A Message From Our Pastor
Dankeschön for everyone’s help
with Oktoberfest!!
Dankeschön is the German word for “thank you,” and it is hardly adequate for us to express our gratitude for the success of this year’s Fest. We are so grateful to all the parishioners, school parents, and friends who attended or helped as a volunteer during the weekend. The lingering effects of the pandemic caused a few snags in festival preparations and set-up, but in the end it all came together. The weather couldn’t have been better, and thousands of people came to experience that atmosphere of fun and celebration that the Germans call Gemütlichkeit. And again, that was only possible with the help of so many volunteers… so many thanks to everyone!
Russia, and the meaning of the word “Catholic”
The term Catholic comes from the Greek word katholikos, which means universal. It was ascribed to the early Christian Church because of members beliefs and practices of Christianity that transcend boundaries, borders, languages and cultures. It was consistently the same everywhere Christians gathered (notwithstanding a few heretics that arose periodically, but that’s a conversation for another time). No matter where you were in the world, the Church was universally the same, it was katholikos.
Next weekend, on Oct 10th, St. Alphonsus is pleased to welcome Fr. Myron Effing, a missionary priest from the city of Vladivostok on the eastern edge of Russia, who will preach the annual Mission Appeal. Together with the Mary Mother of God Mission Society, Fr. Myron has been laboring since 1992 to rebuild the Catholic faith in a land that was devastated by communism and poverty.
The Archdiocese asks parishes to host missionary speakers annually because it reminds us of the global ministry of the Catholic Church, and invites parishioners here to support, through prayers and a second collection, those who serve our brothers and sisters in places of the world that need our prayers and assistance. Because we understand our Catholic faith embraces a “great multitude… of every nation, race, people and tongue” (Rev 7:9).
Russian Icon Sale on October 10th
Another way Fr. Myron and the Mary Mother of God Mission Society community supports their ministry in eastern Russia is by selling icons made there. On October 10th we will have a display of Icons for sale in the narthex after each Mass.
We also need a volunteer or two after each Mass to monitor the tables and icons. If you can donate 30 minutes of your time on Sunday the 10th to support the Catholic Church in Russia, please contact Mario.
Rev. Steven Bauer
Pastor
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Celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus!
Sunday Mass schedule in English is at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM. Mass in Spanish is at 12:30 PM.
The Archdiocese of Chicago has issued a statement that, in accordance with the city, masks will now be required at all liturgies, including Masses. You can read the statement here.
Join us for a Blessing of Pets this Monday, October 4 at 3:15 PM in honor of this week’s feast of Saint Francis of Assisi in the parish/school parking lot.
Our parish school, Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts is looking for a PE teacher. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree with a teaching certificate preferred. Inquiries about the position can be directed to AACA principal Gerit McAllister.
October in the Church is designated both as World Mission Month and Respect Life Month. This means that we celebrate and recommit to share the Gospel with all people (particularly those at the margins of our global social and economic structures), as well as to affirm and protect the God-given sanctity of all human life (particularly that of the unborn as the most vulnerable). In the midst of all we have experienced over the course of the past year and a half, these celebrations remind us of God’s presence amid all human suffering. We are called not only to share in the griefs and anxieties of the people of this world, but also to respond to them with the love and compassion of Jesus.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, of Kansas City in Kansas and Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, offered a reflection on Respect Life Month. His statement highlights St. Joseph as a profound reminder of our own call to welcome, safeguard, and defend God’s precious gift of human life.
Starting this Sunday, in honor of Respect Life month, St. Alphonsus will be conducting a Baby Bottle drive in support of the life-saving work of the Women's Center. Please take a baby bottle at Mass, fill it with spare change (or bills/check) and return by October 24. Thank you!
The USCCB asks all to please act now to help stop one the most extreme abortion bills ever!
October is the month of the Rosary because for the past 450 years we have celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7, in gratitude for her miraculous intercession that brought Christian forces victory at the Bay of Lepanto in 1571. The Feast was instituted by Saint Pius V on the very day of the victory because he knew the triumph was triggered by the millions of Christians who responded to his call to pray the Rosary in such dramatic moments.
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
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!
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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!
Are you the friend who just happens to know random factoids? Or, the one with the most fun party conversations? Well, calling all you trivia fans and friends, alike, to come join us, in the St. Alphonsus' Festival Hall (basement), on Saturday, Nov 13th from 3-6pm because St. Al’s YAM Trivia is back!
The cost of tickets is $25 per person (it is a fundraiser!). Teams of 5-6 people can register individually or together. Simply list the names of everyone on your team in the "Comments" section on GiveCentral, during your purchase. Light refreshments, beer and wine are included in the event cost and prizes will be provided to the winning team members.
Don't know anyone or don't have 6 people on your team? Fear not! You may also register individually or in a smaller group (2-4 people). We will assign you to a team. While this event is coordinated by our Young Adult Ministry, All in the parish community are welcome!
YAM Fall Community Dinner
When: October 22, 2021 (doors open at 7 PM)
Where: St. Al's Festival Hall (church basement)
Costs: $20/person & a suggested donation of 1-2 non-perishable items. St. Al's YAM will be donating these items to the LakeView Food Pantry.
On Tuesday, October 5, all young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to register for Young Catholic Professionals' next monthly executive panel discussion, which will take place at St. John Cantius. The theme is "Cultivating Courage in the Workplace".
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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!
Each year, St. Alphonsus joyfully educates the children of our parish in their Catholic faith. If you would like to spend more time with children, strengthen the faith bonds in 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 RE Coordinator Erica Cook for more information.
Our Religious Education program is currently underway for the 2021-2022 school year. If you are interested in registering your child, please contact Erica Cook or visit our website at www.stalphonsuschicago.org/religious-education for more information.
Walking With Purpose- A Modern Woman's Guide to the Bible
Join us at St. Alphonsus this Fall on Tuesdays as we help you enjoy a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ, nurtured through personal Bible study and small group discussions created just for women! Walking with Purpose meetings are from 9:30-11 AM and 6:30-8:30 PM. Contact Susan Combes for more information.
Respect Life Month Webinars
Tuesdays - October 5th, 12th & 19th
As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between. This series of Respect Life Webinars will highlight and address the findings from the study: “How Americans Understand Abortion: A Comprehensive Interview Study of Abortion Attitudes in the U.S.” The study is a must-read for anyone committed to understanding not only what Americans believe about abortion, but also how they think about it. Download the report here.
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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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Knights of Columbus
Prayers for all facing surgeries, illnesses, employment and other challenges. Thanksgiving for all of the many answered prayers.
Pumpkin Painting & Carving, THURS, OCT 14, in the St. Alphonsus parking lot; if you know a youngster who is planning on coming, please ask the parent to RSVP at knightsofcolumbus.15158@gmail.com to confirm; it will help with the count of pumpkins. This year's pumpkins are being harvested from Michigan. Open to All!
Tootsie Roll / ID Drive for benefit of Special Needs programming at AACA and Misericordia, OCT 16 & 17, late morning/early afternoon at Jewel on Ashland (1' shift), and after each of the SUN masses (just for 15-minutes); can you take a 15-minute shift after one of the SUN masses that weekend? Can you (and perhaps a younger helper) take a 1-hour shift at Jewel on SAT, OCT 16?
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Living Peace and Justice
Celebrate CCHD 50th Anniversary – Oct. 7
The Archdiocese of Chicago's Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Ministry is proud to celebrate 50 years of building communities of justice. Join the virtual 50th Anniversary Symposium on Thursday, October 7 from 2-4 PM. See the website for more details on the event, including the link to participate in the virtual celebration
Our friends at the Lumen Christi Institute are hosting a free webinar discussion, Justice and Peace: A Radical Reconsideration of Public Safety – A Roundtable Discussion Thursday, October 7 7-8:30 PM
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News Around the Archdiocese
St. Michael in Old Town, 1711 N. Cleveland, is hosting a free COVID-19 vaccination event this Saturday and Sunday. Please consult this flyer.
St Edward, 4350 W. Sunnyside, is hosting their Harvest Bash this Saturday October 2 from 3-10 PM. Rhythm Method plays at 7 PM. Come early to enjoy great food, games, prizes, raffles, and music with family and friends, in support of St. Ed's parish school and church..
Catholic Theological Union is hiring. Be inspired to join a mission-driven organization preparing future leaders for the Church. They are looking for key team members in advancement, marketing and events.
Mundelein Seminary Centennial Kickoff Mass & Open House
All are welcome to celebrate 100 years of Mundelein Seminary building holy bridges to Christ at their free kickoff event on Sunday, October 17. Join Cardinal Wilton Gregory '73 and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Papal Nuncio to the United States, for Mass followed by brunch and an afternoon of activities on the beautiful campus celebrating their history and mission.
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Community News
Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce is organizing a Lincoln Avenue Beer Stroll on Saturday, 10/23 from 3-6 PM at businesses along Lincoln Ave. Each ticket includes samples of over 30 different craft beers, a souvenir tasting glass and discounts to local businesses. Learn more and get tickets!
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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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Save the Date! Dante 360 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture
November 14th at 3:00 PM
Experience the immersive depth and complexity of Dante's vision as we celebrate the Year of Dante through music, performance, and art inspired by the great Italian poet. Tickets will be available soon!
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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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