March 15th | 3rd Sunday of Lent

On this Third Sunday of Lent, we meet the woman at the well. In doing so, perhaps we meet ourselves!! We all thirst for something in our life, something we need, something we desire. Perhaps we want someone to love, someone with whom we can share our life and build a family. Perhaps we want to play professional sports. Maybe we want to be a doctor or an entrepreneur. Perhaps we want to be respected in the eyes of others. Each one of us longs for something: that our spouse would love us differently, that our friends would treat us with more respect, that we could make a lot of money. Our hearts are thirsty. It is the way that we are. It is a part of the human condition. At first glance, this thirst in our heart can seem like a kind of selfishness, simply catering to our own desires. But today’s Gospel presents such thirst in a very different perspective. It tells us that God has placed the thirst in our hearts for a purpose. St. Augustine, one of the great theologians of the Church, said, “Oh God, you have created us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they rest in you.” A great spiritual writer of our time, whose books I read and highly recommend, Fr. Ronald Rolheiser has described this thirst as “a holy longing” because if we follow it, it will ultimately lead us to God.

The Samaritan woman in today’s gospel comes to the well because she wants water. She wants water, which she can drink and with which she can clean and cook. But when she comes to the well for that water, she meets Jesus. There she listens to him as he talks about a living water that will lead to salvation. The woman does not come to the well to find Christ’s water, she comes to find the water that is in the well. But her thirst for that water leads her to consider and ultimately to accept the water that Jesus offers. A natural water leads her to an eternal water. A physical thirst leads her to a drink beyond her imagining.

Everything that we thirst for is a limited good. As we confront the limited nature of the things we desire, they push us to seek the unlimited goodness who is God. Money will only keep us happy for so long. Then we will long for something else. Even the closest and most intimate human relationship has its down side. As we face the limits of relationships, we recognize that we want something more. It is gratifying to be successful in our work and in the eyes of other. But once we claim that success, our heart says, “Is that all there is?” The Samaritan woman looks out at us from today’s Gospel and says, “When you find the water you seek, you will want more. God has made us that way. The water you obtain is meant to lead you to the water that only Jesus can give.”

Have a Blessed Lent!

Fr Don

March 8th | 2nd Sunday of Lent

Today I want to start by offering congratulations to Fr. Mark on the birth of his newest nephew, Luke James, born on February 26, 2020. Luke is the first child of Fr. Mark’s twin sister Lisa and her husband Sean. Fr. Mark’s brother and his wife have two boys and a girl. Let us pray that Fr. Mark will influence one of his nephews to become a priest! I have three nephews, but none followed me.

I also want to introduce the members of our new Parish Pastoral Council. They will be meeting for the first time on Saturday, March 21. The former Council went on a “hiatus” while I worked with my Pastoral Leadership Team (Fr. Mark, Phil Britton, Mary Jo Trapani, and Zara Tan) to create a parish vision and re-structure the styles and forms of parish leadership. The new Pastoral Council consists of 4 members from the former council: Maybird D’Silva, Marty Kadziela, Jim Marks, and John Shea; 3 members who responded to my bulletin invite last year: Dave Baier, Margaret Dodd, and Doug McIlvaine; and 5 members invited through discernment of my Pastoral Leadership Team: Joana Lopez, Ric Rodriguez, Lea Rodriguez, Mary Rsavy, and Angie Tse. Required reading for the new members have been the two books that have guided my Pastoral Leadership Team in transitioning our parish from maintenance mode to mission mode. If you are interested in reading the books to get a greater insight as to what is going on at OLM, the titles are: Divine Renovation by Fr. James Mallon and Ablaze by Deacon Keith Strohm. The Pastoral Council will meet with the Leadership Team quarterly. After our first meeting in March, look for the “Pastoral Council” tab on the website for pictures of the members, and a summary of our first meeting.

Today is the Second Sunday of Lent and the gospel of the Transfiguration. Jesus led Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. This Lent we are journeying to the heights. Those heights being the renewal of our baptismal promises on Easter Sunday. Let us strengthen our spiritual muscles to reach the top of the mountain through prayer, fasting, almsgiving and receiving the sacrament of reconciliation during this Lent. The next three Sundays of Lent, we will celebrate the liturgical rites of the Scrutinies with the elect who will be baptized this year at the Easter Vigil. The First Scrutiny will be at the 4:00pm Mass on March 14, the Second Scrutiny will be at the 9:00am Mass on March 22, and the Third Scrutiny will be at the 10:45am Mass on March 29. Please pray for our elect for baptism, and our candidates for Reception into the Church.

Have a blessed Lent!

Fr Don

March 1st | 1st Sunday of Lent

Today is the First Sunday of Lent. We all know Lent as a time of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. We know it too as a time to reflect on our sinfulness, go to confession, and do penance in preparation to celebrate Easter. While repentance is a well-known Lenten theme, many people are surprised to learn that Baptism is just as an integral part of the season of Lent as is the sacrificing and penance. Having said that, we generally do not baptize infants during Lent (except in an emergency). During Lent, we want our focus to shift to adult baptism. Lent is the final period of preparation for adult (catechumens) for baptism at the Easter Vigil. In the coming weeks they will have a more intense preparation through the scrutiny prayers and anointing with the oil of Catechumens. The rest of us, baptized as infants, are to prepare ourselves to renew, on Easter Sunday, the promises of baptism that our parents and godparents made for us. Here are a few questions for your reflection during Lent. After water was poured over your head, you were then anointed on the head with the oil, the Chrism of salvation, as Priest, Prophet and King. How are you living that reality – that you, like Christ, are a Priest, Prophet, and King? Then you were clothed in a white garment as a sign that you have become a new creation and clothed yourself in Christ. How have you lived your Christian dignity as a person clothed in Christ? One of your godparents lit a candle from the Easter Candle, with these words: “Receive the Light of Christ.” How has the light of Christ shown through you in your thoughts, actions, and words? Think about these as you prepare to climb the mountain of Lent to the glorious heights of Easter.

Our Middle School Youth Minister, Candy Rice has announced that she will be retiring (for the second time) from Our Lady of Mercy at the end of June. Candy led the EDGE program for our sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students and parents. Candy worked in that position from 2007 until retiring (the first time) in 2012. John Werle held the position from 2012 – 2017. Prior to Fr. Hugh’s retirement in June 2017, he invited Candy to come back to OLM as Middle School Youth Minister, which I am glad she did! When I arrived in June 2017, it was good to have staff all in place. I want to thank Candy for the years of service she has given to the Our Lady of Mercy Parish as a staff member, a guide and friend to countless number of middle school youth, and their parents! She has always brought joy and enthusiasm to her ministry, and her love for the emerging teens was always very evident! We wish Candy every blessing in her retirement!

Have a blessed Lent!

Fr Don

February 23rd | 7th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today is pledge Sunday for this year’s Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal. I hope you will join Fr. Mark and myself in making a gift to support the ministries offered to the people of our Diocese through the Diocesan agencies and offices. Last week in my article, I described some of the ways in which the Diocesan ministries serve our parish. You have been so generous in the past, please help us reach and surpass our goal of $146,700.

Ash Wednesday is this coming Wednesday, February 26. This year our schedule for Ash Wednesday services will be a little different from previous years. We have added something new for families. We will have a distribution of ash service at 5:30pm followed by a cheese pizza dinner and Lenten activities for families. This is open to ALL parish families, not just families in RE. Reservations will be required so we know how much pizza to order and supplies to provide. Make reservations by calling or e-mailing the Religious Education office. The Ash Wednesday schedule of services is as follows:

Ash Wednesday – February 26, 2020
6:30am Mass
8:00am Mass
12:00noon Scripture Service
4:00pm Scripture Service
5:30pm Scripture Service (family)
7:30pm Mass

In today’s Gospel, Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount by speaking up boldly against retaliation of any kind. Jesus teaches love of enemies. Jesus understands that all men and women share a radical humanity that in the beginning was good. Enemies emerge in the course of time, but this is not part of God’s plan. It comes instead from human distortion. The model offered by Jesus is to be “perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” This is not the perfection of the philosophers or the mathematicians. God’s perfection is wholeness (shalom). In God’s perfection, all the pieces fit just as they did in the beginning when God created all things. Jesus is not willing to give up that radical vision. Fulfilling the law and the prophets is extremely challenging. For Jesus there is no such thing as business as usual in the kingdom of heaven….”You have hear it said…But I say to you.” Let us begin Lent with the resolution to try to become perfect by loving our enemies!

Have a Blessed Week!

Fr Don

February 16th | 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today throughout the Diocese of Joliet, we begin our annual Catholic Ministries Appeal for 2020. The theme, “Be Kind and Merciful” speaks so well to the work of the Church throughout the Diocese of Joliet. So many lives are touched through the 28 ministries and programs offered by the Diocesan Church. We are all aware of the work of Catholic Charities and their providing for the needs of the poor with food, shelter and counseling. Your gift to the CMAA also touches our parish. Did you know that your gift to the CMAA has funded the education of our transitional deacon Senovio and the rest of the 37 seminarians studying to become priests? We will rejoice with Deacon Senovio when he is ordained a priest this coming May! Your gift also provides for the formation of the three men from our parish, Tony Leazzo, Doug McIlvaine, and Bugsy Sindac, who are preparing to be ordained permanent deacons. Tony will be ordained in August of this year. Doug and Bugsy have a couple more years to go! And, there are two additional men from our parish in the application process. The Appeal also helps fund Young Adult and Youth Ministry programs that serve approximately 25,500 of our youth and young adults throughout the Diocese. The Diocesan Religious Education Office provides oversight, guidance, support, training and services for Mary Jo Tripani, our Director of Religious Education, Candy Rice, our Middle School Youth Minister, and Dave Miserendino, our Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Ultimately, the families, children, youth, and teens of our parish are the recipients of what the Diocese provides for our staff. The diocese makes available employee insurance, property insurance, electricity and natural gas at a lower cost than an individual parish could afford.

In the time I have been pastor of OLM we have exceeded our parish goal. Like last year, we will receive a 70% rebate of the funds collected over our goal. This year our goal is $146,700. Next weekend is pledge Sunday. I once again ask you to join me in making a gift to the 2020 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal and help us surpass our goal again! If you received your pledge commitment card in the mail, please complete it and bring it to Mass next Sunday. We will also have pledge cards in the pews. No gift is too small!! Together we are all part of the Church of Joliet – every gift counts! And, I assure you, NONE of the money collected by the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal is used in the settling of law suits for the past sins of our priests and bishops. Your gift is used entirely to provide kindness and mercy to the 585,080 Catholics in the Diocese of Joliet.

Have a blessed week!

Fr Don

February 9th | 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Guess what? The beginning of Lent is only two and a half weeks away! Ash Wednesday is on Wednesday, February 26. This year our schedule for Ash Wednesday services will be a little different from previous years. And, we are adding something new for families. We will have a distribution of ash service at 5:30pm following by a cheese pizza dinner and Lenten activities for families. This is open to ALL parish families, not just families in RE. Reservations will be required so we know how much pizza to order and supplies to provide. Make reservations by calling or emailing the Religious Education office. The Ash Wednesday schedule of services is as follows:

Ash Wednesday – February 26, 2020
6:30am Mass
8:00am Mass
12:00noon Scripture Service
4:00pm Scripture Service
5:30pm Scripture Service (family)
7:30pm Mass

We also want to give you advance notice of a change in Mass time for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. These Masses are longer than usual due to added rituals. To give proper time to celebrate these Masses and reduce congestion in the parking lot, please make note of the following Mass times for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday – April 4 & 5, 2020 – Mass Times
Saturday 4:00pm
Sunday 7:00am 9:00am 11:00am 1:00pm 5:30pm

Easter – April 11 & 12, 2020 – Mass Times
Saturday 8:00pm
Sunday 7:00am 9:00am 11:00am 1:00pm No 5:30pm (There will be Mass in Church & Gym at 9:00am and 11:00am)

We have also added additional confession times during Lent. That schedule will be posted shortly.

Have a blessed week!

Fr Don

February 2nd | 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Forty days after His birth, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple for the rites of purification and dedication as prescribed by the Torah. According to the Book of Leviticus (12:1-4), when a woman bore a male child, she was considered “unclean” for seven days. On the eighth day, the boy was circumcised. The mother continued to stay at home for 33 days for her blood to be purified. After the 40 days, the mother and the father came to the temple for the rite of purification. For some, this feast concludes the Christmas celebration and they leave their Christmas decoration up to today. So, the Presentation is a proclamation of Christ – Messiah and Priest, Lord and Savior. He is the light who came into this world to dispel sin and darkness. Since the seventh century, candles that will be used throughout the year at church and in homes are blessed at Mass today giving birth to another name used for this day, “Candlemas Day”. As we consider the feast of the Presentation, we remember that our parents presented us at church for our baptism. We were dedicated to God, and given the name “Christian.” We, too, received a lit candle from the paschal candle, at which the priest or deacon baptizing said: “You have been enlightened by Christ. Walk always as a child of the light and keep the flame of faith alive in your heart. When the Lord comes, may you go out to meet Him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.” Therefore, as a light, each of us must bear witness to Our Lord. We must be the beacon that guides others to Christ.

In an effort to create a greater sense of awe and reverence in the celebration of Mass, you may have noticed our altar servers doing things a little differently. First, some of our senior servers and selected adults have been trained in the role of Master of Ceremonies. They wear a cassock and surplice. They help our servers to carry out their tasks at Mass in a more uniform, reverential, and prayerful way. Our hope is that this assists you in your reverence and prayer as we celebrate Mass. Also, we have been keeping the doors between the church and the narthex closed before Mass so that it is more quiet in church before Mass. We encourage conversations be held in the narthex rather than the church.

And finally a reminder…….please park in the designed handicap parking spots ONLY if you have the appropriate placard….especially in the small parking lot between the rectory and church building. I have spoken to the Aurora police department, and if parishioner or staff sees a violation, they may call the police department and an officer will come out and issue a ticket. If it continues to be a problem, officers may drive through the lot during Mass times and ticket any violators.

Have a blessed week!

Fr Don

January 26th | Third Sunday In Ordinary Time

As you know, in the year 2000 when Pope John Paul II canonized St. Faustina, he established the Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. On September 30, 2019, on the memorial of St. Jerome, Pope Francis announced that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time will be celebrated as The Sunday of the Word of God. This year, the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary time falls on January 26th. In Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter “Aperuit Illis” instituting The Sunday of the Word of God, he writes: “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Lk 24:45). This was one of the final acts of the risen Lord before his Ascension. Jesus appeared to the assembled disciples, broke bread with them and opened their minds to the understanding of the sacred Scriptures. To them, amid their fear and bewilderment, he unveiled the meaning of the paschal mystery: that in accordance with the Father’s eternal plan he had to suffer and rise from the dead, in order to bring repentance and the forgiveness of sins (Lk 24:26.46-47). He then promised to send the Holy Spirit, who would give them strength to be witnesses of this saving mystery (Lk 24:49).

The relationship between the Risen Lord, the community of believers and sacred Scripture is essential to our identity as Christians. Without the Lord who opens our minds to them, it is impossible to understand the Scriptures in depth. Yet the contrary is equally true: without the Scriptures, the events of the mission of Jesus and of his Church in this world would remain incomprehensible. Hence, Saint Jerome could rightly claim: “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ”.

We as Catholics have a history of ignorance of the Sacred Scriptures. I suspect the “older” crowd reading this article, like me, were taught that reading and interpreting Sacred Scripture was the job of the bishops and priests. They would tell us what the Scriptures meant. So personal study of the Scriptures was not encouraged. Many of you, like me, probably had a decorative family bible with our family tree inscribed in it sitting on the coffee table in the living room as a decoration, but was never opened and read. All of us probably have protestant friends who can put us to shame by quoting chapter and verse passages from the Bible.

Since Vatican II, Catholics have been encouraged to study and discuss the Sacred Scriptures and incorporate them in our spirituality and daily life. Many programs and bible studies have followed. Many Catholics seem not yet to have made the connection between being disciples of Jesus and devouring the Word of God. It is Pope Francis hope that: “The Sunday of the Word of God help his people to grow in religious and intimate familiarity with the sacred Scriptures.”

Have a blessed week!

Fr. Don

January 22nd | Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord

Last Sunday ended the Christmas season and I have not yet taken the opportunity to express some words of appreciation. Fr. Mark and I want to extend our appreciation and acknowledge all the time, energy, dedication and efforts that went in by so many of you to make our Advent and Christmas celebrations visually and musically joyful and prayerful.

The Art & Environment Committee consisting of Jeanne Daill, Linda Eichoff, Marty Kadzelia, and Karen Schwartz spent many months and hours reading liturgy documents, developing ideas, planning and procuring materials. They implemented their plans with the help of many volunteers. Those who helped set-up decorations indoors or outdoors for Advent and Christmas at the church and rectory include: Therese Tyk, who designed and made all the festive outdoor pots displayed at the entryways to church and the rectory. Others who helped in various ways with making bows, floral arrangements, moving trees and nativity figures, setting up and taking down, and various other tasks include: Len Eickhoff, Claudia Molina, Soledad Diaz, Jim Fisher, Phil Zwick, Anne Clark, Phyllis Anderson, Jessica Guajardo, Luz Rivero, Georgina Rodriguez, Cristina Ramirez, Rosy Pina, Maria Galvez, Veronica Manzanares, Daniela Molina, Jessica Molina, Jordan Young, Kurt Daill, Aaron & Ryan Woods, Cristina Ramirez, Ruben Manzanares, Miroslava Manzanares, Lucera Manzanares, Ruben Manzanares Jr., Imelda Orig, Shirley Staples, Elise Flagg, Chris Harvey,John Shea, Doug Tyk, Mary Orvino.

Unfortunately, the squirrel families that live in the trees behind the rectory played Christmas grinches! Mr. Feldman provided lights on the trees and bushes surrounding the outdoor Mary shrine, but the squirrels chewed the wires and the lights went out! They did it also to the colored LED lights on four large bushes outside the rectory. Shame on them!! They better watch out if I turn Chardonnay loose on them!!

The music, under the direction of our Director of Music Ministries Frank Sauter, was especially outstanding! The choral and orchestral music prior to midnight Mass was truly inspiring. Thanks to all who played instruments in the orchestra and to the guest conductor, Shaun Schaefers and to Ben Gruman who played cello in the trio version of “O Holy Night”. Thanks to our Adult Choir for their voices leading us in prayerful song and to soloist Emily Brink. Thanks to our Children’s Choir, Mercy Singers, and all the musicians and cantors who provided music for our Masses during the Advent and Christmas season. Thanks as well to all the liturgical ministers who served for Advent and Christmas Masses.

The parish staff thank all who dropped off goodies in the office for us to share. Fr. Mark, Deacon Senovio and I wish to extend our deep gratitude for all the personal gifts and cards we received. We are humbled by your generosity and kindness! We truly feel the love and support of the wonderful parishioners at Our Lady of Mercy.

Our 2019 Christmas collection through envelopes, cash, and on-line giving totaled $64,400. This is approximately $12,000 less than the Christmas collection last year. Thank you for your generosity.

Have a blessed week!

Fr Don

January 12th | Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord

Today’s feast of the Baptism of Jesus ends the Christmas season in the church liturgical calendar. I suspect that the vast majority of you have long ago taken down Christmas decorations. If you have waited until now to take them down, good for you! Some people leave their Christmas decorations up until February 2, which is the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple. Nevertheless, back to today’s feast.

Did you ever wonder why Jesus was baptized? He was sinless, so why did he submit to baptism? Matthew tells us in the gospel today that Jesus requested John to baptize him. First, unlike the baptism we received, John’s baptism was a Jewish ritual to prepare for the end time, which John said was coming quickly. In addition to changing one’s life in a positive way, this kind of baptism was also an entry rite for those who wanted to follow the teaching of John the Baptist. Jesus was portrayed as being attracted to John the Baptist and his message. Matthew makes it clear that the situation is awkward, which both Jesus and John recognize. But as soon as Jesus emerges from the waters of baptism, the real meaning of the event becomes clear. His identity as God’s beloved Son is confirmed by the Holy Spirit and proclaimed by the voice of God, declaring that Jesus is God’s beloved Son. In a real way, Jesus’ baptism can be seen as inaugurating Jesus into a ministry that will begin immediately. This confirmation of Jesus’ divine ministry fulfills the Old Testament prophet’s proclamations. The next step for Jesus will be his confrontation with the devil in the wilderness. There, he will be challenged to prove his identity.

While Christian baptism we have received frees us from original sin, it does much more than that! Quoting from the baptismal ritual book: “Baptism is, above all, the sacrament of that faith by which men and women, enlightened by the Spirit’s grace, respond to the gospel of Christ….Further, baptism is the sacrament by which men and women are incorporated into the Church, built into a house where God lives, in the Spirit, into a holy nation and a royal priesthood.” In other words, our baptism is our entry rite for those who want to follow Jesus and his teachings. And, as Jesus commissioned his apostles to “Go make disciples of all nations…” at our baptism we are commissioned to do the same.

The vast majority of us were baptized as infants and likely do not realize that making disciples of Jesus isn’t just the calling of priests and religious. ALL who are baptized Christian are supposed to be making disciples! The feast of The Baptism of Jesus is a wake up call for all of us to be about doing what we are commissioned to do!

Fr Don

Mass Times

Weekend

Saturday 8:30AM Daily Mass and 4PM Sunday Vigil

Sunday 8AM | 10AM  | 12PM | 5:30PM

Weekdays

Monday 8AM
Monday in Spanish 6:30PM
Tuesday 8AM & 6:30PM
Wednesday 12PM
Thursday 6:30AM & 8AM
Friday 8AM
Saturday 8:30AM

Confession

Tuesdays 7PM until all are heard
Wednesdays 12:30PM until all are heard
Saturday 9AM – 10AM | 1:30PM – 2:30PM
First Friday 8:30AM
During Magnify last Weds of the month 7PM – 8:30PM
Or please schedule an appointment here.

Eucharistic Adoration

Monday through Friday 8:30AM – 10PM
Magnify last Weds of the month 7PM – 8:30PM

Private Prayer in Church

Open daily 8:30AM – 8PM
(Will close if there is a Funeral, Wedding, or Baptism as well as early closing when the safety and security are at risk as determined by the pastor.)

Location

Parish Office

(630) 851-3444

Monday thru Thursday
8:30AM – 4:30PM

Friday
8:30AM – 1PM

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