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Pastor’s Letter: Busy Busy…

Dear Parishioners,

Since June, when Cardinal Cupich shared the Archdiocese’s intention to reopen schools, the Archdiocese has made in-person learning its top priority, but only if it could be carried out safely. I am very happy to share that measures have been put in place so that Our Lady of the Wayside School can and will open this Friday, August 21. I would like to thank especially our school principal, teachers, staff, and parents who have worked so hard and made all of the necessary preparations to keep our school children safe.

On Monday, I had the pleasure of meeting and blessing the ladies from our parish’s Shawl Ministry. These kind women knit shawls for the sick of the parish and pray in their intention while doing so. This ministry is something new to me, since it was present neither in Poland where I grew up, nor in the parishes that I have served in Chicago. It was a joy to meet the women who are involved in this ministry and whose prayers and loving care are so valuable to the members of our parish community!

I am very excited to share that I was installed as Pastor of Our Lady of the Wayside this past weekend via a Zoom call with Reverend Vincent Costello, the Episcopal Vicar of Vicariate I. Traditionally, the installation of a pastor is a public event to which you, the faithful, are invited. However, due to the pandemic, the Archdiocese decided to proceed with a private installation for now. If everything proceeds as planned, my public installation will take place in the autumn after the new bishop of our vicariate is installed. So, it is official: I am your pastor! Please pray for me that I may serve you in the best way according to God’s will, and I promise and assure you of my prayers and dedication.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Arthur Marat
Pastor