From the Desk of Fr. Mike

July 6, 2025

 We celebrated our nation’s independence earlier this week. We are called to be the “Land of the free and the home of the brave.” We profess to be “one nation, under God”. Unfortunately, modern-day rhetoric has turned the United States into the divided states, “RED” states and “BLUE” states. I have a hard time believing that was the hope, dream, desire, or goal of our Founding Fathers and Mothers. Let’s pray for our country, our citizens, those who have and long to continue to call America their homeland. May freedom ring for all people in the United States of America as we go forward, having just celebrated our nation’s 250th anniversary.

In my bulletin article last week, I shared with you the official letter of appointment from Cardinal Cupich assigning Fr. Jo André Beltran to the Church of St. Mary as Associate Pastor. Fr. Andre arrived at St. Mary’s on the afternoon of Sunday, June 29. He has been spending the past week meeting the members of the Pastoral Staff and parish leadership. He has been unpacking his belongings in his sitting room and bedroom. He has been organizing his rectory office so he can minister to the parishioners of St. Mary’s. I have been showing him around the city and sharing information with him regarding our upcoming 150th Year of Grace, that is now just over two months away. I trust you will extend a warm hand of welcome to him as you meet him this month. He shared with me the following information that he wanted you to know about the “Beltran” family. I look forward to ministering with him at our parish.

Fr. André’s words of welcome to the Parishioners of St. Mary’s:

I was born and raised in the Philippines in a family deeply rooted in faith — a “Levitical family,” as I like to call it. My brother, Fr. Jake Beltran, is pastor of St. Joseph in Libertyville, and two of my cousins are priests in the Philippines. Many of my relatives now live in the northern suburbs of Chicago and serve in healthcare, shaped by our family’s values of compassion and service.

My parents migrated to Chicago in 1992 after retiring from government service. My father, a World War II U.S. veteran, modeled for us a life of sacrifice and a deep love for both God and country.

I completed my seminary formation at Mundelein Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood in 2001 by Cardinal Francis George.

Over the past 24 years, I’ve been blessed to serve as an Associate Pastor and Pastor in several parish communities — including St. Ita, St. Hilary, and St. James in Highwood. Most recently, I served as Parish Administrator of St. Padre Pio Parish, a vibrant and prayerful community that renewed my love for liturgy, pastoral care, and collaborative leadership. I also had the privilege of serving as Assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Chicago, accompanying young men discerning God’s call.

In my free time, I enjoy playing guitar, singing, reading, cooking, walking, traveling, visiting museums and botanical gardens, and spending time with family and friends.

Now, with great joy and humility, I begin my new assignment as Associate Pastor of the Church of St. Mary in Lake Forest — especially during this 150th Jubilee Year. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support Fr. Michael Nacius, work alongside the dedicated parish staff and lay leaders, and journey with all of you in faith, service, and hope.

In Christ,
Fr. André Beltran

A few random bits of information regarding July and August:

With the transition of clergy taking place at our parish this summer, I have not been able to coordinate and schedule a “Lake Bluff Gazebo Mass.” We will not be having a Mass in Lake Bluff next month.

Registered parishioners received a “YELLOW Summer Mission Appeal Envelope” in the July envelope mailing. The actual date of the Summer Mission Appeal, supporting the Adrian Dominican Sisters, will take place the weekend of August 9th and 10th. Any donations received in the Mission Appeal envelopes this month or in August will support the Dominican Sisters. Sr. Mary Margaret Pachucki, OP, will be at the parish next month, praying and asking for our spiritual and financial generosity.

Past Letters: