1st Reconciliation

Our 2nd Graders in the School and Religious Education program received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time last Saturday, January 11.  Many approached the sacrament with apprehension, then felt the elation of having their sins forgiven.  This is what they had to say about the experience:  

1) How did you feel before, during and/or after First Reconciliation ?
  • "After Reconciliation I felt so happy because I was proud of myself."- Ava L.
  • "Before Reconciliation I was so scared and then after I thought it was easy why was I scared?"- Griffin B.
  • "After Reconciliation I felt awesome because I got all my sins wiped away."- Judith K.
  • After Reconciliation I felt like a true child of God." - Grace M.
  • I felt a bit nervous before First  Reconciliation  because I don't know the person I am telling my sins to very well. Daylin F.
  • You don't know how the priest would react to our sins. You don't know if you'll get in trouble or if they would be mad or sad at me. I really wanted to go to Fr. Francis because I know him and it would be nerve-racking to go to a different priest. Jackie W.
 
2) What is good about Reconciliation?
  • "That you get your sins wiped away."- Margy L.
  • "You are free."- Piper M.
  • "You don't have anymore sins in you."- Teddy G.
  • "Once you do it there is no more darkness in you there is only light."- Jenna J.
  • It's good because you get rid of the yucky sins in preparations to welcome Jesus in May for your first communion. Brian S.  
 
3) What will you do differently now that you've received the sacrament of Reconciliation?
  • "I will try not to sin." - Mia Z.
  • "I will try to be nice to everybody no matter what they do to me."- Kaitlyn S.
  • "I will try to be nicer to anybody that I have been mean to." -Reese R.
  • I am not going to lie anymore now that I know it is a sin. Aidan A.
 
4) What advice do you have for adults regarding the sacrament of Reconciliation?
  • "Don't be nervous." -Mason M.
  • "Confess your mortal sins"- Dani W.
  • "Do not be afraid." - Ryan K.
  • "Always remember that God is with you."- Kaitlyn S.
  • Don't be nervous because you get to take away yucky stuff and feel really good at the end. Damien D. 

5) When do you plan to receive the sacrament again?
  • "In the future" - Piper M.
  • "Next year"- Jennaro S.
  • Any Saturday because they have Reconciliation at 5 p.m." -Grace M.
  • I will do it again in 2 years when I watch my little sister do her First Reconciliation. - Claire M.

Important Upcoming Dates!

Jan 16 - Unity Gala Wine Tasting at Vin, 7p

Jan 18 - Men's Spirituality, 7a

Jan 20 - Baptismal Prep, 7p

Unity Gala 2020
Wine Tasting at VIN
TONIGHT
Join us for a Wine Tasting  
TONIGHT, Jan 16th
7-8:30p at   Vin Chicago
1 826 N Elston Ave
$20 per person. Reserve your spot by calling 773-489-3454.

Unity Gala 2020 is
Saturday, Feb 22nd, 2020 
7pm-midnight
Rockwell on the River
3057 N. Rockwell
Tickets are on sale now,
  click here!  
A Space to 
Gather & Grow
Kitchen Update
It happened! Our basement kitchen in the rectory was demolished this week. We are so grateful to all of the parishioners who have chipped in to help us get the ball rolling! Have you had a chance to give a little money to help us create a space to gather and grow as a parish? Give Today! Go to our parish website
or 
click here  to donate!
Concert in the Church
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Feb 1st at 8PM if you like a capella! The Oriana Singers will perform their Northern Lights concert here in the church. Tickets are $20 (students under 18 are free).
Women's Group
Our next gathering is 
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Ashland Addison
Recycle your floral vases - bring them to Ashland Addison Florist Co. for a donation to St. Josaphat!

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Thank you for your support!
Want to Make a Donation?  Consider These:
Helping Hands
Our Helping Hands ministry feeds hungry, less fortunate folks in our community.  Read More.  To donate, Click Here.
St. Agatha
St. Agatha on Chicago's West Side is our Sharing Parish.  We assist them throughout the year.  Read More.  To donate,  Click Here.
Energy Needs
Your donations help us to pay our utility bills for the church and rectory. To donate,  Click Here .
Debt Reduction
Did you know that we are still paying off loans for our year 2000 renovations that included replacement of the parish boiler and repair of the parking lot?  Click Here.