Father Marc Pasciak blesses a cross that was dedicated to him on Tuesday. (Photo by Carol McGowan)
Father Marc Pasciak retires from St. Patricia Church after 14 years
By Carol McGowan
Father Marc Pasciak has retired as pastor of St. Patricia Parish in Hickory Hills.
His last official day was Wednesday. His retirement was effective on July 1.
Tuesday, June 29, was also his 73rd birthday.
Friends and parishioners joined him for a farewell Mass beginning at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and services concluded with everyone sinning “Happy Birthday” to the beloved pastor.
Father Marc (right) walks out of St. Patricia Church after his farewell Mass on June 29 with Deacon Norbert Weitendorf. (Photo by Carol McGowan)
After mass, the rain briefly stopped for the dedication of a cross in honor of him in front of the church. The cross was successfully erected with skilled participation from parish contractors: Brian Buss from Rich Buss Cement, Puddy Conway from Cotswold Gardens, and Bill Fritz, from Fritz Electric, who donated their time, talent and professional services to the project.
Instrumental in the project were Bob Faxel, who managed the work on the project, the tiles around the cross, and the donations. Julie Villegas-Saurez, Operations Director of St. Patricia Parish and School, secured the cross and worked with the contractors on the project.
The customized cross will stay in the church’s Millennium Plaza, which is a lasting contribution to the church from another former Pastor, Father Gerald Mulcahy.
Former Justice trustee Hank Oszakiewski, was the head of the Welcoming Committee and gave the dedication. “Welcome friends and parishioners of St. Patricia Parish and School. We are here to dedicate our new St. Patricia Church Millennium Plaza Cross, dedicated to the 14 years of pastoral leadership that Fr. Marc Pasciak has shared with us — parishioners, supporters and friends of St. Patricia Church and School.
“Most important are our donors, who gave whole-heartedly and unconditionally, to honor our retiring pastor with this permanent structure, dedicated to him and to our faith; this cross will be a faith visual for future generations coming here.”
After Oszakiewski’s dedication speech, Father Marc blessed the cross and those on hand enjoyed refreshments and conversation.
Also on Tuesday, Hickory Hills Mayor Michael Howley gave Father Marc the key to the City of Hickory Hills.
Donations will continue to be accepted at the parish business office through Friday, July 30, and donor names will be added to the remembrance card. Pasciak spent the last 14 years at St. Patricia with a total of 47 years with the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Father Marc Pasciak receives the key to the City of Hickory Hills from Mayor Mike Howley. (Submitted photo)
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