Jeff Tully
Jeff Tully to prepare for diaconate
The Lamb, July 2006
There are currently three members of the St. Charles Borromeo Men of Manresa who are deacons: Ted Roussel, Harry Schexnayder, and Mike Stohlman. Soon there will be four.
It was announced at Mass at SCB on the weekend of June 25 that Jeff Tully has been accepted into the diaconate program. Jeff had considered becoming a deacon once before; in fact, he had gone through the year-long formation program. But at that time, he said, “something told me the time wasn’t right.” So - 52 days before the shocking death of Father John - he informed the diaconate program and his beloved pastor of his plans to postpone. But this time around, many of the obstacles that had in the past prevented him from preparing for the diaconate fell by the wayside. Using a familiar phrase to summarize his situation to friends he had invited to his home for Rosary and dinner, Jeff said “If the Lord leads you to it, he’ll lead you through it.” We feel that Jeff’s many outstanding qualities as a true man of faith lend themselves to his being a great candidate for the diaconate. Jeff’s targeted ordination date is 2010. May God bless you, Jeff, in this holy mission. Please remember that we, the SCB Men of Manresa and other parishioners truly appreciate what you are doing, will pray for your success, and pledge our support and prayers. Jeff and his wife Roxanne recently received the St. Louis award for service to the Church. They have two children, Madison and Ridge. Besides being a SCBMoM member, Jeff is also Manresa retreat captain for the Labor Day retreat.
Archdiocese announces St. Louis Award winners for SCB
MONTALTOS AND TULLYS ARE HONORED AND ADMIRED
The Lamb, June 2006
Two SCB couples have been named recipients of the St. Louis medallion, for service to the Church. Not surprisingly, the deserving twosomes are Skip and Lalie Montalto, and Jeff and Roxanne Tully.
Skip and Lalie are likely to be recognized by anyone who attends Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Outstandingly talented musicians who could certainly have had successful careers in secular or commercial music, the Montaltos have instead chosen to present liturgical hymns to thousands each week through their musical ministry. Skip is perhaps the premier male vocal talent in the River Parishes, and has the ability to combine outstanding melody and complex harmony with heavenly range, feeling and intonation. It is therefore so much more amazing that he is such an accomplished drummer, lending ethereal rhythm and prayerful accent to hymns, Psalms and prayers. Lalie is likewise blessed by God with multiple musical talents. Her beautiful voice and her keyboard virtuosity rightly serve the hymns she selects for each Mass as director of the choir. When you have heard this couple perform, you have heard this couple pray, and you have prayed with them toward the greater glory of God.
Skip and Lalie are involved in other ministries as well, some which stretch well beyond SCB parish boundaries. Skip has also been a Men of Manresa member for years and was instrumental in founding the choir for Manresa retreat group 29 over 25 years ago.
When Men of Manresa members were solicited for comments about Jeff and Roxanne Tully, the details were as diverse as the message was consistent:
One person replied, “I met Jeff and Roxanne many years ago BC (before children) at an RCIA inquiry welcome night. As part of the team, they shared their stories with people interested in our faith. Their open witness was true evangelization--wouldn't you want to be a member of their church? Jeff continues to assist with RCIA sponsor training.”
Another friend said, “Jeff and Foxy Roxy are just plain great people. I am very proud of them in so many ways. They are great parents and great Catholic role models.”
One member went on to say: “Unselfish, caring, giving and loving. These are the words that come to mind when I think of Jeff and Roxanne…[They both] give so much of their life to their church without asking anything, ANYTHING, in return but the love of God for their children, their friends, their church and then themselves.”
Still another member said that: “Jeff and Roxanne’s spirituality and Christian generosity are in no way limited to organized parish ministries. From the formation of their family, to the foundation of their faith, to their compassion for those less fortunate, to their involvement in enthusiastic Rosary groups, they help share the teachings of Christ wherever they go.”
Last but not least, another member replied, “I do know that Roxanne has made many contributions to the SCB School. She tried to retire twice, but continues to be here. She has survived through three different administrations. Every time I have a question or concern on school matters, I ask to speak to Roxanne...Jeff’s efforts in helping with the church’s finance committee and capital campaign have been tremendous. One thing you may mention is how close they were to Fr. John, yet with open arms they have accepted Fr. Harry and share the same love and admiration about Fr. Harry as they did with Fr. John.” It is not a surprise that Jeff is also a Manresa retreat captain.
One further testimony we have that speaks volumes about both of these couples is the awesome beauty of the family each has raised and become.
To both sacramental couples, we express our admiration and our love, and we offer our sincere congratulations for an honor they have never sought but have long deserved.