About this Event
Hope at the border: what the Church looks like when she is at her best.
Join us to hear about those ministering to migrant families at the U.S. - Mexico border. Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension will share some of his experiences at the border and reflect on the heroic work the Catholic Church is doing with those making the journey to the United States.
The History and Mission of Catholic Extenseion
In 1905, many Catholics were isolated in rural towns across America with little to no access to Catholic fellowship. Father Francis Clement Kelley from Lapeer, Michigan, heard these stories and got to work. He established the Catholic Church Extension Society—now Catholic Extension Society—to bring the sacraments to remote faith communities across the country.
This mission with the support of the Catholic Extensions's earliest donors, allowed priests to ride into tiny frontier towns to celebrate Mass from the back of rail cars or motor chapels where there were no train stops. Two years later, Father Kelley began publishing Extension magazine to tell the stories of the resilient, faith-filled Catholics he had met across the United States.
Today, Catholic Extension Society, through the generosity of many donors, reaches over 15 million American Catholics, many of whom live in faith communities which are located in poor Extension dioceses. Grants are provided to build churches, fix facilities and award scholarships for emerging leaders to empower diverse ministries. Catholic Extension is investing in the future of the faith through efforts to engage young people.
While methods continuously evolve to meet the demands of the times, the Catholic Extension mission remains as alive and important as ever!
Reverend John J. Wall was ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago after graduating from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in 1968. He has served as a faculty member of Niles College and Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Chicago. For 24 years Father Wall served as Pastor of Chicago's historic Old St. Patrick's Church and is the co-founder of the popular Theology on Tap program for young adult Catholics. He was appointed president of Catholic Extension Society by the Vatican in 2007.
Father Wall has served on several boards and advisory councils, including the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management, and the Illinois Patrons of the Arts-Vatican Museums.
Reserve early. Reservations close Tuesday, October 1, 2024 @ 5 pm
The Speaker Luncheon Price per Ticket is as follows:
$50 for Members**
$60 for Non-Members
$600 - Purchase of One Table (Seating for 10 People)
(In order to help First Friday cover increasing expenses, a processing fee will be dded to the price of your ticket(s) at checkout. Thank you)
**If you wish to purchase a Membership (starting at $75), please click
When checking out, pleased indicate the following in the comments section:
- Any dietary requirements
- A group or person you wish to sit with (all attendees are assigned a seat)
- A request for a hearing assistance kit
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Thank You!
LUNCHEON LOCATION:
All meetings are held at The Union League Club - Presidents Hall on the 2nd floor at 65 West Jackson Blvd (1/2 block east of Clark). Upon entering the ULC, you will be directed to the check-in location.
THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB DRESS CODE:
The Union League Club Dress Code is Smart Casual, a relaxed, well-dressed look which may include jeans with no visible rips or tears, denim, and collared shirts. Athletic wear, tennis shoes, t-shirts or hats are not permitted.
PARKING AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB:
Valet Parking is available at Union League's Federal Street Entrance (no discount to attendees).
Discounted parking as low as $10 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available through the in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago (self parking in the garage on the northwest corner of Federal and Van Buren). For information on this special offer, click the following link: IPARKIT OPTION
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
The Club is just two blocks from the LaSalle Street Metra Station, six blocks from Union Metra Station and only blocks away from every EL station.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Union League Club - Presidents Hall, 2nd Floor, 65 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, United States
