OUR LADY OF MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH

Transcription

1 OUR LADY OF MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH 701 S. EOLA ROAD AURORA, IL FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT FEBRUARY 18, 2018 PARISH PRIESTS Fr. Don E. McLaughlin, Pastor Fr. Mark J. Bernhard, Parochial Vicar SEMINARIAN INTERN Senovio Sarabia, Jr. PASTORS EMERITUS Fr. Gerald Tivy Fr. Hugh Fullmer PERMANENT DEACONS Deacon Tim Kueper Deacon Tony Martini Deacon Mike Plese Deacon Phil Rehmer Deacon Art Tiongson Deacon Bob Vavra PARISH OFFICE (630) (630) FAX Monday-Friday..8:30am-4:30pm MASS SCHEDULE Saturday...4:00pm Sunday...7:30am, 9:00am 10:45am, 12:30pm, 5:30pm Monday-Friday...8:00am Rosary prayed after all daily Masses Holy Days of Obligation Vigil for Holy Day..7:00pm Holy Day 8:00am, 7:00pm CONFESSIONS Saturday..3:00-3:45pm Or by Appointment PRAYER CHAPEL Open Daily :00am-8:00pm Adoration.. Monday & Thursday 8:30am-6:00pm Benediction. Monday, 6:00pm

2 Page 2 From The Pastor s Desk Better Known As Heidi Howls! The Lenten season is often marked by making fasting and sacrifice. Here is a different twist! PARISH STAFF Fr. Don McLaughlin, Pastor , frdon@olmercy.com Fr. Mark Bernhard, Parochial Vicar , frmark@olmercy.com Mr. Senovio Sarabia, Seminarian Intern Ext 230, senovios@olmercy.com LENTEN OPPORTUNITY Fast from judging others; Feast on Christ dwelling in them. Fast from differences; Feast on the unity of all life. Fast from living in the dark; Feast on the reality of the Light. Fast from thoughts of sickness; Feast on the healing power of God. Fast from words that pollute; Feast on the phrases that purify. Fast from discontent; Feast on patience. Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism. Fast from worry; Feast on God s providence. Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation. Fast from negativity; Feast on the positive. Fast from stress; Feast on prayer. Fast from hostility; Feast on cooperation. Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion. Fast from anxiety; Feast on eternal truth. Fast from discouragement; Feast on hope Fast from depression; Feast on delight. Fast from laziness; Feast on enthusiasm. Fast from suspicion; Feast on trust. Fast from weakness; Feast on inspiration. Fast from sorrow; Feast on contentment. Fast from gossip; Feast on complimenting. Fast from overwhelming problems; Feast on the Spirit. Have a blessed Lent! Deacon Bob Vavra Deacon Phil Rehmer, deaconphil@rehmer.com Deacon Tim Kueper, tkueper5@yahoo.com Deacon Tony Martini, tonym@olmercy.com Deacon Mike Plese, Deacon Art Tiongson Bob Gancarz, Business Manager robertg@olmercy.com Jolene LeRoy, RN, Pastoral Care , jolenel@olmercy.com Larry Harris, Music & Liturgy , larryh@olmercy.com Diane Reiter, Parish Secretary Ext parishoffice@olmercy.com Anna Morgan, Accounting Asst , annam@olmercy.com Len Eickhoff, Facility Manager, Cell RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Dave Miserendino, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, davem@olmercy.com Candy Rice, Middle School Youth Ministry , candyr@olmercy.com Jean Rehmer, Religious Education Secretary Grades 6-12 & RCIA, jeanr@olmercy.com Cheryl Lohse, Religious Education Secretary Grades K-5 & RCIC, cheryll@olmercy.com READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mt 25:31-46 Tuesday: Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7, 16-19; Mt 6:7-15 Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Lk 11:29-32 Thursday: 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-3a, 4-6; Mt 16:13-19 Friday: Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 5:20-26 Saturday: Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mt 5:43-48 Sunday: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Ps 116:10, 15-19; Rom 8:31b-34; Mk 9:2-10

3 Mass Intentions Monday, February 19 8:00 AM Barbara Saurer Roy Saurer Tuesday, February 20 8:00 AM Maris Sullivan Steinbrecher Family Wednesday, February 21 8:00 AM Robert Utterback Tom & Letty Nolan Thursday, February 22 8:00 AM Felix Serpico Tom & Letty Nolan Friday, February 23 8:00 AM Michael W. Hesselbach, Jr. Family Saturday, February 24 4:00 PM Bernadette & George Szymczak Jim & Fran Weber Sunday, February 25 7:30 AM Mary Ellen Feldman Family 7:30 AM Marilyn Lawless Jim & Jeanette Lambert 9:00 AM Dean Coit Coit Family 10:45 AM Int Leticia Villaverde Jolene LeRoy 12:30 PM Int Bonafacchi Family Jolene LeRoy 12:30 PM Parishioners of OLM 5:30 PM Int Joyce Craig Jolene LeRoy Page 3 BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL LAMPS Votive lamps will burn this week before the Blessed Sacrament for the following intentions: 1. Megan Gabaldon 9. The Feldman Family 2. The Sick 10. Mary Ellen Reiter 3. The P & D Babies 11. Special Intention-C.H. 4. Good Health for A.B. 12. All OLM Catechists 5. George Lange 13. For Adoptive Parents 6. Deacon Bob Vavra 14. Parishioners of OLM 7. Single Parents 15. Pam P. 8. Florence & Joseph Kubicki 16. The Homeless If you wish to have a candle burning for your intention in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, you will find envelopes on the shelf in the Narthex near the Priest s Sacristy or in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. We remember in prayer those in service to our country SSG Leah Harvey, USAF Airman Melanie Hodges, US Navy Nicholaus Laurie, US Marines SSG Sean Murphy, USMC Victor Paul Fullmer, Navy Capt. Tara Trammell, US Army Roberto Ramos, Army Lt. Joshua Puscas, US Navy Lt. Keith Harris, USAF A1C Gina Maro, USAF Juan Gabriel Sindac, USAF Aaron Godinez, US Marines We pray for our sick, confined and their families Please contact the Parish Office if you or your immediate family member wish to be added to the Sick List. Rose Mary Carson Mark Hoeksema Genevieve Donnelly Tim Fahey Meredith Mangold Regina Trasga Florence Hybiak William Sanders Julie Ranieri Julia Schremp Betty Bertrand Donna Romadka Billy Walowski Jill Donlan Nancy Bejger Karen Orlandi Brett Orlandi Cesar Naguit Douglas Massoth Flo Paprzycki Cabel Herburn Angelica Jacobs Mary Moody David Groeber Sr. Diane Picciuolo Margaret Picciuolo Gloria Leon Dolores Simonek Mel Schmudde Frances Gilpin Louise Easton Patricia Kline Francisco Gonzales Ed Lillig Kathy Walowski MaryEllen Marren Lee Marks A. Schuman Concepcion Carrera Louise Walski Paul Atwood Graciela Rodriguez Charlie Mayton Kristie Sharon Karla Lewis-Allaire Joseph Allaire Anita Trepelas Paula Leistikow Carter Dietz Jake Sokol Logan Becvar Ailani Banulos Estela Ramirez Alfonso Ramirez, Sr. Hector Martinez Thomas Sterling Patricia Norgard Hannah Baltimore Rosie Pagones Lou Skonieczny Mary Ellen Reiter Ed Full James Pluskota Joel Rivera Joseph Murphy Sherry White

4 Page 4 Desde el escritorio del Pastor... Mas conocido como el aullido de Heidi*... La temporada de Cuaresma a menudo se caracteriza por hacer ayuno y sacrificio. Aquí hay un giro diferente! OPORTUNIDAD DE CUARESMA Ayuna de juzgar a otros. Descubre a Cristo que vive en ellos. Ayuna de diferencias. Llénate de la unidad de toda vida. Ayuna de vivir en oscuridad. Llénate de la realidad de la Luz. Ayuna de pensamientos de enfermedad. Llénate del poder sanador de Dios. Ayuna de palabras hirientes. Llénate de frases sanadoras. Ayuna de descontento. Llénate de paciencia. Ayuna de pesimismo. Llénate de optimismo. Ayuna de preocupaciones. Llénate de confianza en Dios. Ayuna de quejarte. Llénate de gratitud. Ayuna de negatividad. Llénate de lo positivo. Ayuna de estrés. Llénate de oración. Ayuna de hostilidad. Llénate de cooperación. Ayuna de preocuparte por ti mismo. Llénate de compasión por los demás. Ayuna de ansiedad. Llénate de verdad eterna. Ayuna de desaliento. Llénate de esperanza. Ayuna de depresión. Llénate de deleite. Ayuna de pereza. Llénate de entusiasmo. Ayuna de sospecha. Llénate de confianza. Ayuna de debilidad. Llénate de inspiración. Ayuna de pena. Llénate de satisfacción. Ayuna de chismes. Llénate de hablar con buena intención. Ayuna de problemas abrumadores. Llénate del Espíritu. Que tengan una Cuaresma bendecida! Información en Español PERSONAS DE LA ALIANZA La palabra que sobresale en las lecturas de hoy es la palabra alianza. La fidelidad y la bondad de Dios nos sirven como ejemplo de cómo debemos vivir. En Génesis aparece el relato de Noé y de la alianza de Dios no sólo con las personas sino con la naturaleza. Las aguas purificadoras del diluvio nunca más descargarán su poder destructivo en toda la tierra otra vez. La señal, el recordatorio para Dios y la naturaleza, es el arco iris en el cielo. El salmo nos recuerda esta compasión de Dios y le implora a Dios que se acuerde de nosotros, no por nuestra bondad, sino por la bondad de Dios y su fidelidad a la promesa. Dios nos muestra cómo ser buenos, no por decreto, sino dándonos el ejemplo. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes: Stgo 1:1-11; Sal 119 (118): 67-68, 71-72, 75-76; Mc 8:11-13 Martes: Stgo 1:12-18; Sal 94 (93):12-13a, 14-15, 18-19; Mc 8:14-21 Miércoles: Jl 2:12-18; Sal 51 (50):3-6ab, 12-14, 17; 2 Cor 5:20 6:2; Mt 6:1-6, Jueves: Dt 30:15-20; Sal 1:1-4, 6; Lc 9:22-25 Viernes: Is 58:1-9a; Sal 51 (50):3-6ab, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15 Sábado: Is 58:9b-14; Sal 86 (85):1-6; Lc 5:27-32 Domingo: Gn 9:8-15; Sal 25 (24):4-9; 1 Pe 3:18-22; Mc 1:12-15

5 Liturgy Page 5 At Our Lady of Mercy Church we are pursuing new opportunities to foster a stronger parish life and better engage the New Evangelization. As a part of these efforts we are happy to announce that Our Lady of Mercy Church now has its own app for Apple and Android phones. Our new app will allow us to send you useful and important messages throughout the week regarding our parish life and events, and allow you to reply to messages or RSVP for events. There will be no need for parishioners with smart phones to remember to silence their phones before Mass. The app will send you a reminder to silence your phone 20 minutes before the Mass you select. Many more great features will be a help to all of us, such as, daily Mass readings, Catholic news, prayers and prayer reminders, quick access to online tithing, Confession reminders, and our weekly bulletin. So, be sure to download the app after Mass today by visiting myparishapp.com or searching for myparish Catholic Life on your phone's app store, and stay connected with us all week long. LENTEN SCHEDULE A Time to Renew Parish Lenten Mission February 19, 20, 21 Presented by Fr. Connor Danstrom 9:00am & 7:00pm in Church Stations of the Cross Fridays of Lent Feb 16 & 23 / Mar 2, 9, 16, 23 7:00pm In English Feb 16, Mar 9, 16 12:30pm in Spanish Reconciliation (Confession) Saturdays Feb 17 & 24 / Mar 3, 10, 17, 24 9:00am 10:00am 2:30pm 3:45pm Friday, March 2 8:30am 9:30am Sunday, March 11 4:00pm 5:30pm Tuesday, March 20 7:00pm Penance Service Tuesday, March 27 7:00pm until all are heard Holy Week Palm Sunday March 24/25 Regular Weekend Mass Schedule Last Confessions Before Easter Tuesday, March 27 7:00pm until all are heard Holy Thursday March 29 Morning Prayer 8:00am Mass of the Lord s Supper 7:00pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Following 7:00pm Mass until Midnight Good Friday March 30 Morning Prayer Stations of the Cross Teen sponsored Living Stations Celebration of the Lord s Passion 8:00am 12:00pm 3:00pm 7:00pm Holy Saturday March 31 Morning Prayer 8:00am Blessing of Food & Easter Baskets 11:00am (No 3:00 Confessions No 4:00 Mass) The Easter Vigil Saturday, March 31 (With Adult Baptism & Confirmation) 8:00pm Easter Sunday Masses April 1 7:00am in Church 9:00am in Church and Parish Center 11:00am in Church and Parish Center 12:30pm in Church No 5:30pm Mass on Easter Sunday

6 Page 6 RELIGIOUS EDUCATON (Grades K-5) We have begun our Lenten Journey! February 19, 20, 21 Parish Lenten Mission no Religious Education classes scheduled for grades K through 5. February 26, 27, 28 classes will meet at the usual scheduled times. Students will begin preparing to receive First Communion. SAVE THE DATE!!! OLM's Vacation Bible School will be held August 6-10, 2018 Our Shipwrecked - Rescued by Jesus VBS will be a week of fun, friendship, and an opportunity for our parish's youth to learn more about their faith and grow closer to God! VBS is open to children in K-5th grades with a limited number of spots available in Preschool. It is also a great volunteer opportunity for pre-teens and teens in grades 6 and up. Registration forms will be available the first week of April and there will be a special discount for families who register early!!!! SENIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS (Grades 9-12) Mini-Course Information: Deadline to register for the spring quarter is March 20 th. Confirmation Preparation Program: Sacrament of Confirmation Letter of Intent and Course/Retreat Registration Form is now available on our website and in the Youth Ministry Office. Deadline to return forms is February 26 th. Search Retreat: The February retreat will be held on the th t. Contact the Youth Ministry Office with questions. Family Mass: All high school teens and their families are encouraged to attend the family mass on February 25 th at 5:30. Youth Group: All high school teens and their friends are invited to attend Youth Group which meets on Thursdays from 7-8:30 pm in the PLC. Each week will focus on a faith topic, discussions, prayer and socializing. L.I.G.H.T. Volunteers needed: Adults and teens are needed to facilitate mini-courses, be a retreat leader, chaperone events, etc. A volunteer form can be found on the L.I.G.H.T. website. Don t forget to sign-up for service and discipleship projects online. Teens may now sign-up for service and discipleship projects online. Please see the website for a list of projects and the link to sign-up. EDGE (Grades 6-8) Feb. 22 Thursday EDGE Family Mass at 6:30 PM. We need 3 Altar Servers as well as Readers, a Gift Bearing Family & Eucharistic Ministers. If you or your teen can help, please have your teen sign up at an EDGE Night or please me at candyr@olmercy.com Feb. 26 & Mar. 1 Jesus Parables- Bill Johnson & Marmion Students, Presenters

7 Pastoral Care Page 7 Caring for the Mind, Body and Spirit Week Three (February 18 24) of Heart Health Awareness Month focuses on Know Your Numbers. The American Heart Association recommends that we be aware of five key numbers concerning our health: total cholesterol; HDL (Good) cholesterol; blood pressure; fasting blood sugar and body mass index. Do you know any of these numbers? When was the last time you had your blood pressure taken or bloodwork done for cholesterol and blood sugar results? The following information for these five key numbers is suggested for most adults. Those with diabetes or other health conditions need to consult with their physician for optimal levels. Total cholesterol recommendation is less than 200mg/dL. HDL (Good) cholesterol recommendation is 60 or more to help lower the risk of heart disease. The 2017 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults has categorized blood pressures as follows: normal blood pressure reading is <120 mm/hg systolic and <80 mm/hg diastolic; elevated blood pressure reading is mm/hg systolic and <80 mm/hg diastolic; high blood pressure reading/hypertension Stage 1 is mm/hg systolic or mm/hg diastolic; high blood pressure reading/hypertension Stage 2 is 140 mm/ Hg systolic or 90 mm/hg diastolic and hypertensive crisis is >180 mm/hg systolic and/or >120 mm/hg diastolic. Fasting blood sugar recommendations for non-diabetics is between 70 to 100 mg/dl. Body Mass Index (BMI) values are as follows: underweight is a BMI < 18.5; normal weight is a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9; overweight is a BMI between 25 and 29.9 and obese is a BMI of 30 or more. (Sources: American Heart Association and American Cancer Society) The American Heart Association has the Life s Simple 7 recommendations to manage blood pressure, control cholesterol, reduce blood sugar, get active, eat better, lose weight and stop smoking. If you would like Walking to Jerusalem If you have not picked up your packet, it is not too late to participate in the Walking to Jerusalem program. Packets can be picked up in the parish office between 8am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday. If you cannot make it to the office, please contact Jolene LeRoy RN Walk Coordinator at or at jolenel@olmercy.com to make arrangements. If you are participating, please call in or your miles for Week One (February 14-20). Grow Closer to Jesus!!! Move More!!! Eat Healthy!!! to know your heart score, check out Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Heart Month!!! Ministry Highlight of the Week Faith Sharing Groups Faith Sharing Groups are small groups who meet regularly to share how God is working in their lives. They do this through prayer, music, and re lection on scripture, or a work by a Christian author. The goal is to build a network of people who can, in the name of Christ, engage in true fellowship by supporting one another in times of dif iculty and celebrating with one another in times of happiness. This year, during Lent, Faith Sharing Groups are following a guide called Be My Witness, by Renew, Int. It involves prayer, a short DVD, gospel reading, re lection on how both the DVD and gospel speak to us and some action steps to follow. This is a great way to grow in faith and make a big parish small by making new friends and deepening existing relationships. Contact Phil Britton, p-jbritton@sbcglobal.net,

8 Page 8 CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH RENEWAL WEEKEND Men s Weekend March 3-4, 2018 Women s Weekend March 17-18, 2018 REGISTER BEFORE FEBRUARY 28 Christ Renews His Parish, or CRHP, is a program designed to help us renew our Christian faith by bringing members of the Our Lady of Mercy community together in Christ. It is a break from your busy schedule of personal, business and family obligations so that you can refresh yourself spiritually and renew your heart. You will be meeting with and listening to the experiences of other men or women from our Parish in an informal and relaxed environment of reflection, fellowship and fun. The emphasis during the weekend is on small group interaction. Everyone is free to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable. Discussion and sharing is enjoyed by all participants. After the weekend, the opportunity to continue faith formation exists with an option to continue to meet and grow as a spiritual community and eventually share what you've experienced with others. Chuck CRHPOLM@GMAIL.COM Teri CRHPOLM@GMAIL.COM Lenten Fish Fry Friday, February 16 & Friday, March 9 5:30 8:00pm Join your fellow parishioners for our Lenten Meal before or after Stations of the Cross at 7:30pm in the Narthex and Church. Adults - $9.00 Children $5.00 Children under 3 FREE Around the Parish Lenten Mission: Making Disciples of Jesus With Fr. Connor Danstrom February at 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM Child care available upon request by ing samochoa93@gmail.com This year the theme for our Lenten mission is Making Disciples of Jesus, which is the final great command the Lord gave to the Church before He ascended into heaven. The mission will consist of three talks, answering the three questions that will help us understand and fulfill this great command: Who is Jesus? What is a disciple? And how do we make them? Day 1: Who is Jesus? What does it mean that Jesus is both God and man? How is God both one God yet three persons? How does this Jesus save us, and why do we need to be saved? These are some of the most basic questions of our faith, but we might not always have a clear answer when we are confronted with them. This talk will help us get a firm grasp on who Jesus is for us, and how he saves us. Day 2: What is a disciple? This talk is aimed at helping us understand what discipleship looks like. How do we follow someone we cannot see? How do I have a relationship with someone whose voice I cannot hear? In fact you can see Him, and you can hear Him, but you have to know where to look and how to listen. In this talk you will learn what it means to have a lived, active relationship with Jesus. JUSTICE & PEACE MINISTRY Lent is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works (almsgiving). We invite you to incorporate social justice into your Lenten practices with small personal changes based on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Often such little changes have a ripple effect, positively impacting the world in which we live. This week we focus on Care for God's Creation. We are challenged to be good stewards of God's creation. We are challenged to be good stewards of God's creation for both present and future generations. Here are some practices we might consider: bring reusable cloth bags with you when shopping instead of disposable plastic bags, unplug cell phone as soon as it is charged, turn off lights in rooms not occupied, keep tires properly inflated (every pound of under-inflation uses 6 % more gas), limit time in the shower, and do full loads of laundry and use cold water. Additionally, pray for those who lack the resources we have, especially clean water, electricity and food, shelter and healthcare. Day 3: How do we make them? Finally, we will learn how to be the kind of disciples who make more disciples. None of us is saved on our own, and we are all responsible for one another. Making disciples is not an option for Christians, it is a requirement. This talk will help allay some of the common fears that come with sharing your faith with others, and it will motivate us to be bold in bringing others to Christ. About our speaker: Fr. Connor Danstrom is a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago. He was ordained in 2014 and has an S.T.L. in dogmatic theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. Before entering seminary, he studied biochemistry at University of Illinois in Champaign, and for two years worked as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. He is currently the administrator of St. Benedict Parish in Blue Island, IL.

9 Parish Sacrificial Giving Fiscal Year-to-Date Information (as of 01/28/18) Actual Year-to-Date Collections: $ 893,486 Fiscal Year-to-Date Budget: $ 877,300 Amount Above Budget: $ 16,186 01/28/18 Sunday Collection: $ 29,088 Weekly Sunday Goal: $ 28,300 Amount Above Goal: $ 788 Please remember Our Lady of Mercy Parish in your will and estate planning. Thank you for your generosity!! Financial Information Page 9 GEMS CALLING ON ALL "BABY BOOMERS" OR ANYONE OVER 50 YEARS YOUNG AND THINKING ABOUT JOINING GEMS...THIS IS YOUR CHANCE...COME JOIN US FOR LUNCH AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK! Our next regularly scheduled luncheon meeting with be held at Noon on March 14 in the Parish Life Center (PLC). This luncheon will feature a distinctly Irish theme in celebration of St. Patrick's day. Please come join us so you can see for yourself what GEMS is all about. FYI, our April luncheon will be specially catered and provided to us at no fee by a representative of Friedrich -Jones Funeral Home in Naperville who will be speaking to us about funeral service and related activity planning. More information will be forthcoming. Bishop Conlon shared in his homily last weekend that God calls all of us be His partners in caring for those in need in the Diocese of Joliet. The CMAA supports thirty ministries that benefit so many and allow us to do God s work here on earth. Our parish could not possibly accomplish all that the Diocese is able to when we all work together. Our parish s goal for the 2018 CMAA is $122,500. If we raise more than this goal, 70% of the amount paid over goal will be returned to the parish. Please prayerfully reflect on how you can best support this year s CMAA and complete an in-pew envelope today. Please also consider participating on yet another fun activity that one of our members, Pat Feinberg hosts. The "Critics Corner Movie Club" meets on the last Friday (occasionally on the last Thursday) of each month at a local theater with a following luncheon nearby. Please contact Pat at for additional information. Also please consider the OLM Bridge club, which meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the Ministry Room at 1:00 p.m. sharp. Please contact Willie at regarding joining. Both men and women are welcomed. You may also be interested in the OLM card group, which also meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month in the PLC (room #110) from 1:00-3:00 p.m. If you have any questions please Ann at ANNC1001@AOL.COM If you have any other GEMS related questions please send them to Phyllis Anderson via at phyllisanderson5027@yahoo.com

10 Page 10 Catholic Schools Aurora Central Catholic High School Tuesday Feb. 27, 2018 or Tuesday, Mar. 20, :30am-11:30am All 7th grade students are invited to participate in a 7th Grade Step-Up Day at Aurora Central Catholic High School. Step-Up Day is a unique experience for 7th grade students to interact with ACC students. They will attend a Student Panel, an all-school Mass and embark on their very own block schedule. While Aurora Area Catholic Grade Schools are invited as a class, students from Religious Education programs and Public Schools are encouraged to attend. For more information or to register, please call Mackenzie Livingston at (630) ext. 109 or mlivingston@auroracentral.com. Holy Angels School Open House Preschool 8 th grade Thursday February 22th, 6:30pm-7:30pm Holy Angels School is a STEM specialty school rooted in faith and recognized for academic excellence. Learn about our K-8 STEM curriculum, Pre-K programs, extended childcare options, full-day kindergarten program and PreK-8 open enrollment. Holy Angels Catholic School 720 Kensington Place Aurora, IL Our Lady of Mercy Weekend Masses February 24 & 25 Deacons will preach at all Masses. Saturday: 4:00p Fr Don McLaughlin/Dcn Phil Rehmer Sunday: 7:30a Fr Mark Bernhard/Dcn Tony Martini 9:00a Fr Mark Bernhard/Dcn Mike Plese 10:45a Fr Don McLaughlin/Dcn Phil Rehmer 12:30p Fr Don McLaughlin/Dcn Art Tiongson 5:30p Fr Mark Bernhard Parish Activities for the Week SUNDAY February 18 8:00-10:30a CRHP Men s Formation Rm 114 9:00 & 10:45a Nursery Rm 108 7:00-9:00p Adult Men s Basketball MPR MONDAY February 19 8:30-6:00p Eucharistic Adoration Chapel 9:00-10:00a Parish Mission Church 6:00-6:30p Benediction Church 7:00-9:00p Parish Mission Church 7:00-9:00p Service Commission Rm 114 TUESDAY February 20 8:30-9:00a Coffee And Ministry Rm 9:00-10:00a Parish Mission Church 1:00-3:00p OLM Card Group Rm 110 1:00-3:00p OLM Bridge Group Rm 108 7:00-9:00p Parish Mission Church 7:45-10:00p Bible Study Rm 110 8:00-9:00p Faith Formation Commission Mtg Rm 211 WEDNESDAY February 21 9:00-10:00a Parish Mission Church 9:00-10:00a Intercessory Prayer Group Rm 217 7:00-9:00p Parish Mission Church 7:00-8:00p Intercessory Prayer Group Ministry Rm 7:00-8:30p St. Vincent DePaul Mtg Rm 114 7:30-8:30p Retreat Team Mtg Rm 211 7:30-8:30p Adult Choir Rm 119 THURSDAY February 22 8:30-6:00p Eucharistic Adoration Chapel 7:00-8:30p RCIA Rm 217 7:00-8:30p Youth Group Rm 211 7:00-9:00p Bible Study Rm 204 FRIDAY February 23 5:00-6:00p Wedding Rehearsal Church 6:30p Search Retreat PLC 7:00-7:30p Stations of the Cross Narthex SATURDAY February 24 8:00-11:30a Search Retreat PLC 2:00-3:00p Wedding Church 4:00-6:00p Hospitality MPR SUNDAY February 25 7:30-7:00p Hospitality MPR 8:00-10:30a CRHP Men s Formation Mtg Rm 114 9:00 & 10:45a Nursery Rm :15-11:15a Young Adult Core Team Mtg Rm :00-12:00p Welcome Meeting Rm 114 6:30-8:30p CRHP Women s Formation Mtg Rm 114

11 Annual Diocesan Scout Recogni ons Ceremony Attention ALL Scouts Male and Female. If you have earned your Catholic Religious Recognition for your age group then come and get it blessed at the Annual Diocesan Religious Recognition Ceremony to be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018, from 10am 12:30pm (registration begins at 9am) at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N Raynor Ave, Joliet (enter door 26). The event is free and open to ALL Scouts (male or female). No pre-registration is needed (check-in at the door). For more information visit: dioceseofjoliet.org/scouting and click on Events from the main page and from there scroll down to the section for the Annual Recognitions Mass. Page 11 FAX NUMBER: PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pm WEEKEND MASSES: Sat.4:00p;Sun.7:30a,9:00a,10:45a,12:30p, 5:30p DAILY MASSES: Monday-Friday 8:00a (Rosary after Daily Mass) HOLY DAY MASSES: Generally celebrated at 7pm evening prior; 8am and 7pm the day of. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Saturday 3:00-3:45pm; Reconciliation services held seasonally. SICK AND HOMEBOUND Contact the Parish Office so we may help you in any way possible. HOSPITALIZATION: If you anticipate a hospitalization or are admitted to an area hospital and would like a visit from a priest or Eucharistic Minister, please notify the parish office. BAPTISMS: Registered parishioners wishing their child baptized must attend a parent meeting held the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Baptisms are held at 12 noon the first Saturday of the month and at 2:00 p.m. the second Sundays of the month. Baptisms are not celebrated during Lent. WEDDINGS: The bride, groom or either set of parents must be registered members of the parish for at least six months prior to scheduling a wedding. Weddings may be scheduled no less than six months out in order to fulfill the diocesan marriage preparation requirements. Contact Diane Reiter, ext NEW PARISHIONERS: We welcome you! Please register by attending our New Parishioner Registration/Welcoming meeting the last Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m. For more info call: , ext HOSPITALITY: Hospitality weekend is held in the Parish Life Center Multi Purpose Room after all Saturday/Sunday Masses on the last full weekend of each month (excluding December). ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY, Voic - ext. 400

12 CHURCH NAME AND NUMBER The Church of Our Lady of Mercy # ADDRESS 701 S. Eola Road Aurora, IL PHONE CONTACT PERSON Diane - Ext. 221 SOFTWARE Microsoft Publisher 2002 PRINTER Acrobat 6.0 TRANSMISSION Via Day: Tuesday NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 11 SUNDAY DATE OF BULLETIN SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Fed Ex: Deliver to main entrance on the North side of Church