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...

NOW! - Accepting Pre-Orders to be picked up on July 12 at the Village of Oak Park Farmers' Market - Pilgrim Church Parking Lot on 460 Lake Street - Buy a dozen ONLINE NOW!

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...

Our Migrant Ministry is powered by HOPE. In the midst of the current political environment, every interaction is grounded in HOPE. This HOPE is nourished by the personal encounters and relationships developed in the course of the ministry...

This weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ – Corpus Christi, a solemn and beautiful reminder of the central mystery of our faith – that Christ is truly present with us in the Eucharist. This is not just a symbol or a memory...

On Tuesday, June 10, the Migrant Ministry Volunteers gathered at Saint Edmund for lunch and to celebrate the work that they are doing. About 60 volunteers attended and they were treated to a lovely meal made by one of our migrant brothers...

Important Letter from Cardinal Cupich regarding the Closing of St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Church sent to the community and not read at the final Mass.

Happy Father’s Day to all our dads, and father figures today! - This weekend, we also celebrate the Feast of the Holy Trinity reminding us that at the very heart of God is relationship - Father, Son and Holy Spirit, united in love...

Celebrating An Amazing Young Migrant! - We were able to resettle the P family in an apartment in Oak Park and the oldest child, 12 year-old A, enrolled in 7th grade at Julian Middle School... He crossed the stage in his graduation gown and stole bearing images of both the American and Venezuelan flags...

Happy Pentecost to all! As we celebrate this feast that reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s power to unite people across languages and cultures, we can look around our community and see this very miracle in action. Our united parishes are growing into spiritual homes...