August 20, 2023 | Parish Update

The Lord’s Love & Plan, OCIA, and Mondays w/Monica & Augustine

View the full posting at our Flocknote email (don’t forget to join so you can receive the update via email).

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From the P.I.T. (Pastor In Training)

Sometimes we come across a Gospel reading where we initially hear it and don’t know how to react!  The Sunday reading of Jesus initially rejecting the Canaanite woman is perhaps one of them. We may see Jesus’s treatment and response to her harsh and difficult to comprehend. Isn’t our faith in Jesus Christ based on his willingness to die for EVERYONE? Why does Jesus ignore this woman and then compare the Canaanite people to dogs? 

I’m sure there are various ways to approach this Gospel passage. One approach is to ask the question, “Could Jesus be testing the woman’s perseverance even in the midst of persecution, which is something the Apostles will eventually have to learn themselves?” I, however, would like to approach today’s Gospel with this main proposition about our own brokenness:  When God’s actions don’t match up with our will, we seem to always perceive God’s actions as harsh and questionable.  

Have you ever wanted God to act or respond to a problem in your life? And what happened when your prayers were not answered in the ways you wanted them to?  Did you throw a fit? (As I have done many times) Did you feel like God didn’t have a plan for you, let alone love you? 

Yet, what is clear throughout the Scriptures is that God loves all of us and desires to bring salvation, not only to the Israelites, but to all people (cf. 1 Tim 2:4). We fail in our perception of God’s plan in not understanding that God doesn’t always act the way we want Him to. We don’t see God’s greater picture of salvation. Jesus Christ came to fulfill the covenants (promises) given to the Israelites first, and then spread salvation to the whole world.  Hence Christ said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). And then after his death and resurrection he said, “Go, therefore and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:16-20).  God’s plan from the very beginning was to bring all nations, including the Canaanite woman, into His Body the Church. Yet, in its proper time and way! 

Sometimes when God doesn’t act or respond the way we want Him too, we feel that God is harsh and unresponsive.  But what we need to realize is that the Lord’s love and plan is greater than our own.  He desires the good and salvation of all people, including you and me!  Let’s, yes, learn from the Canaanite woman in perseverance, but more importantly trust in the Lord when He doesn’t respond in the way we want Him too!  

Father Michael

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Did you miss one? View past news from the P.I.T. here.

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THIS COMING WEEK

Biblical Institute in the Diocese of Joliet (BIDJ) Preview Events 8/21, 8/22 & onwards

• Interested in learning the Bible but aren’t sure if this is the program for you? Come to a BIDJ Preview Night! You’ll learn a lot about this tremendous diocesan program – and a few things that will help you with Scripture right now.  Jesus invited potential disciples to “come and see”!
• At the preview event, you will meet a BIDJ instructor, talk to current students, see the resources used, get a feel for a typical class, ask questions about BIDJ and Bible Study in general, and learn about the Catholic approach to Scripture and how this program uses it.
• Come out to any of the following preview gatherings; all are from 7pm to 8:30pm
  • Monday, August 21 Immaculate Conception Parish, Elmhurst
  • Tuesday, August 22 Holy Family Parish, Shorewood
  • Tuesday, September 5 St. Mary Immaculate Parish, Plainfield
  • Monday, September 11 Visitation Parish, Elmhurst
• For more information such as registration and dates of classes about the Biblical Institute of the Diocese of Joliet, check out their website at this link or connect with Dr. Joan Gorski, Biblical Institute Program Director, at jgorski@mayslakeministries.org or 630-698-8961

Consuming Fire 8/22

• Calling all young adults, join our Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group (CFYA) on Tuesday at 7pm for community and faith building. Reach out to cfyagg@gmail.com to get plugged in with the group. 
• WE GATHER | CFYA gather with regularity at OLM and other venues to eat, pray, and ‘do life together’! The gatherings are open to anyone: Catholics, non-Catholics, seekers, and those just curious about Jesus. OUR PURPOSE | The primary purpose of Consuming Fire is to help young adults grow in their relationship with Jesus together – and community is the most effective way to do that! After all, there are no “solo disciples”. Discipleship cannot be lived (and definitely will not flourish) in isolation. KEEPING IT REAL | Consuming Fire is all about real relationships where there is authenticity, accountability, and accompaniment.

Saint Peregrine Prayer Service 8/22

• All are invited to attend the St. Peregrine Prayer Service on Tuesday, 8/22 in the church after the 6:30pm Mass (at 7pm) 
• St. Peregrine is the patron saint of the sick, especially those experiencing cancer, serious illness, or chronic illness. Anyone experiencing physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual health concerns would benefit from attending the prayer service. The relic of St. Peregrine will be present.

Bible Study on Presence The Mystery of the Eucharist with Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit 8/22

• Bible Study on Tuesday evenings resumes on 8/22nd, which kicks off with the study on “Presence The Mystery of the Eucharist” accompanied with the “Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit!”  How exciting!
• Sign up now at this link.
• For any questions, please connect with Joe Wiacek or Joe Glasgow at OLMBiblestudies@gmail.com or Shirley Staples shirleystaples@yahoo.com on the exhibit.
• With beautiful film-making and powerful teaching, the PRESENCE series will move your heart to dive deeper into the mystery of Jesus’ greatest gift to us —the HOLY EUCHARIST.This Augustine Institute study explores the truth and beauty of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist, from its origins in Sacred Scripture to its profound role in the life of the Church and its members.To accompany us on this study so as to go on a deeper dive into the Holy Eucharist, we will be exhibiting “The Eucharistic Miracles of the World.”Register soon for this unique Bible Study experience! We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 8/22nd.All you need to bring is your Bible, a study guide will be provided where you can jot down your answers or notes from the Bible Study.

Salt and Light 8/23

• Join Salt and Light Grow Group for this small group retreat that delves into the simplicity and grandeur of Consoling spirituality. This retreat is based on the popular book by Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑱𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒔.
  Gain new insights into how you can console Jesus; learn the keys to the great sanctity of the saints and blessed like Therese of Lisieux, Faustina Kowalska, and Mother Teresa; and have all the tools you’ll need to “become a saint, a great saint, and quickly.” Check out olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org/saltandlight/ for further details and registration. Looking forward to seeing you @ OLM on Wednesdays for this awesome study!

A Mother’s Heart Grow Group 8/24

• A Mother’s Heart is a group for Catholic mothers with children ages 0-11 who are seeking to journey with other like-minded women of faith.  Following the example of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, we strive to imitate her “little way” of growing in holiness through the lenses of motherhood and family.
• Check out this month’s gatherings! Questions? Reach out to Lydia Schmitt lydiadschmitt@gmail.com

Weekly Praying for Priests

• A prayer group has been praying for priests in front of the Blessed Sacrament weekly for over a year now, as well as on First Fridays. With Lent approaching, these prayer gatherings could be an offering of prayer/sacrifice. Even if you can’t join the group inside the church, you can pray wherever you are at during the times below.
• Here are the days/hours:Wednesdays at 10:30am – Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy with meditations for priests,   Thursdays at 12:30pm –  Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy with meditations for priests,First Friday of the month following 12pm Mass – Stations of the Cross with meditations for priests in the narthex.

Restore weekly confidential meetings

• Restore is a ministry that accompanies men so as to win the battle against the struggles of living a lust-free life.
• The ministry meets at a weekly (anonymous) meeting where men lean on each other for support and accountability and share ideas about strengthening their resolve to stay on God’s path of chastity.  All men are welcome, whether you have been free of the addiction for many years or struggle with it every single day. Though the meetings are weekly, at the last weekly meeting of the month, men are guided by a licensed Catholic therapist. If you are ready to start breaking free from the struggles of living chastely and want to Restore your life email Restore.olm@gmail.com to find out more information on when and where we meet or call 331-684-7415.

Weekly Adoration

• COME AND ADORE OUR LORD! Eucharistic Adoration is held three times a week at OLM! This past week, our readings were about Moses meeting God “face to face, as one man speaks to another” in the ‘Tent of Meeting.’ Just like Moses did 3,000 years ago, you and I have that very same opportunity for a face-to-face encounter with God to share what’s in our hearts, our joys, our worries, what’s troubling us right now, vetting it out with Jesus in the Eucharist. It is good to be with the Lord! It’s what we were created for. Whether we realize it or not, our hearts long for God and an awareness of His presence. He is our greatest good! And Jesus longs to reveal that goodness to us even more than we long to know Him. That’s why He took on flesh and became a man. That’s why He poured out His Holy Spirit. And that’s why He is truly and fully present in the Eucharist.
• So come and encounter Jesus anytime this week at Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays and Thursdays 8:30am to 6:30pm and Wednesdays 8am to 12pm.
  And if you’d like to sign up for a regular time to be with Jesus, click here.

LOOKING AHEAD

Prayer Ministry 8/26 & 8/7

• Receive Prayer Ministry after all the Mass times the weekend of 8/26 and 8/27! Prayer ministry is an opportunity for those in need of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing or with a specific intention. Come as an individual, as a couple, or as. a family and receive prayer for yourself or request prayers for someone in need. Listen and receive the prayers while being open to the Holy Spirit’s movement. Trained prayer ministers are available in the back of Church.

MAGNIFY Adoration Night 8/30

• Deepen your relationship with Jesus by discovering the healing power of eucharistic adoration, praise, and worship at MAGNIFY. Contemplate in silence the scriptural reflection, Confession, and prayer ministry are opportunities for spiritual nourishment, finding peace and solace in the presence of Jesus. Bring your little ones along so as to be filled with wonder and awe as they encounter the profound love of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. See you on Wednesday, 8/30th at 7pm.

Early bird pricing for Chris Stefanick REBOOT tickets through 9/5

• Ticket prices go to full price after 9/5th so be sure to purchase your tickets now for REBOOT! with Chris Stefanick.
• We hope to experience a life-changing evening with you on Wednesday 9/27 @ 7pm, when internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and TV host, Chris Stefanick, will be bringing “Reboot!” to OLM in person.
  
  God did not create us just to “get by” in this world; He created us to live life, and live it to the full. Come learn more about the beauty of our faith, the love that Jesus has for YOU, and how we are meant to live out this JOY in our daily lives.
  
  Reboot! is suitable for ages 12 and up, so bring the whole family, and bring a friend. We challenge you now to think of one person to invite, and get your tickets; don’t think, just do! Whether you’re a lifelong Church goer, just rediscovering your faith, or have never heard of Jesus before, this is THE event for you! Register now for this life-changing event.

You can also check him out on the myParish App, just click on the button “Real Life Catholic”

OCIA Begins on 9/11

• Are you interested in becoming Catholic or learning more about the process to become Catholic? Or are you curious about what initiation for adults means?
  Our blessed Lord Jesus Christ said to Matthew “Follow me” and he rose and followed him. For Catholics, we respond in a similar way. The Christian way of life and becoming Catholic goes through a process of initiation, which is falling in love with Jesus and becoming His disciple. Through weekly meetings, we strive to help people learn how to respond to the prompting of God in their lives.
  The best way to learn is by doing Catholic things and hanging around other Catholics. The way to practice being a Catholic and enter into this process is through entering a way of life, as an apprentice learns from a master and that master’s community.
  Our blessed Lord Jesus is our master and becoming Catholic is a lot like being His apprentices. We call this process the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults often referred to as OCIA. It involves encountering the Word of God through the liturgies and personal study, engaging in a vibrant community at Our Lady of Mercy, worship with fellow believers in Christ, learning to pray and be of service to others.
• Meetings will take the form of classes on Monday evenings at 7pm led by our pastor, Fr. Michael Kearney and parochial vicar, Fr. Frank Pusateri and an invitation to fellowship gatherings on Sunday mornings starting with the 10am Mass.
• If you are interested in being Catholic or know of someone who is interested, take the next step in responding to God’s call by completing the form on our webpage.

Mondays with Monica & Augustine Prayer Group starts 9/11

• Do the following resonate with you?
  • I’ve experienced grief/heartache of watching a loved one leave the Faith.
  • I’ve offered prayers for the conversion of children and grandchildren living contrary to the Catholic Faith.
  • I’m navigating letting go of anger and unforgiveness so as to allow my heart to be filled with peace and comfort.
  • I am learning / or want to learn how to set an example of faith that draws non-believers to Catholicism.
• If you have ever loved someone who left the Faith, you know the ache of wanting that person back at the table. You pine for them at Mass, you miss their presence, and even wonder, How could life in Heaven be happy if the one I love is not present? When we feel this ache, the one intimately known to Saint Monica for years, we begin to learn how to love as God loves.
• Saint Monica experienced all this so acutely with her son, who eventually became a saint, Saint Augustine. At “Mondays with Monica and Augustine Prayer Group” we follow the example of Saint Monica, whose prayers, tears, and witness led to the conversion of both her husband and her son and turn to prayer for our loved ones.
• We hope to see you on Monday, September 11th at 7:30pm!  
• Please RSVP to OLMMWMA@gmail.com so we have plenty of prayer guides ready for you. Check out the website for further details. Saints Monica and Augustine, pray for us and our loved ones dear to our hearts who have followed different paths.

Bringing Holy Communion to Your Loved One that is Homebound

• Do you have a loved one that is homebound?
  Ministers of Care are trained in the ministry and commissioned by the parish to visit those unable to come to Church to receive Holy Communion. Ministers visit the homebound, those in hospitals, and other care facilities to pray with them, bring the Eucharist and serve as a caring, listening presence. The Ministers of Care Ministry is a visible sign of the presence of the Church in our lives and continues the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
• If you know someone in the parish who is unable to come to church and wishes to receive Holy Communion in the home, please contact the parish office at 630-851-3444 and arrangements will be made.  Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” —John 6:35
• Caring for a Loved One with Mary” by Theresa Kiser is in the book kiosk. Completely occupied by the constant care necessary for her son’s medically complex situation, Theresa Kiser struggled to reconcile with the physical, emotional, social, and mental tolls it took on her family. But when she stumbled upon the devotion of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, she was surprised — and deeply relieved — to discover that Our Lady walked this caregiving road before her. The Seven Sorrows devotion nourished her soul with comfort, companionship, and grace at a time when she needed it most.
• First Annual Retreat for Parents/Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities 9/23 please see further details on this below.

Join the OLM Mixed Bowling League! (August through May)

• You need not be a good bowler. You only need to come out and enjoy some safe time out with fellow parishioners for one Friday a month. If you have thought about joining a league, now is the time to give it a try. There are 4 players to a team, but we will build a team for <4 players who wish to join. fees are $17person per month. the league will be one fridaymonth from august through may, skipping december. if you have questions andor would like join league, please contact dan panozzo at tanddpanozzo@comcast.net or call 815-302-4111. Come on out and join the fun!

Family Faith Formation Registration

• Calling all parents with children in grades Kindergarten through 12th Grade, please consider participating in the Family Faith Formation this year.
• If you have already made the decision to participate in the Family Faith Formation opportunities, we are thrilled to have you on board. To secure your spot, we invite you to register right away by clicking on the following link. Your spiritual journey awaits!

PADS Hesed House Monthly Service Day 9/5

• Stop by the atrium (at the main entrance) to select any of the “wish-list” items on the PADS Hesed House Board which will be used to prepare meals for 250 guests at the Hesed House homeless shelter.  
  Drop off the wish list items before all Masses on 9/2 & 9/3 in time for OLM’s commitment of the first Tuesday of each month.
  • If you prefer to donate monetarily, thank you for your graciousness!  Donate via the online giving portal and select “Hesed House” or make checks payable to Our Lady of Mercy notIng on the memo it is for “Hesed House-PADS.”
  • Interested in volunteering?  Please connect with Maybird D’Silva at maydsilva@aol.com or click here for more information.
• Additional opportunities to help at Hesed House
  • Donate Breakfast Items HesedHouse has been running low on breakfast food items for their adult and family shelters. If you are interested in helping fill a current need, breakfast food donations will be greatly appreciated. Suggested donations include cereal, milk of any kind (2%, whole, skim, almond, etc.), bagels, granola bars, breakfast bars, waffle/pancake mix, eggs, pop-tarts. Breakfast items can be dropped off at theHesedHouse kitchen entrance on the hill for the adult shelters or the Door B (lobby) entrance for the family shelter.
  • Early AM Volunteers One of the hardest volunteer shifts to fill atHesedHouse is the early morning time slot.HesedHouse is looking for extra volunteers from about 4 a.m./5 a.m. – 7 a.m. The expectation on this shift would be to donate your time passing out breakfast items, helping staff wake up guests, light cleaning, etc. You would not be expected to donate a meal at this time. Please emailvolunteer@hesedhouse.orgif you are interested.
  • Hike for HesedAre you looking for more ways for your group to get involved? Hosting a Hike forHesedevent is a great opportunity to get more people involved with our mission. PleaseCLICK HEREto learn more or emailhike@hesedhouse.organd see how easy it is to gather together and make a difference!
  • Bike Drive A working bicycle can make all the difference for our guests. We are always looking for used or new bike donations. Please email Noemi Velazquez to find out more –nvelazquez@hesedhouse.org
  • School Supplies HesedHouse is looking for groups to donate school supplies for their family shelter kids. See the attached document for a full list of the needed items. Please emailazapfel@hesedhouse.org  if your group plans to participate in a school supplies drive.

The Power of the Invitation

• Did you know that
  • 500 people who read a Catholic newspaper article about a parish gathering: one will come (0.2%).
  • 100 people who read about a gathering in the Sunday Bulletin: one will come (1%).
  • 50 people who hear an announcement at church: one will come (2%).
  • 25 people who see a video clip of someone sharing a story: one will come (4%).
• But for every:
  • 5 people that are invited personally to attend: one will come (20%)!
• That’s a BIG difference.  To put it simply: while we need to make the announcements, send emails and postings of Alpha to a lot of people in different ways, at the end of the day, inviting people personally is the most effective way for bringing people to Jesus. Just look at how Andrew invited Peter to come and meet Jesus, that invitation was so simple and powerful that its ripple effects of grace is felt to this very day.
• The question then becomes do you know of Catholics and non-Catholics who feel disconnected or disengaged with their faith; please invite them to Alpha this coming season. Why invite people Alpha? Because each and every person deserves the opportunity to hear the life-saving news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to bring healing, foritude, friendship, fulfillment and transformation.
  And if you’ve never taken part in the Alpha course, come and see what Alpha is on Thursdays starting September 7th!

Register Now for Alpha on Thursdays starting 9/7

• We all know someone who is exploring life, faith, and meaning; invite them to Alpha!
• Or if you’ve never experienced Alpha at OLM, join the Fall session. Connect with new people. Watch an episode on a question of faith. Share your thoughts and hear from others.
• Alpha is a series of group conversations that explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly environment. It’s a place to connect with people, share your own questions, say anything you like or nothing at all. Everyone’s welcome.
• We’d love to hear your perspective! You’re invited, no matter your background or beliefs. Various pathways this fall are In-person, Spanish, Young Adults, and Family Alpha. We hope to see you on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm starting 9/7th. Find out more or register now at this link.

Waterleaf Women’s Center Run for Life — 5K Run & Walk 9/9

• Take part in Waterleaf’s Run for Life at the Waubonsee Lake Park on Saturday September 9th at 8am.  Choose between 5K Run, 2.2 mile walk, or kids run. Register now to support the life-saving work of Waterleaf Women’s Center at this link.
• This event features:
  • Run for Life performance tees for all who register by August 14, 2023
  • Goodie Bag for all participants
  • On-site registration on the day of the race starts at 7am
  • Professional and accurate timing by Race Time, Inc.
  • Water stations along the course & snacks at the finish!
  • Finisher medals for all participants

SoulCore Fall Session for Six Weeks Starts 9/13

• Ladies, come and join our fitness class, SoulCore! Nourish your body, mind, and soul with prayer-inspired workouts. Classes are Wednesdays at 7pm throughout the Fall season starting on 9/13. Get physically and spiritually fit this summer at a SoulCore class at OLM!  Register now (and also for more information) proceed here.

Save the Date for Children Ages 4 to 12 & Families TALENT SHOW 9/16

• The spotlight is calling your name! We extend a special invitation to all children aged 4 to 12 and their families to showcase their unique gifts and talents at our family-friendly talent show. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable event!
• There are 20 spots available, so we encourage you to secure your place by signing up now. Simply click on this link to register your family-friendly act and reserve your moment in the limelight.
• Should you have any inquiries or need further information, please feel free to reach out to Justin and Laura Reyes, our dedicated point of contact, at reyeshj17@gmail.com. They will be delighted to assist you.
• Join us as we create wonderful memories together on the stage. We can’t wait to witness your incredible talents and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to shine!

Learn How to Discern Your Vocation—Samuel Group Starts 9/17

• If you have a young adult in your life or know of one, please share the following invitation with them.
  Samuel Group invites single or dating young adults ages 20-35 who are striving for holiness and seeking a deeper relationship with God to commit to a rigorous seven-month program of prayer, discernment, and fellowship, guided by the spirituality and wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The 2023-2024 session starts on 9/17th!.
  To learn more, visit Catechesis.diojoliet.org/samuel-group

Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast 9/17

• Please join the Knights of Columbus on Sunday 9/17^th from 8am to noon for a delicious pancake breakfast in the PLC. All profits benefit our Coats for Kids donation to Catholic Charities

The Reliquaries of St. Therese and her parents are coming to the National Shrine in Darien 9/17 through 10/1

• The Centennial Reliquary of St. Therese and Reliquary of her parents, Saints Louis and Zelie Martin, will be visiting the National Shrine of St. Therese in Darien, Illinois from September 17 to October 1, 2023.  
• They will have daily Masses at 11:30 AM and special programs each day from 2 to 4 PM.
• Sign up HERE to get Relic Visit reminders and further details as the 2023 visit approaches! 

Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry 9/20

• The Mobile Food Pantry is on Weds 9/20 from 4:30pm to 6pm.  Don’t forget to share the Our Lady of Mercy social media posting on your network; you never know who among your network is in need of food.
• The Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Mobile Food Pantry delivers healthy food (meat, produce, and non-perishable items) to people in need. No identification or information will be required or collected. This event is open to anyone in need of food! Mobile Food Pantries use a “drive-thru” method to distribute food. Please clear space in your trunk or backseat so volunteers can load boxes of food directly into your vehicle. Catholic Charities helps people of all faiths and beliefs. Mobile Food Pantries take place snow, rain, or shine!

1st Annual Retreat for Parents/Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities 9/23

• The Diocese of Joliet Disabilities Ministry is holding a retreat for parents/caregivers of persons with disabilities which will take place on Saturday, 9/23 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 8040 Cass Avenue, Darien. There will be Mass, confessions, a speaker, and breakout sessions.
• There will be TWO sessions from which to choose. Registration is required, please note space is limited do register soon at the this link.

Bishop Hick’s Monthly Column & Announcement of 75th Anniversary Jubilee Launch

• Bishop Hicks’ monthly column for August is titled “Travel Lessons.” Read his insightful column HERE.
• Our diocese was founded on December 11, 1948. For an entire year, we will highlight the great accomplishments of our past and how we were founded in faith, while being called to witness now and in the future, and continue to be sent forth to serve. Hear from Bishop Hicks as he describes the events and activities leading up to the year-long celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Diocese of Joliet, watch the video HERE.

Scam Emails

• From time to time, there are phishing (SCAM) emails going out to members of the parish and staff claiming to be Father Michael.
  Please note that Father Michael and Father Frank DO NOT send texts or emails asking for money or gift cards. If you receive a message appearing to be from Father Michael or Father James, please discard it, (any email that does not have “olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org” is a fake email) and DO NOT SEND ANY ELECTRONIC MONETARY AID.  No one on the staff will personally ask for money in whatever form (gift cards etc). If someone sends you a private message, asking for a donation of sorts, it’s undoubtedly a fake account. Please keep praying for us, and God bless you!

Our Lady of Mercy Garden of Hope, Love & Mercy

• The Justice & Peace Ministry, which has constructed a Community Garden on Our Lady of Mercy parish grounds and provided fresh produce over the past few months has had a fruitful season and looks forward to expanding in 2023. Produce from the garden has been donated to local organizations such as the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry and  Hesed House. Late-season plantings are still producing vegetables and herbs. The faithful volunteers have been pleased with the success of this very worthy cause. If you have a green thumb or wish to participate in the preparation and planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting in early spring and throughout the 2023 growing season, please contact Chris at 631-561-9722 or chrisharveyny@gmail.com or Ida at 630-605-6038 or idamphillips122@gmail.com. 

Did You Know We Have a Parish School?

• All Saints Catholic Academy (ASCA) located at 1155 Aurora Ave, Naperville is our parish school!
• Are you a parent with preschool, elementary, and middle school-aged children struggling with the antithetical Christian values the government schools are indoctrinating the children who attend government schools?  You’re not alone.
• Join a growing number of OLM parents who have made the movement!  Consider connecting with some of the families who have made the move from sending their child(ren) to public school to All Saints Catholic Academy.
• Connect with Patty Bajek at (630) 961-6125, or pbajek@ascacademy.org to express your interest and schedule a personalized tour.  Or peruse their website to explore your interest.  

St. Vincent de Paul Society Volunteers

• Thank you for your support of our clothing drive. Your clothing donation, as well as your financial donations throughout the year, allows us to help our parishioners and neighbors in need. In 2022, we provided assistance to 72 households, helping 185 men, women and children to remain in their homes or apartments in time of financial need.
• The ministry is always looking for volunteers to join our St. Vincent de Paul Society in assisting our neighbors in need. If you would like to volunteer or learn more, send an email to olmsvdp@gmail.com with your name and contact information.

Bulletin

• Check out the weekly Bulletin located here. 

For the Hispanic Community

• Please proceed here for the OLM Hispanic Ministry’s upcoming events and resources.
  Continúe aquí para conocer los próximos eventos y recursos del Ministerio Hispano de OLM.
• There will be Stations of the Cross in Spanish every 2nd Wednesday of the month after the 12pm Mass.
  A partir de la próxima semana, habrá Estaciones de la Cruz en español cada segundo miércoles del mes después de la misa de las 12 pm.

A Note from the Intercessory Prayer Ministry

• How can we pray for you today?
  There are times when life is overwhelming when all we have is questions. In those moments, hope can feel far away. The great thing about prayer is that it shifts our perspective toward the One who stands ready to listen. No matter what you’re facing, we’d love to pray with you. Submit your prayer requests at this link
• Prayer Ministry takes place monthly at MAGNIFY and on the last weekend of the month Mass times.  Prayer ministry is an opportunity for those in need of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing or with a specific intention. Come as an individual, as a couple, or as. a family and receive prayer for yourself or request prayers for someone in need. Listen and receive the prayers while being open to the Holy Spirit’s movement. Trained prayer ministers are available.

Have you downloaded our myParish App yet?

• If you haven’t done so, we encourage you to download the Our Lady of Mercy app, available to download for iPhone and Android smartphones.  Or text APP to 88202 to download.
  • Stay connected with our parish throughout the week with instant notifications, an easy-to-access event calendar, and the ability to quickly reply to or share messages via Facebook or Twitter. Also enjoy a bunch of additional features like prayers, daily readings, helpful reminders to silence your phone before Mass or Confession, and much more.

OSV Giving Link Update

• Our online giving link has been updated by our provider (OSV), please be sure to update your bookmark, below is the link.
• The myParish App “Giving” button has been updated.  Don’t have the myParish App yet? Text APP to 88202 to download!  Receive this update, instant news, and get access to the parish calendar, daily readings, and Confession guide.
• https://www.osvhub.com/olmercy/giving/funds