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From the Desk of Fr. Mike Nacius, Pastor - Bulletin January 14, 2018
 
......We find ourselves with the cold winter days, still recalling in our minds and hearts and stomachs the celebrations and festivities shared with loved ones of the most recent Christmas past.
 
 
Talking with parishioners, friends, and staff members stories were shared of celebrations and feasting, which leads to resolutions and hopes for fasting and dieting now. For many, the worry and concern of where the next meal will come from is a hard and fast reality. We acknowledge that when we can, we are to live the mandate of the Gospel to "feed the hungry". One such direct means to that end is to support the "Pack the Pantry" on January 28 th  of our Sharing Parish, Most Blessed Trinity.
 
This year, a challenge is being put out to the Church of St. Mary: how full will we pack the pantry?
 
Sean Jordan is the chairperson of the Pack the Pantry effort. Sean is working with leadership of the recently revived Men's Club of St. Mary to support those in need, to feed the hungry and to help us live the Gospel in 2018! This past October we collected 240 bags of food that fed the hungry. Thanks to all those who made a contribution.
 
Can you help us collect and deliver 300 bags this month?  I assured Sean and his committee that I am confident our parish can perhaps even exceed this goal of 300 bags. We may keep raising the bar, inviting generosity to those able to live the Gospel and bring food to hungry stomachs of parishioners and friends of our Sharing Parish during this year.
 
Food items that are very much appreciated include: Bagged Pinto Beans (1 to 2lb bag), Bagged White Rice (1 to 2lb bag), Cane Sugar (2 to 4lb bag), Cereal Box (standard box 1lb), Cooking Oil (24 to 48oz plastic bottles), Canned Goods (standard size Fruit, vegetables, tomatoes, beans), Canned Meat and Fish (5 to 12oz cans), Ground Coffee (12oz cans), Macaroni and Cheese (8oz box), Oatmeal (1lb or less), Pasta (1 to 2lb packages), Soup (10 to 18oz), White Flour (2 to 5lb bags), Peanut Butter and Jelly.
 
Household items are also needed and appreciated - these include: Dish Soap, Laundry Soap, Hand Soap, Shampoo, Deodorant, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Kleenex, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes.
 
You will notice the weekend of Pack the Pantry that future members of the Men's Club of St. Mary's and members of our local Boy Scout troop are helping with the food drive. If you are able, please bring a bag of food or a bag of household supplies the weekend of January 27 th and 28th  to St. Mary's. Please remember this effort in prayer, that we may be a means of bringing nourishment to those in need, the hungry in our midst!
 
You are invited to attend the Chicago March for Life, Sunday, January 14 th A b us is leaving from t he Church of St. Mary parking lot following the 12:00 Noon Mass. 
 
Thanks for your generous support to the Collection for the Church in Latin America. Ma ny Catholics in Latin America and the Caribbean do not have access to church programs and ministries because of rural terrain and a lack of ministers. Your generosity makes it possible for them to share in the life of the Church and grow closer to Christ. To learn more about the collection you can visit: www.usccb.org/latin-america .
 
 
God bless you with a joyous and renewed faith.
 
  
 
 
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