RESOLUTION HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF FATHER STANLEY G. RATAJ FROM OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS CATHOLIC CHURCH
WHEREAS, Father Stanley G. Rataj, priest, mentor, and long-time Chicago resident, retires from Our Lady of the Snows in June 2022; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this milestone by the Honorable Michael D. Rodriguez, Alderman of the 22nd Ward; and
WHEREAS, Father Stanley was born in Hoboken, New Jersey on March 13, 1954, to Stephen and Beatrice Rataj; and
WHEREAS, Father Stanley moved with his family to Chicago at the age of five; he attended grammar school at St. Roman between 1962 and 1967; at St. Roman Father Stanley met Father Sulek and Father Ryzner, priests who inspired him to consider the priesthood; and
WHEREAS, Father Stanley attended Archbishop Quigley High School in 1967 and graduated in 1971 before going to Mundelein Seminary; he was ordained as a deacon in 1978 and then ordained to the priesthood on March 9,1979; and
WHEREAS, Father Stanley was first assigned to St. Ferdinand from 1979 to 1984; he later became associate pastor of St. Nicholas of Tolentine where he eventually became the pastor, serving that community for 25 years; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Father Stanley came to Our Lady of the Snows and was officially installed as pastor on October 9th; and
WHEREAS, Father Stanley leads a vibrant parish with a friendly approach and deep love for the church; and
WHEREAS, Father Stanley's impact has been immense and his wisdom, guidance, and love will be missed by not only his parishioners but the entire 22nd Ward community; now, therefore.
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this twenty-fifth day of May, 2022, do hereby congratulate Father Stanley G. Rataj on his retirement, and wish him well on all of his future endeavors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy ofthis resolution be prepared and presented to Father Stanley G. Rataj.
MICHAEL D. RODRI...
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