the president of St. Rita when Fr. McNicholas was serving there as a Guidance Counselor later in his life. “Everything was about the kids.”

He brought that same enthusiasm for care to his parish when he was assigned to be pastor of Immaculate Conception / St. Henry Parish in St. Louis in 1972, and again to his students at Austin Catholic High School in Detroit later that same year.

Fr. McNicholas returned to parish ministry in 1978, serving for a year at Saint Mary's Parish in Independence, MO, before moving to St. Clare of Montefalco Parish in Grosse Pointe Park, MI.

He returned for his third stint at St. Rita in 1983, remaining there for 10 years. He served for one year as a chaplain at Holy Cross Hospital on the Southwest Side before returning to St. Rita as a guidance counselor until his retirement in 2009.

In 2010, Fr. McNicholas was assigned to the newly established Blessed Stephen Bellesini Friary at the Franciscan Village in Lemont. He passed away in 2011 after a brief battle with cancer.

Father McNicholas's enthusiasm for the Augustinian way of life was contagious, and he encouraged many students to consider joining the Augustinian Order. He was known for his quiet, steadfast faith and dedication to both the religious and educational aspects of his calling.

Fr. McNicholas was close with the Jania family, and married fellow honorees Greg and Wendy Jania

It is our great pleasure to celebrate his legacy as one of the 2024 Augustinian Gala Honorees.