Holy Family parish celebrates pastor's 35th anniversary

The bagpipes played in honor of the Rev. Pat Brennan of Holy Family Parish, as he celebrated the 35th anniversary of his life as a priest.

But the bell is tolling for his tenure at the Inverness parish. In June 2009, he will end a 14-year run as pastor unless he gets an extension from the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Sunday was a time for celebration, though, not sadness, with the announcement that the church's new $9 million center for children, youth and families will bear "Father Pat's" name.

During the Mass, Brennan reflected back on his years at Holy Family.

"Out of those 35 years, you have been the most significant and life-giving experience of my priesthood," he said.

Of his departure, he later said: "I think you know it will involve a lot of grieving. I hope I can just move toward acceptance and try to find new areas where I might work."

Brennan also expressed confidence in the future of the Inverness parish, which is now home to more than 3,700 families.

"This parish will always flourish because of the greatness of the people," he said.

Several of those in attendance Sunday praised Brennan.

"He's wonderful. He brings religion into today. He's very much into how we can apply the Catholic religion to our everyday lives," said parishioner Marti Heagney of Inverness.

Dawn Mayer, a pastoral associate and the parish's family, faith and life director, said she has known Brennan since she was a child and when he was an associate pastor at St. Hubert Church in Hoffman Estates more than 30 years ago.

"We're trying to have conversations with the appropriate bodies downtown" about giving Brennan an extension. "That's still kind of an ongoing conversation," Mayer said.

"We don't want him to go," added Lisa Mersereau, associate director of family, faith and life. "I feel it would be detrimental if he leaves because people who are very attached to his preaching might leave."

Holy Family's Director of Operations Rita Tresnowski said Brennan's accomplished a lot for the church. Among his many contributions, she said, he raised money for and oversaw the construction of nearly 90,000 square feet of new space.

"That's an incredible legacy," Tresnowski said.

If he does leave Holy Family next year, Mayer said it will be a difficult transition for both Brennan and the church members.

"I think the parish will embrace whoever the new pastor is whenever the time comes for us to do that," she said. "I think (Brennan) really feels that this very much is his home, and so it's not just switching a job. Anytime you have to leave home, it's kind of hard."