Rev. Raymund C. Novacek, CSV died suddenly on Friday, January 16, 1987. Ray died quietly in his room at St. Viator Parish, Chicago sometime during the evening or early morning. He was 60 years old.
Visitation was held at St. Viator Parish on Sunday, January 18, 1987 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Wake Service took place at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, January 19, 1987 at 11:00 a.m. Ray was buried with the Community at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Chicago.
Raymund Novacek was born in Berwyn, Illinois on the 5th of July, 1926. He graduated from St. Phillips High School in June, 1943 and entered the Novitiate
the following August. He pronounced his first vows on August 15, 1944 and then attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa where he majored in philosophy and in art.
Immediately after graduation he began theological studies at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver. Father Ray was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1951 and thereafter began a 22 year assignment at Spalding Institute in Peoria.
During his years in Peoria, Ray completed a Masters Degree at Bradley University and served for many years as superior of the local community. In 1973, he taught at Saint Viator High School for one year and then began nine years of service on the Province Formation Team. He was the Director of Novices from 1977 to 1983.
Spirituality was an area of deep interest for Ray. Following his work in formation he spent a sabbatical year of study at the Institute of Spiritual Leadership. One of his great joys was the frequent opportunity he had to serve as spiritual director or retreat director for a variety of men and women who came to him.
His other joy was his art. Through that medium he spoke and shared his insights and personal spiritual revelations. Ray’s Christmas piece this year was a wood cut design entitled “Love Creates Hope.” He knew that to be personal truth, and in his gentle sensitive and caring way he helped others to discover that for themselves. May he live now in the joyous fulfillment of all his hopes.
Father Novacek is survived by two brothers: Anthony (and Arlene) Novacek, of Pleasanton, California and Leonard (and Patricia) Novacek, of Berwyn, Illinois. Please include Ray in your prayers and gather together in local communities to remember him at Eucharist.
Taken from letter to the Viatorian Community on January 16, 1987 from the Provincial, Rev. Patrick W. Render, CSV