Hickory Hills
St. Patricia Parish, 9050 S. 86th Ave.: A newly renovated school lunchroom was dedicated to the late Bishop Kevin Birmingham on June 30. The Rev. Michael Meany, pastor of St. Patricia Parish, presided over the Mass and spoke about Birmingham, who was born in Oak Lawn, during his homily. Meany hopes the room will remind young people about the bishop’s legacy of service to the church and will inspire them to seek a vocation, according to a news release from the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Meany taught Birmingham at Quigley Preparatory Seminary South in Chicago and was his swim coach. Birmingham confirmed students at the parish the year before his unexpected death on Oct. 2, 2023, just a few days before his 52nd birthday.
Birmingham’s family was expected to attend, as well as some of his archdiocese colleagues and classmates from Quigley South. Meany read remarks from Bishop Ronald Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet, who worked with Birmingham for six years. A luncheon followed the dedication.
The renovations include air conditioning, an updated kitchen and a mural of the sacraments that features a portrait of Birmingham representing the sacrament of confirmation. Adult faith formation classes also will take place there.
St. Patricia Parish offers “The Vito Zatto Show” July 20. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. in the St. Patricia Parish Center. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. Tickets for this Vegas-style show cost $50 per person and include dinner, drink, music, dancing, cash bar and door prizes. Raffle will be available. Buy tickets online or at the rectory office. This fundraiser is sponsored by the St. Patricia Holy Name Society and Helping Hands and includes entertainment, comedy, food and dancing. Information: stpatriciaparish.com or 708-598-5222.
Lemont
Christ Community Church, 13400 Bell Road: All ages picnic and concert July 18 featuring Peter Oprisko. The picnic starts at 6 p.m. outside followed by the concert at 7 p.m. inside. Attendees should bring their own dinner, snacks and chairs and may invite friends. It’s free and hosted by the Young at Heart. Information: 630-257-7770.
Palos Heights
Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church, 7059 127th St.: Scuba Vacation Bible School from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 28 to Aug. 1. It’s offered for children 4 years old to entering fifth grade. Register at www.paloschurch.org. Information: 708-448-0186.
Tinley Park
St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church, 7399 W. 159th St.: Children’s choir camp from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 22 to 26. Participants will sing at a Mass on July 28. The registration fee is $30. The camp will feature music and games and singing opportunities. At noon each day, campers will participate in Mass and lead the music using the skills they learned that day. Parents are welcome to attend the Mass, which lasts about 30 minutes. Email kate@stjulie.org or 708-429-6767.
Faith United Presbyterian Church, 6200 W. 167th St.: Camp Firelight Vacation Bible school from 9 a.m. to noon July 22 through 26. A shorter VBS session is also available from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 23 to 25. Children 4 to 12 years old will enjoy music, science experiments, crafts, recreation, snacks and memorable Bible stories. It’s free but registration is required at faithunitedpres.org. Information: 708-532-8877.
What’s going on at your church? Let us know by sending us an email including time, date, place and public contact information at least two weeks before the event or reservation deadline to religion@southtownstar.com.
