Beloved Chicago pastor, Father Hurley, returns to say farewell at Old St. Patrick’s Church

Father Tom Hurley stepped away from Outdated St. Pat’s Church months in the past.

Nonetheless, Sunday was similar to previous occasions.

Fr. Hurley preaching to a full home at Outdated St. Pat’s Church. He was on the West Loop church for the final quarter century, which is acknowledged as one of many highest-profile parishes within the Chicago Archdiocese.

It was 14 months in the past, after coping with a variety of private points earlier than and through the pandemic, that Fr. Hurley determined it was all an excessive amount of and he stepped away.

Outdated St. Patrick’s pastor, Fr. Hurley, to step away from duties to deal with well being, well-being

“I knew I needed to step again. My battery was on empty,” he mentioned.

He took a depart of absence, however as a result of the church was not absolutely in-person final March, he by no means bought to say to clarify why or to say goodbye.

The time away has helped and he mentioned he is feeling far more balanced as of late.

And regardless of the absence, Fr. Hurley remains to be extremely well-liked amongst parishioners.

“He introduced pleasure and happiness. He actually linked with everybody, me personally,” mentioned parishioner Ally Ringone.

“I do not assume it could be what it’s with out him. His legacy shall be right here a few years to come back, no query about it,” added fellow parishioner Greg Spitzer.

Simply earlier than the pandemic closed every little thing down in 2020, Fr. Hurley was chosen as Grand Marshall of the downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade. He’s now working with college students at his alma mater, Marist Academy.

Fr. Hurley mentioned he has realized some essential classes.

“This can be a great life, however a busy life. A demanding life and we’ve got to ensure we keep wholesome whereas doing this,” he mentioned.

Outdated St. Pat’s was in-built 1852 and is the oldest church in Chicago. Fr. Hurley mentioned he is pleased with the position he performed in its historical past however added that it is time for a brand new chapter.