By Pat Szpekowski, Observer Correspondent
HUNTLEY—A special time and dinner recently served to honor and uplift the work and sacrifices of parish priests, deacons, and nuns.
Over 200 guests attended the annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner held at St. Mary Church in Huntley on Oct. 3. The dinner welcomed multiple parishes affiliated with the Knights of Columbus Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill Fourth Degree Assembly #2381, which hosted the event.
After the Presentation of the Colors and dinner, opening remarks were made by the emcees — Knights of Columbus 2025-26 Assembly Officers, Faithful Navigator Sir Knight Chad Kirschner and Faithful Admiral Sir Knight Marvin Basch, Past Faithful Navigator — which set the tone of appreciation.
“We extend heartfelt thanks to our priests, deacons, and nuns,” said Kirschner. “With all of the milestones and every stage of life, you are there for us. You stand as Christ’s representative and bring us spiritual guidance through every sacrament from the time you open the door for us in baptism through our last days.”
Nine parishes represented were:
– Elgin: St. Mary, St. Laurence, St. Joseph, and St. Thomas More;
— West Dundee: St. Catherine of Siena;
– Gilberts: St. Mary;
– Algonquin: St. Margaret Mary;
— Hampshire: St. Charles Borromeo; and
– Huntley: St. Mary.
Prime Healthcare St. Joseph Hospital and St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin were also included.
Special guests included retired priests and Sir Knight Mark Halpern, president of the Diocese of Rockford Chapter; Greg Bilikov, District Secretary of the Bishop O’Neill Assembly 2381 of the Northern Illinois District; and Richard and Linda Spada.
As each of the clergy and deacons were recognized individually by the emcees, a round of applause was generated throughout the large St. Mary’s Community Room for each one.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the annual recipient of the Holy Family Award. Since instituted in 2005, 17 awards have been presented, including to Bishop David Malloy in 2013.
Kirschner gave the guests tidbits of information about this year’s honoree: he was a graduate of Harper College with a hospitality management degree and, in his 20s, was a chef for wrestlers and musicians; and on June 6, 2015 he was ordained a priest by Bishop David Malloy.
Guests erupted and the St. Catherine of Siena crowd cheered with approval when Father John McNamara, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena (West Dundee) and St. Mary (Gilberts) parishes and Faithful Friar of Assembly #2381, was announced. His parents, Bob and Betty McNamara, were in attendance too.
Acknowledging that he’s always been a little shy, Father McNamara said, “I am very grateful for this honor. Thanks to the almighty God and by the grace of God that I was ordained a priest. My parents provide such immense loving support. I will also never forget that, when I was in the seminary, the Knights of Columbus and many others continually offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Holy Hours, and rosaries for me.”
The evening concluded with a special presentation from the Knights of Columbus Council of St. Margaret Mary Parish to a very surprised David Spada, who has supported its “Wheelchair” project to provide a wheelchair to a veteran or people in need in other countries. Spada received a certificate that included a photo of the wheelchair recipient.
The evening was supported by young volunteers who helped organize the room, clear up tables and much more. SK David Stuehler noted, “We had a total of 15 students this year from St. Catherine of Siena and St. Charles Borromeo schools and St. Edward High School.” He chuckled and added that, “Last year we had only two volunteers. Word must have gotten around that we gave them gift cards.”
Stuehler said that, “priests, deacons and nuns in attendance are awarded a stipend for their faithful service as leaders of our parish families, and we always raise funds to provide assistance to seminaries for those preparing to become future priests in the Diocese of Rockford.”
