Where: Corpus Christi,
4920 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Why: 2001 Graduate of
St. Ignatius Preparatory School
Elizabeth Hall’s family
has worshipped at Corpus Christi for nearly half a century!
So, for Elizabeth, attending church service and volunteering
time "just feels natural." However, being a role
model and star student, is quite another thing altogether.
With quaint modesty and a generous spirit, Elizabeth is
singularly focused on achieving success in order to assist
other people.
Her contributions to the African
American Catholic community have twice earned her recognition
from peers and elders alike. Through active participation
in youth and women’s groups, she has helped guide and
transform while raising the aspirations of people.
Among other things, her social
service endeavors and close-knit upbringing have taught
her the importance of helping others. As a result, Elizabeth
has come to recognize the inherent value of achieving and
living your dreams.
BLACK CATHOLIC CHICAGO:
Thank you for granting us some time to speak with you.
ELIZABETH HALL: You’re
welcome. Thank you for calling.
Don’t mention it. Okay,
tell me. Who is Elizabeth Hall?
HALL: Um, let’s
see [Laughs]. Well, I’m 18 years old. I just graduated
from St. Ignatius Prep School. I’ll be starting college
this fall. I’m a member of the Youth Deanery.
The Youth Deanery? What’s
that?
HALL: The Youth Deanery
is actually a group consisting of several parishes. I think
there’s between eight and ten parishes participating.
The young people in each of the parishes come together to
plan projects in three different areas: social, service,
and spiritual. We sponsor a lot of service-oriented activities
around the city.
Such as?
HALL: Well for example,
we’ve visited the Merriville Children’s Shelter
(95th Throop) to work with the children there.
We talk to them, play games. We barbecue and things like
that. As far as the spiritual, we sponsor youth revivals,
concerts, etc.
How did you get involved
with that?
HALL: Well my cousin
used to be one of the representatives. After she graduated
and started college, I kind of stepped as one of the representatives.
So you not only participate,
but also help plan some of the activities for the Youth
Deanery?
HALL: Right.
Are you involved with any
other groups?
HALL: Yes. I’m
a member of the Archdiocese Women’s Pastoral Council.
We meet every two months to discuss women’s roles in
the church, how women can become more active.
Is that a fairly contemporary
group? Meaning recently formed?
HALL: Yes. It’s
fairly new.
Interesting. Now, I understand
from my sources that you’ve received social service
awards. Can you tell me about that?
HALL: Oh you mean…
Right. Well I received the Corpus Christi Youth Award last
year (2000). They recognize different people every year
for social service. And then I was nominated for the Hershi
N. Turner Youth Affirmation Award last year, as well. Every
church nominates two people for the award.
And that award is also given
for social service.
HALL: Yes it is.
You seem to do a lot. Tell
me, as a young person, do you feel it’s difficult to
get other young people involved at your level? How difficult
is it?
HALL: Very [Laughs].
See, everyone who is involved basically joined on their
own. It’s hard to get others to join and participate.
For most of us who are in it, religion was a big part of
our family life. So for us, it’s something that we
just do naturally. Other people, however, just have a different
experience, a different history so that’s where the
difficulty comes in.
That makes sense? With all
you’ve done and do, do you feel as though you’ve
made a difference or inspired people?
HALL: Perhaps not on
a large level. But almost definitely on a local level. Because
of the actions of young people, our parish has become much
more supportive of the youth. For instance, they help us
out if we want to plan social functions.
Are there many young people
in your church?
HALL: Not a large number.
No. In fact, many of the young people in my parish are related
to me. I have a large family. My family has attended Corpus
Christi for 40 years. The church is celebrating its Centennial
this year.
A little while ago you mentioned
you’d be attending college. Where are you going?
HALL: I’ll be starting
at Columbia University [New York] this August.
Do you have a major yet?
HALL: I’ll be majoring
in Psychology and Pre-Med. I’d like to be a doctor.
But, if I decide not to, I’ll have something to fall
back on. I’d like to be a high school counselor.
Cool. Anything else we should
know about you? What do you like to do?
HALL: I cook. I do origami.
I sew every once in a while. I like to read and surf the
net. I like listening to music.
Any favorite web sites?
HALL: No. I just like
looking up random stuff. Surfing the web.
Do you have any long-term
plans?
HALL: I’d like
to be a Pediatric Asthma and Allergy specialist. And, if
I make enough money, I’d like to be a medical missionary.
Maybe somewhere in Africa. One of the French-speaking countries
there.
Do you think you’d
settle in Chicago eventually?
HALL: Probably. I mean
most of my family is here.
My early perception of you
is that you come from a tight family. That your environment
has been nurturing and supportive? Am I right?
HALL: Yes. I have a
large family and we’re all close. I see all kinds of
people in my family doing different things. No one is going
to let me slack off. Someone’s always there for me.
That’s wonderful. Any
parting thoughts? What would you say to young people coming
behind you?
HALL: Try your best.
Also, try to help whom ever you can.
I appreciate your time,
Elizabeth. Thank you very much.
HALL: You’re welcome.
Thank you.
CREDITS: Written
by Lasana Kazembe
