Daily Mass Schedule (during the School Year):
Monday, Thursday & Friday:
6:30am and 8:00am
Tuesday: 6:30am and 9:00am
Wednesday: 8:00am and 9:10am (9:10am is at St. Patricks)
Saturday: 8:00am
Weekend Mass Schedule:
Saturday: 5:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am, 10:00am, NOON & 6:00pm
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Saturday: 8:30am or by appointment with a parish priest
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From the Desk of Fr. Mike Nacius, Pastor
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Blessings to you this fourth Sunday of the Advent season. May we be aware of and receptive to the many "wonders of His love" to be revealed in our lives this coming Christmas season. During my annual retreat this past November, I prayerfully reflected on how we will gaze anew into the manger, pondering the meaning of the Christ child's birth this Christmas.
The hymn that will lift our spirits is still to be realized in our world, yet the Child born in Bethlehem always brings "Joy to the World." We are to be instruments and examples of his joyful presence to the world. The refrain,
"wonders of His love"
was echoing in my heart as I journaled, reflected, and prayed on retreat.
In this 30th year of jubilee of my priesthood my heart is filled with gratitude for you and the many that are manifestations of the
"wonders of His love"
in my life. Over thirty years have passed since this seminarian from Waukegan was ordained in Chicago by Cardinal Bernardin and is now serving at his third parish as pastor, currently ministering in Lake County, and a short nine miles from my mom, as pastor of the Church of St. Mary.
There is deep gratitude for God's grace in my life, guiding me in my priesthood - amidst challenges and the bittersweet reality of serving in the Church that has wounded and let down so many people. May the future be filled with healing for all who have been hurt and continue to struggle with the institutional Church. There are so, so many
"wonders of His love"
offered by those in the Church. The sins and the ongoing scandal have tarnished it badly, but cannot erase the
"wonders of His love"
shared by believers - people of faith, people of goodwill.
In hope, I pray that the Prince of Peace continues to show
"wonders of His love"
to people of good will on both sides of the political divide in our country as well as in the divide in our Church, with people of faith in the Church recognizing and sharing the truth of
"wonders of His love"
shining
on all humanity, now and always.
You are aware that I have been given a six month sabbatical, beginning January 1 through June 30. I am very grateful for this gift of sabbatical time, renewal time. The sabbatical gives me extra time for my mom and my family. We just learned that my younger brother is going to have open heart surgery in January. I will be spending time in NY caring for my nephew and helping my brother with his rehab the first few months of the new year. The core of my sabbatical is time in Tucson at the Redemptorist Renewal Center. After the program concludes, I will be going out to Harlem, NY to celebrate the 8th grade graduation Mass of my youngest nephew, Max, in May. I am currently able to look him eye to eye as he is over 6 foot and is still growing....at the tender age of 13. Who knows, maybe he will be taller than me next spring.
Upon completion of my sabbatical of prayer, study, retreat, time with family and rest I will be returning to St Mary's at the end of June. Thanks for sharing and being manifestations of Jesus' love while I am on sabbatical working with, praying with, and supporting St. Mary and the Parish Staff and lay leadership of the parish. May
"wonders of His love"
bring you your heart's desire this Christmas.
I was assigned as an associate to St. Michael's in Orland Park in the early 1990s. I have many good friends on the staff as well as in the parish. The recent tragic death of a school teacher, a victim of a DUI driver, by the former pastor, weighs very heavy on my heart. As we continue celebrating with parishioners, family, and friends may we do so responsibly. In some families, the holidays are filled with celebrations and parties. In other families, the holidays can be a more subdued affair. Every family is different, but one thing stays the same: it's important to engage in responsible drinking during the holidays.
Drinking in excess is not a good way to handle stress; it's okay to enjoy a glass of wine over dinner - it's definitely not a good idea to drown out your anxiety with drinking. This can lead to dangerous consequences, and reinforces an unhealthy attitude with drinking.
You want to positively remember your holidays. The holidays are still an amazing time for making memories with friends and family. You want to make memories to take back home with you. Make sure you practice responsible drinking by limiting your intake and cutting yourself off when you've had too much.
The holidays are a dangerous time for those who over drink this holiday season. It is critically important to not drink and drive so that you won't be part of national statistics. Have a plan for getting from point A to point B safe and sober during holiday revelry. Choosing a designated driver, using a car service, or local taxi are safe and healthy options for all.
Always set a good example for friends and family by getting control of your drinking before the holidays, drinking in moderation, and avoiding drinking and driving throughout the holiday season and year around. You can help protect your friends, strangers, others on the roads, and members of your family. In this way it will indeed be a joyous, cheerful, and happy season for all as we plan to welcome in 2020.
God bless you with peaceful and prayerful hearts this Advent,
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The Fiscal-Year 2019 Church of St. Mary Parish Annual Report has been mailed to the homes of parishioners and is also available
HERE
. The report is also available on the church website.
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Advent and Christmas Schedule for the Church of St. Mary
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Morning Mass Schedule for Tuesday, December 24 & Thursday, December 26
On Tuesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 26, Mass will be celebrated at 8:00am only. There will be no 6:30am Mass.
Morning Mass Schedule for Tuesday, December 31
On Tuesday, December 31, Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am only. There will be no 6:30am Mass.
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Parish Office Closings
The Parish Center Office will be closing at Noon on Tuesday, December 24th and will re-open at 8:30am on Friday, December 27th.
Also the Parish Center Office is closed on Tuesday, December 31st through January 2nd, re-opening on Friday, January 3rd at 8:30am.
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Phase Four and Message from Father Mike
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Listen to Fr. Mike Nacius share more about the Phase Four and More for St. Mary's Construction Project.
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Click the GiveCentral Logo to securely and conveniently donate to the
Phase Four and More for St. Mary's, Fr. Barry Preservation Fund.
Thank you for your generosity!
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Click on the image to register.
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Children's Sacrament Upcoming Schedule
-1
st
Grade: Christmas Eve Family Mass 4:15pm in the UGC Gym
Take part in the procession dressed as angels & shepherds (costumes are available)
If interested, see permission slip on the Religious Education website. (For Families tab, then Activities & Events)
-2
nd
Grade: 1
st
Reconciliation Retreat(s) -
choose one to attend (UGC-Multi-purpose Room)
Sunday, January 5
at 1:15pm
OR
Monday, January 6 at 7:00pm
-6
th
Grade RE students: Synagogue Visit-
B'Nai Tikvah
Sunday, January 12 during Intensive classes
-8
th
Grade: Confirmation Retreat
UGC
Saturday, February 8 12:30 - 6:00pm (ends after 5:00pm Mass)
-2
nd
Grade: 1
st
Communion Parent Meeting(s) -
choose one to attend (UGC-Multi-purpose Room)
Sunday, February 23 at 1:15pm
OR
Monday, February 24 at 7:00pm
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Youth Ministry
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, December 22nd
COR Soup Kitchen 11:30am - 3:00pm
*
Please RSVP
SAVE THE DATES
Kairos XXXVII
March 5th - 8th
*
Retreatant Applications available
January 5th
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The School of St. Mary is selling charming ornaments that feature an inviting Christmas scene of our church. These were created by St. Mary's parishioner Bridget Halloran, a professional fine artist and art teacher on the North Shore. Ornaments are available for $10 (cash or check) at the Parish Center or you may arrange to purchase an ornament by contacting Carlotta Plotner at:
carlottaplotner@yahoo.com
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We are now accepting Preschool Applications for the upcoming 2020-21 School Year.
We are excited to offer an additional section of our popular Little Angels Preschool Class. One section will meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and the other on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Families can select their preferred days in the application. Historically, this class has filled quickly, so please apply right away if you are interested.
We are also pleased to offer an All-Day Three-year-old Preschool Program next year. This class will, of course, be developmentally appropriate, including both lunch and a rest period. If you are interested in any of our preschool offerings, please follow these steps:
- Click on the Parent login on the top right corner
- Click on FACTS Family Portal (ParentsWeb) in the top right corner
- Enter our District Code: SOSM-IL
- Enter a user name
- Enter a password
If you are a current family, you already have a portal account as well as a password. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Mandy Castle at (847) 295.4830.
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Click on the image to register!
Register now, space is limited! The Early Bird price ends January 15th.
The Spring Gala is for everyone in the parish community, their extended family and friends!
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Donate or Register for Events
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Church of St. Mary Website
Bookmark our parish website for information on all parish ministries, events, contact information and more!
Information on our Mass Schedule, Sacraments, School, Religious Education, Youth Ministry, Guild of St. Mary, Liturgical Ministries, Bible Study, RCIA, Bulletins, Gospel Reading Podcasts, Homily Podcasts and more can all be found on our webpage.
Like the Church of St. Mary Facebook Page
Like the Church of St. Mary Facebook page to see regular updates from popular Catholic pages such as the Archdiocese of Chicago, Cardinal Blase Cupich, and the USCCB. See news from the School of St. Mary, Guild of St. Mary, Religious Education Program, Youth Ministry and upcoming events at our parish!
Homilies & Gospel Readings!
Listen to past Gospel Readings and homilies anytime, anywhere! Click on the podcast image or goto our website. Click on Multimedia/Podcasts.
Enjoy!
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Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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