Rep. Lipinski participated in the annual St. Michael blessing of police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and EMTs at St. Symphorosa Parish in Chicago's Clearing community, the parish where the congressman attended grammar school. Following a prayer service led by the Rev. Norm Trela and attended by the parish schoolchildren, he took part in the dedication in the Msgr. Maniola prayer garden of a new granite memorial and walkway honoring all first responders who have given their lives keeping the community safe. The memorial is an Eagle Scout project by Liam Burke, with help from his family, donators, and the Rev. Trela.