In recognition of his tireless efforts to serve God and His Church in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and befriend people who are suffering, in Chicago and beyond, the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary is honoring Fr. Wayne Watts, Catholic Charities Associate Administrator with the 2023 Cardinal Joseph Bernardin In Service of One Another Catholic Humanitarian Award. 

This award will be presented at the 32^nd Annual Rector’s Classic Golf Outing and Dinner on Thursday, September 14, 2023. 

Fr. Wayne is Pastor of Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette. He also is Dean of Deanery II A, Vicariate II in the Archdiocese of Chicago, assisting Cardinal Cupich, the vicar general and the episcopal vicar of Vicariate II in the pastoral governance of our local church.  

Appointed in 2002 as Associate Administrator of Catholic Charities, Fr. Wayne has shown steadfast dedication to furthering the mission of Catholic Charities. He has held leadership and board positions and served on numerous event committees to create greater awareness of our programs and services throughout Cook and Lake counties, while inviting civic leaders, corporate benefactors, and friends, far and wide to join in the rewarding work of the organization. 

In his work at Catholic Charities, Fr. Wayne strives to live the Corporal Works of Mercy, and he invites others to join him. Through his parish and vicariate work, Fr. Wayne has been instrumental in helping Catholic Charities expand its work on the local, regional level. He serves as Staff Chaplain, celebrating weekly Masses and liturgical services throughout the year, ministering to employees, and leading monthly Staff Prayer Services. In his 21 years at Catholic Charities, Fr. Wayne has helped establish, and he continues to support programs that have eased the burdens of clients and strengthened support for Catholic Charities, including the Junior Board, After Supper Visions, the Tuesday Night Suppers, and Catholic Charities Legal Assistance (CCLA). Over the past 15 months, Fr. Wayne has regularly celebrated Mass for the asylum seekers at the Tuesday Night Suppers. In addition, Fr. Wayne has shown profound empathy and concern for all those who carry the burden of being homeless, hungry, and weary from struggles in their lives. His personal friendships with thousands of Catholic Charities clients are a testament to the kind and humble person he is.    

Since 1995, Fr. Wayne has led annual pilgrimages to Lourdes, France. Except for two years (2020-2021) when the pandemic intervened, Fr. Wayne has led one, and often two trips each year to the holy places where St. Bernadette saw 18 visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1858. Those travelling with Fr. Wayne celebrate daily Mass, walk in the footsteps of St. Bernadette, and assist the “malades,” (people who are ill and have come to Lourdes from around the world seeking spiritual and physical healing). Hundreds of teenagers and adults have said that their pilgrimage(s) with Fr. Wayne have strengthened their faith in God, and their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary in ways they never could have imagined. A handful have entered Mundelein Seminary and been ordained as priests, attributing their time in Lourdes as significant in their discernment. In 2008, the Bishop of Tarbes, France appointed Fr, Wayne as an Honorary Chaplain at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, during a pilgrimage with Francis Cardinal George, OMI and other dignitaries from the Archdiocese of Chicago. 

Born and raised in Oak Park, IL., Fr. Wayne F. Watts is the sixth of nine children of James and Dorothy Watts. He is a graduate of St. Giles Elementary School (Class of ’78), Fenwick High School (Class of ’82), and Marquette University (Class of ’86). Fr. Wayne then attended the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary (Class of ’90) and was ordained on May 19th of that year. 

As Pastor of Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish, Fr. Wayne is widely praised for his engaged, energetic presence in the parish and for the creative, unifying ways he supported parishioners through the pandemic, always working to build and sustain a vibrant, welcoming community of faith. Other parishes he previously served at include Queen of All Saints Basilica and St. John Berchmans Parish. 

Throughout his 33 years as a priest, Fr. Wayne has continued to encourage all who know him to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their lives. He says, “When we allow the Spirit to lead, we will be amazed at the places we will go, and the works God will be able to accomplish in our midst.”

Congratulations, Fr. Wayne and thank you, for all you do as Associate Administrator, spiritual guide, and friend to all at Catholic Charities.