Archdiocese of Chicago

English Page | Polish Page | Spanish Page | Black Catholic

Thursday August 28 2008.

Locators: Parishes | Elementary Schools | High Schools

www.archchicago.org

News Release s

	Annual Report
	Around the Archdiocese
	Coming Events
	Daybook for Media
	Summer Festivals
	Millennium Statue Schedule
	News Releases
	Parish Bulletin News

News Releases Archives
	News Releases 2008

	News Releases 2007

	News Releases 2006

	News Releases 2005

	News Releases 2004
Statements/ Letters of Cardinal George
	Archives
Obituaries
	Archives

News Releases - 2008

News Releases
Statements
Special Issues

News Releases

CARDINAL GEORGE TO LEAD AUGUST PILGRIMAGE
OF ARCHDIOCESAN FAITHFUL TO LOURDES, FRANCE
Celebrating 150 th Anniversary of Apparition of Virgin Mary to St. Bernadette
CHICAGO, IL (July 30, 2008)
more >>

CELEBRATING HUMANAE VITAE’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Resources on Pope Paul VI's Landmark Encyclical Now Available
CHICAGO, IL (July 18, 2008)
more >>

CARDINAL GEORGE TO ATTEND WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008
Two Hundred Archdiocesan Catholics Also Traveling to Sydney, Australia
CHICAGO, IL (July 11, 2008)
more >>

AREA CATHOLICS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN AT HOME PILGRIMAGE
Events Coincide with 150TH Anniversary Pilgrimage to Lourdes
CHICAGO, IL ( July 11, 2008 )
more >>

WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008 CHICAGO STYLE
To Be Celebrated at St. Hyacinth Basilica on July 19
Chicago, IL ( July 8, 2008 )
more >>

NUMBER OF ARCHDIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TO INCREASE IN 2008-09
CHICAGO, IL (July 1, 2008)
more >>

KEVIN J. MARZALIK APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
FOR ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
CHICAGO (June 23, 2008)
more >>

CARDINAL GEORGE AND SIX AUXILIARY BISHOPS
TO CELEBRATE WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008 MASS
Chicago-area Catholics of all Ages Invited to Attend
CHICAGO, IL (June 10, 2008)
more >>

SECRETARY TO POPE JOHN PAUL II TO BE HONORED AT FIFTH ANNUAL
BISHOP ABRAMOWICZ SEMINARY PROGRAM BENEFIT BANQUET
CHICAGO, IL (June 9, 2008)
more >>

EIGHT NEW DEACONS ORDAINED FOR ARCHDIOCESE
Completed Four-Year Diaconate Formation Program at Mundelein Seminary
Chicago, IL (June 5, 2008)
more >>

CARDINAL GEORGE INVITES ALL TO SHARE HIS PERSONAL
REFLECTIONS OF POPE BENEDICT XVI’S U.S. VISIT
First of Three Presentation Services to be Held on Sunday, June 8
CHICAGO, IL (May 29, 2008)
more >>

PROCESSION AND INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE
TO CALL ATTENTION TO IMMIGRATION
Chicago, IL (May 19, 2008)
more >>

CARDINAL GEORGE TO CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY FIELD MASS IN PALATINE
Archdiocesan Bishops and Priests to Celebrate Masses
at Dozens of Catholic Cemeteries in Cook and Lake Counties
Chicago, IL (May 16, 2008)
more >>

CARDINAL GEORGE TO ORDAIN THIRTEEN
PRIESTS FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
Eleven from Mundelein Seminary and Two for the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius
Chicago, IL ( May 14, 2008 )
more >>

NEW CHAIR OF THEOLOGY CREATED AT MUNDELEIN SEMINARY
Robert E. Barron to be first holder
CHICAGO, IL (May 13, 2008)
more >>

AREA CATHOLICS PRESENTED WITH AWARDS FOR
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO CATECHESIS
CHICAGO, IL (May 9, 2008)
more >>

CARDINAL GEORGE LOOKS BACK ON
POPE BENEDICT XVI’S HISTORIC VISIT TO THE U.S.
On The Church, the Cardinal and You Cable TV Program
Chicago, IL ( May 2, 2008 )
more >>

CHICAGO MEDALLION FOR EXCELLENCE IN CATECHESIS
TO BE PRESENTED TO DR. PAULINE VIVIANO
Eighth Recipient of Prestigious Archdiocesan Award
more >>

SISTER MAGDALENE KARECKI NAMED DIRECTOR
OF ARCHDIOCESAN CATHOLIC MISSIONS OFFICE
CHICAGO, IL (April 21, 2008)
more >>

JUSTICE DAY 2008
Planting Seeds of Sustainability
CHICAGO, IL (April 16, 2008)
more >>

ARCHDIOCESAN CATHOLICS GREET, PRAY AND PLEDGE
TO SERVE IN HONOR OF POPE BENEDICT XVI’S U.S. VISIT
Chicago, IL ( April 15, 2008 )
more >>

ARCHDIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS CELEBRATE
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WITH WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD
Chicago, IL ( April 11, 2008 )
more >>

ARCHDIOCESE OBSERVES NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
Children Matter Network Website Provides Resources
Chicago, IL (April 10, 2008)
more >>

PILGRIMAGE TO 49TH INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
Open to Catholics from Across the Archdiocese of Chicago
CHICAGO, IL (April 8, 2008)
more >>

21st ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF CASA JESUS SEMINARY
Archdiocese of Chicago’s Hispanic Ministry Formation Facility
CHICAGO, IL (April 4, 2008)
more >>

EVANGELIZING CHICAGO’S CATHOLICS VIA THE INTERNET
Archdiocese Reaching Faithful with Improved Technology
Chicago, IL (April 3, 2008)
more >>

HOLY NAME CATHEDRAL CLOSURE EXTENDED
Chicago, IL (March 26, 2008)
more >>

BISHOP TIMOTHY LYNE TO MARK 65 YEARS AS
ARCHDIOCESAN PRIEST AND 25 YEARS AS A BISHOP
Cardinal George to Serve as Co-host of May 1 Celebratory Dinner
Chicago, IL (March 25, 2008)
more >>

ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO TO LAUNCH TELEVISED SPANISH LANGUAGE MASS
Premiers 8 a.m. Easter Sunday on Azteca America
CHICAGO, IL (March 20, 2008)
more >>

CHICAGO ARCHDIOCESE CELEBRATES BLACK MARRIAGE DAY
Couple with Longest Black Catholic Marriage To be Honored
Chicago, IL (March 19, 2008)
more >>

ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE FOR RACIAL JUSTICE PRESENTS INCOGNITO
Critically Acclaimed Story of Author and Playwright Michael Sidney Fosberg
Chicago, IL (March 13, 2008)
more >>

HOLY NAME CATHEDRAL TO REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL EARLY MAY
Chicago, IL ( March 11, 2008 )
more >>

LITURGIES AND PRAYER SERVICES TO BE HELD ACROSS ARCHDIOCESE
DURING HOLY WEEK
Celebrated by Cardinal George and Archdiocesan Bishops and Priests
Chicago, IL (March 7, 2008)
more >>

NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION AWARD
GOES TO ARCHDIOCESAN PASTOR
Fr. Carl Morello of St. Paul of the Cross Named Distinguished Pastor
Chicago, IL (March 5, 2008)
more >>

TALENT SHOW FEATURING PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS SET FOR MARCH 30
Padres Plus on Parade at Maria High School
Chicago, IL ( February 22, 2008 )
more >>

PROGRAM CELEBRATES CARDINAL’S PASTORAL LETTER ON RACISM
Stories of Race, Stories of Place, Stories of Grace
Chicago, IL (February 20, 2008)
more >>

CARDINAL GEORGE NAMES SR. M. PAUL McCAUGHEY, O.P.
NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Chicago, IL (February 15, 2008)
more >>

SEVEN CATHOLIC PARISHES SPONSOR WEST SIDE CATHOLIC REVIVAL
Stand Up, Do Not Be Afraid on February 18 and 19
Chicago, IL ( February 13, 2008 )
more >>

PROGRAM CELEBRATES CARDINAL’S PASTORAL LETTER ON RACISM
Stories of Race, Stories of Place, Stories of Grace
Chicago, IL (February 13, 2008)
more >>

CARDINAL GEORGE TO DELIVER OPENING REMARKS
AT 13 TH ANNUAL BERNARDIN LECTURE
Reflections on Jewish-Catholic Relations: Past, Present and Future
Chicago, IL (February 13, 2008)
more >>

SEVEN HISPANIC DEACONS TO BE ORDAINED FOR ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
Culmination of Forty-two Month Diaconate Formation Program
Chicago, IL ( February 8, 2008 )
more >>

PROGRAM CELEBRATES CARDINAL’S PASTORAL LETTER ON RACISM
Stories of Race, Stories of Place, Stories of Grace
Chicago, IL (January 31, 2008)
more >>

ARCHDIOCESAN SCHOOLS MARK AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Begins with 30 th Anniversary Mass at Holy Name Cathedral
Chicago, IL (January 30, 2008)
more >>

ARCHDIOCESAN CATHOLICS PREPARE FOR LENTEN SEASON
Numerous Liturgical Events at Parishes in Cook and Lake Counties
Chicago, IL (January 30, 2008)
more >>

ARCHDIOCESAN SCHOOLS CELEBRATE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Visits by Cardinal George and Auxiliary Bishops Highlight Activities
Chicago, IL January 25, 2008
more >>

PROGRAM CELEBRATES CARDINAL’S PASTORAL LETTER ON RACISM
Stories of Race, Stories of Place, Stories of Grace
Chicago, IL (January 18, 2008)
more >>

ARCHDIOCESE NAMES 2008’S HEART OF SCHOOL AWARD WINNERS
Fourteen Elementary and High School Teachers in Seven Categories
Chicago, IL (January 18, 2008)
more >>

ARCHDIOCESAN PARISH LEADERS GATHER ON FEBRUARY 2
Taking the Spirit to the Streets: Bringing People Closer to God
Chicago, IL ( January 15, 2008 )
more >>

ARCHDIOCESAN PRO-LIFE EVENTS ACROSS COOK AND LAKE
COUNTIES MARK 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROE V. WADE
CHICAGO, IL ( January 11, 2008 )
more >>

CHICAGO CATHOLICS TRAVEL TO D.C. FOR MARCH FOR LIFE EVENTS
Recognizing 35th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Decision
CHICAGO, IL ( January 11, 2008 )
more >>

PROGRAM CELEBRATES CARDINAL’S PASTORAL LETTER ON RACISM
Stories of Race, Stories of Place, Stories of Grace
Chicago, IL (January 10, 2008)
more >>

EIGHTH ANNUAL ECUMENICAL PRAYER SERVICE
Highlights Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Chicago, IL ( January 10, 2008 )
more >>

PROGRAM CELEBRATES CARDINAL’S PASTORAL LETTER ON RACISM
Stories of Race, Stories of Place, Stories of Grace
Chicago, IL (January 3, 2008)
more >>

Statements

Archdiocese of Chicago

STATEMENT OF CHANCELLOR JIMMY M. LAGO REGARDING THE
APPOINTMENT OF KEVIN J. MARZALIK
AS DIRECTOR OF FINANCE FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
June 23, 2008

I am pleased to announce that Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, has appointed Kevin J. Marzalik as the new Director of Finance, effective July 5, 2008. Kevin brings all the requisite skills, background and academic credentials that are needed for this position. In particular, his lifelong involvement with the Catholic Church and understanding of Church teaching and ministry will be a great asset to him in this work. The appointment is for five years and is in accord with the provisions of Canon Law (c. 494), and Book V regarding the “Temporal Goods of the Church.” I welcome Kevin to this critical position as well as look forward to his important contributions to the deliberations within the Cardinal’s curia, the Administrative Council, the College of Consultors and other advisory groups to the Cardinal.

“I am impressed with Kevin’s very extensive background, but especially his immediate grasp of the critical relationships between financial realities and local pastoral concerns and sensitivities,” said Cardinal George. “I am confident that he will work hard to make sure that the ongoing financial situations faced by pastors, priests and local ecclesial ministers are understood by the Pastoral Center and local Vicariate office staffs and that creative solutions are developed to assist them.”

“I am grateful to Cardinal George for the appointment and for the trust and confidence he places in me to take on this work,” said Kevin Marzalik. “I follow the excellent leadership of Tom Brennan whom I had the privilege of working with very briefly as I assisted the Catholic Missions Office in its transition to improved accounting practices. I will try to put the entire range of financial, marketing and operational experiences I have had in the corporate world to bear on the challenges facing the Archdiocese’s parishes, schools, agencies, ministries and departments. I am truly honored to have this opportunity.”

Mr. Marzalik is a CPA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary High School South. His business experience began in the early 80’s as an auditor with Coopers and Lybrand. He held senior finance positions with McDonald’s Corporation for 11 years as well as with the Marketing Store Worldwide in both administration and finance. Most recently he served as vice president, chief financial and operations officer for Paladin Holdings, Inc., a venture capital-funded firm specializing in a variety of marketing, advertising, and communications opportunities. Mr. Marzalik was awarded the Christifideles Award for extraordinary lay ministry in 2005. McDonald’s Corporation gave him the President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in 1989. In addition, he has been part of an African Mission Team for Uganda since 2006. He has been involved in a variety of church-related projects and ministries including finance committee chair of his local parish, and has served as a Confirmation youth catechist and a retreat leader for Engaged Couples Discovery weekends.

Marzalik, his wife Penny and their three sons reside in Western Springs and are members of St. John of the Cross Parish.

Archdiocese of Chicago

STATEMENT OF FRANCIS CARDINAL GEORGE, O.M.I.,
ARCHBISHOP OF CHICAGO
June 3, 2008

To put recent events in some perspective, I have asked Father Michael Pfleger, Pastor of St. Sabina’s Parish, to step back from his obligations there and take leave for a couple of weeks from his pastoral duties, effective today. Fr. Pfleger does not believe this to be the right step at this time. While respecting his disagreement, I have nevertheless asked him to use this opportunity to reflect on his recent statements and actions in the light of the Church’s regulations for all Catholic priests. I hope that this period will also be a time away from the public spotlight and for rest and attention to family concerns.

I hope also that the life of St. Sabina’s parish may continue in uninterrupted fashion. Fr. William Vanecko, Pastor of St. Kilian’s parish, will be temporary administrator of St. Sabina’s and will assure the full complement of ministerial services during this period. I ask the members of St. Sabina’s parish to cooperate with him and to keep him and Fr. Pfleger in their prayers. They are in mine.

Archdiocese of Chicago

STATEMENT OF FRANCIS CARDINAL GEORGE, O.M.I.,
ARCHBISHOP OF CHICAGO
Friday, May 30, 2008

Statement of Cardinal Francis George concerning remarks of
Fr. Michael Pfleger about Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton during
an address at Trinity United Church of Christ on Sunday May 25, 2008

The Catholic Church does not endorse political candidates. Consequently, while a priest must speak to political issues that are also moral, he may not endorse candidates nor engage in partisan campaigning.

Racial issues are both political and moral and are also highly charged. Words can be differently interpreted, but Fr. Pfleger’s remarks about Senator Clinton are both partisan and amount to a personal attack. I regret that deeply.

To avoid months of turmoil in the church, Fr. Pfleger has promised me that he will not enter into campaigning, will not publicly mention any candidate by name and will abide by the discipline common to all Catholic priests.

Archdiocese of Chicago

STATEMENT OF FRANCIS CARDINAL GEORGE, O.M.I.,
ARCHBISHOP OF CHICAGO,
ON THE CLOSING OF
ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL, BLUE ISLAND
April 2, 2008

The closing of St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island is a great loss with far reaching consequences. St. Francis Hospital has been a place where generations of people in the south suburbs have gone for dependable health care along with Catholic pastoral care, which means a holistic approach to treating both body and soul. These services will now be sorely missed.

I am deeply grateful to SSM Health Care for their efforts to keep St. Francis Hospital open, but I can appreciate the financial losses that have necessitated this decision to close. The demise of St. Francis Hospital should serve as a wake-up call for all who are truly concerned about health care. It should motivate our government officials to see the fragile state of many health care institutions, especially in areas that serve predominantly poor populations, and take remedial steps to prevent the further eroding of such services.

Archdiocese of Chicago

Statement from the Archdiocese of Chicago
March 25, 2008

On Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008, several adults interrupted the Easter Mass being celebrated in the auditorium at Holy Name Cathedral Parish. This is a profoundly
disturbing action.

The celebration of the Holy Mass is, in Catholic faith, the action of Jesus Christ through His Church that changes bread and wine into Christ’s real Body and Blood. No one should be allowed or encouraged to use this sacred rite to voice protests or perform guerilla actions under any circumstances. It is a sacrilege that should be condemned by all people of faith
and good will. Freedom to worship God should be inviolable.

Many children and adults were traumatized by the sudden sight of what appeared to be blood and by the screaming of several protesters who dropped to the floor. Church attendees were also hit by the red-staining stage blood. Several individuals have indicated that they and their children were affected very adversely by these actions on Easter Sunday.

On this occasion, a small group used their own political convictions and partisan views to manipulate a sacred Catholic religious service and violated the fundamental right of
Catholics to practice their faith freely.

Special Issues

Cardinal George Leads the Way in Lourdes!
Celebrates Masses and Outdoor Processions with over 30,000 Pilgrims

2008 Archdiocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage - August 4-8
Cardinal George led a group of 190 people from the Chicago area on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Lourdes. During the weeklong pilgrimage, attended by over 30,000 people from around the world, Cardinal George celebrated Masses at the Grotto, in the underground Basilica of St. Pius X and in the town of Lourdes. He led a torchlight rosary procession, a Eucharistic procession and the Way of the Cross at sites in and around the Grotto. Lourdes photo gallery >>

Cardinal George ordained eight men to serve parishes of the Archdiocese of Chicago as permanent deacons on May 25 at St. Cletus Parish in La Grange.
Front row (from left): Deacon David Egan (Chair of Deacon Council), Deacon Stephen Rynkiewicz, Deacon David Bresemann, Cardinal George, Deacon Michael Barnish, and Deacon Andrew Beierwaltes.
Back row (from left): Father Dennis Stafford (Spiritual Formation Director for Deacon Program), Deacon David Kalina, Deacon John Schopp IV, Father Mike Ahlstrom (Vicar for the Diaconate Community), Deacon Erik Zeimys, Deacon Bob Puhala(Director of the Deacon Formation Program) and Deacon Christopher Savage.

Full Diaconate Ordination Press Release >>

Cardinal George ordained 11 graduates of the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary to the priesthood for the Archdiocese in ceremonies on May 17 at St. Juliana Church in Chicago. The newly ordained are:
Bottom left to right: Juan Pablo Ávila Ibarra, Laurent Mhagama, Diego Berrió, Cardinal George, Thadeo Mgimba and Robeth Molina
Top left to right: Very Rev. Dennis Lyle, Rector/President Mundelein Seminary, Maciej Galle, Jose María García-Maldonado, Michal Lewon, Przemyslaw “Peter” Wojcik, Marcin Szczypula, Grzegorz Wojcik, and Rev. August Belauskas, Vice Rector Mundelein Seminary

Full Ordination Press Release >>
Details and Photos in the Catholic New World >>

CARDINAL GEORGE TO DISCUSS
POPE'S VISIT ON CABLE TV

The Church, the Cardinal and You
on Chicagoland Cable TV

Remarks of Cardinal George Introducing Pope Benedict XVI's
Address to U.S. Bishops, April 16
Audio | Text

Archdiocese of Chicago Video Welcomes
Pope Benedict XVI

Catholic New World Highlights Papal Visit

Photos of Mass at Nationals Park taken by Fr. Jerry Boland
Photo Gallery

www.uspapalvisit.org

Seven HISPANIC DEACONS ordained for the archdiocese

Cardinal George ordained seven Hispanic men as permanent deacons on February 17 at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church in Chicago. The new deacons and the parishes at which they will serve are:
FRONT ROW left to right: Efrain Lopez, Resurrection; Pablo Perez, St. Nicholas of Tolentine; Sergio Lopez, St. Simeon; Rogelio Soto, St. Ignatius; Juan Dominquez, St. Adalbert.
BACK ROW left to right: Ruben Aguilar,St. Adrian; Cardinal George, Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, Efrain Flores, St. Maria del Popolo; Fr. Michael Ahlstrom, Vicar for the Diaconate Community

◘ Return to Top