January 14, 2022 | Weekly Update

January 14, 2022 | Weekly Update

“They Have No Wine”

This Sunday we celebrate the first miracle of Jesus at the Wedding Feast of Cana.

Remember that Jesus was fully human—He ate, He slept, He wept, He laughed, and He went to weddings. When the bride and the groom ran out of wine at Cana, Mary prompts Jesus to act: “They have no wine.”
But Jesus knows that with this first miracle His public ministry begins, a ministry that will ultimately lead to the Cross. Mary, aware of her son’s mission at hand, detaches herself and says to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”

The symbolic nature of the water to wine foreshadows both the blood that Christ will pour out for us from the Cross and the “new wine” of the Eucharist that will nourish His Church and never run dry!

Consider watching the video on the Flocknote email of Rachel Bulman on how the Eucharistic meal echoes Jesus’ first miracle at Cana to help us prepare our hearts to go to Mass.

We hope to see you at the weekend Mass times where the Deacons are preaching.  Or stop by and visit Jesus at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel or at daily Mass during the week.

“At Cana, Jesus’ disciples become his family and at Cana, the faith of the Church is born.”

Be a Part of the Synodal Church fill out forms on 1/15 – 1/16
  • In October 2021, Pope Francis has called the Church – you, me, Bishop Hicks, in other words, all the baptized into Synod, with the theme “For a Synodal Church –Communion/Participation/Mission” into a global “listening tour.” He also invites the world – believers, non-believers, the marginalized, the poor, the disenfranchised – to participate and talk about how the Church is living out its communion, participation, and mission. The aim of the Synod is to discern how we are “living the faith” and how, we as a Church, are achieving this together.
  • We look forward to your participation; come and help build up the body of Christ by taking part in one of the following 4 ways.
    1. Fill out this online questionnaire by Jan 30 or
    2. Fill out a paper questionnaire at the Mass times on Jan 15-16 (these forms will be available through March 3).
    3. Participate in one of the following in-person listening sessions. Please register ahead of time at this link https://bit.ly/RegisterforListeningSession
    Saturday, February 5th from 1:30pm to 3:30pm or
    Monday, February 7th from 9:00am to 11:00am or
    Tuesday, February 8th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm (this Tuesday listening session has an online Zoom counterpart for those that can’t take part in person)
    4. Please don’t forget to invite others, a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, someone you know who is from a different faith.
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    To access any of the synod information, go to https://olmercy.com/synod/
St. Peregrine Prayer Service 1/18
  • All are invited to attend the in-person St. Peregrine Prayer Service on Tuesday, January 18 in the church after the 6:30pm Mass (at 7pm) with Deacon Tony Leazzo and Jolene LeRoy RN Parish Nurse and Director of Pastoral Care.
  • St. Peregrine is the patron saint of the sick, especially those experiencing cancer, serious illness or chronic illness. Anyone experiencing physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual health concerns would benefit from attending the prayer service. The relic of St. Peregrine will be present.
Mobile Food Pantry OLM 1/19
  • The Mobile Food Pantry is back this week Weds Jan 19th with a time change of 4:30pm to 6:00pm.
  • The Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet Mobile Food Pantry delivers healthy food (meat, produce, and non perishable items) to people in need. No identification or information will be required or collected. This event is open to anyone in-need of food! Mobile Food Pantries use a “drive thru” method to distribute food during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please clear space in your trunk or backseat so volunteers can load boxes of food directly into your vehicle. Catholic Charities helps people of all faiths and beliefs. Mobile Food Pantries take place snow or shine!
Respect Life Ministry January Schedule
  • January 16 Mass for Life 10:30 AM at St. Raymond’s Cathedral
    Join us for the Joliet Diocese Mass for Life at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet.
    January 21, March for Life Rally
    The March for Life Rally will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022 on the National Mall in Washington, DC.  Please support with prayers and sacrifice.  EWTN does a wonderful live coverage, as do other national prolife organizations.  Please check out link below for more details https://marchforlife.org/
    January 19 – 27, Respect Life Novena
    Respect Life Novena will once again be said before all masses at our parish from Jan 19 -27.  Come early before the daily Mass start times and let us be in prayer together.January 22, Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn
    Take part in these additional offerings on this pivotal day.
    • In addition to the Respect Life Novena, we will also have a Rosary for Life before the 8:30 AM Holy Mass.
    • Following the 8:30am Holy Mass, is a showing of Roe v Wade the Movie at Room 114 at the PLC.  The movie is 111 minutes long. There will be an open discussion facilitated by Father James after the movie.  The event is estimated to end approximately at about 12:30 PM.
    • Please help spread the word.  Educating ourselves and having a respectful, candid conversation about this with our fellow parishioners, family, and friends is important in changing hearts and minds about abortion and promoting a culture of life in our society.  Check out The official trailer below.

AMA with Father James 1/21
  • We’ve learned so much through the questions you asked!  Thank you for submitting them.  Let’s continue to learn together as Father James answers more of your questions.  Submit any questions you may have at this link!  Hope to see you on Friday 1/21 @ 2pm.
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship 1/22
  • On Saturday 1/22 at 9am is the Robert H. Weaver Knights of Columbus #12005 Free Throw Championship in the gym at the Parish Life Center.  Registration begins at 8:45am
  • All boys and girls aged 9 to 14, as of 1/1/2022, are invited to participate, please present proof of age during registration with written parental consent. Participants will compete in their respective age divisions, with the winners advancing to the district, region, and state competitions.  All contestants at this local event will be recognized for their participation.  The District competition will take place in February at a to be determined location.  For additional information call (630) 957-7559
Bring Your Bibles to be Blessed at Mass the weekend of 1/22 & 1/23
  • Next weekend is Word of God Sunday!  Bring your Bibles to Mass so it can be blessed.  The Sunday of the Word of God in the Roman Catholic Church takes place on the third Sunday in Ordinary Time, during January.  According to Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, it “is to be devoted to the celebration, study, and dissemination of the Word of God.” The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has created many resources to help celebrate the observance.


LOOKING AHEAD

Bishop Hicks’ Monthly Column
  • For January is now posted, it’s entitled “A New Year’s resolution: Re-educating ourselves on the Eucharist” read it here
MAGNIFY 1/26
  • “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for He has looked upon His handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” (Luke 1:46-49)
  • What a beautiful hymn of praise to God. Mary recognizes she is lowly. So are we! And yet, through her perfect co-operation with God’s grace she will become loved and lauded until the end of time. There is the lesson for us.
    In praising God, we reflect, we magnify, we radiate, we share in God’s great plan for His universe and all creation – you and I included. There lies the path to happiness as well as to Heaven.
  • Come, let us praise Him at Magnify!  Starts at 7pm through 8:30pm with Scriptural Reflection from Father James, Confessions, Adoration, and Praise.
Collection for Church in Latin America 1/28 – 1/30
  • Soon our diocese will take up the Collection for the Church in Latin America. This national collection supports many pastoral projects that benefit the faithful in Latin America and the Caribbean.  An important fact that you must know is that 25% of this diocesan collection goes to support our own diocesan mission work. Since 1994 our diocese has sent missioners to Sucre, Bolivia to not only offer our support with concrete actions, but to build relationships with the people who are so grateful for our presence and work there. We are blessed to have our Bolivian friends. Let us all become missionaries by strengthening the Church in Latin America with a donation to the second collection on the weekend of January 22-23.
Exploring the Priesthood Weekend at Mundelein Seminary 1/28 – 1/30
  • The Exploring the Priesthood Weekend at Mundelein Seminary is an “open house” to give men Junior in College and older an opportunity to learn about Mundelein Seminary and to hear about the priesthood. Private room and meals included. There is no cost for the weekend.
  • More details and registration is found at this link.  Connect with Father Steve Borello Joliet Diocese Vocation Director 815.221.6100 vocations@dioceseofjoliet.org for any questions.
  • Recall Father Steve’s homily in late August (found here) where he gives us reason to stop and consider asking those we know who would make wonderful fathers and mothers if they have ever given serious consideration to the joy of being with Jesus as a spiritual father or spiritual mother through the priesthood and religious life? Know of men Junior in college and older that would make a wonderful father, please let them know of the weekend.
Understanding Your Grief 1/31 and onwards
  • If you are grieving the loss of a loved one and would like companionship, prayerful support, and caring presence during this time, consider attending the in-person grief support sessions that will be guided by “Understanding Your Grief Exploring the Ten Essential Touchstones” by Alan Wolfelt, PH.D.
  • If you would like to attend sessions during the day, sessions will be on Mondays from 1pm to 2:30pm in the Ministry Room on January 31; February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21 28 and April 4, 11, 18.  If you would like to attend sessions in the evening, sessions will be on Mondays from 6:30pm to 8:00pm in the Ministry Room on January 31; February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4, 11, 18.
Come Alive starts 2/2
  • Come Alive is back, it is a Christ led small group program that makes the connection between our spiritual and physical well-being. In our time together, we will discover spiritual practices to strengthen our relationship with God and gain new joy-filled perspectives as we weave healthy activities into the rhythm of our day. The focus is on HOW to change behaviors in the rhythm of our life for the long-term, to encourage each other, and to give grace when we stumble. The group meets for 90 minutes in eight sessions. The meetings are scheduled on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30pm in Room 218 on February 2, 9, 16, and 23 and March 9, 16, 23, and 30.
  • The guidebook for the program is $15 (scholarships are available) that contains recipes, spiritual practices, scripture, and nutrition information. If you have questions or would like to register please contact Jolene LeRoy RN Parish Nurse and Director of Pastoral Care at 331-707-5380 or at jolenel@olmercy.com.

CRHP Christ Renews His Parish Men’s and Women’s Weekends 2/19 – 2/20 & 2/26 – 2/27
  • The weekends are just around the corner, come and be uplifted and strengthened at the Renewal Weekends: Men’s Renewal Weekend is on 2/19 thru 2/20. Women’s Renewal Weekend is on 2/26 thru 2/27,
  • Proceed to this link for details and sign-up.We pray you sign-up soon.  COVID safety notes: we follow the Diocesan Covid guidelines.
  • Connect with Kevin Nemetz @ 630.301.2312 Kevin@tix4cause.com, Brian Cancio @ 847.571.6358 or Lauren Baier @ 630.267.6868 crhpolm@gmail.com for any questiions.
Open HEARTS Ministry 2/21
  • Open HEARTS Ministry is the mental and emotional health and wellness ministry of the parish. If you are a mental health professional or are a champion for mental health and wellness, please consider joining the ministry. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental and emotional health concerns, there is support and resources available at Our Lady of Mercy and in the community. The next scheduled in-person gathering for the Open HEARTS Ministry is Monday, February 21 from 7pm to 8:30pm in Room 218.
Alpha in-person new start date 3/3
  • More time, prudence, and listening well.  What makes the Alpha experience wonderful is knowing that one is being heard.  With a handful of our 40+ guests getting sick and some of the team, we’ve decided to move the start date to Thursday 3/3rd.  This gives us time to heal, and time to invite and/or plan out what you would like to do for Lent this year (Ash Weds is on 3/2), perhaps this is your Alpha season to participate for yourself or bring a friend.
  • Online Alpha will start this Weds 1/19 as scheduled.
  • Details and registration are found at this link.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word CLOW Volunteers
  • Every Sunday at the 10am Mass is the beautiful ministry of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word.  Do you love children and caring for them while they listen to the Gospel?  Please connect with Mary Jo Trapani maryjot@olmercy.com or Jean Palasz jeanp@olmercy.com to volunteer.
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 2020 over 120 people/families were provided assistance.
  • 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 at olmsvdp@gmail.com with your name and contact information.
Bulletin
  • Don’t forget to check out Father Don’s insightful weekly Bulletin article located here. 
Don’t Get Scammed by Fake Fathers!
  • Did you get an email or a text message from (a fake) Father Don this past week? Please remember, Father Don and Father James DO NOT send texts or emails asking for money or gift cards.  If you receive a message appearing to be from Father Don or Father James, please discard it and DO NOT SEND ANY ELECTRONIC MONETARY AID.
For the Hispanic Community
  • Please proceed herefor the OLM Hispanic Ministry’s upcoming events and resources.
    Continúe aquí para conocer los próximos eventos y recursos del Ministerio Hispano de OLM.
  • There will be Stations of the Cross in Spanish every 2nd Wednesday of the month after the 12pm Mass.
    A partir de la próxima semana, habrá Estaciones de la Cruz en español cada segundo miércoles del mes después de la misa de las 12 pm.
A Note from the Intercessory Prayer Ministry
  • How can we be praying for you today?
    There are times when life is overwhelming when all we have is questions. In those moments, hope can feel far away. The great thing about prayer is that it shifts our perspective toward the One who stands ready to listen. No matter what you’re facing, we’d love to pray with you. Submit your prayer requests at this link
  • Prayer Ministry takes place monthly at MAGNIFY and at the last weekend of the month Mass times.  Come forward after Mass by yourself, or with your family, friends, spouse, or in the place of someone you know who needs prayer. Prayer ministry is for all those in need of prayer, be it for spiritual, physical, or emotional need or thankful praise.
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.


HALLOW – A CATHOLIC PRAYER & MEDITATION APP

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