Plenty to do as we approach Easter

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By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

Lots of upcoming events you may be interested in so let’s get right to it.

As the Lenten Season comes to a close, a reminder that Lauds prayer is held Monday through Friday at 5:30 a.m. in St. Adrian Church, 7200 S. Washtenaw. On Friday, Stations of the Cross begins at 7 p.m.

Today (Friday, March 31), Stations of the Cross will be held at St. Thomas More, 2825 W. 81^st St., after the noon Mass, and next Friday, being Good Friday, there will not be a noon Mass; but Stations will be held at noon.

This Sunday, April 2, Nativity BVM will host an Easter-themed painting class for people of all ages and abilities with Ieva Bagdonas in the parish hall after 11 a.m. Mass. For more information and to make a reservation, call Ieva at (708) 288-2067.

Also this Sunday, Community Cinema brings the 1989 Walt Disney film Dead Poets Society to the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S Kedzie, beginning at 2 p.m. This film is for adults 18 and over.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will be at the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, this Monday and next, April 3 and 10, and Friday, April 14^th., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. These are the drop-off dates. Pick up will be on Monday, April 17. An appointment is needed to bring your taxes in. Phone the Center at (312) 747-0440 to make your appointment.

The monthly perpetual novena to St. Rita of Cascia will be held this upcoming Wednesday, (due to Holy Thursday) April 5, at the St. Rita Shrine, 7740 S. Western. Confession is available at 6 p.m. Mass and Novena prayers will begin at 7 p.m. Stay after Mass to enjoy a slice of the famous Racine Danish Kringle.

The deadline to register for formation and to take part in the annual Community Wedding offered at St. Rita of Cascia Parish is Thursday, April 6. Every year the parish offers Catholics who were not married in the Church the opportunity to take part in the Community Wedding event, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7. For more information and to register, call the parish office at (773) 434-9600.

Go Run Marquette Park returns next Saturday, April 8, at 9 a.m. at the bridge by the running track. These events are for all ages. Participants must register ahead of time at GoRunChicago.org. Registration opens the Friday before at 3 p.m. Once you register, your registration is good for the whole season.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

• The 86^th Annual St. Rita High School Alumni Banquet and Hall of Fame Dinner is on Friday, April 14, at Ridge Country Club, 10522 S. California, at 6 p.m. Register online at stritahs.com or call the Advancement Office at (773) 925-5029 for more information.
• On Saturday, April 15, the Sisters of St. Casimir invite all to a Mass praying for the beatification of their foundress, Venerable Maria Kaupas, on the 83^rd anniversary of her death. Mass begins at 9:30 a.m. in the St. Casimir Center Chapel, 2601 W. Marquette Road. After Mass join in the re-dedication of the outside statue of Father Anthony Staniukynas, spiritual guide and teacher for the SSCs and co-founder of Lithuanian Roman Catholic Charities of America. Light refreshments will be served afterward.
• On Sunday, April 16, a Symphony of Spring concert, performed by the renowned Lithuanian Quartet, Ciurlionis, will be held in Nativity BVM Church at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 and are available at the church after all the Masses and Monday through Friday during business hours at the rectory. For more information call Audra at (773) 776-4800.
• The Annual Augustinian Gala will take place on Friday, April 21, at The Drake Hotel. For tickets and additional information visit augustiniangala.org.
• On Sunday, April 23, the Lithuanian Center, 5620 S. Claremont, brings Tragic Magic to the stage. Developed and directed by Beth Bornstein Dunnington, official winner of the Hollywood Encore Producer Award, Tragic Magic is a story of recovery, billed as “ultimately a story of hope, redemption and triumph.” The show begins at 1 p.m. Tickets with lunch included are $30. A cash bar will be available. For reservations and more information email to [email protected].
• In celebration of National Poetry Month 2023, on Tuesday, April 25, Live Poets Night comes to the Chicago Lawn Branch Library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This will be a chance to share your own poetry and hear readings of the original work of other living poetic voices. More information to follow as the date approaches.

When we left 1973 last week, we were headed toward 63^rd and Campbell. Our destination was a popular deli where we planned on ordering a party tray. No one came up with the name of the shop, so we’ll let it ride another week. If you don’t get it, I bet you’ll remember it when you hear the name! Hint: They are still in business about 15 minutes from here.