SAINT GEORGE CATHOLIC CHURCH

6707 West 175th Street, Tinley Park, IL  60477  – Phone:  708-532-2243

Message from Father Paul


March 31, 2024

Happy Easter to all!
Alleluia!  Christ is Risen from the dead!

I pray this will be a blessed and wonderful Easter for you and your family. The celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead gives meaning to all we believe about Jesus. The journey from the cross to the empty tomb is one that could be taken only by the Son of God. And the miraculous thing about it is that He invites us to that same journey. Death, where is your sting? Death, where is your victory? These are Saint Paul’s rhetorical questions. Paul knows the answer: Death has been vanquished. Life stands triumphant.

All of us at Saint George are happy you have come to join us for this most festive occasion. If it has been a while since you’ve been to church, we are glad you are here. We hope you feel welcome and cared for. We need your prayers. Please join us again and often!

Saint George is busy about many things. This is our 90th anniversary year and we have had several celebrations to honor our parish. The next Big Event is on Sunday, April 21 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. We will be hosting a benefit for three Tinley Park families who have experienced devastating health crises: Paula Dettmann, a long-time parishioner, Julia Donohoe, a junior at Andrew High School, and Kelsey Mercado, wife of our former associate pastor, Roberto Mercado. All of them are faced with long-term recovery… and Saint George is stepping up to help. The event is free, and all ages are welcome. However, you must have a ticket. These can be acquired through the parish office. Join us for a terrific day of snacks, drinks, raffles and live music. Hope to see you there!

Our young people will be receiving the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord) on Sunday, April 14. Bishop Bob Lombardo will be presiding. Confirmation is a moment in a young person’s life when they make a decision. It is a decision to become true Disciples of Jesus, to commit to walk with Him and live by His wisdom and grace.

Our little ones will receive their First Holy Communion on Sunday, April 28. One of the joys of offering Communion in general is to see young children come forward with their parents. They look at the host and look at me, then tell me they want one. Now some of those same children will finally receive the gift they have been waiting for.  It is a beautiful reminder of what the Eucharist is and what a vital part of our spiritual life receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is. This is another case of “Let the children show us the way.” May their enthusiasm for the Eucharist be ours!

Several weeks ago we had the Annual Catholic Appeal. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously. I am happy to say we got word that we have exceeded our required amount! Now 90% of everything collected from here on out will come back to Saint George for the refurbishing of the Marian shrine and upgrades in the Parish Life Center.

All of these things I have mentioned are just a sampling of the dedication, energy and joy that make Saint George a true blessing. May God bless your Easter with joy, peace and hope.