We have been slowing the resettling of families for a few weeks primarily because the future is so unknown... Our fundraising has slowed and our mentors have grown weary... Services in the Saint Edmund school building will end on October 9 and will move to another space. The last day for donations will be on September 15...

When the Migrant Ministry team began nearly three years ago and we prepared to resettle our first migrant family, little did we know how much the effort would transform us. Jorge Borrayo’s funeral held at Saint Edmund Church on August 5 revealed to us how broad and profound that transformation has been...

Here we are, mid-August, and our community is preparing to welcome students and teachers back to school at three parish schools: Saint Catherine of Siena-Saint Lucy, Saint Giles and Ascension... Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Patron Saint of schools, reminds us: “Wonder is the desire for knowledge.”...

You are either at Mass or streaming… each is a good choice for keeping a strong mind and heart in today’s world; however, in person is the most desired... In the midst of this chaos, we come to Mass, not as an escape, but as a return to the one thing that will never change - God... Keep showing up for Mass. Keep praying. Keep loving...

The Migrant Ministry Advisory Committee has decided that Thursday, October 9, will be the final day for the Tuesday-Thursday Migrant Ministry Mornings. We are currently seeking places that might house this amazing program moving forward... We are developing a schedule for continuing donations to the program...

Life situations have reminded me what my, our, spiritual anchor is as we stand before the great mysteries of life and death. In the same week, I celebrated Mass for a lifelong parishioner who turned 90 years young. A few days later, I attended the funeral of a young, devoted parishioner who ushered at one of my parish sites who was only 21 and died unexpectedly...

A Beloved Community has formed among the volunteers and migrants of the Migrant Ministry... We mourn our beloved Jorge Borrayo... Jorge was seriously injured in a terrible car accident and did not survive... A small memorial altar has been set up in Centro San Edmundo...

We are currently in ongoing dialogue with the Archdiocese of Chicago regarding the next steps for the future of the school building... We have set aside time on Sunday, August 24, at 10:15 AM in Murphy Hall to be available for conversation... Please join me after the 9:15 AM Mass...

I am increasingly learning these days that faith and fear live side by side in our hearts. Faith is not the absence of fear, but rather the choice to trust God even when fear grips us. Scripture tells us repeatedly, “Do not be afraid,” not because there is nothing to fear, but because God is with us amid our struggles...

We expected two more of our resettled families to have the final court hearings regarding their asylum case before the end of July... There are new fees for all aspects of the immigration process that are now part of the 2025/2026 tax bill... Please consider contributing to the Migrant Ministry fund again...

I wanted to share a few updates regarding various maintenance projects across our parish. It has been challenging to keep our buildings cool with this summer’s fluctuating temperatures...

Our stewardship targets for Fiscal Year 2025 were met thanks to your generosity. Fiscal Year 2025 included a fundraising target of $100,000 above and beyond our Sunday Offertory budgeted income...

We have been made aware of a scam email circulating that appears to come from Fr. Carl... If you ever receive a message that seems suspicious or you're unsure about its legitimacy, please contact the parish office before taking any action...

This weekend, I have asked to have Cardinal Cupich’s article from last week’s Chicago Catholic printed in our bulletins. I know not all will appreciate what he has to say; however, it is thought provoking and something we as Christians and Catholics should be aware of, think about and pray about...

The Migrant Ministry attempts to meet the short- and long-term needs of our asylum-seeking brothers and sisters... One area of great need of which we can be of minimal assistance is connecting migrants with jobs... Do you have a house project you’ve been meaning to get done?...

The Migrant Ministry recently marked its 2nd Anniversary. The closed rectory of St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy was opened on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, for the migrants sleeping at the nearby Austin police station to take showers... Now we are facing a pivotal moment...

Walking Together as Disciple, Shepherd and Steward - This was the title of an ongoing priest leadership formation pilot program that the Cardinal recently invited me to... I am sharing this with you so that you are aware that what we are continuing to work toward in our parish is really supported...

Although the 4th of July has already passed, I would like to reflect on the significance of Independence Day in 2025. We carry with us both a deep gratitude for the gift of our nation and a sobering awareness of the divisions that run through our political and cultural life...

Resettled Families - The Housing portion of Migrant Ministry is proud to announce that in the past two years we have resettled 22 families (#23 will be resettled this summer)... Cost of $15,000 to resettle each family... Can you please donate toward this effort?

Last Sunday, I celebrated the final Mass at our Saint Catherine of Siena-Saint Lucy Church site... Saints Peter and Paul are two of the Church’s strongest and most surprising leaders... As we reflect on the lives of our parish patrons, we find the same spirit of bold faith...