Media Alerts

WHAT: Mother of the Americas Catholic Church to Celebrate Día de la Candelaria with a Mass on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. It is a Mexican tradition to take down the Nativity scene put up before Christmas on February 2. It is also a moment to commemorate the presentation of the Child Jesus at the temple by families bringing an image of the baby Jesus to church. Families also bring candles to be blessed, symbolizing Jesus as the light of the world. This is the origin of the name of the "Día de la Candelaria."

Participants are asked to bring their image of the baby Jesus for a special blessing. Children will also receive a special blessing.

Immediately following the Mass, a candlelight procession will begin from the Church to the parish elementary school cafeteria where a small celebration will be held. All are invited to bring a plate of food to share.

Candles will be sold for $20 before Mass at the entrance of the Church.

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Mother of the Americas Catholic Church, 3047 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago

WHAT: Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will celebrate National Catholic Schools Week with visits to two schools during the annual observance that begins on Sunday, Jan. 29 and concludes on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2023 is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” The week focuses on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to the Church, communities and nation.

Details of Cardinal Cupich’s visits are below:

Monday, Jan. 30 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.: Academy of St. Benedict the African, 6020 South Laflin St., Chicago

• Cardinal Cupich will attend the school’s morning assembly and offer a blessing to all students and faculty. Greg Richmond, superintendent of Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools, will offer remarks about Catholic Schools Week.
• At the conclusion of the assembly, 18 members of the student council will lead Cardinal Cupich in a procession to a new prayer room where he will offer a blessing of the space.

Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.: Carmel Catholic High School, 1 Carmel Parkway, Mundelein

• Cardinal Cupich will attend the boys varsity basketball game between Marist High School and Carmel Catholic High School in the Salvi Gym.

Thursday, Feb. 2 from 10:30 - 11 a.m.: St. Andrew Parish, 3546 N. Paulina St., Chicago

• Cardinal Cupich will visit with St. Andrew School students in the church to discuss the day’s theme of “Celebrating Vocations.” Cardinal Cupich will speak about the importance of religious vocations, discerning the call to serve and how his faith guides his work. Students will have the opportunity to ask Cardinal Cupich questions at the conclusion of his talk.

WHAT: St. Catherine of Siena/St. Lucy and St. Giles parish in Oak Park in partnership with Housing Forward to open a 7-night a week Emergency Shelter this Wednesday, Jan. 4 and run continuously through April 30 at the former St. Catherine/St. Lucy rectory located at 38 N. Austin. The shelter is supported by funding from the Village of Oak Park and a recent award from the Illinois Department of Human Services to support the expansion of emergency shelter beds during the winter months.

A short tour of the newly renovated space will take place on Wednesday from 2:30-3 p.m. at the St. Catherine of Siena/St. Lucy rectory at 38 N. Austin Blvd. in Oak Park. The tour will include an overview of the operation of the shelter as well as remarks from Fr. Carl Morello, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena/Lucy and St. Giles parish in Oak Park and Lynda Schueler, Executive Director of Housing Forward.

***This special event is for members of the media only ***

WHO: Fr. Carl Morello, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena/St. Lucy and St. Giles parish in Oak Park & Lynda Schueler, Executive Director of Housing Forward

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan 4, 2023 from 2:30-3 p.m.

WHERE: St. Catherine of Siena/St. Lucy rectory at 38 N. Austin Blvd. in Oak Park