Rev. R. E. McLaughlin Faith Foundation Award

The world always needs not only great dreamersbut people of action. This year’s honoreespossess both qualities. John Cusick was

ordained in 1970 and immediately recognized that thechurch needed to reach out more to women and men,married and single, in their 20’s and 30’s. In 1977, hefounded and became director of the Archdiocese ofChicago Young Adult Ministry office.

On August 1, 1988, Father Cusick was joined by Dr.Kate DeVries. Today, Kate is co-director of the office.She holds a doctorate in ministry from CatholicTheological Union, along with a master’s degree indivinity, special education and pastoral studies.

Over the past years, under the leadership of John andKate, Chicago’s Young Adult Ministry has not onlyflourished, but has been innovative in many areas.“Theology On Tap”, is a classic example. Their workand programs have not only been a model here in theUnited States but also world wide. Hardly a Catholicfamily today does not have some young adults, those intheir 20’s and 30’s, single and married who no longerparticipate in Catholic worship or activities. A fewyears ago Father Bob McLaughlin and Father JohnCusick realized that there were problems getting ouryoung people involved with their faith. Read oversome of their interesting findings and you will realizethat their concern is still very real.

Shortly after Father Bob’s death, Father John with theassistance of Kate DeVries, began planning and puttingtogether a project which would address the situation.This project is called the RUAH project. Ruah is theancient Hebrew word for “breath’,“wind” and “spirit”.Their hard work has come to fruition with theopening of two RUAH centers. The first center,Kateri Center, is located at Dominican University inRiver Forest. The second center, Isaac Hecker Center,is located in Chicago Heights. More information isavailable at www.yamchicago.org.

Father Bob McLaughlin once said,“A successfulperson is one who leaves a strong legacy of faith forthe next generation to build upon.” Please join us onMonday, June 22nd, when we proudly present the Rev.Robert E. McLaughlin Faith Foundation Award tothese two special people.

Red’s Roof Rules

Think Spring! How about a warm Saturdayafternoon enjoying the sun, refreshments and aCub game? The Young Adult Board of the

McLaughlin Faith Foundation invites you and some ofyour friends to the fourth annual Red’s Roof fundraiseratop a Wrigley Field rooftop on Saturday, May 16, 2009.The Cubs are playing Houston at 12:05pm.

The purpose of the event entitled,“Red’s Roof” is toexcite young people about Father Bob’s vision andspirit. Proceeds from the rooftop will benefitscholarships, retreats and programming activities aimedat enriching the Catholic identities of young adults.

Last year’s event was a sell-out! Over 150 peopleenjoyed the view from Beyond the Ivy at 1048 WestWaveland. Festivities will kick-off at 11:30am,approximately 30 minutes before the game and includehot food off the grill, drinks and a raffle for prizes. Thehighlight of last year’s raffle was a shoe (size 22) worn ina game and autographed by Shaquille O’Neal. Ticketsare $125 and must be purchased early because of limitedrooftop capacity.

For more information and tickets, please contact Kerry Lynch at 773-636-1478 or Kevin Murphy at 847-846-5664 or the Faith Foundation’s website atwww.mclaughlinfaithfoundation.org.

Two years ago the Board of the Faith Foundation voted to establish the Rev. Robert E. McLaughlinFaith Foundation award. This award will be given annually to an individual or individuals who havemade a significant contribution to the lives of young people, the next generation. We are proud toannounce that this year’s recipients will be Father John Cusick and Dr. Kate DeVries.

Some Interesting Facts:• Of the 64 million+ Catholics in the United States,

46% of them are young adults.

• 60% of the young adult Catholics are inactive.• 64% say “I can be a good Catholic

without going to Mass.”• 19% of today’s Catholic young adults attend

Mass weekly.• Young adult parents who are inactive are not

bringing their children to church.• 32% of young adult Catholics eligible to be

married in the Catholic Church are marryingoutside of the Catholic Church.

• Over 40% of Catholics born after 1964 are notregistered in any Catholic Parish.

Visit the UpdatedRev. Robert E. McLaughlin Faith Foundation website at

www.mclaughlinfaithfoundation.org Check us out!

Impossible Without You

In just our short existence, the Faith Foundation hasmade a lot of progress. In the last three years, wehave given over $175,000 in grants. Without your

thoughtfulness and generosity, none of this great workand blessings would be possible. We would just like tohighlight some results from last year’s grants.

A grant was given to Immaculate Conception Parish(Waukegan) for the development of the parish youthchoir. This project developed a group to participate ina formative project to create small faith communities.Through their participation in the choir, teens andyoung adults grow in their faith and feel more closelytied to their cultural roots. These teens and youngadults have their creativity awakened and begin to takeon increasing leadership roles. Former youth involvedin the program state that the choir experience hasprovided consistency, purpose and a meaning to whothey are. This program gives teens and young adultsthe bedrock upon which they can develop a lifelongfaith. It also provides a safe place and healthy focus forteens and young adults, so that they do not get caughtup in unhealthy practices or relationships.

Another grant was given to St. Joe’s VincentianServices for volunteer development. In Chicago,volunteers come from Dominican and DePaulUniversities. They are trained to serve and supportfamilies and individuals at risk. All programming at St.

Joseph Services is built upon St.Vincent de Paul’sphilosophy of service to the poor. They believe that bysupporting one person in their time of need, they havehelped to support the entire community. They alsobelieve that this support should be offered with dignityand respect, with the knowledge that people are somuch more than their present circumstances. It is awin-win situation. God’s children are being helpedand the helpers are being inspired.

Joseph Checke, and ESL tutor says,“I have learned somuch from my ESL students since I started teachingthem English. One thing that I appreciate is howpositive they are about life. I know that they strugglefinancially, but they are always in a good mood. Theyreally give me courage whenever I am feeling down orwhen I am struggling myself.” It is a win-winsituation!

These are just two examples of the seventeen grantsthat were given out last year. Remember, withoutyour kindness, none of this great work and blessingswould be possible.

Grant applications for 2009 are available now on ourwebsite, www.mclaughlinfaithfoundation.org or bycontacting Fr.William Moriarity at 312-787-8040.Application deadline is April 30, 2009. Institutionsapplying for grants must follow our mission statement.

Rev. R. E. McLaughlin Faith Foundation Award

The world always needs not only great dreamersbut people of action. This year’s honoreespossess both qualities. John Cusick was

ordained in 1970 and immediately recognized that thechurch needed to reach out more to women and men,married and single, in their 20’s and 30’s. In 1977, hefounded and became director of the Archdiocese ofChicago Young Adult Ministry office.

On August 1, 1988, Father Cusick was joined by Dr.Kate DeVries. Today, Kate is co-director of the office.She holds a doctorate in ministry from CatholicTheological Union, along with a master’s degree indivinity, special education and pastoral studies.

Over the past years, under the leadership of John andKate, Chicago’s Young Adult Ministry has not onlyflourished, but has been innovative in many areas.“Theology On Tap”, is a classic example. Their workand programs have not only been a model here in theUnited States but also world wide. Hardly a Catholicfamily today does not have some young adults, those intheir 20’s and 30’s, single and married who no longerparticipate in Catholic worship or activities. A fewyears ago Father Bob McLaughlin and Father JohnCusick realized that there were problems getting ouryoung people involved with their faith. Read oversome of their interesting findings and you will realizethat their concern is still very real.

Shortly after Father Bob’s death, Father John with theassistance of Kate DeVries, began planning and puttingtogether a project which would address the situation.This project is called the RUAH project. Ruah is theancient Hebrew word for “breath’,“wind” and “spirit”.Their hard work has come to fruition with theopening of two RUAH centers. The first center,Kateri Center, is located at Dominican University inRiver Forest. The second center, Isaac Hecker Center,is located in Chicago Heights. More information isavailable at www.yamchicago.org.

Father Bob McLaughlin once said,“A successfulperson is one who leaves a strong legacy of faith forthe next generation to build upon.” Please join us onMonday, June 22nd, when we proudly present the Rev.Robert E. McLaughlin Faith Foundation Award tothese two special people.

Red’s Roof Rules

Think Spring! How about a warm Saturdayafternoon enjoying the sun, refreshments and aCub game? The Young Adult Board of the

McLaughlin Faith Foundation invites you and some ofyour friends to the fourth annual Red’s Roof fundraiseratop a Wrigley Field rooftop on Saturday, May 16, 2009.The Cubs are playing Houston at 12:05pm.

The purpose of the event entitled,“Red’s Roof” is toexcite young people about Father Bob’s vision andspirit. Proceeds from the rooftop will benefitscholarships, retreats and programming activities aimedat enriching the Catholic identities of young adults.

Last year’s event was a sell-out! Over 150 peopleenjoyed the view from Beyond the Ivy at 1048 WestWaveland. Festivities will kick-off at 11:30am,approximately 30 minutes before the game and includehot food off the grill, drinks and a raffle for prizes. Thehighlight of last year’s raffle was a shoe (size 22) worn ina game and autographed by Shaquille O’Neal. Ticketsare $125 and must be purchased early because of limitedrooftop capacity.

For more information and tickets, please contact Kerry Lynch at 773-636-1478 or Kevin Murphy at 847-846-5664 or the Faith Foundation’s website atwww.mclaughlinfaithfoundation.org.

Two years ago the Board of the Faith Foundation voted to establish the Rev. Robert E. McLaughlinFaith Foundation award. This award will be given annually to an individual or individuals who havemade a significant contribution to the lives of young people, the next generation. We are proud toannounce that this year’s recipients will be Father John Cusick and Dr. Kate DeVries.

Some Interesting Facts:• Of the 64 million+ Catholics in the United States,

46% of them are young adults.

• 60% of the young adult Catholics are inactive.• 64% say “I can be a good Catholic

without going to Mass.”• 19% of today’s Catholic young adults attend

Mass weekly.• Young adult parents who are inactive are not

bringing their children to church.• 32% of young adult Catholics eligible to be

married in the Catholic Church are marryingoutside of the Catholic Church.

• Over 40% of Catholics born after 1964 are notregistered in any Catholic Parish.

Visit the UpdatedRev. Robert E. McLaughlin Faith Foundation website at

www.mclaughlinfaithfoundation.org Check us out!

Impossible Without You

In just our short existence, the Faith Foundation hasmade a lot of progress. In the last three years, wehave given over $175,000 in grants. Without your

thoughtfulness and generosity, none of this great workand blessings would be possible. We would just like tohighlight some results from last year’s grants.

A grant was given to Immaculate Conception Parish(Waukegan) for the development of the parish youthchoir. This project developed a group to participate ina formative project to create small faith communities.Through their participation in the choir, teens andyoung adults grow in their faith and feel more closelytied to their cultural roots. These teens and youngadults have their creativity awakened and begin to takeon increasing leadership roles. Former youth involvedin the program state that the choir experience hasprovided consistency, purpose and a meaning to whothey are. This program gives teens and young adultsthe bedrock upon which they can develop a lifelongfaith. It also provides a safe place and healthy focus forteens and young adults, so that they do not get caughtup in unhealthy practices or relationships.

Another grant was given to St. Joe’s VincentianServices for volunteer development. In Chicago,volunteers come from Dominican and DePaulUniversities. They are trained to serve and supportfamilies and individuals at risk. All programming at St.

Joseph Services is built upon St.Vincent de Paul’sphilosophy of service to the poor. They believe that bysupporting one person in their time of need, they havehelped to support the entire community. They alsobelieve that this support should be offered with dignityand respect, with the knowledge that people are somuch more than their present circumstances. It is awin-win situation. God’s children are being helpedand the helpers are being inspired.

Joseph Checke, and ESL tutor says,“I have learned somuch from my ESL students since I started teachingthem English. One thing that I appreciate is howpositive they are about life. I know that they strugglefinancially, but they are always in a good mood. Theyreally give me courage whenever I am feeling down orwhen I am struggling myself.” It is a win-winsituation!

These are just two examples of the seventeen grantsthat were given out last year. Remember, withoutyour kindness, none of this great work and blessingswould be possible.

Grant applications for 2009 are available now on ourwebsite, www.mclaughlinfaithfoundation.org or bycontacting Fr.William Moriarity at 312-787-8040.Application deadline is April 30, 2009. Institutionsapplying for grants must follow our mission statement.

Est. 2005

Keep Smiling!