Annual Family Liturgy & Life Camp

Severe weather this summer, including a historic derecho in mid-August, disrupted the lives of many Faithful in our Eparchy and damaged the grounds of several parishes. 

A destructive severe thunderstorm struck northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana on August 11, 2026, spawning multiple tornadoes and generating hurricane-force level straight-line winds. The violent storm knocked over trees, ripped up roofs, ruined vehicles and left hundreds of thousands of people in the region without power. 

The more than 100 attendees of this year’s Family Liturgy and Life Camp, including Bishop Robert, were caught in the middle of the tempest. Thanks to quick action by event organizers, parents and staff at Cedar Lake Ministries, no one at the camp was injured. The storm also spared all of the attendees' vehicles, while the retreat center itself sustained minor damage from several fallen trees. Children and adults alike pitched in during the storm’s immediate aftermath to help clear some of the debris. Unfortunately, due to a prolonged power outage, Family Camp was suspended after the second full day. More details to come...