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Church Clips by Dolores Madlener

Dolores Madlenera column of benevolent gossip

  • Play ball —

    Gerardo Esquivel , a 2009 grad of De La Salle Institute (S. Wabash), has been drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 24th round of Major League Baseball’s first-year players’ draft. Esquivel also accepted a baseball scholarship to attend Kansas State University . In his 2009 season he struck out 13 while allowing just one hit in a game against rival Kenwood . Esquivel also struck out 43 hitters in 44 innings pitched. Academically he ranks 53rd in his 162-member class of 2009.

  • Parish potpourri —

    St. Joseph Parish (Libertyville) has periodic dog and cat food drives for pets of needy folks who frequent their food pantry. . . . Parishioners Fran and John Koski recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at St. Cyril & Methodius Parish (Lemont). They were married there on May 7, 1949. . . . St. Alexander School (Villa Park) is holding a “ KenDucky Derby ” rubber duck race from Salt Creek to Rotary Park on July 19. Village president Tom Cullerton will officiate. . . . Our Lady of Victory Parish (W. Agatite) now has its memorial grotto next to the renovated convent retreat/meeting center. Thanks to many helping hands, donations and the dream of parishioners Mary Beth Frystak and Lila Jahnke . . . . Any Brother Knight of Columbus at St. John Brebeuf Parish (Niles) who has lost a job or is in financial hard times can ask confidentially for a dues exemption for 2009. . . . The sister of Father Andrej Beltowski at St. Theresa’s (Palatine) is a famous young Polish opera singer. Along with her concert pianist husband, the couple performed at the parish July 18. . . . St. Bruno’s Holy Name Society (S. Harding) as well as many other parish men’s clubs, walked in procession with their banners in St. Constance Parish (W. Strong) on June 12 for the arch’s yearly Holy Name event.

  • Moveable feasts —

    St. Cletus Parish (LaGrange) youth ministry will send 17 teens on a mission trip to Appalachia Aug. 2-7. . . . St. Dorothy Parish (S. Eberhart) is gearing up for pastor Father Bob Miller’s guided pilgrimage to the shrines of Italy, Oct. 18-29. To join them, call Father Bob at (773) 651-7000. . . . St. Anthony Parish (Roseland) took a bus pilgrimage to St. John, Ind., to the Shrine of Christ’s Passion . That’s an evocative one-half mile outdoor trail with life-size bronze statues and scenarios of the 14 stations of the cross.

  • “Why doesn’t the church do something…?” —

    That question at times is about help for addiction to drugs or alcohol. The National Catholic Council on Alcoholism and Related Drug Problems (NCCA) does provide support to families, as do local AA and NA meetings. The NCCA is offering a free prayer book, “Prayers for Addicted Persons and Their Loved Ones,” free Serenity Prayer bookmarks, and a pamphlet, “When They Won’t (or Can’t) Quit Alcohol or Drugs.” Call (800) 626-6910, ext. 1200, e-mail [email protected] or write NCCA, 1601 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI, 48360.

  • New ground —

    Fortunately our William Ferris Chorale is a prophet in its own home town, as well as feted internationally. That is due to its popular concert seasons at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (W. Belmont) for 30+ years, presentations on the BBC, WFMT and NPR , numerous recordings, its gifted singers themselves, music director Paul French , and artistic director, John Vorassi , co-founder with the late empressario William Ferris . (John is marking his 25th year in music ministry at the parish as well.) “American Choral Premieres,” a collection of sacred pieces drawn from biblical and other texts, never-before recorded, is the chorale’s newest CD. A New York music critic says, “The William Ferris Chorale never misses a pitch in this complex material.” It is available from www.amazon.com or by calling Cedille Records, (773) 989-2515.

  • Internet wisdom:

    “A closed mouth gathers no feet.”