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a column of benevolent gossip
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Something completely different —
Old St. Pat’s Parish (W. Adams) really celebrates Pentecost. In 2008 they took the words of Actsliterally: “When the day of Pentecost was fulfilled it found them together in one place.” So they had one big Mass at the UIC Forum. In 2009 they wanted to emphasize being “a mission church.” More than 400 people rolled up their sleeves at SuCasa Shelter. This year they used the symbolism of it’s location, “At the Crossroads” of DesPlaines and Adams streets, to invite their 3,000 believers to come together for one Mass at 11 a.m. on folding chairs, set from north to south, and east to west, with an altar in the center, to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Spirit under a favorable sky. Father Tom Hurley had to be happy. More than 3,000 worshippers showed up. Amazing what Facebook and prayer can do. Old St. Pat’s also parties. Their World’s Largest Block Party is July 9-10 this year.
Old St. Patrick’s Parish logo. -
Smile —
St. Bartholomew Parish (W. Patterson) had 150 students make their first Communion in 1949. This year they have 121 youngsters celebrating the occasion. For 60 years the parish has taken a group shot for the parish album. The tradition continues, only now they have a wide-angle lens. -
No time? —
Familiar excuse. Marshall J. Cook, retired professor and author of 23 nonfiction books and seven novels, must have found time. His book “Time Management A Catholic Approach” (and its accompanying workbook), has the usual suggestions on how to organize and prioritize your life. It also includes Catholic tips. One is, “tapping into the power of the pause.” What do you think? “Three times a day, stop whatever you’re doing and take a two-minute vacation, enough time to: say a prayer of thanksgiving and praise, relax your shoulders and massage your neck, send your mind to someplace beautiful and peaceful, think of a distant loved one, meditate on a favorite Scripture passage — anything to ease the tension and take your mind off your worries.” Let’s try. -
Over here/over there —
Parents of a local serviceman in Afghanistan were relieved last week to get a surprise e-mail from Army Chaplain Matt Foley. Not having heard from their son since recent enemy fire near his camp, Foley’s news that their paths crossed and he learned they were both from the arch, was heart-warming. Foley wrote, “It was good to see another Chicago soldier,” and added, “He was on his way to do a mission. I told him to be safe.” Foley will be returning stateside after 14 months in Afghanistan. He is former pastor of St. Agnes of Bohemia in Chicago’s Little Village. . . . Marge and Don Tomich of St. George Parish (Tinley Park) are elated their son Donnie, a Marine officer, his wife and their two children took advantage of his latest assignment in Germany to visit Italy. They had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to venerate the Shroud of Turin before the exhibit closed May 23. More than 2 million pilgrims (along with Pope Benedict) took advantage of the opportunity this spring. The last viewing was 10 years ago.
Army Chaplain Matt Foley.
Father Dan BrandtSend your benevolent gossip to Church Clips, Catholic New World, P.O. Box 1979, Chicago, IL 60690-1979; or e-mail to dmadlener@catholicnewworld.com.
