Bulletin Board with News and Events

On Monday, Memorial Day, three Masses – 8:00am; 12:10pm; and 5:15pm - will be available for all who want to pray on that day of remembering those who have gone before us, especially those who died in service to the nation. In addition, the McDermott Foundation at 10:00am will offer their annual Mass especially praying for those who labor with addictions. The Cathedral rectory and offices will close at 1:00pm Monday.

 On Memorial Day each year, Masses are offered in the Catholic cemeteries of the Archdiocese. This year Masses will be said at 10:30 am in each of the twenty-one main Archdiocesan cemeteries, most of the Masses in outdoor settings. All of Chicago’s bishops have been assigned to a location; other priests will fill-in as celebrants. Masses also will be celebrated in the sixteen parish cemeteries by the pastors. Those Masses begin at various times; phone for information. Especially if the weather is fine, these are beautiful liturgies. Some seating will be available; however, most folks bring their own lawn chairs. Whether you have a loved one buried in a Chicago Archdiocesan Cemetery or not, you are invited to take part in these lovely prayers at the beginning of the summer season. See information posted in the Cathedral vestibule.

A week ago on the campus of the old St. Leo Parish, I attended the blessing of a Memorial Garden dedicated to American Military Veterans. The graceful garden stands in the South Side neighborhood next to new housing for formerly homeless veterans, social services to help veterans adjust to their situations, and a medical clinic to meet basic health needs. This Catholic Charities-sponsored effort stands as the model for the nation in addressing the reality that 200,000 American Veterans live on the street. That number will increase as men and women return from the horrors of the present war. Bishop Jerome Listecki from La Crosse, a former Chicagoan and a Veteran of 23 years in the Army Reserve, blessed the Memorial Garden. Have you added your contribution to the work of Catholic Charities?

St. Patrick High School is the oldest Catholic high school for boys in the Archdiocese. Yet St. Pat’s enthusiastically addresses each new season as if it were the first. Founded next to Old St. Pat’s Church in 1861 by the Christian Brothers, St. Patrick HS already had a famous reputation before its move to Austin and Belmont on the northwest side in 1953. A 25-member Board of Trustees sets the policy for the school in the LaSallian tradition. Over 900 young men are the beneficiaries. A campaign in the late 1990s (a success from which I freely borrow in approaching our Cathedral’s current Restore & Renew effort) provided a state-of-the-art library/media center, a 299-seat auditorium, a beautiful atrium, an auxiliary gymnasium, improvements to the existing athletic facilities, music/art facilities, and office space that makes me jealous. This coming Tuesday, the graduating Shamrocks will receive diplomas at a Mass offered by Bishop Thad Jakubowski; I will be the homilist. Holy Name Cathedral is very pleased to welcome Brother Konrad Diebold (President), Dr. Joseph Schmidt (Principal), and all our friends at St. Patrick High School.

A few weeks back, I wrote about the Kohl-McCormick Foundation honor Frances Xavier Warde kindergarten teacher Elizabeth Grelle received. Since then, I have received several positive comments about FXW and a few inquiries about the Cathedral’s support of that successful Catholic Elementary School. FXW is not a parish school. I do not hire the Principal or the faculty. Their operating expenses are not included in our parish budget. I have a voice as a member of the Board that governs FXW; however, I do not have the authority the pastor of a parish school would exercise in directing his school. The parish provides the building, asking only utility costs, maintenance of the facility, and cooperation with the parish activities and staff. There is no rent. Annually, parishioners of both Old St. Pat’s (the other sponsoring parish) and Holy Name Cathedral are given the opportunity to support Catholic education in Chicago in the “Scholarship Sunday” basket that helps fund the Children at the Crossroads Foundation, the body that supplies financial aid to 30% of the FXW families and assures the diversity that is the key to the school’s legendary success. You do not have to hold your personal support, however, until September. Frances Xavier Warde School always needs new friends to continue its great work. If you want to learn more about FXW, or if you would like to cast your vote of support for Catholic elementary education, phone John Pantle at 312-798-4067.

Father Joseph Johnson, the Rector/Pastor of St. Paul Cathedral in St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minnesota, had a good idea. Next Saturday, June 2, St. Paul Cathedral will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the laying of their cornerstone by making a joyful noise. They will ring their bells at 1:15pm. “All who hear the bells are asked to lift their hearts in a prayer for peace. In the past, church bells have been melted down in times of war in order to make cannons. This time, we mean to use our bells as instruments to announce our commitment to peace. Church bells have long been heralds – they call us both to celebrate and to pray. The world is longing for peace. We can turn our hearts to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace as together we seek the way to peace. Will you join in our prayer for peace?” Holy Name Cathedral will. Father Johnson sent his letter to many Churches and Cathedrals around the USA asking for solidarity in this simple call to prayer. Holy Name Cathedral has reflected on peace during the ringing of our bells at noon each day for some time. It would not be too much at all to add a toll at 1:15pm next Saturday. Join us in our national prayer for peace.

Twelve men will be ordained to the permanent deaconate Sunday afternoon in the Cathedral. They begin work in their parishes – baptizing, preaching, proclaiming the gospel, tending to the needy, visiting the sick, and assisting at Mass. There are over 600 deacons in our Archdiocese. Many of the deacons are married. Their wives take part in their formation; and many of the wives take on extra ministries in cooperation with their husbands. Deacon Mike McCloskey and Deacon Stan Strom serve Holy Name Cathedral and both are active on the parish’s pastoral staff. Pray for those ordained deacons this weekend; pray for all deacons.

Fr. Dan Mayall