October 30, 2022 | Parish Update

October 30, 2022 | Parish Update

An Adoration Chapel, All Saints & All Souls, & Supporting Future Priests

View the full posting at https://app.flocknote.com/note/18708988

From Father Michael . . .

We are in the midst of a highly televised sporting season, from the World Series of Baseball to College and Professional Football. It is funny to think of the conversations I have with those who love sports as much as I do; the conversation usually revolves around a simple question, “Did you see that game?” As human beings, there is always a longing to see. Not only in the things of this world like sports, but more importantly, we long to see in our faith. 

In our Gospel this weekend, Zacchaeus longed to see the Lord by climbing a tree. Zacchaeus was a powerful, wealthy man. He could have used his stature and authority to push his way to the front. However, Zacchaeus instead chose to climb a tree, and this show of humility and poverty of spirit moved our Lord to respond, “Tonight I must stay at your house!” In seeing the Lord, Zacchaeus found Jesus entering his heart and home!

 With this in mind, I would like to share in humility a desire I have for Our Lady of Mercy. Just as Jesus blessed and changed Zacchaeus’ life forever, I would like to have more opportunities for that same encounter for our parishioners. I would like to have a beautiful, dedicated Adoration Chapel at our parish under the patronage of Divine Mercy. 

There are many reasons for this, but allow me to share just a few. You may already be aware that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) recently called for a Eucharistic Revival in our country. More adoration would follow this call while also spiritually supporting our many beautiful ministries and families. What is more, this would fulfill the original building plans for our Church! If you enjoyed our week of adoration earlier in October, then you’ll be happy to hear that I have already taken steps in making this desire a reality by seeking approval from the bishop, staff, volunteers, and some parishioners. 

I would like to humbly ask for your support. As things develop, from design, to contracting, cost, and God-willing construction, I’ll be keeping you informed every step of the way. As seen in the example of Zacchaeus, I believe that allowing more parishioners to see the Lord in adoration will bear tremendous fruit for our parish. May our desire to see the Lord be fulfilled in this effort, so that we might receive the Lord ever more deeply into our hearts and homes.


Father Michael

___

We look forward to seeing you at Our Lady of Mercy taking part in many of the offerings we have, or maybe when you stop by and visit Jesus at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, at daily Mass during the week, or during Eucharistic Adoration.

THIS COMING WEEK

LOOKING AHEAD

Charismatic Healing Mass on 11/5
  • On Saturday, 11/5 at 6pm is the Charismatic Healing Mass. A healing Mass is a normal Mass, but it has a special focus on God’s healing power; this will be reflected in the songs, prayers, and scripture readings. If you’re in need of God’s healing grace, come to the Charismatic Healing Mass.
Brogan Family Coat Drive on 11/6
  • The annual Brogan Family Coat Drive will be on Sunday 11/6th from 9am to 12pm. There will be a trailer in the parking lot waiting to receive your donations. Clear out your coat closets for a good cause!
  • Mike and Carole Brogan were icons at Our Lady of Mercy.  Both passed away in 2019. One of the ways they supported our parish was a yearly coat drive.  They would literally pack up their car with donations to the point that they could barely see out of their car windows.
  • Once again this year the Brogan Family and our church would like to continue this mission by asking for donations of new and gently used coats, hats, boots, and gloves. The donations for women and children will benefit Mutual Ground and the donations for men’s items will benefit Breaking Free.
St. Vincent de Paul Clothing Drive on 11/5 & 11/6
  • The St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) truck will be in our parking lot on 11/5 and 11/6 for the clothing drive.  Pick up one of the SVDP bags to place your donated items.
  • Clear out your closets for a good cause and repurpose the following items by donating them to St. Vincent De Paul.  Your donated items are sold at reasonable prices at thrift shops so needy families can shop with dignity. The sale proceeds from the thrift shops go into a general assistance fund where parishes source help for families needing assistance with rent, mortgage, or utility assistance.
“Welcome to American Pack” Collection n on 11/5 & 11/6
  • In July we celebrated World Refugee Sunday and heard a representative from Exodus World Services speak about welcoming refugee families. When a family arrives they are set up in a place to live and provided with the basics- sheets, towels, kitchen items, etc. since they arrive with almost nothing. We will have a sign up on 11/5 & 6 – parishioners can choose an item or two and together we can provide a welcome pack for a family or two. Stop by in the lobby before or after Mass and get all the details. Thank you.

Youth Alpha on Sundays 11/6
  • Youth Alpha gives high school teens the opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Youth Alpha course at Our Lady of Mercy will meet on Sunday evenings for 9 weeks in the Parish Life Center.  Sessions begin with a dessert bar, fun activities to get to know others, followed by a short video talk, and time to discuss the topic. During the discussion, everyone is welcome to contribute their opinions and no question is considered hostile or too simple.  Questions might include–Is there a God? Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going?  Alpha is for everyone –no question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish.  We don’t assume any background knowledge or belief in Christianity and everyone is welcome.
  • Teen Alpha Nights is held on Sundays from 6:30pm-8:15pm; invite the teen in your life.  Details and registration are found here.

Bible Study on Mama Mary starting on 11/8
  • What a great way to prepare our hearts to herald Jesus’ birth than to go through a Biblical Walk With the Blessed Mother.  Get to know the only woman who knew Jesus the best and the one to whom God had entrusted His most precious and only begotten Son.
    𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 |  Tuesdays starting 11/8th @ 7pm ending in January
    𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙩 | Joe Wiacek or Joe Glasgow for questions at joewiacek@gmail.com or jglasgowjr@gmail.com
    𝙋𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙮 𝙂𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙚 @ | Ascension Press Website
    𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 | Register here so we are prepared to welcome you
  • The Better We Know Mary, the Better We Will Know Her Son
    Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother is an extraordinary pilgrimage that reveals Mary’s unique role in God’s kingdom and in our lives. Filmed on location in the Holy Land, Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother will place you in the midst of the powerful drama of her earthly life, taking you through her joys … and her sorrows. You will learn how she works in our lives today, drawing us ever closer to her divine Son. Seeing Mary in this way will change you forever. Mary will become a part of your daily life, and in your daily life, you will become more like Christ.
Coping With Grief and Loss during the Holiday Season on 11/9
  • For some, holidays are a time to celebrate and get together with family and friends. For others, holidays are difficult and not a time to celebrate as they are dealing with feelings of sadness, loss, and emptiness.
  • If you are looking for support to help you cope with grief during the holiday season, please consider attending one of the following support sessions that will focus on coping with grief during Thanksgiving time on 11/9th either from 11am to 12:30pm or from 7pm to 8:30pm in Room 218. No registration required. Please connect with Jolene LeRoy y RN Director of Pastoral Care at 331-707-5380 for any questions
Knights of Columbus Blood Drive on 11/12
  • Donate blood Saturday 11/12th from 8am to 12pm at the Knights of Columbus Blood Drive.  Every donor will save up to 3 lives!  While appointments are greatly appreciated, walk-ins are welcome.  You can register ahead of time at this link. Receive a coupon for a buy one, get one entree from Noodles & Company, while supplies last.
  • Please make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Also please bring a photo ID.
Supporting Future Priests through the I Will Give You Shepherds Campaign 11/12 & 11/13
  • Priests are essential to our Catholic faith, as only these holy men can transform bread and wine into the life-giving Body and Blood of Christ. Although the number of priests has been on the decline for decades, the Diocese of Joliet has been blessed with an abundance of vocations to the priesthood.
  • Currently, our diocese has 23 men in seminary formation, including our seminarian intern Jonathan Hernandez, which costs $50,000 a year per seminarian. To ensure we are always able to support our seminarians both prayerfully and financially, the Diocese of Joliet has launched the I Will Give You Shepherds campaign.
  • At Masses on 11/12 & 11/13, our parish will take up a second collection for this campaign. Gifts will be invested in an endowment designated specifically for seminarian education.
  • Please prayerfully consider supporting this second collection. To learn more about this campaign, or to make a gift online, please go to jolietdioceseappeal.org.

An Invitation from Father Hugh on His 50th Anniversary of Priesthood on 11/19
  • I would like to invite all of you to celebrate my 50th Anniversary as a priest at the 4pm Mass on Saturday, November 19 at Our Lady of Mercy Church. I was your pastor from 2000 to 2017 and you will always be a big part of my life. Please join me as we celebrate on November 19. There will be a reception after Mass in the Parish Life Center. Please RSVP if you will be attending the reception by a text to (312) 699-6871.
    May God’s love always be with you!
    Peace,
    Father Hugh Fullmer
Fair Trade Sale on 11/19 & 11/20
  • Come see items for your home, unique Christmas gifts – support Fair Trade – artisans receive a just living, and are able to provide for their families.
Annual Ladies Advent Tea on 11/27
  • Save the date for the annual Ladies’ Advent Tea on Sunday, November 27 from 2:00pm to 4:30pm. Slow down and take the time to start your Advent season in a special way on the First Sunday of Advent. Ask family members or friends to join you for faith sharing and fellowship. If you are planning to attend, please register at jolenel@olmercy.com.

Unbound on 12/9 & 12/10
    • Because of the fruitfulness of the last conference and repeated requests, there will be an Unbound Freedom in Christ Conference on 12/9 from 6:30pm to 9:15pm through 12/10 from 9am to 9pm with catered lunch & dinner included.
    • Recommended reading prior to the conference is the “Unbound: A Practical Guide to Deliverance.”  The book is available in the parish office for $15, purchase a copy today and prepare your heart to be overwhelmed by the love of Jesus.
    • Unsure about Unbound? Check out the short videos below of the recent conference and a snippet of what Unbound is or proceed to this link. Experience what over 200 people experienced at the last conference; sign up now.
Thank You for Your Generosity on Undy Sunday
  • Dear Friends,
    From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your participation in Undy Sunday 2022. The event was a great success!
    Most of us take things like new underwear, warm socks, and a fresh diaper for granted, but for many families and seniors living on poverty-level incomes, it’s a luxury. Providing these items promotes the health, dignity, and confidence of our most vulnerable neighbors. On behalf of those we serve, thank you.
    This year, 50 churches and schools within the Diocese of Joliet participated in Undy Sunday. We are now distributing these items to children, families, and seniors who come to Catholic Charities for help. Your gifts are making a true difference.
    Thank you for believing in the mission of Catholic Charities and for opening your heart to those in need.
    With Gratitude,
    Kathleen Langdon, Executive Director
    Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet


Are you curious about becoming Catholic? Are you Catholic but haven’t yet received all your sacraments?

  • O.C.I A., the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, is the amazing journey of entering into the fullness of the Catholic faith. We will help you to learn, grow, find community, and prepare for the fullness of life that God desires for us all!
  • Even if you’re unsure with where you’re at regarding becoming Catholic or receiving all your sacraments, please fill out this formso that we can know how best to help! You are also welcome to reach out to Fr. James at frjames@olmercy.com

Health Updates on Father Don
  • Please continue to keep Father Don in your prayers. To keep updated on how he is doing, please check the following CaringBridge website.
Teen Mission Trip July 2023 

World Youth Day 2023 
  • The Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group is looking to join the Joliet Diocese on a Pilgrimage to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day 2023 from July 29 to August 7. Come and join them!  This includes an optional pre-tour to Madrid from July 25 to 29.  Proceed here for further details.

Bishop Hick’s Monthly Column 
  • In his October column, Bishop Hicks writes about “Pruning our diocesan tree so that we may thrive and grow.” Be sure to take a moment to read his column because Bishop speaks about how his “senior staff and the deans will discern and collaborate to create a list of parishes and schools whose futures will need to be addressed in three stages: Urgent; in the next year; and in two to three years. When we have reached consensus on what parishes and schools will be affected by this targeted restructuring process, we will continue to share and publish the information through various channels, including our diocesan website.”
  • Read It HERE.

Scam Emails
  • From time to time, there are phishing (SCAM) emails going out to members of the parish and staff claiming to be Father Michael.
    Please note that Father Michael and Father James DO NOT send texts or emails asking for money or gift cards. If you receive a message appearing to be from Father Michael or Father James, please discard it, (any email that does not have “olmercy.com” is a fake email) and DO NOT SEND ANY ELECTRONIC MONETARY AID.  No one on the staff will personally ask for money in whatever form (gift cards etc). If someone sends you a private message, asking for a donation of sorts, it’s undoubtedly a fake account. Please keep praying for us, and God bless you!


Do you have a story to share of your time with Jesus in the Eucharist?

  • In the Eucharist, Jesus wants to remind you that you are never alone, that He is with you. In your brokenness, sorrows, and frustrations, He is with you. In everything you face—when you’re tired, ready to give up, hanging on by a thread, Jesus says to you, “I AM HERE.”
  • If you have experienced the above with Jesus, we invite you to share your story so as to inspire others to spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist, and to go to Holy Mass.  Allow your story to be the vessel that can reach that person who Jesus is drawing to Himself more closely, especially those who are going through a tough time right now.  Let us take part in the National Eucharistic Revival in a tangible way; come and share your story of your encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist.  Connect with zara@olmercy.com to share your encounter.

Our Lady of Mercy Garden of Hope, Love & Mercy

  • The Justice & Peace Ministry, which has constructed a Community Garden on Our Lady of Mercy parish grounds and provided fresh produce over the past few months has had a fruitful season and looks forward to expanding in 2023. Produce from the garden has been donated to local organizations such as the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry and  Hesed House. Late-season plantings are still producing vegetables and herbs. The faithful volunteers have been pleased with the success of this very worthy cause. If you have a green thumb or wish to participate in the preparation and planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting in early spring and throughout the 2023 growing season, please contact Chris at 631-561-9722 or chrisharveyny@gmail.com or Ida at 630-605-6038 or idamphillips122@gmail.com.

Did You Know We Have a Parish School?
  • All Saints Catholic Academy (ASCA) located at 1155 Aurora Ave, Naperville is our parish school!
  • Are you a parent with preschool, elementary, and middle school-aged children struggling with the antithetical Christian values the government schools are indoctrinating the children who attend the government schools?  You’re not alone.
  • Join a growing number of OLM parents who have made the movement!  Consider connecting with some of the families who have made the move from sending their child(ren) to public school to All Saints Catholic Academy.
  • Connect with Patty Bajek at (630) 961-6125, or pbajek@ascacademy.org to express your interest and schedule a personalized tour.  Or peruse their website to explore your interest.
St. Vincent de Paul Society Volunteers
  • Thank you for your support of our clothing drive. Your clothing donation, as well as your financial donations throughout the year, allows us to help our parishioners and neighbors in need. In the last quarter of 2021, we provided assistance to 35 people/families.
  • The ministry is always looking for volunteers to join our St. Vincent de Paul Society in assisting our neighbors in need. If you would like to volunteer or learn more, send an email to olmsvdp@gmail.com with your name and contact information.
Bulletin
Supporting OLM through the CMAA
  • Thank you so much to those who have pledged!  Once we have reached our goal in paid pledges, 70% of the additional funds received will be returned to our parish.
  • Father Don and Bishop Hicks are asking us to join them in pledging to the CMAA to help the poor and vulnerable, form our future shepherds, and spread the faith through our Catholic schools, faith formation programs in parishes, and programs for young adults.
  • Donations can be made here Check out how your gifts to the CMAA help at this link. Thank you for your consideration.
For the Hispanic Community
  • Please proceed here for the OLM Hispanic Ministry’s upcoming events and resources.
    Continúe aquí para conocer los próximos eventos y recursos del Ministerio Hispano de OLM.
  • There will be Stations of the Cross in Spanish every 2nd Wednesday of the month after the 12pm Mass.
    A partir de la próxima semana, habrá Estaciones de la Cruz en español cada segundo miércoles del mes después de la misa de las 12 pm.
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
  • Prayer Ministry takes place monthly at MAGNIFY and on the last weekend of the month Mass times.  Prayer ministry is an opportunity for those in need of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing or with a specific intention. Come as an individual, as a couple, or as. a family and receive prayer for yourself or request prayers for someone in need. Listen and receive the prayers while being open to the Holy Spirit’s movement. Trained prayer ministers are available.
Have you downloaded our myParish App yet?
  • If you haven’t done so, we encourage you to download the Our Lady of Mercy app available to download for iPhone and Android smartphones.  Or text APP to 88202 to download.
    • Stay connected with our parish throughout the week with instant notifications, an easy-to-access event calendar, and the ability to quickly reply to or share messages via Facebook or Twitter. Also enjoy a bunch of additional features like prayers, daily readings, helpful reminders to silence your phone before Mass or Confession, and much more.
OSV Giving Link Update
  • Our online giving link has been updated by our provider (OSV), please be sure to update your bookmark, below is the link.
  • The myParish App “Giving” button has been updated.  Don’t have the myParish App yet? Text APP to 88202 to download!  Receive this update, instant news, and get access to the parish calendar, daily readings, and Confession guide among a plethora of things.
  • https://www.osvhub.com/olmercy/giving/funds


Grow Groups | We continue to launch Grow Groups, one group at a time.
Connect with zara@olmercy.com for any questions.

Mission. A Mother’s Heart is a group for Catholic mothers with children ages 0-11 who are seeking to journey with other like-minded women of faith.  Following the example of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, we strive to imitate her “little way” of growing in holiness through the lenses of motherhood and family.
Meets. Thursdays twice a month.  For any of the following: book chats, podcast discussions, “Mom’s Night Out”, community service projects, fellowship, playgroups, prayer.
Connect.  Reach out to Lydia Schmitt lydiadschmitt@gmail.com for any questions.
Mission. This group exists to grow a community that inspires and forms the young adult generation to be saints.
Meets. Tuesdays @ 7pm and twice a month for social gatherings.
Connect.  Reach out to Matt Kubanda and Mary Rysavy rysavyme@gmail.com
World Youth Day 2023.  The Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group is looking to join the Joliet Diocese on a Pilgrimage to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day 2023 from July 29 to August 7.  This includes an optional pre-tour to Madrid from July 25 to 29.  Proceed here for further details.

SALT AND LIGHT GROW GROUP
Mission. “Encounter/Grow/Witness” is the threefold dimension of the Christian life.  Once we encounter Jesus, we are then called to grow daily as His disciples. Grow Groups are one way Our Lady of Mercy is responding to our missionary identity where we are called to help parishioners grow continually in discipleship.
Meets. Wednesdays 7pm to 8:30pm
Connect. For more information, connect with Bob Maxwell at bmaxwell@deltadentalil.com or 630-962-8464
Mission.  Vine & Branches is a group at Our Lady of Mercy that offers support and belonging to individuals of any age or faith who are divorced or separated on the way to divorce.
Meets. Wednesdays @ 7pm with social gatherings.
Connect. The group leaders are looking forward to hearing from you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
Kim Harris kimharris73@yahoo.com
Mary LoGalbo logalbo.marycarol@gmail.com
John Frederick jdfredericj@icloud.com
Jim Marks jimm6351@yahoo.com


GROW YOUR FAITH

FEMCATHOLIC CONFERENCE ON 10/29
At a time when women are leading like never before. FemCatholic is bringing together women from across the country for a day of education, connection, and activation. Gather with women across the country for this unforgettable experience at Nashville, TN on 10/29. Register here.

GOOD NEWS CONFERENCE ON 10/30 THRU 11/2
Hear from Bishop Robert Barron, Father Mike Schmitz, Father John Riccardo, Jonathan Roumie, and several more on “The Way of Beauty” Good News Conference in Phoenix, AZ Oct 30th through Nov 2nd.  Details and registration are found here.


ENCOUNTER CONFERENCE ON 12/28 THRU 12/30
Hosted by Encounter Ministries in Grand Rapids, MI, conference participants can expect an atmosphere of Spirit-filled worship in the presence of God, Holy Mass, inspiring and transforming keynote speakers, breakout sessions, Eucharistic Adoration, a healing service, fellowship, and many opportunities for prayer ministry and growth in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Proceed here for details and registration.

SEEK CONFERENCE ON 1/13 & 1/14
Taking place in St. Louis, MO, SEEK is the only Catholic conference of its size diving into the heart of the Gospel and exploring how to answer Christ’s call in every moment. SEEK is for everyone. That means you. There’s Prayer, Fellowship, Inspiration, and Entertainment, sign up for SEEK23 and join the thousands who are answering a new call to become a disciple.


WONDER CONFERENCE ON 1/13 & 1/14
Registration is now available for the inaugural Wonder Conference, presented by the Word on Fire Institute, an annual opportunity to engage with theologians and other experts on important issues at the intersection of the Catholic faith and secular culture. This year’s conference is on faith and science. It is taking place at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center.

FREE ONLINE RESOURCES In this section, you will find free conferences, webinars, and studies that you can freely take part in that can grow your faith.

FORMED.ORG

Diving into the beauty of the Faith has never been easier: at home, on the go, or from any internet-connected device. Discover thousands of books, audio talks, movies, documentaries, and studies… there is something for every member of the family to help them grow closer to Christ and His Church.

  1. Visit http://signup.formed.org/
  2. Enter our parish zip or name
  3. Enter your name and email
EUCHARIST RESOURCES

Check out our “Eucharist Resources” page to help us understand deeply the centrality of the Eucharist in our lives.

AMEN – CATHOLIC MEDITATION APP

From Augustine Institute comes this NEW AND FREE Catholic prayer app that inspires your daily conversation with God through faithful meditations and nourishing Scripture. There is also Family Content: Enjoy and share family-favorite audio from the series Brother Francis and the Jesus Stories.  Please enjoy this latest offering from the Augustine Institute.

HALLOW – A CATHOLIC PRAYER & MEDITATION APP

Hallow is a Catholic prayer & meditation app that helps users deepen their relationship with God through contemplative prayer and strengthen one’s mental health in the process. Easy-to-use, audio-guided sessions anywhere from 1 to 60 minutes long. Pray your own way with a personalized prayer plan pulling from 3,000+ unique sessions including the Lectio Divina on the Daily Gospel, Rosary, Examen, Night Prayer, Calm & Humility “Praylists” and much more. Hallow Light is free. Hallow Plus is $5 per month ($60 per year). Sign up for either one here.


WORD ON FIRE

Engage the goodness, truth, and beauty of the faith!
Did you know that you have complete access to Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire ENGAGE video library!   Check out this link to watch any of the videos whenever you want without ever having to login.

Not sure where to start? How about checking out the short 5 episode series on The Eucharist This fresh look at the Eucharist brings to light its reality as sacred meal, the sacrifice necessary for communion with God, and the real presence of Christ.


BLESSED IS SHE

Blessed is She is a sisterhood of women who want to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through their Catholic faith.  They create beautiful and accessible resources, products, and experiences to deepen prayer and foster community, both online and in person.


THE CATHOLIC GENTLEMAN

Founded in 2013, The Catholic Gentleman has become one of the most recognizable online men’s apostolate. Each week hundreds of thousands of men around the world visit our site for the insightful articles and the highest-quality products designed to encourage a life of authentic manhood. Their mission: To inspire men to holiness.


HEROIC MEN

Looking for authentically Catholic content for men? Look no further than HeroicMen.com—the all-new, 100% FREE Catholic streaming platform for men.
Learn about your faith from today’s best Catholic speakers—and do it all from the convenience of home. Stream-on-demand from your phone or tablet, too, for quality Catholic content on the go.  Get it all—for FREE – at HeroicMen.com

AQUINAS 101 FREE COURSES

Have you wanted to get to know St. Thomas Aquinas and his writings more so as to grow closer to Jesus?

Sign up for any of the short and free courses at Aquinas 101 a project of the

Thomistic Institute seeks to promote understanding of the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the eminent 13th-century philosopher, and theologian.

Aquinas is a masterful interpreter of reality. His writings assist us in answering perennial questions on topics like God, man, the natural world, law, and morality, and questions of special relevance to our time like the relationship between modern science and faith or pursuing happiness in the digital era.


PASTORAL CARE

If you have physical, mental, emotional or spiritual health concerns or questions about end-of-life issues, funeral planning, journeying through grief, caregiving for a loved one or are homebound, please contact Jolene LeRoy RN Parish Nurse and Director of Pastoral Care for support and resources at jolenel@olmercy.com or 331-707-5380.

HEALING HEARTS MINISTRY 
All of us have experienced joys and sorrows, ups and downs, accomplishments and disappointments in our lives. There may have been times that resulted in brokenness or heavy hearts that affect our attitude and way of living. The Open HEARTS Ministry has changed its name to Healing Hearts as it is a ministry for anyone 18 years of age or older who would like to practice self-care for their own health and wellness and would also like to reach out to others to offer healing and hope.

If you are in need of emotional or mental health support or resources, please contact Janice Hurtado Aeppli at 321-217- 7872 or at olmopenhearts@yahoo.com

RESTORE
Do you find yourself struggling in overcoming your battle with pornography?   Restore is a weekly (anonymous) meeting where men lean on each other for support and accountability and share ideas as to how to strengthen our resolve to stay on God’s path of chastity.  All men are welcome, whether you have been free of pornography addiction for many years or struggle with it every single day.

If you are ready to start breaking free from the grips of pornography and want to Restore your life email us at Restore.olm@gmail.com to find out more information on when and where we meet.

Be encouraged; check out this Testimony.

GRIEF SUPPORT MINISTRY
If you are experiencing grief and would like to join others for a time of sharing stories, tears and laughter, prayer, and moving forward in hope – please come on Monday, June 27 from 11am to 1pm in the Ministry Room located in the church. There is no registration. This is an opportunity to receive support and understanding during your grief journey. If you have questions, please call Jolene LeRoy RN Parish Nurse and Director of Pastoral Care at 331-707-5380.


MOMS WALKING WITH MOMS IN NEED
Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” Everyone in the parish community should know where to refer a pregnant woman in need.  Please see this infographic to be informed on how we are walking with Moms in need. Connect with Lydia Schmitt for further questions at lydias@olmercy.com

 


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