CALL TO SERVE

A “Call to Serve” liturgy focusing on youth leadership in the Catholic Church was held on Thursday March 24 at Holy Name Cathedral at 9:30AM.The Mass was celebrated by Francis Cardinal George.

Under the guidance of Sister Mary Paul McCaughey, Archdiocese of Chicago Superintendent of Schools, Marist High School Senior Joe Ward (Evergreen Park, Christ the King Parish) and Sean Bergan and KC Vogt of Marmion Academy in Aurora realized their vision of a representation of 20 students from 30 high schools in the Chicago, Joliet, and Rockford Archdiocese. Over 750 Catholic high school students and guests attended, including 70 Marist High School students. Joining the students was a conclave of more than 50 bishops, priests, religious, and deacons and Catholic Secondary leaders, teachers, and administrators.

Brother Patrick McNamara fms, Marist High School President, remarked: “We congratulate Marist Sr. Joe Ward and his team.  Their efforts and hard work, with the support of Cardinal George, were able to create a snapshot of the diversity of the students in our Catholic High Schools.  It was a first time, not to compete, but to pray together”. 

Holy Name Cathedral was filled to capacity during this first of its kind liturgical celebration. The students in attendance chose to participate while on spring break.

Plans are currently under way for a 2012 celebration, hopefully making this liturgy a Chicago Archdiocese tradition for years to come.