 A Vincentian Offering of Love Through Sewing at St. Thomas of Canterbury, our Sewing Class began as a simple gesture of gratitude. One of our early projects—creating pillowcases for our pastor, Fr. Alejandro, and the dedicated priests who serve our community—quietly opened a door. Before long, we were invited into a deeper form of service: could we make purificators for the parish? With guidance from Brother Tarcisius, we embraced this invitation. What began as stitching fabric became something more—a quiet, reverent offering for the sacred celebration of the Eucharist. Armed with scissors, fabric, and prayer, we gathered to prepare altar linens. These cloths would be used to purify the vessels that hold Christ’s Body and Blood. Though sewing straight hems and crisp corners tested our patience, we found grace in the process. Just as Christ walks with us through every challenge, we leaned on one another, learning to trust our hands—and our community.  Next came the red cross, embroidered at the center of each purificator as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice. Paula, our mentor, guided us through this step. For many, it was our first experience with embroidery. But as we were reminded, an offering given with love, however imperfect, is already beautiful in God’s eyes. This project transformed us. Through trial and laughter, we grew more than just sewing skills. We formed a community rooted in prayer and purpose—a diverse gathering of parishioners united by faith and fabric. If you're searching for a way to serve, to slow down, or simply to belong, projects like these offer a quiet but powerful path. Here, in each fold and stitch, we find the sacred in the ordinary. Every Tuesday and Thursdays from 10 AM - 12 PM and Saturdays from 11 AM - 1 PM the St. Vincent de Paul Society hosts a sewing and tailoring class at St. Thomas of Canterbury (4827 N. Kenmore). Reflection From Fr. Thomas...As many of you know, I recently visited Vietnam to study the language. The experience was beautiful and I greatly desire to return. One thing that I have found consistently in trips to other countries is that there is so much more to learn than the language. Here are some things I learned in my journey: Fraternity Vietnamese culture is extremely communal and familial. The friars spend a lot of time together and happily welcome outsiders. Their approach to fraternity taught me how to be willing to make sacrifices for the community and for visitors. Culture Vietnam has a deep and distinct cultural heritage. I particularly enjoyed their sacred music and chant, which differs from English because of the tonality of the language. Naturally, there were plenty of delicious and unusual foods -- blood, insects, reptiles, and just about every interior organ were all on the menu! Language The express reason for my trip was learning the language. I find Vietnamese several times tougher than Spanish, so I had to work very hard. It was easy to get confused; the friars laughed at me because I kept confusing the word for city ("thành phố") and bathroom ("phòng tắm")! However, I did make progress; by the time I left, I was preaching in Viet every other day. I still have a long way to go, but I can at least function in the liturgy! In June, volunteers Duncan and Alec harvest kale for the Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen from the raised garden beds at St. Thomas of Canterbury church. Solidarity Gardens is a network of raised beds at our parish that grow fresh produce and herbs for our Outreach Ministries. We need more volunteers to help with watering, weeding, and harvesting. Email Lauren Franzen to get involved!
Thank you Br. Ian for serving at the Food Pantry this Monday. It is always a joy to see other Conventual friars helping out at our parish ministries! If you would like to learn more about our serving at the Food Pantry, click here.
10:30 AM Mass at St. Ita's*Photos courtesy of parish volunteer Luana Lienhart, OFS 12:30 PM Misa a Santa Ita*Fotos cortesía de la voluntaria parroquial Luana Lienhart, OFS
"But I, through the abundance of your mercy, will enter into your house. I will bow down toward your holy sanctuary out of fear of you." Psalm 5:7 Opening our homes to strangers and loved ones, we offer kindness, respect and hospitality. In return, we ask the same of those who visit. We would like to remind everyone that the sacristy at Saint Ita is not a shortcut to the parish office. If you would like to go to the office after Mass, please use the side door (by the Mary side of the church) which leads down to Catalpa Ave. and ring the doorbell at the rectory front door. This will maintain respect for the sacristy as well as allow parish staff to know you have arrived at the office. ‹‹Pero yo por tu inmensa bondad puedo entrar en tu casa; frente a tu santo templo me prosterno con toda reverencia.›› Salmo 5:8 Al abrir nuestros hogares a extraños y seres queridos, ofrecemos amabilidad, respeto y hospitalidad. A cambio, pedimos lo mismo a quienes nos visitan. Nos gustaría recordar a todos que la sacristía de Santa Ita no es un pasaje a la oficina parroquial. Si desea ir a la oficina después de la Misa, por favor use la puerta lateral (por el lado de María en la iglesia) que conduce a la Catalpa Ave. y toque el timbre en la puerta principal de la rectoría. Esto mantendrá el respeto por la sacristía así como permitirá al personal de la parroquia saber que usted ha llegado a la oficina.
¡Un saludo desde Roma! Acabo de celebrar la Misa de Pentecostés y he rezado por nuestra parroquia junto con nuestro nuevo Papa de Chicago, León XIV. Aunque los extraño mucho, me consuela poder servir en este ministerio tan necesario, escuchando confesiones en San Pedro. Hay una gran necesidad de sacerdotes que puedan confesar en español. Recen por mí, que yo también lo haré por ustedes. Espero que este tiempo sea tan bendecido para ustedes como lo está siendo para mí. ¡Nos vemos pronto! —Padre Alejandro, su párroco
On June 15, His Excellency Bishop Tesfaselase celebrated Mass at St. Thomas of Canterbury church. Bishop Tesfaselase was visiting our parish all the way from Ethiopia and was welcomed by the Holy Family Eritrean Community. *Photos courtesy of parish volunteer Damian Chlanda The Eritrean Catholic Church is an autonomous Eastern Catholic church based in Eritrea, East Africa. It is in full communion with the Holy See and uses the Alexandrian Rite in the ancient Ge'ez language – sometimes called the Ge'ez Rite. They trace their lineage back to when Christianity first spread in the region through Saints Matthew and Bartholomew.
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