James J. DiGiacomo, S.J., R.I.P.

We are sad to note the passing of James DiGiacomo, S.J., a longtime religious educator who wrote frequently for America. DiG (pronounced Deej), as he was affectionately known, was the author many books, including Do The Right Thing: A Guide to Christian Morality, Understanding Teenagers, When Your Teenager Stops Going to Church, We Were Never Their Age and So You Want to do Ministry? Among his most popular articles for America was "Little Gray Cells," which was published in 2005.

Father DiGiacomo had many loyal students from his days teaching at Brooklyn Prep and Regis High School in New York City. He received a nice tribute this month when he appeared in a New Yorker profile of one of those students: NYU President John Sexton.

May he rest in peace.

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Richard Barbieri

4 years 10 months ago

Dige was my debate coach at Brooklyn Prep 1959-63. Along with Charlie Winans and John Sexton he was one of the three great influences on my life. Humor, compassion, competitiveness, spirituality and a deep concern for all the young men in his care made him a mentor and friend. Even in his last years, his wit and warmth showed through his aging frame.

Patricia DeSiano

4 years 10 months ago

Hi Dick, Remember me? Pat Asaro (now DeSiano) from St. Brendan's. I was at Fordham's 5:30 Mass today, which is held at the chapel of the Jesuit residence. That is when I heard that Fr. DiGiacomo has passed away. They mentioned that the funeral Mass was on Sunday, but did not say where. Do you know? I am hoping to attend. Fr. DiGiacomo was always one of my favorites.When my daughter was a teenager, he graciously spent over an hour talking to her. Please email if you know where the Mass is:mrspfa@desiano.com It would be great to hear from you, although I wish it wasn't about funeral plans God bless, Pat

Chris Boscia

4 years 10 months ago

RIP. Jim was a great leader of the freshmen retreat at Regis High School. He used the massacre at Columbine High School as a clarion call for freshmen to know and love their classmates so that no one would feel an outcast. A great loss.