DePaul Students Visit the Parish

For the last couple of years, the parish has been collaborating with theology professor Bill Cavanaugh of DePaul University to show his students our Catholic faith in action. On September 4, the large class of first-year college students visited our parish for community service and a tour of our churches and hospitality space.

After lunch, Mark Franzen, director of our parish cultural center St. Gregory’s Hall, led the students on a tour of St. Thomas of Canterbury church. He focused on the unique story the building tells about the generations of immigrants who have worshiped there. The students asked questions about the different images and martyrs shrines found in the church. Next, the group joined parishioner Walker Nelson for a tour of the hospitality space on the second floor. Walker shared his experience during Monday Open-door Hospitality and Tuesday Outreach Bible Study.

The afternoon was capped off with a tour of St. Gregory the Great church by artist-in-residence Sarah Crow. She led the group in a discussion about sacred art and architecture. We look forward to hosting Professor Cavanaugh and his students again next year!