January 8, 2023 | Parish Update

Epiphany Sunday!

• We celebrate Epiphany Sunday! Along with it marking the *official* end of the Christmas Season, it also has the unique tradition of “chalking the doors”
• Blessed Epiphany chalk will be available in baskets after every Mass for you to take home and mark the doors of your own house along with the following two-sided prayer cards!  Don’t forget to bring them home.

THIS COMING WEEK

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.

Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group on 1/10

• 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

AMA with Father James 1/10

• Let’s continue to learn together as Father James answers your questions.  The next livestreamed AMA will be on Tuesday 1/10th. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get the notification when it is live.
• Submit your questions at this link.

Salt and Light Grow Group on 1/12

• With a new meeting day of Thursday evenings at 7pm, come and join Salt and Light as they break open a series of films and discussions on “Faith and Reason.”
• 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.  

Exploring the Priesthood Weekends 1/13 – 1/15

• Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussions, fraternity, recreation, and presentation from current faculty and seminarians, you will better understand God’s movement in your life as you experience life on campus.
• There is no cost; private rooms and meals are included.
• Register at USML.EDU/EPW
• Attending Exploring the Priiesthhood Weekends is perfect for any man who is discerning a vocation to the priesthood. These weekends provide you with more tools for proper discernment.  The next one is in March 17 – 19.

LOOKING AHEAD

Knights Pancake Breakfast 1/15

• Eat pancake for a good cause! Please join the Knights of Columbus for a delicious pancake breakfast on Sunday 1/15 from 8am to noon.  All proceeds benefit the Summer Teen Mission Trip.

Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry 1/18

• This month’s Mobile Food Pantry is on Weds 1/18th 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!

Free Throw Championship 1/19

• On Thursday 1/19 at 7pm is the Robert H. Weaver Knights of Columbus #12005 Free Throw Championship in the gym at the Parish Life Center. Registration begins at 6:45pm
• All boys and girls aged 9 to 14, as of 1/1/2023, 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.

9 Days for Life Novena starts 1/19

• The 9 days for Life Novena start 1/19 through 1/27, sign up to receive the Novena in your Inbox as well as pray the Novena before the daily Mass starts. Unborn babies and their parents need your help, advocate for the innocent unborn through the power of prayer.

Adoration for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children 1/22

• In all the Dioceses, 1/22 shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.
• On Sunday 1/22 from 7pm to 10pm we will have Adoration, devotion, and prayers because prayer is the foundation of everything we do in defense of human life. We hope to see you then; together let us be in prayer lifting up our hearts and minds to God for the protection of sacred human life.
  (A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer. —Pope Saint John Paul II, Evangelium vitae}
• Please connect Lisa San Diego from the Respect Life Ministry with any questions, she can be reached at 630-258-0122sandiego_family@msn.com

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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 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 Michael or Father James, please discard it, (any email that does not have “olmercy.com” is a fake email) and DO NOT SEND ANY ELECTRONIC MONETARY AID.  No one on the staff will personally ask for money in whatever form (gift cards etc). If someone sends you a private message, asking for a donation of sorts, it’s undoubtedly a fake account. Please keep praying for us, and God bless you!

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

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GROW YOUR FAITH

WONDER CONFERENCE ON 1/13 THRU 1/14

Registration is now available for the inaugural Wonder Conference, presented by the Word on Fire Institute, an annual opportunity to engage with theologians and other experts on important issues at the intersection of the Catholic faith and secular culture. This year’s conference is on faith and science. It is taking place at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center.
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.
FORMED.ORGDiving 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.

1. Visit http://signup.formed.org/
2. Enter our parish zip or name
3. 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.

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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.

MOMS WALKING WITH MOMS IN NEED
Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” Everyone in the parish community should know where to refer a pregnant woman in need.  Please see this infographic to be informed on how we are walking with Moms in need. Connect with Lydia Schmitt for further questions at lydias@olmercy.com