Father Tom’s welcome lives on

By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

Back in the June 10 edition of the Greater Southwest News-Herald, we talked about the passing of the Rev. Tom Mescall, who would become the last pastor of St. Adrian Parish before it was combined with Queen of the Universe.

In honor of Father Tom’s passing, Rev. Jose Antonio Murcia Abellan, who is the pastor of the newly-formed Mary Mother of Mercy Parish which includes St. Adrian, said they wanted to do something special to honor Father Tom’s memory.

Father Jose spoke of how open and welcoming Father Tom was; and with that in mind, the parish has decided to put in beautiful new side doors that will be known forever as Father Tom’s doors.

Last Sunday the congregation, joined by Bishop Andrew Wypych celebrated the completion of the project. The bishop was the presider at Sunday’s Mass. As he stood under the plaques proclaiming the doors to be dedicated to Father Tom, he blessed the new entrances.

“In dedicating these doors to Father Tom, we want to look with gratitude to the history of this community,” said Father Jose, “and to a priest who cared for this community with love and openness.”

Have you been by St. Rita of Cascia Church in the past week? If you drive down 63^rd Street, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the “brightness” of the building. The parish has had the church power-washed, and it really looks nice.

This week’s Family Film Screening at the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, is the 2022 Universal movie The Bad Guys. It takes place on Saturday, Sept. 23, beginning at 2:30 p.m.

A message from Ben Arias: “The days are starting to get shorter and the weather is cooling off. Come and spend some time at the park with your family and let us take care of dinner! Hope Community Dinner meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Marquette Park. We’d love to see you.”

This Friday, Sept. 23, is the Apple Cider Karaoke Celebration at the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie. Dan the Man McGowan will be spinning music of the 60s, 70s and 80s beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Then on Thursday, Sept. 29, the Southwest Regional Senior Center will be celebrating its 42^nd anniversary beginning at 11:30 a.m. Festivities will feature music, food and an Acrylic Pour Art Exhibit.

Also on Thursday, Sept. 29, folks living in the 18^th Ward are invited to join Ald. Derrick Curtis, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health, for a flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the New Foundation of Hope, 8146 S. Kedzie, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more details, call (773) 284-5057.

Coming up on Saturday, Oct. 1, Southwest Chicago Homeless Services (formerly known as Southwest PADS at 3121 W. 71^st St.) will host their annual Trivia Night fundraiser at St. Rita High School, 7740 S. Western. In addition to trivia competition, the admission donation of $45 includes dinner, cash bar, silent auction and cash raffle. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. followed by the Trivia Contest.

This year’s theme is Happy Halloween. Teams of 10 may form on their own, or tickets can be purchased individually. For reservations and ticket information, contact Executive Director Karyn Perkins at (773) 737-7070.

Also on Oct. 1, Catalyst Maria will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. The Catalyst Maria Post-Secondary will host a celebration and alumni reunion event at SPIN Chicago, 344 N. State, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets to the event are $20 and will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and access to all of the lounges, ping-pong tables and games the venue has to offer. For more information and the link to order tickets, contact Sasha Fawaz at [email protected].

Now back to 1978. Forty-four years ago this week, the Don Varnas American Legion Post 986 Auxiliary was holding the installation of new officers. Installed as president was Rita Radcliff. Retiring president was Anele Pocous. Also this month the post would be holding their 31^st Annual dinner-dance at the Golden Age restaurant on 95^th Street. Remember that place? The biggest surprise to me was the cost of a ticket for the affair – $12 per person!

Last week on our trip back to 1978 we thought about attending the gala 20^th anniversary celebration taking place at a favorite Italian restaurant here on 63^rd Street. The top guess overwhelmingly was El Bianco, followed by several guesses of Palermo’s and also Orlando’s, Italian Villa and Giordano’s. Those were all great guesses and right on 63^rd Street at the time too, but surprisingly, not the one I was looking for. So let’s hold this one over another week and see if anyone can get it.

I think there’s only one more Italian restaurant left and I am betting you will all be tapping yourself on the head when you get the answer!