Page 15 - Padua Bruin Benefit Program 2022

BR. tHom smitH, ofm
Brother Thom Smith was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a proud west-sider. The only boy born between two sisters, Thom was taught from an early age to lead by example: his father, a department store set-up man, and his mother, a homemaker and tireless volunteer, ingrained the spirit of service into the children. “If there was a need, especially at our church or school, it was an obligation to say yes. They led by example.” His sisters would go on to make Br. Thom an uncle to five nieces and nephews, who have been a source of eternal pride and joy for him.
Right out of high school, Thom traveled to Detroit and joined the Franciscans. He left for a few years, but returned, and after taking temporary vows, as part of the Brothers formation program he came to Cleveland in 1980. There he took a part-time position in the Admissions Department of Padua Franciscan High School.
That position would soon become full-time, and for the next fifteen
years, Br. Thom would be an integral part of the Padua Franciscan family. He would go on to serve as school librarian, theology teacher, yearbook moderator, and campus minister. He helped create the Christian Life course, and led the Parents Club. In the days when the friars lived in the third- floor dormitories, Br. Thom performed all manner of odd jobs to keep the school running: maintenance chores, stocking the pop machines, counting and rolling the coins, chaperoning the frequent social dances for students,
and more.
BT, as he was affectionately known to all, recalls with pride the special mission Padua fulfilled. “We Franciscans are not educators, but Padua was our school, our way to bring others to Francis, and we were always proud of the presidents and principals who instilled Franciscan charism into students.”
In 1995, after years of service to the Padua community, Thom left Cleveland to take on new challenges. He worked at the National Shrine of Cross in the Woods in Michigan, and later as campus minister at Quincy University in Illinois. He currently resides at the House of Hospitality in Chicago and serves as Vocation Director for the Sacred Heart Province, meeting with inquirers and helping bring them to a greater understanding of the order. He has, however, always remained connected to Padua, serving as a trustee for two terms. In his spare time, Thom is an active genealogy enthusiast, which has been a hobby since childhood. He generously helps a number of people each year trace their family histories and learn more about their roots.
Since first joining the Padua family four decades ago, Br. Thom Smith’s kindness, joy, and lively Franciscan spirit have touched the community in immeasurable ways, and his impact continues to touch the lives of Bruins today.
Thank you, Brother Thom Smith, for your lifetime of contributions to Padua Franciscan High School.