Pastors

Reverend David Simonetti (2018-Current)

Good day, friend. My name is Rev. David J. Simonetti, ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago in May 2005. I am serving as the joyful new pastor of CHRIST OUR LIGHT Parish (formerly St. Florian Catholic Church) in the historic Hegewisch neighborhood of Chicago. Recently I have earned a Doctorate in Ministry degree from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary a Thesis inspired by my THREE beautiful dogs titled, PET & PRAY: The Transforming Power of Grace and Communion Through God’s Beloved Creatures. Bella the Ballerina (tri-colored black collie); Francis the Bear (brown bear-like Newfoundland), and Frankie “Blue,” – aka... Frankie Shakes, aka... Frankie “Squeaks” – a black and white Old English Sheepdog. I earned a Master of Divinity as well as an S.T.B. degree from the University of St. Mary of the Lake coinciding with ordination, and since completed a three-year Certification for Spiritual Directors: Ignatian Method program from the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University.

I have many areas of interest, including cooking, art, golf, music, song writing (The Ballad of Bella & Francis), and table ministry with others. I find that eating with others builds and strengthen relationships – communion – connection, among us. Five years ago, I took this passion and launched Communio Sauces, a non-profit line of six home-style, professionally produced spaghetti (and other) sauces. 100 % of the proceeds go to local charities. As of 2020 over$29,000 had been donated to shelters, food pantries, Catholic Charities, etc. in the Chicagoland and NW Indiana regions. This wonderful Mission has been featured on WGN 9 News, WMAQ Ch. 5 Chicago “Making A Difference,” Chicago Tribune, National Catholic Register, and others. The motto: “It’s More Than A Meal – It’s the Way Back Home!” I have established The Good Padre Foundation for these wonderful charitable donations to be given through. My passion is to evangelize through the three great traditional transcendent paths to God - BEAUTY, TRUTH, AND GOODNESS. I now add a fourth – TASTY!

I love to preach retreats, days of reflection, and missions with humor and Gospel joy. See you soon!