Rev. Thomas HurleyPastor · Most Holy Redeemer

Dear Friends of MHR

Happy 250th Birthday of the United States of America!

I remember years ago when I was still the Associate pastor of Old St. Patrick's (c.2003), the church was in the midst of a very ambitious capital campaign. The rather large fundraising goal was something like $16 million for the purposes of building a new school and securing the church's footprint in downtown Chicago for generations to come. Though I was only the associate I have to admit it was a fun experience to be participating in a lofty yet achievable dream for the good of the overall mission of the church. Of the many meetings and gatherings that were held, the one that stood out most was a breakfast gathering of business people hosted by the mayor himself, Richard M. Daley. The Daley's were members of our church and the late Maggie Daley was the foundress of our school, known as Frances Xavier Warde School (a heroic member of the Sisters of Mercy back in the 1800's!). At that breakfast I recall Mayor Daley standing up and during his speech to members of the civic community, he talked about the significant relationship between the work of faith communities like Old St. Pat's and the city at large. I remember him saying that government can't form the soul. We need partners. The mayor emphasized the importance of why we need faith communities and churches because, he said, "they help to form the soul of the city." I was thinking of that the other day after I met with my friends and colleagues Michelle Nitsche, the principal of St. Cajetan and Jay Rynne, the principal of Christ the King (and also an MHR alum!!). We were meeting to talk about the importance of faith formation especially when it comes to our athletic programs in all of our churches and schools on this southwest side of the city. This conversation was sparked by a recent "deanery" meeting with pastors and principals in the area along with the local bishop. While we all love our sports and want the kids to do well, our job is to help form the mind, body, and SOUL of the kids in our churches. We form their minds and intellect in the classrooms, their bodies in the gyms and on the field of play, and their souls in our churches and homes. What have we accomplished if we just make great athletes but we've failed in forming disciples of Christ who are in touch with their SOULS?!! It's on all of us.

I offer that to us today as we mark the 250th anniversary of our country. Forming the soul of the country is so vitally important to our well-being and the very identity of who we are as Americans. Although many like to draw the line between "church vs state," I think we should acknowledge and embrace the beautiful relationship of "church AND state." We need each other. I agree with Mayor Daley when he correctly pointed out that faith communities help to shape and form the very soul of cities like Chicago and, for that matter, the country itself. As we celebrate this weekend with all the fireworks, barbeques, and pool parties, let's also continue to remember our role and the responsibility we have to keep fostering the values that make the United States the special place that it is. Loving our neighbors, turning the other cheek, doing unto others are not just nice phrases limited to a church liturgy, but rather they are important reminders of who we are and that which forms the soul of people who are care about each other and the common good of the land we call home. God bless Most Holy Redeemer and God bless the United States of America.

Finally, I know it's a holiday weekend and I'm guessing many are probably traveling] or away at summer cottages. I will admit that I've been a bit alarmed at the light crowds for our weekend masses in June. I would love to see everyone, first and foremost. We have such better liturgies when more people attend. And... If I could ask you again to please remember MHR when it comes to our stewardship and support of the church we love. July and August are tough months "to make ends meet" because people are away and revenue is tight. Thank you for remembering our ongoing bills (like the AC electric bill for this massive church......ugh!). Please always know of my admiration and gratitude for your goodness!

Take good care and stay safe.

Fr. Tom Hurley