June 21, 2026

Happy Father’s Day to all our dads out there! I hope this will be a day to feel appreciation and gratitude from your family. The role of a father has dramatically changed since I was a child. Now fathers tend to take a more active role in their children’s lives — right down to changing diapers! This leads to a closer union between husband and wife and a fine example of love for the children. Many of us have other men who have shown us a father’s care. These are the men who run clubs and teach young people. These are the mentors we have. They may not be related but they certainly have a rich and lasting effect on our lives. Fathers, we thank you for all you have done for us, those with us and those in heaven.

Next month, our Children’s Faith Formation program will be sponsoring a Vacation Bible School. I hope our little ones will be a part of it. I especially want to invite our eighth grade through college age young adults to assist in making this a success. You will have training and opportunities to deepen your own faith, even as you help the younger ones. So if you are in that age range or know someone who is, consider being a part of this year’s Vacation Bible School.

Last weekend, Saint George participated in two important events. We took part in this year’s Home Build. It was a perfect day for it and seeing our seven parishes come together to make a concrete difference in people’s lives is an inspiration. Thank you to everyone who swung a hammer or served snacks. It was a great day!  Secondly, we had the pleasure of honoring our active military personnel and veterans. It is a gift for us to express our appreciation to them. I want to thank the committee who worked so hard to make it a great occasion, and Dr. Doug Rasmussen, of the Tinley Park Veterans Commission  who presented John Scaglione with a citation. Please pray for an end to all war across the globe.

As you read this, Father John and I will have participated in the semi-annual Priests’ Convocation. It is intended for us to come together, strengthen our fraternity, hear valuable talks and pray. I wish I could tell you how it went but I am writing this before it happens! Know that both of us bring Saint George with us in our hearts and prayers. We are deeply grateful for the love and affection you show us all the time.

I hope you have taken a moment to stop, take a nice long, deep breath, and take in a sunset or feel the sunshine on your face or maybe even take a dip in a pool. Our lives are so hectic. We get caught on a treadmill that makes us feel like we are doing something important, and maybe it is, but we need to catch our breath once in a while. Please give yourself a moment, whether it be a walk in a forest, a bike ride, or some time before the Blessed Sacrament in adoration. You are worth it.