Last week I attended two events that highlighted the gifts and strength of our Oak Park Catholic communities and neighbors working together. With Migrant Ministry moving out of the Saint Edmund School building and pivoting their ministry to what are the more immediate needs for migrants today, a luncheon was held to thank the volunteers. Over 90 volunteers attended. These were people from our various religious congregations in Oak Park and beyond as well as those affiliated with other churches. I offered a special prayer of thanksgiving for the building that served us so well in a desperate time of need.

Then I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for our repurposed Saint Catherine of Siena-Saint Lucy rectory now the Bridge Center. Through Migrant Ministry, we extended welcome and compassion to those seeking safety, dignity, and a place to belong. Now at the Bridge Center, we officially join with our partners, Housing Forward and Faith and Fellowship, to create a ministry for the emotionally challenged. This will offer a new shared space of healing, connection, and renewal for our most vulnerable neighbors.

As Pastor, I am so proud and pleased of the work so many have done to share these visions and help to make them a reality. This is possible through prayer support, volunteer efforts, and monetary contributions. THANK YOU!

In my comments at both events, I spoke of what these ministries and the effort behind them have meant to me, and what they remind each of us; Christian hope is not passive – it moves us to act, to serve, and to build bridges of mercy where others see walls. Together, we live the Gospel call to be signs of God’s love in our world today.

In a world where so many struggle with fear, uncertainty and isolation, the Bridge Center, as well as our Migrant Ministry, stand as signs of LIVING HOPE in ACTION. Here all will find welcome, understanding, and hands and hearts that care and can help direct them to needed resources. God’s love is not confined to a church building but moving into the world, crossing boundaries, healing divisions, and building bridges between people.

What our world needs more of is what we are already doing: living hope through action!

Saturday, November 1, is All Saints Day, usually a holy day of obligation. Since it falls on Saturday this year, it is not a holy day of obligation, so special Masses will not be added. There is always one Mass on Saturday morning at Saint Giles at 8:00 AM, and all are welcome to attend.

On Saturday, November 1, the evening vigil Masses at Saint Giles at 4:30 PM, and Ascension at 5:00 PM will remember all souls, especially those who died this past year. Their names will be read, and candles lit in their memory.

Have a blessed and safe week ahead. Oh, and Happy Halloween!

With you a Christian. For you, a priest.

Fr. Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish