Last Sunday, April 15, 2018, Holy Family celebrated 160 Years of Marriage by inviting all couples who have been married in the church, had a family member married in the church, or are married parishioners to renew their wedding vows from their special day. Fr. Mike said, "It was a break out the tissue moment seeing all the happy couples standing there, holding each others hands, and renewing their commitment to one another." Present were couples with over 50 years of marriage, and others who were recently married at Holy Family. All sharing a common bond of love and commitment, while looking forward to the next adventure and milestone. Spouses who have passed and all couples over 160 years that have been married here were remembered in the Prayers of the Faithful. It was a joyful day for all, and another wonderful celebration of our 160th year.

For the past 160 years, Holy Family has been the foundation in faith for the community of believers. People were baptized, received Eucharist, came to be married, and celebrated the lives of loved ones at funerals. As a part of our continued celebration of our 160th Anniversary, Holy Family Parish invites all married couples to our 9:45 Mass on Sunday, April 15 to renew your wedding vows. Whether you’ve been married for one year, five years, or fifty years, or if your parents, grandparents, or other family members celebrated the sacrament of Matrimony at Holy Family or somewhere else, please join us for Mass and a reception afterwards.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. In a diocesan effort to support this cause, on behalf of Cardinal Cupich, the Office of Protecting God's Children invites us to a special prayer service here in our Healing Garden on May 4, 2018, at 11:30 am. With the addition of blue ribbons on May Street, we hope to convey a message that every child deserves the chance to be raised in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment. As Jesus said, "Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Congratulations to the Fr. Frances Xavier Breen SJ. Knights of Columbus, who celebrated their 100th Anniversary at Mass on April 8, 2018. As we celebrate Holy Family’s 160th anniversary, 6o years later, Fr Breen started a Knights of Columbus council here at Holy Family. The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1882, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus. The Knights have given over $151 million directly to charity (over $1.367 billion in charitable contributions in the last 10 years) and performed over 69 million man hours of voluntary service. Happy Anniversary!

The Women's Center is asking for the following items: 4-strollers, 2-double strollers, 5-high chairs, 4-toddler beds, and 4-dressers. In addition to these items, the Center is in need of baby food (in date), diapers (sizes 5 and 6 only), girls' clothing (sizes 2 and 24 months), and boys' clothing (sizes 6, 7, and 8). The families that receive these items are grateful for your generosity. For drop-off location, or to arrange a pick-up by a volunteer, please call 773-794-1313.

Holy Family will once again host The City Lights Orchestra, conducted by Rich Daniels, for the Keep Hope Alive Benefit Concert to support the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Human Dignity & Solidarity-Immigration Ministry. The benefit concert will take place on April 9, 2018 at 7:00 PM. A VIP reception featuring beer, wine, heavy appetizers, and live auction will be held before the concert at St. Ignatius College Prep beginning at 5:30 PM. This reception will be hosted by Cardinal Blase Cupich. Click on the picture or title link for ticket and sponsorship information.

On March 24, 2017, a large group of Holy Family parishioners and friends took part in the March for Our Lives at Union Park. The March was one of many held throughout the country to ask for a change in gun laws. Student speakers and performers were inspirational as they shared their views and experiences with gun violence in the city of Chicago. The day began with a prayer service led by Fr. Mike, and then the group made the mile and half mile walk to Union Park. Thanks to all who participated in this historic day. See the photo album below for additional pictures.

As Catholics commemorate Jesus’ passion on Good Friday, the Vatican is asking them to support the church in the Holy Land with their prayers, and financial contributions The collection ensures not only that the shrines remain open to pilgrims , but that local Christians are able to stay in their homeland. The Christian community has remained in the region down through the centuries, even at the cost of great sacrifice and martyrdom.” Funds gathered support young families, parishes, seminaries, schools, hospitals and clinics, refugees and small businesses.

Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer? Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is looking for volunteers to serve throughout our more than 150 locations helping improve the lives of the people we serve. For more information, visit us at www.volunteerbridge.com, email volunteer@catholiccharities.net or call the Volunteer Relations department at (312) 655-7322.

On, March 24, 2018, the March for Our Lives is taking place all around the country. The purpose is that as people of this country, we want to say that changes in the gun and ammunition policies are decades overdue. Here at Holy Family there will be a prayer service at 8:30 AM in the church. After the prayer service, we will head to Union Park (1501 W. Randolph) to join in solidarity with people all over the country. Even if you are unable to walk, we hope you will join with us in prayer. Click on the picture or title link for more information about the march.

Please welcome our new Administrative Assistant, Robert Phillips. He has been active in the parish, helping out with the food pantry, and is excited to serve the parish in this new capacity. Good luck, Robert, and welcome to the staff!

On March 10, 2018, the Apollo Chorus of Chicago presented Verdi's Requiem as part of Holy Family's 160th Anniversary celebration. The concert was very moving and provided the audience of over 500 to an mystical evening filled with beautiful music. Special thanks Stephen Alltop, musical director and conductor, and the members of the Apollo Chorus for such an exhilarating performance, and for helping the parish celebrate this wonderful milestone.

On February 18, 2018, Melissa Rebeles, our adult Candidate for Confirmation and her husband/sponsor Brian attended the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion Ceremony at Holy Name Cathedral. At this ceremony, Melissa and Brian affirmed their readiness to move forward to receive the sacraments and complete their initiation into the Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Congratulations, Melissa! You have the prayers and support of the entire Holy Family community during this special time of prayer and preparation!

On February 25, 2018, parishioners, friends, and guests enthusiastically listened to Chicago historian, and Holy Family parishioner, Ellen Skerrett, as she shared information and stories from Holy Family's 160 years. Skerrett not only shared information about the beautiful Gothic church, but about the people who have made it a Chicago institution. Thank you, Ellen, for sharing your love of Holy Family with all of us!

The Apollo Chorus of Chicago will return to Holy Family Church on Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 pm to present its Choral Classics concert, performing Verdi’s Requiem. The Apollo Chorus is honored to perform at Holy Family Church as the parish celebrates 160 years in the community. For ticket information, click on the picture.

Join historian Ellen Skerrett for an amazing talk and tour of Holy Family Church on February 25 at 3 PM in the church. Click on Fr. Damen's picture for more information.

On February 6, Fr. Mike celebrated his 60th birthday. The Holy Family community wishes him many more years of health and happiness on this special occasion, and we are grateful for his spiritual leadership and his continued love and support. Holy Family parishioners and friends are invited to celebrate with Fr. Mike on February 18, 2018 after the 9:45 Mass. Cake and coffee will be served

Holy Family lost a dear friend this past week - Walter Sieradzki. Regardless of the weather, Walter took the bus every Sunday to 9:45 Mass, and always had warm smile for everyone he met. Holy Family was Walter's family, so Fr. Mike is asking that those parishioners who are able, to please help send Walter to his final resting place. The visitation will be held in the church on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 beginning at 9:30 AM with the funeral Mass at 10:00 AM.

Daprato Rigali Studios of Chicago has been selected to repair the Prodigal Son window that was broken during a break in at the church in December. The company has done many repairs of this nature around the archdiocese, and they have removed the window for repair.

The National Catholic Society of Foresters, a member-based fraternal organization established in 1891 at Holy Family, provided the parish with a very generous Christmas gift of $7,000. This gift will be used to support the food pantry, parish projects, and for emergencies. The National Catholic Society of Foresters helps its members secure their future by making available life insurance products and retirement products along with valuable member benefits that support the growth of strong communities. For more information on the Society, click the title link above.