April 18, 2021: Third Sunday of Easter
Parish Newsletter
The Church of St. Mary :: 201 E. Illinois Lake Forest, IL 60045
Virtual Office: 847-234-0205 :: Email: receptionist@churchofstmary.org
From the Desk of Fr. Mike Nacius, Pastor
------      Happy Easter! May we continue to look for and discover signs of resurrection in our lives and world this Easter Season.
 
           As a young child my dad was taught the importance of faith. He learned this from his parents, his mom and dad, and then his step dad when my grandmother remarried when her husband died when my dad was only four years old. Sisters of St. Casimir were the religious sisters that taught at the school that my dad and his children attended. Being a person of prayer. Being a person of hope. Being a person of kindness and generosity were values that he embodied and tried to instill in his family.
 
           Maryknoll missionaries made a big impression on my dad. Maryknoll fathers and brothers often go on missions to some of the most economically poor communities of faith around the world. Their publications educate and inform people that support their ministry how the Good News of Jesus is being shared with others. Each publication shares success stories of Jesus Christ being found in those they serve and minister to with Christ like compassion.
 
           In a recent mailing from Maryknoll they were highlighting the Corporal Works of Mercy as being the gifts that we give someone in need. The Corporal Works or Acts of Mercy are to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and to bury the dead. Maryknoll also included a beautiful prayer card written by Joseph Veneroso, M. M. that I share with you today:
 
Ways of Mercy
 
To the hungry, mercy comes as a hot meal
To the homeless, a safe place to sleep
To the poor, new clothes to wear
To those who thirst, clean water
To the sick, mercy comes as a helping hand
To those in sorrow, a peaceful presence
To the elderly, a sympathetic ear
To the lost, a guiding voice
To the lonely, mercy comes as a caring visit
To the fearful, a reassuring calm
To the refugee, a warm welcome
To the prisoner, a spirit reborn
To the unemployed, mercy comes as a long-sought job
To those who fail, a second chance
To the addict, twelve steps to freedom
To the dying, an unwavering hope
Mercy thus comes to all people
In whatever form they most need
For it is our duty as followers of Jesus
To bring, to become, to be that mercy
To everyone we meet. AMEN.
 
           Perhaps you yourself have been formed in faith and inspired by Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. You may have been taught the faith by Sisters of St. Casimir or other religious orders of women and men. Our faith is a free gift from God, who bestows favor and grace on one and all. Let us pause and give thanks for the many women and men that have helped us grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
 
           In this Easter season, may works of mercy, may acts of mercy be common expressions of our Easter joy in Jesus Christ. We share the good news of Easter by sharing our faith in large and in small ways with one another. As we continue to celebrate the Hope Easter brings may goodness, kindness and mercy flow freely and generously from our hearts and through our hands.
 
           This weekend we will call on the Holy Spirit to fill the hearts of our children as they received the Sacrament of Confirmation. We have three spirit filled celebrations. We will stream all of the Confirmation Masses – links are available on our parish website. Sponsors will come with their confirmandi to be sealed with the Holy Spirit. Many sponsors will be praying from afar, as a proxy stands in for them because of COVID-19 restrictions and challenges that limit our gathering as we would like. Last fall you were invited to pray for the confirmandi. Now that they are about to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit may your prayers bear fruit in their active and lived faith.
 
           In this Easter season when we are called to share the joy and hope of the Risen Lord with one another, what gift of the Holy Spirit are you most thankful for in your life:? What gift of the Holy Spirit would you like an increased grace from God?? For your review and your prayer this day – the gifts of the Holy Spirit are:
 
Wisdom – to desire God and God’s will for us
Understanding – to better comprehend God’s word and truth.
Counsel – To know God’s will
Fortitude – the courageous strength to do God’s will
Knowledge – to know God’s truth for ourselves
Piety – to delight in God as our beloved Father
Fear of the Lord – to feel wonder and awe in the presence of God.
 
           This Sunday, on April 25th we will be offering those who are not able to join us in the church of St. Mary for Mass the opportunity to come together in faith and prayer to receive communion following the 12:00 Noon Mass. You are asked to help communicate this opportunity for members of our parish to come to the Oakwood Parking lot to receive Holy Communion April 25 at 1:00 PM. It is very touching to see the emotions and the gratitude of those who come to receive communion, their devotion and gratitude for receiving Jesus in the Body of Christ. May all parishioners deepen their appreciation and recognition of the importance of the Eucharist in living merciful and holy lives.
 
           May God bless us with hearts and lives of hope and mercy shared with the world. 
Archdiocese of Chicago
Holy Communion to Those in Cars
In the months ahead, we will be offering you the opportunity to come and receive the gift of the Eucharist in Holy Communion from your cars. This will take place on the last Sunday of each month, our next opportunity will be on April 25. All are welcome. This opportunity is especially for those who are not able to worship in person at St. Mary’s. 

Please follow the directions below:   

  • Starting at 1:00pm, after the congregation leaves the Noon Mass, cars may line up entering from the east Oakwood entrance. 
  • Driving through the parking lot, proceed under the school breezeway and drive behind the church, stopping by the south church/elevator entrance where the priest will be.  
  • Please stay in your car, with a mask fully covering your nose and mouth, waiting in prayer to receive the Eucharist. 
  • The priest will process from car to car, offering the Eucharist.  
  • After you receive the Eucharist you can pull over, parking your car in the parking lot, offering a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Church Schedule
SCHEDULE: Saturday April 17, 2021 - Sunday, April 25, 2021

<--- Register for Attending & Volunteering




Saturday, April 17, 2021:
+ 8:00am: Livestream & PUBLIC Morning Prayer --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 8:30am: Reconciliation in Church, registration not required
+ 8:00pm:  Livestream Mass & PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
 
Sunday, April 18, 2021:
+ 8:00am: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius 
+ 10:00am:  Livestream via Facebook
+ 10:00am: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius 
+ 12:00pm: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius

Monday, April 19, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream Daily Mass
+ 7:30am: PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am --> Register via SignUp Genius 
+ 8:00am: Rosary --> Register via SignUp Genius

Tuesday, April 20, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream Daily Mass
+ 7:30am: PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am --> Register via SignUp Genius 
+ 8:00am: Rosary --> Register via SignUp Genius

Wednesday, April 21, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream Daily Mass
+ 7:30am: PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 8:00am: Rosary --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 5:00-7:00pm: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament --> Register via SignUp Genius 

Thursday, April 22, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream Daily Mass
+ 7:30am: PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am --> Register via SignUp Genius 
+ 8:00am: Rosary --> Register via SignUp Genius

Friday, April 23, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream Daily Mass
+ 7:30am: PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am --> Register via SignUp Genius 
+ 8:00am: Rosary --> Register via SignUp Genius

Saturday, April 24, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream Daily Mass
+ 7:30am: PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 8:00-9:00am: Reconciliation in Church, registration not required
+ 5:00pm:  Livestream Sunday Mass & PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
 
Sunday, April 25, 2021:
+ 8:00am: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius 
+ 10:00am:  Livestream via Facebook
+ 10:00am: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius 
+ 12:00pm: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 1:00pm: Drive-in Blessing of Easter Food in Oakwood parking lot


GENERAL GUIDELINES
Below are a few guidelines for being in the Church. There are numerous signs around the exterior and interior of the Church to help facilitate these new patterns. Due to the limited capacity, number of parishioners and our reduced Mass schedule, we ask that you sign up for a weekend Mass every other week and one weekday Mass to allow others to be able to pray in the Church and celebrate Mass in person. If the day before, there are still open slots, you may sign up.  

  • Church Entrance:  The south door, near the elevator, is the only entrance into the Church. Please form a line along the exterior south wall of the Church and a volunteer greeter will let you in.
  • Arrive On Time:  South Entrance doors will open 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass and it is strongly encouraged you arrive by the time the doors open as time is needed to Greet visitors and allow Ushers to seat you. 
  • Entrance Doors Close:  South Entrance doors will close at the start of Mass to allow volunteers to attend Mass. Thank you for allowing yourself time to arrive.
  • Volunteers:  Parish volunteers will be on site to help direct and guide all of us as we begin to open and re-enter the Church.
  • Masks/Face Covering:  Mask or face coverings are required to be worn by all individuals at all times while in the Church building.
  • Hand Sanitizer:  Sanitize your hands as you enter the Church building.
  • Social Distance:  Maintain proper social distancing of 6 feet apart, unless you are with somebody who lives in the same household as you. There are floor markings to help facilitate this.
  • 100 Persons Maximum:  A maximum of 100 individuals (excluding the priest and other ministers) are allowed in the Church at one time. In inclement weather, personal vehicles would be a necessary shelter while waiting.
  • Church Exit:  The north doors onto the main plaza will be the only exit from the Church (unless you require use of the elevator).
  • Church East Entrance - Emergency Exit Only:  Please do not use the East doors onto the stairways for either entering or exiting.
  • Surface Sanitizing: All surfaces touched by persons are sanitized prior to the next opening of the Church.
  • Restrooms Unavailable:  For the safety of all, the restrooms will not be available, unless it's an emergency.
  • Registration Required:  Registration is required through SignUp Genius for Public Mass, Adoration, Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals. 85 slots will be available online and 15 slots will be available by calling the office for those who do not have access to technology.
  • SignUp Availability: SignUps for the next week's schedule will be available through SignUp Genius after 9:00am on Friday's. Registration is required for Public Mass & Prayer, Adoration, Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms. If you need assistance, please contact the Parish Center Office during normal business hours at receptionist@churchofstmary.org or call 847-234-0205. Leave a message and they will call you back.

VOLUNTEERS
We are requesting volunteers to assist and volunteer guidelines will be sent to all volunteers when they SignUp for a Church of St. Mary Volunteer SignUP shift:

Volunteer Tasks:
  • Greeters will assist in managing the flow of congregants as they enter the church, participate in the liturgy/sacrament, and exit the church.
  • Team members will combine some of the functions of an usher, such as directing participants to appropriate seating/waiting areas, but will include additional responsibilities, including, but not limited to, making sure attendees use hand sanitizer upon entering, are wearing a mask, and are reminded not to enter if ill.
  • Given the circumstances, greeters will need to be tactful and firm paying careful attention to all people on-site. To support parish greeter teams, rudimentary training tips on handling difficult situations will be provided.
  • Volunteers will ensure that: all supplies needed for each sacramental celebration/gathering are ready for use, entrances and exits are marked and propped physically open prior to attendees' arrival/departure, and windows are opened. 
  • Volunteers will help maintain and sanitize essential and trafficked areas of the church after the church has been used. Masks and gloves will be provided, if necessary, in addition to approved cleaning/disinfecting supplies.

May God grant you peace and comfort in this time.
April 18, 2021: Gospel Reflection for Divine Mercy Sunday
The two disciples who had encountered Jesus on the way to Emmaus have now returned to Jerusalem and are recounting the events that took place, especially when Jesus broke bread with them. While they are still retelling their story, Jesus appears to them all & says “Peace be with you.” So much is happening that it is difficult for the disciples and others to wrap their minds and hearts around.

In both the breaking of the bread in the Emmaus story and in this gospel where Jesus eats fish in front of the group, there are at least two things happening. Bread & fish offer physical sustenance for one’s physical being. However in both situations, Jesus is offering so much more. He is offering the gift of himself; he is offering spiritual nourishment for eternal life. In the way that Jesus lived and died he was always offering himself to anyone and everyone who accepted the invitation. The disciples and followers of Jesus did not understand all that he said and did while he was alive, so now that Jesus has risen, his breaking of the bread not only a means to give of himself physically and spiritually but the breaking of the bread breaks open the scriptures for others to more fully understand who Jesus truly is. Similarly in John’s gospel, Jesus appears to those in the upper room even though the door was locked and there no windows. The disciples and followers are having a spiritual experience of the Risen Christ who is there to expel fear and to reassure that everything had to occur as it did in order to fulfill scripture.

Whenever we read scripture, or anything for that matter, we should ask ourselves what is the author’s intension in setting up the story in the way they do? In this case, why have the Risen Christ appear and indicate have people feel his flesh and bones and make a point to eat in front of everyone? We should not get caught up in the literal telling of this part of the story, what is important is that Jesus is truly there before them, but in a different way. That death has no hold on Jesus and by extension, anyone who is a follower of Christ. We hear in Sunday’s second reading, that “The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his [Jesus’] commandments.” Sunday’s gospel concludes letting us know that everything Jesus did and was done to him was for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ ministry of forgiveness of sin is to be brought to all the nations in the world. Jesus and God are all about restoring relationships; with one another and with God. We are to strive for oneness between each other and God.
COR Youth Ministry
Fr. Radley is planning for a COR Youth Ministry High School Retreat May 28-30, 2021!

More information will be coming soon! Here is the registration link
Religious Education
School of St. Mary
Swing for St. Mary’s!  

Get your friends together for some fun at our Swing for St. Mary’s 9 Hole Golf Outing at Big Oaks Golf Course on May 15th (Rain date, May 22)! Contests, a raffle, a t-shirt and hot dog meal provided. Tee times start @ 1:30pm. $50/adult & $35/SOSM student. All skill levels welcome!  

Want to sponsor a hole, it's only $100 (payable with registration via Give Central) A sign will be placed by the hole thanking your family for your sponsorship!  

To register you will fill out a Google form (link is included here), then follow the link at the end of the form to SignUp Genius to select you tee-time and then follow link for payment on GiveCentral. https://forms.gle/hcoij9bsNg2KdsnM8
Ways to Volunteer
From Around the Archdiocese
Plenary Indulgence in Time of Crisis
Plenary Indulgence

The Apostolic Penitentiary, a branch of the Vatican offices which focuses on mercy and the forgiveness of sins, issued a decree granting a Plenary Indulgence during this extraordinary time. To see some of the ways we can still participate in the life of grace and the life of the Church during the Covid-19 pandemic please click here.
Volunteer & Assistance
To find ways to volunteer within our community and to seek assistance from the parish please click here.




Here is a List of Places You may watch Mass on TV, Radio or Online:
  • TV: EWTN
  • DirecTV Channel 370
  • Dish Network Channel 261
  • Verizon Fios Channel 285
  • XFinity Channel 33, 291, 1668
  • Online:
  • Church of St. Mary Livestream can be found on our Facebook Page. View past celebrated Masses or join us for a current Livestream Mass according to the schedule in this newsletter.
  • Sunday Mass from Holy Name Cathedral (anytime)
  • http://www.catholictv.org/masses/catholictv-mass (Daily at 9:30AM)
  • Relevant Radio:  
  • 1:00 pm ET / 10:00 am PT. 
  • These Masses will be broadcast live on your local station, on the Relevant Radio® app, at relevantradio.com, and on my Father Rocky Facebook page so you can tune in from wherever you are. The Mass will be rebroadcast each evening at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT on your local station.
Daily Scripture Readings
To read the Daily Scripture readings you may go to usccb.org and select "Daily Reading" at the top left menu.

You may also go to "Today's Reading" at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings
Prayer for the Sick and Deceased
MARRIAGE BANNS

I David Holmes and Sarah Hayes

Please remember in your prayers those who are sick, especially:
Pierre Adam
Peggy Adams
William Allingham
Beny Alvarez
Alexa Anderson
Francis (Pierre) Avellone
Baby Bower Triplets:
Rose Marie, Adelaide Marie,
and Josephine Marie
Baby Mercer
Baby Peter John O'Rourke
Elvera Baeza
Dolores Beck
Brooke Bloom
Jack Brown
Mason Jeffrey Browner
Baby Virginia Bunimovich
Francesco Camoletto
Nancy Carani
Luis and Maria Cardenas
Carmie Caluag
Nova Carlson
Sember Carlson
Michael Carpenter
Jeffrey Chicoine
Carolyn Cimarrusti-Erickson
Jacqueline Cimarrusti
Marianna Cimarrusti
Charles Cook
Virginia Cordoba
Mary Elizabeth Cran
Greg DeBoer
Louis Degaetano
Mimi Degaetano
Mike Dellefield
Lewis Dilts
Joan Dolan
Hannah Erickson
Susan Ewert
Abby Furco
Esperanza Galikay
Jenny Green
Jeanne Gross
Jesus Guzman
Laura Rose Hamel
Elizabeth Hand
Joyce Hansen
Margaret Hartman
John Herbert
Hannah Hodgson
Edward Hoover
Patricia P. Huber
Juan Hurandas
Rafael Ibarra
Shirley Jacksack
Dolores Jansyn
Dick Jaworski
Christian Jenko
Dr. Mickey Jester
Mark Kalbus
Amy Kaleniecki
Raine Kamm
Oceana Kashul
Mason Kelly
Genevieve Kluza
Patsy Leonard
Richard Lombardi
Caroline Lyczko
Fely Macalalad
Meg Macdonald
Jim MacNaughton
Angela Martinez
Carolina Martinez
Ralph Mastro
Robert Matthei
Derrick Mathews
Donna Mathews
Yvonne Tichelbaut McClosky
Kathryn McConnell
Janet McCue
Francis McCullough
Margaret Mary McIntyre
Ann Milite
Mary Anne Minich
Dolores Morrison
Barbara Neis
David O'Brien
Joaquin Padilla
Tom Palella
Mary Margaret Pawl
Mary Butterfield Peddle
James Dean Penar
Marie Pfeiffer
Lisa Pommer
Lil Porter
Marianne Powers
Carol Pozdel
Marcia Ries
Charlene Roberts
Jeanie Rogalski
Frank Rogalski
Mathew Rowley
Susan Schey
Bill Shafer
Colleen Sheerer
Tai (Pascal) Shin
Pat Spencer
Nancy Sreenan
Ellen Sreenan
Debbie Sternberg
John Sternberg
Maureen Strassburger
Craig Strom
Elzbieta Szymanska
Leonard Teifeld
Tommy Thomsen
John Tocks
Linda Trueblood-Lambert
Joseph Urso
Amanda Van Vleet
Brittany Van Vleet
Marisol Vazquez
Martha Williams
Barbara Wilson
Laurie Wood
Robert Yale
Please remember in your prayers those who have gone to their eternal rest with Our Lord, especially:

Susan Wittig (wife of Bob Wittig; mother of Elizabeth Hayes)
Mass Intentions
Mass Intentions will be prayed for during a private or public daily Mass.

April 17, 2021:
7:30am: Kristine Rogalski Cavozak
5:00pm: Scopelliti-Gabrielsen Families; Deceased Member of the Sheahan Family
April 18, 2021:
8:00am: Mary Lynch; Dolores Hynes
10:00am: Tim Hayes; Debra Doyle
Noon: William Tomcko; Peter Danis; People of St. Mary’s
April 19, 2021: Anita Schroeder; Charlotte Gesualdi
April 20, 2021: Mary Theresa Lynch
April 21, 2021: Stefan & Katherine Heinrich
April 22, 2021: Betty Milite
April 23, 2021: Martin Brennan
April 24, 2021:
7:30am: Marion Morris
5:00pm: Dorina Mentuccia; Eliseo Elisei
April 25, 2021:
8:00am: Elie Rebeiz; Mary Lynch
10:00am: Joseph Tarin; Douglas Macdonald
Noon: Damian Hansen; Peter Danis; People of St. Mary’s

If you would like to request a special Mass Intention, please email our Parish Receptionists at: receptionist@churchofstmary.org and they will kindly assist you!
Stewardship
“Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ But they were startled and frightened...”      LUKE 24:36-37

Throughout the day we have many opportunities to “see the face of Jesus” in others and to “be the face of Jesus” to others. Do we take that opportunity to provide “peace” to those we encounter or are we afraid of what others will think of us and do nothing? Pray for the strength to live a “God-centered” life and not a “self-centered” life.


Sunday Collection                  -------------------   Actual      Budgeted    Surplus/(Shortfall)
April 11, 2021                           ----------------------- $20,031     $21,000         ($970)

Total Sunday Collections Fiscal 2021 YTD  ---- $845,381    $819,000       $26,381

2021 Easter Collection               -----  --------------- $76,258    $100,000       (23,742)   
THANK YOU for CONTINUING TO SUPPORT the Church of St. Mary
We are grateful for the outpouring of support from parishioners while we navigate financially. Thank you for continuing to support your parish as well as our sharing parish, Most Blessed Trinity. Thank you for mailing your contribution to the Parish Office or scheduling your online donation. Offertory basket will be made available during Sunday Public Masses as well for your offering.

Ways To Give

+ Drop in the Offertory Basket during Public Mass at the end of Mass
+ Mail Your Contribution:
Church of St. Mary
c/o Business Office
201 E. Illinois
Lake Forest, IL 60045

+ Online Giving:
Schedule your recurring donations via our online Giving safe and secure portal, GiveCentral Go to:  Church of St. Mary GiveCentral or click the image below.
 
Thank you! 
Stay Connected
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 get notices on viewing Livestreamed Mass! Prior recorded Masses can also be watched via our 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!
The Church of St. Mary has a YouTube channel! Once we have 1000k subscribers, we can stream live! Look for the black and white image of the Church of St. Mary when searching for the channel or click on either image here to go straight there! Don't forget to subscribe!