Funeral Mass for Rev. Gregory M. Goethals, SJ '73

Loving you is not a choice
It’s who I am

….But it gives me purpose
Gives me voice
To say to the world:

This is why I live
You are why I live

–Stephen Sondheim
from the Broadway musical PASSION

These lyrics are among the favorites of Fr. Gregory M. Goethals, SJ ‘73. Words that served as a reminder of his commitment to God and his great passion for carrying out the mission of St. Ignatius of Loyola through all of his various assignments as a Jesuit priest.

After his storied 19-year career as our president, he retired from his post in July and was on sabbatical, traveling across the country. On November 8, 2025, while visiting New York City, he suffered a massive heart attack and remained hospitalized until his death on November 24, 2025. He was 70 years old and had been a member of the Society of Jesus since 1978.

Fr. Goethals, SJ is survived by six of his seven siblings: Honorable Thomas Goethals ‘70 and his wife, Patty; Betsy and her husband, Andy Ackerman ‘74; Margy and her husband, Jerry Costello; Katie and her husband, Paul Shoenberger; Arthur Goethals ‘81 and his wife, Myra; and F. Christine Goethals; 21 nieces and nephews, and many grandnieces and grandnephews. He is also survived by Christine Goethals, widow of his brother Richard Goethals ‘68, who preceded him in death.

Together, let us gather to mourn his passing and celebrate and honor his life, legacy, and the abundant love that our God has for him and that he had for God and God’s people.

Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Hayden Circle*
Loyola High School
1901 Venice Boulevard
Los Angeles 90006

You can view the livestream here.

*Weather permitting, we will gather outdoors, please dress accordingly.

Notes of Condolence may be sent to:

Loyola Jesuit Community
1901 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90006

AMDG +
Jamal K. Adams ‘90
President