Inverness church dedicates family center

Parishioners at Holy Family Parish in Inverness are celebrating the opening of the Brennan Center for Children, Youth and Families. They're also mourning the likely loss of its namesake.

On Saturday, Fr. Pat Brennan helped dedicate the new $6.7 million, 38,400-square-foot addition. His 13-year tenure as pastor is set to expire in June unless the Archdiocese of Chicago reverses its decision not to grant an extension.

"I won't get to the promised land with you," Brennan told the congregation. "But with the center you get a sense of the wonderful future that awaits Holy Family as it continues to grow."

The Brennan Center features a "multitorium" with a stage and seating for up to 425 people, as well as eight multipurpose rooms. It will house parish ministries, youth groups and Holy Family Catholic Academy classes.

The lower level remains unfinished, and Brennan estimates another $2 million is needed to complete the project.

"We've had a definite space problem," said Brennan, who's helped raise more than $15 million to construct 90,000 square-feet of facilities. "Our children and teen programs became so successful, they sort of took over the adult area."

Brennan doesn't believe his work at Holy Family is finished, but the Archdiocese has denied his request to stay.

"I've intellectually accepted I only have nine months left," Brennan said. "Emotionally, I haven't integrated that yet."

Though Brennan described the cardinal as "pretty definite in his decision," he's still making a case for an extension.

Archdiocesan policy, Brennan says, allows a priest to stay beyond a term limit if he's at least 60 years old, has health problems, or in the midst of a building program.

Brennan, who will be 62 in June, suffers from high blood pressure and severe rheumatoid arthritis. He's also found that the cardinal has granted more than 20 similar extensions.

"Some people still want to appeal and resist," said Brennan. "I can't get involved in that, but God bless them if they're successful."

Rita Tresnowski, Holy Family's director of operations, said Brennan should be able to oversee what he started and at least get to mentor his successor to ensure a smooth transition.

"Everything that is thriving here will go through a period of instability," said Tresnowski. "As reality sets in, I think people are feeling we should try to appeal one more time."

Mary Jo Shepherd of Schaumburg was among the hundreds to tour the Brennan Center on Sunday. She prays Brennan will be allowed to stay.

"He's our security blanket," Shepherd said. "I hate to think we'll have to cut ties."

Charles Lynch, who's belonged to Holy Family for more than a decade, understands the Archdiocese's decision but says Brennan left his mark.

"He is one of the most enthusiastic deliverers of faith," said Lynch, of Palatine. "He leaves us with so much love for Christ you want to go out and do good things."

Should his run at Holy Family end next summer, Brennan will continue ministering through other outlets.

He's a psychotherapist, doctor of psychology and founder of the National Center for Evangelization and Parish Renewal. He'd also continue traveling and public speaking.

"I'd probably ask to become a pastor again too," Brennan said.