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Patrick Brennan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Brennan
Friar Johnpaul Cafiero, OFM
November 27, 2020
Be at peace my brother and friend.
Angela Duke
November 27, 2020
Dear Fr. Brennan,
My junior high school and high school years were full with your dynamic presence. You made such an enormous impact on my life. It is with sadness that I gaze on your photos, especially the photos from the late 70s and early 80s when you were at St. Huberts. I can't imagine the direction my life might have gone in if you had not grabbed me up and given me a job at the rectory scheduling your appointments and other administrative duties. You made me feel important and special and loved. Pizza parties while wrapping your Christsmas gifts. Watching Saturday Night Live at the Rectory eating pizza with you and just talking and laughing. You're gone now. Tim is gone too. So many others have passed. I know we will meet again some day and I look forward to that so much. I loved you very much as a mentor and teacher and family priest. I will never forget you. Love, Angie Baby
Joan Enright
November 27, 2020
He was a great priest, one of the best. I remember him fondly.
Marya Taylor
November 27, 2019
Dear Father Pat,
Today I was surprised to find your Legacy book in my e-mail box. I take it as God wishes me to see it, as a reminder from you that you have not forgotten those whom you brought closer to God through your ministry on earth. Also as a message for me that I should not despair but have faith that God will heal my broken spirit and painful, damaged back soon.
Gosh, I miss your presence in the world. I tell those willing to listen that the finest priest I ever knew was you. I am sure many alive today who attended Holy Family Church and listened to your brilliant sermons would agree.
By now God must have made you Saint Patrick Brennan, it just hasn't gotten to down to The Vatican mailbox yet.
So, thank you for sending me this reminder that you still pray for those you shepherded and I need not despair. I will receive healing in mind, body and spirit because I have my pastor and spiritual brother in heaven looking out for me.
Regards and love,
Marya Taylor
karen fitzpatrick
November 27, 2019
You cross my mind often my friend. Miss you.
Frank Manzeske
November 1, 2016
Pat Brennan: just a short 3 years ago you were with us.
As I prepare to be Grateful; to remember all the Wonderful Gifts given to me by God, I recall the many inspirational Homilies I listened to by Fr. Pat.
Fortunately I have kept some of the Holy Family Catholic Community bulletins that printed the Sermons of Fr. Pat. I wish I had all of them. It would make a wonderful book. I do; however, have many of his writings in the National Center for Evangelization Newsletter. Occasionally I will read some of these. It is grand to be inspired by someone I knew.
On one occasion I was talking with Fr. Pat and shared my three main reasons for coming to Holy Family:
•The first Community. To be with others who believed as do I. It seemed as though I had my own silent cheerleading squad. It was encouragement. It is like being a huge sporting event and getting caught up in the presence .. The excitement of the crowd!
•The Second Learning: Listening to the Readings, the Homily, the Sermon, the lessons, and being able to evaluate and re-evaluate the how and why of my Life. How can I change? How can I be happier? How can I be more for others? How does my behavior influence/affect others?
•The Third and MOST important: The Eucharist.! It is not something I receive only because I am a good person. This is my nourishment!! It is not a reward. It is empowerment to me when I am weak. It enables me to change, to become more for myself and for others.
So Pat, you are alive in me because of who you were. Thank You for helping me change my life.
Frank Manzeske
20161101
November 13, 2014
I worked with Pat for many years from Jesus Days to RCIA at St Albert the Great. I treasure his friendship.
Karen Fitzpatrick ssj/tosf
Janet Hauter
October 6, 2014
Oh Pat! I know you are helping us here in Rome for the Extraordinary Synod and I know you are pulling strings for us because every action we take is reaping profound results! Thank you.
Peggy Scharfe
October 5, 2014
I lived a couple of blocks away from Holy Family Church in 2001. I was having some personal difficulties and often went over to sit in the adoration room at Holy Family which helped me feel at peace. One night when I arrived it was late and the doors were locked. I decided that I would stand outside the windows of the church and look in at the magnificent crucifix hanging inside of it, but the lights were off and i could barely see it. I knelt down anyway outside next to the bushes to pray. When I stood up the cross and Jesus were illuminated, which shocked me and made me feel as thought Jesus was present. I later told Father Pat the story and he said to me "You saw what God wanted you to see." It doesn't really matter if it makes sense or is factual, what matters is that you hear God's messages when He sends them.
March 18, 2014
I am signing this for my dear friends Sharon and Bill Walsh who dearly loved the teachings and writings of Pat Brennan. Both of them proceeded Fr. Brennan in death but I am sure they would want to add their thoughts here if it were possible.
Paul & Cathy
February 23, 2014
I just found out today that Fr. Pat had passed away. Having moved from Chicago a number of years ago but being influenced by this priest at Holy Family.This man should be a saint. He called it like he saw it with Jesus as the center of his life.
Brennanites of the Chicago, keep his spirit alive.
Steven Holloway
February 15, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Fr. Pat while I studied at the Institute of Pastoral Studies. Not just a great guy, but a great minister. Rest well and be at peace.
Grasilda Reinys
January 14, 2014
Dear God,
Thank you for the blessing of Fr. Pat. May he rest in your embrace! Amen.
My prayers and condolences to Fr. Pat's family and his many friends. It was a great honor to have had him in my life as my teacher at Loyola University and as a mentor for my Master's Integration paper. I have been blessed to have know him...and until we meet again!
Janet Hauter
January 4, 2014
Love you forever, Pat!
Joan Enright
January 2, 2014
In my 80 years three priests have made an indelible impression on me. Ignatius McDermott, Pat Brennan and Mike Enright, my stepson.
When Fr. Pat was at St. Mike's in Orland I would call to see what weekend mass he was saying. They "lied" to me because no one would be at any mass other than Fr. Pat's.
He married Ed and me many years ago and I still remember his homilies. What a gifted soul he was.
December 26, 2013
" My First Christmas in Heaven "
I see the countless Christmas trees, around the world below with tiny lights, like heavens, stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, for the joy their voices bring, for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart, but I am not so far away, we really aren't apart. So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear, and be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I sent you each a special gift from my heavenly home above. I sent you each a memory of my undying love. After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold. It was always more important in the stores Jesus told. Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do. For as I can't count the blessings or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear. Remember, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
- Author unknown
Mickey Janus
December 24, 2013
From my years at St. Huberts, to my years at Loyola, and then at Holy Family Fr. Brennan has been a constant in my life and my Spiritual Walk. Truly one of God's own. How blessed we were to have known him.
December 21, 2013
Thank you Lord for the gift of
Fr. Patrick Brennan. What a beautiful priest and man of God. He will be greatly missed.
December 21, 2013
FATHER ,YOY WILL BE GREATLY MISSED - YOU WERE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL WHO KNEW YOU OR HEARD YOUR HOMILIES. A PARISHIONER OF ST. HUBERT. IT WAS BECAUSE OF YOU THAT MY HUSBAND CONVERTED TO CATHOLICISM. YOU DEFINITELY ARE IN HEAVEN - YOU ARE A "SAINT".
Tom & Phyllis
December 18, 2013
We joined Holy Family Parish in 1993 and don't remember exactly when we first heard you deliver one of your always special homilies. They always seemed to have great inspiration for us to apply to our spiritual life every day. We will always remember you as the best we have ever experienced. We know that God now blesses you with his eternal pease and happiness.
Linda and Kenneth Paris
December 15, 2013
We had belonged to Holy Family Parish and will always remember Father Pat's inspiring homilies. He was a very kind person, who will be greatly missed. Our condolences to the Brennan family.
December 13, 2013
Your impact is profound. In life, you made formal religion understandable, accessible, and enlightening. In death, I will honor you by living your message and sharing it with all I meet. You will be missed.
Deborah Gaughan
December 12, 2013
Thank you for who you were and the legacy you leave. Rest in peace.
Sr. Deborah Gaughan
December 12, 2013
Dear Father Pat, You were truly a devoted man in your lifetime and will be missed. You were a wonderful priest. You are with the lord now and may you rest in peace. Nunzia Czech
December 12, 2013
Thank you Fr Pat for your life,work and great sharing on the web that I enjoyed for the last few years.
May God grant you Eternal Life.
Sean Conneely, Columban Missionary , Seoul Korea.
Linda Douglas
December 11, 2013
Forty years ago I met a dynamic, inspirational priest who changed my life forever. There are so many memories that will live forever while the hole in my heart remains. Pat was a true disciple of Jesus & made a difference in countless lives. I am proud to say he was my dear friend & life will not be the same without him. There is definitely a new angel in heaven.
Dave Laveck
December 10, 2013
A man of a God, who really touched thousands in so many ways. He was a great fellow, a devoted Priest and a gracious neighbor. Rest well Father Pat. We will meet again my dear friend.
December 10, 2013
Rest in Peace, Fr. Brennan and thank you forever for the memories and for your kindness. Renee (Gorney) McMahon
The Schlote Family
December 9, 2013
To my dearest family
Some things I'd like to say.
But first of all to let you know
That I arrived okay.
I'm writing you from Heaven
Where I dwell with God above,
Where there's no more tears or sadness
There is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy
Just because I'm out of sight,
Remember that I'm with you Every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you
When my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
And He said, "I welcome you".
"It's good to have you back again
You were missed while you were gone,
As for your dearest family
They'll be here later on."
"I need you here so badly
As part of My big plan,
There's so much that we have to do
To help our mortal man."
Then God gave me a list of things
He wished for me to do,
And foremost on that list of mine
Is to watch and care for you.
And I will be beside you
Every day and week and year,
And when you're sad I'm standing there
To wipe away that tear.
And when you lie in bed at night
The days chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you
In the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth
And all those loving years,
Because you're only human
They are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry
It does relieve the pain,
Remember there would be no flowers
Unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you
Of all that God has planned,
But if I were to tell you
You wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain
Though my life on earth is o'er,
I am closer to you now
Than I ever was before.
And to my very dearest friends
Trust God for He knows best,
I'm still not far away from you
I'm just beyond the crest.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you
And many hills to climb,
But together we can do it
Taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy
And I'd like it for you too,
That as you give unto the world
So the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody
Who's in sorrow or in pain,
Then you can say to God at night
My day was not in vain.
And now I am contented
That my life... it was worthwhile,
Knowing as I passed along the way
I made somebody smile.
When you are walking down the street
And you've got me on your mind,
I'm walking in your footsteps
Only half a step behind.
And when you feel that gentle breeze
Or the wind upon your face,
That's me giving you a great big hug
Or just a soft embrace.
And when it's time for you to go
From that body to be free,
Remember you're not going...
You're coming here to me.
And I will always love you
From that land way up above,
I'll be in touch again soon
P.S....God sends His love.
From her "Letter from Heaven"
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2013
Betty Mason
December 9, 2013
Fr Brennan, Thank you for being a priest. I remember you from St. John the Evangelist church. May God Bless you. You were special.
Ricahrd Sr. and Rosemarie Stanek
December 9, 2013
Dear Father Pat thanks for the memories, we will always love you. The Stanek Family
Dana Burnell
December 9, 2013
Thank you Father Pat for your thought provoking homilies -- you inspired and challenged us. Your comments on the issue of "institutionalized church" were courageous -- and we know costly for you. Thank you finally for being a source of great support to me at a very difficult time in my life.
Mir Miller Hays
December 9, 2013
What a gifted priest, man and person. I grew so much spiritually while you were at Holy Family. I will never forget the impact you had on my life. You truly cared about doing God's will and showed the way every day of your ministry. I know God has a mansion for you in heaven. You brought His Kingdom to Earth while alive. May your family and friends who mourn you, rejoice in all you accomplished for the Lord. Love, prayers and joy to God's good and faithful servant (leader).
December 8, 2013
Deepest Sympathy to the Brennan Family, Father Pat Brennan was a Prince of the Church and a Compassionate Brother to all of us at St. Thomas the Apostle in Naperville, Il. We eagerly awaited his Masses and homilies, and were
privileged to have known him. Our good thoughts and prayers follow him, and are extended to all his family.
Harry and Joan Darabaris
Dan Carr
December 8, 2013
Fr. Pat gave me more than the Good News by his inspiring and insightful homilies. He also gave me new perspectives on daily living in a world of mixed blessings. His gifts of wisdom that he shared with the faithful will be treasured. His spirit endures within the loving arms of Our Creator.
Elizabeth & John Zulaski
December 8, 2013
Our sincere sympathy to Bill Brennan & family. Father Pat was our next door neighbor at Geneva National.
Rest in peace, Fr. Pat!
John & Liz Zulaski
Barbara Gustafson
December 8, 2013
We remember when you were at St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge and what an impression you made on all of us. That was the beginning of our journey with you. Holy Family was truly a family that you made it. Whenever we went there we came away with a full heart! Know that you have made a difference in how so many of us feel about ourselves and our relationship with Jesus. You truly made me feel God's love. Blessings to you as you continue on your journey of peace!
Barbara Gustafson and family
Diane Arends
December 8, 2013
Was a member of the Holy Family Parish when he was there, I truly enjoyed all of his homilies and would buy the tapes from them. I will always remember how he touched my life. I moved to Fort Myers, Florida in 1995 and I heard about his passing at church today. I just had to say something special about him.
Audrey Easton
December 8, 2013
Father Pat, you not only gave brilliant homilies but you were also gentle and kind to the parishioners at St Thomas the Apostle Parish. You will be missed.
Julie Lawrenz
December 8, 2013
Father Pat was a true visionary for the church. A brilliant orator and an expert administrator, yet a kind, gentle presence who lived the Kingdom. I will miss his generosity toward my family and to everyone he met.
December 8, 2013
I have kept so many of Fr Pat's email reflections and re-read them. He always seemed to grab the core of the reading and send it straight to my heart. I live in Sugar Land, Texas, and heard of Fr Pat through friends here. I hope he knew how far his words of hope and redemption traveled. He will be so missed.
Thoomas Dougherty
December 8, 2013
Fr.Pat; Your homilys always delivered an important message with an amazing continuity of thought, and all without notes. Rest in a well deserved peace.
Sr.Agnes Mathew
December 8, 2013
Thank you Fr.Patrick Brennan for inspiring by your enriching homilies. May you enjoy eternal light.
Judy Laboda
December 7, 2013
So many tears were shed at your service today. Just beautiful. Thanks so much for burying me mom, marrying my daugher, baptizing my grandchildren, ect. Can't believe you are not with us anymore. You will be missed more than you'll ever know. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Mary Whiteside
December 6, 2013
My life was changed for the better because of the time I spent with this amazing, brilliant, funny, and intensely faithful man. Fr. Pat's passion for doing the right thing, even if it meant breaking a rule or two, was inspirational to me. His first thought was always of others. I will miss our chats and I will always remember Fr. Pat as the single greatest influence in my life. Rest in peace, Pat. Thank you for your love, support and encouragement, and thank you for keeping me Catholic. Phil and I will hold you in our hearts forever.
December 6, 2013
Blessed are the poor in spirit;
Blessed are the meek;
Blessed are they who mourn;
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice;
Blessed are the merciful;
Blessed are the clean of heart;
Blessed are the peacemakers;
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed was Father Pat who encouraged us to live our beatitudes with attitude. How we will miss you and how much better we are for knowing you.
Nancy Kraft
December 6, 2013
I hope that he knew how he touched all the lives that he did. I remember the brown grocery bag at Communion Masses filled will nourishment for the body, bread, milk,, then, continuing on to explain how the Eucharist is the nourishment for our soul. That was 35 years ago. He was God's disciple on loan to us for his short time, yet, his teachings live on forever in our hearts and minds. Rest in peace Fr. Brennan.
Dee Selesky
December 6, 2013
Thank you Fr. Pat for your inspiration and guidance over the years. It was an honor to know you. You will live forever in our hearts. God Bless.
Elizbeth Balachowski
December 6, 2013
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
December 6, 2013
Father Pat, you were my Holy Family.
Lord, thank you for the gift of this holy man. May the legacy of Father Pat Brennan continue to inspire many to search for the peace that only You can give.
Eileen McGleam
December 6, 2013
I truly believe Fr.Pat was a modern day prophet and saint. We were so blessed to have him at St. Thomas for a while, and his online homilies were a special treat each week. May he rest in peace.
Eileen McGleam, Downers Grove
Ann Martel
December 6, 2013
Father Brennan was an amazing priest and man- I remember fondly my time at St Hubert's where he was associate pastor. My father used to tape his sermons, they were so good and so relevant. I remember my favorite where he came to the lectern with his suitcase- telling us he was going on vacation and needed to pack. And he went on to talk about how he could pack his insecurities, his hurts, etc... but with God's help, he doesn't have to carry that baggage. After 30 years, I still remember the core of that sermon! That is the impact he had on so many lives! Peace, Father Brennan- this world will miss you!
Colleen Downey (Mathy)
December 5, 2013
Father Pat had a deep impact on the foundation of my Catholic Christian identity. I remember committing to Christ and His Church at my Confirmation Mass and in our formation Father Pat sent us out to invite the fallen away Catholics to return to the church. He of course instilled the Spirit of Evangelization in all those he touched. When my parish no longer was meeting my spiritual needs, my sister and I heard Father Pat was at St. Thomas in Naperville so we were thrilled to hear his words of social justice very similar to the perspective or Pope Francis. Father Pat knew Christ and His Mission for all of us! May the Lord continue to use you on your Heavenly Journey!!
Chuck and Dotty Burns
December 5, 2013
Thank you Father Pat Brennan for your service and leadership and courage and wisdom. You will be greatly missed.
Chuck and Dotty Burns
Hoffman Estates Il
John Wooding
December 5, 2013
Your light will shine in our lives for eternity.
Susan Ferrari
December 5, 2013
Father Pat inflenced my faith in a profond and positive way. His faith was "contagious." He sharead it with us beautifully. His homilies inspired and uplifted me. He was not afraid to speak the truth. I am ever grateful for having Father Pat in my life. Thank you, Father Pat; you are at peace with God now.
December 5, 2013
Father Pat had a positive impact to so many people. His homilies were beautiful
Christine
December 5, 2013
I could tell where the lamplighter was…by the trail he left behind him.
Norma and Prospero Calalang
December 5, 2013
A great Pastor for all of us at Holy Family! Fr. Pat renewed our marriage vows thru the years, did the funeral mass for my brother, and inspired our family thru his great homilies and in joining several ministries thru his evangelization programs. A great preacher, gifted priest, a holy man. Rest in peace in God's embrace. Thank you for the Cross of New Life!
December 5, 2013
I was very blessed to have met Father Brennan at a time in my life when I most needed a friend and a true ambassador of God. I have been forever changed by that friendship and I am forever grateful. Rest in peace, dear old friend.
Patrick Martin
December 5, 2013
Father Pat had a profound impact on my life. May he finally rest in peace.
December 5, 2013
A great man and even better priest / pastor. I had tremendous respect and admiration for him and his ministry. Eternal peace is now his.
Patty Branham
December 5, 2013
Father Pat--what a great speaker, priest, friend. I'm so glad I have some of his homilies on tape to listen to his voice and remember his inspiring words. He will be deeply missed.
December 5, 2013
May his soul rest in peace and may those who loved him find comfort in the loving grace of God.
Sister Agnes Cunningham, SSCM, Professor Emrita, Mundelein Seminary, USML
Linda Buckley
December 5, 2013
When I was in the Syracuse Diocesan Formation For Ministry program, Fr. Brennan gave a presentation for one of our workshops. There wasn't a dry eye in the assembly. What an amazing speaker/writer he was. May he rest in peace.
December 4, 2013
Father Pat was a true inspiration to me and our family...He baptized our third daughter and worked with us to serve on many committees at St. Albert.
We thank you Father Pat, for a friendship that we will never forget.
May you enjoy the rewards of heaven.
The Lennon Family, Burbank
~ ~ Fr. Dan Brandt, CPD Chaplain
December 4, 2013
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. Fr. Pat will be remembered at the Police Mass on Sunday, 08 DEC, 11:00 a.m., at Mercy Home - 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]
wedding mass 1983
December 4, 2013
Lynn Sprehe
December 4, 2013
Thank you, thank you Father Pat. You have so enriched my life and my faith. May you now enjoy the peace of Christ, as He welcomes you Home.
Beth Welke
December 4, 2013
When I was growing up Father Pat would help say weekend masses at St John the Evangelist in Streamwood. His homilies were inspiring, moving and educational to a teenager who was looking for some spiritual direction. I was so disappointed when he left us to be assigned to a parish. . Thanks Father Pat for being a blessing to so many of us.
December 4, 2013
I have the fondest memories of Father Brennan. Forever young, his spirit and belief in the potential of all people to live a spiritual reflective life will always be with me. His passing is very sad news. Judy McManus
wedding mass 5.12.12 at St. Xavier in Cincinnati
Geoffrey Matteson
December 4, 2013
Milt Adamson, CSC
December 4, 2013
Over the last several years I have waited eagerly for Fr. Pat's reflections on the weekend readings. He was a man to be trusted for insight and a deeply human feeling for the word of God reflected in life. I shall miss him a lot. Rest lively, Pat!
Julie Johnson
December 4, 2013
Thank you Father Pat. you were a great man. You will be missed.
Mary Jo & David Murray
December 4, 2013
Pat inspired me with his humility. I truly believe God welcomed him home as HIs good and faithful servant
December 4, 2013
Thank you Fr. Pat for starting the Academy at Holy Family. Our Family has learned from you. What a gift you were! We will miss you. Our condolences to your family and friends. The Pastika Family
kam carroll
December 4, 2013
Fr Pat touched my mind, my heart, my soul and my spirit in countless ways. I will miss him terribly, but I am so grateful he is finally at peace and truly Home.
Angie Duke
December 4, 2013
I met Fr. Brennan as a 7th grader at St. Hubert School and at Sunday mass with my family. He gave all of so much personal attention and love. He was funny and taught our religious education classes with his wonderful sense of humor (i.e. the Jays Potato Chip theory). We all thrived under his mentorship. He wrote wonderful skits for the church Mardi Gras shows and included all of us bringing teens and adults together in a healthy and fun environment. He had so much charisma. He gave me a job at the church rectory answering phones and scheduling his appointments. He would order pizza and invite teens to the rectory to have meetings for teen club events. We all flocked to him and he taught us so much. I lost touch with him over the past few decades but he touched my life in a way that can never be repeated. I have never met another priest who drew people to the church the way Fr. Pat did. He was an amazing human being, a very special member of the clergy and someone I will never ever forget. Rest in peace Fr. Brennan.
Marilee Kadar
December 4, 2013
I first met Father Pat at St. Michael Parish in Orland Park. His homilies inspired and encouraged me in my faith, and I always looked forward to his masses. With each sermon, I felt Fr. Pat's honesty and true love for our Heavenly Father. His messages were sincere and meaningful, spoken from his heart. What a strong, spiritual man! Most recently, I felt fortunate to hear his homilies again at St. Julie Parish in Tinley Park. I couldn't wait to get to mass! A few months ago I read Father Pat's newest book, Common Sense Faith. What an everlasting gift for all to treasure. I am comforted in knowing he will experience eternal rest safe in the arms of Jesus. My soul has been forever enriched through Father Pat, and I will miss him. I am so happy to read all of the comments here. He truly touched many generations...he was simply “the best.” My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Deacon Dexter Watson
December 4, 2013
Fr Pat was a kind ,Funny and conscious person He was fair,lovable & enjoyable individual. I liked to listen to him on the radio,in person,on TV.I hope there is a way to hear his recordings thru a process of some sort.He will be missed bymany all over the world. My prayers are for his family, friends & all of us. God Bless
December 4, 2013
We surly will miss you. You lived a truly Christian life. God, I'm sure, has already met you and Father Pat,, rest a little bit and then I have plans for you up here.
Eldon and Allison Whiteside
Eldon and Allison Whiteside
Eldon and Allison Whiteside
Aileen Rominger
December 4, 2013
I made it a point to attend masses officiated by Fr. Pat at St. Thomas.
His homilies were engaging. relevant & riveting. At times the congregation was so moved by what he spoke, there was applause. His weekly newsletters were wonderful, couldn't wait to read each week. Father Pat, I wish to thank you for your example of authenticity & transparency. I know I have grown in my spiritual life through your teachings & the sharing of your personal experiences. Rest in Peace.
Deborah
December 4, 2013
My daughter (age 9) and I will miss Fr. Pat so much. When she heard Fr. Don mention that Fr. Pat had died, she turned to me and asked, "Is that "Fr. Tag-You're-It"? You see, Fr. Pat would play tag with her at St. Thomas every time he saw her. Fr. Pat also "tagged" my mind with his brilliant homilies. What a great man, role model, and scholar.
December 4, 2013
I enjoyed and learned much from Father Brennan's weekly articles. I will miss them. May he rest in peace!
Nancy Bartolo IHM, Monroe, MI
Donna Plocharczyk (Valek)
December 4, 2013
Father Pat was at St. Albert the Great at the most perfect time for me. I was just entering junior high and got to be part of the youth group (COR group) he started. What a treasured time in my life those years were! It helped form the kind of person I am today, a strong, faithfilled, and fun-spirited Catholic! We had so many wonderful times together; retreats, masses, and just groups of us sitting and chatting in the rectory. Thank you, Father Pat, for being such an inspiration. Just look at all these entries in this guest book. What an extraordinary person you were! Enjoy heaven, your divine reward!
Shirley Kelter
December 4, 2013
One of the best classes I took at Loyola was Fr. Pat's on Evangelization. He inspired me as a minister, teacher, and person. I'm so sorry for your loss, and our Church's loss. I am glad that he is now knowing peace and joy beyond our imaginings!
Elizabeth Wilson Yu
December 4, 2013
Fr.Pat inspired and educated me through his email/online ministry - what a brave, loving, thoughtful and insightful man. I was so blessed to benefit from his ministry. He will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences and prayers to his beloved family, whom he wrote about so often! God Bless You and Enjoy your Company, Fr. Pat!
Greg Kaldahl
December 4, 2013
A great priest, an inspiring leader, a gifted homilist. There can be no doubt that he was met with the words he longed to hear..."Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
We'll miss you Fr. Pat.
The Kaldahl Family
Joan Sima
December 4, 2013
I was deeply saddened by Fr. Brennan's passing. He came into my life briefly at St. Thomas the Apostle Church shortly after my husband's passing. He truly inspired me to join St. Thomas. People come into our lives for a reason and I truly think that he came into my life to give me a stronger faith.
Lou and Diana Murphy-Enenstein
December 4, 2013
Fr. Pat... we knew him when he was in the seminary with our cousin. Our family met him as the new Deacon at St. Paul of the Cross in our family's parish. He was a refreshing change. When we moved to St. Hubert's, we were delighted that a familiar face arrived when we did...his! Fr. Pat Brennan was truly a man of God. A saint walked among us ~
George & Donna Alex
December 4, 2013
Father Pat's life and ministry was a gift from God. We are very grateful to have been recipients of this wonderful gift. His memory lives on in our hearts.
Fred Straub
December 4, 2013
Fr. Pat was an instructor for one of my classes when I was earning my MA in Pastoral Studies at Loyola--he has made me a more spiritual and more caring Permanent Deacon. He will be a Saint. He is what Christianity and the Church is all about.
Margie O'Connell-Larkin
December 4, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Fr. Pat's family. He was gentle man. His Homilies were eloquent and insightful. Oh what our church could have been with you at the helm. We love you and miss you.
"Father into your hands ....."
Ray, Sue and Family
December 4, 2013
Father Pat my family and I will miss you and your wonderful homilies. You shared your personal mantra with us all "Into your hands I commend my spirit, into your hands I hand over my life” You have handed over your life to God one last time. Rest in Peace and thank you.
Jan Rose
December 4, 2013
I have many fond memories of Fr. Pat from St. Michael's Parish in Orland Park, missions he gave, Jesus Days and most recently St. Julie's Parish in Tinley Park. Fr. Pat, you inspired and challenged me. My heart is heavy. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
Zeno Wisniewski
December 4, 2013
Peace
The Semro Family
December 4, 2013
Our condolences to the Brennan family. It is difficult to capture in words how inspiring Fr. Pat has been over so many years. We will carry his messages with us always. Heaven's stars are shining more brightly now!
December 4, 2013
Through the Humpty Dumpty events in my life, you were there Fr. Pat, with Jesus, to help me pick up the pieces and put them together again. Thank you great shepherd for your empathy by which you prolifically wrote and eloquently delivered homilies that transferred Christ's love to all of us.
Colleen Panzino
December 4, 2013
He was one of the "good guys" who wasn't afraid to stand up for what is right for his parish. He loved them and they loved him and we can only hope he passed knowing what a valuable presence he had on this earth. The best sermons that had us laughing or in tears and always learning something. You will be missed Father Pat but now you will be spending Christmas with your mom and dad. Holy Family loved you! We are better for knowing you
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Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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