What does it mean to be Catholic Today?
An opportunity for people of all ages to be filled up and energized by the love of the Lord.
February 9 & 10
How to be a faithful and impactful Christian in the modern world.
It’s time for a parish mission, a revival, and time of spiritual respite and renewal for our parishioners. By inviting dynamic and Spirit-filled speakers, and taking time out of our busy day-to-day lives, we open ourselves to receive from God what He desires to speak to our hearts, both individually and collectively as a parish!
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Father Tom McCarthy is an experienced teacher, administrator, retreat director and parish mission preacher.
He is a native of the South Side of Chicago. He grew up in St. Adrian Parish in Marquette Park. He received his elementary school education at St. Adrian School and high school education at St. Rita of Cascia High School. He graduated from Villanova University with a B.A. in Communication Arts. He also has a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Lewis University.
Father Tom entered the Midwest Province of the Augustinian Order in 1987. After completing his novitiate, he attended Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree. In 1993 he made his solemn vows as an Augustinian Friar and in 1994 he was ordained to the priesthood.
He did a pastoral internship at St. Clare of Montefalco Parish in Grosse Pointe Park, MI, and taught theology at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox. Father Tom ministered for 21 years at St. Rita of Cascia High School in Chicago as a teacher, campus minister, Principal, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Father Tom also ministered in Rome as part of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization where he was named a Papal Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis in 2018. Father Tom spent two years as the Director of the Augustinian Marylake Shrine in King City, Ontario, and the Prior of the Marylake Augustinian Monastery.
Father Tom is currently in his 14th year as Vocation Director for the Midwest Province and is the Director of St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in Chicago, IL. Father Tom is also the Prior of the Pre-Novitiate Community of St. Clare of Montefalco Friary in Chicago.
Father Tom continues to preach parish missions and lead retreats.
“As Catholics, Jesus is the center of our lives, especially through the Eucharist and the Sacraments. My goal is to preach the love and mercy of Jesus and to let people know how much they are loved.” — Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A.
“You have made us for Yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” — Saint Augustine
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Parish Mission Daily Details
A parish mission is an opportunity to gather as a parish community. Each evening covers a particular topic as we explore what it means to be a Catholic in our world today. This parish mission is especially timely as we seek to live out Bishop Hick’s Pastoral Letter, Make. See below for general overview of each evening. Come one night or come for both! We look forward to seeing you!
What does it mean to be Catholic today?
Come hear about:
The Saints: How are they the heroes of our faith? Am I a saint in training?
Prayer: Is it worth it? Does God listen to me?
The Family of Faith: Do I consider my Parish a family? How do I build up my family of faith? I want to belong – how do I do it?
“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’” John 6:68