"Father Augustine Tolton was the first U.S. priest of African descent and may one day be a saint from the Archdiocese of Chicago." The archdiocese is introducing the priest's cause for canonization, according to an announcement by Chicago Cardinal Francis E. George.

"It is appropriate that, during this Year for Priests, we recall our forebears who were holy men in the presbyterate" of the archdiocese, the cardinal told the Catholic New World, Chicago archdiocesan newspaper. Having Father Tolton as a saint would be a blessing for the whole Catholic Church but, in particular, for Catholics in Chicago, he said."

"First of all, saints intercede," he said. "We need his prayers and his help, especially to become a more united church. Secondly, his example of priestly dedication, his learning and preaching, are great examples for our seminarians and priests and should inspire the laity."

Friends, family, community and former parishioners attended a celebration to honor Rev. Jerry Streets, who is leaving his post as Senior University Chaplin after an historic tenure of 15 years. A morning service was held at Yale University’s Battell Chapel on Sunday, April 29, 2007 followed in the afternoon by a panel discussion at the Joseph Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale.

The program, entitled “The Multifaith Reflection and Service of Celebration in honor of Rev. Dr. Frederick J. Streets,” consisted of a series of thoughtful expressions shared by Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Lutheran and spiritual leaders of other religions from Yale’s faith community, interspersed with some of Rev. Streets’ favorite hymns reflecting his African American heritage performed by the University choir and the a cappella group, Shades. Rev. Streets is the first African American and Baptist clergy to have held the position of University chaplain at Yale.

“But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16