Preparing children to receive First Holy Communion

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By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

Over the last two weekends, Rev. Tom McCarthy, OSA and Mrs. Mary Jo Jenkins held two retreats in the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel for children preparing to receive communion for the first time.

Many of you know Father Tom as the Director of the Shrine, or from his affiliation with St. Rita High School, having served as a teacher and president and more, or perhaps from his time growing up in the neighborhood attending St. Adrian Grammar School and St. Rita High School or maybe he even delivered the Southwest News-Herald to your block back in the day.

Mary Jo is familiar to anyone spending time at the shrine this year. After retiring from many years teaching, she has volunteered to take on the responsibilities of Assistant Shrine Director.

Taking place in front of the altar, “Come to the Table” was the first time a retreat has been held for First Communicants at the shrine. The first week saw 57 students and their parents taking part in conversations about the sacraments, the sanctuary, the altar and the tabernacle. With the help of many St Rita High School student assistants, the participants took time to pray, sing, eat, complete crafts and play.

In other news

The Chicago Lawn Historical Society glass case at the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, is featuring photos from Easter at Ford City in 1973. Stop by and check it out. Perhaps you might see yourself in one of them.

On the CLHS Facebook page I posted a 1956 picture of kids visiting with the Easter Bunny at the library back when it was at the corner of 62^nd Place and Kedzie.

A reminder that the library will be closed this Sunday, April 9, in observance of Easter Sunday.

Go Run Marquette Park returns at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, April 8, at the bridge by the running track. Participants of all ages must register ahead of time at GoRunChicago.org. Your registration is good for the whole season.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will be at the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, this coming Monday, April 10 and Friday, April 14, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Appointments are required. Phone the Center at (312) 747-0440 to make your appointment.

Registration for the Marquette Park Kids Soccer Summer League takes place next Friday, April 14 and again on Friday, April 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Marquette Park Field House, 6734 S. Kedzie Avenue. Play is open to children ages 5 to 14. The cost of $120 includes practices, games and a uniform. For more information call (773) 780-1361.

Next Saturday, April 15, the Sisters of St. Casimir invite all to a Mass praying for the beatification of their foundress, Venerable Maria Kaupas. Mass begins at 9:30 a.m. in the St. Casimir Chapel, 2601 W Marquette Road, followed by the re-dedication of the statue out front of Rev. Anthony Staniukynas. Light refreshments will be served.

Tickets are on sale for the Symphony of Spring concert, performed by the renowned Lithuanian quartet Ciiurlionis, to be held next Sunday, April 16, in Nativity BVM Church at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 and available at the rectory. For more information call Audra at (773) 776-4800.

Tickets are also available for the Annual Augustinian Gala on Friday, April 21 at The Drake Hotel. For tickets and additional information, visit augustiniangala.org.

When we last left 1973, we were headed toward 63^rd and Campbell. Our destination was a popular deli where we planned on ordering a party tray. Donna K. was the first to remember Swanson’s Party Food Shop and Catering. Donna remembers her mom going on Fridays for the fresh fish.

Fifty years ago this week the Chicago Lawn Chamber of Commerce was holding an Easter coloring contest with prizes of $5 and $1cash. The Marquette Manor Chamber was raffling off 34 huge stuffed Easter Bunnies in their annual contest. Ford City had Easter music filling the mall every evening with presentations by local high school bands.

There’s still a nip in the air so on the way home, let’s stop for some hot chili. Where can we sit at the counter and get a bowl on 63^rd Street, perhaps close to Kedzie?

Happy Easter to you all!