Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Unity Update:
May 15, 2019
Dear Friends,

Thank you to the many hundreds of parishioners who reflected lovingly and prayerfully on our new parish name—one that best reflects our solidarity and partnership as one united Catholic Church of Wilmette. 

Yesterday I received word from Cardinal Cupich that he has chosen a name, based on the feedback we sent him from Wilmette. The name of our new parish, effective July 1, 2019, is Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier. I couldn’t be more pleased that our new parish name, born of your input and selection, honors our rich history and pays tribute to the combined legacy of both worship communities. 

This honor and unification is played out well in the mission statement I approved, created by the joint Parish Pastoral Council. I appreciate the work of this team, the Cross Functional Transition team and the dozens of your fellow parishioners who have given their time and talent as we work toward a unified Catholic Community in Wilmette. Here’s our new mission. Let’s live it.

We honor the traditions of our parish and welcome all to unite in prayer and the Sacraments. Loved by God and guided by the Holy Spirit, we share the good news of Jesus Christ through joyful worship, faithful formation, and dedicated service. 

Parish Unity Mass and picnic is at 10am on June 30th  in Vattmann Park. I know that coming together to celebrate this outdoor summer liturgy and lunch is the beginning of a beautiful and vibrant relationship that will help us all to grow in love and faith in support of one another.

Peace,
PS Please join us on May 28th at 7:30pm as we pray the Rosary for unity in the Catholic community of Wilmette. If you know of anyone who is not receiving these notes and would like to, please have those people submit their email addresses to me at wwatts@archchicago.org
Unity Prayer
Most gracious and loving Lord,
Send us your Holy Spirit.
As we come together as one body in your holy name,
fill us with your love and grace. Guide us.
Open our eyes to see you in each other, 
Open our ears to humbly hear your words, 
Illuminate our minds to understand,
And transform our hearts to grow together as one.
Create a new spirit in us to share our gifts with one another.
Unite us in peace and faith so we may be one in Jesus Christ our Lord.