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Ash Wednesday Schedule

2/22/2023

 
Picture

February 15th Weekly Newsletter

2/17/2023

 
Food Pantry UPDATE, Lenten Movie Event, Ash Wednesday Schedule and more ...
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know what is the hope
that belongs to his call.

Dear Friends, 

Happy Wednesday everyone, another Wednesday is upon us ...

Annual Catholic Appeal - Thank you to everyone who made a pledge or donated to the Annual Catholic Appeal last weekend. If you have not already done so, please prayerfully consider making a donation to help those in need throughout the city and archdiocese.

BCAP Food Pantry is in NEED - Just a reminder that donating to the Food Pantry isn't a one time thing. Food and other necessities are CONSTANTLY needed. See below for our most current needs.

Lenten Movie Event "The Chosen" - Join us on Mondays OR Tuesdays during Lent as we watch the TV Series "The Chosen". See below for more information!

Ash Wednesday - NEXT Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, and there are MANY options for you to chose from to receive ashes. Please see the flyer below, and consider starting your Lenten Journey by coming to church.


Being Catholic - Did you know?! - Farewell to the Alleluia!
This Sunday we bid a fond farewell to the Gloria and the Alleluia as they go away during the Season of Lent. Read more about it below ...

Catholic Update & Little Black Book - Don't forget to pick one up this weekend!

Neighborhood Safety Meeting - The 14th District is hosting a Neighborhood Safety Meeting next Wednesday, February 22nd from 6:30 - 8 p.m. in the SJB Parish Hall.


MASKS are still OPTIONAL, BUT ...  With Covid and the Flu on the rise, please use your best judgement when it comes to your own safety and the safety of others, and do not come to church if you are feeling ill. As always, be kind and respectful to one another if the person choses or not to wear a mask. Remember, we're all in this together!

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.

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. If you would like to add you someone's name to the sick list, please email the Parish Office. Please also email us when it's ok to remove them from the sick list. This helps to ensure our list is up to date.

We hope to see you at one of the Masses this weekend, wear a mask or not, and don't forget to bring a friend or two!! 
 
God Bless, see you in Church!
Michael White, Director of Music and Liturgy AND 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.

 
Your input is welcome.
Please send suggestions to Father Paul Sims, C.R. at 
pasims@ameritech.net.
Client Choice Food Pantry

Please see the updated list of needs...

IN ADDITION TO FOOD ...  Because peoples needs are more than just food, we are now collecting the following (new or gently used) items for our Immigrant brothers and sisters.  Coats, Winter Clothes, Jeans, Shoes, Blankets, Towels, Sheets, Pots/Pans, and Utensils. 

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.
Please Make Your Gift to the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal
Walking on the road with Jesus
 
There’s still time to join us in supporting our parish’s vital work through the Annual
Catholic Appeal. Gifts of all sizes make a difference. Please consider giving today at
annualcatholicappeal.com.

 
Please prayerfully consider your gift to the ACA. And remember, once we meet our parish goal, we get to keep the rest of the funds!!
Click HERE to register online.
Don't forget to pick up a "Catholic Update" entitled Ash Wednesday, our shifting understanding of Lent. As well as a "Little Black Book" ... containing 6 minute reflections on the Passion according to St. Matthew for each day of Lent.

They will be available in BOTH English & Spanish!

The Etymology of Lent

“Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencton – meaning “spring” or “lengthening” from the time of year when the days grow long. Some believe that the word “Lent” may derive from the Latin lentare, which means “to bend.” This understanding reinforces a sense of Lent as a time of preparation for personal and collective transformation. Having nurtured ourselves through Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, Lent becomes the time to look truthfully at ourselves and make changes.

Putting away Alleluia

The Church has the custom of not speaking or singing the word “Alleluia” during Lent. Alleluias are joyful proclamations, which we put away during the more contemplative season of Lent. Putting it away for Lent is like putting away a favorite toy for a while – to appreciate it better later. Churches often take banners down; eliminate flowers in the sanctuary. Our Sunday readings and prayers take on a more penitential tone.

~ Building Faith

“Not me, but God.”
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, 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, Daniel Salas, Eleanor Rylko, Nancy, Brian, Jimmy Denges, & Crystal Mohetano.
Please follow us on our Social Media platforms
by clicking the links below!
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Family Potluck

2/16/2023

 
Picture
Join us for fellowship and fun to celebrate Mardi Gras on Feb 21 at 5:30 pm in the SJB Church Hall. Dress in colors of Mardi Gras - purple, green, and gold. Dig out those Halloween costumes and come ready to let the good times roll. There will be activities for children. Please bring a dish to share. All are welcome!

February 8th - Weekly Newsletter

2/9/2023

 
Lenten Movie Event, Ash Wednesday Schedule, and more ...
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Your word, O Lord, is truth:
consecrate us in the truth.

Dear Friends, 

Happy Wednesday everyone, hope you had a swell day ...

Annual Catholic Appeal - This weekend is the "in pew" pledge process after we listen to the Cardinal's Homily. Please prayerfully consider making a donation to help those in need throughout the city and archdiocese.

BCAP Food Pantry - A big THANK YOU to all who have donated food and clothing to the Parish Food Pantry. Next time you go to the store, consider picking up an extra bag OR TWO of RICE!

Lenten Movie Event "The Chosen" - Join us on Mondays OR Tuesdays during Lent as we watch the TV Series "The Chosen". See below for more information!

Ash Wednesday - Hard to believe it, but Ash Wednesday is two weeks away! There are MANY options for you to chose from, please consider starting your Lenten Journey by coming to church (or the "L" Station).


MASKS are still OPTIONAL, BUT ...  With Covid and the Flu on the rise, please use your best judgement when it comes to your own safety and the safety of others, and do not come to church if you are feeling ill. As always, be kind and respectful to one another if the person choses or not to wear a mask. Remember, we're all in this together!

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.

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. If you would like to add you someone's name to the sick list, please email the Parish Office. Please also email us when it's ok to remove them from the sick list. This helps to ensure our list is up to date.

We hope to see you at one of the Masses this weekend, wear a mask or not, and don't forget to bring a friend or two!! 
 
God Bless, see you in Church!
Michael White, Director of Music and Liturgy AND 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.

 
Your input is welcome.
Please send suggestions to Father Paul Sims, C.R. at 
pasims@ameritech.net.
Our BCAP food pantry is now a CLIENT CHOICE!

A Client Choice based food pantry allows people to select their own food instead of being given food that they already have, don't like or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.
 
WE NEED RICE AND TOILETRIES the most at the moment.

IN ADDITION TO FOOD ... We are now collecting the following (new or gently used) items for our Immigrant brothers and sisters in need.  Coats, Winter Clothes, Jeans, Shoes, Blankets, Towels, Sheets, Pots/Pans, and Utensils. 

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 back of either of our churches.
Please Make Your Gift to the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal
Walking on the road with Jesus
 
Help us help others—gifts to the Annual Catholic Appeal support parish ministries like food pantries and soup kitchens. The Appeal also supports Catholic school education for students who wish to have a faith-filled educational experience. Don’t delay and make your gift online today: annualcatholicappeal.com."
 
Please prayerfully consider your gift to the ACA. And remember, once we meet our parish goal, we get to keep the rest of the funds!!
Click HERE to register online.
Saint of the Day for February 11
Our Lady of Lourdes

The Story of Our Lady of Lourdes

On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in the apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus. A little more than three years later, on February 11, 1858, a young lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous. This began a series of visions. During the apparition on March 25, the lady identified herself with the words: “I am the Immaculate Conception.”

Bernadette was a sickly child of poor parents. Their practice of the Catholic faith was scarcely more than lukewarm. Bernadette could pray the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Creed. She also knew the prayer of the Miraculous Medal: “O Mary conceived without sin.”

During interrogations Bernadette gave an account of what she saw. It was “something white in the shape of a girl.” She used the word aquero, a dialect term meaning “this thing.” It was “a pretty young girl with a rosary over her arm.” Her white robe was encircled by a blue girdle. She wore a white veil. There was a yellow rose on each foot. A rosary was in her hand. Bernadette was also impressed by the fact that the lady did not use the informal form of address (tu), but the polite form (vous). The humble virgin appeared to a humble girl and treated her with dignity.

Through that humble girl, Mary revitalized and continues to revitalize the faith of millions of people. People began to flock to Lourdes from other parts of France and from all over the world. In 1862 Church authorities confirmed the authenticity of the apparitions and authorized the cult of Our Lady of Lourdes for the diocese. The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes became worldwide in 1907.
Reflection

Lourdes has become a place of pilgrimage and healing, but even more of faith. Church authorities have recognized over 60 miraculous cures, although there have probably been many more. To people of faith this is not surprising. It is a continuation of Jesus’ healing miracles—now performed at the intercession of his mother. Some would say that the greater miracles are hidden. Many who visit Lourdes return home with renewed faith and a readiness to serve God in their needy brothers and sisters.

There still may be people who doubt the apparitions of Lourdes. Perhaps the best that can be said to them are the words that introduce the film The Song of Bernadette: “For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.”

Our Lady of Lourdes is the Patron Saint of:

Relief from Physical Illness

~ Franciscan Media

“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, 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, Daniel Salas, Eleanor Rylko, Nancy, Brian, Jimmy Denges, & Crystal Mohetano.

Requiescat in Pace

Marie Elizabeth Shober
Eternal rest, grant unto her, O LORD. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and all the souls of the faithfully departed, rest in peace.
Please follow us on our Social Media platforms
by clicking the links below!
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Lenten Viewing Event THE CHOSEN

2/8/2023

 
Picture
Flex your 'Faith Muscle' this Lent as we view and discuss the First Season of "The Chosen". This groundbreaking TV Series is a soul piercing glance at the everyday lives of Jesus and his followers.

Monday's OR Tuesday's during Lent
Monday, Feb. 20 - April 3: 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the SJB Church Hall
Tuesday, Feb. 21 - April 4: 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the SJB Rectory

Please RSVP here or call the SJB Rectory at 773.486.4300 if you're interested in attending.

Light Refreshments will be served.

February 1st - Weekly Newsletter

2/2/2023

 
Blessing of Throats this weekend, Catholic Social Teaching, Annual Catholic Appeal, and more ...
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.

Dear Friends, 

Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit ... Happy Wednesday everyone, and welcome to February! While it is still rather cold outside, we can rejoice that the Sun decided to grace us with it's presence!!

Happy Birthday Fr. Tom - Today is our Pastor, Fr. Tom's birthday ... Be sure to wish him a HBD if you see him this weekend! The SJB School students surprised him by singing "Happy Birthday" to him this morning at the School Mass.
Sto lat! (100 years!)


Blessing of Throats - Throats will be blessed after all Masses this weekend! Check out this week's "Did you know?" for the background of St. Blaise and the Blessing of Throats.

Catholic Social Teaching 101 - How are we called as a faith community to respond to the signs of our times? Come to this presentation by BCAP Parishioner Joyana Dvorak THIS SUNDAY, Feb 5 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.  More info below ...

Annual Catholic Appeal - the Archdiocesan Annual Catholic kicks off this weekend, and the "in pew" collection is NEXT Weekend. Please prayerfully consider making a donation to help those in need throughout the city and archdiocese.


BCAP Food Pantry is in need of Food and clothing- The Parish Food Pantry is constantly evolving to meet those who are in need. Please see the information below on what has changed, and what is needed!

MASKS are still OPTIONAL, BUT ...  With Covid and the Flu on the rise, please use your best judgement when it comes to your own safety and the safety of others, and do not come to church if you are feeling ill. As always, be kind and respectful to one another if the person choses or not to wear a mask. Remember, we're all in this together!

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.

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. If you would like to add you someone's name to the sick list, please email the Parish Office. Please also email us when it's ok to remove them from the sick list. This helps to ensure our list is up to date.

We hope to see you at one of the Masses this weekend, wear a mask or not, and don't forget to bring a friend or two!! 
 
God Bless, see you in Church!
Michael White, Director of Music and Liturgy AND 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.

 
Your input is welcome.
Please send suggestions to Father Paul Sims, C.R. at 
pasims@ameritech.net.
Our BCAP food pantry is now a CLIENT CHOICE!

A Client Choice based food pantry allows people to select their own food instead of being given food that they already have, don't like or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Next time you go to Costco, or your favorite grocery store, please remember some of the stuff on this list and consider donating to the Parish food pantry.

IN ADDITION TO FOOD ... We are now collecting the following (new or gently used) items for our Immigrant brothers and sisters in need.  Coats, Winter Clothes, Jeans, Shoes, Blankets, Towels, Sheets, Pots/Pans, and Utensils. 

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 back of either of our churches.
Please Make Your Gift to the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal
Walking on the road with Jesus
 
Many families in our parish will be receiving the Annual Catholic Appeal mailing from
Cardinal Cupich. On behalf of those served by the ministries, parishes and schools who
receive funding from the Appeal, we thank you for your gifts. Please return your response
as soon as possible. The Annual Catholic Appeal offers a wonderful opportunity to answer
the call “Walking on the road with Jesus.” We encourage giving at all levels to support this
initiative. In addition to providing for ministries and services throughout the archdiocese,
the Annual Catholic Appeal funds services in our own parish. For example, Appeal funds
have supported Liturgical Ministers training and resources.

When we financially support the work of our parish, our archdiocese and the Catholic
Church throughout the world, we experience a feeling of deep gratitude, especially when
we contemplate God’s many gifts to us personally. By sharing our wealth through gifts to
the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal, we demonstrate our commitment to the Church and
each other.

 
Please prayerfully consider your gift to the ACA. And remember, once we meet our parish goal, we get to keep the rest of the funds!!
Being Catholic - Did you know?!
St. Blaise and Blessing of the Throats

 
Some sacramentals have become very closely associated with the church year, occurring on the same day each year. An example of one such popular sacramental ritual is the blessing of throats on the Feast of St. Blaise, February 3rd. This Bishop saint suffered martyrdom early in the 4th century. Legends say that he was a physician before becoming a bishop. While in prison he miraculously cured a young boy who was choking from a fish bone in his throat. St. Blaise became one of the most popular saints during the Middle Ages, being invoked as a helper in times of sickness related to the throat. The tradition of blessing the throats of parishioners with two crossed candles has been popular for centuries. The ritual prayer is: "Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may the Lord free you from evils of the throat and from any other evil."

~ Greg Dues "Catholic Customs and Traditions

Saint of the Day for February 2
The Presentation of the Lord


The Story of the Presentation of the Lord

At the end of the fourth century, a woman named Etheria made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Her journal, discovered in 1887, gives an unprecedented glimpse of liturgical life there. Among the celebrations she describes is the Epiphany, the observance of Christ’s birth, and the gala procession in honor of his Presentation in the Temple 40 days later. Under the Mosaic Law, a woman was ritually “unclean” for 40 days after childbirth, when she was to present herself to the priests and offer sacrifice—her “purification.” Contact with anyone who had brushed against mystery—birth or death—excluded a person from Jewish worship. This feast emphasizes Jesus’ first appearance in the Temple more than Mary’s purification.
The observance spread throughout the Western Church in the fifth and sixth centuries. Because the Church in the West celebrated Jesus’ birth on December 25, the Presentation was moved to February 2, 40 days after Christmas.

At the beginning of the eighth century, Pope Sergius inaugurated a candlelight procession; at the end of the same century the blessing and distribution of candles which continues to this day became part of the celebration, giving the feast its popular name: Candlemas.


Reflection

In Luke’s account, Jesus was welcomed in the temple by two elderly people, Simeon and the widow Anna. They embody Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Early references to the Roman feast dub it the feast of Saint Simeon, the old man who burst into a song of joy which the Church still sings at day’s end.


~ Franciscan Media

“By standing before the Eucharistic Christ, we become holy.”
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, 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, Daniel Salas, Eleanor Rylko, Nancy, Brian, Jimmy Denges, & Crystal Mohetano.
Please follow us on our Social Media platforms
by clicking the links below!
Website
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
View this email in your browser
Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*

Our mailing address is:
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|*

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Walking on the road with Jesus

2/1/2023

 
Picture
​Many families in our parish will be receiving the Annual Catholic Appeal mailing from​ Cardinal Cupich. On behalf of those served by the ministries, parishes and schools who​ receive funding from the Appeal, we thank you for your gifts.
​Please return your response
​ ​as soon as possible. The Annual Catholic Appeal offers a wonderful opportunity to answer​ the call “Walking on the road with Jesus.” We encourage giving at all levels to support this​ initiative. In addition to providing for ministries and services throughout the archdiocese,​ the Annual Catholic Appeal funds services in our own parish. For example, Appeal funds​ have supported Liturgical Ministers training and resources.
When we financially support the work of our parish, our archdiocese and the Catholic​ Church throughout the world, we experience a feeling of deep gratitude, especially when​ we contemplate God’s many gifts to us personally. By sharing our wealth through gifts to​ the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal, we demonstrate our commitment to the Church and​ each other.
 
Please prayerfully consider your gift to the ACA. And remember, once we meet our parish goal, we get to keep the rest of the funds! Please donate here

January 25th - Weekly Newsletter

1/26/2023

 
Kick off for Catholic Schools Week, Food Pantry needs CLOTHES, Did you know? And more ...
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.

Dear Friends, 

Happy Wednesday everyone! Hope everyone is surviving the snow out there ...

Catholic Schools Week - We will "kick off" Catholic Schools Week THIS Sunday at the 9:45 a.m. Mass. Immediately after Mass, there will be an OPEN HOUSE showcasing our School and the work of our students. Come one, come all, celebrate our great school!

 
BCAP Client Choice Food Pantry - The Parish Food Pantry is constantly evolving to meet those who are in need. Please see the information below on what has changed, and what is needed!

IN ADDITION TO FOOD ... We are now collecting the following (new or gently used) items for our Immigrant brothers and sisters in need.  Coats, Winter Clothes, Jeans, Shoes, Blankets, Towels, Sheets, Pots/Pans, and Utensils.  So far about 40 men have showed up, and they desperately need our help ... they need more than food. If you're able in any way, items can be dropped off at the SJB Rectory. (M-F, 9 am - 3 pm)


Bagged Meal Distribution - We need your help! Food is being prepared for the hungry, unhoused and less fortunate, but we need your help to distribute the food. See below for more info ...

Catholic Social Teaching 101 - How are we called as a faith community to respond to the signs of our times? Come to this presentation by BCAP Parishioner Joyana Dvorak on Feb 5 and find out. More info below ...


MASKS are still OPTIONAL, BUT ...  With Covid and the Flu on the rise, please use your best judgement when it comes to your own safety and the safety of others, and do not come to church if you are feeling ill. As always, be kind and respectful to one another if the person choses or not to wear a mask. Remember, we're all in this together!

Being Catholic - Did you know?! - Many of us grew up attending Catholic School, or CCD classes, etc ..., and knew "about" things, but we didn't really remember what they're called or knew the meaning behind a word/phrase. In this weekly newsletter, we will feature a "Did you know?!" It will sometimes be a word, or a place, or an object related to our Catholic Faith. So, did you know ... ?

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.

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. If you would like to add you someone's name to the sick list, please email the Parish Office. Please also email us when it's ok to remove them from the sick list. This helps to ensure our list is up to date.

We hope to see you at one of the Masses this weekend, wear a mask or not, and don't forget to bring a friend or two!! 
 
God Bless, see you in Church!
Michael White, Director of Music and Liturgy AND 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.

 
Your input is welcome.
Please send suggestions to Father Paul Sims, C.R. at 
pasims@ameritech.net.
Our BCAP food pantry is now a CLIENT CHOICE!

A Client Choice based food pantry allows people to select their own food instead of being given food that they already have, don't like or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Next time you go to Costco, or your favorite grocery store, please remember some of the stuff on this list and consider donating to the Parish food pantry.

IN ADDITION TO FOOD ... We are now collecting the following (new or gently used) items for our Immigrant brothers and sisters in need.  Coats, Winter Clothes, Jeans, Shoes, Blankets, Towels, Sheets, Pots/Pans, and Utensils. 

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 back of either of our churches.
Bagged Meal Distribution
We need your help feeding the hungry, unhoused and less fortunate.
 
SJB students are making food bags and uplifting messages for those less fortunate, but we need help getting it to those that need it. Please consider volunteering to drop off these packages at nearby homeless encampments and migrant worker hubs. The food can be picked up at the SJB Church Hall between 8:45-9 am or 3-6 pm.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact FOSJBCares@stjohnberchmans.org. If you are interested, please sign up using the signup genius below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0949aba62ba0f4c52-sack1/31035747#/
Being Catholic - Did you know?!
The Liturgy of the Word

 
Last week, we talked about the "Introductory Rites," the beginning of Mass. Once these Rites are concluded, and we all sit down to listen to the readings from Scripture ... we officially move into "The Liturgy of the Word."

The Liturgy of the Word  is the first main part of the Mass. We start with a reading from the Old Testament, except during the Easter Season when we hear from the Acts of the Apostles.

After this first reading, at least during the Sunday Mass, the Cantor leads us in the singing of a Psalm or Canticle. This is called the Responsorial Psalm because it is done in a 'call and response' format where the Cantor sings something and we all respond back to them.

A reading from the New Testament comes next, followed by a Gospel Acclamation which is usually an Alleluia (from the Hebrew 'Praise the Lord',) except during Lent where we refrain from using the "A" word. (That's another topic when we get closer to Lent!)

The Gospel, proclaimed by the Priest or Deacon, is followed by the Homily.

We profess our faith with the Nicene Creed, and the Liturgy of the Word concludes with the Universal Prayer aka the Petitions, where we ask God to "hear our prayer."

As the Gifts are brought forth and the Altar is prepared, we move into the other main part of the Mass ... the Liturgy of the Eucharist. (We'll save that for another time...)

Saint of the Day for January 25
The Conversion of St. Paul


The Story of the Conversion of Saint Paul

Saint Paul’s entire life can be explained in terms of one experience—his meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus. In an instant, he saw that all the zeal of his dynamic personality was being wasted, like the strength of a boxer swinging wildly. Perhaps he had never seen Jesus, who was only a few years older. But he had acquired a zealot’s hatred of all Jesus stood for, as he began to harass the Church: “…entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment” (Acts 8:3b). Now he himself was “entered,” possessed, all his energy harnessed to one goal—being a slave of Christ in the ministry of reconciliation, an instrument to help others experience the one Savior.

One sentence determined his theology: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5b). Jesus was mysteriously identified with people—the loving group of people Saul had been running down like criminals. Jesus, he saw, was the mysterious fulfillment of all he had been blindly pursuing.

From then on, his only work was to “present everyone perfect in Christ. For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me” (Colossians 1:28b-29). “For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and [with] much conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5a).

Paul’s life became a tireless proclaiming and living out of the message of the cross: Christians die baptismally to sin and are buried with Christ; they are dead to all that is sinful and unredeemed in the world. They are made into a new creation, already sharing Christ’s victory and someday to rise from the dead like him. Through this risen Christ the Father pours out the Spirit on them, making them completely new.

So Paul’s great message to the world was: You are saved entirely by God, not by anything you can do. Saving faith is the gift of total, free, personal and loving commitment to Christ, a commitment that then bears fruit in more “works” than the Law could ever contemplate.


Reflection

Paul is undoubtedly hard to understand. His style often reflects the rabbinical style of argument of his day, and often his thought skips on mountaintops while we plod below. But perhaps our problems are accentuated by the fact that so many beautiful jewels have become part of the everyday coin in our Christian language.

~ Franciscan Media

“By standing before the Eucharistic Christ, we become holy.”
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, 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, Daniel Salas, Eleanor Rylko, Nancy, Brian, Jimmy Denges, & Crystal Mohetano.
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Volunteers Needed

1/20/2023

 
Picture
We need your help feeding the hungry, unhoused and less fortunate. SJB students will make food bags and uplifting messages for those less fortunate, but we need help getting it to those that need it. Please consider volunteering to drop off these packages at nearby homeless encampments and migrant worker hubs. The food can be picked up at the SJB Church Hall at 2517 W. Logan Blvd. between 8:45-9 am or 3-6 pm. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact FOSJBCares@stjohnberchmans.org. If you are interested, please sign up using the signup genius here.

We need your help

1/20/2023

 
Picture
​Our BCAP food pantry is now a CLIENT CHOICE food pantry, which allows clients to select their own food. With this method, clients do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

IN ADDITION TO FOOD ... We are now collecting the following (new or gently used) items for our Immigrant brothers and sisters in need.  Coats, Winter Clothes, Jeans, Shoes, Blankets, Towels, Sheets, Pots/Pans, and Utensils.  So far about 40 men have showed up, and they desperately need our help ... they need more than food. If you're able in any way, items can be dropped off at the SJB Rectory. (M-F, 9 am - 3 pm)

Amazingly, we have recently been able to supply food in great numbers to those that need it and now we need your help to keep it stocked! Please consider donating any of these needed items! You can drop any donations at 2517 W. Logan blvd between 9-3pm M-F or on Sundays at the back of either of our churches.
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