---

December 3, 2023 | Parish Update

The Return of the Chalice. Advent Resources & Schedule Page (Christmas Mass Times). Register Now for Simbang Gabi. And December Gatherings.

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

---

News from Pastor in Training (P.I.T.)

To be attentive and to stay attentive is very hard. It takes a significant effort to stay focused on the task at hand. And yet, this is what the Lord is asking of us in our 1st Sunday of Advent readings. As much as we like to think we can multi-task, it has been proven that it’s better to focus on one thing at a time than to try to juggle multiple activities at once. How many of us try to juggle prayer with our daily activities, only to come to the conclusion that we are failing to pray as we ought? Currently, I’m thinking of all the things I need to do to get ready for Christmas, from liturgical duties like extra confessions and Masses to buying Christmas presents for my niece and nephews so that I can keep the title of “Coolest Uncle.” Yet, in all these tasks that need to be done, the most important task should be preparing my heart for the Lord and his coming. 

The Advent season begins a new liturgical year for the Church. Similar to the resolutions we make for our calendar New Year, the Church is asking us to make a resolution now. In the Gospel today, the Lord is asking his disciples, which include us, to keep watch for his coming. We need to recommit to being attentive, and to preparing our hearts to receive the Lord. Isn’t that much easier said than done?

The winter season naturally is a perfect time for refocusing. As the sun sets earlier each day, nights come sooner and the temperature begins to drop. Have you ever walked outside on a crisp cold night? I feel that during these late night walks my thoughts become clearer and prayer becomes easier. Maybe it’s the cold waking me up, the silence as nature is hibernating in the darkness, or maybe it’s the awe of looking up at the stars on a clear night. The Advent season seems to help us turn even more towards reflective prayer, just as the Lord has asked it of us.

I’d encourage you to take advantage of this Advent season. Don’t get up caught up so easily in the noise and distractions of preparing for Christmas, or in the busyness of daily life. Instead, take the time to pull away and be attentive to the longings of your heart for our Lord who has come, is coming, and will come again. 

Father Michael

---

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

---

THIS COMING WEEK

Prepare Your Hearts to Receive Jesus with Advent Resources

• If you were out of town this weekend, you can still pick up Advent devotionals in the narthex during the week.
• Check out the Advent Resources & Schedule webpage as well which has
  • Advent Reconciliation Schedule
  • Advent Homilies
  • Advent Resources
  • Advent Practices & Giving Opportunities
  • Spiritual Disciplines to Embrace this Advent
  • Advent Flyer
  • Christmas Holy Mass Schedule
• “𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙜𝙞𝙖, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 — 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙃𝙞𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙝 𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨: 𝙃𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚!”— 𝙎𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙅𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖 𝙀𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖

Registration for Simbang Gabi Mass & Celebration is now open 12/4

• Please register soon for the annual Simbang Gabi Filipino tradition of celebrating devotional Mass on Saturday 12/16th at 6pm and come and join the Filipino community in preparing our hearts for the birth of Jesus. Following the Mass is a ticketed reception. Looking forward to seeing you there!
• Register at this link.
• What is Simbang Gabi you may wonder? Simbang Gabi is a tradition of celebrating Christmas novena masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its masses were celebrated at dawn, the time when roosters crow, hence calling the celebration Misa de Gallo (rooster). Filipinos have been faithful in observing the tradition for centuries. Find out more here.
• Here at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, we will celebrate this beautiful tradition on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 with a mass at 6pm followed immediately by a reception that will showcase Filipino hospitality with food, talents, games, and fun for the entire family
• For any questions, connect at sgcommittee16@gmail.com or (331)588-5556

Mondays with Monica & Augustine Prayer Group Continues 12/4

• We are blessed to have St. Monica and St. Augustine accompany us as we consider our own family situations with our own loved ones who have fallen away from the Church; see you for prayer at OLM on Mondays at 7:30pm.
•      Anticipation—the upcoming holiday season is filled with it. And with Advent around the corner, we look forward to family gatherings, beautiful celebrations at church, and all the blessings that come during this season. As we wait, our hope in the Lord can increase, and our faith can grow stronger.
       But sometimes, the holiday season can be difficult. Instead of anticipating the good things God has in store for us, we may anticipate family tension or spending Christmas somewhat isolated from our loved ones; the hardest part of loving someone estranged from the Faith is the sense of isolation. No matter how we feel, we can experience God’s goodness and love during Advent. Even our struggles can be an opportunity for God to work in our lives. Jesus wants to calm our fears and fill us with hope—a sure and certain trust in His promises, especially for our loved ones. He wants us to hear His comforting voice. At Mondays with Monica and Augustine (MWMA), come and hear Jesus’ comforting voice, perhaps through the reflection, or while praying for our loved ones by name. Praying together with others in a similar situation removes the sense of isolation.

Consuming Fire Young Adult Group Continues 12/5

• 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 or sign up at the link HERE
• Come to Consuming Fire this week for a discussion on Advent!

The Chosen Season 3 Catholic Bible Study Continues on 12/5

• 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆? 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲? — 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗻-𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟯” 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂!
  Through both watching the series episode and breaking open the Scripture readings related to each episode, this Catholic Bible Study experience will enable you to imagine ourselves in the story.  Sign up soon, and don’t forget to bring a friend.
• When: Tuesdays @ 7pmContact: Joe Wiacek and Joe Glasgow OLMBiblestudies@gmail.com Registration: Please register here 
• All you need to bring is your Bible; a study guide will be provided where you can jot down your answers or notes from the Bible Study.

Vine & Branches Continues 12/6

• Vine & Branches is a Grow Group at Our Lady of Mercy that offers support and belonging to individuals who have experienced the trauma of a broken marital relationship.
• The program “Surviving Divorce” by Ascension Press was created to bring hope and healing to those who have experienced the pain of a broken marriage. It includes the personal testimonies of Catholic men and women as they witness the healing power of Jesus in their lives.
• For more information, please reach out to one of our group leaders. They look forward to hearing from you: Kim Harris kimharris73@yahoo.com
  Mary LoGalbo logalbo.marycarol@gmail.com, Jim Marks jimm6351@yahoo.com

Salt and Light Grow Group Continues 12/6 & 12/7

• Join Salt and Light Grow Group for 𝗙𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘆’𝘀 “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗱” for fast-paced and lively sessions through a video talk followed by group discussion. From the epic story of Poland’s national suffering to the events of Fatima, the revelations of St. Faustina, the heroic efforts of St. Maximilian Kolbe, and the life of St. John Paul II, the panorama of Divine mercy is fully revealed as a transformative reality. A free study guide will be given to all participants.
• Join us either Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm or Thursday afternoons at 1pm; For more details and registration, proceed here, and please don’t forget to bring a friend.

Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 12/7 & 12/8

• The Mass times for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the United States are:
  Vigil Mass at 7pm on Thursday 12/7th and Mass times of 8am and 7pm on Friday 12/8th.  We pray to see you at any of the Mass times; let us rejoice with the Immaculate Mother of God, for it is through her intercession that God has bestowed every spiritual blessing upon us.  
• God chose Mary, the Immaculate Conception, to be our “model of holiness” by preserving her entirely from original sin, making her all-pure and all-holy. In doing this God also shows us what is possible for us, too, wounded by sin—the healing and restoration of our whole humanity. The intercession and maternal love of the Immaculate One, given to us as our Mother, is the special way God has chosen to bestow upon us the grace of such a healing. As the Mother of our Savior, Mary shares uniquely in His redemptive sacrifice. We turn to her with confidence, for she is “our life, our sweetness, and our hope.” Immaculate Mary, pray for us!

Regarding the Return of the Chalice During the Weekend Masses

• As part of the Eucharistic Revival, Fr. Michael shared that starting now, you can receive the Precious Blood of Christ from the Chalice during weekend Masses.
• Fr. Michael presented the following catechesis to encourage us to grasp the crucial insights and teachings regarding receiving the Precious Blood of Christ from the chalice.
  • Fractioning Rite. In the Eucharistic Prayers, when we say “Lamb of God,” the priest performs the “fractioning rite.” This involves taking the host, the body of Christ, breaking it in half, and placing a portion into the chalice. This reunites the body and blood of Christ, so if you receive one, you receive both. When you approach for communion and receive the body of Christ, you are actually receiving the entirety of Christ—His body, His blood, His soul, and divinity.If you choose to receive only from the chalice, you still receive the fullness of Christ—the body and blood of Christ. Fr. Michael emphasizes this point because it’s not obligatory to receive from both. The Church, however, encourages the opportunity to receive both as a way to more deeply participate in the gift of the Sacrament, echoing the instructions given to the apostles during the Last Supper to “take, eat, and drink.”
  • There will be two chalices on each side of the center aisle.
  • Receive standing. To ensure the protection of the Precious Blood from spillage, we encourage drinking from the cup while standing, as it is not natural to do so while kneeling.
  • No intinction. Please don’t dip the Body of Christ into the chalice to reduce the risk of Precious Blood dripping onto your hand, clothes, or the floor.
    As a reminder; please remember to consume the Body of Christ promptly in front of the Eucharistic Minister upon receiving it, and refrain from walking away with the consecrated host. 
  • The children. Please practice with the children at home first so they understand.

Christmas Flower Memorials

• This Christmas, we will decorate the church with poinsettias around the altar. Flowers can also be memorialized by using one of the flower envelopes found in the narthex. The suggested donation is $20.

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.
• 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 Restore 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! So come and encounter Jesus anytime this week at 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.

Sign up for Weekly Adoration as we Prepare for our New Chapel to Open!

We’re almost there, we have the following time slots that do not have anyone signed up to spend time with Jesus; we’re praying you would be the one to sign up for any of the following time spots
Tuesday 8:30am, 4pm
Wednesday 5pm
Thursday 8:30am
Friday 10am, 4pm
Our hope is that two individuals sign up for each of the hourly timeslots Monday through Friday from 8:30am through 5pm; please help us achieve this goal.  It truly is the best time that you could gift yourself. Click here to sign up.

LOOKING AHEAD

Advent Reflection for Liturgical Ministers 12/9

• All liturgical ministers are invited to an Advent Reflection on Saturday, 12/9th from 11am to 12pm in the Church. Join us for time away from the busyness of life to reflect on the season of Advent and the mystery of the Incarnation.  

Return Your Birchwood Ornament by the Weekend of 12/9 & 1/10

• Help us decorate the narthex for Christmas by taking a birchwood disk (one per family)
• Decorate your ornament and return it to the parish by the weekend of December 9 & 10th. A drop-off table will be in the narthex after weekend masses, or you may drop it off at the parish office during the week 
• If you would like to pick it up after the Christmas Season, you are responsible for getting it from the narthex after weekend masses on Jan 13/14
• Placement on the trees will be at the discretion of the Arts & Environment committee.  Questions? Please reach out to our Arts & Environment committee at aandeolm@gmail.com.

Retirement Fund for Religious 12/9 & 12/10

• Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,     Our diocese will soon take up the national collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your support for this collection provides financial assistance for retirement needs for 297 U.S. religious communities.      Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests have selflessly served for decades without significant financial compensation. However, due to escalating health-care costs, numerous U.S. religious communities face a substantial gap between their elderly members’ needs and the financial resources available for their care. Many religious orders currently experience insufficient retirement savings.     The 2022 appeal demonstrated Catholics’ tremendous generosity by raising $27.6 million. Diocese of Joliet parishioners contributed $286,788.25 to the collection.      The senior religious in our diocese never retire from their vows, and they play a crucial role in conveying the faith from one generation to the next. All remain wholly committed to their vocations by embracing the opportunity to spend more time praying for our Church and world.      Please support the retirement needs of our senior religious. And please join me in praying for God’s continued blessing on our nation’s elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.     As I remain –
          Sincerely yours in Christ,
          Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks
          Bishop of Joliet

Justice & Peace Ministry’s Fair Trade Sale 12/10

• Please stop by our annual Fair Trade Sale on Sunday, 12/10th in the PLC after Masses. Ten Thousand Villages will bring fair trade items to OLM. This is not a fundraiser but an opportunity to support artisans and farmers through fair trade purchases.
• Fair Trade is a commitment to a fairer world— ensuring that people who make and grow products have a place to sell them, that they’re fairly paid, and that their working conditions and communities are healthy.

EDGE Alden Nursing Home Service Trip 12/11

• The EDGE is a Catholic middle school youth ministry experience created for early adolescents in grades 6, 7, & 8. The EDGE is designed to meet the educational, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of young adolescents. Kids are always welcomed and encouraged to invite their friends to the EDGE.
• For information on this service opportunity please contact Adolfo & Joana Lopez at adolfol@olmercy.com or joanal@olmercy.com 

Living With Grief – Finding the Meaning of Christmas While Grieving 12/11 & 12/12

• 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 living with grief to be together in a faith community to find healing and hope.
• Finding the Meaning of Christmas While Grieving, come to one of the sessions either on Monday 12/11th from 7pm to 8:30pm in Room 208 or Tuesday 12/12th from 1pm to 2:30pm in Room 208
• Registration is requested- Connect with Jolene Leroy at 331-707-5380 to RSVP or for questions.

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 12/12

• The Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be at 6:30pm on Tuesday 12/12 in English, with music in Spanish. Roses for the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be available in the narthex. A reception will follow in the PLC.
• We hope to see you at the Mass which commemorates this wonderful feast day of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of the Americas who appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico City in 1531.

Las Posadas & Pastorela 12/15, 12/17-12/19

• Las Posadas celebrations commemorate Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where they sought shelter for the birth of Jesus. The Spanish word “posada” means “inn.”
• It is typically a nine day novena of prayer that involves the recitation of the rosary and traditional songs. It concludes with a Mexican folk play, potluck celebration and a piñata filled with treats.
• Join Our Lady of Mercy at any of these events as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s birth: Posadas in the Church @ 7pm: 12/15, 12/17, & 12/18 and Pastorela in the PLC @ 7pm on 12/19

Advent Confession Times 12/18 through 12/23

• The hope for the Advent Season is to offer Confessions as much as the priests can which is why…There will be SIX straight days of Confessions from 12/18 through 12/23!
  • Monday through Friday from 7pm to 8:30pm
  • Saturday 9am to 10am and 1:30pm to 2:30pm
• Using the examination of conscience on the following link, ask the Holy Spirit to help you search your heart. Where do you sense God is calling you to repent? Remember, Jesus will never condemn you; He is always ready to forgive you.

St. Peregrine Prayer Service 12/19

• For those with cancer, serious or chronic illnesses, and their caregivers… Come to the St. Peregrine Prayer Service on Tuesday 12/19th following the 6:30pm Mass.
• St. Peregrine is the patron saint of the sick, especially those suffering from cancer, serious illness, or chronic illness. The prayer service is for the intention of those with cancer, serious or chronic illnesses, and their caregivers to fortify them in their current situation.

Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry 12/20

• The Mobile Food Pantry is on Weds 12/20 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. Please clear space in your trunk or backseat so volunteers can load boxes of food directly into your vehicle. Mobile Food Pantries take place snow, rain, or shine!

Blessing of Baby Jesus 12/23

• On Saturday, 12/23rd at 12:30pm, families are invited to bring Baby Jesus from their family creche to the Church for a special blessing!
• The Blessing of the Baby Jesus was first instituted by St. John Paul II. On the Third Sunday of Advent, the children of Rome are encouraged to bring the baby Jesus from each of their Nativity sets to St. Peter’s Square. Following the Sunday Angelus address, the Pope blesses the figurines. This year marks the 800th Anniversary of when St. Francis created the First Nativity Creche in the year 1223!

4th Sunday of Advent Mass Times 12/23 & 12/24

• As Catholics, we are obliged to attend Mass every Sunday, including the 4th Sunday of Advent. And we are obliged to go to Mass for the feast of Christmas. Those two obligations are distinct and have to be met separately. 
• Here is the 4th Sunday of Advent Mass Times
  Saturday 12/23 at 4pm and Sunday 12/24 at 8am, and 10am.

Christmas Concert at 11:15pm on 12/24

• This year’s Christmas Concert is called “The Glory of Christmas” by Lloyd Larson. The concert will start at 11:15pm with a mini chamber ensemble, string quartet, percussions, trumpet, and the Our Lady of Mercy choir led by our wonderful music director Frank Sauter. Through a blend of familiar carols and original songs, experience the beauty of the incarnation story as if you’re experiencing it for the first time.

Christmas Mass Times 12/24 & 12/25

• We’re excited to welcome you to our Christmas services! Mass times on Christmas Eve, Sunday, 12/24, will be at 3pm, 5pm and 7pm. Christmas Day Masses will be on Monday, 12/25 at 12am (Midnight), 8am, 10am and 12pm. There will NOT be a Spanish Mass at 6:30pm.
• Check out the Christmas webpage for all the details, FAQs (such as with the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve falling on the same day, what are the expectations, and options, to fulfill the two distinct obligations?), and shareable invitational graphics. 
  A church building can be an intimidating place to enter for the first time, but you can be the vessel in bringing the Good News to people by a simple invitation. God is always on the move, and we get to be a part of what He’s doing. You can help share the Good News of Jesus by inviting others to our Christmas Masses. Sometimes, a simple invitation can be helpful to someone you may not even know is struggling. 

Christmas Collection & End of Year Giving 12/25 and 12/31

• As we prepare for the Solemnity of Christmas, the Scripture readings inspire all faith-filled stewards to stop and ponder in great awe God’s ultimate gift: the gift of His only begotten Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Out of heartfelt gratitude, what of our prayer, service, and generosity can we present to Him?
  It is a great blessing that all of the funds donated as part of the Christmas Collection stay with Our Lady of Mercy and will help us meet our Sunday Collection.  If you wish to donate to the Christmas Collection, please use one of the following three methods:
  1. Give online at www.olmercy.com/give look for the online giving portal and be sure to select “Christmas” (use the drop-down arrow)
  2. Give during Mass using your Christmas envelope.
  3. Give during Mass using a blank envelope labeled “Christmas Collection,” also include “Christmas Collection” on the memo line of your check
  PLEASE NOTE: only donations received (or postmarked) on or before December 31 will appear on your 2023 giving statement that will be sent out by the end of January 2024.

Men Seeking Holiness Day Retreat 12/28

• Come to a high-impact, low-pressure experience “Men Seeking Holiness Day Retreat” on Thursday 12/28th from 9am to 5pm at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish located at 36 N. Ellsworth, Naperville. The cost is $10 which includes lunch. Email vocations@dioceseofjoliet.org for any questions.
• Experience a special day of prayer, discussions, discernment, the life of holiness, Mass, adoration, and Confession. Please share this invitation with the men in your life.

Prayer Ministry 12/30 & 12/31

• Receive Prayer Ministry after all the Mass times the weekend of 12/30 and 12/31! 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 family. Listen and receive the prayers while being open to the Holy Spirit’s movement. Trained prayer ministers will be available in the back of Church.

Angel Giving Program Donations Accepted through 12/31

• This year’s program benefits those individuals assisted by SVDP, Hesed House, Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry and Waterleaf Women’s Center.
• Monetary donations can be made under the Angel Giving Fund via our online giving portal or via check made payable to Our Lady of Mercy with “Angel Giving” in the memo for tax purposes. Accepted thru 12/31.
• Please connect with Lydia at lydias@olmercy.com for any questions.

Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 1/1/2024

• We close the Christmas Octave (the eight days following the birth of Christ) with a day honoring and celebrating Mary as the Mother of God—The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God! We hope to see you at any of the following Mass times 9am and 7pm!

First Friday and Saturday Devotions 1/5 & 1/6/2024

• 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀! This Friday and Saturday, all are invited to join the First Friday of Reparation and the Communal First Saturday!  
• Extra Friday Confession immediately following the 8am Mass
• Respect Life 1st Friday Devotion: The Respect Life Ministry invites you to stand and silently pray in front of Waterleaf Women’s Center on January 5. Prayer warriors are needed for one hour shifts 7 am – 4 pm to change hearts and save lives. For more information, please call Lisa at (630) 236-3310 
• ADDITIONAL FRIDAY MASS AT 12PM
• First Saturday Devotion after the 8:30AM Mass
• Saturday Confessions immediately following the 8:30am Mass and also at 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Family Faith Formation Epiphany Enactment 1/7/2024

• Calling ALL K-5th Grade Students: Hold fast to the meaning of the Christmas season and come to enact this beautiful story of the three kings visiting the King of Kings, JESUS!
• WHEN? Epiphany Sunday, January 7th following the 10am Mass. The rehearsal will be in the church on Saturday, January 6th from 10:30-11:30am
• To sign up, please email maryjot@olmercy.com by Monday, January 1st!
• Parish Family- join us children as we pray and sign our joyous faith story!

Come and Bowl for a Good Cause at “Rolling in the New Year” 1/7/2024

• Ticket proceeds benefit “Friends of Inharrime” so come on out and bowl for a really good cause!
• What’s Going on Jan 7th? Gather with your friends, family, or co-workers and roll in the New Year by bowling at Parkside Lanes while enjoying a large pizza and a pitcher of a beverage all for an excellent cause.
• Bowl for a good cause!  The ticket proceeds will go towards the charitable organization “Friends of Inharrime.” They work to improve the lives of children and families in Mozambique through projects in education, nutrition, and health such as paying children’s school fees, daily lunch, and medical costs and, with a local hospital, they provide nutrition and medical support for malnourished infants.
• When. Sunday, January 7th
  Arrival Time. 1:15pm starts 1:30pm
  Cost (includes bowling, shoes, large pizza and a pitcher of beverage).
       $25 from 12/3 thru 12/17
       $35 from 12/18 thru 12/31
       $45 from 1/1/ thru 1/6
       $50 at the door
• Questions? Please connect with Mary Kubanda rysavyme@gmail.com from Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group who is hosting this awesome gathering.
• Register Now and Help the children from Mozambique

FOCUS Priest Fr. Tim Anastos Speaks at Weekend Masses 1/13 & 1/14/2024

• The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) wins the hearts of college students, builds them up in faith, and sends them out into the world. Fr. Tim is excited to share the hope of the New Evangelization with you!

Robert H. Weaver Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest 1/18/2024

• All boys and girls aged 9 to 14, as of January 1, 2024, are invited to participate in the Robert H. Weaver Knights of Columbus #12005 Free Throw Championship. This local event will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, 7:00pm in the Our Lady of Mercy Parish Life Center. Registration begins at 6:45pm 
• Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent on the registration form available at the event. For additional information call (630) 957-7559

Adoration Chapel Dedication 2/11/2024

• Please save the date of Sunday 2/11th because Bishop Hicks will be dedicating the new Adoration Chapel at 1pm on that day; how exciting!

The Rescue Project Begins 2/15/2024

• The Rescue Project begins on Thursday evenings during Lent; It is such a powerful opportunity for our hearts to soften and open to the Lord, because that’s where the changes really happen. It would be great to journey with each other, together as a parish. We hope to see you there. 

Save the Date for the
CRHP Men’s Retreat 2/24 – 2/25 & Women’s Retreat 3/2 – 3/3/2024

• CRHP is an incredible experience that will recharge your faith life, help you develop lasting friendships, and fill you with newfound energy and purpose.
• Registration starts January 1st!
• Should you have any questions in the meantime, connect with the Men and Women’s invitation coordinators for any questions Alex Grove (812)697-1484 or Beatriz Cultura (630)544-0720 crhpolm@gmail.com or check out the FAQs at their webpage.

DisABILITIES Mass at Our Lady of Mercy 3/10/2024

• Save the date for a Diocesan DisABILITIES Mass on Sunday 3/10 at 2pm followed by fellowship. More details to follow.

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.

Is God Calling You to the Priesthood?

• Marriage is good and priesthood is good so how do you choose between two goods?  Connect with Fr Michael at frmichael@olmercy.com and speak with him.

Bishop Hick’s Monthly Column 

• Bishop Hicks’ monthly column for November is titled “Launching Our 7th Jubilee” Read his insightful column HERE.
  • 75th Jubilee of the Diocese of Joliet. 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.
    • Novena of Grace with St. Francis Xavier 11/25 through 12/3
    • Monthly Podcast on first Mondays
      • The first episode of the 75th Anniversary podcast series will launch on 11/6th. Episodes will be released on the first Monday of each month. Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform!
    • Blessing of St. Francis Xavier Statue on 12/3rd at 1pm.
      • On the Feast of St. Francis Xavier and the final day of the Novena of Grace, a statue of the saint will be blessed at the Blanchette Catholic Center, 16555 Weber Rd., Crest Hill. The statue will serve as a constant reminder of the patron saint of our diocese. Bishop Hicks will bless the statue at 1pm in an open ceremony so that all may witness this moving event.

Scam Emails and Text Messages

• From time to time, there are phishing (SCAM) emails going out to members of the parish and staff claiming to be Father Michael as well as text messages.
  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!

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.

Donate Online Through OSV Giving

• Whether you are a registered parishioner with us or visiting, we are set up to receive donations online through OSV Our Sunday Visitor.
• OSV is an online website that makes contributions faster, easier, and accessible at anytime for donors. Click here to for online giving.
• You can also access this link through our myParish App “Giving” button. 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.