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November 5, 2023 | Parish Update

I Will Give You Shepherds. The Second Greatest Story. Knights Blood Drive & Pancake Breakfast. Angel Giving. And November Gatherings!

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 S.I.T. (Seminarian In Training)

Hello! My name is Jared Beltz and I am a first year seminarian for the Diocese of Joliet. Our Lady of Mercy is my home parish, and I am very grateful to have the opportunity to come back home and share my faith journey with all of you at Mass this weekend.

I was born into a Catholic family, and we attended Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation, participated in religious education, and were active at the parish. I served in many ministries at Our Lady of Mercy, ranging from altar serving and singing in the choir as a kid, to cantoring and serving as a Eucharistic Minister as an adult. Through these ministries, I gained perspective into the life of a priest, and formed personal relationships with the priests at OLM.

As I progressed through college, I began to feel more comfortable telling others about my faith in God, and found myself spending more time in prayer at church, helping at Vacation Bible School, and going on Mission Trips with OLM. I had been trying to decide what I wanted to do after college, and the thoughts of priesthood and serving the Church in this way were always in my mind. Multiple people started asking me some variation of “Have you ever considered the priesthood?” or “Have you ever thought about becoming a priest?” These encounters, along with my persistent thoughts, made me begin to seriously discern the priesthood. In addition, I felt that God was trying to speak to me last year as I listened to the readings on Holy Thursday when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and made the point of serving others before himself (John 13:1-15). I believe this was God working through the people in my life, as well as through his Word.

Since deciding to take the step to enter into seminary formation, I have had many graces come into my life. I am currently in the midst of a “Spirituality Year”, a stage in formation that allows men like me to dive deeper into our Catholic faith. I have been given the opportunity to grow in my faith through reading the Bible and Catechism in a year. I have also grown in service through ministering in impoverished neighborhoods in the city of Chicago. I am so blessed to have begun this journey to the priesthood. Please know that I keep all of you in my prayers, and I ask for your prayers as I continue my seminary formation. God bless!

Jared Beltz

Support our Future Priests through the I Will Give You Shepherds Campaign

Priests are essential to our Catholic faith, as only these holy men can transform bread and wine into the life-giving Body and Blood of Christ. Although the number of priests has been on the decline for decades, the Diocese of Joliet has been blessed with an abundance of vocations to the priesthood.

Currently, our diocese has 21 men in seminary formation, which costs $52,250 a year per seminarian. To ensure we are always able to support our seminarians both prayerfully and financially, the Diocese of Joliet has launched the “I Will Give You Shepherds” campaign. Gifts will be invested in an endowment designated specifically for seminarian education. 

Please prayerfully consider supporting this campaign, for it will help to ensure the diocese is always able to assist seminarians with their formation. Your gift will make a difference in our Church and our world for years to come.  It will have a lasting impact on the men preparing to serve as our shepherds in every parish in our diocese. Throughout their years of priestly ministry, the men your gift helps educate will celebrate the sacraments, provide counsel, and preach the Word for the benefit of us all.

Click on this link to learn more about this campaign or to make a gift online.

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

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THIS COMING WEEK

Mondays with Monica & Augustine Prayer Group Continues 11/6

• We are privileged to have St. Monica and St. Augustine accompany us as we consider our own family situations with our own loved ones who have fallen away from the Church, see you for prayer at OLM on Mondays at 7:30pm.

EDGE Night for Middle School Youth 11/6

• Middle school youth gather on Monday 11/6 from 6:30pm to 8pm for EDGE Nights, an activity-filled evening covering topics about the Catholic faith and challenging the middle school teens to grow in a relationship with Christ. Help your middle schooler find their identity in Christ; sign them up for EDGE Nights!
• Check out our EDGE webpage for details, session dates, and registration.

The Chosen Season 3 Catholic Bible Study Continues on 11/7

• 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆? 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲? — 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗻-𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟯” 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂!
  Through both watching the series episode and breaking open the Scripture readings related to each episode, this Catholic Bible Study experience will enable you to imagine ourselves in the story.  Sign up soon, and don’t forget to bring a friend.
• When: Tuesdays @ 7pmContact: Joe Wiacek and Joe Glasgow OLMBiblestudies@gmail.com Registration: Please register here 
• 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.
  Here is the trailer

Consuming Fire Young Adult Group Continues 11/7

• 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. 
• Come to Consuming Fire this week and hear from Fr Frank as he gives a talk “Going Up: An Introduction to St. Therese” one of his favorite Saints!

Salt and Light Grow Group Continues 11/8

• Join Salt and Light Grow Group for 𝗙𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘆’𝘀 “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗱” for 10 fast-paced and lively sessions through a video talk followed by group discussion, Fr. Gaitley connects people and events in history to a unifying vision of the splendor of God’s merciful love. From the epic story of Poland’s national suffering to the events of Fatima, the revelations of St. Faustina, the heroic efforts of St. Maximilian Kolbe, and the life of St. John Paul II, the panorama of Divine mercy is fully revealed as a transformative reality. A free study guide will be given to all participants.
• Join us either Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm or Thursday afternoons at 1pm; it would be great to dive deeper into Pope Saint John Paul’s “special task” assigned to him by God for our time, which is Divine Mercy, come and make Pope St John Paul’s story your own. 
• Check out the trailer below! For more details and registration, proceed here, and please don’t forget to bring a friend.

Vine & Branches Continues 11/8

• Vine & Branches is a Grow Group at Our Lady of Mercy that offers support and belonging to individuals who have experienced the trauma of a broken marital relationship.
• The program “Surviving Divorce” by Ascension Press was created to bring hope and healing to those who have experienced the pain of a broken marriage. It includes the personal testimonies of Catholic men and women as they witness the healing power of Jesus in their lives.
• For more information, please reach out to one of our group leaders. They look forward to hearing from you: Kim Harris kimharris73@yahoo.com
  Mary LoGalbo logalbo.marycarol@gmail.com, Jim Marks jimm6351@yahoo.com

Alpha Continues on 11/9

• We enter week 10 on Thursday 11/9 at Alpha, where the talk is “Does God Heal Today?” pressing into how God loves and cares about us and has the power to heal. Please keep the group in your prayers!

Knights of Columbus Blood Drive 11/11

• Donate blood Saturday 11/11th from 8am to 12pm at the Knights of Columbus Council #12005 Blood Drive.  Every donor will save up to 3 lives!  While appointments are greatly appreciated, walk-ins are welcome. You can register ahead of time at this link.
• Please make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Also please bring a photo ID.

Assist Families in Need through the Angel Giving Program 11/11 & 11/12

• Pick up a stocking after all Mass times the weekend of 11/11 & 11/12 and return it by Sunday 11/26 filled with any of the suggested items!
• This year’s program benefits those individuals assisted by SVDP, Hesed House, Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry and Waterleaf Women’s Center.  Here are the following ways you can assist families in need over the holidays.
• Fill your stocking with stuffers & return it to the bin by the Welcome Desk or to the Main Office by Sunday 11/26!  The Angel Giving Program benefits kids at the Aurora Food Pantry.
• Monetary donations can be made under the Angel Giving Fund via our online giving portal or via check made payable to Our Lady of Mercy with “Angel Giving” in the memo for tax purposes. Accepted thru 12/31.
• Please connect with Lydia at lydias@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org for any questions.

Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast 11/12

• Easting pancakes for a good cause is so fruitful; Knights of Columbus was able to purchase 36 winter coats for kids and teens which was donated to Catholic Charities of Joliet. Thank you to all who came and donated to this great cause by eating pancakes for a good cause at our Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast in September! 
• Our next breakfast will be Sunday 11/12th from 8am to 12pm with profits benefiting Waterleaf; we hope you come out and enjoy a stack of pancakes again for a worthwhile cause.

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Training 11/12

• Training for new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will take place in the Church on Sunday, November 12 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Registered, participating parishioners age 16 or older who have been confirmed and attend mass regularly are eligible to become an Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kim Harris at kimharris73@yahoo.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. Even if you can’t join the group inside the church, you can pray wherever you are at during the times below.
• 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 Restore 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!
• So come and encounter Jesus anytime this week at 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.

Sign up for Weekly Adoration as we Prepare for our New Chapel to Open!

• COME AND ADORE OUR LORD! Eucharistic Adoration is held three times a week at OLM! In the book of Exodus, we read 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. 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.

Sign up for Weekly Adoration as we Prepare for our New Chapel to Open!

We’re almost there, we have the following time slots that do not have anyone signed up to spend time with Jesus; we’re praying you would be the one to sign up for any of the following time spotsTuesday 8:30am, 12pm, 4pmWednesday 5pmFriday 10am, 4pmOur hope is that two individuals sign up for each of the hourly timeslots Monday through Friday from 8:30am through 5pm; please help us achieve this goal.  It truly is the best time that you could gift yourself. Click here to sign up.

LOOKING AHEAD

Living With Grief – Finding Gratitude While Grieving 11/13 & 11/14

• Experiencing the loss of a loved one is a difficult journey. Our Lady of Mercy is offering a supportive place for participants ages 18 and older living with grief to be together in a faith community to find healing and hope.
• Grief topics will vary each month. Come to the one that would be of support to you. 
• Registration is requested- Connect with Jolene Leroy at 331-707-5380 to RSVP or for questions.
• Finding Gratitude While Grieving, come to one of the sessions either on Monday 11/13th from 7pm to 8:30pm in Room 208 or Tuesday 11/14th from 1pm to 2:30pm in Room 208

A Mother’s Heart Grow Group—Stories of Saints: Mother Teresa 11/15

• Our Lady of Mercy’s “A Mother’s Heart Grow Group” invites mothers and their young children to experience “Stories of Saints” on Wednesday, 11/15 from 9:15am to 10:15am. We’ll begin with a song, video about a Saint and the letter of the day! Kids will participate in a craft and service project that reflects the life of our weekly Saint!
• Please RSVP HERE for each child who will be participating so we can plan to welcome you! 

Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry 11/15

• The Mobile Food Pantry is on Weds 11/15 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. Please clear space in your trunk or backseat so volunteers can load boxes of food directly into your vehicle. Mobile Food Pantries take place snow, rain, or shine!

St. Vincent De Paul Clothing Drive 11/18 & 11/19

• The St. Vincent DePaul truck will be in our parking lot the weekend of November 18 & 19th for our Clothing Drive!!  Pick up the SVDP white donation bags found in the atrium entrance and drop them off before and after the 4pm Mass on Saturday and Sunday until noon.  
• We will accept clothing, shoes, linens and books in good or bad condition. Unusable clothing, shoes, linens, and even books generate income for the needy because they are sold for rags or in bulk.  No baby equipment such as cribs, walkers, strollers, playpens, etc. ALL BABY CLOTHES ACCEPTED Small housewares and electronics – dishes, glassware, utensils, toasters, blenders, coffee makers, radios, cd players etc. SORRY NO TELEVISIONS. 
• For furniture and large item donations please call 630-231-4658 to schedule a home pickup at a later date or email us at – saintvincentdonate@gmail.com.  

Pick Up a Birchwood Ornament to Help Decorate our Church 11/18 & 11/19

• Help us decorate the narthex for Christmas by taking a birchwood disk (one per family) the weekend of November 18 & 19th
• Decorate your ornament and return it to the parish by the weekend of December 9 & 10th. A drop off table will be in the narthex after weekend masses or you may drop it off at the parish office during the week 
• If you would like to pick it up after the Christmas Season, you are responsible to get it from the narthex after weekend masses on Jan 13/14
•  Placement on the trees will be at the discretion of the arts & environment committee 
• Questions? Please reach out to our Arts & Environment committee at aandeolm@gmail.com

St. Peregrine Prayer Service 11/21

• For those with cancer, serious or chronic illnesses, and their caregivers… Come to the St. Peregrine Prayer Service on Tuesday 11/21st following the 6:30pm Mass.
• St. Peregrine is the patron saint of the sick, especially those suffering from cancer, serious illness, or chronic illness. The prayer service is for the intention of those with cancer, serious or chronic illnesses, and their caregivers to fortify them in their current situation.

Thanksgiving Mass 11/23

• Start Thanksgiving day by joining us in giving thanks to the Lord our God and rejoicing in the gift of His love. Mass will be at 9am.

Diocese of Joliet Novena of Grace 11/25 through 12/3

• In commemorating 75 years of Catechesis, Evangelization and Service, Bishop Hicks is inviting everyone to be in prayer from 11/25th through 12/3rd in a 9 day novena of prayer to St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of the Diocese of Joliet. Proceed here for the novena.
• Check out Bishop Hick’s Monthly Column note below to find out more about the year-long 75th Anniversary plans.

Prayer Ministry 11/25 & 11/26

• Receive Prayer Ministry after all the Mass times the weekend of 11/25 and 11/26! 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 family. Listen and receive the prayers while being open to the Holy Spirit’s movement. Trained prayer ministers are available in the back of Church.

Donut Sunday 11/26

• Stop by the PLC after the 8am and 10am Masses on November 26th for yummy Donuts, good Coffee & wonderful Fellowship. 

Magnify Adoration Night 11/29

• Our monthly MAGNIFY is on Wednesday 11/29 from 7pm to 8:30pm when we host a night of adoration in the church with praise and worship by Josh Goodman. After a scriptural reflection, there will be opportunities for confession and prayer ministry.
• We pray that you come and spend time in prayer with Jesus, encountering Him in a special way. He is personally inviting you to come and share your heart with Him. Join us anytime from 7pm to 8:30pm in the Church. Don’t forget to bring your children, neighbors, and friends.

A Mother’s Heart Grow Group Book Study on “Interior Freedom” Begins 11/30

• Join Our Lady of Mercy’s, A Mother’s Heart Grow Group, as together we strive to grow in virtue and submit ourselves to the will of God, because He is the only source who can grant true freedom.
• Our book study will meet twice a month on Thursday evenings from 7-9PM in a local parishioner’s home in Oswego. Please email Lydia at lydiadschmitt@gmail.com for location and details. Our first book gathering will be held on November 30!
• You can also sign up HERE

Ladies Advent Tea 12/3

• Save the Date for the 14th Annual Our Lady of Mercy Ladies Advent Tea on Sunday, 12/3rd at 2pm “The Gifts of Advent.”  Details and registration will be released in the coming days.

Men Seeking Holiness Day Retreat 12/28

• Come to a high-impact, low-pressure experience “Men Seeking Holiness Day Retreat” on Thursday 12/28th from 9am to 5pm at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish located at 36 N. Ellsworth, Naperville. The cost is $10 which includes lunch. Email vocations@dioceseofjoliet.org for any questions.
• Experience a special day of prayer, discussions, discernment, the life of holiness, Mass, adoration, and Confession. Please share this invitation with the men in your life.

Save the Date for the Justice & Peace Ministry’s Fair Trade Sale 12/10

• Mark your calendar and save the date for our annual Fair Trade Sale on Sunday December 10, 2023. Ten Thousand Villages will bring fair trade items to OLM. This is not a fundraiser but an opportunity to support artisans and farmers through fair trade purchases.
• Fair trade is a commitment to a fairer world— ensuring that people who make and grow products have a place to sell them, that they’re fairly paid, and that their working conditions and communities are healthy. Visit SERRV.ORG and learn more.

Living With Grief – Finding the Meaning of Christmas While Grieving 12/11 & 12/12

• Experiencing the loss of a loved one is a difficult journey. Our Lady of Mercy is offering a supportive place for participants ages 18 and older living with grief to be together in a faith community to find healing and hope.
• Grief topics will vary each month. Come to the one that would be of support to you. 
• Registration is requested- Connect with Jolene Leroy at 331-707-5380 to RSVP or for questions.
• Finding the Meaning of Christmas While Grieving, come to one of the sessions either on Monday 12/11th from 7pm to 8:30pm in Room 208 or Tuesday 12/12th from 1pm to 2:30pm in Room 208

Simbang Gabi Mass & Celebration 12/16

• Please save the date for the annual Simbang Gabi Filipino tradition of celebrating devotional Mass on Saturday 12/16th at 6pm.
• Registration will start on 12/1st.
• The Simbang Gabi Committee is also looking for volunteers – singers, dancers, performers, DJ, hosts, etc. Please contact Edna Santig (331) 588-5556 if interested. 
• What is Simbang Gabi you may wonder? Find out here.

Thank You for your generosity on Undy Sunday

• Dear Friends, 
  I am writing to express gratitude for your participation in Undy Sunday 2023. Your generous contributions were pivotal in making this event a success. 
  Most of us don’t give a second thought to essentials like new underwear, warm socks, and fresh diapers in our daily lives. However, these items are simply out of reach for many families and seniors living on poverty-level incomes. This can impact someone’s dignity, health, and confidence. Your kindness has directly impacted the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors. 
  On behalf of everyone we serve at Catholic Charities, thank you for your support. We are distributing Undy Sunday items to children, families, and seniors who turn to us for assistance. The collective effort will help us provide these items through the coming year. 
  Once again, thank you for your ongoing generosity and compassion. May God bless you and all those you love, always. 
  Kathleen Langdon
  Executive Director

For the High School Youth

• Our Lady of Mercy’s amazing program for high school teens is LIGHT Living In God’s Holy Truth. It is also where teens are invited to participate in the sacrament of Confirmation program called “Chosen.” It meets twice a month for formation. Let the high school teen in your life know of these wonderful gatherings, a place for teens to discover their purpose and identity; sign up at the following link through 11/15th.
  • High School teens taking part in the LIGHT program have an amazing life-changing, character-building opportunity to go on a Mission Trip!
    𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗽?
    Mission trips are domestic and international volunteer opportunities centered on serving residents and communities in need through sustainable service projects.
    High school teens will serve elderly, disabled, veteran, and low-income families through home repair and construction projects. Project examples are home repairs, wheelchair ramp construction, or porch and deck repairs.
    𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗚𝗼 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗽?
    Beyond the service projects, mission trips are powerful experiences to:
    Build character
    Focus on others’ needs
    Develop leadership skills
    Invest in the next generation
    Grow in faith and relationship with Jesus
    Build authentic relationships
    Earn community service hours
    Disrupt the busyness of everyday life
    It’s an awesome transformative experience, encourage the high school teen in your life to go on the OLM Teen Mission Trip to Winchester, Kentucky in 2024!
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    𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝟳 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗽
    1. EXPERIENCE NEW CULTURE, BROADEN VIEWS
    The most noticeable part of leaving home is experiencing a new culture. By being planted in a new community, your teen will be able to practice compassion by walking in another person’s shoes. Having a broadened worldview is beneficial to teens as they prepare to leave for college.
    2. EXPERIENCE LIVING OUTSIDE THEIR COMFORT ZONE BEFORE GOING TO COLLEGE
    Leaving home before the big move to college gives teenagers a leg up in real-world experiences outside their childhood home. College is often the first time a student is away from their family. However, if they have gone on a short-term mission trip to a new city (or country), they will feel more prepared to leave home once they graduate. The confidence felt in being fully capable and functional on their own, empowers them in their new life away from home.
    3. MAKE AN IMPACT BY SPREADING HIS GLORY
    Teens can see His love and compassion across the globe, and instant connections can be made across language barriers due to sharing God’s love. Additionally, they can see just how much small acts can impact communities in need, glorify God, and change the lives of not only them but those that they serve.
    4. TRAVEL TO NEW PLACES
    Participating in a mission trip can give you the chance to travel, and to go with a purpose. The benefits of traveling are vast – the obvious of which is getting to experience a new place in great depth. Traveling can also help in gaining new skills like social interaction and communication. You get to interact with people who have a different view on life and learn how to incorporate that into how you think on a global scale. This can translate into more creative thinking and improved school discussions. Traveling has been known to assist people in self-reflection and exploration, something teenagers can benefit from greatly.
    5. PARTICIPATE IN VOLUNTEER WORK
    The volunteer work done on a short-term mission trip can foster a heart of compassion, a value that can be taught at any age and sticks with you for life. This can assist teens in shifting from a self-centric perspective to a selfless attitude. As they serve others, God’s name is glorified, and that can make a massive impact on the life of a teenager.
    6. MAKE LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS
    The relationships made on a short-term mission trip can last a lifetime due to eating, sleeping, traveling, and serving together 24 hours a day. It forces friendship. However, these friendships are like no other; they are centered in Christ, and they are experiencing life-changing events together, causing the friendship to strengthen immensely. Mission trips provide teenagers with the space to form bonds as they grow their personal relationship with God.
    7. STRENGTHEN FAITH AND RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
    A mission trip is a wonderful place to feel God’s presence. It gives one the opportunity to spread His word and serve His people while also strengthening their own personal relationship with God. Hard work in a small community with peers who passionately love Jesus helps to provide a Christ-centered community for believers who can grow in love and faith together.

Have a Minister of Care Bring 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.

Is God Calling You to the Priesthood?

• Marriage is good and priesthood is good so how do you choose between two goods?  Connect with Fr Michael at frmichael@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org and speak with him.

Bishop Hick’s Monthly Column 

• Bishop Hicks’ monthly column for October is titled “Contemplating the Convocation” Read his insightful column HERE.
  • 75th Jubilee of the Diocese of Joliet. 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.
    • Novena of Grace with St. Francis Xavier 11/25 through 12/3
    • Monthly Podcast on first Mondays
      • The first episode of the 75th Anniversary podcast series will launch on 11/6th. Episodes will be released on the first Monday of each month. Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform!
    • Blessing of St. Francis Xavier Statue on 12/3rd at 1pm.
      • On the Feast of St. Francis Xavier and the final day of the Novena of Grace, a statue of the saint will be blessed at the Blanchette Catholic Center, 16555 Weber Rd., Crest Hill. The statue will serve as a constant reminder of the patron saint of our diocese. Bishop Hicks will bless the statue at 1pm in an open ceremony so that all may witness this moving event.

Scam Emails and Text Messages

• From time to time, there are phishing (SCAM) emails going out to members of the parish and staff claiming to be Father Michael as well as text messages.
  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!

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 move by 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.

Donate Online Through OSV Giving

• Whether you are a registered parishioner with us or visiting, we are set up to receive donations online through OSV Our Sunday Visitor.
• OSV is an online website that makes contributions faster, easier, and accessible at anytime for donors. Click here to for online giving.
• You can also access this link through our myParish App “Giving” button. 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.