American Catholic Press Honors Tom Dreesen and Dr Richard Moutvic

At its 18th annual benefit, American Catholic Press (ACP) will honor two outstanding men from the southern suburbs.
Tom Dreesen will receive the Gratiam Dei ("grace of God") award for his service to the common good.  He is a famous entertainer, TV personality, and motivational speaker.  Tom toured the world, with the late Frank Sinatra.  He has appeared numerous times on the David Letterman Show.  October 21, he will tell stories from his childhood at Ascension parish in Harvey.  Tom sponsors an annual benefit, to fight MS, in memory of his late sister, Darlene.  This is only one instance of Tom's philanthropy and generosity. He is happy to return here, because of his many friends in the southern suburbs, as well as family.

Dr. Moutvic will receive the Henry Hyde award for his service as a pro-life obstetrican and gynecologist.  Dr Moutvic has served thousands of women and their babies, through St. James Hospital and Aunt Martha's Center.  He has mentored young physicians and continues to serve the community in many ways.  He serves on several boards, including that of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dr. Moutvic has taught as Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois. He has served as the president of the medical staff of St. James Hospital and Health Centers and has been the Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has chaired many committees at the hospitals and has served as an alternate delegate to the AMA. He is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The master of ceremonies will be Father David Simonetti, well known for his retreats, talks, and online ministry.  After dinner, the Prodigal Sons will sing.  They are a talented quartet from Flossmoor Community Church.  Bishop Joseph Perry, episcopal vicar (supervisor of churches in the southern suburbs), will say grace before meals.

This benefit helps ACP in its ministry to people who are homebound.  Without cost or obligation, these mostly elderly people receive a Leaflet Missal prayerbook from ACP, six times a year.  Prepared for senior citizens, this periodical prayerbook features extra-large print, for easier reading, and a minimum of page turning, for convenience.  The Leaflet Missal prayerbook is also used in parishes, for the entire congregation, especially to follow the new texts coming into effect in December, 2011. 

The ACP executive Director is Father Michael Gilligan, Ph.D.  He is also the rector of San Rocco Oratory in Chicago Heights.  Father Gilligan has served at several parishes in the Chicago Archdiocese, including St. Felicitas in Chicago and Infant Jesus of Prague in Flossmoor.  He has also taught liturgy at Catholic Theological Union and Lewis University.