January 28, 2023 | Parish Update
January 28, 2023 | Parish Update
Being generous in building up His kingdom, Catholic Bible Study on ‘The Chosen Season 2’, & The Rescue Project
View the full posting at our Flocknote email (don’t forget to join so you can receive the update via email)
From Father Michael . . .
I remember when I was in the seminary, the Powerball Lottery got up to its highest payout yet; 700+ Million dollars. Needless to say, I couldn’t help but stop by a gas station and buy a ticket. All of a sudden, I started doing the calculations: half to taxes, a hundred million to the Diocese, Catholic Schools, and the Hospital; take care of my family debts; pay for my nephew and niece’s colleges… In the end, I would only keep 10 million to myself. How I came up with that number, I don’t know, but needless to say, I wanted to keep some of the winnings for myself, despite the fact that I was on my way to serving the Church and the People of God.
A similar situation occurred after becoming a priest. A rather well-off parishioner from my former parish was boasting on my behalf saying, “I bet I could offer you a million dollars and I know you would turn it down!” Little did he know of my lack of humility and how eager I would have been to take him up on his offer! Without hesitation, my mind went through the same process: support this and that ministry, give some gifts to my family, and in the end, buy myself a nice new car!
These experiences taught me something very simple: when the occasion presents itself, I do have a tendency to keep things for myself, even if I try to justify it with charity. As a result, I can now see the Church’s wisdom in the spiritual discipline of tithing. Money is a perennial temptation for all of us—“You cannot worship God and money,” (Matt 6:24) and, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 19:23) In tithing I have found the freedom to stop calculating where I can splurge on myself, and instead to grow in dependence upon God. Tithing gives us an opportunity to let go of our attachments and to give ourselves back to God.
Of course, tithing literally 10% of one’s income is not as doable for everyone. The financial situation in our country is only getting harder. Tithing is not meant to be a cold calculation as if God were taxing us in addition to Uncle Sam, but rather it is meant to be a response to God’s generous love. That being said, I also know from my own brokenness that we humans have a tendency to justify keeping more than we need for ourselves. Perhaps that’s why the very first beatitude is, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” God has designed that the Body of Christ be built up not by Church taxes, but by the individual decisions of her members to “seek first the kingdom of God.” Regardless of which of the many beautiful Catholic movements and charities that you decide to support, may we continue to strive to be generous in building up His Kingdom so that we can say with St. Paul, “I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance,” but “more than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Phil 4:12 and 3:8)
Father Michael
We look forward to seeing you at Our Lady of Mercy taking part in many of our offerings, or maybe when you stop by and visit Jesus at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, at daily Mass during the week, or during Eucharistic Adoration.
Prayer Ministry 1/29
- Receive Prayer Ministry after all the Mass times this weekend 1/28 and 1/29! 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.
To All Men: Find Out How to become a Knight 1/29
- Thinking of becoming a Knight? The Knights of Columbus Council 12005 will be holding an information meeting on Sunday 1/29 after the 10am Mass in room 114 to explain who the Knights of Columbus are and how to become a member. We will show a short video and provide refreshments. Interested practicing Catholic Men and their families are invited to join us. Membership is open to all practicing Catholic men aged 18 and up, it will only take 30 minutes of your time and you can become part of the largest Catholic Men’s service organization in the world. We need you to help us make a difference! For information reach out to Jeff LeRoy, Grand Knight, at jleroy53@hotmail.com or call 630- 336-7728.
Donuts & Coffee Sunday 1/29
- Stop by the PLC after the 8am and 10am Masses on 1/29th for yummy Donuts, good Coffee & wonderful Fellowship.
New Altar Server Training 1/29
- Training for New Altar Servers will take place in the Church on Sunday, January 29 from 2:30 to 4:00 PM. Boys and girls that registered in the parish and are in 5th grade or higher are eligible to become Altar Servers. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Heraty at pat.heraty@opcpolymers.com
Go on a Pilgrimage with Father James Informational Sessions 1/29 & 1/30
- Find out more about the Great Shrines of France Pilgrimage June 5-17, 2023 with Father James Join him as he leads pilgrims and explores France’s beautiful Catholic Shrines on this cross-country Pilgrimage. From small villages in the South of France to Paris, one of the greatest cities in the world, France is sure to take your breath away. On this Pilgrimage, you will see magnificent Shrines and Churches and learn of the lives of; St. Bernadette, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Veronica and Zaccheus, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Catherine Labourne. Don’t miss this incredible tour highlighting the Best Shrines in France.
- Informational sessions for this 12-day pilgrimage are on Sunday 1/29 at 11:15am and Monday 1/30 at 7:30pm. Father James is looking forward to answering any questions you may have, you can also check out details of the pilgrimage at this link.
THIS COMING WEEK
Bible Study on Season 2 of The Chosen starts 1/31
- We’re excited to invite you to “Season 2 of The Chosen” Catholic Bible Study on Tuesdays starting January 31st @ 7pm.
Whether you’ve never been to a Bible Study, are intimidated by the Bible, or are a regular participant in our Bible Studies, this experience is for you!
Through both watching the series episode and breaking open the Scripture readings related to each episode, the experience will enable you to imagine yourself in the story.
This will change the way you read the Bible forever. - Contact Joe Wiacek or Joe Glasgow with any questions joewiacek@gmail.com or jglasgowjr@gmail.com.
- Register now at this link.
Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group on 1/31
- This week’s gathering is on “The 7 Deadly Sins & Virtues to Combat.”
- All young adults are invited to join the Consuming Fire Young Adult Community. This group meets every Tuesday from 7pm to 8:30pm in the basement of the rectory (the priest’s home). We gather to eat, pray, and ‘do life together’!
- From the weekly Tuesday gatherings to additional social gatherings (hiking, dinner at someone’s home or at a restaurant, movie nights, adoration, rosary walks, hosting aa Swing Dance lesson through Theology of Dance gathering) there are so many good reasons to join this fun, and awesome group! Want more information? Sign up HERE
Salt and Light Grow Group on 2/2
- With a new meeting day of Thursday evenings at 7pm, come and join Salt and Light to watch a compelling talk on the Faith followed with group discussion.
- Connect with Bob Maxwell at bmaxwell@deltadentalil.com or 630-962-8464 or Geri Capulong at gericapulong@gmail.com for questions or sign up online at this link. In addition to the Thursday gatherings, the group also gets together socially once a month and also has volunteer gatherings at Feed My Starving Children FMSC.
First Friday and First Saturday Devotions 2/3 and 2/4
- Respect Life 1st Friday Devotion on 2/3
- We hope you can come out anytime from 8am to 4pm, to pray for the helpless, innocent unborn who can’t speak for themselves. Pray in front of Planned Parenthood, at the public right of way access. Connect with Lisa SanDiego for any questions (630) 258-0122 or sandiego_family@msn.com. https://bit.ly/3yGSzmU
- Confessions immediately following the 8am Mass
- Every 1st Friday (in addition to the 8am Mass), we will have a 12pm Mass. We hope you join us.
- 1st Saturday 2/4 after the 8:30 am Mass is the First Saturday Devotion
- This devotion is one of the principal points of the Fatima message. It consists of the following, on 5 consecutive first Saturdays: Going to Confession, receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion, praying five decades of the Rosary, and Meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary.
Find out the reasons why the five Saturdays from our Lord Jesus to Sister Lucia as well as additional details here. We hope you incorporate this powerful devotion into your life. Please connect with Bonnie Ramirez 630-723-4289 for any questions.
- This devotion is one of the principal points of the Fatima message. It consists of the following, on 5 consecutive first Saturdays: Going to Confession, receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion, praying five decades of the Rosary, and Meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary.
Restore weekly 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.
LOOKING AHEAD
Charismatic Healing Mass 2/4
- On Saturday, 2/4 at 6pm is the Charismatic Healing Mass. A healing Mass is a normal Mass, but it has a special focus on God’s healing power; this will be reflected in the songs, prayers, and scripture readings. If you’re in need of God’s healing grace, come to the Charismatic Healing Mass. Father Michael Kearney will preside and Deacon Art Tiongson will be assisting. Laying of Hands will follow after Mass.
PADS Hesed House Board available through 2/5
- Stop by the atrium (at the main entrance) to select any of the “wish-list” items on the PADS Hesed House Board which will be used to prepare meals for 235 guests at the Hesed House homeless shelter.
The board will be available through 2/5. Drop off the wish list items before all Masses on 2/4 & 2/5 in time for OLM’s commitment of the first Tuesday of each month. - If you prefer to donate monetarily, thank you for your graciousness! Donate via the online giving portal and select “Hesed House” or make checks payable to Our Lady of Mercy notIng on the memo it is for “Hesed House-PADS.”
- Interested in volunteering? Please connect with Maybird D’Silva at maydsilva@aol.com or click here for more information.
Diocesan Forty Hours Devotion 2/8 through 2/10
- Join with our Diocesan Church on 2/8th through 2/10th to celebrate a time of spiritual devotion before the Blessed Sacrament during this National Eucharistic Revival.
Come to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet. Each day will begin with morning Mass and conclude with an evening Prayer Service. Mass times are 2/8th at 6:30am, 2/9th and 2/10th at 8am.
Throughout the days there will be silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as well as communal Prayer Services led by various cultural and parish entities. We encourage all people – parish groups, families, neighbors – to come and reflect in prayer on the wondrous gift of the Eucharist that has been given to us. And to join our hearts in prayer for the needs of our Church and the needs of all people. May God in his goodness bless our Diocese! Questions? Contact Sister Sharon Stola at the Office of Divine Worship 815-221-6230 or sstola@dioceseofjoliet.org
Free Friday Movie Night on “The Matter of Life” 2/10
- We will be showing the award-winning film “The Matter of Life” on Friday 2/10th at 6:30pm. This must-see film cuts through the angry rhetoric and divisiveness about the most contentious issue of our day: abortion. This powerful film brings compassion and clarity to the abortion debate and presents a message that goes beyond pro-life and pro-abortion arguments. It forces us to ask the question: Are the unborn one of us? Featuring the stories of women, former abortion clinic workers, historians, religious workers, pro-life atheists, and many more, The Matter of Life stresses entering this conversation with understanding, love, and support. Doing so is critical to save the lives of the unborn and to care for the women who carry them. It is time to understand the pro-life case and form beliefs on more than what is said in the media. Check out the trailer below.
- Brought to you by the OLM Respect Life Ministry, 40 Days for Life and the Illinois Family Institute, we hope to see you there. Please connect with Lisa San Diego for any questions sandiego_family@msn.com
MAGNIFY on 2/15
- Because Ash Wednesday is on 2/22nd, MAGNIFY will be on 2/15th this month, please save the date.
Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry 2/15
- This month’s Mobile Food Pantry is on Weds 2/15th from 4:30pm to 6pm in the parking lot at OLM. Don’t forget to share the Our Lady of Mercy social media posting on your network; you never know who among your network is in need of food. (Here are shareable links to an Instagram post, Facebook post).
- 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 rain or shine!
St. Peregrine Prayer Service on 2/21
- The monthly prayer service will be on Tuesday, February 21 at 7pm (after the 6:30pm Mass) in the church led by Deacon Tony Leazzo. Come together to support one another in prayer and presence.
- 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. There will be time after the service to venerate the relic of St. Peregrine and pray for your personal needs or intentions.
Join us on Ash Wednesday 2/22
- Begin Lent with us on Ash Wednesday 2/22nd and receive Ashes at either the 6:30am, 8am, 12pm (livestreamed), 7:30pm Mass times or at the 5:30pm Scripture Service.
- The 5:30pm Scripture Service will be followed by a simple meatless supper in the gym for families with children, grandparents, godparents, single adults, college students, relatives, and friends. Lenten take-home activities for families and friends will be available. Registration is required for the simple supper. Please contact Karen Schwartz to register karens@olmercy.com
The Rescue Project 2/23
- …. what if there is another story? We are all shaped by a story. The choices we make, the way we live, the things we believe—the way we see life itself—are the result of the stories that we have accepted as truthful accounts of reality. Our modern world presents the story that we are personally liberated, no longer connected to anything beyond ourselves, free to do whatever we like. And we have never been as unhappy.
The Rescue Project proposes a simple question: what if there’s a different story—a story that engages people to answer the deepest cries of the human heart?
Check out the trailer from Father John Riccardo or click on the graphic below for the website for more details and registration. - Held on Thursdays during Lent at 6:30pm starting 2/23rd and ends on 4/20th (no gatherings during Holy Week and Easter Week). We hope to see you there at this life-changing experience!
CRHP Men’s Retreat 2/25 – 2/26 & Women’s Retreat 3/5 – 3/6
- CRHP is an incredible experience that will recharge your faith life, help you develop lasting friendships, and fill you with newfound energy and purpose.
- The CRHP experience provides you with opportunities to allow God to speak to your heart through witness talks, Scripture, fellowship, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, and Mass. COME TO BE SERVED. You will not be asked to contribute or to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. You will not be asked to give a witness talk. This will be done by team members. This FREE retreat experience will include all meals, beverages, and snacks.
- Connect with the Men and Women’s invitation coordinators for any questions Jeff Daley (708)705-3590 Jeffdaley83@gmail.com or Ida Phillips (630)605=6038 crhpolm@gmail.com.
- Sign up now and encounter Jesus and fellow men and women in a similar journey in a life-changing way.
Knights of Columbus Robert H. Weaver Scholarship Application Submit by 6/17
- Calling all High School Seniors at Our Lady of Mercy, applications for the 2023 Robert H Weaver Knights of Columbus College Scholarship program are now being accepted. A total of $2,000 will be awarded to students graduating from High School in 2023 and attending a 2 or 4-year University program starting in the fall of 2023. Awards will be made in July. Good luck to all applicants.
- All applications must be submitted no later than Saturday, 6/17th @ 4pm.
- Proceed to this link for application details, and requirements. For any questions please reach out to Jeff LeRoy, Grand Knight jleroy53@hotmail.com.
Teen Mission Trip July 2023
- High School Teens are invited to attend our Mission Trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan on Sunday-Saturday, July 9-15, 2023. This coming summer, the Our Lady of Mercy youth ministry will be traveling to MI to do service work for those in need.
- Sign up now for this life-changing encounter! Proceed here for further details.
World Youth Day July 2023
- The Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group is looking to join the Joliet Diocese on a Pilgrimage to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day 2023 from July 29 to August 7. Come and join them! This includes an optional pre-tour to Madrid from July 25 to 29. Proceed here for further details.
Health Updates on Father Don
- Please continue to keep Father Don in your prayers. To keep updated on how he is doing, please check the following CaringBridge website.
Bishop Hick’s Monthly Column
- Bishop Hicks’ monthly column for January is titled “Peace Be With You”.Read his insightful column HERE.
Scam Emails
- From time to time, there are phishing (SCAM) emails going out to members of the parish and staff claiming to be Father Michael.
Please note that Father Michael, Father James, our deacons and staff 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 clergy or 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!
Do you have a story to share of your time with Jesus in the Eucharist?
- In the Eucharist, Jesus wants to remind you that you are never alone, that He is with you. In your brokenness, sorrows, and frustrations, He is with you. In everything you face—when you’re tired, ready to give up, hanging on by a thread, Jesus says to you, “I AM HERE.”
- If you have experienced the above with Jesus, we invite you to share your story so as to inspire others to spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist and to go to Holy Mass. Allow your story to be the vessel that can reach that person who Jesus is drawing to Himself more closely, especially those who are going through a tough time right now. Let us take part in the National Eucharistic Revival in a tangible way; come and share your story of your encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. Connect with zara@olmercy.com to share your encounter.
Our Lady of Mercy Garden of Hope, Love & Mercy
- The Justice & Peace Ministry, which has constructed a Community Garden on Our Lady of Mercy parish grounds and provided fresh produce over the past few months has had a fruitful season and looks forward to expanding in 2023. Produce from the garden has been donated to local organizations such as the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry and Hesed House. Late-season plantings are still producing vegetables and herbs. The faithful volunteers have been pleased with the success of this very worthy cause. If you have a green thumb or wish to participate in the preparation and planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting in early spring and throughout the 2023 growing season, please contact Chris at 631-561-9722 or chrisharveyny@gmail.com or Ida at 630-605-6038 or idamphillips122@gmail.com.
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 movement! Consider connecting with some of the families who have made the move from 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.
Supporting OLM through the CMAA
- The 2023 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal is now underway As the Diocese of Joliet launches the 2023 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal (CMAA), we are asking all parishioners to pledge their support to this important effort for our community of faith. This year’s CMAA theme is We Belong to God. Through our support, we ensure that the mission and ministries of Christ’s Church are available to everyone. Together, we help the poor and vulnerable, increase vocations and educate people of all ages, ethnicities, and abilities in the faith. Our parish could not accomplish all of this on its own. Our parish’s goal for the 2023 CMAA is $141,900 and 70 percent of any amount we raise over our goal will be returned to us. Please review the materials you receive in the mail from the Diocese of Joliet this month and prayerfully reflect on your gift to this year’s annual appeal.
- Donations can be made here. Check out how your gifts to the CMAA help at this link. Thank you for your consideration.
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 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 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.
OSV Giving Link Update
- Our online giving link has been updated by our provider (OSV), please be sure to update your bookmark, below is the link.
- The myParish App “Giving” button has been updated. Don’t have the myParish App yet? Text APP to 88202 to download! Receive this update, and instant news, and get access to the parish calendar, daily readings, and Confession guide.
- https://www.osvhub.com/olmercy/giving/funds
Grow Groups | We continue to launch Grow Groups, one group at a time.
Connect with zara@olmercy.com for any questions.
A MOTHER’S HEART GROW GROUP
Mission. A Mother’s Heart is a group for Catholic mothers with children ages 0-11 who are seeking to journey with other like-minded women of faith. Following the example of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, we strive to imitate her “little way” of growing in holiness through the lenses of motherhood and family.
Website. Proceed here for details.
Meets. Thursdays twice a month. For any of the following: book chats, podcast discussions, “Mom’s Night Out”, community service projects, fellowship, playgroups, prayer.
Connect. Reach out to Lydia Schmitt lydiadschmitt@gmail.com for any questions.
CONSUMING FIRE YOUNG ADULT GROW GROUP
Mission. This group exists to grow a community that inspires and forms the young adult generation to be saints.
Website. Proceed here for details.
Meets. Tuesdays @ 7pm and twice a month for social gatherings.
Connect. Reach out to Matt Kubanda and Mary Rysavy rysavyme@gmail.com
World Youth Day 2023. The Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group is looking to join the Joliet Diocese on a Pilgrimage to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day 2023 from July 29 to August 7. This includes an optional pre-tour to Madrid from July 25 to 29. Proceed here for further details.
SALT AND LIGHT GROW GROUP
Mission. “Encounter/Grow/Witness” is the threefold dimension of the Christian life. Once we encounter Jesus, we are then called to grow daily as His disciples. Grow Groups are one way Our Lady of Mercy is responding to our missionary identity where we are called to help parishioners grow continually in discipleship.
Website. Proceed here for details.
Meets. Wednesdays 7pm to 8:30pm
Connect. For more information, connect with Bob Maxwell at bmaxwell@deltadentalil.com or 630-962-8464
VINE & BRANCHES GROW GROUP
Mission. Vine & Branches is a group at Our Lady of Mercy that offers support and belonging to individuals of any age or faith who are divorced or separated on the way to divorce.
Website.Proceed here for details
Meets. Wednesdays @ 7pm with social gatherings.
Connect. The group leaders are looking forward to hearing from you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
Kim Harris kimharris73@yahoo.com
Mary LoGalbo logalbo.marycarol@gmail.com
John Frederick jdfredericj@icloud.com
Jim Marks jimm6351@yahoo.com
GROW YOUR FAITH
FREE ONLINE RESOURCES In this section, you will find free conferences, webinars, and studies that you can freely take part in that can grow your faith.
EUCHARIST: THE WORK OF OUR REDEMPTION 2/23 – 3/23
Hosted by the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, this weekly free Lenten Webinar will be held live on Thursdays from 2/23rd through 3/23rd at 12pm. This 5-part Lenten series explore the Mass presented by the nation’s most respected theologians and liturgists. They will offer not merely an exploration of the elements of the Mass but will reflect on its rich theology and identify implications for pastoral practice. Details and registration are found here.
FORMED.ORG Diving into the beauty of the Faith has never been easier: at home, on the go, or from any internet-connected device. Discover thousands of books, audio talks, movies, documentaries, and studies… there is something for every member of the family to help them grow closer to Christ and His Church
- Visit http://signup.formed.org/
- Enter our parish zip or name
- Enter your name and email
EUCHARIST RESOURCES
Check out our “Eucharist Resources” page to help us understand deeply the centrality of the Eucharist in our lives.
AMEN – CATHOLIC MEDITATION APP
From Augustine Institute comes this NEW AND FREE Catholic prayer app that inspires your daily conversation with God through faithful meditations and nourishing Scripture. There is also Family Content: Enjoy and share family-favorite audio from the series Brother Francis and the Jesus Stories. Please enjoy this latest offering from the Augustine Institute.
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.
WORD ON FIRE
Explore the goodness, truth, and beauty of the faith!Did you know that you have complete access to Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire ENGAGE video library! Check out this link to watch any of the videos whenever you want without ever having to login.
Not sure where to start? How about checking out the short 5 episode series on The Eucharist This fresh look at the Eucharist brings to light its reality as sacred meal, the sacrifice necessary for communion with God, and the real presence of Christ.
BLESSED IS SHE
Blessed is She is a sisterhood of women who want to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through their Catholic faith. They create beautiful and accessible resources, products, and experiences to deepen prayer and foster community, both online and in person.
THE CATHOLIC GENTLEMAN
Founded in 2013, The Catholic Gentleman has become one of the most recognizable online men’s apostolate. Each week hundreds of thousands of men around the world visit our site for the insightful articles and the highest-quality products designed to encourage a life of authentic manhood. Their mission: To inspire men to holiness
HEROIC MEN
Looking for authentically Catholic content for men? Look no further than HeroicMen.com—the all-new, 100% FREE Catholic streaming platform for men.
Learn about your faith from today’s best Catholic speakers—and do it all from the convenience of home. Stream-on-demand from your phone or tablet, too, for quality Catholic content on the go. Get it all—for FREE – at HeroicMen.com
AQUINAS 101 FREE COURSES
Have you wanted to get to know St. Thomas Aquinas and his writings more so as to grow closer to Jesus? Sign up for any of the short and free courses at Aquinas 101 a project of the Thomistic Institute seeks to promote understanding of the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the eminent 13th-century philosopher, and theologian.
Aquinas is a masterful interpreter of reality. His writings assist us in answering perennial questions on topics like God, man, the natural world, law, and morality, and questions of special relevance to our time like the relationship between modern science and faith or pursuing happiness in the digital era.
PASTORAL CARE
If you have physical, mental, emotional or spiritual health concerns or questions about end-of-life issues, funeral planning, journeying through grief, caregiving for a loved one or are homebound, please contact Jolene LeRoy RN Parish Nurse and Director of Pastoral Care for support and resources at jolenel@olmercy.com or 331-707-5380.
HEALING HEARTS MINISTRY
All of us have experienced joys and sorrows, ups and downs, accomplishments and disappointments in our lives. There may have been times that resulted in brokenness or heavy hearts that affect our attitude and way of living. The Open HEARTS Ministry has changed its name to Healing Hearts as it is a ministry for anyone 18 years of age or older who would like to practice self-care for their own health and wellness and would also like to reach out to others to offer healing and hope.If you are in need of emotional or mental health support or resources, please contact Janice Hurtado Aeppli at 321-217- 7872 or at olmopenhearts@yahoo.com
RESTORE
Do you find yourself struggling in overcoming your battle with pornography? Restore is a weekly (anonymous) meeting where men lean on each other for support and accountability and share ideas about strengthening our resolve to stay on God’s path of chastity. All men are welcome, whether you have been free of pornography addiction for many years or struggle with it every single day.If you are ready to start breaking free from the grips of pornography and want to Restore your life, email us at Restore.olm@gmail.com to find out more information on when and where we meet or call 331-684-7415. Check out the website for FAQs and further details. Be encouraged; check out this Testimony.
GRIEF SUPPORT MINISTRY
If you are experiencing grief and would like to join others for a time of sharing stories, tears and laughter, prayer, and moving forward in hope – please come on Monday, June 27 from 11am to 1pm in the Ministry Room located in the church. There is no registration. This is an opportunity to receive support and understanding during your grief journey. If you have questions, please call Jolene LeRoy RN Parish Nurse and Director of Pastoral Care at 331-707-5380.