I am writing to thank you for the prayers and the Masses that have been offered for my brother's healing.

 

     The aortic aneurysm surgery took place on Friday, January 17 - we were able to visit my brother Rick in ICU at 8:00pm that evening. His recovery progressed over the ensuing days and fortunately he was released from the hospital a week after he was admitted. He is recuperating in his own bed and home, following up with the cardiologist and surgeon in the coming weeks.

 

   The day of the surgery I made my way to the nearest Catholic church in proximity to the hospital. I was drawn to the small chapel and vigil lights with a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Praying to the Sacred Heart while my brother was having open heart surgery was a precious time of prayer.

 

   This artist's depiction of the Sacred Heart had Jesus' arms extended in welcome to those seeking solace, comfort and peace. I made sure that I lit a sanctuary candle for my brother for his healing surgery and full recovery.

 

   At Mass that weekend, I sat near the side chapel to the Sacred Heart. The Mass was uplifting for all who came to church, some patients of the hospital, some parishioners, other guests like myself. The Mass was brief, all of 40 minutes, without a note of music played throughout the Saturday evening Vigil Mass.

 

   The following weekend I attended Mass in the neighborhood where my brother lives in Harlem. Walking in, taking a seat in the church, I looked up and realized I was next to an artist's depiction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, this time, not a statue but a lovely stained glass window. In my mind there was no coincidence in this. The Mass was uplifting for all who came to the church that morning, some parishioners and guests to the parish like myself. The Mass was very spirited, the music was led by the Gospel Choir - as I looked at my watch walking out of the church, complimenting the pianist and the celebrant of the Mass I realized the Mass was 80 minutes in duration.

 

   As a visitor in New York to be of support to my brother and my nephew, I am grateful for my faith, grateful for being a member of the Catholic Church and being able to be nourished in the celebration of the Mass. As a follower of Jesus I am part of a community of believers of all walks of life, and knowing that Christ is present to bless, sanctify, and nourish us in faith. In the quiet of a parish church a block from the hospital or a mile from my brother's apartment with spirited praise of God, treasuring the gift of faith and community in Christ Jesus fills my heart with gratitude.

 

   The prayer to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus reads: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we who glory in the Heart of your beloved Son and recall the wonders of His love for us, may be made worthy to receive an overflowing measure of grace from the fount of heavenly gifts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

   With a grateful heart . . .

 

Children's Sacrament Upcoming Schedule

-8 th Grade: Confirmation Retreat UGC

Saturday, February 8 12:30 - 6:00pm (ends after 5:00pm Mass)

 

-2 nd Grade: 1 st Communion Parent Meeting(s) - choose one to attend (UGC-Multi-purpose Room)  Sunday, February 23 at 1:15pm OR Monday, February 24 at 7:00pm

First Reconciliation

We invite you to pray for our children who will make their First Reconciliation next weekend. May they experience the loving mercy of God and be strengthened by the prayers of our faith community.

Donating to Empower Illinois

This week (January 15) the Empower Illinois Scholarship application went live to families interested in attending Catholic Schools but who need scholarship assistance.  We have the opportunity to donate to help fund scholarships while also earning a 75% Illinois State tax credit; and through February 29, 2020 the 2-for-1 Tax Credit Scholarship (TCS) Gift Program is open.  Any TCS donations designated to a school between now and February 29 (or until funds are depleted) are eligible for a 2-for-1 matching gift.  

The process to donate is a four-phase process.  It involves first requesting a letter ID from Illinois, activating your account at  mytax.illinois.gov, reserving your credit and then making the donation.  The details around the whole process may be found at this link:  How to Donate for Tax Credit Scholarship Program.  

We will be offering in-person guidance on how to donate from 7-8pm in the Multi-Purpose Room at the School of St. Mary on Monday evenings in February.  However, to get started on the first phase, and therefore save 7-10 business days, please consider doing the following as soon as you decide to donate (to maximize potential of 2-for-1 matching gift award): 

We are now accepting Preschool Applications for the upcoming 2020-21 School Year.

 

We are excited to offer an additional section of our popular Little Angels Preschool Class. One section will meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and the other on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Families can select their preferred days in the application. Historically, this class has filled quickly, so please apply right away if you are interested.

 

We are also pleased to offer an All-Day Three-year-old Preschool Program next year. This class will, of course, be developmentally appropriate, including both lunch and a rest period. If you are interested in any of our preschool offerings, please follow these steps: 

 

- Go to:  factsmgt.com  

- Click on the Parent login on the top right corner  

- Click on FACTS Family Portal (ParentsWeb) in the top right corner  

- Enter our District Code: SOSM-IL  

- Enter a user name  

- Enter a password 

 

If you are a current family, you already have a portal account as well as a password. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Mandy Castle at (847) 295.4830.