Old St. Pat's Podcast

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir

The featured songs today are:

• For Everyone Born A Place at the Table
• Diverse in Culture, Nation, Race
• Hope Will Prevail

When another school shooting takes place, emotions run heavy—anger, grief, fear, frustration, even numbness. And when one of the victims is from Old St. Pat’s, it hits even closer to home. It tears your heart open and fills you with overwhelming sorrow.

In those moments, prayer can feel fruitless—or even maddening to hear: “we are praying for you.” Because we know prayer is just one piece. Prayer must move us to action. We’re called not only to mourn, but to respond in ways that actively bring peace and protect people.

That response requires many layers—policy change, community engagement, and individual action. Each of us has a role to play. We can speak up and let our leaders know we want real solutions to the pandemic of arms. We can support nonprofits working for peace. We can practice peaceful conflict resolution every day.

And these are just a few ideas. In your own community, look for organizations and local initiatives building safer neighborhoods and addressing the root causes of violence.

Today, we listen to Father Ken Simpson as he mourns with us, prays with us, and challenges us with a powerful question: How will we respond? How will we bring hope in times of tragedy?

When was the last time you went through airport security, or waited in line to get into a big game or concert? It’s a process — and the more baggage you carry, the harder it is. There are limits on what you can bring: clear bags only, weight restrictions, no sharp objects, nothing flammable.

This Sunday’s Gospel uses a similar image — but instead of metal detectors and TSA agents, the focus is the “narrow gate” that leads us into the Kingdom of God. And the question becomes: what are we carrying? Is it anger? Resentment? Pride? A judgmental heart? Or do we bring with us humility? Patience? Kindness? Forgiveness? A heart aligned with Christ’s?

Because here’s the truth: no one else can go through the gate for us. Not our parents, not our children, not even our closest loved ones. Each of us must stand before Jesus, who is the narrow gate. And to pass through, we don’t need privilege or appearances — we need hearts shaped by justice, humility, and love for the most vulnerable.

And God hasn’t left us alone in this. One of the greatest gifts He’s given us for the journey is the Eucharist. The Eucharist doesn’t shield us from life’s struggles — it strengthens us to face them.

Today, Father Foley invites us to take a closer look at the baggage we’re carrying and to make sure our hearts, minds, and souls are truly aligned with the love of Christ before we move forward.

Announcement & Events:

On Wednesday, September 3rd at 7:00 PM, join us for An Evening of Adoration and Contemplative Music. This hour of Eucharistic adoration will feature live music, co-hosted by Encounter Young Adult Ministry and our music ministry. All ages are welcome. Come as you are, pray, and rest in our peaceful church.

Later this month, on September 26th and 27th, you’re invited to a semi-silent overnight retreat for adults called Growing Closer to God through the Changes in Our Lives. Led by Al Gustafson and rooted in the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, this retreat at Bellarmine’s beautiful grounds offers time to pause, reflect, and listen for God’s voice amid life’s transitions. Learn more and register at jesuitretreat.org/retreats or contact Al at [email protected].

We are also looking for wedding ministry volunteers! If you love weddings and would like to help brides, grooms, and their families on their special day, consider joining this joyful hospitality ministry. Volunteers serve about once every six to eight weeks, with training and support provided. If you’re interested, please reach out to Susan Johnson at [email protected].

And finally, the Maryville CYO 10th Annual Golf Classic Invitational takes place on Monday, September 8th at The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. Proceeds will benefit Maryville’s Catholic Youth Organization, which has been serving children, families, and communities for over 30 years. Register today at b.ly/maryvillecygolfclassic.

For more details on all these events, visit us online at: oldstpats.org

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The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir

The featured songs today are:

• We Sing God's Truth
• The Lord Is My Light
• Be Not Afraid

The world doesn’t revolve around us — a truth that cuts straight through our selfie-obsessed culture.

The saints knew this well. St. Bernadette, reflecting on her encounters with the Blessed Virgin at Lourdes, once said: “The Blessed Virgin used me like a broom. What do you do with a broom when you have finished sweeping? You put it back in its place, behind the door.” She understood herself simply as an instrument of God’s work — nothing more, nothing less.

Her example reminds us that humility and service are central to the life of faith, offering a model for how we too, can let God work through us.

And though it may feel counterintuitive, God sometimes calls us into the spotlight. We may naturally shy away, reluctant to draw attention, but these moments aren’t about us either. They are opportunities for God to shine through us, so that others may encounter His love. In these moments, the focus shifts from the individual to the greater glory of God at work through that life.

So today, Father Hurley invites us to pray for the grace to desire what God desires, to become His instruments, and to live so that all we do points — not to ourselves — but to Him.

Announcements & Events

Attention Young adults — you’re invited to the final Theology on Tap event of the summer!  Join us on Tuesday, August 26th at 6:30 p.m. at Pompei Restaurant for an evening of community, conversation, and inspiration.  We’re excited to welcome Fr. Patrick McGrath, SJ, pastor of Old St. Pat’s. In this Theology on Tap talk, Fr. Pat will explore the pragmatic mysticism of St. Ignatius Loyola and Ignatian spirituality.  Meet other young adults ages 18 to 39, enjoy good food and drinks, and discover how to pray like a Jesuit.  The night kicks off with check-in and mingling at 6:00, Fr. Pat’s talk and Q&A at 6:30, and more community time until 7:30 p.m. See you there!

 Join us after the 9:00 a.m. mass on Sunday, August 24th Work Tour Gratitude Mass, then stay to hear inspiring stories from our Foundations Youth Ministry. They’ll be sharing reflections from their service trips to Tennessee, West Virginia, Louisiana, and Kentucky. You’ll hear how our young people made a real difference — and how their faith grew — through serving others. Come be inspired, celebrate their impact, and see how service changes lives. All are welcome!

Will you host a Kinship Exposure Experience? Old St. Pat’s invites you to share the beauty of Chicago with our neighbors from North Lawndale—many of whom haven’t had access to the city’s vibrant experiences. You can host an outing—like a meal, museum visit, sporting event, or spa day—for youth or adults, free of charge.  It’s a powerful way to live our faith and build bridges through friendship.  To sponsor, contact Vincent Guider or Johnny Jones at Old St. Pat’s. Learn more at oldstpats.org/kinship.

Mark your calendars for. Eastern / 5:00 P.M. Pacific! Join Discerning Deacons for the Feast of St. Phoebe on Wednesday, September 3rd at 7:00 P.M for a virtual evening of prayer, testimony, and witness as we honor St. Phoebe the Deacon.

Together, we will:

• Pray for St. Phoebe’s intercession,
• Lift up communities worldwide preparing their own St. Phoebe Day celebrations,
• Celebrate the new Church teaching elevating women’s leadership Don’t miss this special virtual gathering.

Learn more and register at bit.ly/phoebe-2025.

Tickets and sponsorships are now available for The Emerald 2025, Old St. Pat’s signature gala!  Join us Friday, October 3rd at The Geraghty for an unforgettable night of fine food, dancing, and powerful community spirit—all supporting the mission of Old St. Pat’s. Gather your friends, grab a table, and let’s celebrate in style.  Visit oldstpats.org/theemerald to reserve your spot today.  The Emerald 2025—we can’t wait to see you there!

Today’s special music episode features Aimee Scozzafave & Michael St. Peter, accompanied by Mark Scozzafave on piano.

The featured songs in today’s episode, performed solo by Michael Boschert, include:

• Love Is The Boat
• The Prayer
• Taste & See

To learn more about Michael Boschert, or to book Aimee and/or Michael as a cantor for your wedding, click HERE.

As we soak in these hot summer days in Chicago, have you ever thought — Pope Leo grew up in this! He knows what it’s like to walk sun-baked city streets and sit on a front stoop on a hot August evening.

Today, Father Wall shares how he, too, grew up in Dolton, Illinois, and recently revisited his old neighborhood to see Pope Leo’s childhood home. He reflects on how a boy from such humble beginnings was called by God into a role that could have seemed overwhelming for any young Chicago kid — yet God gave him the courage to step forward in faith.

Our humble beginnings and everyday experiences — family meals, block parties, small homes filled with love — are sacred spaces where God’s presence is revealed. They root us in the truth that we are deeply connected: to God, to one another, and to the whole human family.

As fellow Chicagoans, we share a bond with the Pope — but even more, we share a deeper oneness with him and with God. And from our own humble experiences, God calls each one of us to live boldly and to embrace the life we’ve been given.

Today, Father Wall invites you to move forward with courage and to notice the small, everyday ways God is calling you right where you are.

And if you are interested in visiting Pope Leo's home, it is located at 212 E 141st Pl, Dolton, IL 60419.

Announcements & Events:

Join us after the 9:00 a.m. mass on Sunday, August 24th Work Tour Gratitude Mass, then stay to hear inspiring stories from our Foundations Youth Ministry. They’ll be sharing reflections from their service trips to Tennessee, West Virginia, Louisiana, and Kentucky. You’ll hear how our young people made a real difference — and how their faith grew — through serving others. Come be inspired, celebrate their impact, and see how service changes lives. All are welcome!

Looking for a new job or thinking about a career change? The Career Transitions Center has great events coming up this August to help you succeed!

• Today, August 12th at noon — join Integrating Wellness Strategies and Goal Setting for Job Search.
• August 18th at 11 a.m. — don’t miss our Introduction to CTC Services info session to see how we can support you or a loved one.
• And August 21st at 1 p.m. — take part in The Worry Workshop: Moving from Misery to Inspired Action.

Learn more and register now at ctc33.wildapricot.org/events — that’s ctc33.wildapricot.org/events. Career Transitions Center — guiding your next step forward.

Are you decluttering or renovating? Consider donating gently used furniture to the Chicago Furniture Bank. And if you have usable junk, Honest Junk—our sister nonprofit—will make sure it’s put to good use. From your home to new beginnings—support immigrant families today. These organizations partner with us to create safe, clean homes for immigrant and refugee families we accompany. Plus, all donations are tax-deductible and kept out of landfills.  Thank you for helping build new beginnings.  To learn more or schedule a furniture pickup, visit chicagofurniturebank.org/pickups.

Will you host a Kinship Exposure Experience? Old St. Pat’s invites you to share the beauty of Chicago with our neighbors from North Lawndale—many of whom haven’t had access to the city’s vibrant experiences. You can host an outing—like a meal, museum visit, sporting event, or spa day—for youth or adults, free of charge.  It’s a powerful way to live our faith and build bridges through friendship. To sponsor, contact Vincent Guider or Johnny Jones at Old St. Pat’s. Learn more at oldstpats.org/kinship.

Want to make a real impact in just one morning? Join the Old St. Pat’s volunteer team as we partner with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to fight hunger across the city.We meet the second Saturday of every month—our next service day is August 16th at 9:00 AM, located at 4100 West Ann Lurie Place.  To get involved, contact Vincent Guider, Kinship Initiative Director, at [email protected].  Serve with us—and help bring food, hope, and dignity to our neighbors.

The Emerald is Friday, October 3rd, 2025—at a brand new venue: The Geraghty.  It’s the signature event that celebrates community, connection, and the mission that brings us all together.  With vibrant energy, a fresh new space, and a night you won’t forget—this is The Emerald like you’ve never seen it before.  Tickets are now available at: oldstpats.org/theemerald. Questions? Email [email protected]. Don’t miss it—The Emerald, October 3rd!