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Roger D. Haight, S.J. - d. 6/19/25

06/19/2025 6:25 PM | Anonymous

The CTSA remembers and prays for longstanding member Roger D. Haight, S.J., who died today, Thursday, June 19.

Roger Haight was awarded the prestigious John Courtney Murray Award in 2023 (Citation).  He served as the CTSA's President in 1994 – 191995 and as a member of the CTSA Board of Directors (1986 – 1988).


Eternal rest grant unto Roger, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Roger Haight's theological contributions include the following available within the CTSA Proceedings:

Homily: A Liturgy of Gratitude and Resilience, (special issue, 2020).

Presidential Address: Fifty Years of Theology (1995)

CTSA Fiftieth Anniversary Toast (CTSA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Section)

Co-convener and presenter, Comparative Spirituality Selected Session (2013)

 Convener, Theological Education as a Theological Program (Panel, 1985).

Co-convener, Liberation and Feminist Themes in Edward Schillebeeckx's Church: The Human Story of God (1991).

America's piece on Roger Haight in honor of him receiving  the CTSA's John Courtney Murray Award follows:

James T. Keane, Roger Haight’s Lifetime of Theological Achievement, America (June 13, 2023)

Photo of Roger with "all his student cheering him on at the John Courtney Murray Award banquet two years ago. Such a joyful moment." (Beth Johnson):



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DEATH NOTICE

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of our brother

Fr. Roger D. Haight, S.J.

who was called to eternal life on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Saint Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, N.Y..  Roger was born on April 30, 1936, in Glen Ridge, NJ, entered the Society of Jesus on July 30, 1954, at Saint Andrew on Hudson, and was ordained on June 15, 1967, at the Fordham University Chapel. He pronounced his final vows at DeNobili College in Pune, India, on August 15, 1977.

Wake:

Tuesday, June 24, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Chapel of Murray-Weigel Hall

Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.

 

Funeral Mass:

Wednesday, June 25

9:30 a.m. Viewing, 10:30 a.m. Funeral

St. Ignatius Church

980 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10028

 

Burial: Jesuit Cemetery, Auriesville, NY

 

Notes of Condolence may be sent to Roger’s sister-in-law:

Mary Emma Haight

459 Passaic Ave., apt. 212

West Caldwell, NJ 07006

  

As we remember with gratitude all that God has done through Roger’s life of service to the Church and the Society, we are reminded of our privilege and obligation to offer Masses and prayers for his eternal repose.




Comments

  • 06/19/2025 10:26 PM | Terrence W Tilley
    A colleague! A thoughtful critic! A creative writer! A friend in many ways. May he rest in the Peace that was and is his Eternal Life and Light.
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  • 06/19/2025 11:51 PM | SimonMary A. Aihiokhai
    What a loss to the theological world and the Church in general. Moments of encounter with him over the years left me with memories of his enduring kindness, love of God, the Church, and all of creation. May he rest in the enduring peace of Christ.
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  • 06/20/2025 1:24 AM | Dr Peter C Phan
    We miss you, Roger, as a creative and fearless theologian, a wonderful colleague, and for me, a dear friend. I remember with deep gratitude his wise and lifesaving advice when I was in trouble: Do not talk to the media. May you enjoy eternal happiness with God and in the company of angels and saints!
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  • 06/20/2025 4:47 AM | Daniel Minch
    Roger was so welcoming and accepting. He didn't make a big show about things, but he made you feel valued and treated everyone with respect. He was an excellent scholar who was always ready to help. I had the privilege of editing a volume with him as one of the authors, and I am very grateful for just having the chance to work with him. Most of all, he was kind. He will be greatly missed. I hope that his work continues to inspire future scholars. May he rest in the Lord.
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  • 06/20/2025 11:25 AM | William A. Clark, S.J.
    Roger was my dissertation director in the STD program at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology. We were very different people both by personal style and by theological interest, but Roger's graciousness and my eagerness to find a way into the questions of local church that had led me into doctoral studies bridged the gaps pretty quickly. From his first reading recommendation (Chenu on Thomas Aquinas), to his enthusiasm when I first mentioned "local authority," to his help navigating the details of dissertation writing, I benefited continuously from his kindness, his wisdom, and his knowledge. I do regret not having stayed in closer contact with him over the years. Thank you, Roger, for everything you did, for me, and for the church (even in the face of opposition)! May the Lord look upon you with kindness and give you Peace!
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  • 06/20/2025 1:51 PM | Judith A Merkle
    Roger directed both my MA and PhD theses. I consider him a gift in my life. His integrity and professionalism set a standard which guided me throughout my own development. He was an excellent teacher and put in the work with his students that taught by example. If anyone was a scholar and a gentleman it was Roger.
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  • 06/21/2025 7:16 AM | Darlene Hillenbrand
    Roger was my dissertation advisor (St. Mike's, Toronto). His guidance and inspiration through its thematic development, defense, and publication was invaluable. He was not only a creative scholar- theologian and inspiring teacher, but a kind and patient friend. His contributions to theology, his challenges to his church and students, and his kind and mentoring friendship will not be forgotten. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the One about whom he wrote so eloquently.
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  • 06/22/2025 11:33 AM | Phyllis H Kaminski
    A fabulous teacher, skilled dissertation director, faithful mentor long after graduation, and a graced seeker. He will be missed.
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  • 06/22/2025 2:07 PM | Rev Thomas E Esselman CM
    Roger was a superb theologian, writer, professor, and mentor. As my dissertation director, he challenged me to think critically and develop a theological habit that has remained with me throughout my ministry. I am grateful beyond words for this good and thoughtful man -- and the many ways he continued to support his colleagues and students over the years. His passing is a great loss but his legacy and faith will live on. May he rest in peace.
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  • 06/23/2025 12:46 PM | Christine Firer Hinze
    It was thrilling to be present as CTSA President Frank Clooney, SJ bestowed the well-deserved JCM Award on Roger in 2023. Echoing all my colleagues, this wonderful human, scholar, and colleague will be missed. May the angels lead him into paradise.... Thank you, Roger.
    Link  •  Reply

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