From the Desk of Fr. Mike Nacius, Pastor - Bulletin February 18, 2018

I en courage you take a look at the article in today's bulletin written by our Deacons Jack Herrmann and Bob Th omas. They have placed some questions for your reading, reflection and response. (They assure me there will be a complete answer key in next week's bulletin.)
 
Over the course of the history of our parish, since the Permanent Diaconate was restored in the Roman Catholic Church in 1958 the parish has benefitted from the faith and ministry of our permanent deacons. For those with a long history in our parish, listing the ordination year and names of our permanent deacons may bring back memories. For the rest of us these names inform us of those who have ministered at the Church of St. Mary. Permanent Deacons at the Church of St. Mary include 1975 - Deacon James W. Dunham, 1978 - Deacon Joseph Krakora, Sr. retired, Deacon James Kenney, Deacon John Schwarz, 1982 - Deacon Don F. Mahlmeister, and our two active permanen t deacons 2012 - Deacon Jack Herrmann and 2015 - Deacon Bob Thomas. We are fortunate to have Deacon Bob and Jack at our parish. Next Sunday they will be preaching as we celebrate the 50 th anniversary of the renewal of the permanent diaconate. Please reach out to them and thank them for their ministry at St. Mary's!
 
This first Sunday of Lent we remember in prayer those in our RCIA program, growing in relationship with Jesus Christ, who will be participating in the Rite of Election with Cardinal Cupich at Holy Name Cathedral this Sunday. They will be joining parishioners of parishes across our Archdiocese who are looking forward to full initiation in the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on March 30 th . In addition to the Rite of Election they will be participating in scrutinies in March as they pray towards the celebration of the Easter sacraments.

Lent is a wonderful season inviting our increased prayer, fasting and almsgiving these 40 days. To aid you in your prayer please take the two aids for spiritual growth as you leave the church this weekend. There is a key chain fob with an invitation to "Renew our Hearts". Pope Francis wrote; "God never tires of reaching out to us and is always ready to listen. All one needs to do is to accept the invitation and submit oneself to God." May our hearts be renewed these 40 days. Also, there are Lenten Reflection booklets for you to take for your Lenten prayer.
 





Thanks to those who supported our parish Refugee Ministry at St. Mary's as we partner with Catholic Charities in serving Christ in those in need. Donations directed to our Refugee Ministry can be made throughout the season of Lent. There are also Catholic Relief Services Operation Rice Bowl packets for your consideration of your almsgiving this Lent.

 
I encourage you to lift up in prayer our 8 th grade students so that they may deepen their desire for wisdom and understanding - counsel and piety - fortitude and knowledge - piety and fear of the Lord as they continue their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Students in our Confirmation program will be on their Fruits of the Spirit Retreat next Saturday, February 24 th .
 




You are invited to the play on the life of St. John Vianney this Wednesday evening, February 21 st at 7:00pm at St. Patrick's parish in Lake Forest.
 


Many people give up sweets during the season of Lent. For those who have decided on other efforts in the Lenten season, please stop by our Donut Sunday sponsored by our Women's Guild in the school cafeteria after the 8:00am and 10:00am Masses.
 



God be with you with a renewed heart this Lenten season.
 
     
 
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