The Marquette University community is mourning the loss of Rev. Frank A. Majka, S.J., former associate director of Campus Ministry and hall minister, beloved by many for his informal style of “coffee shop ministry” and constant guidance to Marquette’s student body. He was 78.
He recently celebrated 60 years since his entrance into the Society of Jesus.
After his ordination in 1974, Father Majka worked in Campus Ministry as an associate director. He then began a brief assignment as principal of Marquette University High School before realizing administration wasn’t his calling in life. Father Majka gave up his job as principal and instead embarked on his 20-year teaching career at the high school so his work could be an extension of his strength in personal interaction.
In the late 1990s, he returned to Marquette in University Ministry. This included work in Campus Ministry and as a hall minister in McCormick and O’Donnell halls. More recently, he worked in Ignatian/Jesuit Spirituality Formation for the adult community associated with Marquette University High School.
On campus, Father Majka was popularly known for his work with students and his engaging, often humorous approach to life. He often conducted what he called “coffee shop ministry,” which led him to write “One Cup Reflections,” 32 short essays on his experiences with students in that ministry. Another collection of 93 essays followed in 2020: “God Isn’t the Hurricane: Quick Reads on Faith and Life.”
Throughout his life, Father Majka was a best friend to many, always lending a listening ear and being a source of love for people he met.
Often updating his personal blog, Father Majka wrote that he always cherished the opportunity to get a glimpse of what he meant to people — which often manifested in former students asking him to preside over their weddings, which he did over 120 times.
In his essay “Surprise! Surprise! (Easter’s Comic Face),” Father Majka had an inspiring take on death.
“The great revelation of Easter is that Jesus has risen and death can no longer rule our individual lives or our world,” he wrote. “The reality of death may still frighten us, trying to deceive us into believing it will destroy all we love and hope for. But the truth is that the Author of Life will have the last word, and death itself will die.”
A service and Mass have yet to be announced but will be announced soon.
Please remember Father Majka, his family and friends in prayer.
