July 26, 2020: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Parish Newsletter
Reopening for the Celebration of Public Mass & Schedule
The Church of St. Mary :: 201 E. Illinois Lake Forest, IL 60045
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From the Desk of Fr. Mike Nacius, Pastor
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Over the past weekend we had three wonderful and very Holy Spirit filled celebrations of Confirmation at our parish. We were able to “stream” the Masses for family and friends of those confirmed who could not be with us in the Church of St. Mary. There were over 1,000 people streaming the Confirmation Masses. Some families were waiting on the church porch to congratulate the recently confirmed. It was a beautiful and special weekend.
I visited my mom on Sunday and shared with her stories of the weekend at St. Mary’s. I told her that I was able to confirm the students, having them complete their sacraments of initiation. She said, “Wow that sounds wonderful. Did you get paid extra for that?” with a smile and smirk on her face. I told her that my joy was increased by being able to confirm the students that I have seen grow and mature over the last four years since coming to St. Mary’s in July of 2016.
I am still learning and believe, pray and hope I will remain a lifelong learner.
At the Monday Mass this past week, the “streaming” of Mass was interrupted by technical issues. Last week we tried using a new camera and new technology to improve the visual quality of the Masses that are streamed. In that process I learned that the troubles may exist in the homes of parishioners and friends trying to watch the streamed Mass. The technological issues may be in the connection to our internet provider, or perhaps the age of the laptop being used for the streaming or even the potential of the camera not linking up with the above items. I am learning that there are many changes each and every day, each and every Mass, each and every experience to live and offer patience to others. Yes, I am a lifelong learner.
This Saturday I am away from St. Mary’s officiating at a wedding at Gesu Chapel on the campus of Marquette University. When working with the couple and helping prepare them for the sacrament of marriage they provided me with copies of their baptismal certificates. The bride is a child of lifelong friends of the Nacius’. I baptized the bride back in 1992. I enjoy celebrating the sacraments of the Catholic Church. I think this is the first wedding, maybe second, of someone that decades earlier I had the privilege to baptize. Your pastor isn’t getting any younger.
Normally this weekend or next weekend, we would be welcoming a missionary to St. Mary’s to speak on behalf of the Summer Mission Cooperative of the Archdiocese. Every year people from over 100 international missionary dioceses speak at parishes across the Archdiocese. The presentation at St. Mary’s and other parishes is not able to take place this weekend because of travel restrictions this summer. The need is as great if not greater to support the mission church around the world. This year funds collected through the Mission Appeal at St. Mary’s will be directed to support the work of Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ. They serve our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, including in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania and Sierra Leone. To learn more about the ministry of the Sisters as well as other ministries guided by God’s grace being accomplished and supported by generous Catholics please follow
www.WeAreMissionary.org/coop
and look at
https://ihmsistersng.org/
In their appeal, they state; “As life becomes increasingly difficult, our hearts go out to people who have little or nothing to eat. Our Sisters undertake to feed the hungry in some of the countries where we serve. Your contributions and donations will enable us to continue to uphold the dignity of the human person by bringing the Compassion of Christ to our brothers and sisters in their need, and thus fulfill our mission in the Church. We do also appreciate your prayers for the success of our mission.” If someone wishes to donate online using a credit card they can go to
www.WeAreMissionary.org/give
. Our parish will be given credit if the donor identifies they are part of St. Mary’s.
This summer, individuals, families and parishes are dealing with economic needs and challenges. Many parishioners have remained consistent in their support of the parish during the pandemic. Thanks to all who continue to financially support the work and ministry of the church. You may also consider giving online, sending a check to St. Mary’s or placing an envelope in the collection basket as you leave the Church of St. Mary.
God bless you with the heart of a missionary this day.
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Meet Our New Associate Pastor, Fr. Radley Alcantara!
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Hello! I’m Fr. Radley Alcantara and I am glad to be your new associate pastor. My parents moved from Manila, Philippines to Portage, Indiana where my two older siblings and I were raised. I graduated from Indiana University, worked for a year in downtown Chicago in commercial real estate banking, and then entered the seminary.
I had some really great experiences during those years of priestly formation. I served as a chaplain at the Lake County Jail and the University of Washington in Seattle, volunteered at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago and Mount St. Joseph in Lake Zurich, learned Spanish in Michoacán, Mexico and Quito, Ecuador, and served a summer as a deacon in Soyapango, El Salvador. My seminarian internship, year as a deacon, and first three years of priesthood have primarily been at St. Anastasia in Waukegan.
I have a passion for Catholic Social Teaching and youth ministry. I have been representing Catholic Relief Services (CRS) as a Global Fellow since 2013. I have traveled to Burkina Faso, Greece, and Serbia with CRS addressing issues of poverty alleviation and refugee and migrant relief. And, this past year, I have been serving as a chaplain at Carmel Catholic High School.
I have lots of interests! I like to play Frisbee golf, run, try new foods, eat healthy, and travel the world. I am excited to be a part of St. Mary’s faith community, to learn with you, share in ministry with you, and to encourage one another. If I can ever be of support to you and your loved ones, please do not hesitate to reach out. Please pray for me as I move into my new role here and that I might be a good and holy priest for you all. You can count on my prayers. Thank you for welcoming me to St. Mary’s and Lake Forest!
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A Video on coming back to church:
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SCHEDULE: Saturday, July 25, 2020 - Sunday August 2, 2020
<--- Register for Attending & Volunteering
Saturday, July 25, 2020:
+ No Streamed Saturday Daily Mass
+ 8:30-9:30am: Reconciliation in Church, registration not required
+ 5:00pm: Livestream Sunday Mass & PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
Sunday, July 26, 2020:
+ 8:00am: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 10:00am: Livestream via Facebook
+ 10:00am: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 12:00pm: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
Monday, July 27, 2020:
+ 8:00am: Livestream Daily Mass
+ 8:00am: PUBLIC MASS with Private Prayer after Mass until 9:00am --> Register via SignUp Genius
Tuesday, July 28, 2020:
+ 8:00am: Livestream Daily Mass
+ 8:00am: PUBLIC MASS with Private Prayer after Mass until 9:00am --> Register via SignUp Genius
Wednesday, July 29, 2020:
+ 6:30am: Livestream Daily Mass
+ 6:30am: PUBLIC MASS with Private Prayer after Mass until 8:00am --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 5:00-7:00pm: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament --> Register via SignUp Genius
Thursday, July 30, 2020:
+ 8:00am: Livestream Daily Mass
+ 8:00am: PUBLIC MASS with Private Prayer after Mass until 9:00am --> Register via SignUp Genius
Friday, July 31, 2020:
+ 8:00am: Livestream Daily Mass
+ 8:00am: PUBLIC MASS with Private Prayer after Mass until 9:00am --> Register via SignUp Genius
Saturday, August 1, 2020:
+ No Streamed Saturday Daily Mass
+ 8:30-9:30am: Reconciliation in Church, registration not required
+ 5:00pm: Livestream Sunday Mass & PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
Sunday, August 2, 2020:
+ 8:00am: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 10:00am: Livestream via Facebook
+ 10:00am: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 12:00pm: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Below are a few guidelines for being in the Church. There are numerous signs around the exterior and interior of the Church to help facilitate these new patterns.
Due to the limited capacity, number of parishioners and our reduced Mass schedule,
we ask that you sign up for a weekend Mass every other week and one weekday Mass
to allow others to be able to pray in the Church and celebrate Mass in person. If the day before, there are still open slots, you may sign up.
- Church Entrance: The south door, near the elevator, is the only entrance into the Church. Please form a line along the exterior south wall of the Church and a volunteer greeter will let you in.
- Arrive On Time: South Entrance doors will open 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass and it is strongly encouraged you arrive by the time the doors open as time is needed to Greet visitors and allow Ushers to seat you.
- Entrance Doors Close: South Entrance doors will close at the start of Mass to allow volunteers to attend Mass. Thank you for allowing yourself time to arrive.
- Volunteers: Parish volunteers will be on site to help direct and guide all of us as we begin to open and re-enter the Church.
- Masks/Face Covering: Mask or face coverings are required to be worn by all individuals at all times while in the Church building.
- Hand Sanitizer: Sanitize your hands as you enter the Church building.
- Social Distance: Maintain proper social distancing of 6 feet apart, unless you are with somebody who lives in the same household as you. There are floor markings to help facilitate this.
- 100 Persons Maximum: A maximum of 100 individuals (excluding the priest and other ministers) are allowed in the Church at one time. In inclement weather, personal vehicles would be a necessary shelter while waiting.
- Church Exit: The north doors onto the main plaza will be the only exit from the Church (unless you require use of the elevator).
- Church East Entrance - Emergency Exit Only: Please do not use the East doors onto the stairways for either entering or exiting.
- Surface Sanitizing: All surfaces touched by persons are sanitized prior to the next opening of the Church.
- Restrooms Unavailable: For the safety of all, the restrooms will not be available, unless it's an emergency.
- Registration Required: Registration is required through SignUp Genius for Public Mass, Adoration, Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals. 85 slots will be available online and 15 slots will be available by calling the office for those who do not have access to technology.
- SignUp Availability: SignUps for the next week's schedule will be available through SignUp Genius after 9:00am on Friday's. Registration is required for Public Mass & Prayer, Adoration, Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms. If you need assistance, please contact the Parish Center Office during normal business hours at receptionist@churchofstmary.org or call 847-234-0205. Leave a message and they will call you back.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer Tasks:
- Greeters will assist in managing the flow of congregants as they enter the church, participate in the liturgy/sacrament, and exit the church.
- Team members will combine some of the functions of an usher, such as directing participants to appropriate seating/waiting areas, but will include additional responsibilities, including, but not limited to, making sure attendees use hand sanitizer upon entering, are wearing a mask, and are reminded not to enter if ill.
- Given the circumstances, greeters will need to be tactful and firm paying careful attention to all people on-site. To support parish greeter teams, rudimentary training tips on handling difficult situations will be provided.
- Volunteers will ensure that: all supplies needed for each sacramental celebration/gathering are ready for use, entrances and exits are marked and propped physically open prior to attendees' arrival/departure, and windows are opened.
- Volunteers will help maintain and sanitize essential and trafficked areas of the church after the church has been used. Masks and gloves will be provided, if necessary, in addition to approved cleaning/disinfecting supplies.
May God grant you peace and comfort in this time.
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2020 Summer Mission Appeal
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Next weekend we will be receiving your contribution to the 2020 Summer Mission Appeal. This year, funds collected through the Mission Appeal at St. Mary’s will be directed to support the work of the
Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ
. You can look at links on our
parish website
, learning more about their compassionate ministry.
Thanks to all who continue to financially support the work and ministry of the Church. You may also consider
giving online
, sending a check to St. Mary’s or placing an envelope in the collection basket as you leave the Church of St. Mary.
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July 26, 2020: Gospel Reflection for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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In our first reading we hear first-hand the Wisdom of Solomon. God asks the new king to ask God for whatever he wants and it will be granted. Solomon doesn’t ask for riches, power, and longevity… anything of this world. Rather, Solomon wisely asks for an understanding heart so that he may rule and judge fairly as God would. Solomon seeks to be one with God and to please God… to bear good fruits.
Continuing on with Matthew’s gospel we once again are given three short parables (if the presider proclaims the full gospel for Sunday) about the kingdom of heaven. If you were to find a treasure in a field, how happy and full of joy you would be to use all you finances to purchase that field and have the hidden treasure. Same goes with the pearl of great price. You would be willing to sell all you had and purchase a great treasure, but are you willing to change your ways to live as God calls us to? We are to use our God given gifts to produce good fruit. We are to align ourselves with God and live accordingly.
After the third parable, the cast net returning full of fish of every kind, Jesus asks the disciples if they understand the meaning of the parables and what Jesus is trying to teach them. They all indicate that they do. Having and understanding of what Jesus & God want of us is only the beginning. We teach our youth right from wrong. They understand the difference, but they have to take the next step and actively choose to do the right thing and to not sin. This requires a deeper understanding, one that we all must continually develop. We are called to live beyond the superficial, and to delve deeper and deeper into our understanding of God and what we are called to do. We seek to draw closer to God every day so that the ever evolving image of God becomes a fabric of our soul. We not only want to bring about the kingdom of heaven for ourselves but for everyone! When we have even a glimpse of how much God loves us,
how can we not desire to share that with the world!?! Jesus has told us numerous times, even in just these past three Sunday gospels that we can bring about the kingdom of heaven! That should fill us with excitement bubbling over in our hearts and souls making us giddy with how much good we can do. How will your actions this week help to bring about the kingdom of heaven?
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Religious Education Registration is Open!
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Registration for the 2020-2021 Religious Education year is now open! Just click on the image to the left to go to the registration page.
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School of St. Mary is Getting Ready for Fall Classes!
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Dear St. Mary Families,
Another step towards reopening our school! Check out this video from Dr. Jim Rigg, Superintendent of Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools. We are working with the Office of Catholic Schools to safely and thoughtfully welcome each and every family back in August. Contact us today to enroll at
mcastle@schoolofstmary.org
. We can’t wait to see you!
I have recorded this video to update parents about the progress we are making on our reopening plan.
Yours in Christ,
Jim Rigg, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of Chicago
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Upcoming Archdiocesan Events
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Online Bible Study Starting in Mid-July
We are excited to announce that our rector Father John Kartje will again be leading an online Bible study this summer! Join us as we carefully explore biblical examples of how fearful and violent reactions to God’s desire for humanity led to a pathway through fear to hope and from order--through chaos--to a new reality shaped by the Kingdom of God.
Sign up
to receive the online Bible study directly to your inbox.
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Catholic Charities Summer Events
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Catholic Charities Lake County senior services provides a variety of programs and events to those that are 60+. With so many in person events cancelled this year, Kari Pohar, Catholic Charities Senior Care Coordinator, would like you to know that they are going to offer events through video and phone calls.
What's coming up:
Talk with me Tuesday
- Every Tuesday at 1:00pm
Call in number: (786) 535.3211 | Access Code: 261-771-629
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Plenary Indulgence in Time of Crisis
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Plenary Indulgence
The Apostolic Penitentiary, a branch of the Vatican offices which focuses on mercy and the forgiveness of sins, issued a
decree granting a Plenary Indulgence
during this extraordinary time. To see some of the ways we can still participate in the life of grace and the life of the Church during the Covid-19 pandemic
please click here
.
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To find ways to volunteer within our community and to seek assistance from the parish
please click here.
Here is a List of Places You may watch Mass on TV, Radio or Online:
- TV: EWTN
- DirecTV Channel 370
- Dish Network Channel 261
- Verizon Fios Channel 285
- XFinity Channel 33, 291, 1668
- Online:
- Church of St. Mary Livestream can be found on our Facebook Page. View past celebrated Masses or join us for a current Livestream Mass according to the schedule in this newsletter.
- Sunday Mass from Holy Name Cathedral (anytime)
- http://www.catholictv.org/masses/catholictv-mass (Daily at 9:30AM)
- Relevant Radio:
- 1:00 pm ET / 10:00 am PT.
- These Masses will be broadcast live on your local station, on the Relevant Radio® app, at relevantradio.com, and on my Father Rocky Facebook page so you can tune in from wherever you are. The Mass will be rebroadcast each evening at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT on your local station.
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To read the Daily Scripture readings you may go to
usccb.org
and select that day on the calendar to the right.
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Prayer for the Sick and Deceased
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BANNS
III
Kirk Shepard and Oralia Rivera
III
Ryan Lowery and Kristina Madsen
Please remember in your prayers those who are sick, especially:
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Pierre Adam
Renata Adamiec
Peggy Adams
William Allingham
Beny Alvarez
Alexa Anderson
Baby Bower Triplets:
Rose Marie, Adelaide Marie,
and Josephine Marie
Baby Mercer
Baby Peter John O'Rourke
Elvera Baeza
Dolores Beck
Beverly Beinlich-Pasquesi
Jack Brown
Mason Jeffrey Browner
Baby Virginia Bunimovich
Francesco Camoletto
Nancy Carani
Nova Carlson
Sember Carlson
Luis and Maria Cardenas
Michael Carpenter
Jeffrey Chicoine
Carolyn Cimarrusti
Jacqueline Cimarrusti
Marianna Cimarrusti
Charles Cook
Virginia Cordoba
Mary Elizabeth Cran
Greg DeBoer
Louis Degaetano
Mimi Degaetano
Mike Dellefield
Lewis Dilts
Joan Dolan
Annamarie Elfering
Hannah Erickson
Susan Ewert
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Abby Furco
Esperanza Galikay
Jenny Green
Jeanne Gross
Jesus Guzman
Edward Halle
Elizabeth Hand
Margaret Hartman
John Herbert
Hannah Hodgson
Edward Hoover
Patricia P. Huber
Juan Hurandas
Rafael Ibarra
Shirley Jacksack
Dolores Jansyn
Dick Jaworski
Christian Jenko
Dr. Mickey Jester
Mark Kalbus
Raine Kamm
Oceana Kashul
Mason Kelly
Genevieve Kluza
Patsy Leonard
Caroline Lyczko
Fely Macalalad
Angela Martinez
Carolina Martinez
Ralph Mastro
Robert Matthei
Derrick Mathews
Donna Mathews
Kathryn McConnell
Janet McCue
Margaret Mary McIntyre
Mary Anne Minich
Dolores Morrison
Rick Nacius
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Barbara Neis
Dana Nelson
David O'Brien
Peter O'Brien
Joaquin Padilla
John Paleczny
Tom Palella
Mary Margaret Pawl
Mary Butterfield Peddle
James Dean Penar
Marie Pfeiffer
Lisa Pommer
Lil Porter
Marianne Powers
Carol Pozdel
Marcia Ries
Mathew Rowley
Susan Schey
Bill Shafer
Colleen Sheerer
Tai (Pascal) Shin
Martin Sobey
Joan Sparrow
Nancy Sreenan
Ellen Sreenan
Debbie Sternberg
John Sternberg
Maureen Strassburger
Elzbieta Szymanska
Leonard Teifeld
Richard Thomas
Linda Trueblood-Lambert
Joseph Urso
Amanda Van Vleet
Brittany Van Vleet
Jim Wenzel
Martha Williams
Barbara Wilson
Robert Yale
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Mass Intentions will be prayed for during a private or public daily Mass.
July 25, 2020:
Peter Gillespie; Francis Suh; Aldo Raganelli; Lily Mizzi
July 26, 2020:
8:0am: Walter Elfering; Dennis Buell
10:0am: Annette Rafferty Gaunky; Peter Smock
Noon: Jack Volpe; Col. William John McDermott; the People of St. Mary’s
July 27, 2020:
Rosa Amato; Marita Murray; Lou Didier; Angela Chiapelas
July 28, 2020:
Leonard Larson; Adam Kalinowski; Stanley Torkoski; Edward August Levert
July 29, 2020:
Lorraine Severson; Jim Martin; Mary Lou Ganshirt; Deceased Family and Friends of the Dunne-Sheahan Family
July 30, 2020:
Leonard Larson; Adam Kalinowski; Betty Milite; Mary Lou Ganshirt
July 31, 2020:
Bell Jayesuria; Charles Clarke, Jr.; Lou Redmond; Jim Harrington
August 1, 2020:
Samuele & Natalina Nicolosi; Elsie Volpe; Deceased Members of Giannoni & Nicolosi Family;
Special Intention for Rose and Denis Bancroft
August 2, 2020:
8:00am: Dr. William & Virginia Starsiak; Janina & Tadeusz Gorczynski
10:0am: Rob LeClercq; Joseph W. Steele
Noon: Jacqueline C. Roberti; Molly Flavin; The People of St. Mary’s
If you would like to request a special Mass Intention, please email our Parish Receptionists at:
receptionist@churchofstmary.org
and they will kindly assist you!
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“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
Do you really trust God? Do you believe that all things work for good? Faith is a challenge for everyone at times. Putting our trust in God, in everything we do, means that God’s plan for our lives may be different than our plan. When one door closes, another one opens. Trust in God, His plan is always better.
Sunday Collection Actual Budgeted Surplus/(Shortfall)
July 19, 2020 $19,817 $21,000
($1,184)
Total Sunday Collections Fiscal 2021 YTD
$51,040 $63,000
($11,960)
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THANK YOU for CONTINUING TO SUPPORT the Church of St. Mary
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We are grateful for the outpouring of support from parishioners while we navigate financially. Thank you for continuing to support your parish as well as our sharing parish, Most Blessed Trinity. Thank you for mailing your contribution to the Parish Office or scheduling your online donation. Offertory basket will be made available during Sunday Public Masses as well for your offering.
Ways To Give
+ Drop in the Offertory Basket during Public Mass at the end of Mass
+ Mail Your Contribution:
Church of St. Mary
c/o Business Office
201 E. Illinois
Lake Forest, IL 60045
+ Online Giving:
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Schedule your recurring donations via our online Giving safe and secure portal, GiveCentral Go to:
Church of St. Mary GiveCentral
or click the image below.
Thank you!
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Church of St. Mary Website
Bookmark our parish website for information on all parish ministries, events, contact information and more!
Information on our Mass Schedule, Sacraments, School, Religious Education, Youth Ministry, Guild of St. Mary, Liturgical Ministries, Bible Study, RCIA, Bulletins, Gospel Reading Podcasts, Homily Podcasts and more can all be found on our webpage.
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Like
the Church of St. Mary Facebook Page
Like the Church of St. Mary Facebook Page to get notices on viewing Livestreamed Mass! Prior recorded Masses can also be watched via our Facebook Page.
Like the Church of St. Mary Facebook page to see regular updates from popular Catholic pages such as the Archdiocese of Chicago, Cardinal Blase Cupich, and the USCCB. See news from the School of St. Mary, Guild of St. Mary, Religious Education Program, Youth Ministry and upcoming events at our parish!
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The Church of St. Mary has a YouTube channel! Once we have 1000k subscribers, we can stream live! Look for the black and white image of the Church of St. Mary when searching for the channel or click on either image here to go straight there! Don't forget to subscribe!
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