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The
History of the Sheil Catholic Center
The
First 50 Years
When the Sheil
Catholic Center celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1989, a group
of talented and dedicated associates researched and wrote
a history of the first 50 years. We are reprinting that history
here.
The Late '80s
If you were to
visit the Sheil Center on any given evening in the mid- to
late-'80s, you might find one of the several choirs -- a dedicated
bunch of students, alumni, faculty and associates -- rehearsing
around the piano in the main lounge.
In the secretary's
office someone might be preparing song sheets for upcoming
services. In the corner under the coat racks, you could see
boxes of nursery toys that are used by the Sunday babysitters.
On a wall were
photos that hold memories of last summer's July 4th Mass on
the lakefill, of a recent wedding in the chapel, of Father
John hosting a visiting lecturer in the dining room, of the
latest "Tastes of Sheil" foodfest.
In the library
a group of students might be engaged in Scripture study.
On a table was
an array of sign-up lists -- for Eucharistic breadbaking,
for Sunday breakfasts, for cooks and servers at the Sunday-night
dinners for the homeless at a nearby church.
In the chapel lectors
might be rehearsing their roles in a dramatic liturgical reading.
In the basement
lounge a group of catechumens gather for prayer and meditation.
Upstairs in the
chaplains' lounge one of the ministerial staff might be counseling
an undergraduate.
On Sunday, of course,
and on Saturday evening, too, when one of the four weekend
Masses were celebrated, the chapel was the focus of activity.
While the congregation at the early morning Mass prayed and
sang together, young children are cared for in the basement
lounge. After morning Mass, breakfast often was served in
the library, where groups of students and associates linger
to talk.
As you look around,
you could notice that after 20 years the "new" Sheil
at 2110 Sheridan Road is no longer new. There are clear signs
that the center had been used -- and used well. But you would
find, too, that Sheil, though well-aged in some respects,
is also forever young -- like the students who remain the
core of its life.
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