September 17, 2023 | Parish Update

How do we forgive? The Priest Convocation. Fatima Statue Visit. Chris Stefanick in Person on 9/27. And it’s not too late to join Alpha!

View the full posting at our Flocknote email (don’t forget to join so you can receive the update via email).

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From the P.I.T. (Pastor In Training)

There is a story about when St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who received visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, spoke to a priest about her visions. The priest did not want either one of them to be deceived, so he told her that if Jesus appeared to her again, to ask Him one question. He told her to ask Him what the last mortal sin he confessed was. When Jesus appeared to her again, Margaret Mary asked Him the question, Jesus looked at her and said, “I don’t remember.” 

Even though God knows everything, after He has forgiven our sins, it is as if that sin never happened. It is truly forgiven. Yet in the First Reading, it says, “The vengeful will suffer the LORD’s vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail.” In order for us to be forgiven, we first need to forgive. This is what we pray in the Our Father: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” If our hearts are not open to forgive others, how can they be open to receive forgiveness?

But how do we forgive? We have to start with what forgiveness is not. It is not saying that what the other person did to us is okay. Because we think like this, we end up like the unforgiving servant trying to choke his fellow servant, saying, “Pay back what you owe.” 

Instead, we need to acknowledge that what they did hurt us. Sister Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, says that with Jesus, we even need to make an account of what that person did to hurt us. We do this not to hold on to what they owe us but instead to acknowledge the hurt we experienced. But as we do this, we must also acknowledge that justice is most likely not possible on this earth. That other person might not even be aware that they hurt us or even be sorry.

Because justice is not possible on this earth, we know that God will bring about justice, if not in this life, then in the next. Forgiveness is letting go of what they owe us and instead giving that up to God, Who will bring about justice. Forgiveness is saying that I acknowledge that you hurt me, but I give that hurt, and you, to God.

If God forgives as if He forgets our sins, are we called to forget how that person has hurt us? The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “It is not in our power not to feel or to forget an offense; but the heart that offers itself to the Holy Spirit turns injury into compassion and purifies the memory in transforming the hurt into intercession.” When we forgive, God can even transform those painful memories into sources of healing for us and the other person.

I also invite you to pray with this Forgiveness Meditation from Sister Miriam below.

Father Frank

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Did you miss one? View past news from the P.I.T. here.

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THIS COMING WEEK

PADS/Hesed House Board on Display 9/18 through 9/29

• The OLM PADS/Hesed House Board is now on display in the Atrium (Door B Entrance). The board contains a “wish-list” of items used to prepare meals for 250 guests at the Hesed House homeless shelter, on the first Tuesday of each month. Drop-off for all items are before all Masses on the weekend of September 30th and October 1st.
• Monetary donations can be made via the OLM Online Giving Portal (please specify donation is for Hesed House), or make checks payable to Our Lady of Mercy Church, and write on the memo “Hesed House-PADS”. Thank you for supporting our mission of mercy.

Pray for the Joliet Diocese Priests 9/18 through 9/21

• Let us be in prayer for Bishop Hicks, Father Michael, Father Frank, and all the priests of the Diocese of Joliet in this important time of prayer and brotherhood at the Convocation for Priests from September 18 – 21. The Joliet priest convocation is held every other year. 
• There will be no Confessions available during the week.
• Communion services are scheduled for 6:30pm on Monday, while religious order priests will preside over the rest of the regularly scheduled Masses.
• Sign up and dedicate a holy hour to pray for them here. Please invite others to pray for our beloved priests and bishops.

OCIA Continues on 9/18

• Are you interested in becoming Catholic or learning more about the process to become Catholic? Or are you curious about what initiation for adults means?
  Our blessed Lord Jesus Christ said to Matthew “Follow me” and he rose and followed him. For Catholics, we respond in a similar way. The Christian way of life and becoming Catholic goes through a process of initiation, which is falling in love with Jesus and becoming His disciple. Through weekly meetings, we strive to help people learn how to respond to the prompting of God in their lives.
• Meetings will take the form of classes on Monday evenings at 7pm led by our pastor, Fr. Michael Kearney, and parochial vicar, Fr. Frank Pusateri, and an invitation to fellowship gatherings on Sunday mornings starting with the 10am Mass.
• If you are interested in being Catholic or know of someone who is interested, take the next step in responding to God’s call by completing the form on our webpage.

Mondays with Monica & Augustine Prayer Group Continues 9/18

• Do the following resonate with you?
  • I’ve experienced grief/heartache of watching a loved one leave the Faith.
  • I’ve offered prayers for the conversion of children and grandchildren living contrary to the Catholic Faith.
  • I’m navigating letting go of anger and unforgiveness so as to allow my heart to be filled with peace and comfort.
  • I am learning / or want to learn how to set an example of faith that draws non-believers to Catholicism.
• If you have ever loved someone who left the Faith, you know the ache of wanting that person back at the table. You pine for them at Mass, you miss their presence, and even wonder, How could life in Heaven be happy if the one I love is not present? 
• Saint Monica experienced all this so acutely with her son, who eventually became a saint, Saint Augustine. At “Mondays with Monica and Augustine Prayer Group” we follow the example of Saint Monica, whose prayers, tears, and witness led to the conversion of both her husband and her son and turn to prayer for our loved ones.
• We hope to see you every Monday at 7:30pm!  
• While registration is not required, it would be wonderful if you could register so as to help us be prepared to welcome you (have enough prayer guides for everyone etc.)

Consuming Fire 9/19

• Calling all young adults, join our Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group (CFYA) on Tuesday at 7pm for community and faith building. Reach out to cfyagg@gmail.com to get plugged in with the group. 
• Join CF for a NEW SERIES: “A Biblical Walk Through the Mass” 
• WE GATHER | CFYA gather with regularity at OLM and other venues to eat, pray, and ‘do life together’! The gatherings are open to anyone: Catholics, non-Catholics, seekers, and those just curious about Jesus. OUR PURPOSE | The primary purpose of Consuming Fire is to help young adults grow in their relationship with Jesus together – and community is the most effective way to do that! After all, there are no “solo disciples”. Discipleship cannot be lived (and definitely will not flourish) in isolation. KEEPING IT REAL | Consuming Fire is all about real relationships where there is authenticity, accountability, and accompaniment.

Bible Study on “The Presence accompanied by the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit” 9/19

• Come to the Bible Study on Tuesday evenings on “Presence The Mystery of the Eucharist” accompanied with the “Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit!”  How exciting!
• Sign up now at this link.
• For any questions, please connect with Joe Wiacek or Joe Glasgow at OLMBiblestudies@gmail.com or Shirley Staples shirleystaples@yahoo.com on the exhibit.
• All you need to bring is your Bible, and a study guide will be provided where you can jot down your answers or notes from the Bible Study.

Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima Parish Visitation 9/19 & 9/20

• At Fatima, our heavenly Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, identified the cause of the difficulties of today’s world as its rejection of God—in a single word, sin. She told us that the solution to our problems lay in the conversion of sinners—in our returning to God, and in accepting the mission of praying for the conversion of sinners, helping them to avoid the fate of eternal loss. Our heavenly Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, has assured us that in the end her Immaculate Heart will triumph. 
• Spreading the Message of Fatima TodayOur Lady travels the worldThe world-famous International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima is recognized as the primary way in which the message of Fatima spread throughout the world and continues today.Sculpted by Jose Thedim—“the Michelangelo of Portugal”—the statue has been traveling internationally since 1947.  On October 13, 1947, in the presence of 200,000 pilgrims at Fatima, the statue was blessed by the Bishop of Lieria-Fatima and commissioned to serve as the Pilgrim Virgin.  The bishop prayed that Mary herself accompany the statue wherever it goes.  She was then flown to America, where she was crowned in Ottawa, Canada, and began a 2-year tour of Canada and the U.S.She has since traveled to over 100 countries, claiming her dominion and carrying Fatima’s blessings and urgent message to people worldwide. Our Lady travels the U.S.The National Pilgrim Virgin Statue was given to the United States by the bishop of Fatima after being blessed by Pope St. Paul VI in 1967. She was crowned by Cardinal O’Boyle at the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC in 1971.  This statue travels across the United States under the sponsorship of the  World Apostolate of Fatima, USA. She has proven time and again to be the catalyst for renewed interest in the message of Fatima, and for introducing new generations of Catholics to Our Lady’s important message of conversion and peace.She will visit Our Lady of Mercy on Tuesday September 19th through Wednesday September 20th.  Should you have any questions regarding this wonderful visit, please connect with Bobby and Joy Delrosario at 630-995-0388 for any questions.
• Here is the following schedule.
  • Tuesday September 19th
    8am Holy Mass
    9:30am First Saturday Devotion Rosary
    12pm Rosary for Respect for Life
    1pm Prayers for Priests & Vocations
    3pm Divine Mercy Chaplet
    4pm Rosary in Spanish
    6:30pm Holy Mass
    7pm Eucharistic Adoration
  • Wednesday, September 20th
    8am Eucharistic Adoration
    9am Patriotic Rosary
    12pm Holy Mass
    1pm Rosary for Families
    3pm Divine Mercy Chaplet
    3:30pm Farewell

Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry 9/20

• The Mobile Food Pantry is on Weds 9/20 from 4:30pm to 6pm.  Don’t forget to share the Our Lady of Mercy social media posting on your network; you never know who among your network is in need of food.
• The Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Mobile Food Pantry delivers healthy food (meat, produce, and non-perishable items) to people in need. No identification or information will be required or collected. This event is open to anyone in need of food! Mobile Food Pantries use a “drive-thru” method to distribute food. Please clear space in your trunk or backseat so volunteers can load boxes of food directly into your vehicle. Catholic Charities helps people of all faiths and beliefs. Mobile Food Pantries take place snow, rain, or shine!

Salt and Light 9/20

• Join Salt and Light Grow Group for this small group retreat that delves into the simplicity and grandeur of Consoling spirituality. This retreat is based on the popular book by Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑱𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒔.
  Gain new insights into how you can console Jesus; learn the keys to the great sanctity of the saints and blessed like Therese of Lisieux, Faustina Kowalska, and Mother Teresa; and have all the tools you’ll need to “become a saint, a great saint, and quickly.” Check out olmercy.com/saltandlight/ for further details and registration. Looking forward to seeing you @ OLM on Wednesdays for this awesome study!

Vine & Branches Informational Session 9/20

• We all have experienced broken relationships; as you are aware of the stats on divorce, many of us have experienced this in our families. This form of brokenness can isolate and separate us from our communities, including faith communities. Vine and Branches Grow Group is a place to help people find healing. It will be hosting the Ascension Press program called “Surviving Divorce.”
  It features twelve video presentations that cover topics such as shock and grief, anger and forgiveness, money issues, dealing with children and a former spouse, and annulment and remarriage.  Check out this video for detailed information on topics and presenters.
• Come to the informational session on Wednesday, September 20 at 7pm to find out more. The program will start on October 4th; please register here to take part in it.

SoulCore Fall Session for Six Weeks Continues 9/20

• The Fall Session of SoulCore on Wednesday evening continues on 9/20th at 7pm!
• Ladies, come and join our fitness class, SoulCore! Nourish your body, mind, and soul with prayer-inspired workouts for only six weeks. Classes are September 13, 20 (no class on 9/27) and October 4, 11, 18, 25.
• Get physically and spiritually fit this summer at a SoulCore class at OLM!  Register now (and also for more information) proceed here.

Join the Choir on Wednesday 9/20

• Do you love to sing? Our Adult Choir and Youth Choir both begin rehearsals on Wednesday evenings. Contact Frank Sauter with any questions: franks@olmercy.com
• If you join there is a $1,000 sign-on bonus…. OK NOT REALLY, BUT you definitely will store up treasure in heaven as well as make new friends, have fun and help people worship through beauty; the vocation of musicians is to reveal the beauty of God through sound. They are able to reach people in ways that others can’t.
• If you have a musical talent to share with the community, we would love to have you join us. We hope to see you on Wednesday at the following times YOUTH CHOIR 5:30pm to 6pm (Grades 3 to 8) ADULT CHOIR 7:30pm to 9pm (Grades 9 to Adult).

We Hope To See You At Alpha on Thursdays continuing 9/21

• Ever asked questions like, “Where do I fit in?”, “Who can I trust?”, “Am I loveable?”, “Does my life matter?” If so, you are not alone!
  Exploring faith with others is a great way to start (or continue!) your journey. Try it for yourself at Alpha and see how asking these questions with others in just a short amount of time could unlock something new for you. No strings attached. We’d love to hear your thoughts and learn together.
• 𝗦𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝘂𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀; 𝘄𝗲’𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗽𝗵𝗮 – 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 FREE 𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿, 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝗸𝗲𝘆. 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝟵/𝟮𝟭 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁.To uncover all the details and snag your spot, just hit up this link. and hey, why not double the fun and bring along a friend? We all know someone exploring life, faith, and meaning; invite them to Alpha!

A Mother’s Heart Grow Group 9/20 & 9/21

• 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.
• Check out this month’s gatherings! Questions? Reach out to Lydia Schmitt lydiadschmitt@gmail.com

The Reliquaries of St. Therese and her parents are at the National Shrine in Darien now through 10/1

• The Centennial Reliquary of St. Therese and her parents, Saints Louis and Zelie Martin, will visit the National Shrine of St. Therese in Darien through October 1st.
• They will have daily Masses at 11:30am and special programs daily from 2pm to 4pm.
• Sign up HERE for Relic Visit reminders and further details as the visit approaches!

Season of Creation now through 10/4

• You may have noticed a beautiful new Season of Creation liturgical banner in our midst! What is Season of Creation? The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together. During the Season of Creation, we join our sisters and brothers in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home. Pope Francis made the Roman Catholic Church’s warm welcoming of the season official in 2015.
• The diocesan Laudato Si’ committee recently joined Bishop Hicks at Mass to kick off the Season of Creation (9/1–10/4). Their mission is to develop a comprehensive approach to care for creation and the implementation of Laudato Si’ through education, pastoral support, advocacy, care for the poor and vulnerable, environmental justice, and fostering community.
• Learn more about the Laudato Si’ Action Plan they created and Season of Creation events at this link.

Weekly Praying for Priests

• A prayer group has been praying for priests in front of the Blessed Sacrament weekly for over a year now, as well as on First Fridays. Even if you can’t join the group inside the church, you can pray wherever you are at during the times below.
• Here are the days/hours:Wednesdays at 10:30am – Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy with meditations for priests,   Thursdays at 12:30pm –  Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy with meditations for priests,First Friday of the month following 12pm Mass – Stations of the Cross with meditations for priests in the narthex.

Restore Weekly Confidential Meetings

• Restore is a ministry that accompanies men so as to win the battle against the struggles of living a lust-free life.
• The ministry meets at a weekly (anonymous) meeting where men lean on each other for support and accountability and share ideas about strengthening their resolve to stay on God’s path of chastity.  All men are welcome, whether you have been free of the addiction for many years or struggle with it every single day. Though the meetings are weekly, at the last weekly meeting of the month, men are guided by a licensed Catholic therapist. If you are ready to start breaking free from the struggles of living chastely and want to Restore your life email Restore.olm@gmail.com to find out more information on when and where we meet or call 331-684-7415.

Weekly Adoration

• COME AND ADORE OUR LORD! Eucharistic Adoration is held three times a week at OLM! In the book of Exodus, we read about Moses meeting God “face to face, as one man speaks to another” in the ‘Tent of Meeting.’ Just like Moses did 3,000 years ago, you and I have that very same opportunity for a face-to-face encounter with God to share what’s in our hearts, our joys, our worries, what’s troubling us right now, vetting it out with Jesus in the Eucharist. It is good to be with the Lord! It’s what we were created for. And Jesus longs to reveal that goodness to us even more than we long to know Him. That’s why He took on flesh and became a man. That’s why He poured out His Holy Spirit. And that’s why He is truly and fully present in the Eucharist.
• So come and encounter Jesus anytime this week at Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays and Thursdays 8:30am to 6:30pm and Wednesdays 8am to 12pm.
  And if you’d like to sign up for a regular time to be with Jesus, click here.

LOOKING AHEAD

Celebrating Our Lady of Mercy Feast the weekend of 9/23 & 9/24

• In honor of Our Lady of Mercy feast day on September 24, we are celebrating in the following ways!  Let us come together as a community at any of these gatherings in celebration and thanksgiving for the gift of Our Lady of Mercy.  
• Beer & Brats on Saturday 9/23
  • On Saturday, 9/23rd from 5pm to 7pm is Beer & Brats, as well as hotdogs, burgers, and wine!  Thank you to Brian and Brittany Scopa for donating the food.
  • Please RSVP to olmsocialcomm@gmail.com or at bit.ly/satsept27
• Donut Sunday 9/24
  • Hosted by our wonderful OLM Social Committee, please stop by the gym after the 8am and 10am Mass for fellowship, delicious donuts, and coffee.
• Check out the Progress of the Eucharistic Chapel 
  • During the weekend, we will have the opportunity to see the progress of the Eucharistic Chapel!  The door will be open so you can see how the build-out is going.  
  • An opportunity to sign up for Eucharistic Adoration will be available so we can have Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm once the Eucharistic Chapel is completed.

Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit 9/27 thru 10/4

• “The Eucharistic Miracles of the World” will return on Wednesday, September 27th through Tuesday, October 4th. Eucharistic miracles can be useful and fruitful aids to our faith. They help us go beyond the visible and the perceptible.
• Have you ever asked, is the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist real? Come and vet the question by visiting the exhibit and reading people’s stories about their doubts as well. (Look for the Eucharistic  Miracle of Lanciano, Italy).
• Stop by the hallway of the second floor of the PLC at any of the following times.
  • Wednesday 9/27 from 9am to 9pm
  • Thursday 9/28 from 9am to 9pm
  • Friday 9/29 from 9am to 9pm
  • Saturday 9/30 from 10am to 5:30pm
  • Sunday 10/1 from 9:30am to 7pm
  • Monday 10/2 from 9am to 9pm
  • Tuesday 10/3 from 9am to 9pm
  • Wednesday 10/4 from 9am to 4pm

Chris Stefanick IN PERSON at OLM for REBOOT on  9/27

• Are the tickets sold out? No—it is not sold out, so please register as soon as you can.
  We hope to experience a life-changing evening with you on Wednesday 9/27 @ 7pm, when internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and TV host, Chris Stefanick, will be bringing “Reboot!” to OLM in person.
  
  God did not create us just to “get by” in this world; He created us to live life, and live it to the full. Come learn more about the beauty of our faith, the love that Jesus has for YOU, and how we are meant to live out this JOY in our daily lives.
  
  Reboot! is suitable for ages 12 and up, so bring the whole family, and bring a friend. We challenge you now to think of one person to invite, and get your tickets; don’t think, just do! Whether you’re a lifelong Church goer, just rediscovering your faith, or have never heard of Jesus before, this is THE event for you! Register now for this life-changing event.

Hear from Chris Stefanick through his show every Monday at 6pm; follow this link for the Chris Stefanick Show on FORMED!
Get free access to FORMED online; see the Free Online Resources below (or through their App).

You can also check him out on the myParish App, just click on the button “Real Life Catholic”

Prayer Ministry 9/30 & 10/1

• Receive Prayer Ministry after all the Mass times the weekend of 9/30 and 10/1! 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 in the back of Church.

Walking Through Grief Begins 10/2

• Experiencing the loss of a loved one is a difficult journey. Our Lady of Mercy is offering a supportive place for participants (ages 18 and older) to walk through grief together in a faith community to find hope and healing.
• Walking Through Grief is a weekly support group for six weeks from 1pm to 2:30pm on the following Mondays, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, and 10/30 and 11/ 6 in Room 202 in the Parish Life Center (PLC). If you would like to attend or have questions, please call 331-707-5380.

Blessing of the Animals 10/7

• We are paws-itively excited about our annual Pet Blessing this weekend! Join us on Saturday, October 7th at 12pm in the circle drive to have your pet blessed, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi!
  
  St. Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, gained special recognition for his love of nature and animals, and many stories tell of him “preaching to the birds” when a group of noisy swallows was disturbing his preaching. The birds immediately fell silent and stood all around him, listening intently as he spoke of God’s majesty.
  
  Bring your furry friend to Our Lady of Mercy on Saturday, and learn more about the life of St. Francis here.

Crafty Souls 12 Hour Craft Event 10/7

• Join us on Saturday, October 7th from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Bring your favorite project and spend the day crafting in the Multi-Purpose Room. Registration deadline is September 30 and the $25 fee includes lunch and dinner. Contact olmcraftysouls@gmail.com for more information and to register. 

Little Pops Pizza Fundraiser 10/11

• What are you having for lunch or dinner on Wednesday 10/11th? …. Perhaps make it a Pizza Day – and for a really good cause. And not just any pizza, but really good pizza!
• Little Pops Pizzeria by New York and Eola is donating 20% of all sales on Wed. 10/11th from 11am to 9pm to our Knights of Columbus Council #12005 to benefit the OLM Family Faith Formation Program.
• Please support our amazing Knights of Columbus Council, please don’t forget to mention “KNIGHTS’ so your sales will count. If you order online (here is the link) https://www.littlepopspizzeria.com/ please type in “KNIGHTS” in the NOTES section. 

Undy Sunday Collection Weekend 10/14 & 10/15

• Most people take things like underwear for granted. At Catholic Charities, we have found that low-income families and seniors living on poverty-level incomes do not spend money on underwear and desperately need it.Last year, 50 parishes, schools, and organizations participated in the program. The collection makes a huge difference in the lives of our clients, and we pray that we can provide these much-needed items again this year.
• Collection Boxes will be placed in the Narthex for NEW underwear, undershirts, socks, and diapers for children and adults living in low-income households with the following special request
  • Women’s socks (all sizes)
  • Men’s boxers and boxer briefs (all sizes)
  • Other ways to help out are
    • You can also purchase items to donate through the Undy Sunday Amazon Wish List
    • If you’d prefer to send a monetary donation, please mail it to:
      Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet/Undy Sunday
      16555 Weber Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day Memorial Service 10/15

• Please save the date on Sunday, October 15th, after the 10am Mass for the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day Memorial Service by the monument near the outdoor Stations of the Cross in our parish grounds for parents whose lives are irrevocably altered by the passing of their children, during pregnancy, at birth and in infancy.
• The beautiful monument, donated by the Sincora and Savoie Families in loving memory of Rose Christine Sincora, is shaped like an expectant mother and remembers our littlest babies in heaven while giving families and friends a place to remember babies who were so wanted and are forever loved and missed.

Diocesan Mass for Persons with disABILITIES 10/15

• The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Ronald Hicks; refreshments and fellowship to follow. Those with disABILITIES, and their caregivers, will receive a special blessing. The Mass will be interpreted for the deaf by an ASL interpreter. Registration is required; please use the link below: https://www.diojoliet.org/w/mass-for-persons-with-disabilities 
• 2 pm @ St. Mary Immaculate (15629 South Route 59, Plainfield.

Lord of the Rings: Two Evenings of Retreat 10/27 & 10/28

• Led by Fr. Andy Davy, a Marian Father of the Immaculate Conception and good friend of Fr. Michael, Fr. Andy explores the following themes each night, examining our Christian vocation using excerpts from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings who was a devout Catholic and had a deep love of the Eucharist.
• Night 1 “Imaginative Apologetics: A Decisive Battleground for the New Evangelization”
  Night 2 “Priest, Prophet, and King: Renewing our Baptismal Call Through The Lord of the Rings”
• We hope to see you Friday, 10/27th, and Saturday, 10/28th
  from 7pm to 8:30pm in the Parish Life Center.
• All ages are welcome so please bring the entire family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers!
• Fr. Andy Davy is an amazing storyteller and pastor at St. Mary Parish in Plano. This retreat will be one of the last ministries he will hold before leaving for his new assignment. He will be the postulant director of the Marian Fathers in the U.S., looking after the first-year Marian priests coming into the community at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA, starting 10/30th.
  Hit up the following links to learn more about the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception and the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA.
  Come Holy Spirit to Fr. Andy Davy!

Have a Minister of Care Bring Holy Communion to Your Loved One that is Homebound

• Do you have a loved one that is homebound?
  Ministers of Care are trained in the ministry and commissioned by the parish to visit those unable to come to Church to receive Holy Communion. Ministers visit the homebound, those in hospitals, and other care facilities to pray with them, bring the Eucharist and serve as a caring, listening presence. The Ministers of Care Ministry is a visible sign of the presence of the Church in our lives and continues the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
• If you know someone in the parish who is unable to come to church and wishes to receive Holy Communion in the home, please contact the parish office at 630-851-3444 and arrangements will be made.  Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” —John 6:35
• Caring for a Loved One with Mary” by Theresa Kiser is in the book kiosk. Completely occupied by the constant care necessary for her son’s medically complex situation, Theresa Kiser struggled to reconcile with the physical, emotional, social, and mental tolls it took on her family. But when she stumbled upon the devotion of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, she was surprised — and deeply relieved — to discover that Our Lady walked this caregiving road before her. The Seven Sorrows devotion nourished her soul with comfort, companionship, and grace at a time when she needed it most.

Family Faith Formation Registration

• Calling all parents with children in Kindergarten through 12th Grade, register soon by September 30th for the Family Faith Formation due to start the second week of October.
• Beginning families, start your family faith journey at “Seek” and if your children are preparing for Reconciliation and First Communion, inquire about the “Mend” and “Nourish” pathways.
• Returning families can take part in the “Quest” pathway.
• If you have already decided to participate in the Family Faith Formation opportunities, we are thrilled to have you on board. To secure your spot find out details for each pathway; SEEK, ROOT, MEND, NOURISH and QUEST, we invite you to register immediately by clicking on the following link. Your spiritual journey awaits!

Bishop Hick’s Monthly Column 

• Bishop Hicks’ monthly column for September is titled “1000 Days.” Read his insightful column HERE.
  • Our diocese was founded on December 11, 1948. For an entire year, we will highlight the great accomplishments of our past and how we were founded in faith, while being called to witness now and in the future, and continue to be sent forth to serve. Hear from Bishop Hicks as he describes the events and activities leading up to the year-long celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Diocese of Joliet, watch the video 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 Frank 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!

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 government schools?  You’re not alone.
• Join a growing number of OLM parents who have made the move by 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 2022, we provided assistance to 72 households, helping 185 men, women and children to remain in their homes or apartments in time of financial need.
• 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

• Check out the weekly Bulletin located here. 

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 pray 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.
• https://www.osvhub.com/olmercy/giving/funds