June 4, 2022 | Parish Update

June 4, 2022 | Parish Update

Happy Birthday Church! Summer Gatherings. Helping Our Young Adults.  Walking With Jesus. & Gift Giving.

Come, Holy Spirit ~ Happy Birthday Church!

This week we celebrate Pentecost and the unleashing of the Holy Spirit upon the Church!

At Pentecost, the Paschal Mystery was complete and the disciples were ready to become apostles and evangelize to the ends of the earth.  We are called to participate in this mission and be renewed by the Holy Spirit; we are Spirit-filled sent people.  The question becomes who will you invite into the Christian life here at Our Lady of Mercy; who will you bring to Jesus?

For a quick Pentecost reflection, check out Bishop Hick’s Pentecost message to us.

 

On Saturday night at 6pm is one of the three most beautiful liturgies in the Catholic Church; the three are the Midnight Mass, the Easter Vigil, and Saturday night’s Pentecost Vigil at 6pm.  We hope to see you there!  It is also newly ordained Father Tom Logue’s first Mass at OLM.  There will be a reception for him afterward in the gym.


Let us celebrate the birthday of the Church this weekend, come to Mass in your favorite red outfit!  See you at the Pentecost Vigil Mass and any of the weekend Mass times where Father James is preaching or stop by and visit Jesus at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel or at daily Mass during the week.

“Source of peace and light, come and enlighten me. I am hungry, come and feed me. I am poor, come and enrich me. Holy Spirit, I abandon myself to You.” -St. Mary of Jesus Crucified

The Fruit of the Spirit
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23).

  • Pray “Come, Holy Spirit” this week.
  • Ask for an increase in the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
  • Wear red to Mass this weekend.
  • How is God asking you to radiate the Holy Spirit to those in your life?

 


Rummage Sale Drop Off of Donations 6/4 thru 6/9
  • Getting rid of stuff around the house? Please consider donating to our Rummage Sale! Items can be dropped off before or after Masses the weekend of June 4 & 5 at Room 214, OR from 2pm-5pm on Monday 6/6 thru Thursday 6/9 in the multipurpose room located in the Parish Life Center. Contact Dave at DaveM@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org with any questions.
Dedication of Pregnancy & Infant Loss Memorial 6/5
  • Please join the parish community for the dedication of the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Memorial, located in the garden area outside of the Narthex, on Sunday, June 5th following the 10am Mass. This memorial is donated by the Sincora and Savoie Families in loving memory of Rose Christine Sincora. The beautiful monument, shaped like an expectant mother, remembers our littlest babies in heaven while giving families and friends a place to remember babies who were so wanted and are forever loved and missed.
Biblical Institute of the Diocese of Joliet Preview Night 6/7
  • The Biblical Institute of the Diocese of Joliet (BIDJ) is a 4-year program that meets weekly during the school year. Students earn certificates in Basic Biblical Studies (2 years) and Advanced Biblical Studies (4 years). If you are interested in learning about the Bible, but aren’t sure if this is the program for you, attend a preview night. You’ll learn a lot about this great diocesan program—and a few things that will help you with Scripture right now! Attend the first preview ]from 7pm—8:30pm at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Frankfort on Tuesday, June 7th.
  • Additional Preview Nights will be held: June 21st, 7pm—8:30pm at St Joseph’s Church in Manhattan, and June 28th, 7pm—8:30pm at St. Mary’s in Mokena.
Salt & Light is continuing a new series “Sharing Christ” on 6/8
  • Not part of any of our Grow Groups?  Like Jesus’ disciples, our walk with the Lord today is not one lived in isolation but rather one immersed in community and enriched by authentic friendship with others. Salt & Light Grow Group provide a place of deep transformation where people can be known, loved, and cared for as they strive to deepen their friendship with Jesus and one another.
  • They are starting a new series called “Sharing Christ” details and registration are found here.  See you on Wednesdays at 7pm starting 6/1st. The group also gathers socially once a month and also has volunteer gatherings at Feed My Starving Children.
  • Connect with Bob Maxwell our Salt and Light Grow Group Leader at bmaxwell@deltadentalil.com or 630-962-8464.
Vines & Branches Grow Group is continuing a new book study (on annulment) on 6/8
  • Do you know anyone or are you seeking answers about the Catholic annulment process after having gone through the pain of divorce?
  • Perhaps you or someone you know have gotten divorced and have not gone through annulment?  Come to the book study at Vines & Branches Grow Group where you will go through “Mending the Heart: a Catholic Annulment Companion” by Lisa Duffy.  Meets on Wednesdays at 7pm, please register herel
Corpus Christi Novena Begins 6/10


LOOKING AHEAD

Rummage Sale 6/10 thru 6/12
  • Our Lady of Mercy Youth Ministry presents its 11th annual RUMMAGE SALE!
    Friday, June 10th 9am to 4pm
    Saturday, June 11th 9am to 5:30pm
    Sunday, June 12th 8am to 2pm (After Masses)
  • Huge selection of items that need a new home! Sale held indoors!
    Held in the Parish Life Center.  All Welcome! NO Early Arrivals Please! All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Teen Summer Mission Trip!
Mary’s Squad In-Person Workout continues 6/11
  • Mary’s Squad workouts on Saturday mornings at 8:15am is now in-person.
  • Workout details are: stretch and strengthening mat workout while we pray the rosary. Concludes with 10 minutes of meditative silent prayer followed by group prayer intentions.
  • On some Saturday mornings, a certified SoulCore instructor (Kiley Tyler) will lead a SoulCore workout (check out this video to find out what it is); a much better and safe alternative to yoga.
  • Please reach out and Juanita Pachecojuanitapacheco@yahoo.com one of the leads and let them know you will be joining them; they are looking forward to welcoming you.
Knights of Columbus Robert H. Weaver Scholarship Application Submit by 6/18
  • Calling all High School Seniors at Our Lady of Mercy, the Knights of Columbus Robert H. Weaver Council #12005 has established a scholarship program for high school seniors seeking financial assistance for continuing education (accredited trade school / junior college, college or university only). Scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of merit to Our Lady of Mercy parishioners who are high school seniors.
  • All applications must be submitted no later than Saturday, June 18 @ 4pm.
  • Proceed to this link for application details, requirements, and contact information.
Corpus Christi Procession 6/19
  • Save the date for our Corpus Christi Procession on Sunday 6/19th from 1pm to 3pm immediately following the 12pm Mass.
  • Connect with Shirley Staples (630) 815-5799, shirleystaples@yahoo.com for any questions.
  • Why participate in the Corpus Christi Procession?
    • Saint Pope John Paul II said it best on why he encourages you and I to take part in the procession. . . simply put it’s to make Jesus Christ “known in the modern metropolis.”  The procession reminds us Jesus is present in the world, it’s also an outward sign that represents a deeper reality, an interior disposition, here is Jesus’ body, blood, soul, and divinity under the appearances of bread, the host, walking through the streets.
    • Or as Pope Benedict XVI points out, “Corpus Christi processions allow us to “immerse [Christ], so to speak, in the daily routine of our lives, so that He may walk where we walk and live where we live.”
  • We look forward to walking with Jesus with you on Sunday, 6/19th!
Healing Hearts Ministry 6/20
  • All of us have experienced joys and sorrows, ups and downs, accomplishments and disappointments in our lives. There may have been times that resulted in brokenness or heavy hearts that affect our attitude and way of living. The Open HEARTS Ministry has changed its name to Healing Hearts as it is a ministry for anyone 18 years of age or older who would like to practice self-care for their own health and wellness and would also like to reach out to others to offer healing and hope.
  • The next gathering is on Monday, June 20 from 7pm to 8:30pm in Room 218 in the Parish Life Center. If you have questions, need resources or support, or would like to learn more about the ministry, please contact Janice Hurtado Aeppli at 312-217-7872 or at olmopenhearts@yahoo.com
St. Peregrine Prayer Service 6/21
  • All are invited to attend the St. Peregrine Prayer Service on Tuesday, June 21 in the church after the 6:30pm Mass with Deacon Tony Leazzo and Jolene LeRoy RN, Parish Nurse and Director of Pastoral Care.
  • 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. There will be time after the service to venerate the relic of St. Peregrine and pray for your personal needs or intentions.
Summer Girl’s Night Out – Undone Book Study Begins 6/23
  • Calling all women; need some girl time? Join us at the “Summer Girl’s Night Out Undone Book Study” gathering once a month for the next four months. With good food and good discussions with good friends on a summer weeknight @ 6:30pm at four unique local establishments; we hope you are able to make it. GNO dates are Thurs 6/23 @ Francesca’s Passaggio on Route 59, Weds 7/10 @ Quigley’s Irish Pub in downtown Naperville, Weds 8/10 @ Altiro Latin Fusion in downtown Aurora and Weds 9/14 @ Minghin Chinese Dim Sum in Naperville.
  • Registration and further details are found HERE.  
  • Undone: Freeing your Feminine Heart from the Knots of Fear and Shame by Carrie Schuchts Daunt is a book with a collection of raw and redemptive testimonies from Catholic women such as Lisa Brenninkmeyer and Jen Settle which offers an opportunity to discover what is true and what is healing in areas where we may have struggled in our identities as a daughter, sister, bride, and mother.
    Purchase the book now and read one chapter (part) before each gathering. Here are links to the book at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or at the JPII Healing Center site
Monthly Grief Support 6/27
  • If you are experiencing grief and would like to join others for a time of sharing stories, tears and laughter, prayer, and moving forward in hope – please come on Monday, June 27 from 11am to 1pm in the Ministry Room located in the church. There is no registration. This is an opportunity to receive support and understanding during your grief journey. If you have questions, please call Jolene LeRoy RN Parish Nurse and Director of Pastoral Care at 331-707-5380.

Did you know Yoga is bad for you? Find out why on 6/28
  • “Wait what?” you’re probably wondering.  Father James actually spoke about this in one of his AMA segments.  Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group is hosting Kiley Tyler Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Loyola University Chicago and is also a certified SoulCore instructor where she will speak about why Yoga is harmful and what you can do instead.
  • Come hear the talk on Tuesday 6/28th @ 7pm.  Bring everyone you know who does Yoga to the talk.
Magnify 6/29
  • Monthly Magnify is on Wednesday 6/29th where we host a night of adoration in the church with praise and worship by Josh Goodman to supplement that encounter with Jesus. Father James will be hearing confessions after his scriptural reflection up through Benediction. There is also prayer ministry.  As a side note, this will be Father James’ last Magnify for Father Michael will be leading us at Magnify starting in July.
  • 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-8:30pm in the Church. Don’t forget to bring the children, neighbors, and friends.
Consuming Fire Young Adults ECHO Fundraising in June
  • Our Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group will be sending members to the ECHO Retreat June 24 thru 26 in Chicago to dive into St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body together, all the while growing in authentic community. ECHO is not just an intellectual exercise, but a journey into the heart where we discover the “distant echo” of God’s plan for life and love from the very beginning. Focused on identity, prayer, vocation, relationships, and the Catholic Church’s teachings on human sexuality, participants are invited into a new level of freedom to be the gift that God has called them to be. 
  • You can support this endeavor by praying for them and sponsoring one of our young adults attending the ECHO Retreat. Every moment we walk alongside a young person as they join in the work God is doing in their life is an opportunity to affirm their purpose and celebrate their gifts.  You have the opportunity to walk alongside our young adults in a simple and good way by supporting them financially to offset the cost of the retreat, any dollar amount is helpful.
    • Drop your donation in a marked envelope into the offertory baskets during Mass or donate online through Our Sunday Visitor platform here: https://www.osvhub.com/olmercy/funds and please make a note on the memo that it is for Consuming Fire Young Adult ECHO Retreat.  Thank you so very much!
Farewell Retirement Gift for Father Don in June
  • Were you thinking of getting Father Don a farewell retirement gift?  We’ve put together a GoFundMe Farewell Retirement Gift page that could go towards creating an altar area for his retirement condo unit, a wine fridge, and since he decided on not retiring permanently to California anymore because of his many friends and connections here and also his health issues (as he wrote in his Bulletin on 5/22), this monetary gift is also for trips to his favorite place in California during the winter and also help cover unexpected expenses from his health issues.
  • Here is the link to the GoFundMe Farewell Retirement Gift page or click on the graphic below.

Catholic Baseball Camp 7/25 thru 7/26
  • Come Play Baseball with Father Burke Masters! Join the Catholic Sports Summer Camp from 7/25-7/26 at Montini High School. Open to boys and girls ages 8—12. This camp includes baseball skills & training, daily Mass, rosary, adoration, and confession.
  • Cost is $150, but scholarships are available. Register now at catholicsportscamps.org
Vacation Bible School 8/1 thru 8/5
  • Discover that trusting Jesus pulls kids through life’s ups and downs. Each day at Monumental VBS, participants trek through fun and engaging rotations that reinforce relevant Bible Points and immerse kids in new adventures. They will sing, dance, experience living Bible stories firsthand, meet a new saint each day, play high-energy games, make new friends, and explore Bible points with hands-on crafts!
  • VBS will take place August 1st-5th from 9am thru 12pm/Noon. Friday will include a closing family picnic. More information and registration details can be found here.
  • Only 100 spots are available so please register soon.

Undone Freedom for the Feminine Heart 9/22 thru 9/24
  • Save the Date for the Women’s Conference from John Paull II Healing Center – Undone – Freedom for the Feminine Heart taking place here at Our Lady of Mercy from Thursday 9/22 through Saturday 9/24.  Registration opens 6/27th.
  • Do you desire to dive deeper into the freedom that you were created for? Do you feel restricted and bound by the knots of sin and shame that conceal the profound beauty of your feminine heart?
    Ladies, immerse yourself in a three-day conference of truth and transformation as the knots of Eve, in us, are undone by Mary’s example of radical receptivity. Through a series of talks, teachings, and prayer experiences, you will be invited to become Undone in God’s presence while deeply receiving the truth of your authentic identity.  Let your friends know to save these dates as well, you won’t want to miss this conference.
World Youth Day 2023 
  • The Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group is looking to join the Joliet Diocese on a Pilgrimage to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day 2023 from July 29 to August 7. Come and join them! This includes an optional pre-tour to Madrid from July 25 to 29.  Proceed here for further details.

Family Faith Formation Office is Hiring 
  • Coordinator of Family & Youth Evangelization & Catechesis for 
    Grades 6-12 Youth Ministry – LIGHT & EDGE
    We are seeking a part-time Coordinator for Family and Youth Catechesis and Evangelization for Grades 6-12. The Coordinator will work with a ministry team to develop and grow disciples for Christ and send them on mission. The primary focus will be spent working with high school and middle school teens and their families in a variety of ministry settings. An applicant must have experience in youth or family ministry, have a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies, or Pastoral Ministry or a related field and must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing, and must know, profess and act consistently in accordance with the doctrinal and moral teachings of the Catholic Church, and with the mission, philosophy, objectives, and policies of the Diocese of Joliet. The position is 28 hours a week with no benefits.Please submit a resume to Dave Miserendino via email at DaveM@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org.
Building a Community Garden on Parish Grounds
  • Do you have a green thumb? Or perhaps you like gardening and are good at caring for plants?  Connect with the Justice & Peace Ministry, which is planning a Community Garden at Our Lady of Mercy.  Produce from the Community Garden will be given to local organizations such as Hesed House and local food pantries. Please contact Ida at 630-605- 6038 or idamphillips@gmail.com or Chris at 631-561-9722 or chrisharveyny@gmail.com.  They will be forming a committee to organize and care for the community garden.

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 to Christian values the government schools are indoctrinating the children who attend the 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 the last quarter of 2021, we provided assistance to 35 people/families.
  • 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
  • Read Father Don’s insightful weekly Bulletin article located here. 
Don’t Get Scammed by Fake Fathers!
  • Did you get an email or a text message from (a fake) Father Don this past week? Please remember, Father Don and Father James DO NOT send texts or emails asking for money or gift cards.  If you receive a message appearing to be from Father Don or Father James, please discard it and DO NOT SEND ANY ELECTRONIC MONETARY AID.
Supporting OLM through the CMAA
  • Thank you so much to those who have pledged!  Once we have reached our goal in paid pledges, 70% of the additional funds received will be returned to our parish.
  • Father Don and Bishop Hicks are asking us to join them in pledging to the CMAA to help the poor and vulnerable, form our future shepherds, and spread the faith through our Catholic schools, faith formation programs in parishes, and programs for young adults.
  • Donations can be made here Check out how your gifts to the CMAA help at this link. Thank you for your consideration.
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 be praying 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.


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.


GRIEF SUPPORT MINISTRY

If you are experiencing grief and would like to join others for a time of sharing stories, tears and laughter, prayer, and moving forward in hope – please come on Monday, June 27 from 11am to 1pm in the Ministry Room located in the church. There is no registration. This is an opportunity to receive support and understanding during your grief journey. If you have questions, please call Jolene LeRoy RN Parish Nurse and Director of Pastoral Care at 331-707-5380.

SAVE THE DATES