HR1151 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1151 LRB097 21847 GRL 70539 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Fr. Thomas Bernas for his 15 years of dedicated service at St. Richard Catholic Church in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Bernas was born in Evergreen Park, in 1958; he attended St. Pancratius Grammar School and Quigley Preparatory Seminary South; after graduating from high school in 1976, he enrolled at the Loyola University of Chicago, where he earned his degree in 1980; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Bernas entered seminary in 1989 at the St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein; after his ordination in 1994 at Holy Name Cathedral by Cardinal Bernardin, he was assigned to St. Richard Catholic Church in 1997 as an administrator; his conscientious and tireless work for the parish resulted in his appointment as pastor in 1999; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure as pastor, Thomas Bernas devoted his time and energy to improving the community of St. Richard Catholic Church and the surrounding area; he overhauled the parish's finances, paying off its debt and keeping it debt-free; he completed several renovation projects initiated by his predecessor, including the re-painting of the church, the replacement of the church's organ, and the installation of an elevator to facilitate handicapped access; he oversaw the construction of the St. Richard Parish Center and a gymnasium used by the school's children and numerous community groups; he also supervised a complete renovation of the priest's residence and was instrumental in the creation of a recent building renovation and floor plan reconfiguration; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Bernas has been an active member of his community life; every year, he has hosted the Archer Heights Civic Association Halloween Party for community children in the church hall and an annual blessing of Chicago firefighters, paramedics, and police officers; and

WHEREAS, After 15 years of service at St. Richard, Thomas Bernas will begin a new assignment at St. Rene Goupil Parish, where he will undoubtedly continue his wonderful work in service of his congregation and the community as a whole; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Fr. Thomas Bernas for his 15 years of dedicated service at St. Richard Catholic Church and wish him continued success and happiness at St. Rene Goupil Parish; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Thomas Bernas as a symbol of our esteem and respect.