Two Parishioners Accepted Into Diaconate

Congratulations to Vijay Devadas and Guy Maras, who were recently accepted into the Diocese of Joliet Diaconate Formation Program that begins in August.

Like bishops and priests, deacons are ordained ministers of the Catholic Church and share Christ’s mission and grace. Through their sacramental ordination and various ministries, deacons are called to serve the church in many ways:



• Minister of the Word—Deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach and teach in the name of the Church.
• Minister of Sacrament—Deacons baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness marriages and conduct wake and funeral services.
• Minister of Charity—Deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others.

Vijay Devadas

As an active member of the parish since 2009, Vijay serves many roles here: adoration chapel committee member, usher, sacristan, Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister, altar server, and lector. He is also involved with the Knights of Columbus as a fourth-degree Knight, was a member of Serra Club of DuPage County, and is involved with Communion ministry at Edward Hospital.

Vijay has a great devotion to the Blessed Mother, and he often travels the world visiting Marian Shrines. The calling to become a Deacon was initiated during one of these pilgrimas in in Częstochowa, Krakow (Poland), where he was asked to bless a Rosary. He said, "Miss, I am not a Priest, I cannot Bless this Rosary." The woman replied, "Oh, I am sorry—I thought you were a priest. You look like clergy." The seed was planted in his mind by a total stranger.

During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Vijay stepped in to serve as an adult altar server and experienced the joy of serving our Lord at Mass, and that prompted him to apply for the Diaconate program. Vijay received help and encouragement from Fr. Brad Baker, Fr. Mike McMahon, and various other priests and deacons, for which he is very grateful. The Diaconate application process has helped to further his spiritual journey, and he's looking forward to the formation process.

Guy Maras

Guy and his family (wife Gina and four daughters: Jana, Greta, Claudia, and Caroline) have been parishioners since 2001, and he’s been an active member of the Knights of Columbus for eight or nine years. During the pandemic, Guy answered the call for volunteers to work as greeters for Reconciliation, Baptisms, and Mass. Guy is also a Homecoming Fest volunteer and he attends Fishers of Men every Saturday morning.

Guy’s calling to the Diaconate was initiated by a friend of his, Fr. John Costello. “While discussing my faith, Fr. Costello encouraged me to think more imaginatively,” says Guy, “which allowed me to view the journey differently.” He also attended a few retreats at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington, which led him to follow God’s call to turn myself over completely. “The challenge is a daily one,” admits Guy, “but I try to remain singularly focused on that mission.”

Guy says the Diaconate application process helped him to explore the calling and recognize the commitment more fully. Although his ministry focus is to be determined, Guy is focused on reaching marginalized populations. “I am inspired to begin the journey.”

Farewell to Mark, Michelle, and Jay

Finance Manager Mark Cummings and Communications Manager Michelle Dellinger will be leaving the parish staff on Friday, June 9. Although their tenures here were fairly brief, each of them made impactful contributions to Saints Peter and Paul, and we are grateful that they are continuing their Catholic calling in other capacities.

Jay Yau's last day will be June 11; more information on incoming Music Director Nick Thomas is forthcoming.

Since November 2021, Mark Cummings has been at the helm of the business side of Saints Peter and Paul, overseeing finance and human resources functions. He was responsible for spearheading enhanced security measures, improving the campus IT infrastructure, and reducing costs. He was instrumental in the coordination of three large capital improvement projects: the outdoor lighting of the church, the limestone cleaning/repairs, and the forthcoming school playground. Additionally, Mark greatly contributed to the Light the Way and Homecoming Fest committees. Mark will serve next as the Director of Finance & Operations at St. Isaac Jogues in Hinsdale under Fr. Burke Masters.

Michelle Dellinger brought her journalism background to the parish in February 2022, adding a fresh look to our website, social media channels, and Sunday bulletins. She implemented this weekly Parish News email and has redesigned several sections of the website. Her flyers, posters, and digital design skills have been used to promote the many events and ministries the parish offers. Michelle loves telling the good news of the Church, and she’ll continue to do that on a broader level as the incoming Director of Communications for the Diocese of Joliet.

"If I had only one thing to say about the Trinity—one core idea about this mystery, one kernel of truth that might be helpful to us this day, as we truly strive to live lives of faith—it would be this: God (Father, Son and Spirit) is essentially a communion of love."—Fr. Brad

How well do we love the people who populate our world?

Watch Fr. Brad's homily on loving others at the 16:20 mark in the video link below.

Many volunteer positions remain open;

please consider taking a shift.

Thank you!

The relics of Padre Pio will be displayed for veneration on

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

9:00 a.m. Relic veneration begins

6:30 p.m. Veneration line closes

7:00 p.m. Mass in honor of Padre Pio

Saints Peter and Paul will host the only

2023 Padre Pio Relic Tour in Illinois

The relics will be displayed near the altar, with pews reserved for silent prayer and devotion. Religious items will be available for purchase from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Recitation of the Holy Rosary and talks on the life of Padre Pio will occur throughout the day.

Please see links below for more information or to volunteer.

Summer Office Hours

May 30–August 11

M–Th 8:30 AM to 3 PM

F 8:30 AM to 1 PM

Marytown trip registrations are due TOMORROW, June 9

WEEK 1 (June 8)

Man's Desire for God

The summer series videos can be found in a YouTube playlist here.

FORMED provides the very best Catholic content from more than 60 organizations to help parishes, families and individuals explore their faith anywhere. Each week we'll offer a video link designed to help Catholics learn more about FORMED’s content related to each week of the year.

For more information about accessing Saints Peter and Paul's FORMED account, click here.

June 2023 Column

from Bishop Ronald Hicks

Turning to Jesus: Healing and Hope

Grandparents Mass

All grandparents are invited to the Cathedral of St. Raymond on Sunday, July 23, at 2 p.m., for a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Ronald Hicks. This event is special recognition to our families and the joy that grandparents hold in our hearts. Click the image to open the flyer.