by Dorothy Jaskey
For a few years a dedicated committee planned fabulous events
to honor our heritage. Under the charismatic chairman, Debbie
Isoda, enthusiastic staff personnel (Fr. Jim Murphy, Dan Tobin,
Tom Norton, Cyndi Collins, April Stefanic, Joanna McDaniel) and
a committee of parishioners (Antonette Tobin, Linda Beagley,
Carroll Madison, Beth Sole, Larry Stark, Dorothy Jaskey) there
was brainstorming and finalized plans were made.
Saturday, May 16 was to be the kick-off with the trumpets
blaring, while doors of our church opened and a triumphant
procession was to be led by an honor guard of our Knights of
Columbus to start the joy-filled Holy Mass. Family members
of the early pioneers were to be the guests of honor. A party
atmosphere with refreshments was to follow.
Then on Saturday, June 20 a Mass was to be followed by a
catered Chicken Dinner, followed by indoor and outdoor
activities. This would have included a band, a cake walk, and a
Bag Toss Tournament.
In fall there was to be a service project planned to benefit the
entire community. The parish was able to carry out monthly
curbside food collections for area pantry guests, until weather
took a turn; support for meals was creatively delivered through
Du Page PADS to our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Also alternatives to our annual Advent and Christmas sharing
ministry events were developed. Adversity generated creativity.
Saturday February 20, the Annual Auction Dinner Gala was
a virtual affair celebrating our school’s 100-year anniversary.
This Virtual Gala was surprisingly successful, as we gathered
in our own homes viewing this celebration together-at-a-distance.
It allowed us to reminisce on our history, generate hope for our
future and fund our school’s growth for the year ahead!
Throughout the year there was to be a pictorial review of parish
events. We have done our best to share pictures and videos
of our history online and with our Flocknote email network.
A Centennial banner created by Vicki Dau adorns the church
worship space, while outdoor banners, designed by our team,
are posted on the church and chapel, inviting the community to
celebrate with us in spirit.
Culminating the year’s celebration will be a Mass that is scheduled
or the Feast of St. Isidore on Saturday, May 15 at 5:00 p.m. As
of now, it is planned as a limited seating safely distanced event
that will be streamed live to our website home page and our
Facebook page. The pandemic altered all these plans, but God is
smiling because the St. Isidore Parish is still a faith-filled community of people
who still love and serve the Lord by continually serving others.
We confidently continue to build a future that is bright.
