Welcome to St. Emily's!

Fr. Steven Patte

You might have heard of the arraignment of Fr. Steven Patte on charges related to misappropriation of funds at his previous assignment: St. Ita in Chicago.  For unrelated reasons, Fr. Patte left St. Emily Parish at the end of June, 2008. While here, he had no independent or private access to parish finances or financial transactions, and the investigation is not related to his work at St. Emily.  We offer our prayer as he faces these charges.

Updates from our World Youth Day Pilgrims!!

Youth, chaperones and members of our sharing parish Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary have been representing St. Emily Parish at World Youth Day in Sydney Australia.  Our Pilgrims left Chicago July 9 and return July 24.  They met young people from all over the world and celebrated the Eucharist with Pope Benedict.

Thank-you to all who helped make our pilgrimage possible through prayer, financial and moral support.   We have been sending information back while we are in Sydney.  Sometime after we return, we’ll host an evening to tell you all about it.  The shrimp’ll be on the barby!

We are now ready to leave Sydney. We fly out at 1:20 this afternoon for Los Angeles, and land there at 9:45 this morning. Time travel is great.

While we are all ready to see all of you again, experience a Chicago summer and sleep in our own beds, we know too that we are leaving some part of our hearts and souls here. What follows is what we left for the St. Mary Manly Parish bulletin:

Dearest Parishioners of St. Mary Manly,

“When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.”  We appeared at your doorstep Monday afternoon at the beginning of World Youth Day and were welcomed, as would be favored family.  Then we learned that no one had told you we were coming!  But that didn’t matter to Jenny, Emma, Michelle, Paul and Moya or anyone else at St. Mary Manly.  Not only were we accommodated for the days of WYD; we were begged to stay on until our departure July 24.

The Gospel is alive in Manly.  Whatever Fr. John is preaching, it certainly has taken root in your hearts and lives, and we are eternally grateful for it. “We” are the 24 US pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Chicago (Illinois) who joined your parish community this past week, sleeping in the school building, dining in the “canteen”, praying and catechized in the Church building and transporting to the various venues for WYD activities.

20 of us are from St. Emily Parish in Mount Prospect, Illinois, which is about 10 minutes North of O’Hare Airport. Four are from Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood.  16 youth and 4 chaperones from St. Emily, 4 youth leaders from Maternity.  Learn more about our pilgrimage at the website: www.stemily.org

But no web site can convey our deep gratitude to and love for all of you.  Your many acts of kind welcome and hospitality will always remain on of the major highlights of our first trip down under, and the people of Many will have their praises sung on the streets of Chicago for a long, long time.  We can only hope t reflect your goodness whenever a stranger comes to us.  But that stranger won’t be you, because you are now our family, as we have been yours.

Love,

Your American Pilgrims

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Our Original Postings:

Day 1: JULY 10/11, 2008

We were ready to leave the parking lot right on time--high noon. As we started to drive away, when one among us realized he (or she, as the case may be--no, Mom, it wasn't me) forgot his/her passport. So we returned and awaited its arrival from home, and then left 20 minutes later and made it right on time. Off we flew to LA, checked in for our Qantas flight and spent 4 hours destroying the Business Class lounge. What a great way to prepare for an arduous pilgrimage-first class food and drink, prior to boarding our first class seats. Yes, we got upgraded! All 22 of us (2 went on a different flight-economy).

Day 2: JULY 12

We made it. We are in Australia.  Guess what was the first thing we (they) did when we (they) got off the plane?!?  That’s right-went into the restrooms to see which way the toilets flush.  So far, they all go straight down!  Now we are at the Olympic park, where we will stay the first and last three days of our time here. For sure, the day of wine and roses has ended.  Unlike our luxurious Business class accommodations on the way here, we are definitely now in coach!  Our barracks are Spartan indeed.  About one thousand youth and their chaperones have the challenge of sleeping tonight in what can only be described as a huge parking lot covered with tin sides and roofing.  Showers are taken in semi trucks parked outside. 

But the energy is already high.  Kids are playing indoor Frisbee, and one group has started a mini-concert, using cans for drums and a keyboard plugged into the only electric outlet in the whole “building.”  It is 6:20 pm and feels like midnight. Because it is winter, the sun went down at 5. 

I don’t know when I’ll get to an internet connection to post this note and accompanying pictures, but I do know it will be sometime after a night of at least trying to sleep.  The chaperones, anyway. All the kids have grouped with new friends from Italy, Germany, Canada and elsewhere and are off to a Christian rock concert somewhere on the grounds.  So, while they’re gone, I’ll have quiet and rest.  G’night, mates.  Spn,csc

Day 3: July 13, 2008

We awoke to learn that it wasn’t just our imaginations that were cold; Sydney had its coldest night of the year: -1 Celsius.  We argued among ourselves about how that translates into Fahrenheit, but agreed that it means cooold.  Breakfast was al fresco.  We had initially been told it would be in a hall, but that did not prove to be the case.  Simple rations: Cold milk, cold bread, cold cereal….

Afterwards, the groups split up and did various things: touring, shopping for warmth, etc.  There was a football (Australian rules) in the evening, and then back to the barracks.  One of Sydney’s Auxiliary Bisops – Most Rev. Julian Porteous – came by to say hi.  Here’s a picture of him with our chaperones. 

The Bishop is the one who looks warm.

A few surprises along the way, and more to come, we’re betting:  We had no one to meet us at the airport, so we cabbed to Olympic Park (cheaper than any other mode available to us;  instead of two meals provided in the days before and after the scheduled events, there is one (breakfast).  Sleeping in an unheated warehouse in the midst of winter gives us great solidarity with the homeless and displaced.  Sydney is as beautiful as everyone says.  The whole town is focused on World Youth Day.  Let the games begin!

Day 4: July 14, 2008

Before we left for the trip, Fr. John Roller offered his blessing and announced a secret:  Fr. Steve would be named a bishop by the Pope at the closing Mass.  In the above picture, Fr. Steve gave his new bishop’s robes to a very cold homeless person wandering by.  He got warm, so will probably be the bishop instead.

We have experienced a few surprises, but have adapted well.  The most significant change is where we’re staying.  It’s called St. Mary Manly.  The town is Manly.  So are the people.  Right now we are there, and awaiting a barbeque with abut 600 people: parishioners, pilgrims staying in the school (includes us) and those in Homestay.  That means those groups with members over 18 who are receiving the hospitality of parish members in their own homes. Then we will participate in a 2 hour prayer service.

St. Mary is on the ocean beach!  We explored it today.  Some went in swimming, actually!  Then they played volleyball on the beach.  We are delighted to be here, although the trip over was a bit of a problem: contrary to what we had been told, the ferry to Manly was not included in the free transport allowances.  But having all our luggage, we had no choice.  I suspect we’re going to have another fund raiser when we return!  SPNcsc

This is the cream of the coast!!! The people are fantastic and so warm and friendly.  We have had the opportunity to walk in the shoes of the world’s refugees and it’s an eye opener.  We are meeting so many young people and learning so much about how they feel about their faith.  We sang the national anthem prior to leaving our original billeting and you would be so proud of the sound and how each one knew the words.  They were awesome.  I am so impressed with the young people of St. Emily and BVM.  They are so patient and flexible.  They are so much fun to be with that I am sure I will have youth group withdrawal when we get home.  Thanks to all you wonderful parents for your fabulous gifts to this world, your children.  We are praying for all of you, please remember us.  Jeannine Havlik

Hello everyone, we from your sister parish Maternity BVM. Mayra Pagan, Hector Calahorrano and myself (Carlos Rivas) are truly grateful to be participating in this world event with your Parish. We are truly sharing parishes. We love spending time with your youth group and have gotten to feel like family. The trials of sleeping on concrete have humbled us, and we have all been working together to help the entire group. Thank you for allowing us to share this experience, especially the humor of (Bishop) Father Steve. To our BVM family, thank you for the opportunity to develop our youth ministry and all your support and know that we are thinking about you and praying for you. This past Sunday we Celebrated Mass with Father Steve, as the Youth Mass does somewhat regularly, and were able to Worship in such a small group, how powerful our Mass of 24 was.
We also attended a praise and worship concert that moved our hearts to see 40,000 people in an arena praising our Lord. God Bless, Carlos, Hector and Mayra.  

AAAHH!!  Hello friends and family!  Noo, I’m not just referring to my immediate, but to my extended family in Christ from Maternity BVM and St. Emily’s!  I am forever grateful for this incredible opportunity only you all have made possible for me and my other 3 fellow parishioners to experience and to share with the St. Emily’s youth group!  Every blessing I receive on this pilgrimage has been made possible by you and your prayers, and for this, I find it only necessary to live every day to the fullest and try to make myself worthy enough to receive such a gift.  May the peace of God, the love of Jesus, and the fulfillment of the Holy Spirit be with you always.  -Ariel Martinez

I can’t think of one word that truly describes this experience and World Youth Day hasn’t even officially started. Amazing, awe-inspiring, fantastic, unforgettable, life changing. Just a few words that run through my mind when I try to describe this. I am one block from the Pacific Ocean eating delicious pasta cooked by people I don’t even know while surrounded by hundreds of fellow youth from all over the world. As soon as I am done with this message I’m teaching a group of Australians the Cotton Eye Joe and Electric Slide (!) and I’m hoping to get many more people involved. Where else you can do that, I don’t know. So I want to thank, with all my heart, every person who was involved in getting us here, no matter how small your part. We are here because of you and for you. Thank you, Kayla Kennedy

The Next Days:Up until July 18

We've really been into it these past days, and too much on the go to have the time to update the site. Now it is 1:30 pm Friday afternoon, and we're taking some time to ourselves--some resting, most playing on the beach. The past days have been a marvelous experience, though, except for those who have suffered minor illness and had to stay back. Catechesis takes place in the full Church each morning, and is given by an English speaking Bishop. Day one's bishop was from Texas, Day 2 from England and today's, day 3's, from here in Australia. The last two in particular were very good. After catehesis we have Mass, followed by lunch. The liturgies are very dynamic and spirit filled, with wonderful music. The kids all sing, clap and even sway! So does one of the 10 or so concelebrating priests.

After Mass is lunch, and then we get on a bus to go to the next place. We've been to workshops on Young Christian Students as Apostles and Women in the Church, and yesterday went to the Harbor for the Papal arrival. The popemobile went right us--we were no further away from him than this point is from the start of the website. That was very awe inspiring. In the evenings some among us have gone to various concerts and others each night to hear Christopher West's presentations on "Theology of the Body." He is among the best presenters any of us have experienced. Reflections and photos on these varied experiences will follow as soon as everyone gets back from the beach. But if you'd like to send us your reactions, questions, good wishes or prayers, just e-mail them to snewton@stemily.org. We'd love to hear from you. More later.

 

Pilgrims await the Pope

Hello all!
Today was a beautiful day in Manly, Australia. In fact they’ve all been beautiful days. We started our day with catechesis and Mass. Much was learned, and many were united in prayer and love. Then we split up, one chaperone taking kids to the concerts and the Stations of the Cross. The rest of us had a relaxing day on the beach. Needless to say, we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. I especially was very happy when I jumped into the ocean with all my clothes on. Don’t worry! I had a spare set! We are having tremendous fun. Yesterday we had the experience of a lifetime. We saw the pope in person. Well, he was in the pope mobile, but it was still amazing. Despite all this we still love and miss everyone at home, and while we are enjoying ourselves, we also can’t wait to come back home.
Good night all! (Its 7:30 p.m. here)
Love,
Kat

G’day y’all!!!!
These past few days have been nothing but wonderful!   Australia is really beautiful and some of us still can’t believe that we are actually here.  We’ve been sightseeing, shopping, listening to talks and the most fun of all talking to young people from around the world.  I have meet people from places that I have not even heard of!!!!  It’s all so wonderful.  The actual World Youth Day started on Tuesday with a huge opening mass, which was really cool. We got seats in front of a Jumbo TV. So it felt like the stage was right in from of us even though we were ½ a mile away from it. On Wednesday, we had class then we split to go to 2 different talks, met up for dinner then split again for concerts or another talk. Thursday was really awesome. We had class and mass in the morning then we went straight to Barangaroo where the Pope came by in a boat then went around in his Popemobile. He came 5 feet away from where were standing. If you reached out enough and if there were not so many cops around you, you could touch him. Then I went to a class on Theology of the Body, which was really cool to see and hear.  Today after our last class 5 of us got on a bus to go to Stations of the cross. That was a sight to see. They started at St Mary’s then made their way to Barangaroo (where we were). It felt so real. Everyone was really moved.  Then after the Stations there was this really huge concert.  I have never seen so many people behave like this. Everybody was respectful of everyone. And yet the energy these people gave off moved me to the point that I was on my knees crying my heart out. It was really a site to see. AND THEY DID LIGHTHOUSE (For those of you who don’t know what that is look it up on www.godtube.com). Tomorrow we have our pilgrimage, which is about 6 miles long, then our night under the stars. Its going to be really cold (it’s the Australian winter. Oh how much I long for the 90 degree weather you guys have been getting). But we are prepared.   I miss you all so much and doing stuff around the church like I always do.  Most of all I miss my family. We’ll be back soon.   We’ll I am signing off.  Its after midnight here and I have to be up in the morning at 5:30 to go to a mass with Cardinal George. 

Loving it here in beautiful Australia,           
Annette

Final WYD's: July 19 and 20

There will be as many stated highlights as there were events, but I imagine most of the pilgrims and organizers will state the Vivgil and closing as the real highlight of WYD. Saturday we went to a domain where thre was a North American Mass followed by a reception for Chicago attendees, hosted by Carinal George. Our group of dawdlers got there after it was all over! So, Cardinal, believe us--we really were at WYD.

Then on to the Randwick Racetrack for the overnight vigil and closing Mass. It was a pilgrim's walk of about 3.5 American miles. What a huge venue that is! Every pilgrim had an allocated section for overnight camping. Large video screens were set up so that everyone could see what was happening on the stage, even if they were to far from it. We could see the stage, but it was the same view one ould have through the wrong end of binoculars, so we appreciated he screens.

Until sunset, popular Christian groups and singers from around the world performed, including two high school groups from California. Then the pagentry began. The Pope made the entrance of a rock star. Performance dancers welcomed him, and youth from every represented language greeted him, in the context of a prayer service, with the stirring WYD anthem interspersed. Eack of the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims were given candles, so the entire effect was strong and moving.

Some pictures (others might have better quality ones, which'll be posted later)

Stage during day

The stage at night

 

Really. It's the Pope!

One reflection I had: the Pope is 81 years of age. He appears to be quite strong and healthy, but is outdoors in the night during winterreally in his best interest? It wasn't in mine, so I went home at midnight, walking the miles with a cane to relieve my much younger body's pains and aches! It didn't. SPNcsc

The parish pilgrims will be writing refletions on the closing Mass and Vigil in the next day. But is there anything in particular you want to hear about from them? Send it on through e-mail: snewton@stemily.org, and we'll get someone to respond on this site. Thanks to those who have sent on their wishes, love and support. It means a lot to us.

G’day all!
I don’t even know where to begin to describe the time we are having here. The people of Australia are the most gracious people I have ever met. They truly live their faith each and every day. We have spent a lot of time reflecting on how we can share this attitude towards life with all we meet at home. I think the opening mass was the most powerful event of the week. At the end of the mass everyone in the entire park joined hands and sang the WYD song it was very moving for us. Seeing the Pope arrive and being within ten feet of him was very cool. The events are over now and we are looking forward to a few days of R&R and site seeing. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support. I have seen the future of our church and we are in very good hands!
Cheers! Gregg

Hi from down under.  I write on Sunday, July 20th 2008 and we have arrived back to our home away from home, St. Mary’s in Manly, Australia. The vigil in Randwick Race Track went well. It was the closing ceremony of the week’s events.  The Pope arrived last night for a Prayer Service that included Adoration and Reconciliation. He left around 9:00pm.   We, some 500,000 strong, spent the night under the stars, including the Southern Cross.  At 9:00am the Pope came back for the ending liturgy at 10am.

We had walked about six miles to the race track on Saturday. It is a gigantic place, about 10 to 15 times the size of Arlington Park.  In fact after a quick discussion we have decided we are not sure just HOW big it is. My pack weighed about 30 pounds but felt like 130 pounds after the first mile. 

These young people are fantastic.  They are dedicated, committed and totally connected to their faith.  Their insights are so amazing.  Their love of their faith is true inspiration. They are the best ambassadors for our nation as well as our faith to the people we have encountered on this journey.  They are courteous, gracious, polite and so very helpful.  Kevin Alesse carried my pack back today and I have promised him I will work on his canonization.  He also carried someone else’s sleeping bag and kept telling me not to worry he thought everything was very light!!! 

We are all thinking that walking is something none of us wants to do for a long time.  The accommodations at the race track were not as nice as other venues.  We are getting to be experts on large events.  But considering the amount of people that were there they still get high marks for the organization and coordination.  Each and everyone of us received the Eucharist and that in itself was a monumental feat.  We are so grateful to all of you who helped us get here.  We have included all of you in our prayers. Both for your generosity and for your own special intentions.  You can be assured that what you did for us will come back to you and to the rest of the world in positive, glorious ways. 

We have talked about what we want to do to share all the things we have encountered with you and the ideas are in the works.  I am so grateful for the honor of being with our youth and getting to walk side by side with them.  I know I am a better person for having had this experience. 
Peace, joy and love from a weary but totally content and extremely happy Jeannine Havlik.

Blue Mountain Trip

During the entirety of this trip, each member of our group has had an experience of a lifetime. Seeing as though the World Youth Day events ended yesterday, I believed the fun was over, too. Fortunately, I was wrong. Waking up at 5:30 a.m. didn't sound like much fun this morning, but it was worth it. Our tour guide was helpful, informative, and very amiable. We took a private bus to a wildlife reserve, took photos of kangaroos, and headed toward the Blue Mountains right outside of Sydney. The sight of the cliffs, foliage, and wildlife was breath-taking. Our group was able to take photos/video footage of the gorgeous landscape and roam around, allowing the scenery to sink in. After a tour of the mountains we took a lunch break at a (super fancy) buffet. The food was down-right delicious. After our tasty meal we were off to the Featherdale Wildlife Park where we observed and had the chance to feed a variety of animals (kangaroos, emus, dingos, koalas, tazmanian devils, bats, and the list goes on!) The experience I had during this tour was, most definitely, one which will be forever embedded in my memory. Much thanks to Pat for helping us get the chance to experience such beauty!! Much Love! Joanne Okonski

A Peacock