The celebration of Thanksgiving is around the corner, and there are so many things we should be grateful for.  One of the things I am thankful for is the pilgrimage to Italy. Three places we visited had significant meaning and  connection to our parish. The first was the magnificent Monreale Cathedral outside Palermo and St. Thomas Becket's mosaic in the main altar. The second was the visit and Mass in the Basilica of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Pagani. Celebrating Mass in the side altar over the patron saint's tomb in one of our churches was a tremendous spiritual experience.  

The Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori was third in Rome, Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, where we also had Mass. Those three places have an even deeper meaning for me as I return.

Dear Parishioners of Saints Thomas Becket and Alphonsus Liguori Parish,

     My name is Father Greg Wojcik, and I will be your new pastor. I want to share some basic information about myself. I was born and raised in Poland. In August 2003, I came to Chicago to continue my preparation for the priesthood, first at Bishop Abramowicz Seminary, and then at Mundelein Seminary. It will be 20 years of me living in the USA this August. I have been a priest for a little over 15 years. I was ordained by the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2008 by the late Cardinal Francis George. My first assignment was Sacred Heart parish in Palos Hills in the southwest suburbs. Then, after six years, I became the associate pastor at St. Eugene in Chicago for another six years. After those two extended assignments, I was granted a six-month sabbatical. Then, I was the associate pastor at St. Priscilla, the administrator at St. Francis Borgia, and finally, the associate pastor at St. Monica and St. Rosalie parish.
 
    I have been honored that Cardinal Blase Cupich chose me to be the first pastor of the newly formed parish of Saints Thomas Becket and Alphonsus Liguori. I look forward to knowing, praying, working, and being with you. I want to thank former pastors Father Chris Kulig and Father Joseph Le for giving me insight into these two communities and making my transition smooth. Some challenges await us as we merge two parishes into one. I will need your support and prayers, especially now. I know I will have support from two associate pastors assigned to our new parish of Saints Thomas Becket and Alphonsus Liguori: Father Steven Dombrowski and Father Slawomir Kurc. I cannot forget about the deacons, staff members, and parish organizations at both churches. I met with the representatives of both churches after my nomination was announced.

     I look forward to knowing and learning more about the people who will make this place the new and united parish of Saints Thomas Becket and Alphonsus Liguori.

    Let us pray for one another as we begin a new chapter in our history. Please pray for our Great Nation as we will celebrate Independence on the 4th of July.

May God Bless Us All,

Father Greg Wojcik
Pastor