Non-Parish Offsite Community Events
The IMAGINE Campaign
Imagine all the people Livin’ life in peace.
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month and local congregations will be displaying orange banners with the words “Imagine a world without gun violence.” The Catholic Parishes of Oak Park are joining in this effort to blanket Oak Park and River Forest with this life-affirming message. The image will also be displayed on yard signs.
The campaign was inspired by the timeless song, “Imagine,” written by John Lennon, himself a victim of gun violence. The banners have an orange background, the color hunters wear when they don’t want to get shot. The Waging Peace team at First United Church designed the image.
Our children are forced to imagine an active shooter and practice the actions they would take. Let’s change the narrative and imagine a world without gun violence, taking actions to make that a reality. We can do this. There are many gun violence prevention groups to join and important legislation to support.
A local vendor is providing the banners and yard signs at a deep discount because he so believes in the cause. If you are interested in purchasing a banner or yard sign, click on the button below to reach an order form. The banners come in various sizes and prices; the yard signs only cost $14. Any questions, email Celine Woznica at celinewoznica@gmail.com.
You may say I’m a dreamer… But I’m not the only one.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DELIVERIES
Catholic Charities is working on a pilot program to provide food pantry delivery one Saturday per month to pantry clients 65 and older who live in Cicero and Berwyn. We are looking for volunteers to do the deliveries, which will be from 10 am to 2 pm one Saturday per month. The starting date is still to be determined, but we hope to begin by the end of April. Volunteers will have to undergo a criminal background check and take an online driver awareness course.
If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering, please contact Claudia Andrade at candrade@catholiccharities.net or 708-329-4023.
FATHER AUGUSTUS TOLTON CAUSE FOR CANONIZATION
from Black Saints and Popes presentation
Father Augustus Tolton was the first black diocesan priest in the United States, the son of slaves of African descent. After studying in Rome, because no American seminary would accept him, he was ordained for the Diocese of Quincy, in southern Illinois, and later came to Chicago to start a parish for black Catholics. He died young, at only 43 years of age.
Fr. Tolton’s cause for sainthood was introduced in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2010 by Francis Cardinal George, OMI.
“Tolton’s story is one of carving out one’s humanity as a man and as a priest in an atmosphere of racial volatility. His was a fundamental and pervasive struggle to be recognized, welcomed and accepted. He rises wonderfully as a Christ-figure, never uttering a harsh word about anyone or anything while being thrown one disappointment after another. He persevered among us when there was no logical reason to do so.”
– from Bishop Joseph N. Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago – Diocesan Postulator for the Cause of Augustus Tolton
What Can I do to Help the Cause of Canonization of Father Augustus Tolton?
You can pray the special prayer for his canonization that simultaneously presents to God a request for healing or other special intention.
O God, we give you thanks for your servant and priest, Father Augustus Tolton, who labored among us in times of contradiction, times that were both beautiful and paradoxical. His ministry helped lay the foundation for a truly Catholic gathering in faith in our time. We stand in the shadow of his ministry. May his life continue to inspire us and imbue us with that confidence and hope that will forge a new evangelization for the Church we love.
Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant, Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved.
Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever.
Amen.
– from 2010 Bishop Joseph N. Perry, Imprimatur – Francis Cardinal George, OMI – Archdiocese of Chicago
Other ways to help the Cause for Sainthood of Father Tolton would be to attend the various events sponsored by the Archdiocese for the promotion of the Cause, or to help with your donations, used strictly to support the Cause.
To report any spiritual or physical favors granted through prayer in Father Tolton’s name, please write:
Office of the Cardinal – Archdiocese of Chicago
835 North Rush Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
To request the prayer card for the canonization of Father Augustus Tolton, call or write:
Bishop Joseph N. Perry
Phone: 312.534.8376
3525 S. Lake Park Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60653
ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
OFFICE OF HUMAN DIGNITY AND SOLIDARITY-IMMIGRATION MINISTRY
“Let us work together to find concrete solutions to help the poor, refugees, victims of modern forms of slavery, in order to promote peace.” – Pope Francis
Support of critical funding is needed for migrants and refugees overseas. The final figures for this life-saving aid have yet to be determined, and Congress has until December 7 to pass a final bill. It will help migrants and refugees around the world meet their basic needs, and addresses factors, like violence, hunger, and lack of economic opportunity, that force people to migrate. Your voice makes a difference. Raise it today!
ACTION: Oppose cuts to foreign aid and ensure Congress is funding these life-saving programs at the highest levels possible. Visit the USCCBs site https://www.confrontglobalpoverty.org for ways to contact your officials.
For additional ways to advocate for immigrants and refugees visit: www.CatholicsAndImmigrants.org.
