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February 4, 2024 | Parish Update

A Sacred Space. CMAA 2024. & Ash Wednesday.

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

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

       I’m pretty good at throwing parties, in particular, pity parties. When I was 25 years old, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. As I look back, I know that the Lord uses all things for His glory because my diagnosis led to my priestly discernment. But, for selfish reasons, it added to my pity party; I was now a proud owner of “the cancer card”! I remember one time when my sister and I were discussing with my mom where we should all go to dinner. My sister and I had different ideas of which restaurant to go to, but ultimately, I won in the end. Why? Because I had cancer!

       I bring this up because in our first reading, Job is throwing his own pity party. “Job spoke, saying: ‘Is not man’s life on earth is a drudgery?’” (Job 7:1) Now, I don’t think it’s just Job or myself that tend to feel this way sometimes. Why? Well, when we are going through our crosses and trials, or when we are hurting, we typically feel isolated and alone. We may feel like no one can grasp or comprehend what we are actually going through. 

       However, what our faith makes clear is that we are never alone, and the Lord knows exactly what we are going through. In our Gospel reading today, the Lord seeks out Peter’s Mother-in-Law who is sick. Not only does the Lord seek us out, but we are also able to approach Him and call out in our need. Later in Job’s story, he will cry out to the Lord and the Lord will hear his cry. In the Gospel, many people come to Lord seeking healing as the sun sets. 

      May I invite us, especially with the crosses we bear, to seek out the Lord in prayer instead of throwing a pity party and feeling isolated. Next Sunday, February 11th, after the Noon Mass Bishop Ronald Hicks will dedicate our new Adoration Chapel. My hope is that this sacred space may become a place where many can come and bring their crosses before the Lord, knowing that they are never alone, and that the Lord is with them!

Father Michael

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

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Mondays with Monica & Augustine Prayer Group Continues 2/5

• Join us at OLM on Mondays at 7:30 pm, where we can find inspiration and companionship in the stories of St. Monica and St. Augustine. Together, let’s reflect on our family situations and navigate the challenges we encounter with our loved ones who may have strayed from the Church. See you there!

Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group Continues 2/6

• Calling all young adults, join our Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group (CFYA) on Tuesday at 7pm for community and faith building. The talk on Tuesday evening will be about “Preparing for Lent.” Reach out to cfyagg@gmail.com to get plugged in with the group or sign up at the link HERE

Bible Studies Continue on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 2/6 & 2/7

• 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
  • Ascension Press The Timeline Bible Study.Held on Wednesdays at 7pm for 22 sessions (with a summer break). This Bible Study is a great fit for those new to the Bible.  See the trailer below.  Please register here for this study.
    The Bible Timeline® Study Program takes you n a guided journey through salvation history. Presenter Jeff Cavins shows you how fourteen of the Bible’s narrative books tell the biblical story from beginning to end and gives you the keys to understanding the amazing story woven through Scripture. Please purchase the study guide online at this link.  Check out the trailer here.
  • The Gospel of John.Held on Tuesdays at 7pm for about 8 sessions. This Bible Study is a great fit for those that have made Bible Study part of their relationship with Jesus.  See the trailer below.  Please register here for this study.  We will use the Ascension Press Follow Me: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John study guide and video. Please purchase the study guide online at this link. Here is the trailer for this wonderful study.

Vine & Branches Continues 2/7

• 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 2/7 & 2/8

• Join Salt and Light Grow Group for 𝗙𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘆’𝘀 “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗱” for fast-paced and lively sessions through a video talk followed by group discussion.
• Join us either 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.

Fit Shepherds on Wednesday and Saturday mornings

• To all men, as we embrace the New Year and thoughts turn to fitness resolutions, consider joining Fit Shepherds—a unique blend 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.
• 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
• Get a glimpse of a Saturday morning work out and see the video below.

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.

Support the Teen Mission Trip & Help Raise $10,000 so that Fr. Michael Shaves Off his Beard! 

• Let us aim to raise $10,000 so he can shave it all off for a worthy cause; to support our teens going on the Mission Trip this summer. (Did you know that the teens are individually responsible for the cost of the trip as well as the tools needed?) Donate online through Our Sunday Visitor platform here: https://www.osvhub.com/olmercy/giving/funds
•  Please also keep our teens, parents, and volunteers in prayer, as they prepare for and go on the Mission Trip.
  𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁.

Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal  2024 on 2/10 & 2/11

• We will hear from Bishop Hicks about the 2024 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal at all the Mass times during the weekend of 2/10 through 2/11.  The CMAA is a powerful way we can honor God’s glory by helping our neighbors in need.Every day, across the Diocese of Joliet, your generosity is making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate through Catholic Charities, inspiring our next generation of faithful in our Catholic schools and parishes, and it’s educating the men who will devote their lives to shepherding us as our future priests. Please prayerfully consider what you are able to give and live your faith fully by making your gift today. Your generosity is so greatly appreciated. Thank you for sharing your blessings!
• Fill out the envelope during the Mass or donate online here.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/cWINlRjvTAQKnights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast 2/11

• The Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 11th from 8am to Noon in the PLC. Plan on stopping by for a delicious breakfast while helping to support the Teen Mission Trip. Tickets will be available at the door.

Eucharistic Adoration Chapel Dedication 2/11

• Please join us on Sunday 2/11th as Bishop Hicks will be dedicating the new Eucharistic Adoration Chapel immediately following the Noon Mass. (around 1pm) This dedication will be followed by a cake and coffee reception hosted by Fr. Michael and Fr. Frank in the PLC. See you there!

Eucharistic Adoration Begins in the Chapel 2/12

• On Monday 2/12th after the 8:30am Mass, Eucharistic Adoration begins in the Chapel. Adorers who have signed up for an hour commitment during the week will allow for anyone to stop by and pray with Jesus Monday through Friday 8:30am through 6pm.  Here are a few guidelines to be keep in mind.
  • Please adore in silence.
  • Please sign in. Whether you are just visiting or a committed adorer, we are asking that you please sign in. Beside the doors into the chapel is a wall mounted kiosk where you can sign in, just select “Adorer Sign In.”  To get familiar with this process here is a link to the check-in software.
  • The statues are so beautiful it makes you want to touch them; however, we are asking if you could please refrain from touching them.

Walking Through Grief 6-Week Series Begins 2/12

• Experiencing the loss of a loved one is a difficult journey. Our Lady of Mercy is offering a supportive place for participants (ages 18 and older) 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 1pm to 2:30pm on the following Mondays, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/4, 3/11, & 3/18 in Room 208 in the Parish Life Center (PLC)
• Registration is requested, Please connect with Jolene Leroy at 331-707-5380 

Living With Grief Session- “Caring For Your Heart While Grieving” 2/13

• 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.
• Come to our session “Caring For Your Heart While Grieving” on Tuesday 2/13th from 1pm to 2:30pm in Room 208
• Registration is requested- Connect with Jolene Leroy at 331-707-5380 to RSVP or for questions.

Join us on Ash Wednesday 2/14

• Begin Lent with us on Ash Wednesday 2/14th and receive Ashes at either the 6:30am, 8am, 12pm (livestreamed), 7pm Mass times or at the 5:30pm Scripture Service.
• To find out more about Ash Wednesday check out our FAQ page (is it a Holy Day of Obligation, does someone need to be Catholic to receive ashes etc.)

The Rescue Project Begins 2/15

• “𝘐 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘐 𝘨𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘰.”
  “𝘐’𝘮 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘕𝘌𝘝𝘌𝘙 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.”
  “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧.”
  “𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘰.”— Feedback from people who have experienced The Rescue Project
  𝟭𝟬 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂
  1. Perhaps you would like to resonate with some of the feedback mentioned above.
  2. If you are experiencing OR think of the Christian faith as a mere set of rules and disciplines.
  3. If going to Mass is boring or attending a Church service is more a habit (a check the box) than something you feel a need to participate in.
  4. If Jesus is only a figure in ancient history for you.
  5. If you have been walking with Jesus for years and love Him.
  6. If you want to experience the gospel surrounded by good food, conversation, and prayer.
  7. If you want to experience beauty, authentic humanity, and accompaniment.
  8. If you want to go into a deeper dive into your relationship with Jesus this Lent.
  9. If you are at juncture in life and are uncertain of what to do next.
  10. If you don’t know Jesus, want to know Him and recognize being known by Him.
  𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄 held on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm with free dinner, followed by Fr. Riccardo breaking open The Rescue Project segments of Created, Captured, RESCUED and Response. The evening ends with a small group discussion.  Register at this link for this transformative experience of the gospel which gives you a deeper insight on the Mass!
• Check out the personal message below from Fr. John Riccardo to you!

Register for the Rescue Project

Winter Vianney Visit 2/15-2/17

• 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁!
  Spend a winter weekend developing your prayer life and trust in God’s plan for you. The Vianney Visit provides high school sophomores through college age men (ages 16–24) the opportunity to take a closer look and experience college seminary. Attend Mass, prayer and spiritual conferences with SJV priests and hear testimonies from SJV seminarians. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱.For more information & registration forms, please click here: https://www.diojoliet.org/w/vianney-visit

Migrant Support Collection 2/17 & 2/18

• Looking for a way to support the many migrant families arriving in the area?
  𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀, 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀, 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀, 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 (𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝟰/𝟱/𝟲) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟳𝘁𝗵 & 𝟭𝟴𝘁𝗵.  
• These items will be brought to the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in West Humboldt Park. The Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago have been serving many families, and the need for material support is very high. Thank you so much for your generosity.
• You can find out more about the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels here:
  https://www.missionola.com/
• Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago:
  https://www.franciscansoftheeucharistofchicago.com/ 
• Questions? Please contact Chris Harvey at 631-561-9722 OR chrisharveyny@gmail.com

Fill an Easter Bag for a Child in Need 2/17 & 2/18

• Service Opportunity: Fill an Easter Bag for a Child in Need!
  Pick up a Bag at OLM the Weekend of Feb. 17th & 18th
• Fill your bag with items and return by the weekend of March 9th & 10th
  These Easter Bags will benefit children and families assisted by the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry. 
• Questions? Contact lydias@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org

Donut Sunday 2/18

• Stop by the PLC after the 8am and 10am Masses on Sunday, February 18th for Yummy Donuts, Good Coffee & Wonderful Fellowship.

St. Peregrine Prayer Service 2/20

• For those with cancer, serious or chronic illnesses, and their caregivers… Come to the St. Peregrine Prayer Service on Tuesday 2/20th following the 6:30pm Mass.
• St. Peregrine is the patron saint of the sick, especially those suffering from cancer, serious illness, or chronic illness. The prayer service is for the intention of those with cancer, serious or chronic illnesses, and their caregivers

Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry 2/21

• The Mobile Food Pantry is on Weds 2/21 from 4:30pm to 6pm.  Don’t forget to share the Our Lady of Mercy social media posting on your network; you never know who among your network is in need of food.
• The Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Mobile Food Pantry delivers healthy food (meat, produce, and non-perishable items) to people in need. No identification or information will be required or collected. This event is open to anyone in need of food! Mobile Food Pantries use a “drive-thru” method to distribute. Please clear space in your trunk or backseat so volunteers can load boxes of food directly into your vehicle. Mobile Food Pantries take place snow, rain, or shine!

CRHP Men’s Retreat 2/24 – 2/25 & Women’s Retreat 3/2 – 3/3

• Register now for CRHP, an incredible experience that will recharge your faith life, help you develop lasting friendships, and fill you with newfound energy and purpose.
• Should you have any questions in the meantime, connect with the Men and Women’s invitation coordinators for any questions Alex Grove (331)330-0257 or Beatriz Cultura (630)544-0720 crhpolm@gmail.com or check out the FAQs at their webpage.
• A Special Opportunity for Men & Women
  WHAT. Do you sense that something’s missing in your life? Do you feel that if you weren’t so busy you would be happier, healthier, more effective, more fulfilled, and maybe even a better person?
  Come to the next men’s and women’s CRHP weekend! It’s an incredible experience that will help you discover what’s missing in your life and what to do about it.
  Whether you want to connect with other men or women in the parish, improve your prayer life, or just take a break from the craziness of your everyday to have fun and not have to cook or clean, work, shovel the snow, tackle the next item on the ‘to do’ list, you will find what you are looking for—and more.
  WHEN. 𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝟮/𝟮𝟰 – 𝟮/𝟮𝟱 & 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝟯/𝟮 – 𝟯/𝟯. The day on Saturday starts at 7:30am and goes through the evening at 8:30pm.  We return the next day at the same time 7:30am ending at 3pm.
  WHERE. In the Parish Life Center (PLC) at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 701 S. Eola Road, Aurora
  WHO. Any individual over the age of 18
  WHY. Because you deserve to live with passion and purpose.
  REGISTER. Please register soon

First Friday and Saturday Devotion 3/1 & 3/2

• Let us be in prayer at any of our great communal prayer devotions.  𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀! All are invited to join the First Friday of Reparation and the Communal First Saturday!
  • Extra Friday Confession immediately following the 8am Mass
    
  • Respect Life 1st Friday Devotion: The Respect Life Ministry invites you to stand and silently pray in front of Waterleaf Women’s Center on January 5. Prayer warriors are needed for one hour shifts 7 am – 4 pm to change hearts and save lives. For more information, please call Lisa at (630) 236-3310-
  • ADDITIONAL FRIDAY MASS AT 12PM
  • First Saturday Devotion after the 8:30AM Mass
  • Saturday Confessions immediately following the 8:30am Mass and also from 1:30pm to 2:30pm
• Here is a really good video from Fr. Chris Alar MIC on the First Saturday Devotion https://youtu.be/IaCNDjukTHI?si=9n6xgNE3I9TQBH3z

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: https://ourladyofmercyaurora.flocknote.com/signup/152664

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*

2024 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Champions

• The Robert H. Weaver Knights of Columbus Council #12005 would like to congratulate the following winners of our free throw competition held January 18, 2024, at the Our Lady of Mercy Parish Life Center:
  Gabriella Curcio, Aiden Gross, Juan Pablo Cordero, Giovanni Sanderlin
       We wish them luck as they move on to the District competition in February, with the winners advancing to the Regional competition in March.
       We thank all the kids that came out for a fun evening of competition.
  Congratulations once again.

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 Deacon Bugsy Sindanc at bugsys@olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org and arrangements will be made. 
• Caring for a Loved One with Mary” by Theresa Kiser is in the book kiosk. Completely occupied by the constant care necessary for her son’s medically complex situation, Theresa Kiser struggled to reconcile with the physical, emotional, social, and mental tolls it took on her family. But when she stumbled upon the devotion of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, she was surprised — and deeply relieved — to discover that Our Lady walked this caregiving road before her. The Seven Sorrows devotion nourished her soul with comfort, companionship, and grace at a time when she needed it most.

Is God Calling You to the Priesthood?

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

Bishop Hick’s Monthly Column 

• Bishop Hicks’ monthly column for January is titled “Benefits of a Paper Calendar in the Digital Age” 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.
• ther” Read his insightful column HERE.

Scam Emails and Text Messages

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

Did You Know We Have a Parish School?

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

St. Vincent de Paul Society Volunteers

• Thank you for your support of our clothing drive. Your clothing donation, as well as your financial donations throughout the year, allows us to help our parishioners and neighbors in need. In 2023, we provided assistance to 79 households, helping 200 men, women and children to remain in their homes or apartments in time of financial need.
• The ministry is always looking for volunteers to join our St. Vincent de Paul Society in assisting our neighbors in need. If you would like to volunteer or learn more, send an email to olmsvdp@gmail.com with your name and contact information.

Bulletin

• Check out the weekly Bulletin located here. 

For the Hispanic Community

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

A Note from the Intercessory Prayer Ministry

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

Have you downloaded our myParish App yet?

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

Donate Online Through OSV Giving

• Whether you are a registered parishioner with us or visiting, we are set up to receive donations online through OSV Our Sunday Visitor.
• OSV is an online website that makes contributions faster, easier, and accessible at anytime for donors. Click here to for online giving.
• You can also access this link through our myParish App “Giving” button. Don’t have the myParish App yet? Text APP to 88202 to download!  Receive this update, instant news, and get access to the parish calendar, daily readings, and Confession guide.