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December 31, 2023 | Parish Update

Imperfect Holy Families. Encounter Jesus @ OLM thru Bible Studies, CRHP, Grow Groups. January Gatherings (such as ALICE Training).

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

Because my dad’s name is Joseph and my mom’s name is Maria, they would always joke that we were the “holy family.” This joke developed over time. Because Jesus is God and Mary is without sin, if there were any problems, she would joke that it was St. Joseph’s fault. In the same way, since my dad is a permanent deacon and I am a priest, if there were any problems, it was her fault. Of course, she was joking, but as we see in the Gospel, the suffering that affects the Holy Family is not all caused by St. Joseph. 

Very often, we are tempted to see the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as distant from us. If they are so holy, how can they possibly relate to the problems that take place in our family? But this attitude is the exact opposite of the purpose of the Holy Family. 

The Word became flesh and dwelt in a human family, not in order to distance Himself, but to draw closer to us. During the thirty years of His hidden life, Jesus chose to live as part of a family in order to show us how important the family is, and in order to make it holy. 

But the fact that the life of this family was holy doesn’t mean that they got a free pass from everyday human life or even from suffering. At what should have been a joyful celebration of the birth of her son, Mary hears these words that no mother wants to hear, first, that her son will be a sign of contradiction, and second, that a sword will pierce her soul. 

So why does the Holy Family still experience suffering? They do it for us. In all our sufferings, we can turn to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, knowing that they know what it’s like. They are the Holy Family not in spite of their family life, but because of it.

At this time of year, we often experience both the joys and the sufferings of family life. And maybe we feel that because our families aren’t perfect, because there are family members who have strayed from the faith, family members who like to fight, family members who won’t speak to us, that this disqualifies us from being a holy family. But far from being obstacles to this, they can be opportunities for us to become holy families. 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph experienced the sufferings of family life, so we can turn to them for help and companionship. They did this for the sanctification of the family and the world, so when we unite our sufferings to Christ’s, it can make us—and the world—holy. We shouldn’t worry about being the “St. Joseph” of the family, but should instead strive to be like him in always being attentive to God’s plan for his family even though he isn’t perfect. 

Father Frank

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

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Piercing Hearts with Christmas Joy by Fr Michael

• As we embark on the final week of the Christmas season, culminating in the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on 1/9th, here is Fr. Michael’s Christmas homily. Let his words accompany you during these remaining festive days as you reflect on the profound gift of the Savior. Indeed “a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rest”
  𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘆
  The beautiful gift of Christmas is a pierced heart filled with Christmas joy. Fr. Michael candidly shares personal anecdotes, delivering a compelling call to self-reflection that urges us to open our hearts to the humility of Christ. From self-centeredness to self-sacrifice, discover the true beauty of Christmas as a season of profound personal and familial healing because the deepest cry of the human heart is the universal need for Jesus Christ to pierce through our barriers so as to bring about profound transformation.

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

• 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! Typically this is a Holy Day of Obligation, but because it falls on a Monday this year, it is not a day of obligation. Here are the following Mass times on Monday, January 1st: 9am and 6:30pm (Spanish Mass).

Registration Opens on 1/1
CRHP Men’s Retreat 2/24 – 2/25 & Women’s Retreat 3/2 – 3/3

• 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 (331)330-0257 or Beatriz Cultura (630)544-0720 crhpolm@gmail.com or check out the FAQs at their webpage.

Consuming Fire Young Adult Group Continues 1/2

• 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
• Join Consuming Fire this week for their White Elephant Cookies & Ugly Sweater Party! Check out their calendar at the end of the email.
• Looking ahead, on Tuesday, 1/9th.
  • Come to Consuming Fire for an engaging evening on Tuesday, 1/9th, as CFYA presents an exciting talk on “Catholic Stewardship & Finance” by the dynamic Ernesto Pacheco. Get ready to unlock the secrets to financial success and discover how you, as a young adult, can kickstart your journey to a brighter future.This isn’t just your average finance talk – Ernesto will share practical tips tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities that young adults face today. Learn how to embrace Catholic stewardship principles and set yourself on a path to financial well-being.But that’s not all! Brace yourself for some game-changing insights on how to kickstart your savings journey. Whether you’re saving for that dream vacation, a down payment on a home, or just building a safety net for the future, this talk is your roadmap to financial freedom.Don’t miss out on an evening that promises not only valuable advice but also an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Let’s empower ourselves and build a community of young adults ready to take charge of their financial destinies. See you there!

Vine & Branches Continues 1/3

• 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 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

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

• 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

Fit Shepherds 1/6

• To all men, as we embrace the New Year and thoughts turn to fitness resolutions, consider joining Fit Shepherds—a unique blend of physical and spiritual growth. Join Fit Shepherds for challenging workouts Saturdays at 7am and Wednesdays at 5:30am in the parking lot, as we strive to become better in every aspect of life, inspired by the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Dads are encouraged to bring their sons 5th grade and older.
• For more information check out their website at this link or connect with Alex Baier who is looking forward to hearing from you; email him at abaier823@gmail.com

Knights of Columbus BloodDrive 1/6

• Donate blood Saturday 1/6th from 8am to 12pm at the Knights of Columbus Council #12005 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.
• Please make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Also please bring a photo ID.

Charismatic Healing Mass 1/6

• On Saturday, 1/6 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.

Jail Ministry Volunteers

• There is an overlooked mission field in our own backyard, one full of people desperate for help, healing, and wholeness. It’s a place much of our society tends to dismiss, filled with people who believe they have been cast aside, forgotten.Dedicated volunteers are needed to tangibly show the love of Jesus to men and women that society had tossed away and labeled as unworthy, broken, dangerous, or beyond help. Through Jail Ministry, prisoners are reminded that God does not label them—He loves them. Please pray about heeding the call in Hebrews 13:3 (or Matthew 25:34-46) and connect with Sharon Smagala for further details on  tweeter4811@gmail.com
  Hebrews 13:3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you also are in the body.

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.

Pick Up an Epiphany Chalk & House Blessing Prayer Card 1/6 & 1/7

• We celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord! Along with it marking the *official* end of the Christmas Season, it also has the unique tradition of “chalking the doors”
• Blessed Epiphany chalk will be available in baskets after every Mass for you to take home and mark the doors of your own house along with the Blessing Prayer Cards!  Don’t forget to bring them home.
• What is the Epiphany House Blessing some of us may wonder?
  It is a tradition performed each year on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, where family and friends gather to ask for God’s blessing on their homes and those who live in or visit the home, while marking “20+C+M+B+24” on the front door of the house with blessed chalk. This is a time for prayer and an invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in the home, our comings and goings, our conversations, our work and play, our joys and sorrows. Our home is where we find comfort and are most vulnerable. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲! 

The Holy Mountain Singers at OLM 1/6 & 1/7

• What a blessing! The Newman Singers will be at all the Masses during the weekend of 1/6 through 1/7, with a concert on Sunday afternoon.
• The Newman Singers, a liturgical and concert group from the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City, Iowa, have toured the country for the past fifteen years, building a reputation for leadership in contemporary liturgical and inspirational music. They have appeared at churches, schools, and conventions, presenting concerts, giving workshops on liturgical music, youth ministry and youth choirs, and leading congregations in liturgy. Their ten recorded collections of liturgical music, written by their founder and director, Joe Mattingly, are used in parishes, schools, and institutions throughout the country. Their mission is to spread the gospel with spirit and music.

Family Faith Formation Epiphany Enactment 1/7

• 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

• 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

Living With Grief – “New Year, New Hope While Grieving” 1/9

• 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.
• Come to our session “New Year, New Hope While Grieving” on Tuesday 1/9th from 1pm to 2:30pm in Room 208
• Registration is requested- Connect with Jolene Leroy at 331-707-5380 to RSVP or for questions.

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

• 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!

Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast 1/14

• The next Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast is on Sunday, 1/14th from 8am to 12pm, benefiting the Teen Mission Trip this summer. Save the date and come out and eat pancakes for a good cause.

St. Peregrine Prayer Service 1/16

• For those with cancer, serious or chronic illnesses, and their caregivers… Come to the St. Peregrine Prayer Service on Tuesday 1/16th 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 1/17

• The Mobile Food Pantry is on Weds 1/17 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!

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

• 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

ALICE Training for the Parish 1/19

• With Father Michael’s direction, we will hold an ALICE Training (Active Shooter Response Training) on Friday, January 19th from 6:30pm to 8pm inside the church.
       Why ALICE Training? Violent critical incidents can occur anywhere – even in places of worship which are seen as a sanctuary or safe haven. The reality of today is that places of worship are just as vulnerable to active shooter events as schools and businesses.
       Father Michael is encouraging all of us to participate in this training so that we are equipped and can answer the question “How would we react if we came under attack from a violent intruder inside the church?”
       People of all ages and abilities come to our liturgical gatherings. If violence occurs while at Mass, we must know what to do. ALICE Training has been adopted by thousands of institutions (school districts, workplaces, houses of worship) for this exact reason.  The training will help us feel empowered to make the best decision should such an occurrence take place rather than hopelessly endure a difficult and traumatic situation.
  • Saves Lives. ALICE preparedness training will help individuals in your care respond with confidence, increasing the survivability of an act of violence.
  • Build Confidence. ALICE strategies are supported by peer-reviewed research to reduce anxiety and build confidence in individuals who have gone through the ALICE program.
  • Mitigate Risk. The ALICE program helps every organization meet and exceed active shooter response requirements and minimum requirements designated by their industry oversight rules.
• Father Michael is hoping to see you and any of the liturgical ministers on Friday, January 19th at 6:30pm. Please RSVP so we have enough materials for the training.

Literacy Tutor Volunteers Needed, Training on 1/20

• The Dominican Literacy Center in Aurora, celebrating its 30th year, has just received The Best Practices Award from the National Library of Congress. The Center will be training new tutor volunteers for its literacy program in January.
  Female volunteers (with high school diploma) are trained to help women students learn to read, write, and speak English. Tutoring sessions are 90 minutes, once a week, from Sept. to May, at 260 Vermont St., Aurora (behind St. Therese Church). Tutors do not need to speak Spanish or have teaching experience, but all volunteers must attend 7 hours of training in addition to viewing several training videos online.
• The next training date is Saturday, January 20, from 9AM to 3:30PM. Tutors will begin with their new student the following week. To volunteer, email Alison Brzezinski at Alison@dominicanliteracycenter.org. For more information, visit dominicanliteracycenter.org or call 630- 898-4636. The Center is not handicap accessible

Bible Studies Starts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1/24 & 1/30

• How exciting! There are two Bible Study opportunities coming up. We hope to see you at any of the following. Should you have any questions, please connect with Joe Wiacek and Joe Glasgow who are looking forward to hearing from you at OLMBiblestudies@gmail.com 
• The Gospel of John. Held on Tuesdays at 7pm starting on 1/30th for about 8 sessions. This Bible Study is a great fit for those that have made Bible Study part of their relationship with Jesus.  See the trailer below.  Please register here for this study.
  • We will use the Ascension Press Follow Me: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John study guide and video. Please purchase the study guide online at this link.
  • We will also read from The Gospel of John – Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture by Francis Martin and William M Wright IV; this commentary is a favorite reference by priests (Fr Michael, Fr Frank, Fr James). While this book is additional reading and is not mandatory, here is the link in case you would like to purchase it.

• Ascension Press The Timeline Bible Study. Held on Wednesdays at 7pm starting on 1/24th for 22 sessions (with a summer break). This Bible Study is a great fit for those new to the Bible.  See the trailer below.  Please register here for this study.
  The Bible Timeline® Study Program takes you n a guided journey through salvation history. Presenter Jeff Cavins shows you how fourteen of the Bible’s narrative books tell the biblical story from beginning to end and gives you the keys to understanding the amazing story woven through Scripture. Using a unique color-coded chart, you will learn the major people, places, and events of the Bible and discover how they all come together to reveal the remarkable story of our Faith. Please purchase the study guide online at this link.

Healing the Whole Person Weekend Retreat at St. Isaac Jogues 2/8-2/10

• Join us on this journey to wholeness as we enter into the heart, face the pains and wounds within, and allow Christ’s divine love to bring the healing we ardently desire.
• Healing the Whole Person is the basis for Dr. Bob Schucht’s best-selling book “Be Healed” and takes place only four times each year in parish settings across the US. 
• This event is offered both in-person or virtually with livestream video. $165 in-person or $119 Livestreamed.
• For more information, and to register, please click HERE

Adoration Chapel Dedication 2/11

• 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!

Living With Grief – “Caring For Your Heart While Grieving” 2/13

• 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.
• Come to our session “Caring For Your Heart While Grieving” on Tuesday 2/13th from 1pm to 2:30pm in Room 208
• Registration is requested- Connect with Jolene Leroy at 331-707-5380 to RSVP or for questions.

The Rescue Project Begins 2/15

• 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. 
• For further details and registration, proceed here.

DisABILITIES Mass at Our Lady of Mercy 3/10

• 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

• 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.
• 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. 
• 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 December is titled “Eucharistic Revival and Synodality, Together” 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, find out all the details, and see the year-long schedule HERE.

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.