March 20 – Third Week of Lent

It’s that time of Lent again!  The Scrutinies!  What are they? The scrutinies are part of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). At the beginning of Lent, catechumens are elected by the bishop for the Easter sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. These Elect, as they are now called, begin their final period of “purification and enlightenment” before Easter. On the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent we celebrate these special rites for them.  At OLM, we will celebrate the Scrutinies with our elect at the 10:00am Mass on March 20, March 27, and April 3.

The scrutinies are meant to help the Elect in two ways:
First, the Elect are reminded that they are sinners (as we all are) — but that is not a cause for despair or discouragement. The reality that we celebrate at the Triduum is that we have salvation in Christ. By knowing the truth about ourselves we come to know our need for God — and thirst more and more for life-giving waters. Second, the scrutinies are meant to help heal what is sinful and strengthen what is good in the Elect. Part of the scrutinies is a prayer for freedom and protection from the effects of sin and from any influence of the devil — what we call a “minor exorcism.” That may sound a little scary or conjure up some bad Hollywood images, but no one is saying that the Elect are possessed! Rather, for the Elect, this final season of preparation can be a time of fatigue and temptation. They need our prayers. The scrutinies, then, are a way for us — the Church — to help support the Elect on this final leg of their journey to the font and table.

The readings from Cycle A of the Lectionary are used when the scrutinies are celebrated because the Gospel selections for those days have been traditionally associated with baptism: the Samaritan woman at the well, the healing of the man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus. By recounting these stories, we not only help the Elect understand where they are going — we remind ourselves of where we’ve come from. We are reminded that in baptism we are given to drink of life-giving waters, we are given new eyes of faith, and we are given new life. We are reminded that Christ is the living water, the light of the world, the resurrection and the life. The special Mass prayers used on these days reinforce those powerful images.

As we observe these Sundays of Lent, let us keep our Elect — and our candidates (those to be received in the Church during the Easter Season) — in prayer. Let us remember, too, the truth of the scrutinies: We are all sinners in need of healing and forgiveness; we all need the salvation offered by Christ Jesus.

Have a Blessed Lent!

Father Don

March 13 – Second Sunday of Lent

What if……The Transfiguration in today’s Gospel was not really about a dramatic, dazzling change in Jesus, but was instead about the radical change that took place in the apostles – that they could see Jesus differently?  What if today’s Gospel is really about transfigurations that take place in the lives of people around us, the kinds of changes that make us ask ourselves – Why haven’t I made that change, too?  What if….this story of transfiguration is really about you and me – and about moments in our lives when God opens our eyes to see the divine within and around us?

Perhaps what today’s Gospel is trying to get us to see is that the Transfiguration of Jesus isn’t a spectacular special-effects incident that took place a long time ago.  It’s instead a sweet glimpse of heaven that can come to any of us right now –if we are able to see it.  It can happen to a mother when she first views the baby she gave birth to.  It can happen to a person reading scripture when suddenly their eyes open wide at words that speak to a deep place within them.  It can happen to a person listening to a great symphony or enjoying a walk on a brilliant autumn day or watching the delight of children on a Christmas morning or standing in awe before a masterful piece of art. Transfiguration moments are experience of enchantment that open our everyday mind to the heaven that is already present, if we can see it.

Scripture describes these moments continually.  The Acts of the Apostles tells us transfiguration in the awareness that “we live and move and have our being in God.”  It is the gift of wisdom that Moses received when he went up on a mountain, just like the apostles in today’s story, and realized he was “standing on holy ground.”  What Moses also grasped was that the famous “burning bush” he saw was not an earthen plant on fire, but the gift of vision in his eyes.  Like the apostles in today’s Gospel, he could see differently.  To quote Thomas Merton, “Life is this simple: we are living in a world that is transparent and the divine is shining through it all the time.”  If we could see it.

Unfortunately, like the apostles in today’s Gospel, we are often asleep.  Consequently, we tend to miss the clues, the hints, the suggestions of something being afoot that is beyond our everyday recognition, something that is way more than what meets the eye.

This is what Lent is really all about – it’s a time to sharpen our inner eyes so that we can better see the “holy ground” in our lives.  It’s a time to ask: What if?  What if I can truly be transfigured?

Have a blessed Lent!

Father Don

 

March 6 – First Sunday of Lent

Bishop Ronald Hicks in consultation with the Priest Personnel Board has appointed Fr. Michael Kearney to succeed Fr. Don McLaughlin as Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy in Aurora effective July 1, 2022.

Fr. Michael writes: “I grew up in Naperville, just down the road, since I was four years old.  I went to Naperville Central for high school and I can remember coming to play against Waubonsie High School in volleyball.  I went to the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and received my General Engineering degree concentrated in Control Theory Robotics with the hope to go in consulting work after college.  God, clearly had a different plan. 

It was in college my love for my Catholic faith grew exponentially and I wanted to share my faith with others.  After college I was blessed to do 7 years of college ministry and missionary work with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students).  I worked at Washington University in St. Louis, Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, University of Kansas City in Missouri, and University of Colorado in Boulder! 

After hearing the Lord call me to the priesthood through prayer and ministry, I knew the Lord was calling me to serve in the Diocese of Joliet where I grew up!  I was ordained a Priest in May of 2016 and was assigned at Visitation Parish in Elmhurst.  And after 3 years, I was blessed to be assigned to serve in seminary formation helping young men discern their own vocational calling toward priesthood at St. John Vianney Minor Seminary in St. Paul Minnesota.  I currently serve as Formation Advisor and Spiritual Director for men in college seminary,  including men from our own diocese.   

 I’m truly excited to be named by Bishop Ronald Hicks to be your next pastor at Our Lady of Mercy.  I know I have many things to learn, but excited to be back in the Diocese and be back in parish life!  I joke with my brother priests; I’m being called up from the Minors (as I worked at a minor seminary).  Please know of my prayers and I look forward to meeting you in July!”

 Father Michael Kearney

 

While I don’t know Fr. Michael personally – he is one of our more recently ordained – Fr. James knows him well and assures me that Fr. Michael will make a great pastor for OLM.  I ask your prayers for Fr. Michael as OLM will be his first pastorate.  I also ask you to give him, as you have given me, your warm enthusiastic welcome and support!

Father Don

 

 

February 27 – Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This is Commitment Weekend for the Joliet Diocesan Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal.  Started in 1985, the CMAA is the way for you to support your local Diocesan church.  We support the global church yearly through the annual Peter’s Pence collection and various other collections.  We support the national church through periodic annual collections such as the Home Missions collection.  We support Our Lady of Mercy through the Sunday Stewardship Collection.  It is important to support our Diocesan Church that provides many ministries and services to our local parishes.

Our Lady of Mercy is one of 125 parishes in the Diocese of Joliet.  The Diocese of Joliet is comprised of seven counties – DuPage, Will, Kendall, Kankakee, Ford, Iroquois, and Grundy.  There are over 545,000 Catholics in the Diocese of Joliet.  Add to that number the many families who are registered, active and supporting Our Lady of Mercy and actually reside in the Kane County portion of Aurora, which is the Diocese of Rockford.

Today we heard a record homily from Bishop Hicks calling us to do the works of the Lord, the theme for this year’s CMAA.  If you haven’t already, I encourage you to make a gift to the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal.  Your gift can be made in one payment, or a series of monthly payments.  And remember, it’s not the size of the gift that counts, it’s your participation that counts because YOU are a member of the Church of Joliet.  I thank you in advance for joining me in making a gift to the 2022 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal!

I want to give a shout out to Fr. James for his fantastic 3 weekend preaching series (January 29/30, February 5/6, February 12/13) that combined the mission statement of Our Lady of Mercy (To offer everyone a life-changing encounter with Jesus, grow disciples, and send them on mission) and the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.  The amount of prayer, effort and time he spent developing those three homilies was quite evident.  He did a fantastic job.  If you didn’t hear the series or missed one or two, I encourage you to go on our website and listen

Father Don

February 20 – Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today in parishes throughout the Diocese of Joliet the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal (CMAA) is announced.  The theme of this year’s appeal is “Devoted to the works of the Lord.” This appeal funds the many ministries coordinated by the Diocese of Joliet that serve 545,000 Catholics through all our parishes in the seven county Diocese of Joliet as well as the administrative offices that are necessary to operate as a Diocese.  The works of the Lord enabled by your support of the CMAA include the many services available to those in need through Catholic Charities – like the mobile food pantry that we host monthly at OLM as well as other sites throughout the Diocese.  Over 19,000 nights of shelter and housing are provide to the homeless.  The Appeal helps fund Young Adult and Youth Ministry programs that serve approximately 25,500 of our youth and young adults.  The Diocesan Religious Education office provides oversight, guidance, support, training and services for our Directors of family evangelization and catechesis, Mary Jo and Dave. Funds from the CMAA also provide the funding to educate the future priests who will serve our parishes.  Right now, there are 26 seminarians being educated for priestly service in our diocese.  The CMAA also provide funding for our Diocesan Catholic Schools Office, which provides oversight, assistance and direction to the 51 elementary/high schools educating over 16,000 students in our Diocese.  Most importantly, by supporting the annual CMAA, you support the local Church.  We are all members of our parish and the Universal Church, which we support financially.  The Diocese of Joliet is our Local Church, which also needs your financial support.

Once again this year, I ask your support for the CMAA.  Our parish goal this year is $152,000.    Every year that I have been pastor of OLM, we have not only met our parish goal, but surpassed it and have received a rebate check from the Diocese.  Our rebate for last year’s appeal was $12,500.  This is my last time as a pastor to make an appeal for you to support the annual CMAA of the Diocese.  Wouldn’t it be nice to go over the goal again and provide the new pastor with some extra funds for ministry at OLM!

May I also ask for your prayerful support as I navigate my new cancer diagnosis.  As I shared with you last weekend at Mass, the kidney cancer I had six years ago, has returned and spread to my lungs.

Have a blessed week!

Father Don

 

February 13 – Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

With retirement 136 days away, I have to start thinking about moving – again!  This will be the 8^th move in forty one years!  I am often frustrated by the amount of possessions I have accumulated over the years.  It is not only the things I have collected over the forty years of my priesthood, but also the things I brought with me each move.  When going through boxes, I find things that were once important and now have no meaning, or at least I have forgotten the meaning.  I must wonder why it was so special and why I felt the need to save it.  Once I have determined that I no longer want or need the object, I struggle with what to do next.  Were there times when those possessions came between me and God.  Now, over the years, I have received many religious nick-knacks as gifts from well-intentioned parishioners.  However, with a collection of 40 years I could easily open a religious good store! Of course, these religious items have enhanced my devotional and prayer life.  Psychologist Carl Jung said, “What is a normal goal to a young person becomes a neurotic hindrance in old age.”

In Luke’s gospel of the “beatitudes” today, we are reminded of our moral obligation to care for the marginalized.  We are taught that sin is when we make choices that separate us from God.  Hoarding wealth and ignoring the needs of those less fortunate also separates us from God.  Jesus makes it quite clear that it may keep us out of the kingdom.  He calls out the rich and preaches that they have received their kingdom on earth.  In their world, that have no need for God’s mercy because their needs are already being met by the “good life.”

But the psalmist reminds us that we can prosper if we chose to live a just life.  The rich are not locked out but must let their roots spread to others in kindness and generosity.  They can make a choice to hoard their wealth as the poor struggle to survive, or they can bear fruit and share with others.

So what shall I do with the over-abundance of possession that can hinder my relationship with God?  I must share them, donate them, or give them away freely so that others may use them.  The comfort we seek is found in the kingdom of God, not in wealth or possessions!  So, watch for our youth ministry garage sale this summer – several of my treasures just might end up there!

Have a blessed week!

Father Don

 

February 6 – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

There are many popular fishing shows on television and cable – “Deadliest Catch” and “Wicked Tuna” just to name a couple.  Many people enjoy fishing as a recreational hobby.  Just ask Fr. James to show you a picture of himself and the fish he caught while on vacation in Florida.  While fishing isn’t as widespread a career as it once was, “catching people” is a well-defined science.  Otherwise known as advertising, this art form is designed to hook consumers and take their money, their time and their energy.  Once caught, the consumers serve the advertisers’ goal.  Everyone is together in one net.  How many can’t resist the urge to get the latest upgrade of their wireless phone!

In today’s readings, Isiah, Peter and Paul demonstrate the moral character necessary to become “fishers of men (people).”  These wise men of God are brought to their knees by an encounter with the Divine.  Isaiah, Peter and Paul fish for people because God has first caught them.  Divine light reveals their unworthiness, and they respond appropriately.  “Woe is me,” exclaims Isaiah.  “I am a man of unclean lips.”  In the longer version of today’s second reading, Paul says that he is “the least of the apostles” and “unfit.”  Peter tells Jesus to leave him, “for I am a sinful man.”  But if you wish to be caught by God or to go fishing on God’s behalf, acknowledging your unworthiness is key.  Once Isaiah has announced his unworthiness, his unclean lips are cleansed; his guilt and sin are blotted out.  Once Peter is on his knees, he is ready to fish for people.  St. Paul says it best:  “By the grace of God I am what I am.”

Today’s readings invite us to become an advertisement for God.  Unlike our glossy counterparts in the secular world, we shine from within.  Hallowed out by unworthiness, we stand worthy.  Our brightness has nothing to do with color or design, money or power.  Our salvation history, our journey with the Divine attracts others.  This is our calling.

Peter left everything and followed Jesus.  We are to do the same.  Having a relationship with the Divine is not reserved for prophets and saints.  God wishes to connect with each of us.  Our stories may not be as dramatic as the biblical ones recounted today, but each of us has a unique salvation history.  Are we attentive to the way God moves in our lives?  Do we recognize our unworthiness and thereby become worthy?  Once caught and in communication with the Divine, we are each called to be a witness – an advertisement.  Our response needs to be clear concise and certain.  Five words suffice:  “Here I am. Send me.”

Have a blessed week!

Father Don

 

January 30 – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

If a survey were to be done about the most beloved or most used passages from Paul’s writing, the selection we heard today would win hands down.  A frequent choice for weddings, people often refer to it as Paul’s hymn to love.  Despite the way many interpret it today, Paul probably wrote this passage to critique the Corinthians and their cherished spiritual gifts.  He was elaborating on the idea that they had turned genuine religiosity inside out and made it a charade by doing what they did without love.  Paul is not criticizing the various gifts people in the community have received.  Gifts come from the Spirit – they are good in origin.  But unless the gifts are expressions and extensions of love, they are being perverted, and the people who exercise them are making themselves irrelevant at best or even enemies of the Christian cause at worst.

Pope Francis has called the whole church – the people of God – to use their gifts in loving service.  To this end, Pope Francis has convoked the Church of God in Synod.  Pope Francis has called the global Church to an extensive connection and intentional “listen tour” on the parish level and beyond, to get direct feedback and hear from the people who make up the church communities.

The aim of the Synod is to discern how we are “living the faith” and how, we as a Church, are achieving this together.  Synod is an ancient word in the Tradition of the Church whose meaning indicates the path along which the People of God walk together.  A fundamental aspect of the Synodal Process is to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church and by answering one fundamental question:  “How does this ‘journeying together’ take place today on different levels, allowing the Church to proclaim the Gospel and what steps is the Spirit inviting us to take in order to grow as a synodal Church. The Synod is not about problem solving, but about listening to each other and to the Holy Spirit.

We seek your input through an online questionnaire or by attending one of three in-person listening sessions.  These sessions are on: Saturday, February 5^th from 1:30pm – 3:30pm; Monday, February 7^th from 9:00am to 11:00am; Tuesday, February 8^th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  Please register online to attend one of these sessions.

It is important to remember that the point of this process is the dialogue itself, rather than any consensus or written conclusions.  Perhaps discussion will inspire the formation of a new ministry or a new approach to existing ministries.  These conversations may inspire a new way of thinking, act as an opportunity to hear new voices, or invite further discussion that extends far beyond the synod.  Come, voice your gift!

Have a blessed week!

Father Don

 

January 16, 2022 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

What was your New Year’s resolution(s)?  Deepen your spiritual life and relationship with God? Don’t get upset so easily?  Be more patient?  Stop smoking?  Eat more healthily?  Exercise and lose weight?  In case you haven’t made one yet, here is a resolution that could have a profound effect on the quality of your life… How about making a resolution to live from your strengths?

One of the splendors of creation is the extraordinary variety of life.  Every form of life has its unique role to play in God’s plan.  The great oaks, daffodils, elephants, canaries, dolphins and sharks each have their own design and purpose.  They achieve their destinies by being just what they are, and functioning according to the nature of their species.  However, human beings go one step better!  We differ from plants and animals, not only because we are of a different species, but because each one of us is unique – almost an individual species in ourself.  There is nobody else in the world exactly like us, nor has there ever been, nor will there ever be.  It follows, therefore, that we will achieve our destiny by being just what we are, and functioning according to our uniqueness.

One of the most important steps we make in living effectively is to understand and respect our uniqueness.  Each of us has our own life to unfold and our own destiny to accomplish.  God has a plan, specific for each of us as individuals, to manifest God’s glory.  But accepting our uniqueness, with all that it implies, is not easy.  Many people don’t like themselves.  Millions are not happy with who they are or what they have.  It is unfortunate that many people spend their lives wallowing in envy of others.  Rather than accomplishing our own purposes, we waste time and energy complaining about our supposed deficiencies, and wishing we had someone else’s looks, personalities, talents, social advantages, and financial means.

All that we need to be happy and fulfilled in life we already have.  In his powerful letter to the Corinthians, Paul makes it clear that each of us possesses unique talents and gifts.  No one has exactly the same endowments and we have no right to expect it to be otherwise.  We must stop looking outside ourselves for reasons to be happy and successful.  All that we need is already within.  Each of us must discover what we have to offer to leave our mark on this world.  We need to keep in mind that God doesn’t make comparisons and neither should we.  In God’s eyes, no one is more appealing, more talented, more beautiful, or more perfect.  When we are unique, we are already perfect!  Because there really is no one else like us, there is no need for comparisons.  We need to see as God sees!

Have a blessed week!

Father Don

 

January 9, 2022 – Baptism of the Lord

Is your Christmas tree still up?  After all, Christmas is not simply a day, it is a season.  Almost four weeks after Christmas Day, this glorious season concludes. At the beginning we celebrate the birth of Jesus and walk in faith, the hand of the infant Jesus holding our hand.  Today, as we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, our Christmas season ends and the hands of the adult Jesus with his arms around our shoulders guides us.  It is a day to reflect on our own baptism however long ago that was.

Our baptism is our gateway into the sacrament life of the Church.  Through baptism we carry on the mission of Jesus in our day-to-day lives.  Just as Jesus’ ministry began with his baptism by John, so our ministry to others begins as we grow in the life of the Church.  BAPTISM is the beginning.  Through the sacraments we are called to be Church to those around us.  We are the Church.  We are the Body of Christ.

After his baptism by John, and before his public ministry begins, Jesus retires alone to a private place for sincere prayer.  He prepares himself for what is to come.  How many of us pray before we begin something new and life-changing? Such as a new job, getting married, beginning a new family?  Our baptismal promises urge us to nurture our prayer life.  Prayer has the power to transform our lives.  How much time we spend and where we choose to be when we pray is always up to us.  For some, sitting in a quiet church or chapel is ideal.  For others, the kitchen table, the garden, or a quiet place in the woods, or even your car on the way to or from work.  Every place and time can be a good place to pray.

As we have begun a new year, make a resolution to embrace the meaning of your baptism – you were commissioned to continue the work of Jesus, and get the power to do that by deepening your life of prayer!

With the close of the Christmas Season, on behalf of Fr. James, Deacon Tom, our permanent deacons, seminarian Andrew and our staff, I thank everyone who gifted us with home-made goodies, candy, personal Christmas presents, your best wishes and prayers.  We would also like to extend a profound “thank you” to our Art & Environment Committee, Liturgy Team, all our Musicians, liturgical ministers and anyone who helped make our 2021 celebration of Christmas at OLM a wonderful and beautiful experience!

Have a blessed week!

Father Don