A Note from Fr. Michael Grzesik

Dear St Mary's Family,
 
They say that a newly ordained priest's first assignment is filled with many blessings by celebrating the Sacraments, learning to preach (hopefully better), and leading people closer to Christ. Everything is a first for the newly ordained priest. As I reflect on my first three years of ministry I can honestly say, "You" have been my most cherished blessing, the families of St. Mary's! You have helped me to grow into my priesthood and for that I am eternally grateful!
 
My heart was so touched by the outpouring of love and support this past weekend as I celebrated my final Mass and then greeted so many of you at the reception afterwards. Words cannot express the gratitude in my heart for your beautiful cards and messages. Please know that I will carry all of you in my heart as I begin a new chapter in my priesthood.
 
Two weeks ago I attended the Priest Convocation with several hundred priests. Providentially, God had me sit only ten feet behind your next Associate Pastor, Fr. Mark Augustine. At the break, I tapped Fr. Mark on the shoulder and said, "I want you to know that you will love the families of St. Mary's and St. Mary's is going to love you!" God has provided this parish with a good and holy priest. I am thankful for Our Lady's intercession!
 
As I begin my new assignment of Our Lady of the Lakes (Our Lady of the Lakes Parish - Church of St. Bede, 36455 N. Wilson Rd, Ingleside, IL, 60041) I ask for your continued prayers. Prayers to help me with the challenges of a newly merging parish but most of all prayers to be a good and holy priest of Jesus Christ!
 
God's Blessings,
 
Fr. Michael Grzesik
 
A Note from Fr. Mark Augustine
 
Dear Parishioners of St. Mary's,

I a m thrilled to be coming in and serving as your next Associate Pastor! I know and have worked with many of the priests - including having been classmates with Fr. Brendan Guilfoil - who have come through here before, and all have spoken very highly of the parish, the people, and the opportunities to minister and share God's love and mercy. I look forward to seeing how these next few years will continue to shape my priesthood as Fr. Nacius and I work together to bring Christ to all elements of this thriving parish.
 
Some of you may remember my brief time serving here as a transitional deacon under Fr. Mike McGovern back in 2012. I was then ordained a priest on May 18, 2013 and for the first three years served as the associate at Our Lady of Ransom Parish, in Niles. Afterwards I was called to serve with young men discerning a priestly vocation through time at St. Joseph College Seminary. Now I am returning to parish work and am excited at the many opportunities it is sure to present!
 
To share briefly about myself, I am the youngest of 3 children, with both of my siblings living in the Chicago suburbs. A native of Chicagoland, my (most recent) home is in Schaumburg. I am deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America, and have  been since the 1 st grade. Currently I serve in a variety of chaplaincy positions within the Scouting program. I enjoy the outdoors, be it through camping, running, cycling, or many other experiences. There is a soft spot in my heart for nuns, and you will most likely hear me speak of them often.

There is more to say, but the time together and getting to know one another is just beginning, so I look forward to where this path of God's Providence leads us. Please pray for me as I begin this new ministry, and be assured of my prayers for you.
 
In Christ,
 
Fr. Mark Augustine
The Call
Pope Francis has called each of us to be a witness of charity. He encourages us to  "open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognize that we are compelled to heed their cry for help!"  (Misericordiae Vultus [MV], no. 15). The Peter's Pence Collection unites us in solidarity to the Holy See and its works of charity to those in need. Your generosity allows the Pope to respond to our suffering brothers and sisters.

The purpose of the Peter's Pence Collection is to provide the Holy Father with the financial means to respond to those who are suffering as a result of war, oppression, natural disaster, and disease. 

The USCCB National Collections Committee oversees the promotion of the Peter's Pence Collection. This committee includes Archbishop Blase Cupich.

The Peter's Pence Collection has raised nearly $190 million to support our suffering brothers and sisters around the globe.  Thank you for standing in solidarity with the Holy See through your generosity. Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in faith who are facing adversity.

History
The Peter's Pence Collection derives its name from an ancient custom. In ninth-century England. King Alfred the Great collected money, a "pence," from landowners as financial support for the Pope. Today,  t he Peter's Pence Collection supports the Pope's philanthropy by giving the Holy Father the means to provide emergency assistance to those in need because of natural disaster, war, oppression, and disease. 


The Parish Offices will be 
Closed in Observance of Independence Day on July 4th.  
You are welcome to join us at 
Daily Mass at 8:00am.


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