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PARISH NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS |
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I pray this note finds you happy, healthy, and holy. I have now been assigned to a variety of different parishes that are located in different areas. All but one of these parishes have been pretty large, at least for the standards of our diocese. It has been interesting to see the different characteristics of each parish. Much like any person, parishes are all different.
One characteristic of our parish is the vast differences in how our parents decide to educate their children. We have parents who send their children to public schools, parents who homeschool, as well parents who send their children to our parish school, Corpus Christi. (On a side note, we have all of these represented in our parish’s youth group - which is awesome! Check out more about our youth group here.) There are pros and cons with each choice and parents have to consider the needs of their children and discern God’s will for their family.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental. As far as possible parents have the duty of choosing schools that will best help them in their task as Christian educators.” (CCC 2223) I have noticed tensions between parents who have made different decisions for their children’s education. I understand our kids may compete in different competitions, academic and athletics, which may involve some rivalry. However, as a third party who supports everyone, I believe it’s important for us to also focus on what we share.
“Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents recieve the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children. Parents should initiate their children at an early age in to the mysteries of the faith of which they are the first heralds for their children.” (CCC 2225) The Church reminds us that parents are united in their responsibilty and to raise their children in the faith. Regardless how a child is educated parents are called to live the faith at home. Here is where parents can come together and support each other! Stay tuned to our parish's means of communications for upcoming ways that our parish can support you in living your Faith at Home.
In Christ,
Fr. Schultz
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Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life Study
Jesus is our savior, our redeemer, our Lord, and our God, but do we really know him as we should? Is he a part of your life, or is he at the center of your life? This study is anchored in the life of Christ as presented in the Gospels. We’ll explore the entirety of Jesus’ life - who he is, what he taught, what he did for our salvation, and what all of this means for us as Catholics today.
When: Mondays, September 26th through November 28th
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Materials: Click below to see ordering information.
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Stewardship and Discipleship Study
We have heard Fr. Schultz and Fr. Martin speak many times regarding the topic of stewardship and using our God given gifts to be disciples. How do we do this? In this study, we will define Stewardship and Discipleship and identify the lifelong challenge given to us as Christians to be Stewards and Disciples.
When: this is a 3-session study with 2 sessions offered:
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Tuesday mornings: September 13th, 20th, and 27th; 9:15-10:45 am
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Thursday evenings: September 15th, 22nd, and 29th; 6:00-7:30 pm
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Man Up!
After taking a summer break, Man Up! will start meeting again beginning Friday, September 16 in Shamrock Hall from 5:45am - 6:45am.
All men are invited to participate in a nine week program called Living Joy: 9 Rules to Help You Rediscover and Live Joy Every Day. With evidence, experience, and common sense, Chris Stefanick presents nine rules that will empower you to overcome the obstacles that are keeping you from unspeakable joy.
Please contact Phil Olinger ([email protected]) or Kevin Cook ([email protected]) for more information on joining this study and to get added to the Man Up! e-mail list. If you are interested in helping lead a virtual meeting, please contact Brian Claricoates ([email protected]).
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“Grace Within” is a small group spiritual growth process for women of all ages, utilizing personal journals and led by peers. It's a great way to bring the companionship of other women into your busy life as you reflect on and live through the ordinary - and extraordinary - joys and challenges of being a Christian woman.
Take a “time-out” from the to-do list to nourish and regenerate your soul!
When: Two different session times are offered:
- Wednesdays, Sept. 21- Nov. 9; 9-11am
- Thursdays, Sept. 22 - Nov. 10; 6:30-8:30pm
Free childcare is offered during the morning session!
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Are you looking for an opportunity to meet other mothers? Learn something new? Have some fun? A MORNING OUT may be just what you need!
MOMS MORNING OUT has been a part of our parish and beyond since the mid-1980s! Meeting most Fridays during the school year, it’s an opportunity to make new friendships that will last a lifetime!
MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to provide a nurturing forum for mothers that fosters personal growth and spiritual enrichment while providing information and support concerning issues important to women, children, and family life.
JOIN US for our first gathering of the fall on Friday, September 16th. Check-in begins at 9am, program begins at 9:30am here at St. Patrick Church of Merna in room 7/8. Childcare is available!
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Sign Up Today for Our Next Pump-Up Series…
Stations of the Cross and the Rosary
Join us on a one-day bus trip to St. John, Indiana to experience the Shrine Christ’s Passion consisting of 40 life-size bronze figures depicting the life of Jesus from the Last Supper up to His glorious Ascension into Heaven. We will meditate at each station as you walk the outdoor path to experience the Passion of Christ along with Fr. Martin and Deacon Mike. Your day will include the bus ride, stations, praying the rosary, lunch, and a large and beautiful gift shop. The following link takes you to the website and will allow you to gain a general understanding for this trip: shrineofchristspassion.org
WHEN: Monday, October 10th; Rain or Shine!
TIME: Leave St. Pat’s parking lot at 9:00 am and return by 5:00 pm
COST: $79; The cost includes bus fee, lunch and drink, tax, and tip
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Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive
September 16th-18th
Our council will be collecting donations outside of the McDonald's and Avanti's by the airport, and at St. Patrick Church of Merna. This year we will also be collecting online donations. To make your donation, visit the Knights of Columbus website at www.kofc15175.org. Thank you for your support!
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Mass & Munchies is Returning!
Save the date! Mass & Munchies will be returning to St. Patrick Church of Merna’s Shamrock Hall on Tuesday, September 27th after the 8:30am Mass. Please join us for a time of food and fellowship. Goodies will abound (egg casserole, coffee cake, etc.) and so will great conversation! Looking forward to seeing you on the 27th!
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Eucharistic Retreat
Please join us at St. Patrick Church of Merna for a weekend Eucharistic retreat with Fr. Luke Spannagel, currently serving as a USCCB National Eucharistic Revival Preacher.
Discover the greatest gift ever given to us from the greatest love story ever told. As you journey on this retreat with Fr. Luke, you will joyfully discover how to have an intimate relationship with Christ by encountering God, the author of Love, present in Jesus in the Eucharist.
DATES/TIMES: Friday, September 30th from 6pm-8:30pm AND Saturday, October 1st from 7:30am-3pm (Sorry, we are unable to provide childcare for this event)
COST: $10 per person (scholarships are available); includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks on Saturday 10/1
TEEN PROGRAM: On Sunday, October 2nd from 6pm-8pm, Fr. Luke will give a talk especially for high schoolers on living a Eucharistic centered life. Join us for adoration, praise & worship, food, and fellowship! There is no cost for this event, but please register below to help us plan. All are welcome! Bring a friend!
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Precious Blood Returning
We will begin offering the Precious Blood at all Masses beginning the weekend of September 17th. There will be two Eucharistic Ministers distributing the Precious Blood, one on each side of the main aisle.
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Altar Server and MC Trainings
We have scheduled two trainings for students interested in becoming an altar server or an MC (Master of Ceremony). Altar servers must be in 5th grade or older, and MC’s in high school. The trainings will be held at St. Patrick Church of Merna on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.
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Volunteers are needed to help with the Presentation of the Gifts!
At every Mass on the weekends we need volunteers to bring the gifts (bread, wine, and water) from the back of the church to the altar.
This is a WONDERFUL & SPECIAL way to help out at Mass!! And NO TRAINING is needed!
Families, individuals, small groups, etc. are all welcome to participate. Click below to reserve your dates.
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Adult Choir is Returning
Rehearsals are every Tuesday, and begin Tuesday, September 6th, from 7:00-8:30pm. We will begin singing at 9:00am Masses on Sunday, September 18th, and continue singing at Mass every other weekend.
New! Children’s Choirs!
We will have two youth choirs beginning the week of September 13th. The choirs are for all students in our parish: those who attend Religious Ed, students at Corpus Christi, families who homeschool – everyone!
- 3rd-5th graders will meet on Tuesdays from 6:00-6:40pm.
- 6th-8th graders will meet on Wednesdays from 5:45-6:30pm.
All rehearsals will be in the Music Room at St Pat’s. The Youth Choirs will lead Mass once a month and both groups will sing together on Christmas Eve and Easter.
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Expanded Adoration Hours Coming Soon
Beginning Tuesday, September 13th, we are expanding our Adoration hours at St. Patrick Church of Merna! Additional hours to spend time in Adoration with our Lord will now be available on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Friday hours will remain the same (7:30am-5pm).
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Tuesdays: 4:30pm - 8:30pm
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Wednesdays: 4:30pm - 8:30pm
All are welcome to drop in at any time during our Adoration hours. Sign up to become a weekly adorer at: adorationpro.org/stpatrickmerna and click on "Weekly Commitment". To be added as a substitute, click on "Become A Sub." Questions? Email: [email protected]
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In place of filling out pledge cards during Mass this year, all households should have received a brochure and pledge card in the mail from the Diocese of Peoria. Despite not having a "commitment weekend", our parishes still have goals to fulfill, so we ask that you prayerfully consider your pledge and either return your pledge card by mail to the Diocese of Peoria, or go online to www.cdop.org/ada to make an online pledge.
The video below from Bishop Louis Tylka explains the importance of the Annual Diocesan Appeal. Please take a few minutes to watch and learn why the Diocese holds this appeal each year. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
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1001 N Towanda Barnes Rd.
Bloomington, IL 61705
(309) 662-7361
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