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Church Clips by Dolores Madlener

Dolores Madlenera column of benevolent gossip

  • ‘G’day, mate’ —

    Australia is minting World Youth Day gold and silver commemorative coins bearing the likeness of Benedict XVI for the 23rd WYD , July 15-20. No more than 1,000 gold and 25,000 silver limited mintage coins will be available worldwide (and issued as legal tender by the Australian government). Get them from the Perth Mint . . . Australia’s special event WYD08 stamps, one domestic and two international, with the imagery of the pope in the design, went into circulation March 4 at participating Australia Post stores countrywide.

  • ‘Padres Plus on Parade’ —

    When there’s 20 different acts from six vicariates, you know you’ve got a “variety” show. The entertainment starts at 3:30 p.m. March 30, $25/person, at Maria High School , 6727 S. California, (312) 751-8325. Here’s a sample: Father Paul Wachdorf of St. Gregory’s juggles, but not while Father John Moulder of St. Gregory’s plays his famous jazz guitar. Father Jason Malave of St. Bart’s (N. Lavergne) “sings and plays the trumpet,” (if that’s at the same time, get a front seat!); Sister Callista Kaley and Oblate Donna Dehnert from St. S c h o l a s t i c a Monastery (N. Ridge) will play dueling pianos. Father Bob Miller , St. Dorothy pastor and Civil War reenactor, will show off his ragtime talents. The show, with tickets available at the door, ranges from opera to Irish folk songs. (For more, see “ Five Minutes with Father ,” Page 23.)

  • Parish potpourri —

    St. Alphonsus Parish (W. Wellington) had over 150 trivia buffs, young and old, competing in over 11 rounds of questions this month. They doubled last year’s “Trivia Night ” turnout. . . . Annunciata Parish (Avenue G) will honor former coaches and parish and school volunteers at their second annual parish reunion April 5. . . . St. Viator Parish (W. Addison) third graders wrote 30 commercials for God. Here are two samples: “God is like… I-Hop , come hungry, leave happy.” “Like Home Depot , you can do it, He can help.” . . . Five Holy Martyrs Parish (S. Richmond) has an active Holy Name of Jesus Society that will celebrate 50 years on April 13. . . . Holy Thursday was celebrated once again at Holy Rosary Parish (E. 113th St.) with a pot-luck supper before Mass, joined by parishioners of nearby St. Anthony’s .

  • On the Tube —

    You can see a video on YouTube.com of the coronation ceremony of the infant Jesus by Cardinal George that took place recently at the Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (S. Woodlawn). Just go to: YouTube.com and type in Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest and you’ll get Parts I and II. . . . Lexington College (S. Peoria), a not-forprofit school inspired by the social teachings of the Catholic Church, has a 15-minute video outlining its successful hospitality degree at www.lexingtoncollege.edu, Click on “video.” Lexington will have a summer program June 16-20 for high school girls interested in exploring the field of health care or hospitality (from chef to hotel manager). Call Catherine Kustner at (312) 226-6294 or e-mail [email protected].

  • Remembering a founder —

    A photo of Chiara Lubich has graced this column from time to time through the years, as the ecumenical Focolare Movement she founded in 1943 made headlines in “multiple fields of evangelization.” Page 2 of this issue contains news of her death on March 14 near Rome. At deadline we learned friends and local followers of her charism of unity will gather at Catholic Theological Union , 5401 S. Cornell, from 7-9 p.m. April 5 for a memorial. The public is welcome. For more information call (773) 285-2746 or e-mail [email protected].

  • Can’t say ‘no’ —

    Maryville Academy , in its 125th year, will present its Guardian Medallion April 12 to George Rourke of St. Mary of the Woods Parish (N. Moselle). Sister Catherine Ryan , OSF , executive director, says it’s a family affair, with Rourke, his wife, Barbara , and their children, being “deeply involved with Maryville for a very long time…he has never said “no” when asked for help.” Father John Smyth was the “bait” fishing-buddy, and Maryville booster John Madden used to “hook” Rourke in the 1980s. Madden and Rourke both serve on the 17-member board that includes Bishop George Rassas .

  • No monk-y bizness —

    Our local Benedictine Bed and Breakfast , connected with the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Bridgeport (S. Aberdeen), received a five-star award for excellence in the “Best of Citysearch-Best of Bed and Breakfast 2007 award. (See www.chicagomonk.com.) It’s also been featured on Frommers.com, a help in growing its guest list to include almost every continent. The B&B helps support the monks’ mission of contemplative life in the city. . . . New Melleray Trappist Monastery , Peosta, Iowa, not far from Dubuque, is hosting a “live-inexperience vocational retreat” May 23-26. Work and pray with the monks on Memorial Day weekend at their 3,500 acre farm and learn about “the life.”