Glenn Van Cura, the executive director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Joliet, is leaving his position in early 2021.

He shared last month that he will be heading to Catholic Kwandong University in the Republic of Korea, where he will be a professor in the International Relations and Education Institute Department. The president of Catholic Kwandong University is a priest, and the university is operated by the local diocese. It is in the same town that he taught in when he was a Peace Corps volunteer and is only a couple of miles from his Korean family’s house.

Van Cura labeled the position as “a very exciting opportunity,” one that he is “looking forward to” in the next part of his life.

“I certainly look back at my time at Catholic Charities as one of great joy and a true sense of accomplishment,” he said. “I had the opportunity to work with so many gifted team members, volunteers, board members, diocesan colleagues and an inspiring community. You all work in your respective ministries with commitment, passion and tireless enthusiasm as you help the people of God find hope and success in their own lives. You have done all this by carrying out the Corporal Works of Mercy in this ever-evolving, challenging world in which we live. You are truly blessed.”

Van Cura was appointed to his position by then-Bishop J. Peter Sartain in September 2010 after having served in the Archdiocese of Chicago, as well as having prior experience with the Peace Corps and as an executive leader in the private sector.

Bishop Ronald A. Hicks said the diocese will miss Van Cura’s presence and leadership. He also expressed his gratitude for Van Cura’s service.

“The period for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Joliet under Glenn’s tenure will be marked by extraordinary growth and successful ministry,” Bishop Hicks said. “Catholic Charities benefits from thousands of volunteers and staff serving tens of thousands of clients across all seven counties that make up the Diocese of Joliet. ... He is accompanied...by our good wishes and prayers as he embarks on this new endeavor. May God bless him as he takes these next steps.”

Van Cura added that his tenure at Catholic Charities has been a blessing for him.

“As I continue my journey, I thank you for being a part of it,” Van Cura said. “Such kind, generous, compassionate, professional, competent and all- around good people have added so much to my life. I am so very blessed to have had an opportunity to share part of me with you. I will never be the same. A part of my heart will always be with you.”