University Sacristan John Zack has worked at Notre Dame for 37 years, with 22 years in his current position. Not only does Zack work diligently for the upkeep and care of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, he also manages many of the Masses that occur across campus.
How would you describe your job?
Basically I am the caretaker of the Basilica. I make sure all of the liturgies and the ceremonies and services are set up. I take care of the staff of the Basilica, budgeting, things like that. Maintenance is a big part of my job here—the general upkeep of the building.
Where do you work?
We do all the University Masses at the Joyce Center, such as Commencement and Junior Parents Weekend. We do the weekend Mass for the incoming first-year students and their parents; we have the opening school Mass at the Joyce Center; we do some Masses at the Log Chapel. We do various Masses, once in a while, in different chapels—for the president, usually.
Besides working for the University, we do things for the Congregation of Holy Cross as well. Ordinations, final vows coming up, Holy Cross funerals, priests’ and brothers’ funerals. So, we don’t only work for the University, we work for the Congregation of Holy Cross, as well.
We go wherever we are called.
What do you like most about your job?
Oh, I get to meet people from all over the world—priests and visitors. I’ve had students work for me from Singapore, Australia, Kenya, and Uganda, and all over the world.
And I appreciate my co-workers at the Basilica. They are super and are very special.
What makes you feel appreciated?
When something—a service, whether it be here at the Basilica or a Mass at the Joyce Center, or Commencement or something—when everything goes smooth from my end, from what we needed to take care of. That’s when I feel appreciated.
What do you like most about working at Notre Dame?
Number one, the support of my superiors in Campus Ministry. Just the University, just the way they take care of their people, with the benefits and everything else. You just feel appreciated working here, no matter what you do. You should feel appreciated working here.
Do you have a fun fact you’d like to share?
I have a twin brother and he’s the most handsome man that I know!
Is he an identical twin?
Yes (laughs).
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on August 27, 2024.