HR0180 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0180 LRB095 11484 KXB 32544 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize Father Bruce Wellems, a Claretian Missionary, for his hard work at Holy Cross-Immaculate Heart of Mary Church; and

WHEREAS, Father Bruce Wellems has served as pastor at Holy Cross-Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Chicago since 1999; he was ordained a priest on January 4, 1986; and

WHEREAS, Father Wellems has worked in the Back of the Yards at Holy Cross/IHM parish neighborhood since 1990, where he became aware of the unique problems faced by young people in the low-income neighborhood; his work with at-risk children began at this time and has resulted in Father Wellems working with Boys and Girls Town of Nebraska to open a home next to Holy Cross Church; and

WHEREAS, Father Wellems has worked with area and State officials, local public school officials, the Chicago Park District, and neighborhood leaders and businesses to help the children of his parish; and

WHEREAS, Father Wellems helped establish two schools, Dugan Alternative High School and Second Chance High School, for children affected by gang violence and drugs; and

WHEREAS, Father Wellems continues to work on establishing reflection groups, alternative high schools, counseling care for youth and their parents, and after school parish programs; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Father Bruce Wellems for his hard work and dedication to his people and the neighborhood around Holy Cross-Immaculate Heart Church in Chicago and for working with Girls and Boys Town of Nebraska to open a home next to Holy Cross Church for at-risk children; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Father Bruce Wellems as a symbol of our esteem.