Rev. Raymond Novak

Dear Mr. Novak, I'm a better person for having known you. Thank you for being my teacher and friend. I am grateful for the chance to reconnect with you in 2010-2011. That was a very important time in my life, and I'm glad I got to share with you. I just rediscovered a few email exchanges we had back then, and I wanted to share this piece of guidance you gave me: "There is only one thing I will always need from you...I hope you will remember the needy and always care for the...

Dear Mr. Novak, It is hard to believe that it has been so many years since your passing. We still fondly remember the Shakespear festivals you hosted, the after-school Latin Club, The Toothbrush school newspaper, and so many other formative memories and experiences we had with you. Your lessons are the gift that keep giving and are a guiding light to us as we grow and find our place (and people!) in the world. Thank you for everything, and wherever you are today, we hope it is all...

Dear Loretta and family, It´s hard to believe that so much time has passed. I think of Ray often, he was an amazing man and such a huge part of my life growing up and again later as an adult. I will forever be grateful for his guidance, support, advice and friendship. God bless all of you and know that he is watching over all of us and loving us from above. Diana (Matz) Henegar

Dear Loretta and Family, Father Ray was a very kind and gentle man. My brother, Jerry Bylinski, still remembers the last time he had lunch with Ray and other classmates from Holy Innocents. They all got together at a restaurant in Chicago on Augusta Blvd. Jerry and other classmates were happy to see Ray, and they were glad he attended the luncheon. We are sure Father Ray is watching over you. Sincerely, Virginia (Irene Keska´s sister) and Ron Swanberg

Ray: I enjoyed playing basketball with you in high school, but even more enjoyed watching you become the adult you became: calm, spiritual, intense You are missed. Bernie Phelan

Time passes so quickly, and to be reminded of Ray's passing 7 years ago is hardly believable. Ray was a friend to our family in Midlothian when I was a young girl. I am 53 years old now, but when I was 9, Ray did a Q and A with me for the homily at Easter Mass, and I was so proud! I don't remember the questions he asked, but I do remember sitting there in front of the whole congregation. He could relate to anyone young or old, and that was his gift to all of us. I remember him visiting my...

Reading this notice from Legacy, a reminder that we are approaching the anniversary of the death of Ray Novak, I feel again so moved to think that Ray is gone from our lives. My mother faithfully kept in touch with him after he left St. Catherine-St. Lucy, in Oak Park, and moved to California, and would read us his interesting letters to her.
Yes, a gentle soul, a good priest, and a fine human being, just as so many people say in their tributes, which are filled repeatedly with love and...

I had the honor of visiting Father Ray on the afternoon prior to his passing. I asked him if he would like to receive the Eucharist and he said "yes". I went to the chaplain's office in Northwestern Hospital and secured the Blessed Sacrament for Father Ray. He received the Body and Blood or Christ and he said "Now I can rest."

Mr. Novak: I think in times like these you would quote Chaucer "Death is the end of every worldly pain." I hope you left the world in peace and knowing that you have made a difference in my life as well as many others.

I had the honor of being in his class, and every time I hear Lee Ann Womack's "I hope you dance" on the radio, I will think of you and your words of wisdom.

I am saddened that others cannot meet you. Rest in peace.