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January 21, 2024 | Parish Update

Hope. Save the Date for Eucharistic Adoration Chapel Dedication. & The Rescue Project.

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.)

     For our comprehensive exam in seminary, we were given a pastoral scenario, and we were asked to write a homily responding to it. After we had submitted the homilies, we decided to see what the artificial intelligence bot, ChatGPT, would come up with. The homily it generated started pretty well: “In this reading, Jesus calls us to love God and to love our neighbor.” But things went downhill pretty quickly. “And you, as sinners, are in direct violation of the Church’s teachings.” The AI-generated homily might have been correct in essentials, but it lacked any sense of hope in God’s mercy.

     In the First Reading, we hear about Jonah’s preaching mission to the people of Nineveh. After he runs from God’s command to preach repentance, is swallowed, and spit up by a great fish, he preaches a hopeless sermon: “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed.” But astonishingly, this pagan city repents before Jonah can even finish preaching, and God shows them mercy.

     In the Gospel, Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John to be fishers of men. Biblical scholar John Bergsma says that this is a fulfillment of a prophecy of Jeremiah: “I will send many fishermen to catch them. After that, I will send many hunters to hunt them out from every mountain and hill and rocky crevice” (Jer 16:16). The context of the original prophecy is judgment on Israel’s idolatry. But in Jesus’ fulfillment, something surprising happens. Rather than condemning sinners, the fishermen are sent to preach repentance.

     So what changes an oracle of judgment into an oracle of mercy? It is our response. We don’t change God, but He sends His messengers to preach repentance in order to change us. In both readings, we see people responding to the calls to repentance almost instantly. What moves them to respond in this way?

     It is the virtue of hope. Hope looks to the future good of our eternal happiness and believes it is possible. This hope is what leads the Ninevites and the apostles to believe that God wants to show them mercy and wants a relationship with them. But how can we live the same hope in our lives?

We often think of hope as wishful thinking. But Pope Benedict XVI tells us that hope comes from the objective fact that God has come into our lives, making that future hope take root in our present. We have probably already accepted God into our lives. But this can always grow deeper so that we can truly believe that if we also turn to God in repentance of our sins, He will change us.

     Unlike the AI-generated homily of my classmates, today’s readings call us to new hope in God’s mercy, not only that God wants to forgive us, but that He is longing to forgive us when we repent of our sins. It might seem impossible, but if we open our hearts to God in repentance, then He will help us the rest of the way.

Father Frank

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

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Mondays with Monica & Augustine Prayer Group Continues 1/22

• Come and pray for our loved ones and friends who have fallen away from the faith at 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 from 7:30pm – 8:30pm in the Church.
  𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲….
       It is a story of yesterday… and today.  St. Monica faced the challenge of having a pagan husband and faced an even deeper grief when her oldest son, Augustine, turned away from the Church. In college, Augustine, a brilliant student, fell for a “New Age” like philosophy, along with a string of vices. He eventually returned home, accompanied by his girlfriend and their young son.
       Throughout it all, St. Monica persisted in her prayers, which ultimately were answered beyond her imagining—though not quickly, nor in exactly the way she had thought. Still, God’s grace bore fruit in His time. After 17 years of spiritual wandering, Augustine experienced a profound conversion, becoming a great saint and one of the most influential theologians in Christian history.
       Join us at OLM on Mondays at 7:30 pm, where we can find inspiration and companionship in the stories of St. Monica and St. Augustine. Together, let’s reflect on our family situations and navigate the challenges we encounter with our loved ones who may have strayed from the Church. See you there!
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  𝘏𝑒𝘳𝑒 𝑖𝘴 𝘱𝑎𝘳𝑡 𝑜𝘧 𝘵ℎ𝘦 𝘳𝑒𝘧𝑙𝘦𝑐𝘵𝑖𝘰𝑛 𝑡𝘩𝑖𝘴 𝘤𝑜𝘮𝑖𝘯𝑔 𝑀𝘰𝑛𝘥𝑎𝘺 𝘑𝑎𝘯𝑢𝘢𝑟𝘺 22𝘯𝑑 𝑎𝘵 7:30𝘱𝑚
  The ache of having an estranged prodigal isn’t merely a sadness that comes and goes. It’s the whole experience of brokenness. we have held our prodigal children in our arms, in our hearts, and they still live there-even when they’ve grown, even when they’ve rejected what we hoped would be their greatest treasure. It’s hard not to feel as if we’ve failed in parenting, and those feelings can make it very difficult not to lose our temper, not to lash out. We will fail at times and say things that reveal our hurt.

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

• 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.

• 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.

Vine & Branches Continues 1/24

• 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.
• 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 1/24 & 1/25

• 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.
• 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.

Fit Shepherds 1/27

• 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

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.

Prayer Ministry 1/27 & 1/28

• Receive Prayer Ministry after all the Mass times the weekend of 1/27 and 1/28! 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.

PADS Items Drop-Off 1/27 & 1/28

• Our next PADS service day is Tuesday, 2/6. The PADS Board with the “wish-list” of items needed to prepare the meals for 250 guests at Hesed House, is currently on display at the Atrium. Drop off the items on weekend of 1/27 & 1/28. Please help us feed the hungry. You may also donate monetarily online at the following link under “Hesed House.”

Donut Sunday 1/28

• Stop by the PLC after the 8am and 10am Masses on Sunday, January 28th for Yummy Donuts, Good Coffee & Wonderful Fellowship. 

Consuming Fire Talk “Faith & Reason” with Dr. Fernanda Psihas 1/30

• Let’s unravel the scientific tapestry of time and explore the authentic Catholic perspective on science, creation, and the vast Universe by coming to the talk on “Faith and Reason” by particle physicist Dr. Fernanda Psihas on Tuesday 1/30th at 7pm. 🚀 Don’t miss out on this mind-expanding journey! #FaithAndReason #ScienceMeetsSpirituality✨

Magnify 1/31

• Join us @ MAGNIFY on January 31st from 7pm-8:30pm
• Our monthly MAGNIFY is on Wednesday 1/31 when we host a night of Adoration in the church with praise and worship by Josh Goodman. After a scriptural reflection there will be opportunities for confession and prayer ministry.
• We pray that you come and spend time in prayer with Jesus, encountering Him in a special way. He is personally inviting you to come and share your heart with Him. Join us anytime from 7- 8:30pm in the Church. Don’t forget to bring your children, neighbors, and friends. 

2023 Tax Statements will be mailed out no later than 1/31

• Tax Statements for 2023 will be mailed out no later than 1/31st to anyone who donated $250 or more for the 2023 calendar year, thank you for your genorosity. If you do not receive a statement and would like one to be mailed out, please email Lydia Schmitt at lydias@olmercy.com or call 331-707-5377.

First Friday and Saturday Devotions 2/2 & 2/3

• 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 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm

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 iivestreamed.
• 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 Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at 1pm, which will be immediately followed by a cake and coffee reception hosted by Fr. Michael and Fr. Frank; 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

• “𝘐 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘐 𝘨𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘰.”
  “𝘐’𝘮 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘕𝘌𝘝𝘌𝘙 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.”
  “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧.”
  “𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘰.”— Feedback from people who have experienced The Rescue Project
  𝟭𝟬 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂
  1. Perhaps you would like to resonate with some of the feedback mentioned above.
  2. If you are experiencing OR think of the Christian faith as a mere set of rules and disciplines.
  3. If going to Mass is boring or attending a Church service is more a habit (a check the box) than something you feel a need to participate in.
  4. If Jesus is only a figure in ancient history for you.
  5. If you have been walking with Jesus for years and love Him.
  6. If you want to experience the gospel surrounded by good food, conversation, and prayer.
  7. If you want to experience beauty, authentic humanity, and accompaniment.
  8. If you want to go into a deeper dive into your relationship with Jesus this Lent.
  9. If you are at juncture in life and are uncertain of what to do next.
  10. If you don’t know Jesus, want to know Him and recognize being known by Him.
  𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄 held on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm with free dinner, followed by Fr. Riccardo breaking open The Rescue Project segments of Created, Captured, RESCUED and Response. The evening ends with a small group discussion.  Register at this link for this transformative experience of the gospel which gives you a deeper insight on the Mass!
• Join the Babette meal and set-up teams! Reach out to zara@olmercy.com to get involved. Your help is valued, and it’s a wonderful way to serve, connect, and discover delicious recipes during the Lenten season.

Register for the Rescue Project

CRHP Men’s Retreat 2/24 – 2/25 & Women’s Retreat 3/2 – 3/3

• Register now for CRHP, an incredible experience that will recharge your faith life, help you develop lasting friendships, and fill you with newfound energy and purpose.
• 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.
• A Special Opportunity for Men & Women
  WHAT. Do you sense that something’s missing in your life? Do you feel that if you weren’t so busy you would be happier, healthier, more effective, more fulfilled, and maybe even a better person?
  Come to the next men’s and women’s CRHP weekend! It’s an incredible experience that will help you discover what’s missing in your life and what to do about it.
  Whether you want to connect with other men or women in the parish, improve your prayer life, or just take a break from the craziness of your everyday to have fun and not have to cook or clean, work, shovel the snow, tackle the next item on the ‘to do’ list, you will find what you are looking for—and more.
  WHEN. 𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝟮/𝟮𝟰 – 𝟮/𝟮𝟱 & 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝟯/𝟮 – 𝟯/𝟯. The day on Saturday starts at 7:30am and goes through the evening at 8:30pm.  We return the next day at the same time 7:30am ending at 3pm.
  WHERE. In the Parish Life Center (PLC) at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 701 S. Eola Road, Aurora
  WHO. Any individual over the age of 18
  WHY. Because you deserve to live with passion and purpose.
  REGISTER. Please register soon

DisABILITIES Mass at Our Lady of Mercy 3/10

• We’re excited to warmly welcome individuals with disABILITIES, and their friends and family, at Our Lady of Mercy’s first disABILITIES Mass on Sunday 3/10th at 2pm! Please save the date!
• We look forward to welcoming you and many others from throughout the Diocese of Joliet and we hope you will join us as we celebrate the blessings of those with disABILITIES in our Church family, as well as the wonderful gifts they bring to our parish!

Unbound Freedom in Christ Conference 3/15 & 3/16

• Fr. James at St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield, along with the Unbound Joliet team, is hosting an Unbound Freedom in Christ Conference on Friday, 3/15th 6:30pm to 9:30pm through Saturday, 3/16th 8:30am to 8:30pm. God wants to speak into your life and reveal His heart to you. This conference will help you to learn the 5 keys of Unbound and to experience deeper freedom in Christ. Registration and details are found at this link.

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 January is titled “Benefits of a Paper Calendar in the Digital Age” 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 accomplishments of our past & 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 leading up to the year-long celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Diocese of Joliet; find out all the details, and see the year-long schedule HERE.
• ther” Read his insightful column 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.