Former Parishioner's of St. Catherine of Genoa

If you went to St. Catherine of Genoa in the 60's you most certainly remember Fr. Francis C. Murphy, our beloved pastor of many years. He was the dominant factor at St. Catherine's and ruled it lovingly with an iron fist. Underline the word lovingly. He was also the type of person you knew where you stood with him. According to my mother, Loretta Coogan, in one of the first sermons he ever gave he told everyone my name is Frank and... I am! I laughed when I heard that because he most certainly was. I don't think it hurt either that he was tall, way over 6ft, you couldn't help but look up to him. He definitely had a presence!

What Parish are you from?
Before coming to St. Catherine's Fr. Murphy grew up in Visitation, a parish on 55th. Commonly referred to as Vis. Note: For those of you reading this that aren't from the South Side (of Chicago) we referred to our parish as where we were from, not as much as our area. We closely identified with our church. Since the South Side was (and still is) predominantly Catholic that's how we would distinguish ourself from one another. It was something we were proud of and it still holds true to this day. In the Roseland/West Pullman neighborhood (where I'm from) alone there were at least 6 Catholic churches/schools that I remember.

From Vis to the Navy to Quigley North
Fr. Murphy grew up in "Vis" and helped his parents run a little grocery store, which were common in those days. From my mother's recollection at one point he went into the Navy as a chaplain. From there he went on to become a teacher at Quigley North, where he taught both Greek and Latin. Fr. Murphy was not only intelligent but also a strict disciplinarian. He demanded your full attention and heaven forbid you didn't do your studying and weren't prepared for class because you'd have hell to pay for it later !

Can I have a word with you?
While pastor at St. Catherine's he was well known for having a hands on approach to everything...nothing escaped his eyes. I remember once when I was going up for communion apparently I didn't open my mouth wide enough and he later complained to my mother. That's the way he was. It wasn't just me, it was everyone! He was never shy about telling you to your face what he thought. According to my mother, if you came to church in a less than appropriate attire...like shorts or a dress that didn't cover your entire back he'd tap you on your shoulder and have a word with you.

Anyone remember Mortgage Melter's?
I don't but my mother does. For example, if ever the church needed money for something Fr. Murphy would have what was known as a mortgage melter. It was a term that was used to raise money for something important and the issue would be brought up during the Sunday sermon. For instance, at one time there use to be several steps leading up to the church making it difficult for the elderly and handicapped along with the parishioner's to climb. Not to mention having to constantly clear off the snow and ice in the winter. It was Fr. Murphy's brilliant idea to eliminate the steps and put up a new addition that would extend the church further out. At about this time he remodeled the inside of the church, stained glass windows were put in and marble was imported from Rome for the altar and baptism in back of the church. He also had the idea to put in a new parking lot across the street so people wouldn't just be limited to parking on the street and in the school lot. In those days everyone went to church on Sunday. Fr. Murphy knew how to get things done. He was strong and he was decisive, a rare commodity in today's world!

Work Hard, Play Hard but most of all Pray Hard!
Fr. Murphy will always be remembered in our hearts and minds as someone who had the courage of his convictions because of his strong belief in God. He really meant it when he said, Work Hard, Play Hard, but most of all PRAY HARD.

I think that about sums up our very own Fr. Francis C. Murphy.
R.I.P.

Mass
In honor of Fr. Murphy's Ordination (September 24, 1932) there will be a special Mass commemorating his anniversary on September 19, 2009, with an 8:45 AM Mass. All former parishioners are invited. Please pass the word on to anyone who might be interested. The church it will be held at is St. Emeric Church, 180th & Kostner, Country Club Hills.

DIRECTIONS:
Take Cicero Avenue to 179th Street (south)
Turn east and follow road to Kostner
Turn right to 180th Street (Rochford Drive)
Turn left to St. Emeric Church

Immediately afterwords stop by at Betty Mitchell's house for some coffee to reminisce. Betty will be happy to give you directions after the Mass.

Hope to see everyone there!