PARISH NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS | |
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I pray this note finds you happy, healthy, and holy. For years, we have been hearing about our bishop’s Growing Disciples Initiative, where he has shared his vision for vibrant parishes with his priests and laity. We have shared our feedback throughout this process and decisions have been made. Well now is the time when the rubber begins to meet the road. Though changes are inevitable for us, I am excited about what sits on our horizon. This newsletter addressing all parishioners from both parishes is a fruit of this process and one of the first concrete steps being taken that impacts our parishioners. This means of communication will be important as our two parishes become one new parish throughout this fiscal year.
One idea that has been coming up in conversation is that we are becoming one new parish with two campuses. This has served us well, as St. Mary’s has provided a location when the St. Patrick campus wouldn’t work. For example, we hosted our two parishes’ Eucharistic Procession in September at St. Mary’s which allowed us to bring Jesus into the streets of Downs and into the adjacent park. This wouldn’t have been possible at St. Patrick’s. We will also utilize St. Mary’s Church for our daily Masses, Eucharistic Adoration, and Confessions later this month when the sound system at St. Patrick’s gets replaced.
Throughout this process, the Transition Team, with representatives from both parishes, will be aiding myself and our parish staff. In our first meeting we were invited to discuss the history and characteristics of both parishes, using this information to guide a discussion to discern three potential names for our “new” parish. I have sent these suggestions to Bishop Lou as directed, and we are awaiting his response and decision on our new name. Though these potential names aren’t a secret, I am becoming more tight lipped because I don’t want a personal preference for one name to prevent us from warmly embracing the new name that God will give us.
I recognize this process will take time for all of us to digest, but I ask all of us to pray for the grace to open our hearts to God’s will. Please look forward to these monthly emails and help us by encouraging others to do the same. God bless.
In Christ,
Fr. Schultz
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Parish News & Upcoming Events | |
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Fall Senior Luncheon
The Parish Hospitality Directors are sponsoring the Fall Senior Luncheon on Wednesday, October 9th at 12pm in Shamrock Hall. The theme of the luncheon is “Harvest Our Blessings.” The program will be representatives from several parish ministries sharing how they serve our parishioners. The menu will include chicken and noodles, barbecue (sloppy joes), vegetable casseroles, salads, hot apple cider, and a variety of fall-themed desserts. Please join us for this fun event! Sign up at the welcome center, by scanning the QR code, or by contacting the Parish Office at 662-7361. Please RSVP by Sunday October 6th.
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Blood Drive
We will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Patrick Church of Merna on Monday, October 21st from 12:30pm to 5:30pm in the Parish Hall. Scan the QR code or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment.
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In celebration of the Feast of St. Francis (patron saint of animals and the environment), we will have a pet blessing from 2-4pm on Sunday, October 6th by the Shamrock Shed. We also invite families with children to participate in our Liturgical Living event and sign up to paint a birdhouse to take home! | |
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Kingdom Builders: Intercessory Prayer Team
The Lord may be inviting you to intercede in a special way for our parishes and many other intentions. Please join us on Thursday, October 10th at 1pm in the chapel at St. Pat’s of Merna. Kingdom Builders meets on the second Thursday of the month from 1-2pm. Gathering in Jesus' Presence, we begin with praise and thanksgiving, and then intercede on behalf of the world, our parishes, our universal Church, the intentions shared by parishioners, and more. Please reach out to Jess Elliott with questions.
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Ladies Fall Social
The second annual Ladies Fall Social will be held on Sunday, October 20th from 6-8pm in the hall of St. Mary Church in Downs. The theme is “An Inspirational Evening with our Blessed Mother.” There will be warm beverages and sweet treats to enjoy. Jess Elliott, Director of Evangelization, will be speaking about Mary, our mother and role model. The Auxiliary is asking for a donation of $10 to reserve a seat. If you volunteer to decorate a table, the donation is not necessary. For more information and to reserve a seat, please contact Mary Kurtenbach by text at (309)825-3736 or email may171980@yahoo.com. This is our autumn celebration for Mary. It is appropriate to dress in your favorite church attire, and warm fall colors. Plenty of seats are still available - ALL are welcome!
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Identity Series
Join us for a very special series on identity on Monday nights in October, from 5:30pm-6:30pm. Sessions 1 & 2 will be in the Church, with Sessions 3 & 4 in Shamrock Hall. In these retreat-like nights, Fr. Matt will share on knowing who God is, and thus understanding who we are in Him as baptized sons and daughters, temples of the Holy Spirit, and more. The nights will include led prayer, as we encounter Jesus and renew our minds. If able, please RSVP. Contact Jess Elliott with questions.
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November Encounter Night
Our next Encounter Night will be on Wednesday, November 6th at 7:30pm at St. Patrick Church of Merna. Come and rest in the presence of the Lord, with a night of reflection, silence, and music. Consider inviting a friend! Contact Jess Elliott with any questions.
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Coming Soon!
Mark your calendars for some upcoming studies and resources. More information will be forthcoming.
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Join Fr. Matt as he explains the Biblical aspects and why we do what we do as Catholics during his Teaching Mass on Sunday, November 10th.
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Spend time unpacking the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary with Fr. Matt beginning Monday, November 18th.
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Adore is an Advent book and a resource for individuals or small groups. This book will help you to slow down and take a few minutes each day to remember who this season is really about - Jesus!
For questions regarding the above, contact Marylynn Meredith.
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Respect Life Month
"During the Easter Vigil liturgy, the single flame of the Easter candle shines through the darkness. That small flame spreads as each person’s candle is lit and the light of Christ is shared with others. Before we know it, the entire Church is ablaze with the warm glow of candlelight and the darkness has been vanquished.
We are each called by God to be that light of Christ that breaks through the darkness. We are called to be his disciples, continually transformed by our encounter with him and sharing in his mission. Jesus came that we might have life..." Read more of the Respect Life reflection here.
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A Prayer for Life to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
O Jesus, you came that we might have life—and have it in abundance. Together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you form us in our mothers' wombs and call us to love you for all eternity.
As your most precious gift of human life is attacked, draw us ever closer to your Real Presence in the Eucharist. Dispel the darkness of the culture of death, for you are the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
By the power of your Eucharistic Presence, help us to defend the life of every human person at every stage. Transform our hearts to protect and cherish all whose lives are most vulnerable. For you are God, forever and ever. Amen.
Copyright © 2024, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.
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40 Days for Life
One way to promote the sacredness of human life is to consider participating in our local 40 Days for Life, from September 25th-November 3rd. 40 Days for Life is committed to ending the scourge of abortion through prayerful, peaceful, lawful vigils demonstrating truth, love & compassion. Sign up for an hour to peacefully pray on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood, anytime from 7am-7pm over these days. Reach out to our local leader, Daniel, with questions. If you'd like someone to join you in praying, please reach out to Jess Elliott.
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2024 Annual Diocesan Appeal
“Do Everything for the Glory of God”
This weekend, the 2024 Annual Diocesan Appeal begins in our parish and throughout the Diocese of Peoria. Through the ADA we are able to advance the mission entrusted to us by the Lord. In our parishes, our schools, our Newman Centers on college campuses, and in our social service ministries in Catholic Charities we create places of encounter with Jesus. And we know that when we encounter Jesus, lives are changed.
If you have not made your pledge by mail, please fill out the pledge card in your pew this weekend. The goal for St. Patrick Church of Merna is $243,744 and the goal for St. Mary's in Downs is $40,514. We can only reach our goals with your help.
Contributions can be made by check payable to the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, by a credit or debit card, by direct debit from checking or savings account or online. Gifts of appreciated stock, grain, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) or donor advised funds have special considerations and requirements. Contact 309-671-1550 for more information.
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