The Episcopal Church Council at the University of Chicago

Also Known As: Brent House

5540 South Woodlawn Ave
Chicago, IL 60637

www.brenthouse.org

Mission and Programs

Mission

Our mission is to challenge the next generation of leaders of the church and nation to discern and act upon the religious and ethical dimensions of their vocations. Through a ministry of worship, teaching, fellowship, and counseling, we offer a spiritual home to all students seeking to integrate faith and learning.

Programs

Brent House offers weekly dinner programs and conversation with leading figures in the Chicago community aimed at enhancing student awareness of the city in which they live and encouraging their own reflection upon issues of vocation. Representing the Episcopal Church on the campus of the University of Chicago and within a community that is home to several denominational seminaries, we offer daily prayer and weekly Eucharistic worship, and classes for those seeking a deeper awareness of their faith and a closer relationship with a community of believers. An essential component of this ministry is an innovative mentoring program tha allows young adults to practice ministry leadership under supervision and with directed reflectioon upon their own vocations. Our work is supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and individual donors.

Additional Comments from the Organization

Brent House is recognized as an innovator in campus ministry programming and advocacy. We invite you to visit our web site at www.brenthouse.org for a complete history and a current calendar of activities.

Who We Are

Brent House, and its governing board, the Episcopal Church Council at the University of Chicago, represent the ministry of the Episcopal Church through a variety of activities and services, including internships and mentoring for young adults seeking vocational clarity.

NTEE Code

• X20—Christian
• O55—Religious Leadership, Youth Development
• X90—Interfaith Issues

Goals and Results

Accomplishments for Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2003

1. Expanded mentoring program from one participant in academic year 1998/1999 to ten participants in academic year 2003/2004

Objectives for Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2004

1. Expand mentoring program.
2. Hire new Chaplain and make a smooth transition in leadership
3. Increase operating, capital and endowment support

Self Assessment

Yes, we undertake periodic (usually triennial) review of program through an evaluation process guded by an outside consultant.

Chief Executive Profile

Sam Portaro is the Episcopal Chaplain to the University of Chicago. A graduate of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, he served two years as Corporate General Manager of a retail firm in North Carolina. Ordained in 1975, he served as Vicar of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Newton, North Carolina. He was Episcopal Chaplain to the College of William & Mary and Associate to the Rector of Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Virginia, from 1976 until 1982. In 1982 Mr. Portaro earned the Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary and accepted his present position at the University of Chicago. As Director of Brent House, he has overseen the restoration and modernization of this center for campus ministry. He has regularly conducted Quiet Days and Retreats throughout the Diocese of Chicago, served as a consultant and preacher nationwide, has served as supply and interim priest in several Chicago congregations, and as Interim Director of Field Education on the faculties of both Seabury Western Theological Seminary and The University of Chicago Divinity School. He is a Trustee of the Pullman Educational Foundation. He is co-author (with Gary Peluso) of Inquiring & Discerning Hearts: Vocation & Ministry With Young Adults on Campus (Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1993) a book on the modern history of and new directions in young adult ministry on campus. He is author of Conflict and a Christian Life, published by Morehouse Publishing in 1996; Brightest and Best: A Companion to Lesser Feasts and Fasts, issued by Cowley Publications in 1997; Crossing the Jordan: Meditations on Vocation (Cowley, 1999); and Daysprings: Meditations for the Weekdays of Advent, Lent & Easter (Cowley, 2000).

Basic Information

• The information on this organization has been reported to GuideStar by the organization itself. Please check with a tax professional to determine the tax deductibility of any contributions.
• This organization is not required to file an annual return with the IRS because it is a religious organization.
• Additional narrative information in this report was last supplied by the organization on December 5, 2003.
• It makes its audited financial statements available to the public upon request.
• Contributions are deductible, as provided by law.

• EIN

  36-2332042

• Executive

  The Rev Sam Portaro

• Contact

  The Rev Sam Portaro, Episcopal Chaplain

• Phone

  (773) 947-8744

• E-mail

  sportaro@enteract.com

• Fiscal Year

  Information not available

• Assets

  Information not available (from IRS BMF)

• Income

  $0 (from the IRS BMF)

• Year Founded

  1929

• Ruling Year

  1929

• No. of Board Members

  12

• No. of Full-Time Employees

  1-5

• No. of Part-Time Employees

  11-20

• No. of Volunteers

  21-100

• Funding

  This organization is seeking funds from contributions and grants. These funds will be used for unrestricted operating expenses, special projects, building improvements and endowments.

• Locations Served

  • National

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