From Father George's Desk 5/18/2025

I think that most of us were surprised when the white smoke poured forth from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on only the second day of the papal conclave.  Then we were stunned an hour later when Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost...an American!...was introduced to the Church and to the world as Pope Leo XIV.  In the week since his election, we have started to get to know a lot more about this son of Chicago’s far South Side and his journey of faith, from St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Dolton, Illinois, to his entrance into the Order of St. Augustine and his priestly ordination, to the missions of Peru, to his work at the Vatican, to his election as the 266th Successor of St. Peter.  This weekend as he celebrates his Installation Mass in St. Peter’s Square, let us pray for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, that God may grant him wisdom, grace, and strength.   

In his first remarks to the world after his election and his first homily the following day, Pope Leo spoke beautifully of our call to build bridges and to engage with the world so that “the entire mystical Body of the Church...may be ever more fully a city set on a hill [cf. Rev. 21:10], an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world.”  Today’s gospel reading could not be more perfectly timed.  In two short verses of John’s Gospel, Jesus repeats the same three words three times: love one another.  Everything that Jesus has said and done throughout his ministry has demonstrated his love for us and now, as he is about to complete his work as our Savior, he calls his disciples (then and now) to do likewise.  Not only that, but it is in the very act of loving one another as we have been loved by Jesus that the world will know that we belong to him!  It may sound simplistic or “hippy-dippy” in today’s cynical world but it’s as true today as it was then.  Let us pray for the grace and strength to fulfill the Lord’s command, so that we, the mystical Body of the Church may truly be the beacon that illumines the world.

 This is the time of year when many priests in our diocese are celebrating the anniversaries of their ordinations.  Both Father John and my illustrious predecessor, Father Rick Kosisko are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year: Father John celebrated his 55th anniversary on May 9 and Father Rick celebrated his Fortieth on May 4.  Both Deacon Mike and another of my predecessors at St. John, Father Eric Dinga, will be celebrating their 10th anniversaries next month.  No milestone for me; today is my 29th anniversary.  Just as wedding anniversaries are occasions for married couples to remember and to celebrate, so priests and deacons do on their anniversaries.  So please keep me and all the priests and deacons of our diocese who are celebrating anniversaries this month and next in your prayers.

 As the active phase of the 2025 Diocesan Lenten Appeal moves into its final weeks both parishes have passed the diocesan target...

¨ Holy Family’s total now stands at $102,920 (this 90% of our parish goal of $114,000)  Our parish share now stands at $26,729 and grows with each gift since everything we collect for the remainder of this year’s appeal will be returned to the parish, assessment-free so that we can get to work on our parish project: addressing the two leaks in the stone work on the façade of the church.

¨ St. John’s total now stands at $37,097 (this is 81% of our parish goal of $46,000)  Our parish share now stands at $3022 and grows with each gift since everything we collect for the remainder of this year’s appeal will be returned to the parish, assessment-free so that we can get to work on our parish project: the refurbishment the crucifix in the church.

¨ Thanks to everyone who has made a pledge or a gift to this year’s appeal.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

¨ Please help us finish strong!  Prayerfully consider your pledge or gift to this year’s DLA in the coming days.  You may return your pledge or gift by mail, in person during office hours, drop it in the collection basket, or online.