March 3, 2024 | Parish Update

March 3, 2024 | Parish Update

Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr Hugh Fullmer. Registration deadlines for Holy Pause & 3/8th Fish Dinner.

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

News from Priest in Training (P.I.T.)

     When I was a little kid, I would watch a show called The Big Comfy Couch, in which most of the adventures took place on the eponymous sofa. One of my favorite segments of the show was the “Ten Second Tidy.” At the end of the show, the characters would clean up the mess they made in ten seconds by comically shoving everything into the couch cushions. Of course, this show influenced how I cleaned as a child. One day, as we were leaving a friend’s house, my mom said I had to clean up my mess really quickly before we left. “Ten second tidy?” I said. She nodded, probably thinking I meant that I would clean really fast. When we got back home, my mom received a phone call from my friend’s mom. “We can’t find our remote control. Do you have any idea where it might be?” She looked at me for a second and replied, “Have you checked your couch cushions?” 

    Even now as an adult, I still do not enjoy cleaning, and much of my “tidying” probably still resembles shoving everything out of sight into the couch cushions. During this Lent, we are called to do a kind of “spring cleaning” of our souls. But left to ourselves, our cleaning might look more like a “ten second tidy,” shoving problems out of sight rather than truly removing them from our lives. So how can we truly clean our souls?

     In the Gospel, where Jesus makes a whip and drives all the money changers out of the Temple. What does that have to do with us? John gives us a clue: “But he was speaking about the temple of his body.” Jesus refers to His body as a Temple, and because we are joined to His Body through Baptism, St. Paul can call our bodies Temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). 

 We need to invite Jesus to cleanse the temples of our bodies and souls of any sin. We do this primarily through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but as we go to receive this sacrament during Lent, we should take Jesus as a model of the attitude we need to have toward sin. He doesn’t allow any of the money changers to remain in the Temple, but drives them completely out. In the same way, we cannot make any compromises with sin, but resolve to drive it completely out of our lives. 

     This driving out of the money changers isn’t without purpose. The Temple is a place of communion with God, and even more so the Temple of the Body of Christ. So we allow Jesus to cleanse the temples of our souls so that we can enter more deeply into communion with Him, especially through the Holy Eucharist. As we prepare for Easter, let’s remember that going to Confession shouldn’t be a “ten second tidy,” but a true cleansing of our sins so that Jesus can fill us with His Presence.

Fr. Frank

For the Confession schedule for our parish and nearby parishes, please proceed to our Lent webpage or see the times in the “Looking Ahead” section below for our Reconciliation service and the upcoming 6 successive days of Confession times.

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

Fr. Hugh Fullmer

  • It is with sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing on Friday 3/1 of our former pastor, Fr. Hugh Fullmer, who served our parish faithfully for 17 years (2000 – 2017). 

    Funeral arrangements are pending, and we will update you as soon as the details are finalized (we will release information on the app first and the rest of our communications platforms will follow, so please download the app if you haven’t done so already).

    Let us join in prayer for the repose of his soul and for strength and comfort for his family and friends during this difficult time. 

    During this time of reflection, let us remember the various ways he impacted our parish community and offer support to one another. 

    Eternal rest grant unto Your servant, Fr. Hugh Fullmer, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Holy Pause-Family Faith Formation Lenten Event Last Day to Register is 3/5

  • 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 – 𝘁𝗵𝗲 “𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲.” Join us on Saturday, 3/9th from 2pm to 3:45pm in the gym for an enriching experience designed to deepen your Lenten journey as a family.
  • 🙌 Activities Include
    • Path of Creative Prayer Stations. Explore a journey of reflection and connection as a family, lifting up your own needs and the needs of others through unique prayer stations.
    • Make and Take Prayer Bowl Project. Engage in a hands-on, creative activity to craft personalized prayer bowls, a tangible reminder of your family’s shared spiritual journey.
    • Small Service Opportunity. Embrace the spirit of giving back as a family through a meaningful service opportunity.
  • 📅 Registration Deadline. To ensure we can accommodate everyone, please register for this free special gathering by 3/5th. Let’s come together as a community to pause, reflect, and strengthen our spiritual bonds during this Lenten season. We look forward to sharing this sacred time with you and your loved ones.

Register for Holy Pause HERE

Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group Continues on Tuesday 3/5

  • Calling all young adults, join our Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group (CFYA) on Tuesdays at 7pm for community and faith building. Reach out to cfyagg@gmail.com to get plugged in with the group or sign up at the link HERE
  • This Tuesday 3/5th, the group will be at Feed My Starving Children packing nutritious meals for hungry children around the world.

Bible Studies Continue on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3/5 & 3/6

  • How exciting! There are two Bible Study opportunities to take part in. We hope to see you at any of the following. Should you have any questions, please connect with Joe Wiacek and Joe Glasgow who are looking forward to hearing from you at OLMBiblestudies@gmail.com

SoulCore’s Second of Three Classes on Wednesday 3/6

  • Join SoulCore Leaders Jen Bickel, and Lisa Hir, to nourish body, mind & soul with SoulCore — a prayer experience that combines the prayers of the rosary with core strengthening, stretching, and functional movement.  
    No fitness level or experience is required. All are welcome!
    This lenten themed fitness class will meet at 6:30pm on Wednesday 2/21, 3/6, and 3/13 focusing on the Sorrowful Mysteries.  

Vine & Branches Meets on Wednesdays 3/6

  • 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.
  • 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

Salt and Light Grow Group Continues on Wednesdays & Thursdays 3/6 & 3/7

  • Join Salt and Light Grow Group 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁. 𝗧𝗵𝗲́𝗿𝗲̀𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘅’𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 “𝟯𝟯 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁”
  • Choose from Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm or Thursday afternoons at 1pm; For more details and registration, proceed here, and please don’t forget to bring a friend.
  • At this lenten journey, uncover the power of trust; find the inspiration to become great saints in ordinary circumstances; and prepare for a personal consecration to Divine Mercy. This parish study which culminates on Divine Mercy Sunday 4/7th, includes workbooks, group discussion, and talks by renowned speaker and author Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC.
    All participants will receive a free workbook, however, you must purchase the book “33 Days to Merciful Love” it is available on Amazon.
    Saint Pope John Paul II emphasized that now is the time of mercy, now is a time of great and extraordinary grace, a time in which all of us can become great saints — if we tap into that grace. One of the ways we tap into that grace is by asking God to fill us with an ocean of His tenderness and mercy. And we do that by consecrating ourselves to His Mercy. Please consider joining us. All are welcome!
    Check out the trailer

The Rescue Project Continues 3/7

  • We head into Chapter 4 “It Gets Worse” at the Rescue Project.  We are often taught that the result of the Fall as depicted in Genesis 3 is something that might solely be described as “separation from God.” Chapter Four attempts to correct this fairly common misunderstanding and lays out in stark fashion the true horror of our reality. Sacred Scripture and Church tradition make clear that the human race, as a consequence of our rebellion, has sold itself into slavery to powers against which we cannot compete.  Please continue to be in prayer for our all the participants taking part in our parish lenten journey at The Rescue Project.

Lenten Fish Dinner 3/8 & 3/22

  • Purchase your Friday Lenten Fish Dinner meal tickets here 
  • The deadline to purchase meal tickets for Friday 3/8th is on 3/7th
  • The deadline for 3/22nd it will be on 3/21st.
    • Held from 5:30pm to 8pm, all proceeds support a wonderful cause, the Teen Mission Trip.
    • $15 Fish Dinner Plates consists of potatoes, dinner roll, dessert and beverage. Choose from shrimp, cod (fried), or salmon.

Stations of the Cross on Fridays 

  • We hope to see you every Friday in Lent; let’s journey together through the Stations of the Cross! It’s a beautiful way to journey and reflect on God’s sacrifice and love for us. 12pm in Spanish and 7pm in English.
  • Or just come by at your convenience and walk the stations of the cross inside the narthex and if the weather is nice, you can also pray at the beautiful outdoor stations of the cross  May God’s grace be with you this Lenten Season.

Fit Shepherds on Wednesday and Saturday mornings

  • To all men, in this time of renewed dedication to fitness, consider joining Fit Shepherds—a unique fusion of physical and spiritual growth. Join us for challenging workouts Saturdays at 7am and Wednesdays at 5:30am in the parking lot, as we strive to become better in every aspect of life, inspired by the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
    Dads are encouraged to bring their sons 5th grade and older.
    Get a glimpse of a Saturday morning work out and see the video below:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiVMnLrRzf0
  • For more information check out their website at this link or connect with Alex Baier who is looking forward to hearing from you; email him at abaier823@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. 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.

Come Visit Jesus in the New Adoration Chapel

  • Deepen your Lenten journey and create more time for silence and prayer in your schedule by spending time with Jesus at the new Eucharistic Adoration Chapel anytime right after the 8am Mass until 10pm. We are also in need of committed adorers, simply click on the ‘Sign Up’ button on the hours we need a second adorer for. Proceed here for more details.

Sunday and Daily Mass Penitential Rite Responses 

  • As we journey through the special season of Lent, at the beginning of the Mass during the Penitential Rite, our responses will be:
    • Priest “Have mercy on us O, Lord.”
      Response “For we have sinned against You.”
      Priest “Show us O, Lord, Your mercy.”
      Response “And grant us Your salvation.”

Easter Bag Donations Collection 3/9 & 3/10

  • Thank you to all who picked up an Easter Bag for a child in need benefiting children and families assisted by the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry!  Please return the bags by the weekend of 3/9th and 3/10th.

Charismatic Healing Mass 3/9

  • The Charismatic Healing Mass is on Saturday 3/9th at 6pm. A healing Mass is a normal Mass, but it has a special focus on God’s healing power; this will be reflected in the songs, prayers, and scripture readings. If you’re in need of God’s healing grace, come to the Charismatic Healing Mass.

Men of Christ Half Day Retreat “Mastering WHAT Matters” 3/9

  • Join this hybrid nationwide conference at St. Michaels in Wheaton on Saturday 3/9th at 7am. Share, celebrate, and live Christ with us.
    The St. Michael venue is open to any interested man, not just parish members. We will enjoy prayer, fellowship, confession and world-class speakers. Proceed here to for further details, the agenda and registration. Video presentations by Bishop Hicks, Fr. Mark Bernhard and Sam Blair a former navy seal.

DisABILITIES Mass at Our Lady of Mercy 3/10

  • We’re excited to warmly welcome individuals with disABILITIES, and their friends and family, at Our Lady of Mercy’s first disABILITIES Mass on Sunday 3/10th at 2pm! Please save the date!
  • We look forward to welcoming you and many others from throughout the Diocese of Joliet and we hope you will join us as we celebrate the blessings of those with disABILITIES in our Church family, as well as the wonderful gifts they bring to our parish!
  • Please sign up here so we can plan on welcoming you.

New Teen Youth Group called Refuge Meets on 3/10

  • High School students are invited to join the new OLM High School Youth Ministry, called “Refuge”  Come by on Sunday, 3/10th from 3:16pm-5:16pm, in the Youth Center (Room 211). If you have a teenager in your life, please let them know of this new youth group where they’ll find a safe and fun place to grow and find positive social connections within a solid Catholic community

Praying “The Way of the Cross for Loved Ones Who Have Left the Faith” at Mondays with Monica & Augustine Prayer Group 3/11

  • We continue a meaningful journey this Lent on 3/11 to lift up in prayer our family and friends who have strayed from the faith; join us at 7:30pm in the Church as we fervently pray “The Way of the Cross for Loved Ones Who Have Left the Faith.” Your presence and prayers can make a profound impact.

Discovering Divine Mercy Seminar 3/12 & 3/13

  • Discover, “The Extraordinary Graces and Gifts of the Divine Mercy Devotion,” in special seminars Tuesday, 3/12th at 9am or Wednesday, 3/13th at 7pm. Both seminars will be held in PLC Room 208. No registration is needed, but please be sure to bring your Rosary! For more details, e-mail trollerw@live.com or call (630) 585-1865.

Living with Grief Monthly Meeting: “Grief & Your Lenten Journey”  3/13

  • 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.
  • Join Deacon Tony Leazzo as we discuss grief & our connections with the Lenten Season. We will meet from 1pm-2:30pm in Room 217
  • Registration is requested- Connect with Jolene Leroy at 331-707-5380 to RSVP or for questions.

Unbound Freedom in Christ Conference 3/15 & 3/16

  • Fr. James at St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield, along with the Unbound Joliet team, is hosting an Unbound Freedom in Christ Conference on Friday, 3/15th 6:30pm to 9:30pm through Saturday, 3/16th 8:30am to 8:30pm. God wants to speak into your life and reveal His heart to you. This conference will help you to learn the 5 keys of Unbound and to experience deeper freedom in Christ. Registration and details are found at this link.

Knights of Columbus Easter Egg Hunt 3/16

  • The Knights of Columbus are hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for kids ages 0-10 on Saturday, 3/16, at 10am with the Egg Hunt starting at 10:30am. It will be held in the PLC. Please bring your Easter basket or a bag to hold all the eggs you find. Maybe even the Easter Bunny will stop in for some fun!!! We hope to see you there!
  • *There will be a “Sensory Friendly” egg hunt and sensory bins in a separate room with less stimuli and lower lighting*

Meet & Greet Gathering 3/17

  • 𝟯/𝟭𝟳𝘁𝗵 @ 𝟭𝟭:𝟭𝟱𝗮𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀/𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 & 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴!
  • Whether you’ve recently registered as a member (parishioner) or if you’ve been attending our Sunday or Daily Mass, actively participating in community life, 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿/𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 & 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁—𝘄𝗲’𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀!  We hope to see you on Sunday 3/17th for a joyful experience of connection, belonging, and the start of a beautiful journey together. We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you officially into the OLM family!

St. Joseph Feast Day 3/17

  • Join us for a luncheon in honor of St. Joseph from 1pm to 3pm in the Parish Life Center (PLC)! The OLM Social Committee will provide meatless pasta (spaghetti with marinara & pasta alfredo), salad, and beverages.
  • Please feel free to drop off baked goods in the PLC after any of the morning Masses on 3/17th (breads, cakes, cookies, fruit, Italian desserts, zeppoli etc. in honor of St. Joseph).
  • It is also an Old-World custom to provide food for the poor on this feast day, an act of Lenten almsgiving. Please bring non-expired canned and other non-perishable foods with you to the PLC for the Interfaith Food Pantry. For any questions please email olmsocialcomm@gmail.com

Parish Mission with Fr. Sean Grismer 3/18 & 3/19

  • “The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength” is the theme for our Parish Mission with Fr. Sean Grismer on Monday 3/18 and Tuesday 3/19 from 7pm to 8:30pm.
    Blessed with fervor for his faith, a keen sense of humor, and a way with words, Fr. Grismer compels his audiences’ attention. He will dive into the great call upon each of our lives allow the joy of the Lord to be our strength.
    In 2016, Fr. Grismer was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Rockford. Presently, he is the Assistant Principal and Spiritual Director at Aurora Central Catholic High School, Aurora. Fr. Grismer has led several pilgrimages to Lourdes, Rome, and serves as a parish retreat leader. He is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes North American Volunteers. He holds a License in Sacred Theology with a focus on Dogmatic Theology from Rome’s Pontifical Angelicum University.

Palm Weaving Workshop 3/18, 3/20 & 3/21

  • Come out and weave palms to help us decorate our church for Palm Sunday and Holy Week on any of the following days. The Arts and Environment team will give easy-to-follow instructions on how to weave the palms.
    • Monday 3/18 from 7pm to 9:30pm in Room 114.
    • Wednesday 3/20 from 9am to 11:30am in Room 114.
    • Thursday 3/21 from 7pm to 9:30pm in Room 114.

Confession Times 3/18 through 3/23

  • The hope for the Lent Season is to offer Confessions as much as the priests are able which is why… there will be SIX straight days of Confessions from 3/18 through 3/23!
    𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝟴:𝟯𝟬𝗽𝗺
    𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟵𝗮𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟬𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭:𝟯𝟬𝗽𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝟮:𝟯𝟬𝗽𝗺
    Using the examination of conscience from the link below, ask the Holy Spirit to help you search your heart. Where do you sense God is calling you to repent? Remember, Jesus will never condemn you; He is always ready to forgive you.
    https://bit.ly/ConfessionsatOLMPage
  • If you prefer going to another priest for Confession, here is a link to Confession times at other parishes.

A MAGNIFY Lenten Reconciliation Service 3/20

  • Join us for a special evening at MAGNIFY on Wednesday, 3/20th, just before Holy Week, as we host a special Lenten Reconciliation Service. There will be a handful of priests who will hear Confessions from 7pm to 8:30pm.

FREE Online Lenten Retreat “Ecce Homo” 3/21 through 3/23

A Spring Clearing of Closets Could Benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Clothing Drive 3/23 & 3/24 

  • The truck for the next SVDP Clothing Drive will be in the church parking lot from noon on Saturday, 3/23 to approximately noon on Sunday, 3/24. 
  • No early drop off’s please. 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 TV’s. 
  • Your donations go to the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shops where much of your donations are given away free to needy families in the community. Some are sold at reasonable prices at the thrift shops so that needy families can shop with dignity. 

Holy Week, the Triduum and Easter Sunday 3/24 through 3/31

  • Please keep an eye for our app blast, emails and social media posting for the Holy Week, Triduum and Easter Sunday schedule. We will also have a “Holy Week” webpage included.

7 Great Dates on Fridays starting 4/5

  • 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽; 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 ‘𝟳 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀’ 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘆.  

    Whether married for six months or 40 years, whether in a good place or struggling, the date nights help couples navigate the modern challenges of marriage.  It is based on Christian principles, but designed to help couples of all faiths strengthen their relationship.

    The 7 Great Dates aka the Marriage Course is a series of 7 sessions encompassed with food, talk, and private discussion between the couple only.  Each session features leading experts, teaching content, and stories from around the globe.

    Topics for Each Date Night are Strengthening Connection, The Art of Communication, Resolving Conflicts, The Power of Forgiveness, The Impact of Family, Good Sex, and Love in Action.

    Starts Friday April 5th through May 17 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Further details, registration, and the trailer are found at this link https://olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org/m4m/

    Secure your spot now for an unforgettable experience! Act swiftly, as our limited spots are filling up rapidly. Join us and invest in your relationship – register today!

Register for 7 Great Dates

Walking Through Grief 6-Week Series Begins 4/8

  • 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) to walk through grief together in a faith community to find hope and healing.
  • Walking Through Grief is a weekly support group for six weeks from 7pm to 8:30pm on the following Mondays, in Room 208 in the Parish Life Center (PLC)
  • Registration is requested, Please connect with Jolene Leroy at 331-707-5380

Saint Vincent De Paul Society – Welcoming New Members

  • Volunteers are needed to answer phone requests, meet with people requesting financial assistance and help with clothing drives. Members meet as a group monthly on the third Wednesday of the month at 7pm in room 114.
  • To volunteer please contact the parish office at (630)851-3444 to learn more or email us at olmsvdp@gmail.com
  • We thank OLM parishioners for financial donations throughout the year and support of our clothing drives. Your donations allow us to help parishioners and neighbors in need. In 2023, we provided assistance to 79 households, helping more than 200 men, women and children!

Have a Minister of Care Bring Holy Communion to Your 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.
  • 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 Jolene at jolenel@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org and arrangements will be made.

Is God Calling You to the Priesthood?

Bishop Hick’s Monthly Column 

  • Bishop Hicks’ monthly column for February is titled “Peace in the Holy Land” 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 accomplishments of our past & 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 leading up to the year-long celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Diocese of Joliet; find out all the details, and see the year-long schedule HERE.

Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal 2024 

  • If you have already pledged your support to the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal (CMAA), we sincerely thank you! If we all join together, we can meet our parish’s goal of $140,500. Each and every gift, regardless of size, truly matters and makes a difference. If you still plan on making your gift, please prayerfully reflect on how best you can support the CMAA this year to help those in need throughout our diocese, For the Glory of God. Pledge envelopes are still available in the church, or you can use the envelope you received in the mail from the diocese. Or donate online here.Remember, if we raise more than our goal, the diocese will return 70 percent of the amount over goal to us to reinvest in our own parish. This is an incredible opportunity and blessing. Your generosity is so greatly appreciated. Thank you for sharing your blessings!

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 Frank, 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

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.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. Listen and receive the prayers while being open to the Holy Spirit’s movement.  

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 reply to or share messages. Enjoy a bunch of additional features like prayers, daily readings, reminders to silence your phone before Mass, & 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.
  •  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.

Grow Groups | We continue to launch Grow Groups, one group at a time.
Connect with zara@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org for any questions.

A MOTHER’S HEART GROW GROUP

Mission. 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.

Website. Proceed here for details.

Meets. Each month for any of the following: book chats, podcast discussions, “Mom’s Night Out”, community service projects, fellowship, playgroups, prayer.

Connect.  Reach out to Lydia Schmitt lydiadschmitt@gmail.com for any questions.

CONSUMING FIRE YOUNG ADULT GROW GROUP

Mission. This group exists to grow a community that inspires and forms the young adult generation to be saints.

Website. Proceed here for details.

Meets. Tuesdays @ 7pm and twice a month for social gatherings.

Connect.  Reach out to our Core Team at cfyagg@gmail.com for any questions.

SALT AND LIGHT GROW GROUP
Mission. “Encounter/Grow/Witness” is the threefold dimension of the Christian life.  Once we encounter Jesus, we are then called to grow daily as His disciples. Grow Groups are one way Our Lady of Mercy is responding to our missionary identity where we are called to help parishioners grow continually in discipleship.

Website. Proceed here for details.

Meets. Wednesdays 7pm to 8:30pm

Connect. For more information, connect with Geri Capulong at gericapulong@gmail.com or Bonnie Ramirez at bnnrmrz@gmail.com.

VINE & BRANCHES GROW GROUP

Mission.  Vine & Branches is a group at Our Lady of Mercy that offers support and belonging to individuals of any age or faith who are divorced or separated on the way to divorce.

Website. Proceed here for details

Meets. Wednesdays @ 7pm with social gatherings.

Connect. The group leaders are looking forward to hearing from you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
Kim Harris kimharris73@yahoo.com
Mary LoGalbo logalbo.marycarol@gmail.com
Jim Marks jimm6351@yahoo.com

GROW YOUR FAITH

FREE ONLINE RESOURCES In this section, you will find free conferences, webinars, and studies that you can freely take part in that can grow your faith.

FORMED.ORG Diving into the beauty of the Faith has never been easier: at home, on the go, or from any internet-connected device. Discover thousands of books, audio talks, movies, documentaries, and studies… there is something for every member of the family to help them grow closer to Christ and His Church.

  1. Visit http://signup.formed.org/
  2. Enter our parish zip or name
  3. Enter your name and email

or Download the FORMED App through these links: App Store or Google Play

EUCHARIST RESOURCES Check out our “Eucharist Resources” page to help us understand deeply the centrality of the Eucharist in our lives.

INTRODUCING THE ASCENSION APP A Catholic Bible and Catechism AppWe consulted more than 1,000 Catholics on what would make the ideal Bible and Catechism app and collected their direct feedback for over a year. Now it’s here! Download the App for free today on the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Check it out HERE

AMEN – CATHOLIC MEDITATION APP From Augustine Institute comes this NEW AND FREE Catholic prayer app that inspires your daily conversation with God through faithful meditations and nourishing Scripture. There is also Family Content: Enjoy and share family-favorite audio from the series Brother Francis and the Jesus Stories.  Please enjoy this latest offering from the Augustine Institute.

HALLOW – A CATHOLIC PRAYER & MEDITATION APP  Hallow is a Catholic prayer & meditation app that helps users deepen their relationship with God through contemplative prayer and strengthen one’s mental health in the process. Easy-to-use, audio-guided sessions anywhere from 1 to 60 minutes long. Pray your own way with a personalized prayer plan pulling from 3,000+ unique sessions including the Lectio Divina on the Daily Gospel, Rosary, Examen, Night Prayer, Calm & Humility “Praylists” and much more. Hallow Light is free. Hallow Plus is $5 per month ($60 per year). Sign up for either one here.

WORD ON FIRE

Explore the goodness, truth, and beauty of the faith!

Did you know that you have complete access to Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire ENGAGE video library!   Check out this link to watch any of the videos whenever you want without ever having to login.

Not sure where to start? How about checking out the short 5 episode series on The Eucharist This fresh look at the Eucharist brings to light its reality as sacred meal, the sacrifice necessary for communion with God, and the real presence of Christ.

BLESSED IS SHE

Blessed is She is a sisterhood of women who want to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through their Catholic faith.  They create beautiful and accessible resources, products, and experiences to deepen prayer and foster community, both online and in person.  

THE CATHOLIC GENTLEMAN

Founded in 2013, The Catholic Gentleman has become one of the most recognizable online men’s apostolate. Each week hundreds of thousands of men around the world visit our site for the insightful articles and the highest-quality products designed to encourage a life of authentic manhood. Their mission: To inspire men to holiness

HEROIC MEN

Looking for authentically Catholic content for men? Look no further than HeroicMen.com—the all-new, 100% FREE Catholic streaming platform for men.
Learn about your faith from today’s best Catholic speakers—and do it all from the convenience of home. Stream-on-demand from your phone or tablet, too, for quality Catholic content on the go.  Get it all—for FREE – at HeroicMen.com

AQUINAS 101 FREE COURSES

Have you wanted to get to know St. Thomas Aquinas and his writings more so as to grow closer to Jesus?

Sign up for any of the short and free courses at Aquinas 101 a project of the 

Thomistic Institute seeks to promote understanding of the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the eminent 13th-century philosopher, and theologian. 

Aquinas is a masterful interpreter of reality. His writings assist us in answering perennial questions on topics like God, man, the natural world, law, and morality, and questions of special relevance to our time like the relationship between modern science and faith or pursuing happiness in the digital era.. 

PINTS WITH AQUINAS PODCAST

Matt Fradd’s Pints with Aquinas is an online Catholic community of faith and truth… and maybe a pint or two. The podcast has long-form discussions, debates and teachings on the Catholic faith. Checkout the podcast here.

PASTORAL CARE

If you have physical, mental, emotional or spiritual health concerns or questions about end-of-life issues, funeral planning, journeying through grief, caregiving for a loved one or are homebound, please contact the parish office at 630-851-3444 or parishoffice@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org

RESTORE

Do you find yourself struggling in overcoming your battle with pornography?   Restore is a weekly (anonymous) meeting where men lean on each other for support and share ideas about strengthening our resolve to stay on God’s path of chastity.  All men are welcome, whether you have been free of pornography addiction for many years or struggle with it every single day.

If you are ready to start breaking free and want to Restore your life, email us at Restore.olm@gmail.com to find out more information on when and where we meet or call 331-684-7415. Check out the website for FAQs and further details. 

Be encouraged; check out this Testimony.

MOMS WALKING WITH MOMS IN NEED

Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” Everyone in the parish community should know where to refer a pregnant woman in need. Connect with Lydia Schmitt for further questions at lydias@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org

FAITH BUDDIES

OLM invites you to learn more about a new program for children with special needs that will be launching in the spring!

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or enrolling your child, please get in touch with Lydia Schmitt at lydias@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org