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Our Parish history continues

2004 120 years of parish life 75th anniversary present church building

Pastor's letter Pastoral Ministry (photos) (Abbreviated) History Parish history continues

(read also, A Proud Past and Promising Future, 1882 - 1998)

In the spring of 1998, Fr. Richard Jozwiak, our Pastor Emeritus, celebrated 50 years of priesthood. A Mass of Celebration was held at SSCM to commemorate his leadership and spiritual guidance.

December 1998 brought changes to St. Cyril’s, as Fr. Peter Nowacki left to assume a new position as Chaplain at Alexian Brothers Hospital. Fr. Jan Kaplan, who had filled in for Fr. Peter, was asked to become our new associate pastor in 1999.
After months of planning, an open house in May of 1999 provided the parish community the opportunity to see the wonderful work being done for SPRED (Special Religious Development).

The sale of our latest parish cookbook, “Incredible Edibles II,” began in summer.

The year 1999 was highlighted on August 15 when Cardinal George presided at a Mass for the unveiling and enshrining of the Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa (The Black Madonna). Made for SS. Cyril and Methodius by Hinsdale artist Zygmunt Kimel, the Icon had been taken to Rome and was blessed by Pope John Paul II, previous to the Mass. The Icon was also taken in Pilgrimage to Czestochowa, Poland, home of the original Icon of Our Lady of Jasna Gora/Czestochowa.

Spring of 2000 found the parish evaluating the issue of much-needed parking space, to keep up with continued growth. SSCM purchased additional property to address the future needs.
Also in the spring, SSCM in cooperation with St. Alphonsus Parish and St. Patrick’s Parish, sponsored bringing the Mary Statue “Our Lady of the Millennium” to Lemont. The statue was placed on the hill behind Mt. Assisi to give the entire Lemont community the opportunity for devotional visits before it traveled on to a new site.

The spiritual and educational foundation of all three Catholic parishes was again advanced, when in June of 2000, Sr. Sandra Zorko, OSF, accepted the position as Director of Faith Formation. Sr. Sandra’s responsibilities here include helping with RCIA, Family Activities, & Adult Education.

In October of 2000, our parish was saddened to learn that Fr. Sivore was hospitalized with a debilitating condition that would require surgery on his back. After an extensive hospital stay, he began rehabilitative therapy. Fr. Sivore moved into a one-story residence in Lemont, so he could travel more easily to daily therapy. In December of 2000, Fr. Charles Kelly came to SSCM as our parish administrator in Fr. Sivore’s absence.

The year 2001 started with sorrow, as on January 8, Fr. Sivore passed away to Eternal Life. He is fondly remembered for serving God at our parish for nine years. Fr. Kelly continued to serve and guide our parish as our interim administrator.

In May of 2001, the SSCM Parish School Mother’s Club celebrated their 50th anniversary with a special Mass and a luncheon, expressing gratitude for all those, past and present, who have been actively involved in the organization.

In July of 2001, Rev. Lawrence Lisowski arrived at St. Cyril’s as our newly appointed and enthusiastic pastor, and his Installation Mass was celebrated on October 28th.

Guided by our faith and sense of mission, the many ministries at SS. Cyril and Methodius are dedicated to supporting the parish and community. In November of 2001, two new ministries were formed: the Bereavement Committee to provide comfort, spiritual/emotional support and guidance at a difficult time of loss, and the Welcoming Committee to introduce and welcome new families to our parish. In December, a unique opportunity became available when the Holbrook Center of Catholic Charities started offering counseling on-site at SSCM.

In January of 2002, our Parish Hall inside our school was re-dedicated as “Sivore Hall” by Bishop Gorman, one year after Fr. Sivore’s death, to honor his assistance in the school expansion project.

Also in January, Fr. Bob Lucas joined us at SSCM to assist in the celebration of our Sunday masses. In May of 2002, Fr. Jan Kaplan celebrated 35 years of Priesthood .

In June of 2002, after 20 years of dedicated service, our Parish School principal, Mrs. Lillian Buckley, decided to transfer to a school in her Chicago neighborhood. Mrs. Barbara Waller was hired as the new principal for our Parish School. In the summer of 2002, it was decided that using the convent was no longer a practical option for the fall school year. It had housed the Kindergarten and Pre-school classrooms, as well as offices for Religious Education. Within a few weeks time, new classroom space was built into the lunchroom in the first floor of the school, and the Kindergarten and Pre-School returned to the main campus in time for the opening of school.

In the summer of 2002, Ms. Anne Cromley (now Mrs. Anne Madden) was hired to be the Director of Music Ministry. There are numerous choirs and opportunities for singers and instrumentalists of all ages and styles to participate in the liturgy through music.

In the fall of 2002, our Capital Campaign called “Sharing Christ’s Gifts” began at St. Cyril’s. The parish was called to a stewardship of time, talent and treasure. The money pledged will be used for parish debt payments and a long list of capital projects.

In September of 2002, a Youth Ministry program was started among the three Lemont Catholic Churches. Ms. Diane Herman accepted the position of Tri-Parish Youth Minister.

In December, the old Convent building was torn down, since it could no longer be used.

By January 2003, work on capital projects was evident all around the parish campus. Many repairs, restorations and renovations were in progress, especially on our beautiful church building.

In order to gain additional Archdiocesan experience and fulfill a need at a tri-lingual Parish in Wauconda, Fr. Kaplan transferred from SSCM in June of 2003. Fr. Frank Florczyk arrived in July to be our new associate pastor.

In the summer of 2003, the new cross for our church steeple was blessed at all the masses, and parishioners had the chance to touch it before it was installed atop the bell tower, once again beckoning people to come and worship.

In November, Fr. Frank received a private audience with the Pope. Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s pontificate, Fr. Frank presented him with a monetary gift and ceremonial album from SSCM.

In December of 2003, Fr. Fred Pesek came to Lemont for a period of six months, to assist at SSCM, St. Alphonsus, St. Patrick’s, and St. James Parishes, until he got the call to serve as pastor at a parish in Lansing.

Our faith and the rich diversity of our members was observed when our Polish Community celebrated the 25th anniversary of both the SSCM Polish Club and the John Paul II Polish School of Lemont, in Feb 2004.

In June of 2004, a Mass and reception were held to honor Deacon Norb Lesnieski’s 32 years of service to SSCM.

This 2004 year is a special milestone, as we honor our past 120 years of parish life and continue our legacy as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our present church building. A weekend of special festivities was held in August of 2004, with the theme of “We remember, we celebrate, we believe.” A special Mass was held on August 21st, with Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller blessing the beautiful new church entrance that was under construction on Sobieski Street. We continue to be a faith-filled community of the Kingdom of God, and we are thankful for all past, present, and future members of our SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish family.

In September of 2004, Fr. Frank Florczyk and members of the Polish Club organized a pilgrimage to the Vatican and Italy, to celebrate their 25-year Jubilee. They prayed at many of the famous religious sites throughout all of Italy and were honored to be given a private audience with the Pope. Representatives of our Polish Club gave the Pope a gift of a ceremonial clock, and all the members of the group were filled with gratefulness when they received their blessing from the Holy Father.

The faith of the members of SS. Cyril and Methodius Church continues to manifest itself in the traditions of worship, service, and prayer.

Pat Graczyk
 

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