A Message From Fr. Bauer
A Covid Comeback??
News coverage over the past couple of weeks seems to be dominated by two topics: the Delta Variant and the Olympics. While I’m happy to hear stories about athletes winning gold, silver or bronze, I am frustrated and saddened to hear about a resurgence of Covid-19 virus, specifically what is termed the delta variant.
Because this new strain is just that – new – there is a fair amount of confusion about its spread and severity. Despite whatever uncertainty exists, there has been an increase in test positivity rates in Illinois and Chicago. Because of this, following the recommendation of state and local health agencies, the Covid Task Force of the Archdiocese of Chicago said earlier this week it is now “strongly recommending” that masks be worn in indoor spaces, including churches, and is asking parishes to communicate this to parishioners. Signs to this effect will be posted near church entrances. Additionally, the Archdiocese recommends that worshippers at Mass exchange the Sign of Peace in a contactless manner.
Whether or not you are a fan of sports or the Olympics, I’m quite sure we all would rather hear about an increase in the medal count, not in positivity rates or case count. We will keep parishioners apprised of any further communiques from the Archdiocese on this matter. May this “Covid comeback” inspire in us a genuine resurgence of prayer, an stronger sense of discipleship, and sincere pursuit of personal holiness.
Rev. Steven Bauer
Pastor
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Celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus!
Sunday Mass schedule is at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM.
Registration for our parish Religious Education program for children grades 1-8 for the 2021-2022 year is now open. Religious Education will be Tuesday nights at 6:15 PM. Registration is due September 10th and classes will begin on September 21st. We are planning to return to in-person this fall. We will be following Archdiocesan guidelines, asking all unvaccinated individuals to wear masks whenever indoors. Of course, these guidelines may adjust based on local state & diocesan guidance. Visit our RE page on the parish website for more information.
Catechists needed! If you would like to spend more time with children, strengthen the faith bonds of our families or enjoy serving in our parish - please consider volunteering as a catechist for our religious education program! We'd love to talk to you and no experience is necessary :) There are training opportunities and support as you get started and throughout your time of service. Contact our Religious Education Coordinator, Erica Cook for more information.
Do you have upcoming exciting events that you would like to share with our St. Alphonsus Church and our parish school communities? You can share them here!
On Saturday, August 14 from 6 to 7 PM, CircEsteem's performance troupe summer tour will be at St. Alphonsus. Enjoy two performances that include a gymnastics exhibition performed by youth ages 10-19 with assistance by adult coaches followed by a 30-minute workshop for youth in attendance to try the circus skills themselves. Sponsored by Lakeview SSA 27.
Are you looking to get more involved in our parish? Join our team of wedding coordinators! Being part of the Wedding Ministry is a rewarding opportunity, fun, and all volunteers receive a stipend for their time. Wedding coordinators are responsible for contacting couples prior to their wedding, reviewing paperwork, running wedding rehearsals, and supporting the couples on their wedding day. All volunteers will be trained, no experience necessary. For more information contact Kaitlin Holyk
It's the Year of St. Joseph. Let us remember to celebrate a saint the Holy Father called a beloved, tender, accepting and courageous father. Find resources here
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Young Adult Ministry
St. Alphonsus has a vibrant young adult community! Be sure to check out our Facebook page for service opportunities and other future events!
Calling all campers! St. Al’s YAM is bringing back a weekend filled with fun camping adventures for all young adults in their 20's and 30's!! We will be heading to Yellowstone Lake State Park (located about 3 hours NW of Chicago) for the weekend of August 14 & 15. The site offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking and swimming along with plenty of s’mores and storytelling around the campfire and games. So what’re you waiting for?! Sign up and join us for a weekend of fun, food and friendship. Registration will close on Tuesday Aug 10.
Samuel Group- Discernment for Young Adults
Do you ever wonder how to make a good decision according to God’s will? Join us for a discernment group specifically geared toward young adults (ages 19–35). Here you will discuss all kinds of discernment—if you are called to consecrated life, married life or single life, to a certain career or city, and more. The goal of this group is to help you, and in some cases your significant other, know yourself, Jesus and your role within the Church. These discernment groups will take place monthly over the course of seven months at St. Alphonsus Parish and at the St. John Paul II Newman Center at UIC. At each session, you will listen to talks, have time for small group sharing, and have the opportunity for Mass, Confession and Adoration. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet individually with a spiritual director while doing this course. The first session is Sunday September 19. Register online here!
Eagle Eye will be hosting its first young adult retreat for the Chicagoland area on September 10-12 in Lemont, IL. "God is Rich in Mercy" weekend will include Mass, Adoration, Confession, Intellectual Formation and a bonfire. Spend time in prayer, reflection, and fellowship while opening your heart to God’s rich and endless mercy. To learn more and register!
Our Philosophy Forum meets at the St. Alphonsus rectory on Tuesday evenings at 7 PM. For more information, contact Evan.
The Young Adult Book Club continues to meet on Wednesday evenings. For more information, contact Leora.
Looking to deepen your faith and grow in community? Small faith groups meet regularly to pray together, share faith, and discuss what is happening in our lives and the world around us. If you are interested in leading or joining a group, contact our coordinator Katie.
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Faith Formation
Rev. Steven Bauer and our parish staff are always open to the faithful in assisting with your spiritual journey. May God bless us with patience and peace as we seek to live in harmony with one another and all creation!
Audit an online Theology course with The McGrath Institute at the University of Notre Dame. Classes start Aug 30. Limited space availability so register now!
Free E-Book: “Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: Through the Year with Ignatian Spirituality,” that includes Ignatian prayers, poems and illustrations
Join Bishop Barron and over a dozen Catholic speakers at the Good News Conference in Orlando, FL, on November 5–7 to hear talks on Christian witness, evangelization, education, and more. For more information
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Knights of Columbus
Prayers for all facing surgeries, illnesses, employment and other challenges. Thanksgiving for all of the many answered prayers.
Special thanks to all the Knights who stepped up and grilled for the Feast of Saint Alphonsus this past Sunday!
Help your Neighbor
1 or 2 parish/community volunteers to pack, box up, clean, donate, and sell items from a Lakeview East condo residence. 2-hour session. Interested in helping in 2nd or 3rd week of August? Date TBA.
Save the Date - Knights Officers Installation on SUN, SEPT 12!
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Support St. Alphonsus through GiveCentral!
The most important opportunity to steward your gifts of treasure is to give purposefully to the weekly Offertory. We ask that every parishioner prayerfully considers the gifts that God has given them. In gratitude for such gifts, we hope you give back to God through a significant gift to St. Alphonsus Church on a regular basis. This giving back to God in support of the mission and ministry of the parish is essential to the spiritual life of you, the giver, and to the ongoing operations of the parish. Your offertory gift is most easily accomplished through regular automatic withdrawals from your credit card or checking account right here, through our secure online giving platform, GiveCentral. You can also text Sunday to (773) 570-7600.
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News Around the Archdiocese
Married couples celebrating 50 years of marriage are invited to the Archdiocese Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 2:30 PM at St John Brebeuf Parish in Niles. For more info and to register
The Archdiocese of Chicago recently put out a series of videos
inviting all lapsed Catholics or those unable to attend due to the pandemic to come back to worship at Mass!
St. Teresa of Avila is hosting a retreat on Saturday August 14 starting at 9 AM led by Patrick Saint-Jean S.J. based on his new book The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice. You can register here.
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Community News
Happy National Farmers Market Week! Celebrate this weekend for all the fixings for a perfect picnic. Low-Line Farmers Market
Now Hiring Lakeview Pantry is looking for a Driver/Warehouse Coordinator.
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Your financial gifts help us to continue our ministries as a faith community. We are deeply grateful for every gift that is shared.
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When we plan our weekly giving, and set this money aside first, we demonstrate the great importance that God and the support of the Gospel have in our lives.
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Our weekly bulletin features many of the ways you can contribute to the vibrancy of St. Alphonsus parish.
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