Fr. Tom’s Letters

Each week Fr. Tom writes a letter to parishioners in our bulletin. Every letter is comprehensive, including current information about the Parish, an explanation of Scripture for that Sunday, and an invitation to become more engaged in the life of the parish.

May 10, 2026

Dear Parishioners,

Happy Mother’s Day! Today is one of those special days on the calendar where we get to celebrate truly special people. Today we experience prayerful gratitude for all those who share in the vocation of motherhood. As persons of faith we include in our prayer both our living and deceased moms. We are grateful for their love, courage, self-sacrifice, faith, wisdom, joy and many other gifts that moms share with their children. We know that our moms often prayed for us, some on a daily basis; we get to send our prayers to the Lord for them on this special day. If you want your mom, living or deceased, to be included in an extended time of prayer, you can include your mom in the Mother’s Day Novena by using the envelope available for Mother’s Day and place the completed envelope in one of the boxes at the doors of the church.

POPE LEO—FIRST ANNIVERSARY

Saddened by the death of Pope Francis last April, the Church rejoiced with anticipation and hope when Pope Leo XIV was sent to us by the Holy Spirit on May 8, 2025. On Friday, we observed his first anniversary as Pope. While his critics have aimed misinformed and misguided comments at the Vicar of Christ, most Catholics and world leaders deeply appreciate the wisdom, love, and fidelity that has been so evident in the life of Pope Leo XIV. As we give gratitude on his first anniversary as our Holy Father, I share some of the gratitudes I feel on this occasion .

1) I am very grateful for the smooth transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo. In a world of turbulence and uncertainty, it is helpful that this change in leadership in the Church has been so smooth and gracious, true evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit!

2) Similarly, I am grateful for Pope Leo’s respect and love for tradition in the Church. He consistently refers to the wisdom and love of his predecessors, Francis, Benedict, John Paul, Paul, and John. He repeatedly quotes them and seeks to emphasize for us the wisdom of Vatican Council II. Obvious too in his appreciation and love for St. Augustine, Leo reminds us that the Holy Spirit is always present to the Church.

3) Yes, Leo is the first American pope from the United States! He loves his country and his hometown Chicago. Yes, he is truly an international person with a genuine missionary spirit. His understanding of the United States, South America, Europe and Africa, coupled with his linguistic abilities allows him to be credible to all people who listen to him. The Holy Spirit has guided him in his international ministry.

4) He never tires of calling the world to peace. He is consistent, strong, and loving in this call to peace. Even in the midst of ridicule he returns the call and challenge to peace. He reflects often the peace that is the Holy Spirit.

5) He knows at the heart of the gospel is the call to mercy and healing. He holds close to his heart the message of Matthew 25. Again, in a time of great debate he upholds the dignity of the immigrant. He keeps faithful to the Church tradition and teaching of rejecting the death penalty as an option. He understands he is a voice for the poor and marginalized. He honors the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor.”

6) He continues Francis’ theme of synodality. He invites a Church that practices community and listening. We particularly listen for how the Holy Spirit speaks.

7) He is a person of courage. He travels; he goes to the people; he speaks the truth; he does not fear his critics. The Holy Spirit is his guide.

8) He elevates conversation, discussion, and debate. When others speak loudly, derisively and with false statements, he responds, “Peace be with you.” He speaks the language of the Risen Lord and the Holy Spirit.

9) And he speaks English! We trust that the Holy Spirit knows English.

10) He roots for his hometown Chicago White Sox and not the Chicago Cubs. Any Met fan knows what I mean and I’m sure the Holy Spirit understands.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Fr. Tom

About Our Parish