With Halloween coming this Wednesday, every year I get asked if it is OK for Catholics to celebrate Halloween?  My response?  ABSOLUTELY YES!  However, there is a caveat to my endorsement.  Celebrate Halloween as a Catholic holiday, not a secular one!!  There are plenty of ways that we can celebrate this occasion without violating any of the teachings of the Catholic Faith. Here are three practical ways to do this.

Remember the saints! Instead of focusing only on just fun and merriment, let us emphasize that Halloween is short for All Hallow’s Eve. Halloween is the vigil to the celebration of All Hallow’s Day or All Saints Day – a holy day of obligation. The word “hallow” means holy.  So the origin of Halloween is holy! It is a meaningful celebration of the lives of all the saints and these saints include our loved ones who are now in heaven. Halloween is an opportune time to remember the saints with our family and friends.  Celebrate Halloween by coming to our 7:00pm Mass on October 31^st, the vigil of All Hallow’s Day!

Talk about spiritual warfare! Halloween is full of references of evil spirits and dark forces. The occasion is an opportune time to evangelize others about the reality of these evil elements. We can talk to our friends and family about spiritual warfare. More importantly, we can share with them that God is powerful and He will faithfully protect us from harm. Halloween is a day to reflect on Christ’s triumph over sin, death, and Satan.  It is our day to laugh at Satan!

Dress appropriately! There is nothing wrong with wearing a costume to join in on the merriment but we need to keep in mind what the Bible says about dressing modestly. We can still participate in the fun without having to wear something that is shameful in the eyes of God. Similarly, we must be careful about costumes that glorify supernatural evil or superstition. Catholic parents can counteract the costumed characters of violence and darkness by sending their children dressed as one of the saints. Imagine that!  A saint showing up at your door instead of a gross bloody Dracula!!

It is true that Halloween has been badly corrupted and hyper-commercialized just like Christmas and Easter, but, just as that should never stop Catholics from fully celebrating the great feast of the Church, neither should it stop Catholics from enjoying Halloween as a celebration of the great feast of All Saints.  So, have some fun – and Happy Eve of All Saints!!

Have a blessed week!

Father Don

Also Known as Chardonnay W(h)ines…..

During the past several months there have been some changes in our staff.  In the event you haven’t had the pleasure to meet them yet, I want to give you a brief introduction through my bulletin article.  Please be sure to welcome them when you see them.

Mary Jo Tripaini, Director of Religious Ed (K-5).  Mary Jo joined our staff this June as our new Director of Religious Education for grades K through 5.  Mary Jo is a native of Rockford, IL. She has a Masters in Divinity and Pastoral Studies.  Her undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education.  She served as a DRE at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Madison, WI for 16 years where she loved facilitating family programs, liturgy of the word for children, and sacramental preparation for children and adults.

Zara Tan, Director of Evangelization & Communications.  Zara joined our staff in September filling a newly created position. Back in 2016, prior to the arrival of Fr. Mark and myself, a Communications Committee recommended the hiring of a communications director. Fr. Mark and I also saw the need to have a person to coordinate all our new evangelization and adult faith formations efforts.  Zara uniquely has the charisms, gifts, and talents to fill both of these positions. Zara graduated from the 2-year Lay Leadership program at Mundelein in 2016.

Frank Sauter, Director of Liturgical & Music Ministries.  Frank joined out staff the first of October.  Prior to coming to OLM, Frank served in a similar position for seven years at St. Francis parish in Bolingbrook where he directed and accompanied several choirs. Frank has a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Indiana University.

Robert Gancarz, Business Manager.  Bob joined our staff last year upon the retirement of Janice Cain.  Bob has a BS in accounting from Illinois State University and is a CPA.  Prior to working at OLM, Bob worked for 25 years at St. Patrick’s Residence, Naperville as controller.

The month of October is Respect Life Month.  The following reflection is from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

In 1531, when the indigenous peoples of Mexico were subjugated and the practice of human sacrifice was still a recent memory, the Mother of God appeared to St. Juan Diego as a pregnant native woman, now known as Our Lady of Guadalupe.

She sent him with miraculous flowers in his cloak to tell the bishop to build a church where people could receive her Son and her loving, tender care. When St. Juan Diego opened the cloak before the bishop, an image of Our Lady was revealed that remains to this day. The chapel was quickly built, millions embraced Christianity, and the Church increased its protection of the indigenous peoples.

By embracing the mission entrusted to him, St. Juan Diego helped bring Christ’s transforming love to cultures gripped by oppression and death.

Today, we again see the dignity of human life disregarded. Unborn children are destroyed through abortion, and ill people are encouraged and assisted to take their own lives. How do we respond?

The essence of our identity is that we are created in God’s image and likeness and loved by Him. Nothing can diminish the priceless worth of any human life. Every person is cherished.

God creates every person for eternal union with Himself and continually invites us to embrace a

loving relationship with Him. Every person is chosen.

We are called to be messengers of God’s love, treating one another as cherished and chosen by Him. In doing so, we help build a culture that respects all human life. Every person is sent.

Like St. Juan Diego, let us embrace our daily mission to help others encounter God’s transforming, life-giving love.

To find out more about Pro-Life activities in our area or to join our Pro-Life efforts at Our Lady of Mercy, please contact Lisa SanDiego at: Lisa.SanDiego@rushcopley.com.

Have a Blessed Week!

Father Don

 

Now Known as Chardonnay W(h)ines!

How many of you after going through that difficult decision to euthanize a pet say “I’ll never get another one!” And then a month or so later end up getting another one!  I fall into that category of the heart ruling over the head!! After Heidi was euthanized on August 23^rd I told myself that I wouldn’t get another dog – at least until I figure out where I would be living and what I would be doing in retirement in 2022.  But a few weeks after Heidi was gone, I found myself visiting the website of the shelter where I got her, as well as other dog rescue and shelter websites.  And apparently some of the staff at OLM, in particular Diane Reiter, felt I just wasn’t the same after Heidi was gone and I needed to get another dog.  Diane and her husband Tim offered that if I get a dog now and can’t have it wherever I end up living in retirement, they would take the dog.  So, as they say, that sealed the deal!  Besides, Fr. Mark wasn’t taking very well to pats on the head and scratches behind the ears!  And for all his emphasis on exercise, he didn’t really like chasing tennis balls.  So, meet Chardonnay. She is a 2 year old beagle-mix and weights 27 pounds.  I adopted her on September 22^nd from Magnificent Mutts rescue in Hillside, IL.  She has been with a foster family here since being rescued in Arkansas.  She was found with three female puppies (all have been adopted) and her rescue team gave her the name was Sophia.  And the three pups were named Blanche, Dorothy, and Rose.  Those of you old enough will remember those names of the “Golden Girls,” a sitcom that aired on NBC from 1985 – 1992.  Very cute! Sophia is also a nice biblical name meaning wise.  And it certainly is appropriate for a priest’s dog to have a biblical name.  Another priest I know had a Weimaraner named Abraham. But I decided to change Sophia’s name to Chardonnay. Besides my affinity for wine, there is another connection…….  Heidi was so attached to me and had separation anxiety. Every time I would leave without her, she would start whining.  I would tell her to stop it!  And joking tell her that I was going to change her name to Chardonnay because she whines so much!  (Get it?)  So whatever personality my new dog will have, the name Chardonnay will always remind me of Heidi.  And yes, my weekly bulletin article “From the Pastor’s Desk”, instead of also being known as “Heidi Howls” will now be known as “Chardonnay W(h)ines”!  Pretty clever on my part! Huh? I cracked myself up over it!!

Well, we are in the full swing of MercyFest!  Thank you to all have supported MercyFest is some way with your presence and/or donations.  Thanks to all the volunteers that enable us to put on such a large community event.  Without you, MercyFest wouldn’t happen!  And thank you to Tony & Jennifer Leazzo chairs, and Tom Martin, vice-chair.  Space in my article doesn’t allow me to acknowledge all those who have taken on leadership roles, but know of my deep appreciation.  When we have the final results of MercyFest, we will print a flier in the bulletin listing the names of all who chaired the various aspects of MercyFest 2018.  May God bless you all for your dedication, time and efforts on behalf of Our Lady of Mercy parish!

Have a Blessed Week!

Father Don

Almost everybody loves a birthday – unless you are of an age when you would just as soon forget another birthday.  But generally speaking, everybody loves a birthday.  It’s a time to celebrate a life and to inaugurate a new year of that life as best wishes and blessing are shared.  Cake, ice cream, and presents top off the day.

Today, the feast of Pentecost, we celebrate the birthday of the Church.  Jesus’ mission takes on a new life as the Holy Spirit fills the faithful with gifts needed to continue Jesus’ work in the world. Now it is up to the Church to be the presence of Christ in the world.

And today I would like to celebrate a gift that has been given particularly to THIS Church of Our Lady of Mercy.  With Fr. Mark, I offer congratulations and gratitude to OLM parishioners Cynthia Hapke, Kimberly Harris, Douglas McIlvaine, and Emilia (MiMi) Tse who graduated on May 5^th with a Lay Leadership Certificate from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.  They received their certificates from Cardinal Blasé Cupich during an academic convocation held at St. Mary of the Lake.  The two-year program forms parish volunteers who demonstrate leadership potential.  The program seeks to deepen their personal spirituality and engage in theological reflection; to study Church doctrine, Scripture, sacramental theology and Church history; and to refine their communication and leadership skills.  Graduates of the certificate program are prepared to assume many roles of volunteer leadership in their parish. Previous OLM graduates of the program include: Bettye Abbott, Phil Britton, Claudia Molina, and Zara Tan.  These eight parishioners truly have been a gift of the Spirit to our community through their leadership and involvement in so many ministries at our parish.  May God continue to bless them and us as Cindy, Kim, Doug, MiMi, Bettye, Phil, Claudia and Zara so generously share their gifts of the spirit with us!

The Holy Spirit has also gifted us with a new Director of Religious Education for K – 5.  Our new DRE is Mary Jo Trapani.  She served for 16 years as Director of Religious Education and RCIA at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Madison, Wisconsin.  In her letter of application she wrote:  “Led by the Spirit, I am seeking the DRE position at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church to engage students, their parents and volunteers creatively in the faith in order to facilitate personal encounters with Christ that energizes them to witness a life of discipleship.”  We look forward to welcoming Mary Jo and the gifts she will bring to our children, families, and staff.  She is in the process of re-locating to our area and will begin her position on June 18, 2018.

As Pentecost concludes the Easter season, may the joy of the Risen Lord continue to fill your heart!

Have a Blessed Week!

Today we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord and Mother’s Day.  When I thought about these two celebrations happening on the same day, I could actually see some correlation.  Ascension celebrates when Jesus was taken up to heaven 40 days after his resurrection.  In those 40 days, much like our mother’s do as we are growing up, Jesus prepared his disciples to go out on their own.  At some point in our life, as hard as it sometimes is for both mother and child, the apron strings have to be cut so that we may become who we are meant to be.  Jesus had to “cut the apron strings” with his disciples so that they could go out and proclaim the good news.  But, like our mothers who will always be there to support and encourage us during their life, Jesus is and always will be there for us when we face the challenges of life.  So let us take great comfort knowing we are never alone!

Mother’s Day always make me think of the women that have had a tremendous impact in my life.  I’m here because a nun told my parents that my brother, who was always in trouble at school, needed a brother!!  I was 5 years old and my brother 18 when our mother, Dorothy died the day after Christmas.  My dad re-married the following November and now I had a step-mother Evelyn.  She died when I was 27 years old and I was in the seminary.  After being ordained a priest for 5 years, my father at age 77 got married again!  I officiated the wedding!!  So, I’ve had three mothers, Dorothy, Evelyn, and Sylvia – all whom I credit with influencing who I have become.  My birth mother was a registered nurse and cared deeply about people.  I think that had an early influence in planting the seed of a vocation to the priesthood.  The nuns who were so loving and supportive of my family after my mother died I think also planted the vocational seed.  My second mother I credit with giving me a playful sense of mischievousness and humor.   She is the one whom I still quote today: “some people in hell want ice water!”  “don’t get your bowels in an uproar!”  She would try anything once, and always challenged me to step outside my comfort zone. A convert, she also had a deep faith that also influenced my vocational calling.  Having a third mother at age 35 and her love and care for my aging father as he developed dementia, showed me the sacrificial love of the vocation of marriage and that I was called to that same sacrificial love in my vocation as a priest.  There are numerous other women throughout my life –  grandmothers, aunts, cousins, friends that I am so appreciative of their love, example and support.

So, on this Mother’s Day, let us give thanks to God for our mom’s and all they have done for us.  May they know our deep appreciation for the sacrificial love they have given to us.  The vocation of motherhood is a sacred and holy vocation.  Let us also give thanks to God for all women who have nurtured us with love, care, support and encouragement.  May God bless them all!

Happy Mother’s Day!

I hope you’ve noticed!  After almost 21 years of countless praying knees, the padding on the kneelers in church were pretty worn down. Those worn out pads have been replaced!  We thank parishioner Peyton D’Orazio who, for his Eagle Scout project, organized and coordinated a team of volunteers (mostly youth) to remove the old padding and install new padding on the 287 kneelers in church.  This was all done in 1 day!  Way to go Peyton and team!!  And the project was funded by the profits of last year’s Mercy Fest.  And I have my sights set on another project for MercyFest profits this year. I think most of you would agree with me……. the sound system/acoustics in church definitely needs improved and updated!  I don’t know about you, but at times, depending where I sit in church, I find it difficult to hear what is being said from the ambo, cantor stand and even the presider’s mic.  In the 21 years the current sound system has been in use, there are many technological advances that new systems have today.  And I especially want to add hearing devices and technology for those with hearing loss.  I have already received bids from 3 companies and the project is not cheap.  So, we need to have a really successful MercyFest this year!  I know that chairs Tony/Jennifer Leazzo and Tom Martin are already hard at work planning this year’s MercyFest.  I know they want to make MercyFest special this year in celebration of the parish 30^th anniversary.  It’s not too soon to volunteer your help! If you’ve never been involved with MercyFest, now is the time!  And I make a special invite to those who are “alumni” volunteers and workers from the past who so generously gave of your time and efforts to make previous Mercy Fests so successful, for old times’ sake and unity of celebrating our parish 30^th anniversary – come back and help this year!!!  Contact Tony at 630.566.9870 to volunteer.  The dates for MercyFest this year are October 4^th – 7^th.

I know you always find Fr. Mark’s homilies very inspiring – I do!  Fr. Mark spends a great deal of time praying and preparing (and sometimes agonizing) over his homilies.  Sometimes he will say to me on a Thursday morning “I ain’t got nothing!” worried about what he will preach on that weekend. Well, the Holy Spirit always seems to come through and inspire him. I’ve told his mom I haven’t decided yet if I am living with a future bishop or saint! I think he could be the modern day Bishop Sheen! If you missed the homily he gave at all the Masses two weeks ago (April 22^nd) you need to go to the parish APP and listen to it! He spoke about the need to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  He also spoke about the need for men to step up to the plate and be more involved in the faith formation of their children, but also for men to become more deeply in touch with their masculine spirituality.  And to do this through sharing faith with other men through the common bond of simply working out (exercising) with each other.  So, last Saturday 70 guys of all ages showed up at 7:00AM in our parking lot to exercise with Fr. Mark (I went on a bike ride).  I could only help but think – with in shape, blonde haired Fr. Mark leading exercises – that Fr. Mark is the Jack LaLanne of our times!  Unfortunately, he and most of the guys exercising with him have no idea who Jack LaLanne was!  God bless ‘em!  Ah! To be young again!

Have a Blessed Easter Season!

This weekend and next, we celebrate First Ho- ly Communion with 156 children of our parish. What a special day it is for them and their  families! To receive  Jesus in this holy sacrament is the nourishment we all need to live  and grow in our relationship with Jesus. As  we all need to nourish our bodies daily with  proper nutrition to keep strong and physically  healthy, we too need to feed our souls, at least  weekly, with the Eucharist to have a healthy  spiritual life. Eucharist is the original “soul” food! So, I pray that this First  Communion for our children won’t be th eir last. When children confess that  they missed Mass, I tell them they haven’t sinned because they can’t get to  Mass on their own. That is the responsibility of parents. I tell the children to  tell their parents that they need and want  to go to Mass. So parents, I implore  you, don’t let your children become spiritually malnourished by missing the  opportunity to be fed by Jesus weekly in Holy Communion. And don’t be- come malnourished yourself!!

I want to thank the staff of our Religious Education Office, Cheryl Lohse and Jean Rehmer for all their assistance in preparing for this day. Also, I  thank Kim Harris, Cleo Hesselbach, Phyllis Anderson, Marie Reitenbach,  Chris Harvey, Rose Rolando, Catey Genc and Barb Toschak for their assistance with the liturgies. Thanks to Carrie Nadziejko and Jeanne Daill for  photography. And, a special thanks to our catechists, and parents for preparing theses children for this special day.  On behalf of Fr. Mark, and the parish  family of Our Lady of Mercy, I congratulate our children on the reception of  their First Holy Communion, and am delighted to welcome them to the table  of the Lord!

As we smile at the joy and excitement of our first communicants, perhaps  nostalgically remembering our own 1^st Communion Day, maybe it would be a  good time to examine our own beliefs and attitudes toward our reception of  the Eucharist. Has receiving communion  become so routine that we forget  the reverence and awe we should feel as we approach our Lord in Holy Communion? Is the Eucharist simply something you get for yourself, or does receiving communion transform you to become Jesus for others? In recent surveys, sadly a significant number of Catholics do not believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist believing the consecrated bread and wine are  only symbols of Jesus’ presence. To BE Catholic is to accept by  faith that, at  their deepest reality, but not in physical characteristics, the bread and wine  become the Body and Blood of Christ when they are consecrated at Eucharist.  After consecration, the bread and wine  still appear as such, but they actually  are the Body and Blood of Jesus.

As we celebrate the simple faith of our children receiving 1st Holy Communion this weekend, may we have that same childlike faith when we come  forward and receive the Body and Blood of Jesus!