Step Up, Speak Out

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.

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¡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

08/21/2026

Back to School Misa y Fiesta

08/21/2026

Live performances! Mass starting soon!

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.

08/07/2026

Two weeks from today, Pilsen comes together for the 36th Annual Back to School Misa y Fiesta — folklórico, mariachi, a blessing for our kids, and music into the night. 💃🎶

📅 Friday, August 21 · 18th Place & Paulina.
🎒 12–6 PM · Back-to-School Fair and Performances
✝️ 6:30 PM · Misa with Fr. Gary
🎶 Los Nicos y C-4

Bring the whole family. Todos son bienvenidos. 🕊️

Grateful to Brendan Curran and all our partners for making this night possible. 🙏

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En dos semanas, Pilsen se reúne para la 36ª Misa y Fiesta Anual de Regreso a Clases — folklórico, mariachi, una bendición para nuestros niños y música toda la noche. 💃🎶

📅 Viernes 21 de agosto · 18th Place y Paulina
🎒 12–6 PM · Feria de Regreso a Clases y presentaciones
✝️ 6:30 PM · Misa con el Padre Gary
🎶 Los Nicos y C-4

Trae a toda la familia. ¡Los esperamos! 🕊️

Agradecemos a Brendan Curran y a todos nuestros socios por hacer posible esta noche. 🙏

07/04/2026

On December 2, 2025, Fr. Gary stood at the foot of the Statue of Liberty after walking hundreds of miles from Dolton, Illinois. Every step was taken alongside immigrants, families, faith leaders, and neighbors who believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity.

Lady Liberty has long welcomed those seeking freedom, safety, and the chance to build a better life. Her torch reminds us that America's promise has always been strongest when we choose compassion over fear and hope over division.

As we celebrate Independence Day and commemorate we're invited to reflect on the kind of nation we want to be. Our history is still being written, not only by the words we celebrate, but by the people we choose to welcome, accompany, and stand beside.

May we keep stepping up. May we keep speaking out.

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06/29/2026

On June 26, at the US-Mexico border in Nogales, Fr. Brendan Curran stood with bishops, faith leaders, and immigrant families to celebrate — a powerful witness to the dignity and contributions of immigrants as our nation marks its 250th anniversary.

At Step Up Speak Out, we believe that presence matters more than persuasion. Showing up, physically, spiritually, and vocally, is how we remind immigrant families that they are not alone and remind our country who we are.
Every step. Every prayer. Every act of solidarity is a voice. 🙏

06/29/2026