Step Up, Speak Out

10/24/2026

10/16/2026

Join us as we honor dedicated leadership in action!

At this year’s Seminary Salutes: Rerum Novarum, the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary is proud to present the St. John Vianney Award to Reverend Gary Graf.

We are also excited to celebrate our distinguished 2026 honorees:

Labor Award: Ms. Genie Kastrup

Business Award: Mr. Martin Cabrera

Government/Public Service Award: Dr. Mary Ellen Caron

Archdiocese of Chicago's Nostra Aetate Award: Mr. Michael J. Sacks

Join His Eminence Blase Cardinal Cupich and Very Rev. John Kartje on Thursday, October 29, at IBEW Local 134 in Chicago for an inspiring evening supporting the formation of our future parish priests.

Seats are filling fast—register today and secure your tickets: https://usml.edu/rerum-novarum/



After School Matters Archdiocese of Chicago Our Lady Of The Heights Parish SEIU Local 1 Obama Foundation International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

10/06/2026

One year ago today, Father Gary took his first steps toward NYC in solidarity with immigrant families. 🇺🇸

This morning, he returned to where it all began, outside Pope Leo XIV's boyhood home in Dolton, Illinois, to reflect on the journey and the stories shared along the way.

"In telling each other our story, our truth of what we experienced in life, we come to know each other in a different way, in a better way."

Over the past year, this community has done exactly that: shared stories, listened to one another, and recognized ourselves in our brothers and sisters.

The walk ended, but the mission continues. One year later, let's keep stepping up and speaking out. 🙏

10/06/2026

Hace un año, el Padre Gary dio sus primeros pasos rumbo a Nueva York en solidaridad con las familias inmigrantes. 🇺🇸

Esta mañana, regresó al lugar donde todo comenzó, frente a la casa de la infancia del Papa León XIV en Dolton, Illinois, para reflexionar sobre el camino recorrido y las historias compartidas a lo largo del trayecto.

"Al contarnos nuestra historia, nuestra verdad sobre lo que hemos vivido, llegamos a conocernos de una manera distinta, de una mejor manera".

Durante este último año, esta comunidad ha hecho precisamente eso: compartir historias, escucharnos unos a otros y reconocernos en nuestros hermanos y hermanas.

La caminata terminó, pero la misión continúa. Un año después, sigamos dando un paso al frente y alzando la voz. 🙏

10/01/2026

09/25/2026

Far too many people have perished at the hands of U.S. border officials. The Immigrant Crosses Project aims to bring awareness and honor to their memories, and fight for the fair treatment of immigrants and citizens by our government. If you are interested in viewing the crosses, visit our website, immigrantcrosses.org for a full calendar.



immigrants

09/02/2026

Our annual Back to School Misa was a hit, with a mass led by Father Brendan, Father Gary, and members of the Love Thy Neighbor coalition. We were also blessed with performances from local bands, dancers, and choirs that brought cultures and languages together to build a stronger community. We’re so thankful for all those who came out for the event!

08/24/2026

This past Friday, Pilsen came together for the 36th Annual Back to School Misa y Fiesta! The day long celebration united our community as we prepared our students, families, and educators for the new school year.

For 36 years, this tradition has stood as a reminder that when we advocate together for our students and families, we build a stronger future for all. Let us be guided by Fr. Gary ’s words during the Misa that “our responsibility to one another is step up and speak out and boldly proclaim that God is love”.

Thank you to everyone who joined in person and to those who tuned in through Step Up Speak Out's Facebook livestream in support of our students.

- - -

¡El viernes pasado nos reunimos para celebrar nuestra 36.ª Misa y Fiesta anual de regreso a clases! Este servicio interreligioso unió a nuestra comunidad mientras preparábamos a nuestros estudiantes, familias y educadores para el nuevo año escolar.

Durante 36 años, esta tradición ha servido para recordarnos que, cuando abogamos unidos por nuestros estudiantes y familias, construimos un futuro más sólido para todos.

Gracias a todos los que asistieron en persona y a quienes se conectaron a través de la transmisión en vivo de Facebook de Step Up Speak Out para apoyar a nuestros estudiantes.

08/24/2026

08/19/2026

Join us in praying for a happy, healthy, and safe school year. Father Gary will be the Principal Celebrant at the 36th Annual Back to School Misa y Fiesta. This service will be interfaith and will be live streamed on Step Up Speak Out’s Facebook account starting at 6 p.m.

Acompáñenos a orar por un año escolar feliz, saludable y seguro. El padre Gary oficiará la Misa en la Fiesta Anual de Regreso a Clases. Este servicio será interreligioso y se transmitirá en vivo a través de la cuenta de Facebook de Step Up Speak Out, a partir de las 6:00 p. m.