The word “Hospitality” means the “the warm and generous reception of others.” Hospitality is an act of welcome and an occasion of community. Hospitality seeks to build up the Body of Christ through sharing in fellowship together. Hospitality is a gift we give to one another. It is the relationships that are the foundation of Hospitality, not the refreshments. We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to coordinate occasions of Hospitality following 9:45 Mass on a rotating basis. Coordinating Hospitality will include providing light refreshments in the back of Church, and creative leadership in building and enhancing community through these short gatherings. If you feel called to give of yourself in this way, there is a sign up sheet available in the back of Church where you can indicate your interest or you can sign up online by clicking on the title link or picture. Thank you for considering this invitation to extend and promote God’s gift of Hospitality within this community!

A small piece of Holy Family history has been restored and returned this week - a sanctuary table. The table, estimated to be over 100 years old, was missing a leg, cracked in several places, and in desperate need of repair. Mike Robbins, a Chicago area craftsman and cabinetmaker, brought the table back to its original splendor. According to Deacon Dave, the table is used mainly during Holy Week and for special celebrations.

The 33rd Annual Greater Chicago Food Depository Hunger Walk will take place on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at Jackson Park. The Hunger Walk provides support to the Holy Family Food Pantry in its mission to help those in need in our area. Last year, Holy Family sent its largest group ever to the Walk with over 40 parishioners and St. Ignatius staff and students taking part in the event. So mark your calendar, and plan to join us this year. Please click on the title link or picture for a video of last year's event, and keep checking the website and/or bulletin for more information about the 2018 Hunger Walk in the coming weeks.

After a six month restoration, the Prodigal Son window is back in all its splendor. Fr. Mike blessed the historic window on May 27, 2018 at the 9:45 AM Mass, as the Holy Family community welcomed back one of its most beautiful and beloved stained glass windows. The restoration was necessary after vandals broke into the church last December. Thanks to the talented artists at Daprato Rigali Studios of Chicago, the window looks as good as the day it was installed over 100 years ago. The parish would also like to thank all who supported this restoration with their generous donations.

Catholic Charities professional clothing center, Mary’s Closet, is in need of career-ready clothing, accessories and shoes for men and women, especially in larger sizes. Mary’s Closet, is a program that helps Catholic Charities clients, who are in need of assistance preparing for job interviews or seeking employment, by providing them with work-ready clothes and interview coaching. For more information about the program, a list of drop-off locations and pickup service please click on the title link of picture.

On May 19, 2018, Fr. Mike celebrated his 34th year as a priest for the archdiocese of Chicago. The Holy Family community congratulates Fr. Mike on this milestone, and is grateful for his spiritual leadership, and the pastoral work that he does for Holy Family each and every day. Please keep him in your prayers, as we ask God to continue to bless him in his work and life's mission.

On Monday, May 28, 2018, Memorial Day Field Masses will be held throughout the archdiocese to honor those who have served our country. For a schedule of locations and times, please click on the picture or title link. Mass will also be held at Holy Family at 10:00 AM with members of the Chicago Fire Department. All are invited.

Holy Family celebrated May Crowning on Mother's Day to honor our Blessed Mother. Thanks to the many families who brought flowers to honor Mary and in remembrance of our mothers and all those who have mothered us during our lifetime. The parish was treated to inspirational homilies by two mothers,Laura Guzman & Alison Conlon, who shared their perspectives, and what it means to me a "mom." A Happy and Blessed Mother's Day to all! A photo album of the day can be found by clinking on the picture or title link.

“Some people say there is too much talk about race and racism in the United States. I say that there is not enough,” writes psychologist and author Beverly Daniel Tatum. Click on the picture or title link to see Chicago Tonight's interview with Beverly Daniel Tatum discussing her revised and updated national bestselling book, "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?...And Other Conversations About Race."

Twenty-three young people received their First Communion on May 6 in front of their family, friends, and a packed church. Congratulations to our communicants and may they continue to experience the sacrifice and love of God in their reception of the Body and Blood of Christ.

On May 4, 2018, the Archdiocese of Chicago held the annual Healing Garden Prayer Service at Holy Family. Students from several Catholic schools had the opportunity to plant a pinwheel as a sign to all who visit the garden of the hope that the all victims of abuse will be healed, and the pledge by all adults who work with children to keep them safe in all that they do. Students from St. Ignatius helped lead the program and provided the inspirational music for the service. Click on the title link or picture to go to the Photo Album.

It's time for some spring cleaning, and Holy Family is looking for volunteers to help clean out our beautiful, hand carved confessionals. If you can help, please contact Fr. Mike at frmike@holyfamilychicago.org or at 312-492-8442.

Fr. Fernando Arizti, S.J., a former priest at Holy Family, now has a website dedicated to his life and artwork. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Fr. Arizti came to Chicago and did a variety of religious and community ministries. He painted "black art" mainly on themes of liberation. Fr. Chuck Niehaus, who served with Fr. Arizti in the 60's, 70's, and 80's wrote the article and did the website. For more information and to see Fr. Arizti's work, click on the picture or title link.

Change fear, despair and isolation into hope and dignity today by making your gift to the Catholic Charities Mother's Day Appeal. A special collection will take place at all Masses on May 13, 2018. To inspire your generosity a group of loyal Catholic Charities supporters created a challenge grant that will match new and increased gifts to the Mother’s Day Appeal up to $50,000. Click on the picture or title link for more information and to donate directly to Catholic Charities.

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.