Monsignor John Arthur Trese ("Fr. Jack") (June 20, 1923 – October 20, 2004) was an American Catholic priest serving the Archdiocese of Detroit from 1951 to 2000. Biography Early life Born in St. Clair, Michigan, in 1923, Trese was the eldest of the six children of Arthur Thomas Trese. He graduated from St. Joseph Elementary and St. Stephen's High School in Port Huron. Recognizing his vocation to the priesthood early in life, he followed the path of his uncle, Father Leo J. Trese, a diocesan priest and noted author. His uncle's published writings and books of reflections for priests were revolutionary in their time for their candor and sincerity. Education and Ordination Trese attended Sacred Heart Major Seminary for his college work and completed his studies for the priesthood at the Theological College of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He was ordained May 22, 1948. Following his first assignment to St. Louis Parish in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, in 1951, Trese was tapped to attend graduate school at Saint Louis University where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in social work. Career In 1953 he was appointed associate secretary for Catholic Charities, eventually becoming Director of Catholic Social Services of Oakland, Monroe, Washtenaw, and Lapeer counties in Michigan. He held the post until 1965. In 1962 he was appointed Spiritual Director of the National Council of Catholic Nurses. He authored an article in The Catholic Nurse monthly journal titled "Life with Father." From 1965 to 1968, Trese directed the Archdiocesan Opportunity Program. While there, Trese began more than 13 programs including many Headstart sites and teaching programs for women in prison. During the 1960s he became one of the leaders of the emerging consciousness for greater social justice in the Detroit area. In 1968 he was appointed rector of St. Columban Church, a position he held until 2000 when he retired as senior priest. While there, he served as Vicar Pro-tem of the South Oakland Vicariate and instituted many innovative programs at St. Columban's including his ministry to fellow priests, to Catholics affected by divorce, and to families touched by suicide. In 2001, St. Columban was named one of the Excellent Catholic Parishes by Paul Wilkes, citing programs developed by Trese: spontaneous prayers of the faithful during Mass, collaborative spirit between leadership and laypeople, emphasis on learning and personal development, and suicide support group. Death Trese died October