From Father Michael . . .
(Queue dramatic voice.) "If you had one week to live, what would you do?" This was a frequent conversation starter among my high school friends. The responses varied from traveling the world and seeing the seven wonders, to spending time with family before our untimely demise. As much as it was a morbid question to ask in high school, it was meant to remove all distractions and point us to desires of the heart.
Every year as we approach the end of the liturgical season of Ordinary Time and move toward Advent, our Sunday readings turn toward the end of days or end times. In our Gospel we read, "All that you see here, the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another…" This points to the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple which itself represents the cosmos. What is even more striking, however, is Jesus' response as to when this will occur: "Nation will rise against nation…there will be… famines, and plagues." According to Christ's description, it may seem that we are fast approaching the second coming of Christ and the end of time.
However, the reason the Church has selected these readings is no different than the question we asked in high school. The Church is desiring for us to remove any and all distractions and have us turn to that which is most important — Our Lord.
Certainly, there are few who help us to do this very thing, like our seminarians—young men who show us that God is still very much alive and very much calling us to lay down our lives in service to God and our brothers and sisters. That’s why this weekend we are hearing a testimony from our seminarian, Jonathan Hernandez, in collaboration with our Diocesan Seminary Endowment Weekend. I truly believe that those who pursue religious vocations have the ability to point us past this world and point us to the Lord. Please continue to pray for our priests and religious, but also for more young men to answer the call to the priesthood. May we support them as they prepare to spiritually support us, our families, and our future generations.
Father Michael
We look forward to seeing you at Our Lady of Mercy taking part in many of the offerings we have, or maybe when you stop by and visit Jesus at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, at daily Mass during the week, or during Eucharistic Adoration.
Supporting Future Priests through the I Will Give You Shepherds Campaign 11/12 & 11/13
- Priests are essential to our Catholic faith, as only these holy men can transform bread and wine into the life-giving Body and Blood of Christ. Although the number of priests has been on the decline for decades, the Diocese of Joliet has been blessed with an abundance of vocations to the priesthood.
- Currently, our diocese has 23 men in seminary formation, including our seminarian intern Jonathan Hernandez, which costs $50,000 a year per seminarian. To ensure we are always able to support our seminarians both prayerfully and financially, the Diocese of Joliet has launched the I Will Give You Shepherds campaign.
- At Masses on 11/12 & 11/13, our parish will take up a second collection for this campaign. Gifts will be invested in an endowment designated specifically for seminarian education.
- Please prayerfully consider supporting this second collection. To learn more about this campaign, or to make a gift online, please go to jolietdioceseappeal.org.
Healing Hearts Ministry on 11/14
- Join others for a time of sharing, prayer and a self-care activity that will focus on gratitude and having a thankful heart on Monday, November 14 from 7pm to 8:30pm in Room 218 in the Parish Life Center. The time together is meant to improve the health and wellness of the mind, body and spirit. If you have any questions, contact Janice Hurtado Aeppli at 312-217-7872.
Bible Study on Mama Mary on 11/15
- What a great way to prepare our hearts to herald Jesus' birth than to go through a Biblical Walk With the Blessed Mother. Get to know the only woman who knew Jesus the best and the one to whom God had entrusted His most precious and only begotten Son.
𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 | Tuesdays starting 11/8th @ 7pm ending in January
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙩 | Joe Wiacek or Joe Glasgow for questions at joewiacek@gmail.com or jglasgowjr@gmail.com
𝙋𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙮 𝙂𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙚 @ | Ascension Press Website
𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 | Register here so we are prepared to welcome you - The Better We Know Mary, the Better We Will Know Her Son
Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother is an extraordinary pilgrimage that reveals Mary’s unique role in God’s kingdom and in our lives. Filmed on location in the Holy Land, Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother will place you in the midst of the powerful drama of her earthly life, taking you through her joys … and her sorrows. You will learn how she works in our lives today, drawing us ever closer to her divine Son. Seeing Mary in this way will change you forever. Mary will become a part of your daily life, and in your daily life, you will become more like Christ.
Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group continues on 11/15
- 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) there are so many good reasons to join this fun awesome group! Want more information? Sign up HERE
Salt & Light hosts the Presence—The Mystery of the Eucharist 11/16
- Every Sunday, we get to witness a miracle. Sometimes it can be difficult to wrap our minds and hearts around this fact. Dive deeper into this six-week study from the Augustine Institute, and see why this mystery is Jesus’ greatest gift to us. Come to the "𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁"
- With 𝗗𝗿. 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗿𝗶, 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗱, 𝗧𝗶𝗺 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗵𝗻, 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗳𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲; watch them with beautiful film-making and powerful teaching, the PRESENCE series will move your heart; 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝘀 @ 𝟳:𝟯𝟬𝗽𝗺.𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞! Register now
Hesed Coffeehouse Chats on 11/16
- Interested volunteers that want to learn more about Hesed House are invited to stop by anytime to "Hesed Coffeehouse Chats" on Weds 11/16th from 4pm to 6pm at Panera at 2775 Showplace Drive, Naperville.
- Connect with fellow volunteers to share ideas and experiences and to answer any questions.
- Please RSVP so they are prepared to welcome you to Adam Zapfel azapfel@hesedhouse.org
Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry 11/16
- This month’s Mobile Food Pantry is on Weds 11/16th 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!
Alpha & OCIA 11/17
- We are nearing the end of our journey of faith at Alpha as we head into our 11th gathering centering on "How Can I Make the Most of the Rest of My Life?"
- Please keep our participants in your prayers as they especially those who are making a return to the Catholic faith and are becoming Catholic, as they become no longer guests but part of God's family here at Our Lady of Mercy!
An Invitation from Father Hugh on His 50th Anniversary of Priesthood on 11/19
- I would like to invite all of you to celebrate my 50th Anniversary as a priest at the 4pm Mass on Saturday, November 19 at Our Lady of Mercy Church. I was your pastor from 2000 to 2017 and you will always be a big part of my life. Please join me as we celebrate on November 19. There will be a reception after Mass in the Parish Life Center. Please RSVP if you will be attending the reception by a text to (312) 699-6871.
May God’s love always be with you!
Peace,
Father Hugh Fullmer
Fair Trade Sale on 11/19 & 11/20
- Come see items for your home, unique Christmas gifts - support Fair Trade - artisans receive a just living, and are able to provide for their families.
Donuts and Coffee on 11/20
- Stop by the PLC after the 8am and 10am Masses on 11/20th for Donuts, Coffee & Fellowship. See you there!
Catholic Campaign for Human Development on 11/20
- Dear Friends,
Our diocese will soon will take up the national collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), which serves as the U.S. bishops’ anti-poverty initiative.
Helping our brothers and sisters living on the margins has always been a key element of Catholic social teaching. I’m reminded of Pope Francis’ words when he visited a homeless shelter in Rome: “To love God and neighbor is not something abstract, but profoundly concrete: it means seeing in every person the face of the Lord to be served, to serve him concretely.” (Visit at the “Dono di Maria” homeless shelter: Meeting with the Missionaries of Charity, the poor and volunteers, May 21, 2013)
It’s important to remember that 25% of the CCHD collection stays within our diocese to be distributed through grants to local organizations whose mission is to help the marginalized. Let me tell you about one of those groups.
Children’s Art and Recreation Enrichment Services (C.A.R.E.S.) in Pembroke Township provides community events focused on arts, recreation and education for children and families. The organization’s “Focus on the Family” project features monthly classes centered on parenting skills that conclude with a family meal.
The motto of CCHD is that it “offers a hand up, not a hand out.” Let us extend our hands in service to our brothers and sisters who need our help through a donation on the weekend of November 19-20.
Paz y bien,
Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks
Bishop of Joliet
Angel Giving Program starts 11/26 & 11/27
- This year's program benefits those individuals assisted by SVDP, Hesed House & Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry. Here are the following ways you can assist families in need over the holidays.
- Pick-up a stocking after any of the masses the weekend of November 26/27. Fill your stocking with stuffers & return it to the bin by the Welcome Desk or to the Main Office by Sunday 12/11! Benefits kids @ Aurora Food Pantry.
- Monetary donations can be made under the Angel Giving Fund via our online giving portal or via check made payable to Our Lady of Mercy with "Angel Giving" in the memo for tax purposes. Accepted thru 12/31.
13th Annual Ladies Advent Tea on 11/27
- Praying with JOY During Advent: What is the Christ Child yearning to share with you this Advent Season? is the theme of the 13th Ladies’ Advent Tea on Sunday, November 27 from 2pm to 4:30pm.
- Ladies ages 16 and older, are invited to attend; bring your best gal friends with you!
- After the prayer experiences and sharing there will be time for fellowship and light refreshments. Please bring your favorite tea cup or coffee mug for your beverage and a dozen sweets to share on a disposable plate. There will be a catered appetizer.
- Please register with Jolene LeRoy by 11/21st by calling 331-707-5382 or by email at jolenel@olmercy.com.
Grief Support on 11/28
- The monthly grief support session is on Monday, November 28 from 11am to 12:30pm in the Ministry Room. There is no registration. Any questions, please contact Jolene LeRoy RN Director of Pastoral Care at 331-707-5380.
Giving Tuesday on 11/29
- 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀. It’s celebrated annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving which is on 11/29th of this year.
As you prepare to open your hearts in support of worthy causes on Giving Tuesday, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Our Lady of Mercy.
Currently, we are not meeting our weekly Sunday goal. As of 10/31, we are below budget by approximately $37,000.
We wouldn't be able to accomplish everything we do without your continued support. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹 so as to enable us to live out our vision of offering every person a life-changing encounter with Jesus, grow disciples, and send them on mission.
If you’ve been impacted by Our Lady of Mercy, please consider supporting us on Giving Tuesday, please select “Sunday Contributions” on the online OSV give link https://www.osvhub.com/olmercy/giving/funds
We pray you are able to help us by joining in this effort; 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗢𝗟𝗠 𝗖𝗮𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗲𝘁. 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼 “𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆” so we can send one to you or stop by the parish office to pick up your car magnet.
𝙒𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮!
St. Peregrine Prayer Service on 11/29
- The monthly prayer service will be on Tuesday, November 29 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.
MAGNIFY on 11/30
- It's an Advent-themed MAGNIFY! There will be an additional priest for Confessions.
- Advent often comes and goes in a blur. The rush of preparing for Christmas, for bringing the calendar year to an end as a new liturgical year starts, can often eclipse the reason we set aside 4 weeks to prep our hearts and our homes. No matter what the past year has looked like for you, Advent is an awesome opportunity to regain your footing. It's an invitation to take a step back and recognize what is most important. Let us start our first week of Advent of stepping back and prepping our hearts at MAGNIFY on 11/30th @ 7pm. Don't forget to bring all the children, no matter how young or old they are. It's a great way to spend family together and with Jesus no less!
- #confessions #scripturalreflection #JESUS #realpresence #adorationpraiseandworship #prayerministry
Unbound on 12/9 & 12/10
- Because of the fruitfulness of the last conference and repeated requests, there will be an Unbound Freedom in Christ Conference on 12/9 from 6:30pm to 9:15pm through 12/10 from 9am to 9pm with catered lunch & dinner included.
- Recommended reading prior to the conference is the “Unbound: A Practical Guide to Deliverance.” The book is available in the parish office for $15, purchase a copy today and prepare your heart to be overwhelmed by the love of Jesus.
- Unsure about Unbound? Check out the short videos below of the recent conference and a snippet of what Unbound is. Experience what over 200 people experienced at the last conference; sign up now.
