Author of “Parish the Thought” to lead mission at St. Bernadette

CHICAGO (March 10, 2020) – John Ruane, author of Parish the Thought, An Inspirational Memoir of Growing Up Catholic in the 1960s” will lead a three-day mission at St. Bernadette Catholic Church (9343 S. Francisco Ave., Evergreen Park) on March 23-25 at 7 p.m. each evening.

On Monday, March 23, he will address the challenges of being Catholic today and encourage Catholics to keep the faith, while spreading the faith through positive words and actions. On Tuesday, March 24, he will talk about forgiveness and on Wednesday, March 25, marriage & family will be the topic. 

“As we prepare for Easter during this Lenten season,  I will be sharing the Catholic experience in each of the topics, which the audience will be able to relate to their own lives,” said Ruane, a devout cradle-Catholic, who has been married for 37 years and has four wonderful children, all practicing Catholics. “My hope is that by the end of each evening, everyone will leave the church feeling a little bit better about themselves, their choices and their commitment to the faith.”

Ruane features music during each talk, leading the congregation in song and be accompanied by pianist Victoria Lowczyk and the St. Bernadette choir.

“We are holding the mission at our church, but I want people to know that all are welcome to join us,” said Reverend Benedykt Pazden, pastor of St. Bernadette, who will also be lending his vocal talents to the music.