WEST DUNDEE—In seeking ways to cope with the Covid-19 crisis, parishioners at St. Catherine of Siena Parish here found a way to support their pastor, Father Matthew DeBlock.  

 

“I just knew that Father DeBlock, like all of our other pastors and priests, are now alone away from parish members during these challenging times,” said parishioner Joe Sakowski. 

 

“I felt he needed to know we cared and are keeping them in our prayers as they are for us,” Sakowski  said. 

 

Father DeBlock wanted to deliver some items to a food pantry and asked Sakowski to drive him there.

 

Before the trip, Sakowski contacted other parishioners. 

 

“I figured, being safe distance-wise by their cars, we could give him a positive message as he does for us.” Sakowski said.

 

With a little bit of networking the night before it was arranged for members of the parish to show greetings down the street as Sakowski and Father DeBlock left for their drive on March 25. 

 

About 25 parishioners along with Father DeBlock’s parents, Michael and Mary DeBlock, lined the street, waving at Father DeBlock while holding up signs of support. 

 

“It was an amazing show of love and support from my parishioners and exactly what I needed,” Father DeBlock said. “I miss being with my people, praying with them, laughing and crying with them, so much. What a blessing!”

 

Sakowski said it was a great team effort and was “heartwarming to see the positive effect it had” on Father DeBlock.