Navy chaplain, Fr.Christopher Fronk, S.J., offers Mass in the Middle East.

Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J., who will become president of Jesuit High School near the end of 2016, is back in the Middle East, but only temporarily.

Fr. Fronk, who is currently assigned to the Naval aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, flew to Kuwait on Dec. 17, before flying to Iraq. His one-month assignment includes traveling to as many Iraqi locations as possible to offer Christmas Mass and Catholic pastoral support to U.S. and coalition forces.

“I’m actually excited about being in a location where the need is greatest,” said Fr. Fronk before leaving. “Also, if I’m going to preach at Jesuit High School about the importance of being Men of Faith and Men for Others, I better practice what I preach.”

Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J. in a moment of contemplation after a long day in the desert of Afghanistan

This is Fr. Fronk’s second visit to the Middle East. His service with the Second Marine Division Forward as Command Chaplain, included a year-long deployment to the front lines in Afghanistan (2011-2012).

“Frankly, I was hoping to return to the front lines before leaving active duty,” he added.

Fr. Fronk’s leadership ability and strong desire to develop Men of Faith and Men for Others were two of the attributes that most impressed Jesuit’s Board of Directors, who selected him after an 18-month search that gave serious consideration to many candidates — both Jesuit and lay — from across the nation.

Flying proudly above his office door aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, is a Jesuit pennant that Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J. received from his future employer in New Orleans.

When he replaces Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66, Fr. Fronk, a 51 year-old Pittsburgh native, will become Jesuit’s 30th president and 15th to serve at Carrollton and Banks. The school moved from its original location on Baronne Street to Mid-City in 1926.