2014 American Catholic Press Benefit

The American Catholic Press (ACP) benefit  is held October 17, 2014, Friday evening.  The venue for this benefit is the Flossmoor Country Club in Flossmoor, Illinois. Driving Directions are available online. The reception begins at 6 p.m.; dinner is at 7 p.m.

Here is the front entrance to the main building of the Flossmoor Country Club.

The dinner begins with the hymn, Lord of All Life. (This hymn is available in both the Leaflet Missal prayerbook and the American Catholic Hymnbook.) Bishop Joseph Perry then says grace before meals.   With a choice of salmon and beef tenderloin (cooked just right), the cuisine is outstanding. Under the direction of Emily Fetherling, catering and dining manager, the courses are served promptly and efficiently.

The Gratiam Dei  ("grace of God") Award this year is being given to the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration (who staff St. James Hospital). This community of religious maintains numerous hospitals and other institutions in both Illinois and Indiana.

The celebration this evening ends with a Litany of Peace, grace after meals by Father Ron Kondziolka, and a final blessing, by Bishop Joseph Perry.

Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration

Sister Jane Klein receiving the Gratiam Dei Award

Jackie Moffitt receiving the Henry Hyde Award

All sing the hymn, Lord of All Life.

Bishop Joseph Perry says grace before meals.

Honorable Debbie Meyers-Martin, mayor of Olympia Fields

Arnie Kimmel, CEO of St. James Hospital

Franciscan Alliance table

Applause resounds in the dining room; that's Marty Conroy on the left.

Big Crowd