Oak Lawn
St. Catherine of Alexandria, 10621 S. Kedvale Ave: Phil Caffee, director of music ministry and liturgy, won season 13 of the singing competition “The One.” He was one of 32 contestants performing for 10 weeks in the elimination-style competition, which is sponsored by 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. “When I was named the winner, it was a surreal experience. I was shocked,” he said. “My family, friends and I were overjoyed. It is a great blessing to me and I thank God.”
Caffee, who’s been director of music at the church for six years, said he decided to enter the contest after turning 30. “It was kind of like a kick in the pants that I need to do more for my music career.”
To prepare for the contest each week, he picked a song according to the assigned genre. “I practiced over and over again until I felt confident. My wife, Natalia, was a huge help in helping to memorize the words and help with stage presence,” he said. “I had to trust God to get me through. It was a big project each week because of working and finding time to memorize and practice each week. I even repeated to myself ‘God is with me, I will not fail.’”
He showcased inspirational and Christian songs the last two weeks. “It’s who I am and what I do. God gave me the gift of song and I’m blessed enough to share it with those I encounter,” he said.
Caffee had a lot of support from the parish. “We had students come out each week and one week we had a bunch of kindergarteners! Immense parish support came from parents and various ministries and organizations as well,” he said. “St. Catherine’s is such a blessing not only to me, but to all. Anyone that belongs to St. Catherine’s receives immense love and support and definitely feels like they’re part of the Family of God.”
Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave.: Flute recital by Polly Olson at 7 p.m. July 11 in the sanctuary. She also performed pieces at the Christmas holidays. She recorded her audition tape for a music school in the sanctuary and has learned she’s been accepted. Information: 708-422-4200.
Palos Heights
St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church, 12307 Ridgeland Ave.: Greek Festival from 3 to 11 p.m. July 13 and noon to 10 p.m. July 14. Authentic Greek cuisine, music and dancing will be featured, including performances by the Greek Dance Troupe at 5 and 7 p.m. each night. Church tours at 6 p.m. each night. Cash raffle prizes totaling $12,500. Admission is $2 for adults and free for children 12 and younger. Free parking and shuttle from Trinity Christian College and Marist Sportsplex from 3 to 11 p.m. each day. Information: saint-spyridon.net/ or 708-385-2311.
Tinley Park
Zion Lutheran Church, 17100 69th Ave: Vacation Bible School from 9 a.m. to noon July 15 to 19. This year’s theme is “Celebrate the Savior: Jesus Gives Us Joy.” It’s free and open to children 3 years old who have completed one year of preschool and are potty trained through fifth grade. Register at ziontinleypark.org/vbs2024. Information: email vbs@ziontinleypark.org or call 708-532-1600.
St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church, 7399 W. 159th St.: Youth summer camp July 14 to 19. Day camp for first to sixth graders is from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and costs $50. Evening camp for seventh through 12 graders is from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. and costs $25. Volunteers for the evening camp get dinner and have the fee waived. Register online. Information: stjulie.org or 708-429-6767.
St. George Parish, 6707 W. 175th St.: Parish picnic from noon to 5 p.m. in Vogt Woods, 6527 W. 171st St., next to Bulldog Field. Enjoy food from Nicky V’s food truck, play in a bounce house, enjoy music played by a DJ and see a Tinley Park fire truck. Attendees should bring a lawn chair and a dessert to share. Information: www.stgeorge60477.org or 708-532-2243.
What’s going on at your church? Let us know by sending us an email including time, date, place and public contact information at least two weeks before the event or reservation deadline to religion@southtownstar.com.