A Message from Fr. Bob

There are concerns across the country that in the wake of the Supreme Court decision (Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization), there might be reactions to the ruling that involve the use of violence, vandalism, or threats of violence and vandalism.

The Supreme Court ruling was announced on Friday, June 24, 2022. 

Protests and civil disruptions are possible, potentially affecting Catholic entities across the Archdiocese of Chicago, which could include disruptions of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in one or more of our many parishes.

While there is nothing to suggest any of our parishes will experience protests or disruptions, it is prudent to be prepared should an incident occur. 

For starters, please pray. Pray for peace in our communities, pray for non-violence, pray for the protection of all human life, and pray for the grace to uphold the dignity of every human being. 

Should you witness actual vandalism being done to our properties, please call the Chicago Police emergency number (911). If there is any direct threat to your personal safety, please call 911. Should you witness any physical violence being done on our grounds, call 911. 

Nothing justifies the use of intimidation, physical violence, or property vandalism. As followers of Christ, we realize the sensitivity of the abortion issue and how much divisiveness surrounds the topic. However, as we always have, we stand firm on the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. We believe every human person bears the Imago Dei; this means we are made in the image and likeness of God. Human life is sacred.

Mother Teresa (now known as St. Teresa of Calcutta) made the following observation: “Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what it wants.”

Is this issue delicate and complex at times? Yes. There are nuances to issues of life. But for anyone to resort to harming other human beings, destroying property, or interrupting the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is unacceptable. May this difficult time find us growing in charity and gratitude for the gift of life.

Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for us.

Fr. Bob