The Church of St. Mary :: 201 E. Illinois Lake Forest, IL  60045
Virtual Office:  847-234-0205 :: Email:  receptionist@churchofstmary.org

From the Desk of Fr. Mark Augustine, Administrator
March 27, 2020

Dear Parishioners of St. Mary's,

The uncertainty of what not only the next few weeks, but potentially the next several months as well, can be extremely daunting and frightening. We must continue to remain rooted in Christ. We must not abandon our faith. In times of trial, relying heavily on the Lord is the best practice. Actually, it's the best practice at all times of our lives, but particularly now. I encourage all of you to spend some time in prayer with Matthew 7:24-29. It is the parable of the two foundations. One house was built on sand and one built on rock. The one which was built on rock survived rains and storms and stood fast, while the one built on sand did not. The foundation is the word of God and participation in the divine life. If we continue to build up that foundation, then no storm, no upheaval, no virus, will overcome us in the long run.

As I have said before, our faith prepares us for occasions such as these. Many of you know Bishop George Rassas, who served as pastor here at St. Mary's from 1990 until 2004. On his episcopal coat of arms, his motto is included, which is taken from St. Ambrose, an early Church father who lived circa 340-397. The motto is: Tene Clavum Fidei; take firm hold of the rudder of faith. The rudder guides a boat and is what allows it be steered. Allow our faith to be the rudder. Hold fast to it and we will make it through these waters. Our faith will carry us through!

The staff, faculty and I are still committed to our life of service to all of you. I thank you for all your patience as we, along with everybody else, try to navigate these uncharted waters. There has been a steep learning curve, to say the least. Included in this newsletter are a few of the ways we are continuing to serve, as well as some of the latest updates from the Archdiocese regarding, in particular, the celebration of the sacraments. Please take time to look over this and continue to pray for all those in authority who are trying to make the best decisions possible during this pandemic.
Below are a few points I would like to share regarding current significant efforts at St. Mary's:
  1. Outreach. The staff are working on reaching out to many of our parishioners, especially those we know to be alone or in the "at risk." If you would like to volunteer to help meet the needs of individuals, such as buying groceries, pharmacy runs, or other needs, you can sign up on our parish website. If you are in need of assistance, you can likewise sign up on the website, or call our parish office at 847-234-0205, and we will reach out to you!
  2. Contributions.We depend greatly on the weekly contributions in the Sunday offertory. While our offices are closed and we are being fiscally mindful, we do still have a number of ongoing expenses, such as payroll and utilities. With no publicly celebrated Masses, our collections are only around 6.5% of our typical weekly giving! I know many are struggling and uncertain about the long term effects of our economy. However, if you are able to still contribute, I encourage you to do so on Give Central. I also thank everybody who has mailed in their contributions to the parish as well, it is greatly needed and appreciated.
  3. Sacraments. Unfortunately all our sacraments are really on hold for the time being. This includes not allowing individual confessions and anointing of the sick only in emergency situations. In fact, to help limit the spread of COVID 19, only 4 priests in all of Lake County will handle all the anointings needed! We continue to try and serve as best we can and will keep you afloat as information develops.
The support and patience our parish has shown through all of this has been phenomenal! It is remarkable to see the level of charity, love, and help offered and received from so many of our parishioners. God will guide us through this all and may we continue to hold firm to the rudder of our faith!
 
May God grant us peace and blessings,

Fr. Mark
         
* Please read!*  
-Adoration today, Wednesday, March 25th, via Facebook Live also from 5:00-6:00pm today.  It will be live streamed on our Facebook Page ( https://www.facebook.com/ChurchofStMaryLF/), which you can even access through our parish website if you don't have facebook, http://www.churchofstmary.org/ .  At 5:30 Fr. Mark will offer a brief Eucharistic reflection.

-Fr. Mark is offering Daily Mass tomorrow, Thursday at Noon and Friday at 1:00pm , due to the Pope's prayer at Noon .  
Join Pope Francis in Prayer
I encourage you and your family to join Pope Francis in a special prayer this Friday, March 27 at 12 p.m. (noon) CDT. The Holy Father will preside at a prayer service on the sagrata of St. Peter's Basilica, that is, the platform at the top of the steps immediately in front of the façade of the church. While St. Peter's Square will be empty, the Holy Father is inviting all to join him in prayer through various forms of communication. 

The prayer service will be broadcast live on the Vatican website ( https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html ) and will include biblical readings, intercessory prayers and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It will conclude with Pope Francis giving the Urbi et Orbi Blessing, with the offer of a plenary indulgence for all those who listen to it live. The Urbi et Orbi blessing "to the City [of Rome] and to the World" is normally only given on Christmas and Easter.   In light of this moment to share with our Holy Father, Mass on Friday will be celebrated at 1:00pm.
Volunteer & Assistance
During these uncertain times some of our parishioners have reached out to the Parish Office either wanting to volunteer while others need assistance.  If you would like to volunteer or are in need of assistance, please fill out the appropriate form and someone will be in touch with you.


Easter Baskets Sharing for Most Blessed Trinity is SUSPENDED
Our normal Easter basket sharing with Most Holy Trinity has been suspended due to the Corvid-19 pandemic.  Please keep our sharing parish and all others in your prayers.
Sunday Gospel Reflection
We could call this gospel "The Resuscitation of Lazarus"; however this gospel is much more than just about Lazarus, it is about being a disciple of Jesus. Similar to last Sunday's gospel, we see Jesus working through someone who is physically ill, dead in this case, to glorify God. And once again we see Jesus dispelling the long held notion that physical illness meant that the person had upset God; had done something wrong.

Jesus learns that his friend Lazarus is ill and near death. He waits two additional days and then returns to Judea where only a short while earlier the religious elite had tried to stone him to death. His disciples think he's crazy for wanting to go back but Jesus knows he must carry on doing God's will. Thomas has enough faith in Jesus that even though he doesn't understand he is willing to go wherever Jesus goes. There are times in our lives where we too do not understand God's will for us but do we have faith enough to follow even in the unknown?

Now Jesus is close to arriving and Martha, one of Lazarus' sisters, comes out to meet Jesus. She too will have an exchange with Jesus without full understanding. She believes that Jesus is Lord and the Christ but again does not have full understanding of what exactly that means. She knows that Jesus has the "ear of God" and would be granted anything he requests. However when Jesus says that Lazarus will rise Martha misunderstands him and thinks of the last days when all will rise. Jesus tells her that he IS the Resurrection and the life and to believe in him is to have eternal life. Remember, believing in Jesus is more than just in word but more importantly in deed. How we live our lives is how we show others that we believe!

Now Mary, Lazarus' other sister, has a deeper encounter with Jesus. We know this right away because she is called by Jesus whereas Martha ran to him. Mary answers the call right away by quickly going to Jesus. This is an example of Jesus extending an invitation and Mary accepting it. We too are constantly invited by God to deepen our relationship the question is, are we listening for the invitation and do we accept it when we hear it?

Mary has accepted it but is also in mourning of her brother and so she and the crowd are weeping. Jesus being troubled by the sight of this also openly weeps for his friend and for those who do not understand his mission and ministry no matter how hard and patiently he has tried to lead people towards understanding. Jesus along with Mary and the crowd go to Lazarus' tomb. Here again we see that Martha doesn't have full understanding of who Jesus truly is for she is hesitant to roll the rock away for fear of the stench of a dead body.

When Lazarus is called to come out by Jesus, we learn he is bound in burial clothes. We can look at this symbolically and ask ourselves, what keeps us bound and stagnant preventing us from moving deeper in our spiritual lives? Do we turn to God out of fear or do we turn to God in gratitude for the gifts God has given each of us? Do we realize that God loves us so much it is incomprehensible and that the love we have been given must be given to others in turn?

Lazarus was returned to his life as it was which is why some consider it resuscitation whereas very soon we will celebrate Jesus' own death and resurrection. Jesus is a new being once resurrected! Jesus' resurrection gives us all joyous hope that we too will one day join him in eternal life!
Palm Sunday, Holy Week & Easter Liturgies Will Not Be Held Publicly
Dear Church of St. Mary Family,

The COVID-19 virus and our current social distancing guidelines have created many challenges and disruptions to our usual way of community prayer and worship, as well as our entire way of life. As the final weeks of Lent near and we approach Holy Week, the most sacred season of our Liturgical year, we are called again to act in the most responsible way for all humanity.

Today, March 19, 2020, all parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago received guidelines from our Vicar General, Bishop Ron Hicks, regarding Holy Week and Easter. Click to read the complete letter, but I will summarize it here.
  • Palm Sunday and all of Holy Week Triduum liturgies will not be publicly celebrated, even outside, in any parish across the Archdiocese of Chicago.
  • To review, this specifically includes: publicly the blessing of palms, Palm Sunday procession and Mass, Morning prayer, Holy Thursday's Mass of the Lord's Supper, Good Friday's Liturgy of the Lord's Passion, Stations of the Cross, Holy Saturday's blessing of Easter baskets, the Easter Vigil Mass and any Easter Sunday Masses and following liturgies until further notice.
  • The Lord's Supper, the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion, and the Easter Vigil will be celebrated by Cardinal Cupich and the auxiliary bishops in Holy Name Cathedral without a congregation and will be livestreamed via the Holy Name Cathedral Website. I encourage all of you to celebrate these liturgies in prayer and communion with our shepherds of the local Church in Chicago.
Again, these guidelines and all current liturgical guidance, are in line with that of the CDC and other local authorities. We are seeking what is best for further prevention and ceasing the curve of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus.
This challenges us to bring ourselves to celebrate these familiar, beautiful, and incredibly powerful liturgies in a new communal way. We will be communicating to you many resources to still come together and celebrate these sacred liturgies as we face together these new challenges and realities.

To streamline our communication to a central voice we encourage you to share with others this link to sign up for parish information email blasts - Church of St. Mary Email Newsletter.  You can also visit our parish website, and Facebook Page, where we will post the most up-to-date information we have.

Our way of life has been radically changed, beyond what any of us expected or anticipated. Daily we find new restrictions to our freedom and many of the comforts of life we have become so accustomed to. To now bear the news that we continue to be unable to regularly celebrate in prayer and worship of God, as the Church has done perpetually since the Last Supper where Christ shared the Eucharist with his disciples for the first time, is heart-breaking. Perhaps at this time we feel abandoned by God. We can recall the words of Christ on the Cross, citing Psalm 22: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" It may feel that we have been abandoned by God. But that is not the case.

We are a people of hope and prayer. This year, perhaps more than any other year for most of us, we are experiencing the desolation of the Cross. In order to celebrate the joy of Easter Sunday and the new life and resurrection promised to us, we must first go through our Passion and Death. There is no resurrection on Easter Sunday without the agony in the garden, the arrest, betrayal, denial, trial, persecution, and Way of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

I am with you all in this disappointment and loss. I feel it very deeply in my own heart and I am sure I will continue to do so as the weight of this news does sink in. Yet, we are a people of hope. Hope does not disappoint. Through these new obstacles to gathering as a people of faith, as the Church, may we entrust ourselves to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary. May we implore that as we share in Christ's Passion, we may hold fast to the promise of what is to come.

With all my love,
Fr. Mark Augustine
Administrator
Church of St. Mary
Christian Burials
Burials at Catholic Cemeteries may continue and are not suspended at this time; however, attendance limit and social distancing requirements apply per below.  These may also be found on our website.
 
Please note that our churches are still closed; therefore, funeral Masses are not possible.
 
However, if a family requests a funeral, there are two options:
  1. A funeral service, not a Mass, may take place at the funeral home
    • the limit for attendees remains 10 people at this time (inclusive of the funeral director, priest, mourners, etc.)
    • All attendees must practice social distancing
  2. A funeral service may take place graveside at the cemetery before committal/burial.
    • the limit for attendees remains 10 people at this time (inclusive of the funeral director, priest, mourners, etc.)
    • All attendees must practice social distancing 
  3.  St. Mary's will continue to serve those who are grieving and provide all the support where we are able. while we cannot hold Masses currently, if you or your family would like to have a funeral celebrated, once public Masses are reinstated, we will offer that service again.
If   you have any questions, please contact Lore Nugent at lnugent@churchofstmary.org.
From the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Blase Cupich




Office of the Archbishop
March 20, 2020

The Bells of St. Mary's.

Beginning today, March 21st, our Church bells will ring at 9:00am, 12:00pm, 3:00pm, 6:00pm,and 9:00pm.  Church bells have long since been a way to call people to prayer.  Typically we ring the bells 5 minutes before each Sunday Mass, indicating that something special and sacred is about to take place.  

Cardinal Cupich has requested all Parishes to ring the bells 5 times a day to call our people to a moment of prayer.  Each hour will have a special intention, and when you hear the bells (or if you don't live near the church, set your alarm to go off), take a moment and offer these prayers:

9:00 a.m. - Prayer for those infected with the virus and all who are ill
 
Lord, place your healing hand on those who suffer illness. Bring them to full health and ease their anxious hearts.  May our prayer and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary encourage them that they are not alone. We ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN
 
12:00 p.m. - Prayer for health care workers and those attending to the sick
 
Lord, we are ennobled by those who put their lives at risk in caring for the sick. Keep them safe and embolden them when they are weary. We ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN
 
3:00 p.m. - Prayer for first responders and essential workers
 
Lord, we pray for those who run to danger to keep us safe and those who serve the common good. Embrace them with your mantle of protection and comfort the fears of their families. We ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN
 
6:00 p.m. - Prayer for people of every nation and their leaders
 
Lord, the pandemic opens our eyes to see each other as brothers and sisters in one human family. We pray for people of every nation and their leaders, asking that they be inspired to seek the good of all and quell the voices of division. We ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN
 
9:00 p.m. - Prayer for those who have died today
 
Lord, we grieve the passing of our sisters and brothers who have died this day. We commend them to your tender mercy, confident that nothing, not even death, will separate us from your love. We ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN

May the ringing bells provide a source of peace and solace for us in this ever-changing world we find ourselves in!

Community Celebration of Mass via Facebook Live
Mass will be streamed on our  Church Facebook page:
  •    Sundays at 10:00am
  •    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:00pm
  •    Saturday at 8:00am
TV, Radio & Online Mass Offerings
Here is a List of Places You may watch Mass on TV, Radio or Online:
Daily Scripture Readings
To read the Daily Scripture readings you may go to usccb.org and select that day on the calendar to the right.

You may also go to "Today's Reading" at  http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings
Resources for Those in Need
Here are some resources you or those you may know may turn to if needed.

Shields Township
Shields Township food pantry and has gas cards and food cards for those who need immediate help.  They also can help with personal incidentals, medications and connections in the community. The beautiful thing about local government is that they can be flexible and respond quickly to the need.   Another place to find help that everyone should know about is http://211.org/ .  They have a listing of everything available and will connect you to the best resource for your issue from a drug addiction to a leaky roof repair to feeding the hungry.  

Terry Darraugh
Shields Township Supervisor
906 Muir Avenue
847-234-0802
Prayers for the Sick and Deceased
Please remember in your prayers those who are sick, especially:
Pierre Adam
Renata Adamiec
Peggy Adams
Beny Alvarez
Alexa Anderson
Baby Bower Triplets:
Rose Marie, Adelaide Marie,
and Josephine Marie
Baby Mercer
Baby Peter John O'Rourke
Elvera Baeza
Dolores Beck
Jack Brown
Mason Jeffrey Browner
Baby Virginia Bunimovich
Jerry Burns
Francesco Camoletto
Nancy Carani
Nova Carlson
Sember Carlson
Luis and Maria Cardenas 
Michael Carpenter
Jeffrey Chicoine
Carolyn Cimarrusti
Jacqueline Cimarrusti
Marianna Cimarrusti
Charles Cook
Virginia Cordoba
Mary Elizabeth Cran
Greg DeBoer
Louis Degaetano
Mimi Degaetano
Mike Dellefield
Lewis Dilts
Joan Dolan
Annamarie Elfering
Hannah Erickson
Susan Ewert
Abby Furco
Esperanza Galikay
Dorothy Gimbut
Jenny Green
Jeanne Gross
Jesus Guzman
Edward Halle
Elizabeth Hand
Margaret Hartman
Jack Hempstead
John Herbert
Hannah Hodgson
Patricia P. Huber
Juan Hurandas
Rafael Ibarra
Shirley Jacksack
Dolores Jansyn
Dick Jaworski
Christian Jenko
Dr. Mickey Jester
Mark Kalbus
Raine Kamm
Oceana Kashul
Mason Kelly
Genevieve Kluza
Patsy Leonard
Caroline Lyczko
Fely Macalalad
Angela Martinez
Carolina Martinez
Ralph Mastro
Will Matthei-Schmidt
Derrick Mathews
Donna Mathews
Kathryn McConnell
Janet McCue
Margaret Mary McIntyre
Mary Anne Minich
Dolores Morrison
Rick Nacius
Barbara Neis
Dana Nelson
David O'Brien
Peter O'Brien
Joaquin Padilla
John Paleczny
Mary Margaret Pawl
Mary Butterfield Peddle
James Dean Penar
Lisa Pommer
Lil Porter
Marianne Powers
Carol Pozdel
Marcia Ries
Mathew Rowley
Susan Schey
Leroy Schwaba
Bill Shafer
Colleen Sheerer
Tai (Pascal) Shin
Martin Sobey
Joan Sparrow
Ellen Sreenan
Debbie Sternberg
John Sternberg
Maureen Strassburger
Elzbieta Szymanska
Leonard Teifeld
Linda Trueblood-Lambert
Joseph Urso
Amanda Van Vleet
Brittany Van Vleet
Jim Wenzel
Martha Williams
Barbara Wilson
Robert Yale

Mass Intentions
Mass Intentions will be prayed for during a private daily Mass.

March 30
Mario Savino; Laurie O'Connor;  Special Intention for Ellyn von Huben; Shirley Mae Pelligrini
March 31
Mr and Mrs Orlando Corra; George Grumleu;  Patrick Burns; Katherine Buffone
April 1
Walter Elfering; Special Intention for John Morrison
April 2
Edna Barger; Mary Decourcey;  Michael Gannon; Benjamin Asma
April 3
Samuele & Natalina Nicolosi; Rose Amato;  Donald H. Opper; Thomas K. Kiwala
April 4
Hugh Jayesuria; John Coath; Special Intention for Paul & Marla Dishinger;  Don Opper & Stephanie Opper
April 5
 Hazel Backe; Fr Robert Madden; Scopelliti-Gabrielsen Families; Sara Cappeller;  Louise Peters; Jacqueline C. Roberti; People of St. Mary's
Please Continue to Give to the Church of St. Mary
PLEASE CONTINUE TO GIVE to the Church of St. Mary

Although public Masses are suspended, Parish Staff are still working to support our Parish as well as our School.  The Parish will continue to incur utility, insurance and maintenance expenses.  Payroll and benefits are still being paid, yet the collection basket is not being passed on Sunday.  Please prayerfully consider continuing to support your parish by mailing your contribution to the Parish Office or scheduling your online donation.

Ways To Give
Mail Your Contribution:
Church of St. Mary
c/o Business Office
201 E. Illinois
Lake Forest, IL  60045
OR
Online Giving:
Schedule your donations via our online Giving safe and secure portal, GiveCentral.  You don't have to leave your home.  Goto:   Church of St. Mary GiveCentral or click the image below.

Thank you!  
Quick Links

Bulletin
Calendar
Donate or Register for Events
Stay Connected
Church of St. Mary Website
Bookmark our parish website for information on all parish ministries, events, contact information and more!  
 
Information on our Mass Schedule, Sacraments, School, Religious Education, Youth Ministry, Guild of St. Mary, Liturgical Ministries, Bible Study, RCIA, Bulletins, Gospel Reading Podcasts, Homily Podcasts and more can all be found on our webpage. 
 
Like the Church of St. Mary Facebook Page 
Like the Church of St. Mary Facebook page to see regular updates from popular Catholic pages such as the Archdiocese of Chicago, Cardinal Blase Cupich, and the USCCB.  See news from the School of St. Mary, Guild of St. Mary, Religious Education Program, Youth Ministry and upcoming events at our parish!    
 
Homilies & Gospel Readings!
Listen to past Gospel Readings and homilies anytime, anywhere!  Click on the podcast image or goto our website.  Click on Multimedia/Podcasts.
 
Enjoy!   
 
 

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