ST. JOHN – A priest for 43 years, Father Sammie Maletta has had as varied and numerous assignments as any, and it doesn’t seem that he would change a thing.
He studied business at University of Notre Dame, Canon Law in Rome, and has given retreats and missions throughout the Midwest. He is known by church members as an innovative priest who loves his parishioners, seeks wisdom from the Holy Spirit, and wants to bring others to Jesus.
Chuck Gorney, who has been a member of SJE for more than 50 years, recognizes many of the gifts Father Maletta freely shares with parishioners. “He is a great homilist, a great organizer and a great spiritual director. He hires good people and he empowers them. He is very approachable and has a way of making people feel convicted to do things.”
His impact on father’s right-hand man, Khalil Hattar, pastoral associate for administration, is immeasurable. “As my pastor, leader, and friend, the impact that Father Maletta has had on my life is a profound one. If I could summarize this impact, it would be his witness of fidelity to the Spirit, especially through difficult situations, and his model of inviting others to share in his leadership.”
Mary Ann Yerga, SJE bulletin editor and CSA coordinator, also appreciates Father Maletta’s love of others, his love of God and his guidance. “The Holy Spirit has worked so much in his life. He is so spirit-fed. It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit uses him to encourage others. I’ve realized it since the first time I met him.”
That time has spanned decades. Yerga, who has known Father Maletta since 1986, said, “He is very direct, but everything he does and says is with that specific person in mind. He will lead them down the right path – whether they want it or not. And he will join them as they help themselves. He will be there for them.”
That same directness applies to his own life. Back in 2000 when Father Maletta was told by the bishop that he was to leave St. Joan of Arc, a former Merrillville parish whose parishioners have since merged into Holy Martyrs, for a new pastoral assignment, Yerga recalled that he was adamant about not leaving. However, after a brief respite in his garden, “he came back in, and said, ‘I’m going.’”
Hattar shared, “The Holy Spirit brings a multitude of gifts, but if I could name one gift that I’ve observed in Father Maletta, it’s his increased and continued docility to the Spirit. He actively listens for the Spirit and calls Him into situations and upon others. His authentic witness of docility has been awesome for the parish team and the parish community at large. It permeates our team culture, his homilies, leadership and pastoral presence. While we’re all far from perfect, the more we listen and respond to the Spirit’s promptings, the more attuned we are to those prompts.”
It is with a certain amount of parental pride that Father Maletta has witnessed the growth and development of St. John the Evangelist as its pastor for 23 years.
“I think the most satisfying aspect of my ministry is seeing the transformation of people once they have encountered Jesus Christ,” he said. “I think that is what it is all about: encouraging people to fall in love with the Lord. I would also say that hearing confessions has been a humbling and inspiring experience for me. I guess some people would still see me as an arrogant know-it-all, and I think there definitely would be some truth to that, but you cannot bring others to the Lord unless you make that journey first.”
Yerga admires his journey. “There is really nothing we can do without God, and he gets that,” she said. “He trusts in God the father, son and Holy Spirit. With them, there is almost nothing you can’t do. He has a gift to draw others to God and faith.”
Father Maletta respects his own faith journey. “When you stand before God, there is no way that you do not leave that encounter without humility. As the years have passed, I have realized how little I know, and how much I must depend on the Holy Spirit to guide my actions each day.”
He has had many varied experiences: serving as a teacher at Marquette High School, holding two key positions at the Diocese – vicar judicial and vicar general/moderator of the curia.
“I had the opportunity to study after ordination – business at Notre Dame, Canon Law at Rome, and Civil Law. I have worked at two international law firms in Chicago and did a good amount of business consulting for both not-for-profit organizations and for-profit groups.”
He also developed the hobbies of gardening and cooking and found them to be ways to participate in God's creation and share his love with others.
“Over the years I have also learned to lead with a team,” he said. “Sharing the burden and celebrating the gifts that the Lord has given to those around me has enriched my life and provided the parish with a more effective form of leadership. I also laugh a lot more now.”
With a chuckle, he said “if a priest has a typical day, then he is not doing his job. I mean, that is one of the things I love about the priesthood. You never know what is coming next. You can plan and establish a routine, but life is going to interrupt and turn your plans inside out. From mundane to profound in a matter of minutes and back again.
“I have been privileged to be a priest for the past 43 years,” continued Father Maletta. “Priesthood is nothing that I thought it would be, but far more than I could have hoped for. It is a great life.”
Caption: Father Sammie Maletta gives about 50 members of the St. John the Evangelist Boomers and Beyond group a tour of his garden on Aug. 31. He has developed a passion for gardening and cooking and loves to share his talents and hobbies with others. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
