October 24, 2021: The Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

PARISH NEWSLETTER

The Church of St. Mary :: 201 E. Illinois Lake Forest, IL 60045

Parish Office Hours: 8:30am to 4:00pm Monday - Friday

Phone: (847) 234.0205 :: Email: receptionist@churchofstmary.org

www.churchofstmary.org :: https://www.facebook.com/ChurchofStMaryLF/

-----I strive to communicate with parishioners and benefactors of the Parish throughout the year. With the help of members of the Parish Finance Council, the Fiscal year 2021 annual report is being put together. We hope that it will be in parishioners hands in mid-November if not before. Over the summer I penned a letter to families with children in the School of St. Mary. Parts of that letter are included in my article this weekend.

-----The Church of St. Mary was founded in 1875; the School of St. Mary was opened in 1917. Over the decades, parishioners of St. Mary’s have been generous in their stewardship. The continued generous stewardship of parishioners allows current generations of families to be educated in the faith through the School of St. Mary and the Church of St. Mary Religious Education program. Parishioners are generous in their support of the parish in the offertory collection, in fundraising and remembering the Church of St. Mary in their final will and estate upon their death. May all people who identify themselves as parishioners of the Church of St. Mary be generous in giving back to God a portion of God’s blessings to them.

-----I am writing to all of the parents of School of St. Mary students that are registered parishioners at the Church of St. Mary. Being part of a vibrant and generous faith community is enriched and strengthened by the continued commitment and support of all. May you recognize the many ways your actions add to and enhance the faith community of St. Mary’s. May you be aware of the support and prayers of members of the parish for you and your family.

-----And I am writing to School families today, asking for your participation in supporting the Church of St. Mary through the offertory collection at Mass. I am asking you to review the level of support, the amount that you contribute weekly to the Church of St. Mary. I am asking you to prayerfully review and reflect on your church support as a reflection of your faith. Do you have joy in your heart as you review what you have contributed last year, over the past six months, this past summer? As you reflect in joy, are you and your family able to increase your regular contributions to the Church of St. Mary received in the offertory collection?

-----I am asking you to prayerfully and joyfully be active in the regular and consistent support to the Church. (The Church of St. Mary keeps records of all contributions received in a church envelope or by check or bank transfer. If you would like to know what we have recorded as contributions from you and your family, you may contact the Business Office. The parish sends tax statements to families in January for your use in filing your state and national taxes.) You commit to contributing to the Church of St. Mary by enrolling your students in the School, thus receiving the parishioner rate versus the non-parishioner tuition rate for the current year.

-----Over the years many people have been generous. Giving back to God with joy and gratitude is a beautiful expression of one’s faith. I would hope that all past, present and future donors and benefactors of the Church of St. Mary would always give and return to God with a joyous heart, knowing that maintaining and improving our buildings, schools, church, and campus are ways that we pay forward so that our children and grandchildren may be recipients of what we have received because of past generosity of parishioners since the founding of the Church of St. Mary. May God always bless those who give to the support of the local and universal Church.

-----I am including in my article dates that have been shared in previous bulletins and e-blasts from the Church of St. Mary. November 1 is the Feast of All Saints, originally called “Martyr’s Day”. It wasn’t until the 7^th century that the Church changed the feast to be the Feast of All Saints! In the early Church the first Christians were martyred for their faith. Over the centuries, amidst less persecution, many Christians were able to lead full lives in love of God and neighbor. As we celebrate the Feast of All Saints in 2021, please join us at the 7:30am or 7:00pm Mass.

-----On November 2, the Feast of All Souls, we remember those who have died, and in a special way, those who have died in the past year. You can join us November 2 at the 7:30am Mass or the All Souls Day Memorial Mass at 7:00pm.

-----You are invited to a Holy Hour for Vocations on Wednesday, November 3, during the regular scheduled time that we offer adoration at the Church of St. Mary: Wednesday, November 3 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm.

-----I am away from St. Mary’s on my annual 8 day Ignatian retreat. Last year I was not able to get away to a retreat house for my annual prayer and time with the Lord. I am grateful that I am able to retreat, spending time in prayer, opening myself up to the many ways the Lord reveals himself to me in prayer, in ministry, in faith. I will be lifting up the needs of all parishioners. I will be back at St. Mary’s this coming Friday. Thanks for lighting a candle, saying a prayer asking God to bless my time on retreat.

-----May God bless us with compassionate hearts, respecting all life.

Please join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00pm in the Parish Center Conference Room for fellowship as we journey spiritually with this program. “That Man is You” is open to all men 18 years old and over. The meetings take place every Tuesday from 7:00-8:30pm.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Deacon Bob Thomas at bthomas@churchofstmary.org

We look forward to having you join us!!!!

Children's Worship Bulletin for October 24, 2021:

for ages 3+ HERE and for ages 7+ HERE.

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 Sunday, October 31. 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, October 23 - Sunday, October 31, 2021

Saturday, October 23, 2021:

+ 7:30am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS

+ 8:00am: Reconciliation in Church

+ 5:00pm: Livestream Sunday Mass & PUBLIC MASS

Sunday, October 24, 2021:

+ 8:00am: PUBLIC MASS

+ 10:00am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS

+ 12:00pm: PUBLIC MASS

Monday, October 25, 2021: