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.

July 12, 2026

Dear Parishioners,

My Irish born grandfather often remarked “after Fourth of July summer is almost over.” Maybe he felt that way because the sun that would set near 10:30PM in Ireland on June 21 was noticeably setting earlier by July 4th. I’ve never felt as he did. This year, after all the Independence Day celebrations of 250 years, it now feels like summer has fully arrived and is here to stay for awhile.

I loved the way Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Fourth of July. After praying with immigrants on the island of Lampedusa, a place of great historical importance for those migrating to Europe, he spent the evening with the family of Brian Burch, who is the American ambassador to the Vatican. Ambassador Burch gathered his large family of nine children and hosted the Pope at his residence. In the Independence Day spirit Pope Leo enjoyed a “Chicago hot dog” dinner with the Burches. The ambassador remarked how friendly, happy, and cheerful Pope Leo was to celebrate this way with other Americans. By his visit to Lampedusa and his sharing a hot dog celebration with an American family, Pope Leo continues to craft so well his role as pastor to the entire world and his affection for his Chicago roots. May we continue to learn from Pope Leo.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

This summer makes clear that our parish campus has become a full 12 month operation. About 80 children, both campers and student volunteer counselors arrive each morning for Camp Saint Anne. They gather in various places in the school for arts and crafts, music, Bible stories and more, outside and inside. Our Youth Minister, Mr. Bill Leone, along with several St. Anne’s School faculty and parish staff oversee the campers and the volunteers. We have now completed two weeks and conclude the six week program on August 7. Registrants for the camp are still welcome. Information is in the bulletin.

This year is the first summer for our Summer Literacy Program. Students from the parish school and faith formation just completed the first week of the program. About 35 students enrolled for the first week and met in small groups with St. Anne’s School trained faculty members. This program takes place in the St. Francis Ministry Center and the children also make use of the courtyard that includes the statue of Mary. The program is designed to guide the students in literacy, reading, and speaking skills. This summer reading program is fully funded by a very generous parishioner contribution.

So yes, the school year ended in June. But very happily, St. Anne’s parish hosts about 130 students per week for these morning activities. The parish is happy to be of help to parents and is delighted that the presence of parish children brings enthusiasm and life to our parish campus through the summer.

Our roofing project is mostly complete with inspections occurring this week. You are feeling the comfort that the new air conditioning system provides. We are awaiting a few more summer rains to ensure the roof is well-sealed. Then we will repair and paint the church ceiling.

Thank you for your financial support of this project. Parishioners contributed close to $750,000. We established a goal of $500,000, intending to use other parish funds to meet the cost of the entire project, about $1,000,000. We are able to meet the financial demands of this project because of continued parishioner generosity. Thank you dearly.

Happily, we have completed major projects before the sweltering days of summer.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Tom

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