Rev. Robert E. McLaughlin

It´s 2024 and I still think of Father Bob fairly often. Reading everyone´s comments from 2005, some from people I knew from Mater Christi, it´s easy to picture Father Bob in all their sweet and moving recollections. He married my husband, Jim,and me at Mater Christi and baptized two of our kids at Holy Name Cathedral. When I was younger though, is when he really made an impression on me. The way he carried himself - greeting everyone with a big smile and sparkling eyes, always caring and...

I remember growing up with the
McLaughlin family. What wonderful
people. We went to St.Francis of
Rome in Cicero. I remember Bobby
visiting out home room, and Sister
asking him to sing for us. What a
beautiful voice he had. When moving to North Riverside, was delighted to see him again at Mater
Christi, as a priest. His award is
being reunited with God and his family. We will pray for you and keep you in our hearts and mind.
Love...

Father "Red" McLaughlin,

You were a young and vibrant leprechaun of a priest when I first met you in 1969 through my brother Michael (Quigley North Class of '73). Bright like a new copper penny, you later taught me the inate goodness that human beings have within them and how we can share that goodness, mercy, and love with others. You were part of the Keane family for many years, finally ending as pastor of Mary Seat of Wisdom Church in Park Ridge. Our Church. The Church where...

Saint Patrick's Day remebrances to ye, Father McLaughlin.

You are missed, and are in our thoughts, especially on St. Patrick's Day.

- The Sweeney Clan, North Riverside

We had the pleasure of knowing Bob first at Holy Name Cathedral and then as our parish priest at Mater Christi in North Riverside. We were deeply touched by his loving kindness and memorable smile. We have lost a great man but Heaven is rejoicing. Our hope is that his family will take comfort that Bob passed the test with honors and has moved on to his great reward.

In 1977, at the age of 10, I had heart surgery at Children's Memorial Hospital. Our associate pastor, Fr. Bob, was such a help to my mom, and sat by her side during the difficult days before and after my surgery. I remember his kind face as he blessed me before surgery, and fortunately, a few years ago I was able to thank him for all he did for us. As I did so, on the steps of Holy Name, we both had tears in our eyes.

What an enormous loss for our Church, and what a reward he...

What a great loss to the people of Chicagoland! What a great gain for heaven! Bob is one of the few people who have made lasting impressions and a positive influence on many lives in his time here. My sincere condolances and prayers to his family and many, many friends.

Countless memories of
a man among men.

Deep peace of the running waves to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the smiling stars to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the watching shepherds to you.
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.
--An Old Gaelic Prayer

We miss you, Father Bob. Ave!