In the New Testament, in Paul's letter to the Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18, we read: "We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with Him those who have fallen asleep. Therefore, console one another with these words."
These words guide us in faith as we long for and hope to share in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. These words are offered in prayer to families experiencing the loss, the death of a loved one. Lore Nugent, our Pastoral Associate, and our team of Bereavement Ministers, minister with grace, compassion, and sensitivity to those grieving in hope, as they journey through the phases of grief after the death of a family member or friend.
As a parish in Vicariate 1 of our Archdiocese, St. Mary's is hosting a day for Bereavement Ministers. We will welcome Ms. Amy Florian to our parish on Saturday, November 23 for a workshop. This workshop is for all current Bereavement Ministers at our parish as well as those who would like to learn more about this ministry.
St. Mary's is blessed with a wonderful team of Bereavement Ministers who support, pray, and walk with families after the death of a loved one. This important ministry of compassion eases the pain and loss suffered by our parishioners. Many families reach out following the celebration of their loved ones funeral with a note of thanks and appreciation for the support they received at a time of need. If you would like to learn more about the opportunity for you to join the Bereavement Ministry at St. Mary's please let me, Fr. Mark, or Lore Nugent know of your interest. Please reach out to Lore Nugent at (847) 582.2501 or
lnugent@churchofstmary.org
for more information about the workshop later this month.
This coming Thursday, November 14, there is an informational meeting for a pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St. Paul with Fr. Mark and Deacon Bob. The meeting is at 7:00pm in the Parish Center. The pilgrimage is from May 11 - May 21, 2020. All interested parties are invited to follow the link on our parish website to reserve a spot for this informational meeting, with the opportunity to meet other pilgrims as well as the president of the tour company coordinating this wonderful and exciting pilgrimage. If you have an interest in growing in your appreciation of the letters of St. Paul, I encourage you to consider this eye opening experience in his footsteps.
Next Sunday, November 17, Fr. Pat McGrath will be celebrating the 10:00am Mass at our parish. Fr. McGrath is the president of Loyola Academy and is known by many of our parishioners. Following the Mass there will be an opportunity to learn more about the educational offerings for high school students at Loyola Academy.
Next Sunday is also Donut Sunday. Parishioners are able to come together to share fellowship over a cup of coffee, glass of juice and a donut. Thanks to the Women's Guild for inviting parishioners following the 8:00 and 10:00am Masses to the school cafeteria.
Located just miles from Great Lakes Naval Base and Fort Sheridan, we regularly have members of the armed forces with us at St. Mary's at Mass. There are a number of military families that have their children enrolled in the School of St. Mary.
Veterans Day, observed on this Monday, November 11, is a day of tribute to military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We give thanks for those from our families and in our community who generously serve. May God's grace, peace, and love come upon all veterans and their families this Veteran's Day.
I am out of town this weekend joining in the celebration of parishioners as they give thanks for their golden anniversary of marriage. The celebration will include their family and friends that have been part of the past fifty years as they have lived out their vows in good times and in bad. May God's grace be with all married couples as they grow in faith, hope, and love.
God bless you with a vibrant hope in Christ Jesus!
