Parish News - Saint Carlo Acutis Parish

August 23rd - Weekly Newsletter

8/24/2023

Memorial Mass for Sister Diane Marie, Wednesday Daily Mass change, and more ...

The word of God is living and effective,
able to discern the reflections and thoughts of the heart.

Dear Friends,

Happy Wednesday everyone, hope you're staying cool in this awful heat wave!

MEMORIAL MASS - Sr. Diane Marie - Just a reminder, there will be a special Memorial Mass (tomorrow) THURSDAY, August 24th - 7 pm at St. John Berchamans. Let us come together and celebrate the life of our beloved Sister Diane Marie! There will also be a reception after for fellowship and refreshments.

WEDNESDAY DAILY MASS -- Starting Wednesday, August 30th, the Wednesday Daily Mass at St. Hedwig will move to 8:30 a.m. at St. John Berchmans and will be celebrated with St. John Berchmans School. There will NOT be an 8 a.m. Mass on Wednesdays at St. Hedwig!

Mass Intentions for Sister Diane Marie - Masses are being offered in memory of Sister parish wide for the next several weeks. If you would like to be a patron and offer any of these Masses, please contact the parish office.

Carlo's Salon - Join us every Thursday in the chapel at St. Hedwig Church, after the 8 a.m. Daily Mass, for “Carlo’s Salon”. See below ...

Congregation of the Resurrection Raffle Tickets - This weekend, at St. John Berchmans Church, Br. Bill Hallas from the Congregation of the Resurrection will be selling raffle tickets. For more information, see below.

Religious Education Registration - Registration is now OPEN for Religious Education, click HERE to register for classes.

BCAP Food Pantry - Under New Management - The Parish food pantry is now under new management! Thank you to Barb Cunningham, Rita Morano and Mary Lang for stepping up and helping to support this important ministry of our parish. See below for our most current needs.

Prayers for the Sick - Both in the Sunday Bulletin, and here in the Weekly Newsletter, we list the names of those who are in sick and in need of our prayers. These people are remembered each week as part of the Universal Prayer/Petitions. If you would like to add you someone's name to the sick list, please email or call the Parish Office. Please also email/call us when it's OK to remove them from the sick list as this helps to ensure our list is up to date.

Online Book of Intentions - Also, if you have a special intention that you would like us to pray for, see below for the link that you can click and then enter your intention. These intentions are also prayed for each week in the Universal Prayer/Petitions. They are private, no one can see them except us, and can be anonymous if you wish.

Daily Mass & Devotions - For the full list of Mass times and Devotions, please see the schedule below.

Parish Forms on the Website - https://www.carloacutisparish.org/parish-forms.html Did you know that many of our forms and requests are on our website? Inquiring about a Baptism ... Need a copy of your Baptismal Certificate ... Want to schedule your wedding? It's all on our website! Simply fill out the form and we'll get back to ya.

We hope to see you at one of the Masses this weekend, and don't forget to bring a friend or two!!

God Bless, see you in Church!
Michael White, Director of Music and Liturgy AND the Weekly Newsletter Editor

Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish Mission Statement

We are a multicultural, intergenerational Catholic parish community of people who through the help of the Eucharist, are on the journey to learning about, celebrating, serving and proclaiming our faith in the Risen Jesus.

Vision Statement

Our vision is transforming spirits, hearts and minds.

Core Values

We are welcoming, learning, believing, serving, celebrating,
understanding, sharing, diverse, community and focused on quality.

Goals

1). To have vibrant, welcoming liturgies.
2). To be an evangelizing community.
3). To reach out to youth.
4). To provide social justice education and outreach to the poor.

Memorial Mass for Sister Diane

Thursday, August 24, 2023 - 7 p.m

St. John Berchmans Church

All are welcome!

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord ...

The Eulogy of Sister Diane Marie
by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago

A little girl was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 30, 1950, to a Polish lady and an African American man who were not married. Her birth mother gave her the name Sharon Lee and placed her in St. Vincent’s Orphanage soon after birth.

This little girl was adopted by Delight Bessie and Ernest Joseph Collins and named Diane Leona. They had her baptized at St. Anselm Church on July 23, 1950. The adoption became final on April 24, 1951. She was their only child. Diane was four years old when her parents divorced and she and her mother moved to Gary, Indiana. The following years were very difficult, and Diane suffered immensely. Diane wrote the following in her short autobiography: “I believe that in some way every scar has made me more able to relate to, understand, and be compassionate toward all of those who have experienced emotional pain.”

Diane attended Sacred Heart School in Gary, Indiana and was taught by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago. Sister Joseph Marie Zenda was her 1st grade teacher. When Diane received the Sacrament of Confirmation on October 18, 1960, she took Rosetta for her Confirmation name. Diane credits the Sisters for the development of her faith and its importance in her life. As she reached the eighth grade Diane began to feel that she might like to do what the sisters did. She became an aspirant of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago after graduation from grade school and attended Madonna High School in Chicago, Illinois.

While attending Madonna High, Diane lived as a boarding student in the convent with nine other young women. The aspirancy closed at the end of her junior year of high school and she had to return home for her senior year. This was a very difficult year for Diane because she had to leave people and a place that she knew and where she felt comfortable. She had to adjust to being at home with her mother again. Her mother had remarried and at first Diane was not happy about this new person in her life. It took a little time, but Diane eventually came to know her stepfather, John, as a very kind and caring person.

In 1968, during her senior year at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, Indiana Diane said she felt like a puzzle piece that didn’t belong until she realized that it was up to her to reach out, meet people and get involved, and that is what she did to the point where she thoroughly enjoyed her senior year of high school She also had a great time working at Sears Roebuck and Co. in the credit department where she met all kinds of interesting people.

Diane kept in touch with the sisters and after graduation from Bishop Noll Institute she joined the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago on August 25, 1968. A year later on August 11th she entered the novitiate and received the name of Sister Diane Marie. Two years later, Sister made her First Profession of Vows on August 8, 1971, and her Final Profession on August 14, 1977.

In addition to classes on Scripture and the history of the congregation and the spirit of our foundress, Sister Diane Marie worked on obtaining a degree in English. On July 26, 1973, Sister graduated from Marillac College in St. Louis, Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts and was assigned to Madonna High School as an English teacher. While teaching others, she herself was a student at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois and in 1983 Sister graduated with a master’s degree in English.

During her years at Madonna High School Sister detected a need that wasn’t being fulfilled at Madonna for the students and their families. They would approach Sister with various problems that she felt lacking in sufficient skills to help them. Consequently, Sister asked for permission to return to school and obtain a degree in social work. On May 23, 1987, Sister Diane Marie obtained a degree of Master of Social Work from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.

During her 17 years at Madonna High School Sister, besides teaching, served as Parents Club Moderator, Student Council Moderator, Mother’s Club and Guitar Club, debate team, speech coach and even a year as Local Minister. Sister Diane Marie knew that her strength was in God and her favorite hymn was “Be Not Afraid”. She taught it to all her students. Sister liked the color green and everything Winnie the Pooh.

Sister Diane Marie came to Our Lady of Victory Convent, in Lemont, Illinois in 1991 and for the next three years Sister was the Vocation/Formation Director. In 1993 Sister Diane Marie was elected General Vicar and she served in this position for five years. For the next five years, 1998-2003, Sister served as a General Councilor and the General Secretary. From 1999-2002 Sister moved off campus when she was the Principal of Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, Indiana. In 2002 Sister returned to Lemont to help with the awesome task of moving into the new administration building and soon after helping to move all the Sisters and belongings into the new motherhouse

Sister Diane Marie served as General Minister for ten years, 2003-2013. During this time, she also was active in the Franciscan Federation as chairman of Region 3, 2004-2006, Second Vice president, 2006-2007, Vice president, 2007-2008 and President, 2008-2009.

During her many years in religious life Sister Diane Marie served as chair of St. Jude House Board of Directors for 18 years, 1995-2013. She also served as chair of Franciscan Village Board for five years and was a member of the St. Anthony Medical Center Board for six years. During her career she was a member of many boards and committees.
After a Sabbatical year in 2013 Sister Diane Marie accepted a ministry at the John Paul II Newman Center of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Here she served the students, professors, and staff as a campus minister. In 2019 she also became the Director of Campus Outreach and assisted the Newman Center staff and student volunteers in organizing the liturgy and music.

In June of that year, she left the University for a position at St. John Berchmans Parish where she became the Evangelization Director, RCIA Coordinator, and helped with Baptism preparations. When the threat of COVID abated in 2020, the children were invited to return to the parish elementary school. Sister took this occasion as an opportunity to welcome not only the children, but also their parents, when she positioned herself on the corner of the block where parents dropped off their youngsters in the morning and returned to pick them up in the late afternoon. She would smile and wave to them faithfully every school day.

Through the Archdiocesan program, Renew My Church, it became apparent that St. John Berchmans would be combined with St. Hedwig Parish. Sister played a major role in helping families adjust to this change and on June 1, 2022, the combined parishes became the new Bl. Carlos Acutis Parish. Sister also facilitated the Alpha Program, an intensive 10-week program which invites people to have honest conversations about life, faith, and meaning.

Sister Diane Marie organized the parish’s Prayer Warriors, who are volunteers that reach out to homebound seniors for spiritual wellness checks. She also served as a board member in the Avondale neighborhood community advocating for mental health services. Sister’s most creative evangelization effort was distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday at the neighborhood CTA Blue Line station to commuters traveling between O’Hare airport and downtown Chicago.

In the 54th year of religious life and at the age of 73, on August 3rd Sister Diane Marie died suddenly at her apartment in Chicago, Illinois. Her death wasn’t discovered until Friday, August 4, 2023. While it is a great shock to all those who love her, Sister is now with Jesus, her brother, whom she loved and served with all her heart. In her own words Sister Diane said that she “continues to learn that Jesus calls her in a unique way, day after day, to journey with others toward Himself.”

Raffle Ticket Sales for support of the Congregation of the Resurrection

This weekend, at ST. JOHN BERCHMANS, we will be selling raffle tickets to support the Senior Priests and Brothers and the Formation Program for the Congregation of the Resurrection. Tickets are $25 each or 6 for $100. Bring your return address labels to use on the ticket stubs. If you are not prepared to purchase the tickets we will have envelopes for you to mail them. The parish of the first place winner will receive a $500 bonus. If raffles are not your thing, a basket for donations will be available.

The 26^th Annual Gala will be on September 24 at Allegra Banquets in Schiller Park, Illinois. For dinner reservations call or email Brother Bill Hallas at: 773-320-5782 or [email protected].

Carlo's Salon

Join us every Thursday in the chapel at St. Hedwig Church, after the 8 a.m. Daily Mass, for “Carlo’s Salon”. Led by Fr. Gene, “Carlo’s Salon” is a discussion group among individuals who seek to learn more about the Bible, the sacraments, religion in general, and life itself. The next couple Thursdays will be devoted to an exploration of the Gospels of Mark and John. So bring a copy of the New Testament, and come join your friends!

Registration for the 2023-24 school year has begun.
To register for Religious Education Classes, please fill out this REGISTRATION FORM

Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish offers two-year preparation classes for the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation.

First Holy Communion class is for children 7 years of age and older
Confirmation is for children who are entering 7th grade or higher.

We also offer ongoing formation classes for the children who have received their Sacraments and are interested in continuing to learn more about their faith.

Our Religious Education Classes will begin Sunday, September 17, 2023. Classes meet weekly in person on Sunday mornings and include Mass participation at 11:00 am at the St. Hedwig Church Site. All classes are taught in English and use bilingual materials.

Tuition
$200 for one child $150 for each additional sibling(s)
$150 for each additional sibling(s)

La inscripción para el año escolar 2023-24 ha comenzado.
Para inscribirse en las clases de Educación Religiosa, complete este FORMULARIO DE INSCRIPCIÓN

La Parroquia del Beato Carlo Acutis ofrece clases de preparación de dos años para los Sacramentos de la Sagrada Comunión y la Confirmación.

La clase de Primera Comunión es para estudiantes de 7 años de edad y en adelante,
La confirmación es para estudiantes que ingresan a 7° grado o superior.

También ofrecemos clases de formación continua para los estudiantes que han recibido sus Sacramentos y están interesados en seguir aprendiendo más sobre su fe.

Nuestras clases de Educación Religiosa comenzarán el domingo 17 de septiembre de 2023. Los estudiantes de las clases se reúnen semanalmente en persona los domingos por la mañana e incluyen la participación en la Misa a las 11:00 am en la iglesia Santa Eduviges. Todas las clases se imparten en inglés y utilizan materiales bilingües.

Matrícula
$200 por un niño
$150 por cada hermano(s) adicional(es)

The food pantry will be open on Mondays 1-3 p.m. You can drop off any donations to 2517 W. Logan blvd between the hours of 9-3 pm M-F, or on Sundays in the bins at the back of the church. More updates will be coming as we move along. Thank you.

BCAP - Weekly Mass
Sacraments and Devotional Schedule

*All are celebrated at St. Hedwig Church, except Wednesday's Daily Mass*

Daily Mass
8:00 a.m. Monday, Tuesday; Thursday - Saturday
8:30 a.m. Wednesday - St. John Berchmans Church

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
After the 8 a.m. Mass on the FIRST WEDNESDAY of the Month.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m
Saturdays at 4:15 p.m.

Eucharistic Adoration
7:30 a.m.–8:00 a.m. – Monday through Saturday

Holy Hour - (En Español)
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. – Tuesday

Circulo de Oracion - (En Español)
Reflection, Prayer and Singing / Reflexión, Oración y Canto
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Friday
7:00 p.m. - 9 p.m. - Friday

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. – Tuesday

Novena to St. Peregrine
Novena to the patron saint for persons suffering from cancer,
AIDS or other chronic illnesses.
8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. – First Wednesday of the Month

Litany of the Sacred Heart
7:45 a.m.–8:00 a.m. – First Friday of the Month

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
7:45 a.m.–9:00 a.m. – Saturday

DOLMA – Rosary and Our Lady of Manaoag Novena
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. – First Saturday of the Month

Rosario y Consagración a Nuestra Virgen De Guadalupe
12:30 p.m. – Primer Domingo

“The Virgin Mary is the only woman in my life.”

Pope Francis is cautioning people not to get accustomed to the war in Ukraine, and is calling for the faithful to keep those suffering "this tragic reality" in our hearts and prayers. "The thought of the people of Ukraine, afflicted by war, should remain vivid in our hearts." Please continue to pray for them.

Online Book of Intentions

Praying for each other's intentions is an important part of our parish life. If you would like the parish to pray for your intention, please write the intention in a sentence or two in this Online "Book of Intentions." These intentions will be remembered in our intercessions at our Sunday masses. Click HERE

Please pray for the Sick of our Parish

Fr. Paul Reicher, Reynaldo Sanchez, Rachel Mauricio Elizar, Charlene Herda, Doreen Maneely, Anna Mann, Nicole Vilches, Karel O’Brien, Angela Rivera, Mary Anne Sedey, Linda Klickmann, Barbara Durbin, Danny Olivero, Junior Burgos, Dolores Kryszak, Joseph Price, Teresa Ellison, Tallulah Andresen, Robert Bauer, Antionette Krerowicz, Ana Flores, Apolonio Alarcon, Antonio de Vera, Patricio A. Yanez Guerra, Manglio Bonilla Gail, Jason & Family, Daniel Brady, Cyndi De Lira, Carolyn S. Duckunue, Transito Alvarez, Frances Alequin, Alejandro Carmona, Sophie Hernan, Eleanor Jura, Monika Kloniecka, Joseph Wyse, Verena Tonnesen, Berenice Sosnowski, Nick Jurado, Jackie Schuman, Terry Brady, Salomea Olszewska, Hertha Runowski, Angie Schuman, John Graff, Joseph Murphy, Linda Riske, Margaret Flisiak, Jazzmyne Aguilar, Hailey Marose, Sarah Ellison, Nancy Idaszak, Sally Cox, Eleanor Rylko, Nancy, Brian, Jimmy Denges, & Crystal Mohetano.

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August 23rd - Weekly Newsletter

BCAP - Weekly Mass Sacraments and Devotional Schedule

BCAP - Weekly Mass
Sacraments and Devotional Schedule