The Easter Season continues!  I want to thank all who made Easter a joyful celebration.  Thank you to John Looby and Eileen Weber Looby of Lake Forest Flowers for the beautiful Easter flowers that continue to enhance our church. Thank you to the Arts and Environment Committee, to John Chapman and the choir for their joyous music, to the ushers, and to all who made Easter a wonderful day of our Risen Lord.

 

       Today my column is the first of four articles that will be part of my articles in the bulletin regarding the upcoming construction to the East Stair entrance and related repairs to the church by the baptismal font. Initial information was shared about this upcoming project in the Christmas 2018 and Easter 2019 bulletins.

 

       When I was assigned to St. Mary's in the summer of 2016 and installed as the 17 ^th pastor, I knew that the parish had a rich history dating back to its founding in 1875. Over the years, the parish has published "anniversary books" commemorating the 100 ^th and the 125 ^th anniversaries of our parish. These books contained insightful and informative information for me. For those who have been parishioners for many years, the 100 ^th anniversary book is a green covered thin history of the first one hundred years of St. Mary's. The 125 ^th anniversary book is a blue-covered larger volume with history that expanded on the earlier volume with more detailed narrative and photographs. Please stop by the Parish Office if you would like a copy for your records and reading.

 

       Discovered in these publications, I learned that Fr. Francis J. Barry became the sixth pastor of St. Mary's, assigned to the parish in 1906. Upon arrival, he learned that the church was in need of significant maintenance and repairs, which he then undertook, including the construction of our existing church which was dedicated in December 1910. In addition to constructing the church, where people would gather and worship under his leadership, the original north school building was constructed and dedicated in September of 1917. Fr. Barry was known for his deep faith as well as an ability to move forward when faced with formidable tasks related to the buildings of St. Mary's.

 

       Pastor and parishioners of every decade of our church history have worked together. The rich history recorded in these anniversary books communicates the sacrifice and commitment shared by parishioners throughout the years. The facilities that we enjoy today were built by previous generations of parishioners. Maintaining the facilities of today will help make sure that current and future generations will be able to call St. Mary's their home, a place to praise God and grow in faith together.

 

       In recognition of his leadership and the many tasks he completed, with the support of the parishioners, a Fr. Barry Church Preservation Fund was created. This was created for the sole purpose of establishing cash reserves for the preservation of the church building. As we move forward with the upcoming Phase Four efforts to maintain our parish facilities we are inviting and sharing with parishioners the opportunity to join together and help. As we move forward with the projects this summer, 100% of all donations given to the Fr. Barry Fund will go directly to Phase Four And More . Additional details will appear in next week's parish bulletin.

 

       Next weekend is Mother's Day. We will welcome family members and visitors that come to church with mom giving thanks and praise to God, especially for all moms, both with us and in Heaven. You will have the chance to support our Pro-Life Ministry at St. Mary's by purchasing a rose(s) after the weekend Masses on Mother's Day. The second collection on Mother's Day is the annual Catholic Charities Mother's Day collection. For additional information on how your contributions support the work of Catholic Charities please visit www.catholiccharities.net/donate .

 

       One month from now is the parish's inaugural "Parish Day of Service." You will be learning more about this day at Masses this weekend. Thanks to Fr. Mark and the Parish Day of Service Committee for their efforts on behalf of the people of St. Mary. You are invited and encouraged to participate as you are able for the Parish Day of Service - June 8, 2019 to sign up click here.

 

       God bless you and your loved ones celebrating and living Easter hope.