Seen @ND: John Zack
University Secretary John Zack has worked at Notre Dame for 37 years, including 22 years in his current position. In addition to working diligently to maintain and care for the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Zack also presides over many of the Masses held across campus.
How would you describe your job?
I’m basically the caretaker of the basilica. I make sure all the liturgies, ceremonies and services are prepared. I take care of the basilica staff, budget planning and things like that. Maintenance is a big part of my job here – the general upkeep of the building.
Where do you work?
We hold all of our campus Masses in the Joyce Center, such as graduation and the juniors’ parents weekend. We hold the weekend Mass for the new freshmen and their parents, we have the commencement Mass in the Joyce Center, we hold some Masses in the Log Chapel. Occasionally we hold different Masses in different chapels for the President, usually.
In addition to our work for the University, we also do work for the Congregation of the Holy Cross. Ordinations, upcoming perpetual vows, Holy Cross funerals, funerals of priests and brothers. So we don’t just work for the University, we also work for the Congregation of the Holy Cross.
We go where 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 have had students from Singapore, Australia, Kenya, Uganda – and all over the world – working for me.
And I appreciate my colleagues in the basilica. They are great and very special.
What makes you feel valued?
When something – a service, whether it’s here at the Basilica or a Mass at the Joyce Center, a graduation or something else – when everything goes smoothly on my part, on what we needed to do, I feel appreciated.
What do you like most about working at Notre Dame?
First, the support of my superiors in campus ministry. Just the university, just the way they look after their people, with the benefits and everything else. You just feel valued to work here, no matter what you do, you should feel valued to work here.
Is there a fun fact you would like to share with us?
I have a twin brother and he is the most handsome man I know!
Is he an identical twin?
Yes (laughs).
