Allen Tatara

I was born on the Northwest side of Chicago in the Jefferson Park neighborhood, and I attended Our Lady of Victory School for a brief period before my parents decided to relocate to Mt. Prospect. There, I attended St. Raymond and St. Emily schools.
 
When I was seven years old, I began playing guitar. I spent hours in my room behind closed doors playing and singing. However, when my mom asked me (more like forced me) to play in front of friends and family, my shy side came out. It took many years for me to find my true “stage” presence.
 
My high school years were spent at Notre Dame in Niles. Then, I spent two years at Harper College majoring in Journalism and Liberal Arts. I transferred to Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa majoring in Broadcast Communications. It was there that I was asked to join their church guitar group. It was in that group that I met a girl named Stephanie, who quickly became my best friend. (So yes, we met in church!) Eventually, I asked her to marry me; and surprisingly, she said yes! After we got married, and after a brief stint at St. Cecilia Church in Mt. Prospect, we found our home at St. Hubert. It was here where we raised our family. We have three sons, all St. Hubert School graduates. Our eldest just graduated from college while our twins are entering their junior year in college. We are very proud of each of them!
 
During the day, I work full-time as an Event Manager for a technology market research company. On the weekends, I am the lead guitarist and a vocalist in the Gold Coast Orchestra, one of Chicago’s most energetic dance bands.
 
I was ordained in 2009, and I truly love serving all of you here at our parish. I am equally blessed to be able to work alongside Stephanie as Youth Ministry Coordinators at our parish. Together, we run all of the post-Confirmation activities for high school teens. (Technically, Stephanie does all of the behind the scenes work!) We truly love working with the teens and helping them realize their calling to be disciples of Jesus Christ.
 
Along with my other diaconal responsibilities, I began something called “Adore and Worship: Eucharistic Adoration and Contemporary Music.” It’s such a great opportunity for us to come together as a parish and praise the Lord in song and in silence. I also co-coordinate our Lector Ministry at the parish and train lectors both here and across the Vicariate. And in case you didn’t know, I really enjoy preaching! Recently, the Holy Spirit has led me to a new ministry of speaking at adult and teen functions, parish missions, and evenings of reflection. In addition to speaking in our own diocese, I have also presented in Wisconsin, and Indiana. Next March, I will be speaking at a conference in New York for more than 900 men.
 
I eagerly wait for what the Holy Spirit has in store for me and my ministry here at St. Hubert. I would be honored if you would follow me on Twitter (@DeaconAllenT), and Facebook (DeaconAllenT), as well as my blog: “On the Inside; On the Outside” at www.deaconallen.com, my YouTube Channel ( www.youtube.com/channel/UCk-eQx_23oxa7Yr8bHogmlQ), and on Instagram ( www.instagram.com/DeaconAllenT).
 
May God bless you always.