HR0180 LRB095 11484 KXB 32544 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3 Representatives are pleased to recognize Father Bruce Wellems,
4 a Claretian Missionary, for his hard work at Holy
5 Cross-Immaculate Heart of Mary Church; and
 
6     WHEREAS, Father Bruce Wellems has served as pastor at Holy
7 Cross-Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Chicago since 1999; he
8 was ordained a priest on January 4, 1986; and
 
9     WHEREAS, Father Wellems has worked in the Back of the Yards
10 at Holy Cross/IHM parish neighborhood since 1990, where he
11 became aware of the unique problems faced by young people in
12 the low-income neighborhood; his work with at-risk children
13 began at this time and has resulted in Father Wellems working
14 with Boys and Girls Town of Nebraska to open a home next to
15 Holy Cross Church; and
 
16     WHEREAS, Father Wellems has worked with area and State
17 officials, local public school officials, the Chicago Park
18 District, and neighborhood leaders and businesses to help the
19 children of his parish; and
 
20     WHEREAS, Father Wellems helped establish two schools,
21 Dugan Alternative High School and Second Chance High School,

 

 

HR0180 - 2 - LRB095 11484 KXB 32544 r

1 for children affected by gang violence and drugs; and
 
2     WHEREAS, Father Wellems continues to work on establishing
3 reflection groups, alternative high schools, counseling care
4 for youth and their parents, and after school parish programs;
5 therefore, be it
 
6     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
7 NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
8 congratulate Father Bruce Wellems for his hard work and
9 dedication to his people and the neighborhood around Holy
10 Cross-Immaculate Heart Church in Chicago and for working with
11 Girls and Boys Town of Nebraska to open a home next to Holy
12 Cross Church for at-risk children; and be it further
 
13     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
14 presented to Father Bruce Wellems as a symbol of our esteem.