I write this with a deep sense of gratitude to God for his care for me during my recent surgeries and with gratitude, as well, to all those who prayed for me in the last three months. So many people have written and e-mailed, and I am very aware of the prayers that have been offered for me. Many of you have undergone similar experiences in your health. Letters from those who have had operations for cancer have been filled with good advice and concern. To all of you, my deepest thanks. May God bless you and those you love.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.
Archbishop of Chicago
Cardinal's Response to the People of the Archdiocese
for their Get Well Wishes (For Parish Bulletins) English | Polish | Spanish
Letter from the Cardinal Regarding National Donate Life Month
March 24, 2006 more >>
Letter of Cardinal George to Parishioners February 8, 2006 English | Polish | Spanish
Letter Read At Holy Ghost Parish Announcing the Withdrawal of Fr. Joseph Bennett
February 5, 2006 more >>
Letter Read At St. Agatha Parish Announcing the withdrawal of Fr. Daniel McCormack
January 22, 2006 more >>
Cardinal George's Letter on the thirty-third anniversary of Roe v. Wade
January 11, 2006 more >> Parish Vigils and Services >>
News Releases
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO ISSUED
Strong Contributions and Expense Controls Lead to Improved Results Chicago, IL ( December 22, 2006 ) more >>
CARDINAL GEORGE TO LEAD CHRISTMAS MASSES & VISIT HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN
At Holy Name Cathedral, Cook County Jail and Children’s Memorial Hospital Chicago, IL (December 21, 2006) more >>
PRIESTS FOR JUSTICE WELCOME 20th ARCHDIOCESAN POSADA PARTICIPANTS
Multi-Ethnic Catholics to Participate in Annual Candlelight Processions Chicago, IL (December 13, 2006) more >>
ARCHDIOCESAN EDUCATOR RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR Nancy Garrity Named 2006 NCEA Distinguished Teacher Chicago, IL (December 7, 2006) more >>
CATHOLIC SCHOOL PRINCIPAL RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR Thomas Sedor Named 2006 NCEA Distinguished Principal
Chicago, IL (December 7, 2006) more >>
ARCHDIOCESE CELEBRATES FEAST DAY OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Numerous Events Planned Between December 3 and 21
Chicago, IL (December 1, 2006) more >>
ARCHDIOCESAN ADVENT/AFRICA SUMMIT TO ADDRESS DARFUR
Keynote Speaker: Broadcaster/Writer Nick Clooney
Chicago, IL (December 1, 2006) more >>
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
Archdiocese Approves New Structure As School Prepares for November Open Houses
Chicago, IL (November 2, 2006) more >>
SAINTS AND SOULS HONORED AT ARCHDIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
All Saints Day, All Souls Day and Day of the Dead Celebrations
Chicago, IL (October 27, 2006) more >>
ARCHDIOCESE HONORS SIX FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE
Fourth Annual Bishop Quarter Awards
Chicago, IL (October 25, 2006) more >>
Priests to Undocumented Immigrants: You Are Not Alone!
Pledges by The Priests for Justice for Immigrants Chicago, IL (October 20, 2006) more >>
FAITH CHALLENGES IN THE WORKPLACE
How Should Catholics Respond?
Chicago, IL (October 18, 2006) more >>
FATHER ROBERT BARRON TO GIVE CARDINAL BERNARDIN LECTURE AT ELMHURST COLLEGE Chicago, IL (October 5, 2006) more >>
ARCHDIOCESE LAUNCHES FIRST POLISH LANGUAGE CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER 15,000 Copies of Katolik In All Churches
October 8 Chicago, IL (October 5, 2006) more >>
FOUR ARCHDIOCESAN “BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS” NAMED BY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Chicago, IL (October 3, 2006) more >>
Department of Communications Welcomes New Staff
Director of School Marketing and Assistant Director of Media Relations
CHICAGO, IL (September 27, 2006) more >>
ARCHDIOCESE OFFICE FOR HISPANIC CATHOLICS LAUNCHES
“MISIÓN CHICAGO”
To Answer Jesus’ Call and Discover God’s Rewards Chicago, IL (September 27, 2006) more >>
ST. STEPHEN DEACON & MARTYR TO HOST CATHOLIC TENT REVIVAL
As Part of MISSION CHICAGO Chicago, IL (September 27, 2006) more >>
ARCHDIOCESAN CELEBRATION OF LIFE MASS
To Help Launch October’s Respect Life Month
Chicago, IL (September 26, 2006) more >>
OLD ST. MARY’S TO HOST BLACK CATHOLIC REVIVAL
“No Ways Tired” at Chicago’s First Catholic Parish
Chicago, IL (September 22, 2006) more >>
Anti-Poverty & Social Justice Groups Gain Nearly $500,000
Archdiocesan Human Development Effort
Chicago, IL (September 14, 2006) more >>
Download Jesus Youth Rally
Readies High School Students For Year Ahead Chicago, IL (September 13, 2006) more >>
CHICAGO AUXILIARY BISHOP, GARCIA-SILLER, TO PRESIDE AT
MILWAUKEE’S MEXICAN FIESTA MASS HONORING IMMIGRANTS CHICAGO (August 18, 2006) more >>
Special Mission for Chicago's Hispanic Youth
"Misión Jovenes" Celebration at St. Clare de Montefalco
CHICAGO (August 11, 2006) more >>
Forty Parishes in Archdiocese Hosting Series for Young Adults
26 th Season for Theology on Tap more >>
Archdiocese of Chicago Names New Media Relations Director
CHICAGO (July 26, 2006) more >>
Relics of Mexican Martyrs at Cathedral
Cardinal George to Preside at Special Liturgy. more >>
STATEMENT FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
Re: Notre Dame High School for Boys Sponsorship Transition more >>
CARDINAL GEORGE ORDAINED TWELVE MEN IN CEREMONIES AT CATHEDRAL more >>
CARDINAL GEORGE TO BLESS NEW REGIONAL OFFICE FOR CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES CHICAGO (May 11, 2006) more >>
MOTHER'S DAY MASS FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS HONORS LIFE
CARDINAL TO BESTOW BLESSING ON ALL mothers and children PRESENT CHICAGO (May 10, 2006) more >>
ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES SCHOOL CLOSING
Plans In Place To Assist Students in Orderly Transfer
CHICAGO (May 8, 2006 more >>
MARY IANNUCILLI NAMED
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR HIGH SCHOOLS CHICAGO (May 1, 2006) more >>
LAY LEADERS COMMISSIONED AS PART OF “CALLING RITE” at
St. Monica Parish CHICAGO (May 1, 2006) more >>
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month Archdiocese Offers Variety of Programs Chicago (April 6, 2006) more >>
TEENS ENCOURAGED TO CHOOSE CHASTITY WITH EVENTS ACROSS ARCHDIOCESE NATIONALLY-KNOWN SPEAKER TO ADDRESS THOUSANDS CHICAGO (April 18, 2005) more >>
TEENS ENCOURAGED TO CHOOSE CHASTITY WITH EVENTS ACROSS ARCHDIOCESE NATIONALLY-KNOWN SPEAKER TO ADDRESS THOUSANDS CHICAGO (April 18, 2005) more >>
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month Archdiocese Offers Variety of Programs Chicago (April 6, 2006) more >>
GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SINGER PETER CETERA
TO ENTERTAIN AT FUNDRAISER FOR THE NEWMAN CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO CHICAGO, March 13, 2006 more >>
Religious Leaders From Three Illinois Dioceses To Pray at Speaker Hastert’s Office For Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CHICAGO) March 21, 2006 more >>
ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF ONE SCHOOL Plans Already In Place To Assist Students in Orderly Transfer CHICAGO (February 1, 2006) more>>
ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO MARKS ROE V. WADE ANNIVERSARY WITH MASS FOR LIFE AND OTHER EVENTS CHICAGO (January 13, 2006) more >>
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OPPOSING RACISM CONDUCT CONCERT
PRESENT FIRST COURAGE AND SOLIDARITY AWARD CHICAGO (January 10, 2006) more >>
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY AND ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
TEAM UP TO OFFER DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR COLLEGE BASKETBALL CHICAGO (January 10, 2006) more >>
ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO MARKS ROE V. WADE ANNIVERSARY WITH MASS FOR LIFE AND OTHER EVENTS CHICAGO (January 13, 2006)
more >>
ARCHDIOCESE IN COMPLIANCE WITH CHARTER FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHIDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE, ACCORDING TO RECENT AUDIT more >>
Special Issues
Update regarding the matter of
Fr. Robert A. Stepek December 11, 2006 more >>
Cardinal George continues his recuperation
and physical therapy at his residence.
The Cardinal is expected to resume his
public schedule after October 1
Photo Courtesy of The Catholic New World
Get-well wishes and cards can be mailed to
Cardinal George at this address:
Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.
Archbishop of Chicago
155 East Superior Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
PRAYER VIGIL AND MASSES FOR THE REcOVERY OF
HIS EMINENCE, FRANCIS CARDINAL GEORGE
HOLY NAME CATHEDRAL 735 North State Street
Chicago
THURSDAY, JULY 27
12:15 p.m.
Mass
5:15 p.m.
Mass
THURSDAY, JULY 27 – FRIDAY, JULY 28
The Knights of Columbus, Knights of Malta, Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and the Knights of St. Peter Claver will provide an honor guard of two for each hour of prayer. Members of various Lay Ecclesial Movements and Third Orders have been assigned a time for each hour as listed below.
8 p.m.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with Rosary and Benediction Presided over by Bishop John R. Manz Focolare and Militia of the Immaculate
9 p.m.
Recitation of the Rosary Led by Bishop Basil Meeking Regnum Christi and Communion and Liberation
10 p.m.
Recitation of the Rosary Led by Bishop Francis Kane
Charismatic Renewal and Oblates of St. Benedict
11 p.m.
Recitation of the Rosary Led by Bishop Thomas Paprocki
Padre Pio Prayer Groups and Legion of Mary
12 a.m.
Rosary and Benediction Presided over by Bishop Timothy J. Lyne
Neocatechumenal Way and Blue Army
12:45-5:45 a.m.
Silent Prayer
1-2 a.m.: Third Order Dominicans, Secular Carmelites, Third Order Carmelites; 2-3 a.m.: Schoenstatt and Third Order Franciscans; 3-4 a.m. Worldwide Marriage Encounter and Secular Servites; 4-5 a.m.: Ambassadors of Mary and Apostleship of Prayer; 5-6 a.m.: Couples for Christ and Cursillo.
Archdiocese’s Office for Catechesis has excellent resources including local speakers. Visit www.catechesis-chicago.org U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops provides expert background on theology, Da Vinci and his art, Scripture and the Gnostic gospels and women in the Church from author Amy Welborn, art historian Elizabeth Lev, Bishop Gerald Kicanas and others. Visit www.jesusdecoded.com.
Cardinal George talked about The Da Vinci Code on the current edition of the cable TV program, The Church, the Cardinal and You.Click here to view the segment.
Commemorate the First Anniversary of the Death of
Pope John Paul II
SECOND “CATHOLIC FESTIVAL OF FAITH” WILL BE HELD FEBRUARY 16-18 IN ROSEMONT Festival designed to inspire Catholics to deepen and spread their faith >>
“CATHOLIC FESTIVAL OF FAITH” KEYNOTE SPEAKERS HIGHLIGHT VITALITY, DIVERSITY OF CHURCH Major presentations offered in English and Spanish >>
CARDINAL GEORGE WILL DISCUSS EVANGELIZATION, NEW POPE AT "CATHOLIC FESTIVAL OF FAITH” more >>
DINNER THEATER PERFORMANCE OF ST. MARK'S GOSPEL IS JUST ONE OF THE FEATURES OFFERED AT “CATHOLIC FESTIVAL OF FAITH” IN ROSEMONT more >>
ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO INITIATES FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT HOTLINE
Anyone who suspects that there is misappropriation of finances at any institution operated by the Archdiocese of Chicago can now access a financial misconduct hotline to report potential breaches of Archdiocesan financial policies. more >>
ACCESSING INFORMATION CONCERNING CLERICAL SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINORS
For the protection of minors and to assist in healing those who have been sexually abused by a priest, the Archdiocese of Chicago is now providing a service through which one may inquire if there has been reason to suspect that a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago may have abused a minor. More in English»Spanish»Polish»
Statements
STATEMENT OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
RE: Rev. Robert A. Stepek
November 5, 2006
The following letter from the Most Rev. Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S., Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago and Episcopal Vicar for Vicariate V, was read at all the Masses over the weekend at St. Albert the Great Parish in Burbank.
ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
Office of the Episcopal Vicar
Post Office Box 1979
Chicago, Illinois 60690-1979
November 4 and 5, 2006
Dear Members of St. Albert the Great Parish Family,
I am here today to share important information with you about Fr. Robert A. Stepek.
As I am sure you all know, in May of this year, Fr. Stepek agreed to voluntarily absent himself from St. Albert the Great Parish following allegations received by officials of the Archdiocese of Chicago that he engaged in sexual misconduct with minors more than 20 years ago. The independent Review Board of the Archdiocese recommended this preliminary action while information was gathered in the review process. The allegations were reported promptly to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Cook County State’s Attorney. In addition to the efforts of the public authorities, the Archdiocese’s Review Board has conducted its own inquiry.
The Review Board has completed its inquiry regarding the allegations against Fr. Stepek. The Board determined that there is reasonable cause to suspect that sexual abuse of minors occurred. Cardinal George has accepted the Review Board’s findings and their recommendation that Fr. Stepek not engage in any form of ministry and that appropriate restrictions be imposed in accordance with Archdiocesan policies and procedures.
Fr. Stepek’s case will now be sent to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican for its review and determination. Until the canonical process has been completed, Fr. Stepek will reside and be supervised in a private setting away from the parish. When there is more information about this situation, or about the future of pastoral leadership at St. Albert the Great, I will share it promptly with you.
I ask you to join me in praying for all people in need of the Lord’s peace and healing at this time: for the adults who brought this concern to the Archdiocese, for Fr. Stepek, and for all those affected by the horror of sexual abuse. At this difficult time, I want to assure you of my prayers - and those of Cardinal George - for all of you.
Please know that I will stay and be with you today after Mass, together with representatives from the Archdiocese of Chicago and members of your parish leadership.
God bless you and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S.
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago
Episcopal Vicar of Vicariate V
Archdiocese of Chicago
ARCHBISHOP QUIGLEY PREPARATORY SEMINARY HIGH SCHOOL
TO CLOSE IN 2007
September 19, 2006
After much deliberation and consultation with a committee of official representatives, including the rectors of our various seminary systems, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. has approved the recommendation to close Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary High School in Chicago. Quigley will close at the end of this academic year on June 15, 2007.
For the last 101 years, Quigley Seminary has served the Archdiocese of Chicago by teaching thousands of young men to keep the Word of God alive in their hearts and their minds while preparing for their life choice in the seminary system or as good, Catholic laymen who have gone on to serve the Church, the community and the nation.
The changing patterns of vocation discernment has had a great impact in the ability to maintain a high school seminary program. For many years Quigley has been one of the few high school seminary preparatory schools in the United States. Declining numbers of students, along with growing costs per student associated with operating Quigley, have also led to this difficult but necessary decision.
It is the intention of the Archdiocesan leadership to continue to find new ways to help young people in the Archdiocese of Chicago listen for God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
The historic Quigley buildings at 103 East Chestnut will undergo a year-long remodeling and restoration project and will become the new home of the Archdiocese of Chicago Pastoral Center.
STATEMENT OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
RE: Rev. Moises Marin and Rev. Juan P. Sanchez-Espinoza
August 21, 2006 more >>
Archdiocese of Chicago
Office of the Archbishop
Statement of Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I.
Archbishop of Chicago
RE: Caring for the Burial Needs of the Ramirez and Ramos Families
September 6, 2006
The tragedy that has struck the Ramirez and Ramos families in the loss of their children calls for our compassion and our prayers.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Cemeteries will assume the costs related to the burial of the deceased children, and the pastoral care of their families will continue to be provided by priests from St. Jerome Parish.
It is my hope that others will join me in my prayer that a loving God will strengthen these families in their grief, and that Christ’s promise of eternal life for their children will comfort them in their loss.
May eternal rest come now to the children who died in this fire and may our faith console their parents and families.
Statement of Bishop John Manz
Auxiliary Bishop on behalf of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Concerning Immigration Reform and Local Enforcement Issues August 18, 2006 more >>
Archdiocese of Chicago
Office of the Archbishop
Statement of Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I
Archbishop of Chicago
to the Archdiocese of Chicago
July 26, 2006
“Tomorrow morning I will undergo surgery at Loyola University Medical Center to remove cancer discovered very recently in my bladder. I am informed that I can expect to make a full recovery from this cancer and the surgery to remove it. I have asked my doctors and Archdiocesan officials to fully brief you after the surgery on the specifics of the operation and my recovery. During my recovery and absence, Father John Canary, the Vicar General, will provide day to day governance of the Archdiocese. He and the Auxiliary Bishops and Mr. Jimmy Lago, the Chancellor, will be in contact with me as necessary.
I ask my fellow priests, the religious, all Catholics in the Archdiocese and other friends and colleagues to pray for me. I trust that the Lord will give me the strength and grace I need during these next days and weeks.”
Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.
Archbishop of Chicago
STATEMENT FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
Re: New Partnership Announced Between Archdiocese of Chicago and Notre Dame High School for Boys Board
July 12, 2006 more >>
STATEMENT OF THE CATHOLIC CONFERENCE OF ILLINOIS
RE: Meeting on Immigration at Speaker of the House
Dennis Hastert’s Office May 26, 2006 more >>
STATEMENT OF FRANCIS CARDINAL GEORGE, O.M.I.
Re: The appointment of Bishop J. Peter Sartain as Bishop of Joliet
May 16, 2006 more >>
Statement of Cardinal Francis George
Re: Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors against Fr. Daniel McCormack more >>
