a column of benevolent gossip

Idea exchange — St. Isidore Parish (Blue Island) distributed “Thank you cards to God” in the bulletin a several weeks before Thanksgiving Day. They encouraged parishioners to write a sentence or two, anonymously or signed, telling what they were grateful for, and turn them in the week before Thanksgiving. The staff worked on a synthesized “litany of thanksgiving” composed from the notes, which was recited after Communion at the “feast day” Mass. And all the cards were brought up in a basket during the offertory procession.

Getting the spirit — Is Christmas too material for your druthers? The Women’s Center, a crisis pregnancy outreach, has the antidote. Each year it hosts Christmas parties for needy moms, babies and families. Last year, 1,824 kids and adults attended parties around the arch. This year’s South party will be Dec. 21; a North Side party is Dec. 23. Clients are served a light meal, kids have a Polaroid snapshot made with Santa, and take home toys and clothes for Christmas, thanks to some parish sharing trees and donors. If you’d like to help set up, clean up, or help at a party, call Kathy at (773) 794-8807. Any group or business that can donate chips, cookies, Kool-Aid or Polaroid film can call Carol at (773) 794-4774.

A heap of Hope — St. Joseph Carondelet Child Center recently honored volunteers, employees and business leaders at an award ceremony. The city’s oldest continuing operating facility for at-risk children, youth and their families, it has locations today in the Oakland-Douglas and Englewood neighborhoods. Ald. Shirley Coleman received the Love of St. Joseph’s Award “for her continued support personally and professionally.” The alderwoman was one of the individuals instrumental in opening Solace Place (the former Our Lady of Solace Church, school, convent and rectory), the STJCCC’s facility for high-risk youths. It is located in Coleman’s 16th Ward.

Parish potpourri — What South suburban pastor is itching to take a cue from a NYC councilman who proposed a $50 fine for anyone using a cell phone during a movie or concert? Father X has jovially threatened to charge a 50-buck “fine,” payable in the collection box, if a cell phone rings during Mass. Will no clout, or no couth win? . . . Cardinal George was on hand this fall at historic Holy Family Church (S. May) to rededicate its renovated bell tower—brightly painted now with gilded clock and cross 236 feet from the street. When the bells rang out, pigeons flew and crowds cheered. Holy Family survived the Chicago Fire and the wrecking ball. . . . St. Clement Parish (W. Deming) has a new club for dads with babies, toddlers and/or young children. Activities are designed to give them quality time with their kids and give mom a break. Some programs will include moms, too. . . . Friends of St. Thomas More Parish (S. California) carpooled for a mini-pilgrimage to St. Ignatius Church (N. Glenwood) for a Mass with Bishop Jerome Listecki in the just-renovated awe-inspiring side chapel of the main church. . . . Mike and Louise Krylowicz of St. Benedict Parish (Blue Island) are embarking on a new adventure: retirement. The parents of 14 children and 22 grandchildren got everyone together for a Thanksgiving reunion. Eldest son, Father Mark Krylowicz, on loan from the arch to the Diocese of Salt Lake City for three years, made sure he got home to join the family.

Wood you believe? — “Mary of the Prairie” is a rugged statue in Richland, Iowa, made from the remains of a 100-year-old white pine. When the tree died, the eight children of farmers Bob and Eleanor Sobaski, paid for a wood sculptor to come out. With a special chain saw he has fashioned a beautifully detailed 12-foot statue of a pioneer-type Mary, holding the Baby Jesus, gazing out over the rolling prairie. It was the artist’s first religious work. The farm family’s parish priest named her “Mary of the Prairie.” Bob Sobaski is the cousin of Matilda Pedtke of St. Gregory the Great Parish (N. Paulina).

Could be? — Every Catholic household in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va. now receives their diocesan newspaper free. The bishop says he hopes the change from subscription-only will energize the 42,000 Catholic households and the church itself.

Warp, woof and will: The Cook County Chapter of Project Linus just wrapped up its fall blanket-making event, “Make a Difference Day.” Busy coordinator Blanche Kosierowski, 77, a parishioner of St. Peter & Paul (S. 38th St.), has delivered over 600 blankets to sick and traumatized kids, battered women and crisis centers over time. Neighbors dropped off 73 new crocheted, knitted, or fleece blankets and 3 quilts at McKinley Park Library Oct. 26. Their name and a “Project Linus” label would then be attached before delivery. Children were invited to draw pictures on muslin “quilt” squares to honor the victims of 9-11. The 45” x 55” art piece is now on display in the library. Blanche’s great niece, Mari-Rae Sopper, 35, was one of those who perished in the plane that hit the Pentagon. She was on her way to a new coaching job.

‘The’ life — Prayerful single men and women are invited to try working and praying with monks at one of the upcoming “Live-in Experience” vocational retreats. There’s no cost but space is limited at: St. Mary’s Monastery (Rock Island), St. Procopius Benedictine Abbey (Lisle), St. Benedict Abbey (Benet Lake, Wis.), New Melleray Trappist Abbey (Dubuque, Ia.) or Gethsemani Trappist Abbey (Trappist, Ky.). Open dates include Dec. 20-22, Jan. 3-5 and others. Call (800) 221-1807 if you are interested.

Send your benevolent gossip to Church Clips, 721 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60610 or via e-mail to: [email protected]

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