Old St. Pat's Podcast

Have you ever thought, “If I just had a little more money, life would finally feel secure?” We’ve all been there. We track our accounts, build our savings, chase that next raise. But today’s gospel flips the script and asks: What is true wealth? Think of this episode as Spiritual Finance 101. Father McGrath is stepping in as our investment advisor—but not for your 401k. This is about a different kind of portfolio. Jesus says true wealth isn’t measured in dollars or dividends. It’s measured in mercy. Compassion. Forgiveness. Healing. And radical love. And he asks: How are you managing those assets? Are you hoarding compassion like a secret rainy-day fund? Or are you actually spending and investing kindness, love, and forgiveness—generously—on the people who need it most? The good news is, God has already deposited these gifts into our spiritual bank accounts in abundant measure, and our “return on investment” comes when we give them away. That’s how we grow real, lasting, spiritual wealth—the kind that heals relationships, lifts burdens, transforms the world, and yes—gives us a deeper security than money ever could. So today, Father McGrath gives us a lesson in how to grow our true, spiritual wealth.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:God's InvitationWe Sing God's TruthFor The Healing of the World

Have you ever carried something you thought was unredeemable—maybe a mistake, a failure, or a burden so heavy you weren’t sure it could ever be lifted? What if the very thing you most regret or struggle with could, through God’s grace, become the place where healing begins? Redemption isn’t just something that waits for us in heaven. It’s something God offers here and now—through prayer, the sacraments, and the slow, steady work of grace in our daily lives. Today, Father Jayme Stayer reminds us that when we dare to bring our burdens to the altar, Christ transforms them—not someday, but right now—into something redemptive and healing.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:For Everyone Born A Place at the TableDiverse in Culture, Nation, RaceHope Will Prevail

When another school shooting takes place, emotions run heavy—anger, grief, fear, frustration, even numbness. And when one of the victims is from Old St. Pat’s, it hits even closer to home. It tears your heart open and fills you with overwhelming sorrow.In those moments, prayer can feel fruitless—or even maddening to hear: “we are praying for you.” Because we know prayer is just one piece. Prayer must move us to action. We’re called not only to mourn, but to respond in ways that actively bring peace and protect people.That response requires many layers—policy change, community engagement, and individual action. Each of us has a role to play. We can speak up and let our leaders know we want real solutions to the pandemic of arms. We can support nonprofits working for peace. We can practice peaceful conflict resolution every day.And these are just a few ideas. In your own community, look for organizations and local initiatives building safer neighborhoods and addressing the root causes of violence.Today, we listen to Father Ken Simpson as he mourns with us, prays with us, and challenges us with a powerful question: How will we respond? How will we bring hope in times of tragedy?

When was the last time you went through airport security, or waited in line to get into a big game or concert? It’s a process — and the more baggage you carry, the harder it is. There are limits on what you can bring: clear bags only, weight restrictions, no sharp objects, nothing flammable.This Sunday’s Gospel uses a similar image — but instead of metal detectors and TSA agents, the focus is the “narrow gate” that leads us into the Kingdom of God. And the question becomes: what are we carrying? Is it anger? Resentment? Pride? A judgmental heart? Or do we bring with us humility? Patience? Kindness? Forgiveness? A heart aligned with Christ’s?Because here’s the truth: no one else can go through the gate for us. Not our parents, not our children, not even our closest loved ones. Each of us must stand before Jesus, who is the narrow gate. And to pass through, we don’t need privilege or appearances — we need hearts shaped by justice, humility, and love for the most vulnerable.And God hasn’t left us alone in this. One of the greatest gifts He’s given us for the journey is the Eucharist. The Eucharist doesn’t shield us from life’s struggles — it strengthens us to face them.Today, Father Foley invites us to take a closer look at the baggage we’re carrying and to make sure our hearts, minds, and souls are truly aligned with the love of Christ before we move forward.Announcement & Events:On Wednesday, September 3rd at 7:00 PM, join us for An Evening of Adoration and Contemplative Music. This hour of Eucharistic adoration will feature live music, co-hosted by Encounter Young Adult Ministry and our music ministry. All ages are welcome. Come as you are, pray, and rest in our peaceful church.Later this month, on September 26th and 27th, you’re invited to a semi-silent overnight retreat for adults called Growing Closer to God through the Changes in Our Lives. Led by Al Gustafson and rooted in the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, this retreat at Bellarmine’s beautiful grounds offers time to pause, reflect, and listen for God’s voice amid life’s transitions. Learn more and register at jesuitretreat.org/retreats or contact Al at alg@oldstpats.org.We are also looking for wedding ministry volunteers! If you love weddings and would like to help brides, grooms, and their families on their special day, consider joining this joyful hospitality ministry. Volunteers serve about once every six to eight weeks, with training and support provided. If you’re interested, please reach out to Susan Johnson at susan1439@icloud.com.And finally, the Maryville CYO 10th Annual Golf Classic Invitational takes place on Monday, September 8th at The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. Proceeds will benefit Maryville’s Catholic Youth Organization, which has been serving children, families, and communities for over 30 years. Register today at b.ly/maryvillecygolfclassic.For more details on all these events, visit us online at: oldstpats.org.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:We Sing God's TruthThe Lord Is My LightBe Not Afraid

The world doesn’t revolve around us — a truth that cuts straight through our selfie-obsessed culture.The saints knew this well. St. Bernadette, reflecting on her encounters with the Blessed Virgin at Lourdes, once said: “The Blessed Virgin used me like a broom. What do you do with a broom when you have finished sweeping? You put it back in its place, behind the door.” She understood herself simply as an instrument of God’s work — nothing more, nothing less.Her example reminds us that humility and service are central to the life of faith, offering a model for how we too, can let God work through us.And though it may feel counterintuitive, God sometimes calls us into the spotlight. We may naturally shy away, reluctant to draw attention, but these moments aren’t about us either. They are opportunities for God to shine through us, so that others may encounter His love. In these moments, the focus shifts from the individual to the greater glory of God at work through that life.So today, Father Hurley invites us to pray for the grace to desire what God desires, to become His instruments, and to live so that all we do points — not to ourselves — but to Him.Announcements & EventsAttention Young adults — you’re invited to the final Theology on Tap event of the summer!  Join us on Tuesday, August 26th at 6:30 p.m. at Pompei Restaurant for an evening of community, conversation, and inspiration.  We’re excited to welcome Fr. Patrick McGrath, SJ, pastor of Old St. Pat’s. In this Theology on Tap talk, Fr. Pat will explore the pragmatic mysticism of St. Ignatius Loyola and Ignatian spirituality.  Meet other young adults ages 18 to 39, enjoy good food and drinks, and discover how to pray like a Jesuit.  The night kicks off with check-in and mingling at 6:00, Fr. Pat’s talk and Q&A at 6:30, and more community time until 7:30 p.m. See you there! Join us after the 9:00 a.m. mass on Sunday, August 24th Work Tour Gratitude Mass, then stay to hear inspiring stories from our Foundations Youth Ministry. They’ll be sharing reflections from their service trips to Tennessee, West Virginia, Louisiana, and Kentucky. You’ll hear how our young people made a real difference — and how their faith grew — through serving others. Come be inspired, celebrate their impact, and see how service changes lives. All are welcome!Will you host a Kinship Exposure Experience? Old St. Pat’s invites you to share the beauty of Chicago with our neighbors from North Lawndale—many of whom haven’t had access to the city’s vibrant experiences. You can host an outing—like a meal, museum visit, sporting event, or spa day—for youth or adults, free of charge.  It’s a powerful way to live our faith and build bridges through friendship.  To sponsor, contact Vincent Guider or Johnny Jones at Old St. Pat’s. Learn more at oldstpats.org/kinship.Mark your calendars for. Eastern / 5:00 P.M. Pacific! Join Discerning Deacons for the Feast of St. Phoebe on Wednesday, September 3rd at 7:00 P.M for a virtual evening of prayer, testimony, and witness as we honor St. Phoebe the Deacon.Together, we will:Pray for St. Phoebe’s intercession,Lift up communities worldwide preparing their own St. Phoebe Day celebrations,Celebrate the new Church teaching elevating women’s leadership Don’t miss this special virtual gathering.Learn more and register at bit.ly/phoebe-2025.Tickets and sponsorships are now available for The Emerald 2025, Old St. Pat’s signature gala!  Join us Friday, October 3rd at The Geraghty for an unforgettable night of fine food, dancing, and powerful community spirit—all supporting the mission of Old St. Pat’s. Gather your friends, grab a table, and let’s celebrate in style.  Visit oldstpats.org/theemerald to reserve your spot today.  The Emerald 2025—we can’t wait to see you there!

Today’s special music episode features Aimee Scozzafave & Michael St. Peter, accompanied by Mark Scozzafave on piano.The featured songs in today’s episode, performed solo by Michael Boschert, include:Love Is The BoatThe PrayerTaste & SeeTo learn more about Michael Boschert, or to book Aimee and/or Michael as a cantor for your wedding, click HERE.

As we soak in these hot summer days in Chicago, have you ever thought — Pope Leo grew up in this! He knows what it’s like to walk sun-baked city streets and sit on a front stoop on a hot August evening.Today, Father Wall shares how he, too, grew up in Dolton, Illinois, and recently revisited his old neighborhood to see Pope Leo’s childhood home. He reflects on how a boy from such humble beginnings was called by God into a role that could have seemed overwhelming for any young Chicago kid — yet God gave him the courage to step forward in faith.Our humble beginnings and everyday experiences — family meals, block parties, small homes filled with love — are sacred spaces where God’s presence is revealed. They root us in the truth that we are deeply connected: to God, to one another, and to the whole human family.As fellow Chicagoans, we share a bond with the Pope — but even more, we share a deeper oneness with him and with God. And from our own humble experiences, God calls each one of us to live boldly and to embrace the life we’ve been given.Today, Father Wall invites you to move forward with courage and to notice the small, everyday ways God is calling you right where you are.And if you are interested in visiting Pope Leo's home, it is located at 212 E 141st Pl, Dolton, IL 60419.Announcements & Events:Join us after the 9:00 a.m. mass on Sunday, August 24th Work Tour Gratitude Mass, then stay to hear inspiring stories from our Foundations Youth Ministry. They’ll be sharing reflections from their service trips to Tennessee, West Virginia, Louisiana, and Kentucky. You’ll hear how our young people made a real difference — and how their faith grew — through serving others. Come be inspired, celebrate their impact, and see how service changes lives. All are welcome!Looking for a new job or thinking about a career change? The Career Transitions Center has great events coming up this August to help you succeed!Today, August 12th at noon — join Integrating Wellness Strategies and Goal Setting for Job Search.August 18th at 11 a.m. — don’t miss our Introduction to CTC Services info session to see how we can support you or a loved one.And August 21st at 1 p.m. — take part in The Worry Workshop: Moving from Misery to Inspired Action.Learn more and register now at ctc33.wildapricot.org/events — that’s ctc33.wildapricot.org/events. Career Transitions Center — guiding your next step forward.Are you decluttering or renovating? Consider donating gently used furniture to the Chicago Furniture Bank. And if you have usable junk, Honest Junk—our sister nonprofit—will make sure it’s put to good use. From your home to new beginnings—support immigrant families today. These organizations partner with us to create safe, clean homes for immigrant and refugee families we accompany. Plus, all donations are tax-deductible and kept out of landfills.  Thank you for helping build new beginnings.  To learn more or schedule a furniture pickup, visit chicagofurniturebank.org/pickups.Will you host a Kinship Exposure Experience? Old St. Pat’s invites you to share the beauty of Chicago with our neighbors from North Lawndale—many of whom haven’t had access to the city’s vibrant experiences. You can host an outing—like a meal, museum visit, sporting event, or spa day—for youth or adults, free of charge.  It’s a powerful way to live our faith and build bridges through friendship. To sponsor, contact Vincent Guider or Johnny Jones at Old St. Pat’s. Learn more at oldstpats.org/kinship.Want to make a real impact in just one morning? Join the Old St. Pat’s volunteer team as we partner with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to fight hunger across the city.We meet the second Saturday of every month—our next service day is August 16th at 9:00 AM, located at 4100 West Ann Lurie Place.  To get involved, contact Vincent Guider, Kinship Initiative Director, at vincentg@oldstpats.org.  Serve with us—and help bring food, hope, and dignity to our neighbors.The Emerald is Friday, October 3rd, 2025—at a brand new venue: The Geraghty.  It’s the signature event that celebrates community, connection, and the mission that brings us all together.  With vibrant energy, a fresh new space, and a night you won’t forget—this is The Emerald like you’ve never seen it before.  Tickets are now available at: oldstpats.org/theemerald. Questions? Email honorl@oldstpats.org. Don’t miss it—The Emerald, October 3rd!    

Today’s special music episode features Michael Boschert, accompanied by Mark Scozzafave on piano.The featured songs in today’s episode, performed solo by Michael Boschert, include:Con Te PartiròWhere You GoPanis AngelicusHoly Is Your NameAve MariaTo learn more about Michael Boschert, or to book Michael as a cantor for your wedding, click HERE.

Have you ever found yourself clinging to a title, a job, a situation, a lifestyle—or even an identity—that deep down isn’t giving you life? Maybe it feels empty, like you’re wearing a mask just to keep up a charade. Or you find yourself constantly busy with activities that drain you, not fill you, all in an effort to maintain an image or a certain status. God invites us to confront the illusions we so often chase—wealth, security, status, success—and instead ask ourselves: What really matters? Are we willing to loosen our grip on the things that leave us feeling empty in order to receive the things that truly last? Things like love, purpose, and connection. God wants us to listen to that tug in our hearts—that quiet sense that something deeper is calling—and to respond. We don’t have to wait until life is perfect to take a leap. In fact, that desire for perfection is often just fear in disguise. But when we step out in faith and take action anyway, our efforts are met with grace. Because ultimately, no amount of planning, storing, or striving can protect us from the truth: we can’t take our things with us. What lasts isn’t what we accumulate—but how we love, how we give, and the communities we build that help heal and carry one another. Today, Father Pat urges us to focus on what really matters—so that we may become truly rich in the things God loves.

Have you ever tried to pray and wondered if you’re doing it right? You're not alone—and the good news is, you don’t need to have it all figured out. Prayer isn’t about perfection. Jesus gave us the Our Father as a simple, tender way to speak to God—like a loving parent who sees you as absolutely perfect, just as you are. And if that’s true—if God really sees us with that kind of unconditional love—how would it change the way we treat others? The ones who annoy us. Our enemies. The outsider, the competitor, the person who doesn’t fit into our circle. The person on the opposite end of the political spectrum. The ones who challenge us, frustrate us, or are just hard to be around. The people we judge. The vulnerable. The immigrant. The poor. What if we saw them as beloved, too? In today’s episode, Father Jack Wall wants you to remember that you are deeply loved and, through prayer, you're invited to become that love for someone else.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:My Soul Is Filled With JoyHow Can I Keep From SingingCanticle of Turning

Have you ever stopped to think—when was the last time you truly encountered someone in need? We may say we support the poor, or care about those who are struggling… but support from a distance is different than standing face to face. As Dale Carnegie once said, "The sweetest sound to someone’s ears is the sound of their own name." It’s a reminder that at the heart of every person—regardless of what they have or don’t have—is the desire to be seen. In today’s episode, we explore the sacred act of encounter—what it means to move beyond service into real presence. Because the truth is, everyone needs something. And sometimes, the people who seem the strongest on the outside are the ones quietly hoping to be noticed, to be heard, or to be healed. Today, Father Pat McGrath offers a powerful reflection on the dignity we owe one another—not just through our actions, but through our relationships. Because in true encounter, we don’t simply offer help—we honor the soul standing before us.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:Lord, You Have the WordsHere I Am LordAmazing Love

Have you ever felt like you’re living inside a sitcom? You know—those moments where you’re faced with a decision and you know the right thing to do… and yet somehow, you still don’t do it? Maybe you delay, make excuses, dodge the situation entirely, and then things spiral into full-on Seinfeld-style chaos? Maybe it’s that idea you had to help a neighbor or a cause, but you never followed through. Maybe you meant to check in on a friend, volunteer, speak up, give a little more—but you didn’t. Why? Because you were tired. Or busy. Or unsure. Or you figured someone else would handle it. Or maybe you just really didn’t want to deal with that one prickly person. You’re not alone. Even comedy legends like Larry David and the cast of Seinfeld have made entire careers poking fun at our very human struggle: the gap between good intentions and actual follow-through. But what if that gap… is where our faith is meant to come alive? In today’s episode, Fr. Joe Simmons uses both Scripture and sitcoms to shine a light on this everyday dilemma—and invites us to move from passive empathy to compassionate action.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:Gathered As OneMay God Guide YouGo, Be Justice