From Dolton to a Divine Calling - Fr. Jack Wall 8.10.25

As we soak in these hot summer days in Chicago, have you ever thought — Pope Leo grew up in this! He knows what it’s like to walk sun-baked city streets and sit on a front stoop on a hot August evening.Today, Father Wall shares how he, too, grew up in Dolton, Illinois, and recently revisited his old neighborhood to see Pope Leo’s childhood home. He reflects on how a boy from such humble beginnings was called by God into a role that could have seemed overwhelming for any young Chicago kid — yet God gave him the courage to step forward in faith.Our humble beginnings and everyday experiences — family meals, block parties, small homes filled with love — are sacred spaces where God’s presence is revealed. They root us in the truth that we are deeply connected: to God, to one another, and to the whole human family.As fellow Chicagoans, we share a bond with the Pope — but even more, we share a deeper oneness with him and with God. And from our own humble experiences, God calls each one of us to live boldly and to embrace the life we’ve been given.Today, Father Wall invites you to move forward with courage and to notice the small, everyday ways God is calling you right where you are.And if you are interested in visiting Pope Leo's home, it is located at 212 E 141st Pl, Dolton, IL 60419.Announcements & Events:Join us after the 9:00 a.m. mass on Sunday, August 24th Work Tour Gratitude Mass, then stay to hear inspiring stories from our Foundations Youth Ministry. They’ll be sharing reflections from their service trips to Tennessee, West Virginia, Louisiana, and Kentucky. You’ll hear how our young people made a real difference — and how their faith grew — through serving others. Come be inspired, celebrate their impact, and see how service changes lives. All are welcome!Looking for a new job or thinking about a career change? The Career Transitions Center has great events coming up this August to help you succeed!Today, August 12th at noon — join Integrating Wellness Strategies and Goal Setting for Job Search.August 18th at 11 a.m. — don’t miss our Introduction to CTC Services info session to see how we can support you or a loved one.And August 21st at 1 p.m. — take part in The Worry Workshop: Moving from Misery to Inspired Action.Learn more and register now at ctc33.wildapricot.org/events — that’s ctc33.wildapricot.org/events. Career Transitions Center — guiding your next step forward.Are you decluttering or renovating? Consider donating gently used furniture to the Chicago Furniture Bank. And if you have usable junk, Honest Junk—our sister nonprofit—will make sure it’s put to good use. From your home to new beginnings—support immigrant families today. These organizations partner with us to create safe, clean homes for immigrant and refugee families we accompany. Plus, all donations are tax-deductible and kept out of landfills.  Thank you for helping build new beginnings.  To learn more or schedule a furniture pickup, visit chicagofurniturebank.org/pickups.Will you host a Kinship Exposure Experience? Old St. Pat’s invites you to share the beauty of Chicago with our neighbors from North Lawndale—many of whom haven’t had access to the city’s vibrant experiences. You can host an outing—like a meal, museum visit, sporting event, or spa day—for youth or adults, free of charge.  It’s a powerful way to live our faith and build bridges through friendship. To sponsor, contact Vincent Guider or Johnny Jones at Old St. Pat’s. Learn more at oldstpats.org/kinship.Want to make a real impact in just one morning? Join the Old St. Pat’s volunteer team as we partner with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to fight hunger across the city.We meet the second Saturday of every month—our next service day is August 16th at 9:00 AM, located at 4100 West Ann Lurie Place.  To get involved, contact Vincent Guider, Kinship Initiative Director, at [email protected].  Serve with us—and help bring food, hope, and dignity to our neighbors.The Emerald is Friday, October 3rd, 2025—at a brand new venue: The Geraghty.  It’s the signature event that celebrates community, connection, and the mission that brings us all together.  With vibrant energy, a fresh new space, and a night you won’t forget—this is The Emerald like you’ve never seen it before.  Tickets are now available at: oldstpats.org/theemerald. Questions? Email [email protected]. Don’t miss it—The Emerald, October 3rd!