HR0312 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0312 LRB101 12158 MST 59755 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Reverend John M. Ryan on the occasion of his 80th birthday and the 55th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood; and

WHEREAS, Father Ryan was born in Chicago on April 20, 1939; he attended St. Priscilla Elementary School in Chicago, Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago, and the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein; and

WHEREAS, Father Ryan received a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a master's degree in theology; he was ordained into the priesthood on April 30, 1964; and

WHEREAS, Father Ryan served Illinois parishes as an associate pastor from 1964 through 1984 in the parishes of St. Angela in Chicago, St. Anastasia in Waukegan, Holy Cross in Deerfield, St. Eugene in Chicago, and St. Joseph in Wilmette; and

WHEREAS, Father Ryan served our country in the U.S. Army Reserve as Brigade Chaplain with the 1st Brigade, 85th Division in Waukegan from January 1972 to March 1984 as a 1st Lieutenant; in August 1976, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and in September 1983, to the rank of Major, all the while serving his aforementioned parishes; and

WHEREAS, Father Ryan served on active duty as Major and Brigade Chaplain in the U.S. Army from March 1984 to January 1986 at Air Defense Artillery Training Center, Fort Bliss, Texas; from January 1986 to June 1986, he attended chaplain school at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; from June 1986 to July 1989, he served overseas as 1st Brigade Chaplain with the 3rd Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; from July 1989 to July 1990, he served as 3rd Brigade Chaplain at the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Center, Fort Jackson, South Carolina; during his military years, his education included a Chaplain Advance Leadership Course and Combine Arms Service, Staff School In Residence; and

WHEREAS, Father Ryan returned to parish ministry in August 1990; he continued to serve our country in the Army Reserve from July 1990 until his retirement with the rank of Major on August 1995; and

WHEREAS, Father John Ryan served as a much-loved associate pastor at Prince of Peace Parish in Lake Villa from August 1990 to December 1994; and

WHEREAS, Father Ryan continued his ministry as pastor of St. Dismas Church in Waukegan from 1994 to 2009 until his retirement at age 70; and

WHEREAS, Father Ryan continues to minister by assisting at Prince of Peace and other parishes in the area; and

WHEREAS, Father Ryan continues to be available to minister spiritually and convivially to the many groups and organizations who request his presence; and

WHEREAS, Father Ryan is a wonderful son, brother, uncle, and great uncle; he is a cherished friend and confidante to many; he embraces all people equally without regard to their religion, status, race, or gender; and

WHEREAS, Father Jack loves unconditionally, and that love is returned by his family, friends, and the many people who have had the privilege of knowing him; and

WHEREAS, Father Ryan's trademark sense of humor brings joy to all around him; his wisdom and grace are held in the highest regard; and

WHEREAS, It has been said that Father John Ryan is a priest for priests, and he is greatly loved as a priest of the people; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Reverend John M. Ryan on his 80th birthday and the 55th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Father Ryan as a symbol of our respect and esteem.