On the evening of April 23rd, 2026, students, faculty, administration, and alumni all gathered to celebrate a milestone for the school. They gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Saint Ignatius of Loyola Chapel, part of the Tinker Family Catholic Center. Donated by Audrey and Dan Tinker ’92, the chapel is part of a significant growth in the school campus and underscores a commitment to the spiritual health of the school.
“We really felt like campus had [EVOLVED] over the past few years. Tons of people have helped it expand in academics, athletics, theater, and all sorts of things. We really wanted to wait for the opportunity to invest in the faith side of Jesuit. When the opportunity came to invest in the faith side of the school centered around this new chapel, it was just the perfect thing that resonated with us.” – Dan Tinker ’92
Clergy
One of the aspects of this Mass that made it special was the clergy that were present. For starters, Jesuit was blessed to be joined by Bishop Edward Burns, Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas. In addition, Fr. Thomas Greene, the provincial of the Jesuit Central and Southern Province. Fr. Josh Whitfield, pastor of Saint Rita Catholic Community, was also present. Members of the local Jesuit community, both here and at Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House, were there. Fr. Sylvester Tan, Fr. Jon Lan Train, Fr. Paul Deutsch, Fr. Jon Polce, Fr. Pepe Ruiz, Mr. Richard Joubert, and Fr. Jake Vo were all present.
Beginning of Mass
The Mass was unlike a regular Mass, with additional elements occurring that draw similarity to the Sacraments of Initiation, but for the actual building instead. It began in the back of the chapel. Mr. Earsing proclaimed the call to worship and explained the art of the stained-glass windows. Bishop Burns then reiterated the welcome and was then presented the key to the chapel by Alex Soich ’04. After a procession into the main building, the Bishop and Fr. Greene “baptized” the building by walking around and sprinkling water on the people, the walls, the pews, the tabernacle, and finally, the altar. After the sprinkling, the Mass shifted into the Liturgy of the Word. However, since the church had to be commissioned, the books that would be used for readings were presented to the bishop. Mrs. Patricia Gerber and Mr. Sean McMullen ’96 did the honors.
Anointing and the Eucharist
In the traditional order of the Sacraments of Initiation, Confirmation comes before receiving the Eucharist. Similarly, the church was “confirmed” through the spreading of oil. Bishop Burns began by spreading oil all over the altar, and by making the sign of the cross on each of the four corners. Afterwards, he went to all of the candles both on the altar and in the back to anoint them. He then returned the altar, sat down, and let the dressing of the altar commence.
First, ladies of the Jesuit faculty came and cleaned the altar. Next, the Tinker Family came up and dressed the altar. Afterward, a multitude of members from the faculty placed different items upon the altar including flowers and candles. The crowd got a bit of a scare when the Paschal candle, brought up by Mr. Adam Hauser, appeared to tip over. Mr. Earsing leaped from his pew to save the candle from falling in case it did, but it did not.
After the decoration of the altar, the Eucharist was consecrated and distributed to the faithful present. Following communion, Bishop Burns made remarks. In addition to thanking the Tinker Family and the other donors, Bishop Burns also thanked the contractors who have been putting in the manual labor for years. The evening finished with a procession out of the chapel, after which Bishop Burns thanked and blessed the servers who participated in the liturgy.
“They [the contractors] did everything. whether it’s placing the stained-glass windows, to the altar, to the ambo; they did it all. I was really happy to hear Bishop Burns and Mr. Earsing draw attention to the work that they’ve done because we would not have had this wonderful space without them.” – Alex Soich ’04
Conclusion
The Tinker Family Catholic Center and the St. Ignatius Chapel provide a place for students to grow in their faith. It will provide a place for students to bring their questions, doubts, and fears to the Lord. More importantly, it will help students grow closer to God and to each other.
“The chapel is a place where the students of Jesuit Dallas will come before the Lord with their questions, their dedication, their commitment. God willing that as they come before the blessed sacrament and our Lord Jesus Christ it will strengthen them as disciples.” – Rev. Bishop Edward J. Burns
On behalf of The Roundup, I would like to thank the Tinker Family and all those who helped make the St. Ignatius Chapel possible for their generous support of Jesuit Dallas!
