Meet Br. Paul Ackerman

The Midwest District interviewed Br. Paul Ackerman, a senior Brother who serves as the District’s Director of senior Brothers.

If Brother Paul looks familiar, he is featured on this year’s KabarA Challenge mailer and website. In his role, he accompanies the senior Brothers as they navigate aging, retirement, and continuing to live their vocation.

What inspired you to be a Brother?
I was lucky enough to have some great Brothers as teachers, starting with Br. Leo Jones. They impressed me as happy and intelligent, and they enjoyed what they were doing. 

Tell us about a Brother mentor in your life/senior Brother you lived with in Community.
Brother Kevin Mackey always anticipated the needs of others, which is a wonderful way to deal with people! He was a true gentleman.

Share a story when a senior Brother inspired you and how you carry that inspiration today.
Br. Denis Murphy started several new ministries after retirement age. This includes working with me to found De La Salle Blackfeet.

Share a fun/positive/interesting story about your time at a specific school.
When I taught at St. Joe’s: we went to the Catholic Worker soup kitchen in uptown Chicago twice a week. It was an eye-opening experience!

If you had one wish for the next generation to experience, what would it be?

Spend some time working and living with the poor, whether it’s in Chicago or Africa, it will humble and instruct you how to accept what life struggles come your way.

If you had one gift to give students today, what would it be?
Assume that life is an adventure and a short one. Make a difference—not a dollar!

Tell me about life after retirement.
Have to wait until I get there!