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Who is Saint Anthony of Egypt?
The life of Anthony will remind many people of Saint Francis of Assisi. At 20, Anthony was so moved by the Gospel message, “Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor” (Mark 10:21b), that he actually did just that with his large inheritance. He is different from Francis in that most of Anthony’s life was spent in solitude. He saw the world completely covered with snares, and gave the Church and the world the witness of solitary asceticism, great personal mortification and prayer. But no saint is anti-social, and Anthony drew many people to himself for spiritual healing and guidance. At 54, he responded to many requests and founded a sort of monastery of scattered cells.
At 60, he hoped to be a martyr in the renewed Roman persecution of 311, fearlessly exposing himself to danger while giving moral and material support to those in prison. At 88, he was fighting the Arian heresy, that massive trauma from which it took the Church centuries to recover.
Anthony is associated in art with a T-shaped cross, a pig and a book. The pig and the cross are symbols of his valiant warfare with the devil—the cross his constant means of power over evil spirits, the pig a symbol of the devil himself. The book recalls his preference for “the book of nature” over the printed word. Anthony died in solitude at age 105.
Reflection
In an age that smiles at the notion of devils and angels, a person known for having power over evil spirits must at least make us pause. And in a day when people speak of life as a “rat race,” one who devotes a whole life to solitude and prayer points to an essential of the Christian life in all ages. Anthony’s hermit life reminds us of the absoluteness of our break with sin and the totality of our commitment to Christ. Even in God’s good world, there is another world whose false values constantly tempt us.
![Who is Saint Anthony of Egypt?
The life of Anthony will remind many people of Saint Francis of Assisi. At 20, Anthony was so moved by the Gospel message, “Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor” (Mark 10:21b), that he actually did just that with his large inheritance. He is different from Francis in that most of Anthony’s life was spent in solitude. He saw the world completely covered with snares, and gave the Church and the world the witness of solitary asceticism, great personal mortification and prayer. But no saint is anti-social, and Anthony drew many people to himself for spiritual healing and guidance. At 54, he responded to many requests and founded a sort of monastery of scattered cells.
At 60, he hoped to be a martyr in the renewed Roman persecution of 311, fearlessly exposing himself to danger while giving moral and material support to those in prison. At 88, he was fighting the Arian heresy, that massive trauma from which it took the Church centuries to recover.
Anthony is associated in art with a T-shaped cross, a pig and a book. The pig and the cross are symbols of his valiant warfare with the devil—the cross his constant means of power over evil spirits, the pig a symbol of the devil himself. The book recalls his preference for “the book of nature” over the printed word. Anthony died in solitude at age 105.
Reflection
In an age that smiles at the notion of devils and angels, a person known for having power over evil spirits must at least make us pause. And in a day when people speak of life as a “rat race,” one who devotes a whole life to solitude and prayer points to an essential of the Christian life in all ages. Anthony’s hermit life reminds us of the absoluteness of our break with sin and the totality of our commitment to Christ. Even in God’s good world, there is another world whose false values constantly tempt us.](https://olmercy.old.diocesanweb.org/wp-content/plugins/custom-facebook-feed-pro/assets/img/placeholder.png)
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Let us be in prayer - Day 2 of the 9 Days for Life Novena
May each person suffering from participation in abortion find forgiveness, hope, and healing in Christ.
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
Reflection:
Countless children’s lives have been ended by abortion, and countless parents and family members suffer guilt, grief, and regret—often in silence. Yet God’s greatest desire is to forgive. No matter how far we have each strayed from His side, He says to us, “Don’t be afraid. Draw close to my heart.” Be assured that it is never too late to seek God's forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son. After repenting of sinning against his father, he returns from far away to seek forgiveness and work as a servant. But his father sees him approaching, runs to warmly embrace him, and hosts a banquet to celebrate his return. So, too, does God welcome all His children who come to Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation with contrite hearts, no matter how serious the sin. Let us turn confidently to Our Lord, Who is love and mercy.
Acts of Reparation (Choose one.)
-Abstain from meat today.
-Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for today's intention.
-Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.
One Step Further:
If a friend confided in you that she had an abortion, would you be able to listen and respond in a way that brings her closer to forgiveness and healing? Learn how in "How to Talk to a Friend Who’s Had an Abortion" www.usccb.org/.../how-talk-friend-whos-had-abortion
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Change a Family's Life; Support OLM's Mission Trip to Guatemala
This February, a dedicated team from Our Lady of Mercy, including Fr. Frank, will embark on a mission trip to Guatemala to bring hope and transformation to families in need. Your generous donation can help make this life-changing mission possible.
In Guatemala, many families live in precarious conditions—makeshift shelters made of cornstalks, wood scraps, metal, or cardboard. These structures lack basic safety and hygiene. Families cook and sleep in the same cramped space, often on dirt floors, surrounded by unhealthy and insecure conditions.
The OLM mission team of adults will build safe, sustainable homes for these families. These new homes will have cinderblock walls, cement and tile floors, an outdoor covered kitchen with a stove, windows and doors that lock, a bathroom with a shower and toilet, and electricity. Your support will provide families with not just shelter but also security, dignity, and a new beginning.
By donating, you partner with the OLM team to provide families with a foundation for a better, healthier future. You have the power to change lives and offer hope where it’s needed most.
Ready to make a difference?
Donate online at this link and selecting “Missions” (Parish Collection for International/Domestic Mission). www.osvhub.com/olmercy/giving/funds
Drop off cash or a check made out to Our Lady of Mercy, with “Guatemala Mission Trip” in the memo line.
For more information, contact:
Gerri Frey at gerrifrey@gmail.com or 630-251-5221
Geri Capulong at gericapulong@gmail.com or 847-890-3891
Your generosity can transform lives. Together, let’s build homes and hope for those who need it most. Thank you!
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𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭/𝟮𝟵
Join us for MAGNIFY on Wednesday,1/29th, from 7pm to 8:30pm, for an uplifting evening of adoration, praise, and worship. Along with praise and worship, there will be a scriptural reflection, an opportunity for confession, and prayer ministry.
Singing in praise of God not only connects us with Him but also brings joy, peace, and a sense of belonging. It’s a time to refresh your spirit and experience God’s presence in a powerful way. Don’t forget to bring your children, neighbors, and friends—we’d love to see you there!
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Let us be in prayer - Day 1 of the 9 Days for Life Novena
May the tragic practice of abortion end.
Prayers: Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
Reflection: At every stage and in every circumstance, we are held in existence by God’s love. The presence of an illness, disability, or other challenging situation never diminishes the value of a human life. God does not call us to perfection of appearance or abilities, but to perfection in love. Christ invites us to embrace our own lives and the lives of others as true gifts.
Abortion tragically rejects the truth that every life is a good and perfect gift, deserving protection. This violent practice ends the life of a human being at its very beginning and wounds all those involved. But Christ came that we “might have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn 10:10), taking on human flesh for the sake of our redemption. May our culture experience the power of God’s transforming love, that all eyes may be opened to the beauty of every human life.
Acts of Reparation (Choose one.)
-|- Take a break from television and movies today.
-|- Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.
One Step Further:
Abortion is frequently a topic in the news, political debates, and everyday conversations with family or friends. Because it can be a controversial and emotional issue, many of us may feel intimidated when the topic arises, not knowing what to say. "Another Look at Abortion" provides a basic overview and summarizes key points. It will help you be better prepared to witness to the sanctity of human life: www.respectlife.org/another-look-at-abortion
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𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆- 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝟮/𝟭
This ministry supports parents & caregivers of persons with disABILITIES and is sponsored by the Diocese of Joliet
Join us at Our Lady of Mercy on Feb. 1st from 7-8:30pm for community, a guest speaker, and refreshments. 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗣 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝘆𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝘆𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘀@𝗼𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘆.𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟯𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂!
Guest Speaker Dr. Madonna Wojtaszek-Healy is a popular speaker at both the national and diocesan level, Madonna’s experience as the mother of children with ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome has given her insight into the challenges that families who have a member with disABILITIES face.
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Welcome Meet & Greet 1/26
Whether you’ve recently registered as a member (parishioner) or if you’ve been attending our Sunday or Daily Mass, actively participating in community life, 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿/𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 & 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁—𝘄𝗲’𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀! Join us at 11:15am in Room 114!
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𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 - 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝘅𝗼𝗱𝘂𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆. 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 @ 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘁 & 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁. 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝟮/𝟭𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁. 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗝𝗮𝗻/𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀.
app.flocknote.com/note/29618072 OR olmercy.com/parish-updates/
News From Our Pastor In Training
𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴, 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘌𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘻𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘥’𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘮’𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘤 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘋𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴! 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵!
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵. 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩. 𝘏𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵! 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦! 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰!
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥. 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘮, 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵: 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 “𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘉𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥; 𝘸𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. (𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩 1213)” 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘖𝘊𝘐𝘈 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮 - 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘴- 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 9 𝘣𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘝𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘭 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 20 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩. 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩!
𝘔𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳, 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘈𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵'𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺, 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘦 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘉𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘞𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩’𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥, 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥. 𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘭 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯!
𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘦𝘭
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We hope to see you at any of the daily Masses, the weekend Masses 4pm Saturday, 8am, 10am, 12pm, 5:30pm on Sunday, and at any of the encounter Jesus gatherings here @ OLM!
View the rest of the Parish Update here app.flocknote.com/note/29618072
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🎉𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗙𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗘𝗟🎉
One thing we’re especially thankful for today is Father Michael on his special day! Please join us in wishing Father Michael a very happy birthday & offer up some prayers for him today!
"I give thanks to my God always, remembering you in my prayers, as I hear of the love and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus and for all the holy ones, so that your partnership in the faith may become effective in recognizing every good there is in us that leads to Christ."
—Philemon 1:4-6
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Last Monday, EDGE kicked off the New Year with an inspiring session titled “Growing Closer to God Through His Word in 2025.” Each middle school student received their own Teen Bible, which was introduced as an essential resource for their spiritual growth.
Together, they explored the tools and features within their new Bibles, setting the stage for a meaningful journey ahead. In addition, we guided them on how to search for specific scripture passages. They did a fantastic job finding specific verses.
These Bibles will play a central role throughout the year, and students are expected to bring them to the remaining EDGE Nights. More importantly, we encourage teens to spend time in God’s Word independently. During our session, we shared two Bible verses for the students to read, encouraging them to select the one that speaks most deeply to their heart and share with their small group why it holds special meaning to them.
Finally, we ended the session with a bookmark coloring activity. While some students completed their bookmarks, others may need more time. We asked them not to rush but to finish the activity at their own pace, turning it into a thoughtful and creative expression of their faith.
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𝗗𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭/𝟮𝟲
Stop by the PLC after the 8am and 10am Masses on Sunday, 1/26th for Yummy Donuts, Good Coffee & Wonderful Fellowship.
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Who is Saint Hilary of Poitiers?
It is believed that Hilary was born to a pagan family in France around 310 – three years before the Roman Empire declared its official toleration of Christianity.
He grew up without any significant Christian influence, but received a comprehensive education in the Latin and Greek classics. He studied both Greek philosophy and the Bible. Through this he came to accept the truth of the Bible by recognizing its compatibility with philosophy and the sciences.
This was a gradual process for him, however, and it was not until 345 – by which time he was married and had a daughter– that Hilary committed to full membership in the Church by receiving baptism with his family. His rise within the Church was fast: around 353, the people of Poitiers called for him to be made their bishop.
The position involved tremendous responsibility, as well as significant sacrifice. While the early church permitted some married men to become bishops, they were traditionally required to practice celibacy within marriage, and many adopted a radically simple lifestyle. There are indications that Hilary followed this ascetic path, once ordained.
His election as bishop coincided with the second wave of the Arian heresy. Although the Council of Nicaea had confirmed the Church’s rejection of Arianism – which claimed Jesus was only human, not divine – some still clung to the heresy.
Hilary found himself virtually alone in defending Jesus’ deity before a hostile crowd of bishops in the region of Gaul. Emperor Constantius II eventually Exiled him.
During exile, he wrote his most important work, “On the Trinity,” showing the Bible’s consistent witness to the central mystery of Christian faith. He also showed great charity toward those who were honestly mistaken. He worked closely to lead them into full adherence with tradition.
After the death of Constantius II, Hilary was able to return to his diocese. He lived to see Arianism squarely condemned in the local church after his return.
St. Hilary died at Poitiers in 367. Long regarded and celebrated as a saint within the Church, St. Hilary was also declared a Doctor of the Church in 1851.
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