Media Alerts

WHAT: St. Joseph Parish in Libertyville will celebrate its 11th annual “Mass in the Park” followed by a picnic at Sunrise Park (across from the parish) starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. The Mass celebrates the end of summer and provides Catholics an opportunity for fellowship, worship and enjoying end-of-summer food and festivities. The parish expects 1,000 people to attend the Mass and picnic. Rev. Jake Beltran, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, will celebrate the Mass.

Guests are asked to register in advance on the parish’s website (https://stjoseph-libertyville.org/mass-in-the-park) and to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and bug spray for the evening which will be held rain or shine.

Starting at 6 p.m., guests can enjoy live music, games, activities, a raffle, and burgers, hot dogs and ice cream compliments of Culver’s restaurant.

Nearly 50 volunteers and church staff spent months planning the Mass and picnic. Parishioners revere this celebration as an annual family tradition.

WHEN: Saturday. Aug. 17, 2024:
• 5 p.m.: Mass
• 6 p.m.: Picnic party

WHERE: Sunrise Park is located at West Church Street and Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville. It is across from St. Joseph Parish.

WHAT: Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will be the main celebrant of the Asian Community Mass at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024 at St. Padre Pio Parish in Chicago. The Mass is in honor of Mary the Mother of Cultures.

The Mass, hosted in partnership with the Asian Catholic Initiative of the Archdiocese of Chicago, will celebrate the multicultural diversity of the archdiocese and offer Asian Catholics the opportunity to gather with Cardinal Cupich to honor the Virgin Mary who is particularly revered among Asian Catholics. The parish will have Marian statues and icons from various Asian communities on display in the church and at the altar.

Prayers of the Faithful will be offered in several Asian languages and Asian choirs from various parishes and communities will sing in their native languages. Guests are encouraged to wear their national attire.

Prior to the Mass, the faithful are invited to attend a Marian procession.

WHERE: St. Padre Pio Parish, 5601 N. California Ave., Chicago

WHEN: Sunday, August 4, 2024

• Marian procession at 4 p.m.
• Mass with Cardinal Cupich begins at 5 p.m.

WHAT: The Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago, in partnership with priests, deacons and clergy of the Archdiocese of Chicago, are hosting their annual Sunrise Mass for Nonviolence and Peace on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will offer closing remarks and final blessing.

Worshipers will gather at the lake to pray for peace, the healing of families, schools, communities and the safety of children. The Mass will feature lively music from St. Benedict the African Church choir, youth drummers, praise dancing and intentions offered for peace in our communities. Rev. David Jones, pastor of St. Benedict the African Church, will be the homilist.

Since 2010, the Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago ministry has hosted the annual sunrise services to pray for the protection of our children, and for non-violence in our hearts, schools, families and streets.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, at 6:30 a.m.

WHERE: Oakwood Beach, 41st Street and Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.

Note: In the event of heavy rain, the services will be moved to Our Lady of Africa Parish at 615 E. Oakwood Blvd., Chicago