Father William Pentis

Fr. William Pentis spent his childhood in Brookfield, IL.  During summers, he and his family spent considerable time in Wisconsin, where he learned to enjoy the beautiful natural world that surrounded him. William was drawn to the priesthood at a young age.  He entered St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, where he studied for the priesthood.  He also attended Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. At age 26, the newly minted priest worked for two years at Catholic Charities of Chicago, where he worked with troubled youth.  He enjoyed his work, yet he felt called to a different kind of ministry.  In 1959, he saw an advertisement for the Rock Hill Oratory.  He visited and was quickly attracted to the community of men who lived joyful lives for Christ, in the spirit of St. Philip Neri.