Rest in Peace Fr. George Kane
It is with profound gratitude and in the firm hope of the promise of eternal life, that we share that Fr. George Kane journeyed to the eternal embrace of God on Monday, April 7, 2025. At 99 years old, Fr. George was the longest serving priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago. In his almost 74 years of priesthood, he served in many parishes, at Mundelein Seminary and in the United States Air Force. He was the founding Pastor of Church of the Holy Spirit in Schaumburg and after his retirement he served another 14 years as a Sacramental Minister at Holy Family. He was very instrumental in leading efforts here at Holy Family to clarify Church teachings and pastoral wisdom that led to the formation of our One in Love Ministry. George brought together church scholarship and pastoral sensitivity in a way few priests ever have. George was the true embodiment of a Vatican II priest. He will be greatly missed.
‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ Matthew 25: 23
Holy Week
Jesus ENTERED into the holy city of Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday. This physical entering is an invitation for all of us to ENTER into Holy Week spiritually. Here are some spiritual exercises to make this entire week truly prayerful:
Monday
Spend some time reflecting on the beginnings of your spiritual and faith journey. Who first taught you about God and Jesus? Where were you Baptized? Where did you receive First Communion? Where and when did you receive Confirmation?
Tuesday
How did you mature in your faith life? In what ways have you grown in faith? What spiritual and prayer practices have helped you to grow in your faith?
Wednesday
In what ways has this Lent helped you to solidify lasting elements of your faith life? What spiritual and prayer practice can you add to sustain God’s calling in your life? What are you looking for spiritually? Consider asking, ‘Are you Baptized?’ not ‘Were you baptized?’ In addition, what does that mean?
Thursday
Attend Mass on Thursday evening and be intentional about reflecting on the importance of the Eucharist in your life. Review how you have served others following Jesus’ example of washing the disciples’ feet.
Friday
Attend one of the Passion Plays that our teens will present. As you prepare to venerate the cross, reflect on your own life’s sufferings and the deaths of loved ones who have passed away. How can your loss open the way to new life?
Saturday
Attend the Easter Vigil, particularly if you have never done so. It is the longest and most beautiful Liturgy of the entire year. Share in the joy of those adults who will be received into our Church, some of them fully immersed in our large Baptismal Font in the center aisle of church.
Easter Sunday
If you do not attend the Vigil, celebrate the Eucharist with such a large number of fellow worshipers and look for opportunities to welcome newcomers. That will help our parish BLOOM.