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‘MUSIC MAN,’ DAN MCMAHON: THE “SOUND OF OLW”

In addition to its beautiful church, Our Lady of the Wayside has been fortunate for the past 15 years to be blessed with one of the Chicago area’s most accomplished church musicians.

Dan McMahon, a native of Mt. Prospect and graduate of St. Raymond Elementary, St. Viator High School and St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, has been connected to OLW since 1992 when he became band director at OLW School.

He had previously served at St. Raymond, St. Bartholomew, St. Priscilla and St. Thomas Becket.

Dan was the youngest of eight children. His father was a family practice physician. An older brother, who is now a priest, also was a church musician and provided the inspiration that led Dan into his current profession.

And OLW is more than just a job for Dan McMahon.

“This has been my spiritual home for nearly 15 years,” he said. “It’s not just a job. This is a very active, vibrant parish community that feels so much like the parish I grew up in. I am humbled by the generosity of parishioner’s time and talent toward our parish. It is indeed a privilege for me to be serving as the Director of Music.”

And, OLW parishioners would reply, “It is our privilege – and pleasure – to have you with us.”