2025 American Catholic Press Benefit

The American Catholic Press (ACP) benefit is held on Friday, September 12, 2025. Reception begins at 6:00 p.m. with dinner starting at 7:00 p.m. The venue for this benefit is Olympia Fields Country Club, in Olympia Fields, Illinois. You get there by going south on I-57 Expressway, exiting eastbound at Vollmer Road, and turning south on Western Avenue. Just after Joe Orr Road, you turn west, on the west side of Western, onto Country Club Road. After about a quarter mile, you come to a watchman and a barrier; the club is gated. You identify yourself to the watchman at the gate; just say that you are there for the American Catholic Press benefit. The watchman then causes the barrier to go up. You then proceed forward and park in the lot in front of the main building, which you enter. No further identification is required. Click here for a local map of the area. Here is a link to a video of Olympia Fields Country Club.

The Gratiam Dei Award

The 2025 Gratiam Dei Award is given to Ronald "Ronnie" Lucarini.

Ronald "Ronnie" Lucarini.

Ronald “Ronnie” Lucarini, a lifelong resident of Chicago Heights, is the son of the late August and Mary Lucarini. He attended Garfield Elementary and Bloom High School before beginning a lifelong career in public service. He worked for the City of Chicago Heights Streets and Sanitation Department (1977–1984), later joining School District #170 as a custodian in 1986. During that time, he trained as an EMT at Prairie State College and became a paramedic through Ingalls Memorial Hospital.

In 1978, Ronnie joined the Chicago Heights Fire Department as a Paid-on-Call firefighter, serving for over 40 years and retiring as Battalion Chief.

Ronnie is deeply involved in the local Italian community. He is a longtime member of San Rocco Parish, Amaseno Lodge, and the Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy. For the past 16 years, he has served as President of the Marchegiana Society. His family owned and operated Mama Mary’s Restaurant in Chicago Heights for 13 years. He continues to share his love of Italian food through events such as the Sausage Fest and Spaghetti Dinners.

He is currently manager of St. Anthony Hall at San Rocco Parish, where he has done much charitable work.

Under his leadership, the Marchegiana Society has supported scholarships, Italian language education, and charitable causes, including St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Ronnie credits his family, brother Dante, sister Rosemary DeBergh, and his niece and nephews: Jason and Christy, †Ryan, Rocco, and Bronx, for their support throughout his years of service.

Ronnie richly deserves our Gratiam Dei Award.

The Henry Hyde Award

The 2025 Henry Hyde Award is presented to Frank Rossi.

Frank Rossi

Frank Rossi was raised in Chicago Heights and was a devoted member of St. Agnes Church, where he met both Father Gilligan and Father Sullivan. As a young man, Frank once met with Father Sullivan to discuss his interest in becoming a priest. During their conversation, he couldn’t help but wave at several girls passing by in the hallway. Smiling, Father Sullivan said, “Frankie, I think entertainment will be your life.”

Frank attended Bloom High School and graduated from Eastern Illinois University. From an early age, he was drawn to public service, his first love and lasting passion.

At the age of seven, he began taking accordion lessons. By thirteen, he had won first place at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield with his accordion performance. Music has been a lifelong companion and a gift he shares freely.

Frank is a professional team player and a leader among musicians, as well as a mentor to many. Recently, he was struck with an eye infection that has temporarily impaired his vision; but true to his resilient spirit, this did not stop him from performing.

Bringing joy through music, one person at a time, has been Frank’s calling. His ability to uplift others and inspire them to embrace the beauty of music remains his greatest reward. Today, he is joined by his beloved guests: his 95-year-old mother, Dorothy; his devoted wife, Sharon and his children; his proudest legacy.

Frank wholeheartedly deserves our Henry Hyde Award.