OTTAWA, ONTARIO — Msgr. John Renken, former vicar general and moderator of curia and later, vicar general and moderator of canonical and civil affairs for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, has been appointed dean of the faculty at St Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario effective July 1.
“The entire university community joins me in congratulations and best wishes for success in his new position,” said Chantal Beauvais, rector, in a prepared statement. “Dr. Renken has an impressive background and outstanding qualifications in teaching, research and community service. He is also known for his dedication, enthusiasm and tireless energy we extend him a warm welcome and offer him our full support as leader of the faculty.”
A professor of canon law at the university located in the Canadian capital city since 2007, Msgr. Renken has written extensively on his research and is published in several scholarly books and professional journals. He holds S.T.D. and J.C.D. degrees from Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Urbe, Rome; a master’s degree in civil law from the University of Illinois Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Cardinal Glennon College in St. Louis.
“So very, very much of what I learned in the diocese can be shared with others in this service role as dean,” said Msgr. Renken. “I remain deeply grateful to Bishop (Thomas John) Paprocki for his kind encouragement in my canonical ministry. He is an outstanding canonist, and for having his support in canon law I remain deeply grateful.”
Ordained in June 1979, he was given the Papal Honor: Prelate of Honor to His Holiness (“Monsignor”) in July 2002. His extensive educational background and church assignments include associate chaplain: Carlo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, 1978-1979; Santa Suzanna American Parish, Rome, 1978-1979; associate: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Springfield, 1979; continued studies at North American College and University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome, 1979-1980; associate: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Springfield, 1980; continued studies: Casa Santa Maria, and University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome, 1980-1981; associate: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Springfield, 1981; vice chancellor, vice-officialis and coordinator of the Tribunal: 1981; chancellor and episcopal vicar for Canonical Affairs: 1984-1989; Provincial Court of Appeals: 1984-1996; pro-administrator: Visitation, Illiopolis and St. Ann, Niantic, 1987-1988; priest-moderator: Visitation, Illiopolis, St. Joseph, Buffalo and St. Ann, Niantic, 1988-2006; instructor: Diocesan Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, 1988-1989; acting moderator of the Curia: 1988-1989; parochial administrator: Sacred Heart, Springfield and St. Patrick, Springfield, 2000; St. Katharine Drexel, Springfield, 2001; co-pastor: St. James, Riverton, 1989-2006; St. Katharine Drexel, Springfield, 2001-2005; vicar general and moderator of the Curia: 1989-2002; judicial vicar, Diocesan Tribunal: 1995-2005; director of the Permanent Diaconate: 2002-2006; and vicar general and moderator of Canonical and Civil Affairs: 2002-2004.