PALATINE, Ill. – The leadership of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church in Palatine, Ill., has announced a $2.2 million capital campaign to raise funds to build a new church and eparchial shrine.
The church has been in existence for 51 years and been growing for the past two decades. Due to that growth, it needs to expand and modernize in order to meet the needs of its growing parish family.
“Our new church and shrine, which will incorporate more of the traditional Ukrainian Byzantine architecture and theology, will also help us focus on our priority of evangelization and sustaining our mission. This will not only serve as a testament to our founding members, but will inspire each of us to leave our own mark on the Immaculate Conception community through the work we do in His name and for His glory,” stated Michael Panko, the building project president. The shrine will also honor Ukrainian saints.
In taking on the challenge of building a new Ukrainian Catholic church/shrine in Palatine, the parishioners are now facing a glorious but formidable task. According to Catholic Code of Canon Law (1230 and 1231): “The term shrine means a church or other sacred place which, with the approval of the local ordinary, is by reason of special devotion frequented by the faithful as pilgrims…”
“The concept of a shrine to serve as a center of prayer for St. Nicholas Eparchy is part of the Catholic Church’s ‘New Evangelization’ initiative. It will give us the privilege and possibility to bring many to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as requested by Patriarch Sviatoslav and our bishops. As we have been praying for many years, may the Mother of God, Searcher of the Lost save all, especially those who have not come to know her Son’s love. And under the guidance of Bishop Richard we pray daily for the healing of mind, body, soul and spirit of all those in need of God’s healing love,” stated the Rev. Mykhailo Kuzma.
In taking up the challenge of building our new church/shrine, Patriarch Sviatoslav stated, “Bishop Richard [Seminack] said that you need $2 million to build it. You will find them if Jesus Christ is the living cornerstone of each of your lives.”
With the blessing of the commemorative stones for the new church by Patriarch Sviatoslav in September of 2011, the encouragement of Bishop Seminack, eparch of Chicago, the recommendation of eparchial consulters, the unanimous approval by the zoning board and the Palatine Village Council, and the enthusiasm of the leadership team and community support, the church is taking the next important steps in its $2.2 million capital campaign.
To meet this ambitious goal, Immaculate Conception invite pledges from everyone in the Ukrainian community. Donations can be made at Selfreliance Ukrainian American Credit Union, Building Fund Account No. 163668; on the website www.ukrainianic.net using PayPal; or by mailing a check made out to Immaculate Conception to the Building Committee, 755 S. Benton St., Palatine IL 60067.
For additional information readers may call 847-991-0820 or e-mail [email protected].
Stefko Kuropas is president of the Parish Council of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church in Palatine, Ill.