b'P atrick Lynch always has aimed highlikeLinda and Patrick Lynch creditbecoming the first American Pope. He was a the Marianists for the manyblessings in their life.very young Catholic man (and joking) when he announced that lofty goal.Over time, elements of that joke proved to be true;perhaps not pope, but the pursuit of higher callingsin life and extraordinary achievement.The key influences behind what hes accomplished,Lynch said, are clear: his Catholic faith and the Marianistsin his life.Born into an Irish-American Catholic family inPittsburgh, he said his familys practice of the faithwas foundational to his life. The family moved to theLos Angeles area when he was 5.Lynch met the Marianists at Junipero Serra HighSchool in nearby Gardena. My time at Serra High was a massively life-changing Lynch and his wife of nearly 50 years, Linda, raisedexperience for me, he said. And its one of the reasons 16 childrenfour biological and 12 adoptedwho AS DONORSIm still grateful to the Marianists to this day. all attended Catholic schools. Lynch describes LindaLynch thrived at Serra High, and the Marianist com- as a spectacular mother, adding that the skills she WHO CANTmunity at the school sparked his decision to join the learned at Immaculate Heart Colleges Queen of Angels FUND A BUILDINGSociety of Mary. When he learned of a scholarship to the Nursing School continue to bless their family.Marianist Novitiate, he made his life-changing decision. Over the years, their relationship with the Marianist OR SCHOLARSHIP,On the spot, I decided I was not going to college Family has included friendships with Brother Robert WE FIND THEand would join the congregation and become a teach- Juenemann, the late Brother Francis Skip Matthews,ing brother, he said. and Father Joseph Stefanelli. MARIANISTS PUTLynch said his experience at the Marianist Novitiate The generosity of spirit Patrick and Linda showed THE MONEY profoundly shaped his spiritual and intellectual forma- in adopting a dozen children also is reflected in theirtion. Eventually, he discerned another direction for his support of the Marianists. WE CAN GIVElife vocation. The Marianists supported that decision, Its part of our background to use the material gifts TO BETTER USEtoo, and he went to Loyola University (now Loyola that have come our way as generously as we can,Marymount) in Los Angeles. he said. And nobody in my life has a greater claim THAN ANYHe earned degrees in philosophy and law. After law to that kind of support than the Marianists. OTHER OPTION.school, Lynch taught for a year at Serra High before Lynch said their regular contributions to the practicing law. The teaching experience strengthened Marianists, with some funds supporting the care Patrick Lynchhis skills, including his talent for verbal expression, of elderly Marianists, isnt just a way to give back,honed during his years in Serra Highs speech club. but a responsibility because of how the MarianistsAs Ive practiced law and prepared for trial, Ive changed his life for the better.leaned heavily on the techniques in speech and the As donors who cant fund a building or scholarship,study skills I learned at Serra High and in the novi- we find the Marianists put the money we can give totiate, Lynch noted. better use than any other option were aware of, heHis talents and skills earned him a partnership in noted. For someone like me, who has been so blessedLos Angeles OMelveny & Myers law firm, serving with gifts, habits and virtues formed by the Marianists,clients including IBM, the NFL, Gallo Wines and Exxon. its a duty of loyalty to help those who have workedBefore retiring in 2010, Lynch returned to Loyola their whole lives in service to others.\x00Marymount for a year, teaching courses in ethics,Church history and introductory Catholicism. Kevin Conway is a freelance writer from Bloomington, Ind.PLEASE HELP THE MARIANISTS in caring for their senior priests and brothers. To donate, use the enclosed envelope or visit marianist.com/donate or call 1.800.348.4732.marianist.com/donate 21'