If there is such a thing as a typical Catholic parish, Assumption is not it. We have not had a Catholic school since 1945. We have members from the neighborhood, but also a significant number of members from far outside the neighborhood. We are surrounded not by family homes, but what is described in the trade as “starter apartments,” room enough for a single, a couple, and a small family; but when families start to grow, they typically move out of the area. Because we do not have many families with school-age children, our members travel more freely and a number of them snowbird. And because people in starter apartments are not tied down by a mortgage, our turnover rate among young adults is quite high.

       I mention all of this because during this past week the Servite Friars at Assumption were attending a Chapter. It was announced at Mass and in the bulletin. People who have been around Assumption for a while may know what that means, because it has been explained from time to time; but we also have lots of people who are new to the parish who may have no clue what that means. Yet it is also one more reason why Assumption is not a typical Catholic parish. Who are the Servite Friars?

       The Friar Servants of Mary are a religious order founded in thirteenth century Italy by a group of cloth merchants in Florence, who experienced a call from Mary to dedicate their lives to prayer, community living, and service. They are known today as the Seven Holy Founders and their Feast Day is February 17. Of all the saints officially recognized (or canonized) by the Catholic Church, they are the only ones canonized as a community. That is because their impact on the people of Florence was primarily due to the quality of their own community life and the sense of welcome they offered those who were feeling lost or displaced. The thirteenth century was a time of great migration into the cities from rural areas. People came with dreams of a better life and often found their hopes disappointed. Many had become disengaged from their Catholic roots as well. The new religious orders like the Franciscans, the Dominicans, the Augustinians, the Carmelites, and the Servites emerged during this time period. How do we bring some of the spirit of the giant monasteries in the rural areas to the new realities in the growing cities? How do we live community life on a smaller scale?

       Most of the parishes in the Archdiocese (which includes all of Cook and Lake Counties) are led by priests who serve directly under the Archbishop, Cardinal Cupich. The priests may live with other priests in a rectory or live independently. They receive a salary and benefits, may retire at the age of 70. As pastor, my salary goes to help support our present community of three friars. I receive an allowance (think your teenage self) for daily expenses. We also pray together, have the evening meal together, and I would like to think we share a bit of the joy of community life that people noticed about the Seven Holy Founders. Why are there Servites at Assumption? This Archdiocese was staffed initially by Irish (English speaking) clergy. When immigrants from other European countries began arriving in Chicago, the bishops turned to the religious orders from these countries to staff these parishes. The large Polish churches you see along the Kennedy Expressway were first staffed by the Resurrectionists, a predominantly Polish Order. St. Michael’s was and still is staffed by Redemptorists, an historically German order. St. Joseph was originally a German speaking parish, and it was staffed until fairly recently by Benedictines from an Abbey with German roots. The Servite Friars were asked to start a ministry to the Italian immigrants, many of whom had settled in the area just north of the Chicago River following the Great Chicago Fire. We have been here since the Assumption began in 1881. Friars serving in parish ministry are nominated by their Provincial and then must receive faculties to minister by the Archbishop.

       Because our Province includes friars serving all over the United States and other parts of the world, a Chapter (which we hold every other year) is a time to conduct business, learn something new, spend time in prayer together, but also to recharge our connection with friars whom we do not see very often. By coincidence the priests of the Archdiocese are also holding an Convocation this week in Wisconsin, and doing so for much the same reasons. At the most basic level, we all need the support of one another on the journey to eternal life. This is one of the reasons why church is important.

                                                                                                             Fr. Joe