October 15, 2022 | Parish Update
Silence & Prayer, Thanking Deacon Lupe, and Unbound Registration
View the full posting at https://app.flocknote.com/note/18537992
From Father Michael . . .
In our Gospel this weekend Jesus challenges his disciples “to pray without becoming weary.” He uses an example of a widow appealing to a dishonest judge to give right judgment. It seems like nagging but Jesus is asking his disciples to have the same perseverance as the widow. Now this example could be easily misunderstood because the widow’s actions are all external. However, prayer which may have external actions begins with an internal movement of the heart. It is where the Lord resides, hence, silence is a necessity to prayer!
The problem is that we have come to find comfort in the noise and the chaos. Even though God is draped in silence, as shared by Cardinal Sarah, we choose to turn away from silence because we are afraid of what it might reveal. We have been forming our lives on things other than God. From our phones, computers, TVs, we bombard ourselves with distractions from entertainment to work. Even I, as a priest, struggle to separate myself from screen time. Currently, I have my laptop open typing the bulletin, I have my iPad pro open with the Sunday readings, and my phone playing music! And let’s not talk about the feelings when I don’t know where my phone is. Lord, have Mercy!
When asked about what virtues are needed to help grow in silence and prayer, Cardinal Sarah suggests that we ask for the virtues of hope and courage. With hope, we can trust that the Lord will satisfy us in silence, and with courage, we can overcome our fears and have the strength to turn away from things not from the Lord.
If I can offer a challenge to myself and you, let us make a substantial effort through the week to take a morning or afternoon away from our phones, computers, and TVs, and when the desire strikes to avoid silence, let us actually enter into a conversation with the Lord.Father Michael
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We look forward to seeing you at Our Lady of Mercy taking part in many of the offerings we have, or maybe when you stop by and visit Jesus at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, at daily Mass during the week, or during Eucharistic Adoration.
THIS COMING WEEK
- All are invited to attend the St. Peregrine Prayer Service on Tuesday, October 18th 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.
- 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿, “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻,” 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟬/𝟭𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗟𝗖 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟴.
After examining the relationship between the Passion of Christ and Divine Mercy, our 90-minute seminar will delve into the direct words of Jesus as revealed by Saint Maria Faustina in her Diary entitled, “Divine Mercy in My Soul.” Most prominent will be the following words of Jesus, which today are revered as His Extraordinary Promise: “On that (Divine Mercy) Feast Day, the depths of My mercy will be open to all…The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.”
In addition to OLM’s annual celebration of the Divine Mercy Sunday Feast Day, which next take place April 16, 2023, this seminar will deeply examine the following vessels of Divine Mercy that Jesus, through St. Faustina, made available for us each day of the year:
Praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Reciting a Novena of Chaplets
Contemplating the Divine Mercy Image
Daily Observance of the 3 p.m. Hour of Mercy.
Practicing Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
A closing highlight will be a group recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Pamphlets featuring the Chaplet and Novena, as well as lovely Divine Mercy Images, will be available. No registration needed, but participants should be sure to bring their Rosary!
Call Bill Troller at (630) 585-1865 or e-mail trollerw@live.com for more information. 
Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group continues on 10/18
- All young adults are invited to join the Consuming Fire Young Adult Community. This group meets every Tuesday from 7pm to 8:30pm in the basement of the rectory (the priest’s home). We gather to eat, pray, and ‘do life together’!
- From the weekly Tuesday gatherings to additional social gatherings (hiking, dinner at someone’s home or at a restaurant, movie nights, adoration, rosary walks) there are so many good reasons to join this fun awesome group! Want more information? Sign up HERE
- It’s not too late to join over 100 participants at “The Chosen” Catholic Bible Study on Tuesdays @ 7pm.
Whether you’ve never been to a Bible Study, are intimidated by the Bible, or are a regular participant in our Bible Studies, this experience is for you!
Through both watching the series episode and breaking open the Scripture readings related to each episode, the experience will enable you to imagine yourself in the story. This will change the way you read the Bible forever. - Contact Joe Wiacek or Joe Glasgoww with any questions and to register: joewiacek@gmail.com or Joe.Glasgow@packagingprice.com
- This month’s Mobile Food Pantry is on Weds 10/19th from 4:30pm to 6pm in the parking lot at OLM. Don’t forget to share the Our Lady of Mercy social media posting on your network; you never know who among your network is in need of food.
- The Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Mobile Food Pantry delivers healthy food (meat, produce, and non-perishable items) to people in need. No identification or information will be required or collected. This event is open to anyone in need of food! Mobile Food Pantries use a “drive-thru” method to distribute food during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please clear space in your trunk or backseat so volunteers can load boxes of food directly into your vehicle. Catholic Charities helps people of all faiths and beliefs. Mobile Food Pantries take place rain or shine!
- Every Sunday, we get to witness a miracle. Sometimes it can be difficult to wrap our minds and hearts around this fact. Dive deeper into this six-week study from the Augustine Institute, and see why this mystery is Jesus’ greatest gift to us. Come to the “𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁”
- With 𝗗𝗿. 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗿𝗶, 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗱, 𝗧𝗶𝗺 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗵𝗻, 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗳𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲; watch them with beautiful film-making and powerful teaching, the PRESENCE series will move your heart; 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝘀 @ 𝟳:𝟯𝟬𝗽𝗺.𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞! Register now
- We take another step in our journey of faith at Alpha as we head into our 6th gathering centering on “Why & How Should I Read the Bible?”
- Please keep our 100+ participants in your prayers as they grow in their relationship with Jesus especially those new to the faith, pray that they would experience God’s love in a real and relevant way.
- Did you know there is an Adult Men’s Basketball League at OLM? It’s more than a game. Join in on the fun, competition, and camaraderie of the adult men’s basketball league. Connect with other players or find others to play, reach out to Brandon Acuff at brandon.acuff@gmail.com
- Or install the following for participation and sign-ups: TeamReach (http://teamreach.com/). Join OLMC MENS Basketball 🏀. Enter code: olmchoops
LOOKING AHEAD
- Join the Salt and Light Grow Group @ FMSC Feed My Starving Children on Friday 10/21st from 4:30pm to 6:15pm! Connect with Geri Capulong, one of our Salt and Light Grow Group Leaders, to let her know you are registering for one of the packing spots, at gericapulong@gmail.com.
Holiday Pies on Sale 10/22 & 10/23
- Our annual Holiday Pie Sale is now taking place! Please order delicious pies for the holidays or for Hesed House and support our teens attending the mission trip. Come and place your orders after mass on October 22nd or 23rd.
- Dear Friends,
On October 23, we celebrate World Mission Sunday, when we join Catholics worldwide in supporting the work of the Church.
Pope Francis draws inspiration from the Acts of the apostles for the theme of this year’s World Mission Sunday “You shall be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). In his message, he notes the work of the Blessed Pauline Jaricot, a young French woman who founded the Society for the Propagation of the Faith 200 years ago: “She accepted God’s inspiration to establish a network of prayer and collection for missionaries, so that the faithful could actively participate in the mission ‘to the ends of the earth.'” Her vision would to World Mission Sunday.
Your donations and prayers support priests, religious and lay pastoral leaders in more than 1,000 mission dioceses in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe as they proclaim the Gospel, build the Church, and serve the poor.
When you contribute to the World Mission Sunday collection, you make it possible for the Holy Father and our Diocese of Joliet missions to provide for the formation of our seminarians and religious men and women. You help build churches, schools and orphanages in remote areas that few visit. And you provide food and essentials for our missionary priests and religious brothers and sisters so they may spread the Gospel and celebrate the sacraments.
Let us follow in the footsteps of Blessed Pauline Jaricot by donating to the second collection on October 23.
Paz y bien,
Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks
Bishop of Joliet
- Youth Alpha gives high school teens the opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Youth Alpha course at Our Lady of Mercy will meet on Sunday evenings for 9 weeks in the Parish Life Center. Sessions begin with a dessert bar, fun activities to get to know others, followed by a short video talk, and time to discuss the topic. During the discussion, everyone is welcome to contribute their opinions and no question is considered hostile or too simple. Questions might include–Is there a God? Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Alpha is for everyone –no question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish. We don’t assume any background knowledge or belief in Christianity and everyone is welcome.
- Teen Alpha Nights is held on Sundays from 6:30pm-8:15pm; invite the teen in your life. Details and registration are found here.
Grief Support 10/24
- 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, October 24 from 11am to 1pm in the Ministry Room located in the church. There is no registration. If you have lost your spouse and would like to join a weekly support group, please contact Jolene LeRoy RN Parish Nurse and Director of Pastoral Care at 331-707-5380.
- All of us have experienced joys and sorrows, ups and downs, accomplishments and disappointments in our lives. Healing Hearts 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 Healing Hearts Ministry gathering is on Monday, September 26th from 7pm to 8:30pm in Room 218 of the Parish Life Center. Come and create a journal. Father Michael Kearney, our pastor will be joining us for our discussion and self-care activity.
- Please contact Janice Hurtado Aeppli at 312-217-7872 or at olmopenhearts@yahoo.com for any questions.
- Our monthly Magnify is on Wednesday 10/26th when we host a night of adoration in the church from 7-8:30 pm with praise and worship by Josh Goodman to supplement that encounter with Jesus. Father Michael will be hearing confessions after his scriptural reflection up through Benediction. There is also 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 – 8:30pm in the Church. Don’t forget to bring the children, neighbors, and friends.
- I’m looking forward to this year’s “Trunk-or-Treating with the Saints” on October 29, hosted by our Family Faith Formation Office! The Christian life is all about striving for Sainthood! I’d like to encourage parents, grandparents, and our young adults to support this event, with prayerful consideration, to host a trunk decorated to reflect a saint of your choice. As St. Therese of Lisieux once said, “Holiness consists simply in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be.” Which saint is He calling you to become?
God Bless,
Fr. Michael
See details and sign-up to host a trunk here. 
Charismatic Healing Mass 11/5
- On Saturday, 11/5 at 6pm is the Charismatic Healing Mass. 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.
Brogan Family Coat Drive on 11/6
- The annual Brogan Family Coat Drive will be on Sunday 11/6th from 9am to 12pm. There will be a trailer in the parking lot waiting to receive your donations. Clear out your coat closets for a good cause!
- Mike and Carole Brogan were icons at Our Lady of Mercy. Both passed away in 2019. One of the ways they supported our parish was a yearly coat drive. They would literally pack up their car with donations to the point that they could barely see out of their car windows.
- Once again this year the Brogan Family and our church would like to continue this mission by asking for donations of new and gently used coats, hats, boots, and gloves. The donations for women and children will benefit Mutual Ground and the donations for men’s items will benefit Breaking Free.
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- Because of the fruitfulness of the last conference and repeated requests, there will be an Unbound Freedom in Christ Conference on 12/9 from 6:30pm to 9:15pm through 12/10 from 9am to 9pm with catered lunch & dinner included.
- Recommended reading prior to the conference is the “Unbound: A Practical Guide to Deliverance.” The book is available in the parish office for $15, purchase a copy today and prepare your heart to be overwhelmed by the love of Jesus.
- Unsure about Unbound? Check out the short videos below of the recent conference and a snippet of what Unbound is. Experience what over 200 people experienced at the last conference; sign up now.
Are you curious about becoming Catholic? Are you Catholic but haven’t yet received all your sacraments?
- O.C.I A., the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, is the amazing journey of entering into the fullness of the Catholic faith. We will help you to learn, grow, find community, and prepare for the fullness of life that God desires for us all!
- Even if you’re unsure with where you’re at regarding becoming Catholic or receiving all your sacraments, please fill out this form so that we can know how best to help! You are also welcome to reach out to Fr. James at frjames@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org
Health Updates on Father Don
- Please continue to keep Father Don in your prayers. To keep updated on how he is doing, please check the following CaringBridge website.
- High School Teens are invited to attend our Mission Trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan on Sunday-Saturday, July 9-15, 2023. This coming summer, the Our Lady of Mercy youth ministry will be traveling to MI to do service work for those in need.
- Sign up now for this life-changing encounter! Proceed here for further details.
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.
Bishop Hick’s Monthly Column
- In his October column, Bishop Hicks writes about “Pruning our diocesan tree so that we may thrive and grow.” Be sure to take a moment to read his column because Bishop speaks about how his “senior staff and the deans will discern and collaborate to create a list of parishes and schools whose futures will need to be addressed in three stages: Urgent; in the next year; and in two to three years. When we have reached consensus on what parishes and schools will be affected by this targeted restructuring process, we will continue to share and publish the information through various channels, including our diocesan website.”
- Read It HERE.
Scam Emails
- From time to time, there are phishing (SCAM) emails going out to members of the parish and staff claiming to be Father Michael.
Please note that Father Michael and Father James 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!
Do you have a story to share of your time with Jesus in the Eucharist?
- In the Eucharist, Jesus wants to remind you that you are never alone, that He is with you. In your brokenness, sorrows, and frustrations, He is with you. In everything you face—when you’re tired, ready to give up, hanging on by a thread, Jesus says to you, “I AM HERE.”
- If you have experienced the above with Jesus, we invite you to share your story so as to inspire others to spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist, and to go to Holy Mass. Allow your story to be the vessel that can reach that person who Jesus is drawing to Himself more closely, especially those who are going through a tough time right now. Let us take part in the National Eucharistic Revival in a tangible way; come and share your story of your encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. Connect with zara@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org to share your encounter.
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 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.
- 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.
- Check out the weekly Bulletin located here.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Our online giving link has been updated by our provider (OSV), please be sure to update your bookmark, below is the link.
- The myParish App “Giving” button has been updated. Don’t have the myParish App yet? Text APP to 88202 to download! Receive this update, instant news, and get access to the parish calendar, daily readings, and Confession guide among a plethora of things.
- https://www.osvhub.com/olmercy/giving/funds
Grow Groups | We continue to launch Grow Groups, one group at a time.
Connect with zara@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org for any questions.
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. This includes an optional pre-tour to Madrid from July 25 to 29. Proceed here for further details.
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.
Kim Harris kimharris73@yahoo.com
Mary LoGalbo logalbo.marycarol@gmail.com
John Frederick jdfredericj@icloud.com
Jim Marks jimm6351@yahoo.com
GROW YOUR FAITH
FEMCATHOLIC CONFERENCE ON 10/29
At a time when women are leading like never before. FemCatholic is bringing together women from across the country for a day of education, connection, and activation. Gather with women across the country for this unforgettable experience at Nashville, TN on 10/29. Register here.
GOOD NEWS CONFERENCE ON 10/30 THRU 11/2
Hear from Bishop Robert Barron, Father Mike Schmitz, Father John Riccardo, Jonathan Roumie, and several more on “The Way of Beauty” Good News Conference in Phoenix, AZ Oct 30th through Nov 2nd. Details and registration are found here.
ENCOUNTER CONFERENCE ON 12/28 THRU 12/30
Hosted by Encounter Ministries in Grand Rapids, MI, conference participants can expect an atmosphere of Spirit-filled worship in the presence of God, Holy Mass, inspiring and transforming keynote speakers, breakout sessions, Eucharistic Adoration, a healing service, fellowship, and many opportunities for prayer ministry and growth in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Proceed here for details and registration.
SEEK CONFERENCE ON 1/13 & 1/14
Taking place in St. Louis, MO, SEEK is the only Catholic conference of its size diving into the heart of the Gospel and exploring how to answer Christ’s call in every moment. SEEK is for everyone. That means you. There’s Prayer, Fellowship, Inspiration, and Entertainment, sign up for SEEK23 and join the thousands who are answering a new call to become a disciple.
WONDER CONFERENCE ON 1/13 & 1/14
Registration is now available for the inaugural Wonder Conference, presented by the Word on Fire Institute, an annual opportunity to engage with theologians and other experts on important issues at the intersection of the Catholic faith and secular culture. This year’s conference is on faith and science. It is taking place at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center.
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.
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.
- Visit http://signup.formed.org/
- Enter our parish zip or name
- Enter your name and email
Check out our “Eucharist Resources” page to help us understand deeply the centrality of the Eucharist in our lives.
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 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
Engage 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
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.
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 Jolene LeRoy RN Parish Nurse and Director of Pastoral Care for support and resources at jolenel@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org or 331-707-5380.
HEALING HEARTS MINISTRY
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.
If you are in need of emotional or mental health support or resources, please contact Janice Hurtado Aeppli at 321-217- 7872 or at olmopenhearts@yahoo.com
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 accountability and share ideas as to how to strengthen 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 from the grips of pornography and want to Restore your life email us at Restore.olm@gmail.com to find out more information on when and where we meet.
Be encouraged; check out this Testimony.
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.
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. Please see this infographic to be informed on how we are walking with Moms in need. Connect with Lydia Schmitt for further questions at lydias@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org
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