Thursday, October 6, 2022

Friends,

One of the main themes of the Mass readings for this Sunday is healing. When you think of Christianity, when you think of the Church, when you think of Jesus … do you think about healing? Our minds tend to go toward ideas like preaching, teaching, judging, or any other action. But Jesus, among so many other things, is truly our healer.

In the first reading, there’s a guy named Naaman who suffers from leprosy. Basically a skin disease that took over his whole body. The prophet Elisha tells him to plunge himself in the Jordan River seven times. When he does that, he discovers that his skin became “again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean of his leprosy.” Amazing! Naaman experienced true and deep healing in the Jordan River.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus also heals ten lepers who had the same disease as Naaman. Like Elisha, the man of God, Jesus uses God’s power to heal. He’s not only focused on preaching and teaching… Jesus’ mission involves healing people. The difference between Jesus and Elisha is that Jesus is not just a prophet or messenger of God. He is truly God and truly man. Jesus is the healer. He healed in the Gospels and he still heals today! But how…?

Remember that Naaman was healed in the Jordan River. In the Gospels, we find out that Jesus was baptized in that same Jordan River. By repeating the same healing action that Naaman experienced, Jesus cleansed the waters of Baptism. That means that you and me - when we were baptized in the 21st century - experienced the same healing power of God that Naaman experienced. Whenever we experience a sacrament - like Baptism, Reconciliation, or receiving the Eucharist during Mass - we experience God’s healing grace.

Think about a part of your life that needs healing. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental, God desires to heal you. Jesus is your healer. The Lord is on your side. Run to Jesus in prayer. Learn more about Confession and Mass. Ask questions about your faith. Reflect on your experiences and let Jesus in. He wants to heal YOU.

PLEASE NOTE: Fall Retreat canceled

If you registered, please be on the lookout for an email from Chase!

Calling all high school seniors!

College applications can be draining and isolating. It doesn't have to be that way! COR wants to offer you the time and space to work on college applications while also hanging out with other seniors who are in the same boat as you.

Interested? Scan the QR code and fill out the short interest form by Thursday, October 9.

Be a voice for change!

Catholic Youth Climate Summit in Chicago

In 2015, Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si' - an encyclical letter on caring for our common home. In that letter, Pope Francis urged us to become good stewards of creation by working toward sustainability and fighting environmental injustice. The Archdiocese of Chicago is implementing the vision of Laudato Si' with the second annual Catholic Youth Summit in February 2023. The summit is youth-led and aims to equip young people in the Church to take action to address the climate crisis and ecological degradation.

If you are passionate about making a positive change in the world, especially in the area of environmental and ecological science, consider applying to be on the leadership team for the Catholic Youth Climate Summit. Here's what you'll receive as a leader:

experience in community and Church leadership
mentorship from professionals in the Church and environmental fields
a scholarship
valuable resume-building experience
an opportunity to make positive change in the world

Apply by October 11 by clicking HERE or on the image below.

LIGHT THE NIGHT:

Archdiocesan Youth Event in Vicariate I

Join Chase and other high schoolers from COR and around the Archdiocese of Chicago for a fun and prayerful evening at the beautiful Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe! Click the image for more information and to register with COR.

unique opportunity for high schoolers

who have not received Confirmation:

Are you a high schooler who wants to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?

We know that life happens and, for whatever reason, your family may have missed Confirmation or Confirmation Prep through our Religious Education office. That's why this year the Church of St. Mary is offering a small-group style Confirmation Prep program for high school teens who have not yet celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation.

High School Confirmation Prep sessions will be held twice a month on Sunday afternoons. The program runs from the end of October through March. More information about dates and times will be sent out following the registration period.

Click the image above by October 19 to register! Contact Chase if you have questions.