Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
January 9, 2002
Servite Father Nicholas Norusis dies at 86
Friar served Assumption, Mount Carmel, Holy Trinity parishes
Father Nicholas M. Norusis, a solemn professed friar of the Order of Friar Servants of Mary (Servites) - United States of America Province, died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2001, at Resurrection Life Center in Chicago. He was 86. He was a priest for 57 years.
He was born in Chicago on Nov. 10, 1915, the son of the late Matthew and Mary (Krapinskas) Norusis. He was baptized Anthony at Immaculate Conception Church in Chicago. He received his elementary education at Immaculate Conception School in Chicago. He received high school education at the Servite Mater Dolorosa Seminary in Hillside, Ill. He graduated in 1931 and 1935 respectively.
He entered the Servite Novitiate at Mount Saint Philip, Granville, Wis., in 1935, receiving the name Nicholas. He professed his religious vows there in 1936. He completed his philosophy and theology studies (1936-1944) at Mater Dolorosa Seminary in Hillside, during which time he also earned a B.A. degree in English from Loyola University in 1940. He professed solemn vows in 1941.
He was ordained a priest on May 21, 1944, by auxiliary Bishop Bernard Sheil at Mater Dolorosa Seminary in Hillside. He also earned an M.A.T. degree from the Graduate School of Theology, Berkeley, Calif., (1973) and an M.A. in psychotherapy (1980).
Father Nicholas served the Church in a variety of capacities. His assignments in the Archdiocese of Denver included: associate pastor at Assumption Parish (1967-1968); associate pastor at Mount Carmel Parish (1968-1972); associate pastor at Holy Trinity Parish, Westminster (1980-1988); and chancery staff ministering to the single, divorced and separated, and pastoral supply (1988-1998).
He retired in 1998 with residence at Serenity Homes, Denver, until April 2000, when he moved to Resurrection Life Center, Chicago.
His other assignments included: high school instructor at St. Philip High School, Chicago, (1938-1940 and 1944-1947); associate pastor at Seven Holy Founders Parish, Affton, Mo., (1947 -1949); associate pastor at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Chicago, (1949-1950); associate pastor at St. Joseph Parish, Carteret, N.J., (1950-1953); associate pastor at Annunciation Parish, Chicago, (1953-1961); pastor at St. Rita Parish, Portland, Ore., (1961-1967); and director of the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, Portland, (1973-1979).
Father Nick is the brother of the late Stanley (late Stella) and the late Charles (Sophia) and the uncle and great-uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Dec. 27 at Ahern Funeral Home, Oak Park, Ill. The Mass of Resurrection was celebrated Dec. 28. It was preceded by the recitation of Morning Prayer from the Office of the Dead at the Servite Parish of St. Domitilia, Hillside. Interment was in the Servite Section of Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
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