HR0090 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0090 LRB098 10761 GRL 41152 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Michael Penich Jr. on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the Diaconate; and

WHEREAS, Michael Penich Jr. was born on November 23, 1949, in Waukegan; his parents are Jennie and Michael Penich Sr.; he married Mary Ellen Gravel on August 11, 1973, at St. Joseph Church; and

WHEREAS, In September of 1954, Michael Penich Jr. entered kindergarten at Mother of God Parochial School, where he received First Communion, was confirmed, served as an Altar Boy and Master Server, and graduated in June of 1963; he then attended North Chicago High School, where he graduated in June of 1967; after graduating from Western Illinois University, he earned his master's degree in August of 1973; and

WHEREAS, After college, Michael Penich Jr. returned to North Chicago, where he taught for 6 years; he subsequently served as a principal for 27 years, touching the lives of hundreds of children, parents, and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Michael Penich Jr. served as board member and then vice-president of the Warren Township High School Board of Education from 2005 to 2009; and

WHEREAS, After completing 3 years of coursework with his wife at his side, Michael Penich Jr. was ordained to the Diaconate by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin on April 30, 1988; from 1988 to 1991, he served as Deacon at St. Patrick Parish; in December of 1991, he was welcomed to serve as Deacon at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Gurnee by Father Farrell Kane and Father Philip Nessinger; he and his wife assisted in the formation of the new parish and went on to serve under subsequent pastor, Father Raymond Clennon; and

WHEREAS, Since his ordination, Michael Penich Jr. has witnessed numerous marriages, provided baptism preparation, baptized more than 2,000 children, preached, directed, and taught the RCIA Program, cared for the sick and those in mourning, spent countless hours listening, and simply "being there" for people; and

WHEREAS, Michael Penich Jr. served as hospice chaplain of STAR Hospice, where comforted the dying and their families from 2005 to 2013; he and his wife also coordinated the religious education program at St. Joseph Church for 8 years; and

WHEREAS, Michael Penich Jr. is the loving father of 2 sons, Michael Joseph and Timothy Michael, and the grandfather of Ellie, Lauren, and Claire; and

WHEREAS, Michael Penich Jr. serves as a model of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Michael Penich Jr. on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the Diaconate and wish him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Michael Penich Jr. as a symbol of our esteem and respect.