a column of benevolent gossip
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Mundelein seminarian Kyle M. Lee recorded a
true life adventure for future generations.Voices of Experience —
A year ago seminarian Kyle M. Lee, a first-year theology student at Mundelein, learned of the 1956 misadventures of the arch’s Bishop Raymond Goedert, Msgr. John Dolciamore and Father Richard Wojcik. They were just young curates at the time, returning from classes in Rome on the Italian liner, Andrea Doria, when it collided with another vessel and sank in mid-ocean. Lee has spent months working on and praying over an oral history project he initiated to record the experiences of the trio for future generations.
Just recently, his work completed, Lee forwarded the 80-minute collection of chilling sound files with photos of the Andrea Doria to friends in the Lay Ministry Program and others. Fatefully it arrived not long before Jan. 13, the day that Carnival Cruise Line’s Costa Concordia went aground off the Tuscany Coast. The tragic personal accounts and video of Concordia passengers has been on TV and in the press. That wasn’t the coverage in 1956. Lee’s work in documenting the priests’ human experience is a valuable contribution because it is in their own words. Use the link: vimeo.com/ kyleleechicago/andreadoria to access and hear their memories of that foggy night near 11 o’- clock, when panic — similar to the Concordia’s — struck. “Going upstairs was like climbing a mountain,” says Bishop Goedert. They tell how they gave general absolution, and while waiting for the uncertain possibility of a lifeboat, prayed the rosary. Kyle Lee claims he is “not a professional,” but he doth protest way too much. We can thank Providence for sparing these priests for decades of service to our archdiocese, and for Lee’s inspiration.
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Vrooom —
Catholic Charities in the Chicago and Joliet dioceses, Misericordia, Franciscan Community Benefit Services, and Franciscan St. James Health will benefit from this year’s “First Look for Charity,” the Auto Show’s black-tie, sneak preview. For more info on the individual events Feb. 9, 6:30- 10:30 p.m. at McCormick Place, go to www.chicagoautoshow.com
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Numero uno —
The National Catholic Education Association gives a “Distinguished Pastor Award” each year. Each diocese can nominate only one pastor. Who won fair and square in the arch this year? Father Dom Grassi, for being “an excellent leader and mentor” of Northside Catholic Academy (N. Glenwood). Now onward to the spring finals!
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‘Newborns in Need’ —
Not every baby has a pink or blue layette waiting for them at birth.
Needy families have difficulty nurturing their needy babies, and that’s where “Newborns In Need” comes along. Volunteers crochet, sew or knit for premies and new borns “in need.” The local chapter of NIN is in Orland Park, and meets at 9:30 a.m. on third Mondays at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish. They donate items to four local hospital birthing centers and special care nurseries.
Northern Illinois chapter of
NIN meets in Orland Park.NIN can always use volunteers who sew or needle, and others to donate yarn, lace, ribbon or material (any colors or prints except black). They’ll be turned into sleepers, caps, booties, quilts or blankets. It’s also a good cause for kids’ service projects, to donate diapers, pacifiers and baby hygiene items. Monetary donations are tax deductible. Call (708) 479-6994 to learn more or visit ni@newbornsinneed.org.
Miss America, Catholic alum.Send your benevolent gossip to Church Clips, Catholic New World, P.O. Box 1979, Chicago, IL 60690-1979; or e-mail to dmadlener@catholicnewworld.com.
