February 2, 2021 | Weekly Update

February 2, 2021 | Weekly Update

Chipotle for a good cause tomorrow, Young Adults, Grandparents, and about Ash Wednesday. . . . all these and more makes for a lively weekly update.

THIS COMING WEEK

Weekend Mass Links and Livestream of the Mass 

  • Father Don preached about St. Paul’s message to us in the 2nd reading “I want you to be free from anxieties.”   Listen, watch, or read how Father breaks this open further at the following links.
  • Father Don will be speaking again at all the Masses this weekend.  Speaking of which, register ahead of time at this link to register for Holy Mass or sign-in at the door.  It would be great to worship Jesus together with you.  If it is your first time using Flocknote, please don’t forget to look for an email that says “Verify your email address” so you can receive the Confirmation emails and be able to modify or cancel your registration.

Chipotle for dinner for a good cause on Weds 2/3rd

  • Make it a Chipotle evening this Weds 2/3rd; come and support young OLM parishioner, Sean Hickey from OLM’s Troop 849 with his Eagle Scout Project. Sean is building a kiosk for kids with Down Syndrome. All proceeds go to GiGi’s Playhouse at Fox Valley!
  • Order from Chipotle on 1167 North Eola Road (near Jewel) from 4pm to 8pm.  Show them this flyer and let the cashier know you are supporting the cause to make sure 33% of the proceeds will go to GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley.  If ordering online, use code 3EXHFHF.  You may also donate directly to GiGi’s Playhouse at this link.

Alpha “Come & See” https://olmercy.com/alpha/

  • This week is the last day of “Come & See” at Alpha.  Be inspired by live music, free food, and fellowship.   It’s not too late to invite your friend or attend Alpha for yourself. Young Adults we have a group just for you! Just as God pursues us, He also invites us to join Him in pursuing others with His love, with His open welcome into being part of His family. In-person is @ 7pm on Thurs 1/28st (following social distancing safety measures).
    Online is @ 7pm on Weds 1/27th (will be on Zoom AND livestreamed on our website, YouTube and Facebook.
    Sign up at this link In-Person Alpha and Virtual Alpha.

1st Friday and 1st Saturday Devotions 2/5 & 2/6

  • 1st Friday 2/5
    • Respect Life 1st Friday devotion from 8am to 2pm  https://bit.ly/3fHaPDs
      • We hope you can come out anytime from 8am to 2pm, to pray for the helpless, innocent unborn who can’t speak for themselves.  Pray in front of Planned Parenthood, at the public right of way access.   Connect with Lisa SanDiego for any questions (630) 258-0122 or lisa.sandiego@rushcopley.com.
    • Confessions immediately following the 8am Mass.
  • 1st Saturday 2/6 after the 8:30AM Mass is the First Saturday Devotion
    • This devotion is one of the principal points of the Fatima message. It centers on the urgent need for mankind to offer reparation and atone for the many injuries that the Immaculate Heart of Mary suffers from the hands of those who are irreverent and indifferent.
    • The devotion consists of the following on 5 consecutive first Saturdays
      1. Going to Confession
      2. Receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion
      3. Praying five decades of the Rosary
      4. Meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary
    • Find out the reasons why the five Saturdays from our Lord Jesus to Sister Lucia as well as additional details here.  We hope you incorporate this powerful devotion into your life.  Please connect with Bonnie Ramirez 630-723-4289 for any questions.

Walking With Purpose (Catholic Women’s Bible Study) 1st study session starts 2/8th

  • Calling all women.  It’s not too late to sign up!   The first session of the weekly group meetings is Monday, Feb 8th 6:30pm – 8pm. 
  • Details and registration are found at this link or connect with Wendy Jo Burnett at wendyburnett0907@yahoo.com for any questions. 
  • If you desire to grow in your Catholic faith, are searching for more in your life, or would like to connect with other women in our parish community.  We invite you to consider joining Walking with Purpose (WWP), a women’s Catholic Bible study on Monday evenings both in-person or online. 
  • The study will start out with Opening Your Heart, our foundational study which is designed for a woman new to WWP with or without any Bible study experience; come as you are to learn how the Scriptures apply to our everyday lives.  Scholarships offered for the study guide.

LOOKING AHEAD

Eucharistic Adoration Weekly Sign-Up https://bit.ly/3pHfUzQ

  • Did you know we have Eucharistic Adoration at the following times?  Mondays and Thursdays immediately after daily Holy Mass through 6pm, and Wednesdays 9am – 12pm.
  • Spend time with Jesus during your lunch hour or take a break from the work Zoom life with Jesus at Eucharistic Adoration.  Sign-up here.

Mobile Food Pantry on Weds 2/10th https://bit.ly/2YDwpkC

  • Please spread the word on the Mobile Food Pantry this month. Share the attached link. If you have a Facebook account, share the Facebook post from our page, this is an easy way to help someone you may be unaware that is in need of food.

Consuming Fire starts 2/16h

  • Calling all young adults, ages 18-35. Are you looking to build new friendships and strengthen your faith? Consuming Fire is the ministry for you.
  • In this first season of gatherings, we will focus on and learn more about the Holy Spirit and its transforming power in your life.
  • Sign up to take the greatest adventure imaginable, a journey to the heart of God. Consuming Fire will meet in person on Tuesday nights from 7-8:30pm, beginning February 16, and every other week for a social activity such as bowling, grabbing beers, or watching a movie.  Contact Matt Kubanda or Mary Rysavy rysavyme@gmail.com to learn more or sign up for Consuming Fire check out their webpage.

Ash Wednesday is on 2/17th

  • The season and gift of Lent is upon us starting Ash Wednesday 2/17th.   Holy Mass and Scripture Services sign-up is at this link.  Share the link or this graphic of the schedule with others.
  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, the Vatican and our Diocese have modified how ashes are to be distributed this year.
    • You will not receive ashes on your forehead. The minister distributing ashes will come through the pews (as we do for communion) and sprinkle ashes (like a pinch of salt) on top of your head.
    • The customary formula will be said only once, applying it to all in general.
    • Ashes are blessed and distributed after the homily at either Mass or a Scripture Service.

Living Your Baptism in Lent starts 2/24th

  • Join Father Don this Lenten season, as he leads a 6-week reflection and discussion on “Living Your Baptism in Lent.”
  • We all know that Lent is a time of prayer and fasting, but did you realize that Lent is also a time to prepare you for the renewal of your baptismal promises on Easter Sunday?
  • A booklet will be provided as a prayer resource that seeks to awaken our awareness of God’s unending grace given to us in the sacrament of Baptism.
  • There will be personal reflection questions and Scripture passage to consider in your prayer throughout the six weeks of Lent.
  • The program will be offered in-person (50 max) and Zoom. Details and registrations are found at this link.

Bulletin

  • Don’t forget to check out Father Don’s insightful weekly Bulletin article is located here.

Supporting OLM | Parish Sacrificial Giving

  • We are grateful! OLM is only able to do any of this because of YOU! Your continued prayers and words of encouragement keep us going and your generosity continues to create more opportunities for OLM to keep our family connected and bring people to Jesus, form them as disciples and send them on mission.
  • If you are experiencing hardship during this time, please reach out and let us know how we can help, here is a private link.
  • If you are not experiencing hardship at this time, please consider supporting our efforts and support our community through your giving, our Give page is accessed here or text an offering amount to (630)647-8105, follow the rest of the instructions.

For the Hispanic Community

  • Please proceed here for the Diocese of Joliet Office of Hispanic & Ethnic Ministry to view upcoming events and wealth of resources.
    Continúe aquí para la Oficina del Ministerio Hispano y Étnico de la Diócesis de Joliet para ver los próximos eventos y la gran cantidad de recursos.

A Note from the Intercessory Prayer Ministry

  • How can we be praying for you today?
    There are times when life is overwhelming when all we have is questions. In those moments, hope can feel far away. The great thing about prayer is that it shifts our perspective toward the One who stands ready to listen. No matter what you’re facing, we’d love to pray with you! Submit your prayer requests at this link

Are you a Grandparent?

  • Our Lady of Mercy is forming a Grandparents Ministry to create awareness, encourage and support the vocation of Grandparents to pass on their faith within their families and the Church.
  • In the words of Pope Francis, “The mission of grandparents is a real and true vocation.” “Grandparents’ words hold something special for the young. This is how faith is transmitted – through the elders who have made their faith the leaven of their life.”
  • The ministry consists of Grandparents, which includes Uncles (Gruncles), Aunts (Grauntys), Godparents and others who nurture through love and strong family bonds. All are welcome to this ministry for their key and critical roles in sustaining the family and passing on their faith while keeping prayer at the core.
  • The ministry will connect Grandparents on a regular basis to focus on prayer and topics of importance to families, the Church, and the community; offer educational opportunities; offer opportunities to enrich catechetical life and one’s vocation as a Grandparent, and promote ways to serve our parish community through ministry and service.
  • If you would like more information about the Grandparents Ministry or would like to join, please contact Deacon Tony and Allyson Martini at tonym@olmercy.com or Jolene and Jeff LeRoy at jolenel@olmercy.com.

Thank you so much for being mindful about keeping each other safe by observing social distancing, wearing masks, and sanitizing your hands while inside the Church and PLC.  Your cautious way of following the social distancing parameters helps us to stay open and hold the Sacraments.