Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will be fending off breakaways and flying pucks to benefit Catholic Charities Legal Services (CCLS) program. The annual “Hockey with Bishop Paprocki” is slated for Wednesday, March 23, at the Nelson Center in Springfield at 7 p.m.
This one-of-a-kind event features the “Holy Goalie” in the nets for the charity game against local players. Since 2010, the event has netted Catholic Charities more than $9,000 as participants pay a “player’s fee” to suit up and fans pay a nominal entrance fee with all proceeds raised going towards Catholic Charities Legal Services.
“We like to think this is a pretty unique fundraiser. Not too many fundraising events feature a Catholic bishop on ice, full gear on, playing goalie,” said Meredith Eisenbarth, development coordinator at the agency. “Catholic Charities is very fortunate to have Bishop Paprocki in our diocese willing to do whatever he can to help us raise money and spread awareness about the need for competent legal aid for people who can’t afford it.”
Catholic Charities Legal Services program began in January 2014, when Bishop Paprocki announced his initiative to provide legal assistance and services to those in the diocese not able to afford them.
“The number of lawyers working in legal services is ever declining; the hourly rate of lawyers in private practice is ever increasing,” said Bill Henry, program director. “Many individuals daily face legal issues which impact their living arrangements, their employment, their children and grandchildren. These people cannot find, nor afford, legal assistance to help them navigate the process. CCLS is providing badly needed assistance to these individuals through offering legal advice and representation through its network of pro bono volunteer lawyers.” Last year, CCLS provided more than 100 individuals pro bono legal counsel to help them with their legal issues.
Tickets are $5 per person and will be available at the door. There will be a special appearance by Chicago Blackhawk great, Grant Mulvey. Mulvey holds the Blackhawk’s record for most goals scoredin a game (five) and most goals scored in a single period (four).
“We’ve put together a fun, family friendly event with all proceeds to helping your neighbors in our community. It’s a win-win for everyone,” says Eisenbarth.
Bishop Paprocki is not just an avid hockey player and devoted Blackhawks fan, but he is also passionate about the law and creating access to quality legal representation for the poor. In 1982, shortly after graduating from DePaul University law school and being admitted to the Illinois Bar, Bishop Paprocki co-founded the Chicago Legal Clinic which has provided legal assistance to over 250,000 people in the Chicago area.