May 2011 - Irish American News

May 2011 Irish American News “We’ve Always Been Green!” 27Honoring Mothers, RecognizingChrist in Our Neighbors in NeedHappy Easter! And Happy Mother’sDay to all mothers and yourfamilies!It is very appropriate that duringthis Easter Season we honor our belovedmothers who gave us life, loveand faith—while continuing with theChurch our 50-day celebration of theresurrection of Jesus Christ from thedead, and his gift to us of eternal life!The Gospel on this Mother’s Daytells us that shortly after he rose fromthe dead, Jesus appears to some of hisgrief-stricken, bewildered discipleson the road to Emmaus. They do notrecognize him. He walks with them,explains to them what refers to Him inall the Scriptures—and they invite himto sit down to supper with them.During the meal, Jesus, still astranger to them, took the bread, saidthe blessing, broke the bread, and gaveit to them. And Scripture says: “Withthat, their eyes were opened and theyrecognized him.” (Luke 24:13-35) JesusChrist, the Servant and Savior of all,gives Himself to us as the Bread of Lifein the Sacrament of the Eucharist. He isnew life, and hope for the hopeless.Today, as for the last 93 years,Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese ofChicago responds to Jesus’ tremendousgifts of life, faith and hope by caring forthe poor in Cook and Lake counties.The traditional Catholic CharitiesCollection on Mother’s Day enables usto recognize Christ—as the disciplesdid in today’s Gospel—in our neighborsin need.We see Christ in the face of eachsenior, Mom, Dad, child, teen, hungryor homeless man or woman who comesto us—of all races and religions; andwe welcome them! Last year, CatholicCharities assisted more than 1 millionpeople who sought our help!When we break the bread of ourlives with our neighbors sufferingfrom poverty, job loss, or the fear ofhomelessness, our lives change forthe better. When we donate food orserve at our six weekly suppers for thehungry and homeless in Cook County;provide clothing, shoes and socks forour clothing rooms in our Regionaloffices; become job coaches or supportCatholic Charities fundraising events,we are fed by the gift of charity.Through 159 programs at 156 sites,Catholic Charities daily providesprofessional social services such ascounseling, as well as the basic necessitiesof life, for those in need—inbody or soul.We welcome seniors daily at luncheonprograms at social centers andsenior residences in Cook and LakeCounties. We feed hundreds of hungryand homeless people at daily, dignifiedsit-down dinners; and provide food forlow-income mothers and children.Catholic Charities houses hundredsTrinity Irish Dancers Take the Schaumburg StageThe Trinity Academy of IrishDance steps on to the SchaumburgHigh School Auditorium stage fortheir 2011 spring performance, Inspire,on Saturday, May 7, at 1pmand 5pm. Schaumburg High Schoolis located at 1100 West SchaumburgRoad, Schaumburg, IL 60194.Tickets are $17 for adults, $5 forchildren ages 3-18, children under3 are FREE if sitting on an adult’slap. Advance tickets are availableby emailing info@trinitydance.com.Remaining tickets will be availableat the door.In a heart-pounding display ofstrength and agility, Trinity dancersages 4-18 take the stage withnew choreography as well as oldfavorites including “The Dawn,”“Celtic Tiger” and “Johnny.” Specialperformances include Trinity II, thejunior touring company, Men ofTrinity and dancers fresh from theWorld Championships in Dublin,Ireland.of formerly homeless or recoveringveterans. We welcome refugees, comfortthe sorrowful through counseling,provide shelter for homeless families,and help to restore hope and theirchildren to mothers recovering theirsobriety. We care for low-income seniorsby providing dignified apartmentliving—or assisted living—in CatholicCharities’ beautiful residences in thecity and suburbs.Primarily, we restore hope, becauseHOPE is what matters most to a homelessfamily, or a family with a parentout of work; or to a senior on a limitedincome who lives alone and needsassistance.Only once a year do we ask yourhelp in transforming the lives ofthousands of low-income and homelessmothers and children in need ofsupport. And we are good stewards ofyour gifts, because 92 percent of eachdonation to Catholic Charities helpssomeone in need.Needless to say, Catholic Charitiescannot serve a million people inneed each year without a great deal ofvolunteer help! So, I invite each of ourreaders and parishioners to participatein our Mission of Charity. Yes, we needyour financial support, but we also welcomevolunteers, and greatly rely on thesupport of parishioners who offer theirgifts and talents, language skills, andhands-on support.I ask that you pray for the work ofCatholic Charities, that we may continueto bring new life, help and hopeto our neighbors in need! God bless youand your families!For more information or to make a donationto the Catholic Charities Collection onMother’s Day, please contact Margaret Hughesat (312) 655-7012, or visit: www.catholiccharities.net;or www.caridadescatolicas.net.For more information, visittrinityirishdancers.comor facebook.com/trinityirishdancers.Featuring thelargest selectionof Irish madecladdagh rings,Tweed caps andhats in theChicagoland areaTHEIRISHBOUTIQUEcrystal lake plaza6600 northwest highwaycrystal lake815-459-1800228 robert parker coffin roadlong grove847-634-0339THEIRISHBOUTIQUE434 robert parker coffin roadlong grove847-634-3540Young musicians come together to play Irish Music...and have a great time too!The Academy of Irish Music students meet once a week at the Irish-AmericanHeritage Center in Chicago. Students are divided into beginner, intermediate, andsenior groups based on ability and experience. The children come from all overthe the Metropolitan area. Most of them participate in school bands andorchestras; many are Suzuki trained. These kids enjoy playing Irish music andmaking new friends.GROUP LESSONS & PRIVATE CLASSESFlute | Whistle | Bodhran |Fiddle | Viola |CelloFor more information contact: Noel Rice, Director(847) 564-1338 • nrice@interaccess.comwww.academyofirishmusic.orgat the Irish American Heritage Center |4626 North Knox Ave., Chicago,IL