September 12, 2021: The Twenty-Fourth 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/

There are many and exciting and wonderful things taking place at the Church of St. Mary. I encourage you to review the parish website for parish activities and the school website to learn about the activities and events of our parishioners, students, faculty, and staff.

Since I started my ministry at St. Mary’s, I have come to know of many of the passions and interests of parishioners in helping and supporting not only the Church of St. Mary, but other ministries that become near and dear to people’s hearts. One such ministry that was heavily supported by Bishop Rassas, as well as numerous parishioners, is Cristo Rey St. Martin (CRSM) College Prep. Located in Waukegan, IL, they are part of the Cristo Rey Network of schools which currently comprises some 26 schools in 17 states and the District of Columbia. Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep prides itself as; “We are the school that works”. Many parishioners serve in leadership roles at CRSM, are benefactors of the School, and support the projects and fundraisers of the school. A key component of the CRSM model of education is their work study program.

Something new and exciting at the Upper Grade Center this year is our partnering with the Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep and their Work Study Program. The Work-Study Program (WSP) allows student-workers to participate in real world job experience. It is an integral part of their educational experience and CRSM student-workers commit themselves to high standards of responsibility and behavior.

Recently the Cristo Rey work study program has branched out to include non-profit agencies as a work site for their students in addition to business and corporate partners. St. Mary’s Upper Grade Center is one of the locations of Cristo Rey students for the current academic year. The WSP coordinates schedules with Cristo Rey St. Martin so that each student-worker is available one full day (approximately 7½ to 8 hours) each week plus an extra day every fourth week without missing any classes. Class schedules are staggered so that an equal number of student-workers are available each day of the work week. Student-workers are then placed in teams of four and are assigned to job positions. The team of student-workers “job share” the position for the year.

By participating in the WSP, the School of St. Mary, under the leadership of Dr. Julie Brua, creates an invaluable learning and work experience for the student-workers. The Program asks Dr. Brua and the staff of the School of St. Mary to treat the student-workers as they would any other worker or contracted worker. Working with adults in an adult environment helps student-workers understand the importance of acting responsibly and professionally. On a daily basis Dr. Brua is in communication with the school leadership of the WSP offering feedback and evaluation of the student-workers just as she would with any other worker regarding a particular attitude, the quality of work, or any other situation meriting comment. The WSP contracts with non-profits to fill entry-level clerical positions. The Cristo Rey students working at the Upper Grade Center fill a variety of roles supporting the administration team, being on ‘office runner’ of tasks, and working with the teachers and students. It is a wonderful opportunity for the students of Cristo Rey to participate in the work-study program here at St. Mary’s.

The Guild of St. Mary is very happy to offer the return of “Donut Sunday” for the parish. You are invited to stop by the first Donut Sunday of this year following the 8:00 and 10:00 am Masses next Sunday, September 19. Thanks to the women of St. Maria Goretti Circle for offering this opportunity for fellowship following the early Masses next Sunday.

Also, all are invited to support our local Knight of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive. This year’s Intellectual Disabilities “Tootsie Roll Drive” is September 17 – 19. As in the past, the Knights will be collecting around Lake Forest and Lake Bluff and after weekend Masses at both St. Mary’s and St. Patrick’s. Thanks for your generous support of the K of Cs. If you would like to help with the Tootsie Roll Drive, being a volunteer around town or the parish for a designated time slot, please reach out to Jeff Kowal at jkowal@edgemarkllc.com.

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I was at the seminary, in class, working on the Doctor of Ministry degree. Shortly after class began, the professor wheeled in a television, and we watched history unfolding as the planes crashed into the twin tours of the World Trade Center in New York City; as the day unfolded we learned more about the terrorist attacks in NY, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. On this 20^th anniversary, may we pray for healing for our wounded and scarred world and strive to daily be “instruments of peace” as followers and believers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

May God bless us with peace these days of September.

A Prayer of Remembrance

Lord of Mercy, Prince of Peace,

This date, 9-11, carries a heavy burden of memory.

This day does not pass in the calendar without our remembering. We remember images of death and destruction. Images that human eyes were never meant to see. We remember words our ears were never meant to hear, the tender last words of husbands and wives who would never embrace again.

We imagine the feeling of emptiness in the arms of children who at the end of the day could not find mom or dad for their welcome home hug. We remember our own feelings of emptiness as our sense of security, as our own confidence in the predictable order of life and work was radically shaken.

This date, 9-11, carries a heavy burden of memory.

We remember the heroism of the many that lost their lives in saving others. We remember all those who suffered and died, we grieve for them still, friends and strangers alike, along with their families and friends.

This date, 9-11, carries a heavy burden of memory.

And it is right that it should not pass from our memory. But today and in this prayer, along with our remembrance of profound loss, it also seems right that we give voice to our deep longing for peace, and with this prayer, commit ourselves to those actions that will draw us closer to our most ancient and most holy desire, peace among all God’s children.

Dona nobis pacem.

Lord, grant us peace. Amen.-------------------------- ------------------------ ~ Catholic Charities of New York

Our next Soup Kitchen date is this Friday, September 17, 2021, and we have gone back to our sandwich supper format during the warmer weather. We would be grateful for your donations of:

Loaves of soft whole wheat bread
Sliced cheese – American, cheddar, or Swiss
Individual packets of chips
Granola bars
Fruit – oranges, tangerines or apples
Individual containers of yogurt
Individual packets of cookies or other treats

We will purchase other items to complete the meal. Since the Parish Center will be closed, donations should be dropped off at Ellen Tierney’s home, 150 Norwich Court, Lake Bluff any time on Thursday, September 16 or before 3:00pm on Friday, September17. If those times are not convenient, please contact Ellen to make alternate arrangements at (847) 295.4649 or ellenkelly@comcast.net.

Though we are eager to get back to a “dine-in” service, we have been told to expect to operate on a “take-out” basis well into the fall. Many thanks to all who have helped us keep feeding our hungry neighbors during this difficult time.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education Classes 2021-2022

Online Registration is now OPEN and available for grades K through 8 for families who are registered parishioners at the Church of St. Mary.

Classes available:

Sundays: K-5^th grade from 9:30am-11:00am September 19-April 24

---------(Please note that the 1^stand 2^nd Year Sunday Class is full)

Tuesdays: 1^st-6^th grade from 4:15-5:30pm September 21-April 26

---------(Please note that the afternoon 6^th Grade Class is full)

Tuesdays: 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade from 7:00-8:30pm September 21-March 15
Intensives: Registration for Intensives is closed

Student(s) who will be in grades 7 & 8 will need to submit all assignments (including Mass Reflection sheets) prior to registering for 2021-2022 year.

For the 2021-2022 Religious Education year we plan to meet in-person as well as incorporate a few on-line sessions. Please see our website for the class calendar. Please note, a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate will need to be submitted to the Religious Ed program if you are new to the program.

We look forward to seeing you and your children in September for a faith filled year of learning!

Enroll Today: religiouseducation.churchofstmary.org

Questions? Contact 847.234.0090 | religioused@churchofstmary.org

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, September 26. 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, September 11 - Sunday, September 19, 2021

Saturday, September 11 , 2021:

+ 7:30am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS

+ 8:00am: Reconciliation in Church

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

Sunday, September 12, 2021:

+ 8:00am: PUBLIC MASS

+ 10:00am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS

+ 12:00pm: PUBLIC MASS

Monday, September 13, 2021: