We congratulate two of our schools – Ascension School and St. Giles School – on their individual achievements in the National and Governor's Blue Ribbon School of Excellence program... We are blessed to have three vibrant Catholic schools that each deliver a nurturing, faith-filled educational experience to its students...

Recently volunteers, parish staff members, and pastors of local churches gathered to bid farewell to Centro San Edmundo, and bless volunteers... Although Centro San Edmundo is closed to migrants, store rooms are available and volunteers will be filling special orders for coats and clothing until we are able to move to our new location at Boulevard Presbyterian...

Last week I attended two events that highlighted the gifts and strength of our Oak Park Catholic communities and neighbors working together... 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... What our world needs more of is what we are already doing: living hope through action!...

We are recruiting volunteers to serve as Advocates - trained companions who walk alongside families as they navigate services and pursue their goals... To learn more, we invite you to attend our next Bridge Breakfast on November 1 at 8:30 AM...

Sister JoAnn Persch and Sister Pat Murphy are members of the Sisters of Mercy. For the past 40 years they have had a ministry of persistence. There motto is, “We do things peacefully and respectfully. But we never take no for an answer.”... Today, we hear three inspiring stories of people with limited resources or skills who persevere in their tasks...

Last Thursday, October 9, was our last Migrant Ministry Services day in Centro San Edmundo,... how do we meet the needs of the migrants too afraid and traumatized to leave their homes?... The free stores are paused, but our incredible volunteers are not stopping... Padre Vittorio Bruscella, CMF, recently reflected that “the word ‘Sanctuary’ no longer means a place made of bricks”...

While Father Carl is on Vacation, our Oak Park Parishes' Operations Directors offer some parish updates... Carlos Guerrero: I want to begin by thanking you for your ongoing support of the parish. Fr. Carl and all of us on the staff appreciate each one of you... Matt Brophy: When I started working at the parish in January 2021, Father Carl wondered if I would have enough work to keep me busy...

A Companion Sponsor for OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a parishioner who would like to accompany a person who is preparing to receive the sacraments... Companion Sponsors will receive training prior to being paired with an individual and will continue to be supported while they work with a person...

The simple phrase “What would Jesus do?” has guided Christians for generations... When we ask, “What would Jesus do?’ the answer is NEVER hatred, fear, or exclusion, but it is ALWAYS mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and truth spoken in love... In the end, the question is not only “What would Jesus do?” but also “What will we do?” As followers of Christ, we are called to be different...

We learned this week that one of our migrant couples are planning to get married but were waiting until they could afford to buy the bride a ring... We will miss Centro San Edmundo and recognize the impact our time there has had not only on the migrants,... We are pausing all but financial donations now, and will alert you when we can accept donations again...

The decision has been made to close the Saint Edmund School building due to the enormous cost of repairing and maintaining the beloved, but very old, structure. The last day the “free stores” and social services will be available for the migrants in the building will be Thursday, October 9. Immigration Support Services has moved to Murphy Hall and that will continue...