Chicago: St. John Bosco-St. James Parish’s Passion for Christ and Dedication to the Young

By Fr. Miguel Angel Suarez, SDB, Pastor, St. John Bosco-St. James Parish

(Chicago, IL – May 20) – The recent weeks at St. John Bosco-St. James Parish have been a vibrant testament to the theme of the Salesian General Chapter 29: "Passionate about Jesus Christ, dedicated to the young." Through a series of celebrations focusing on holiness, youth, and community, we have seen the Salesian spirit come alive in Chicago.

On Thursday, April 30, our community gathered in the St. James gym to celebrate Children’s Day. In keeping with the Mexican tradition, the gym was transformed into a festive neighborhood, as children and parents alike dressed as characters from the beloved comedy El Chavo del Ocho. The atmosphere was filled with music from a live kids' choir, face painting, and a spirited "boys vs. girls" tug-of-war. It was more than just a party; it was a family-oriented gathering that celebrated the joy of childhood through the lens of our rich cultural heritage.

On Wednesday, May 6, we honored St. Dominic Savio, the patron saint of youth. Our altar servers, youth, and young adults gathered for a beautiful Mass, followed by games and snacks prepared by our dedicated parents. This event emphasized our commitment to guiding the young toward a path of holiness, following the example of Don Bosco’s youngest saint.

The parish celebrated a historic milestone on Friday, May 8: the 50th priestly ordination anniversary of Fr. Tim Ploch, SDB. As a former provincial, Fr. Tim was instrumental in bringing the Salesians of St. John Bosco to the Archdiocese of Chicago.

During a celebratory gala, Fr. Dave Sajdak, SDB, and the Salesian community honored Fr. Tim's lifelong commitment. As our parochial vicar, Fr. Tim continues to win hearts through profound homilies, hearing confessions, and his dedicated accompaniment of ministries like Matrimonios con Propósito, Caridades, and the Salesian Cooperators.

On Sunday, May 9, our children took a significant step in their faith journey during the First Communion Retreat. Led by Salesian Sisters Molly and Kathleen — who traveled from Florida and New Jersey, respectively — the retreat touched everyone present. The spiritual message was so compelling that one catechist noted she felt the joy of the retreat, “as if I were a little girl!”

From the laughter of El Chavo to the solemnity of Fr. Tim’s golden jubilee, our parish remains a place where the young are loved and Christ is central. We continue to move forward with passion and dedication, seeking to help our youths grow in both spirit and joy.