Gala Thanks
We hosted a very energetic Rock and Roll themed Gala here on our campus last Saturday, beginning as we should with a very uplifting Mass. I want to thank many very generous sponsors at various levels of giving.
A big thanks to this year’s Chairs, Deano Dalaly, Bill & Cathe Haran, Robin & Mike Hanrahan and to many on our staff, but particularly our Maintenance Staff – Bob Clough, Oleg Starostin, Jay Kleeman and Ray Lacek. Thanks also to a legion of volunteers, especially Rich Surma, and the two key people from our staff that brought it all together–Jackie Pulkrabek, who you will most often find managing the Front Office, and the one whose arms and heart drive the entire show–our Director of Operations, Bernie Schaeffer.
Holding the event here on campus requires MUCH MORE detailed effort, labor and time than those we hold at a venue off campus, so please convey your gratitude to those I have mentioned and any of the other amazing volunteers. Also we thank Heybeck’s Meat Market and Catering for providing such a tasty meal.
You may still support the Gala by purchasing an envelope with a corresponding donation dollar amount in our “May I have the Envelope, Please” challenge.
Financial results will not be complete until early May pending credit card receipts and other collectables, but early indications are that we will comfortably exceed our goal of $115K profit.
Lenten Social Justice Thanks
I want to thank Sue Geegan, our Director of Human Concerns, for leading the initiative for this year and every year during Lent when we focus on a partnership project that both highlights and supports an initiative for Social Justice. This year, because of your generosity, we raised $54,056.07 for Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation.
Thanks to all of you who contributed. You not only believe in our partnership with this and many other ministries and agencies through the years, but your donations put into action your support and knowledge of all of the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching.
Renew My Church
This week a team of 12 parishioners and staff met with a similar team from our neighbor parish, St. Anne in Barrington, to begin the Renew My Church initiative. ALL parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago are participating in this initiative.
Please note that for Holy Family and St. Anne this process DOES NOT mean that we are merging parishes, closing or eliminating facilities, programs, ministries or activities. Certainly in all major categories of health and effectiveness, both of our parishes are strong and vibrant. The purpose of our version of Renew My Church will be to share ideas, insights and some parish statistical data that will assist in future initiatives to RENEW the Catholic Church’s presence in our 2 parish area. This initiative is designed to build upon the planning that both of our parishes have already begun individually, and will be facilitated by members of the Archdiocesan Renew My Church team. More details will follow.
First Communion
This weekend and next we will celebrate First Communion with many of our younger parishioners from both Family Faith and our Academy. Some children will also celebrate this most important moment at selected weekend Masses. I want to thank Dr. Peg Hanrahan and her staff in Family Faith and our Principal Kate O’Brien and her staff for preparing, forming and celebrating with our children.
Confirmation
We welcome Bishop Jeffrey Grob this coming Tuesday evening to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with our teens. They are extra excited this year, inspired by our Adventures in Grace pilgrimage which urges them to AFFIRM their Baptism as they continue to grow in their faith.