Old St. Patrick's Church

Last night's Old St. Patrick's Church Emerald Ball provided me the opportunity to meet and have a wonderful conversation with the legendary Sr. Jean, Chaplain for Loyola University Chicago Men's Basketball team. Sr. Jean is rocking 105 years of dedicated Service as a Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM). Her intelligence and wisdom are extraordinary. As a trailblazer and woman of Faith, she has shattered many glass ceilings and achieved numerous firsts. After becoming a BVM nun, Sister Jean took on various roles in education, where she has tirelessly supported and empowered women. Her dedication has been pivotal in creating an environment where women can flourish. This year's Emerald Ball celebrated all women, including honoring Sr. Jean with their Heart of the Crossroads award. Meeting Sr. Jean was more fulfilling than I had thought. She is still sharp as a tack and actively serving with showing up on Loyola University's campus every day (M-F... there's no hybrid in her work life 😉) where her door is open for students, faculty and staff to visit and connect with her. ROCK ON, SR. JEAN!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENDLESS ENERGY AND SERVICE TO ALL!!!

No matter your age or situation—whether you're teaching a classroom of kindergartners, assisting patients at a hospital, or working remotely from home—life is full of noise. Texts, pings, notifications, emails, and even our racing thoughts can make it hard to find peace. We may text a friend, turn to a colleague, or call a family member for relief, but what happens when no one’s available to have a conversation? Turning to the one who’s always available means we can access a sense of peace at any time. Today, Fr. Hurley encourages us to embrace God’s constant presence, no matter our circumstances. When we focus on what God is speaking to our hearts, we discover calm and freedom—and that inner peace can ripple outward, providing a calming presence for others. https://lnkd.in/gGima3Q7

If you're in Chicago right now, you can attest to the fact that summer here is truly magical, with the city sparkling in all its glory. From the magnificent lakefront with the boats, bike path and beaches to the neighbor hood block parties and street fests, it's a season that lifts the spirit. Summer, in general, is a time when we can take a break from work, school, and chores and relax and connect with others and enjoy everything the city has to offer. In Sunday's gospel reading, Jesus invites the disciples to rest - and his invitation is not just about a vacation but about going more deeply into life. Today, Father Jack Wall reminds us that Jesus invites us to slow down, rest in Him, and let His presence lift us up so we can be who we are called to be. https://lnkd.in/g_bbV5-t

Have you ever been locked up, frozen by fear? Or terrified to take action? It can be debilitating, but God has sent us the Holy Spirit to aid us. The Spirit is here to move us to become the people God has created us to be, pushing us beyond our limitations. This past Sunday, we celebrated Pentecost Sunday, and so today, Father Pat McGrath explains how the Holy Spirit is sent to liberate us, overcome our deepest fears, and draw us into action and a more purposeful life. https://lnkd.in/gyuGP4hQ

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: O Love How Beautiful I Will Lift My Eyes https://lnkd.in/gazuyjRX