Religion roundup: St. Catherine priest retires, VBS sessions set, more

Oak Lawn

St. Catherine of Alexandria, 10621 S. Kedvale Ave: The Rev. Dennis Ziomek is retiring as pastor of the church June 30 after 11 years there. A celebration of his ministry took place June 1. The new priest, the Rev. Matt Litak, will start July 1.

During his 46 years of ministry, Ziomek has served five parishes and spent 23 years teaching at Quigley Seminary South and at Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary. He served the Presbyteral Council, the Association of Chicago Priests, was administrator of St. Christina and continues as dean for the nine parishes of Deanery D Vicariate V. “I’m retiring from the administrative responsibilities of a pastor but not retiring from priesthood,” he said. He’s proud of his teaching because several young men were ordained priests, including the Most Rev. Kevin Birmingham, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago before his death in 2023.

During Ziomek’s tenure at St. Catherine of Alexandria, Friday Masses began at the school, which serves about 500 students in preschool through eighth grade. “I have enjoyed working with our schoolchildren for sacramental preparation and various celebrations,” he said. “With Jesus as the vine, we have worked together in the vineyard of the Lord as His missionary disciples, bearing much fruit.”

Ziomek, whose nickname is Zi, said the church “is much more than the buildings. It’s the people. I will miss the many people I have worked with and come to love. … I will miss seeing school children running up to me and saying ‘Hi, Father Dennis!’”

He’s enjoyed his work. “I’ve liked being a priest of the Lord. I enjoy celebrating Mass and sacraments such as communion and marriage, anointing of the sick. I enjoyed working together with my parishioners and praying together and growing in our love of the Lord,” he said, “being with people and celebrating joyous occasions but also in times of sickness and being able to counsel people with the faith we have.”

He’s looking forward to visiting family and friends, vacationing with priest friends, skiing and running and doing 5K races “as long as my knees allow me.”

Calvary Church, 10056 Central Ave.: Summer Sunday unity services are set at 10 a.m. June 30, Aug. 4 and Sept. 1. Coffee and doughnuts follow the service. Information: thisiscalvary.org/oaklawn.708-422-0790.

Homer Glen

Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, 14719 W. 163rd St.: Vacation Bible School from 9 a.m. to noon July 8 to 11. Participants will look at how God’s love is reflected in classic Disney movies that include “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Zootopia” and “Elemental.” It’s open for children 4 years old through fifth grade. Fee is $15 per child. Information: crossofglory.com or 708-301-6998.

Palos Heights

Anchor Church Palos, 6600 W. 127th St.: Vacation Bible School from 6 to 8:15 p.m. July 8 to 12. The theme is “Breaker Rock Beach,” and it challenges kids to discover that God’s truth never changes. It’s open to children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Family picnic is planned from 6 to 8:15 p.m. July 12. Register by July 8 at anchorpalos.org/vbs. Information: www.anchorpalos.org or 708-925-9296.

What’s going on at your church? Let us know by sending us an email including time, date, place and public contact information at least two weeks before the event or reservation deadline at religion@southtownstar.com.