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Slovenian Catholic Center

One Sunday after Mass, Father Vendelin Spendov approached John about becoming a deacon. Knowing this was a major change that would affect his wife and family, John took a whole year before saying yes to Father Vendelin. John said the reason for saying yes was “to save his soul.” He says everything we do should be about that result.

Some of John’s duties include giving Sunday sermons, performing baptisms, marriages, funerals and burials. For John, being a deacon has expanded his life because people allow him to participate in major important events in their lives, both joyful and sorrowful. This helps him put things into perspective.

John lives in Brookfield, Ill., with his wife, Dawn. They have three children—Mike, Joe and Monika—and two grandchildren.

Article appeared in the KSKJ Voice - May 2014 by Mike Vidmar

john vidmar celebrates 25 years as deacon

John Vidmar will celebrate his 25th Anniversary (Silver Jubilee) as a deacon at the 11:00am mass at St. Mary's Slovenian Catholic Mission in Lemont, IL.

John has served the Slovenian community in the Chicago area, his first 10 years at St. Stephen’s Church in Chicago, and his last 15 years at the Slovenian Catholic Mission in Lemont, Ill.

John was ordained at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago by Bishop Wilton Gregory, now Archbishop
in Atlanta, Ga., on April 22, 1989.

John is the son of Stan and Ivanka Vidmar. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and lived in the neighborhood around St. Vitus Church. He met his wife, Dawn Cherway, in Chicago, and joined St. Stephen Slovenian Parish in Chicago.