May 30, 2021: Most Holy Trinity
Parish Newsletter
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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-------Earlier this month I began my article with the following themes shared with the community: Who among us has not experienced some COVID exhaustion with the protocols and adjustments that we have had to make in our routines since March 2020? At St. Mary’s we continue to follow the guidelines issued by the Archdiocese for the well-being and health of one another. A wonderful and powerful act of charity is to get vaccinated. A wonderful and powerful act of charity is to wear your mask properly on your face when you are out in public and in the Church of St. Mary. A wonderful and powerful act of charity is to make sure that we use the hand sanitizers that are available everywhere we go. A wonderful and powerful act of charity is to be mindful of those whose lives have been impacted more severely than us with a call, a prayer.
Yes, there are very few among us who have not or are not experiencing COVID fatigue over the buildup of the new realities of our lives over the past fifteen months. As I hear from the Archdiocese and other knowledgeable resources, we will need to continue to practice wonderful and powerful acts of charity for the foreseeable future. When we consider acts of charity as our Christian duty, may we grow to be patient with ourselves and others. We are able to do what we can with the help of God’s grace and with patience and prayer.
Now that the State of Illinois is in the Bridge Phase it makes sense that people of the parish at St. Mary’s would be asking, “What does that mean for us?” I have been asked over the last months, repeatedly, “When are we going to be done with the masks?” “When are we going to be open?” “Can we return to how things used to be?” These and other questions are frequently asked.
The initial bulletin point of the “Bridge Phase” is that we are now able to be open at 60% capacity. That sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? But in the words of Paul Harvey, a radio personality and one of my deceased father’s favorite sayings, “and now for the rest of the story.” The guidelines with the Bridge Phase state to include as part of our processes to keep social tracing, sanitizing and social distancing.
Opening the church building at the Church of St. Mary to 60% is not possible, is not a reality, and is not doable if we are to keep social distancing. When we first opened for public worship in June 2020, we arranged the seating in the church, with social distancing, to the maximum capacity of 100 parishioners plus ministers. We have been looking at, adjusting and seeing how we can invite and welcome additional guests and parishioners for Masses and other parish and school celebrations to safely include more people in the church. Going from 20% to 60% or from 100 people to 300 is problematic with respect to maintaining social distancing. We have a beautiful church; our church capacity is limited with social distancing.
The Archdiocese Task Force for addressing and responding to COVID-19 continues to work with the new realities in our society, and inform parishes how best to move forward. The leadership of St. Mary’s reflects, ponders and takes the guidance of the AoC in the local implementation of the “re-opening phase”, “bridge phase” and future phases moving forward. We hope to have the return of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion return to their ministry. You will notice that face shields are not necessary for a priest, deacon or minister who has been vaccinated in distributing Holy Communion. As more changes begin to unfold and are implemented at the parish we will inform one and all through the bulletin and other means.
This Sunday, on May 30th we will be offering those who are not able to join us in the church of St. Mary for Mass the opportunity to come together in faith and prayer to receive communion following the 12:00 Noon Mass. You are asked to help communicate this opportunity for members of our parish to come to the Oakwood Parking lot to receive Holy Communion May 30th at 1:00 PM. It is very touching to see the emotion and the gratitude of those who come to receive communion, their devotion and gratitude for receiving Jesus in the Body of Christ. May all parishioners deepen their appreciation and recognition of the importance of the Eucharist in living merciful and holy lives.
Today we celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Every time we bless ourselves, in our homes, our children, loved ones, we mark ourselves in the Trinitarian formula, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is a mystery of our faith; it is a strengthening reality, and indeed a blessing in our lives of faith.
This coming Thursday evening we will celebrate a Mass and graduation exercises for the Class of 2021 for our School of St. Mary. It has been a “Blue Ribbon Year” for students, faculty, families, administration and the Church of St. Mary. Let’s pray for all graduates at this wonderful time of year.
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.
May God bless us with hearts united to the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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Holy Communion to Those in Cars |
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In the months ahead, we will be offering you the opportunity to come and receive the gift of the Eucharist in Holy Communion from your cars. This will take place on the last Sunday of each month, our next opportunity will be on May 30. All are welcome. This opportunity is especially for those who are not able to worship in person at St. Mary’s.
Please follow the directions below:
- Starting at 1:00pm, after the congregation leaves the Noon Mass, cars may line up entering from the east Oakwood entrance.
- Driving through the parking lot, proceed under the school breezeway and drive behind the church, stopping by the south church/elevator entrance where the priest will be.
- Please stay in your car, with a mask fully covering your nose and mouth, waiting in prayer to receive the Eucharist.
- The priest will process from car to car, offering the Eucharist.
- After you receive the Eucharist you can pull over, parking your car in the parking lot, offering a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist.
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SCHEDULE: Saturday May 29, 2021 - Sunday, June 6, 2021
<--- Register for Attending & Volunteering
Saturday, May 29, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 8:00am: Reconciliation in Church, registration not required
+ 5:00pm: Livestream Mass & PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
Sunday, May 30, 2021:
+ 8:00am: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 10:00am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 12:00pm: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 1:00pm: Drive-In Communion in Oakwood Parking Lot
Monday, May 31, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 8:00am: Rosary --> Register via SignUp Genius
Tuesday, June 1, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 8:00am: Rosary --> Register via SignUp Genius
Wednesday, June 2, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 8:00am: Rosary --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 5:00-7:00pm: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament --> Register via SignUp Genius
Thursday, June 3, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 8:00am: Rosary --> Register via SignUp Genius
Friday, June 4, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 8:00am: Rosary --> Register via SignUp Genius
Saturday, June 5, 2021:
+ 7:30am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 8:00am: Reconciliation in Church, registration not required
+ 5:00pm: Livestream Sunday Mass & PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
Sunday, June 6, 2021:
+ 8:00am: PUBLIC MASS --> Register via SignUp Genius
+ 10:00am: Livestream & 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Masks/Face Covering: Mask or face coverings are required to be worn by all individuals at all times while in the Church building.
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Hand Sanitizer: Sanitize your hands as you enter the Church building.
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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.
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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.
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Church Exit: The north doors onto the main plaza will be the only exit from the Church (unless you require use of the elevator).
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Church East Entrance - Emergency Exit Only: Please do not use the East doors onto the stairways for either entering or exiting.
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Surface Sanitizing: All surfaces touched by persons are sanitized prior to the next opening of the Church.
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Restrooms Unavailable: For the safety of all, the restrooms will not be available, unless it's an emergency.
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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.
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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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May 30, 2021: Gospel Reflection for Most Holy Trinity |
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The Holy Trinity is an amazing mystery that we as mere humans will never really be able to wrap our minds around; three distinct individuals all in one. The great thing is we aren’t supposed to comprehend the Holy Trinity! We are to live in the mystery and in awe of the ways God is accessible to us!
Each of the three readings this Sunday focuses on one person of the Trinity. The first reading focuses on God, the second reading on the Holy Spirit and the gospel focuses on Jesus. In our first reading we hear Moses speaking to those who were born while wandering in the desert, they themselves were not slaves in Egypt. He recalls for them what the God of Israel did for the Jews, who were slaves in Egypt to set them free. Moses asks them, did any other group of people hear the voice of God from fire? Moses was referencing the burning bush. Moses continues to ask if any other deity had taken their people out of another nation. Here he is of course referencing how the God of Israel took the Jews out of Egypt. Moses then reminds his people that there is only one God. This notion of only one God (monotheism) was relatively new at this time in history.
Moses knows that he himself, as well as those who escaped Egypt, would not be allowed into the Promised Land. He wants to be sure the next generation, those born during the 40 years wandering the desert; remember all God has done for them and that they keep his commands. This invites us to look back at our individual and collective lives to see when and how God has worked in our own lives! We know God is always working in our lives, but have we taken the time to prayerfully meditate on recognizing those times and be grateful?
Our second reading on Sunday is from Romans and reminds us that all who are led by the Holy Spirit are the people of God. As people of God we are co-heirs to all that God offers, which means living a life according to God’s will, knowing we will be glorified in God, and will also suffer for God.
Sunday’s gospel may only be five verses but it has a lot of meaning to unpack! Mary Magdalene and the other women have seen the risen Christ as well as angels telling them to meet Christ in Galilee. So the women in turn inform the disciples that they are to travel 60 miles from Jerusalem to Galilee and meet Christ. They are to go to a mountain, which we know indicates something important will happen. In scripture people go to meet the divine at the highest point possible… mountain tops. This is because at the time, people thought that the divine lived geographically higher than the earth. It makes sense and we reference it that same way even today. However when we think about it, the divine is everywhere all the time. There is not a place where the divine is not present!
Once the disciples are on the mountain in Galilee we are told they saw Jesus and simultaneously worshiped and doubted him. It makes one wonder, when they saw Jesus, what did they see? It was more than just a physical sighting, but also a spiritual sighting. How many of us, if we’re being honest, also worship and love God completely and yet doubt? Doubt if we really have what it takes to be a disciple, to spread the word of God’s love for all, not only in word, but more importantly, in deed? Even St. Mother Teresa kept diaries showing she went through long periods of doubt, yet never doubted carrying on the mission! We may not know how our journey will go, what the road will look like, but if there is one sure thing to cling to, it is God’s unending love for each of us!
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Bereavement Ministry Training
The Corporal works and the Spiritual works of mercy are at the core of who we are as Catholics Christian. They not only identify who we are as a people; charitable, caring, compassionate and generous, they also identify the behaviors which help us to live our lives as true disciples of Jesus Christ. An unknown author was quoted as saying “People see what we do, God sees why.”
All of us have or will experience the tragic loss of a friend or loved one in our lives. It is at these times when we, as a Christian community, need to draw close to each other and our loving God for support and comfort. If you have been a recipient of the care and support shared by our Bereavement Ministry or just want to help others who may be suffering, this is your opportunity.
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Bereavement Ministry Training – 2021
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2021
Presenter: Amy Florian
Via Zoom (Invitations will be sent after registration is complete)
Participants should contact their individual Parish Coordinator to register.
Prior registration is required.
Agenda:
8:45 – 9:00: Log in and technical support
9:00 – 9:15: Welcoming – Details and logistics – Opening Prayer – Introduction
9:15 – 10:15: “The Catholic View of Death and Communication Skills with
Grieving People”
10:15 – 10:30: Break
10:30 – 11:45: Continuation of “Communication Skills with Grieving People”
11:45 – 12:15: Lunch
12:15 – 1:15: “Planning the Funeral Rites”
1:15 – 1:30: Wrap up and Closing Prayer
Reservations: You MUST contact the Bereavement Ministry Coordinator at your parish, Church of St. Mary, Lore Nugent 847-582-2501 or Lnugent@churchofstmary.org prior to registering for this workshop at www.vic1chicago.org. Registration CLOSES Monday May 31, 2021 - No registrations after this date.
Amy Florian is a nationally recognized speaker, teacher, and retreat director who uses her personal experience, advanced education, and knowledge from over 30 years of parish liturgy and bereavement ministries for her engaging and dynamic presentations.
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On Thursday, May 27th, Superintendent of Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools, Dr. Jim Rigg presented Principal Dave Wieters with the St. John the Baptist award for innovation and for "sticking his neck out" to try new things to help keep the School of St. Mary ahead of the curve.
We are so proud of you, Principal Wieters!
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From Around the Archdiocese |
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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.
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Sunday Mass from Holy Name Cathedral (anytime)
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http://www.catholictv.org/masses/catholictv-mass (Daily at 9:30AM)
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Relevant Radio:
- 1:00 pm ET / 10:00 am PT.
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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 "Daily Reading" at the top left menu.
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Prayer for the Sick and Deceased |
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Wedding Banns
III Jonathan Glyman and Jessica Murphy
II Kolman Estreicher and Taylor Yacktman
II Connor Lough and Bridie Murphy
Please remember in your prayers those who are sick, especially:
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Pierre Adam
Peggy Adams
William Allingham
Beny Alvarez
Alexa Anderson
Francis (Pierre) Avellone
Baby Bower Triplets:
Rose Marie, Adelaide Marie,
and Josephine Marie
Baby Mercer
Baby Peter John O'Rourke
Elvera Baeza
Dolores Beck
Brooke Bloom
Jack Brown
Mason Jeffrey Browner
Baby Virginia Bunimovich
Nancy Carani
Luis and Maria Cardenas
Carmie Caluag
Nova Carlson
Sember Carlson
Michael Carpenter
Jeffrey Chicoine
Carolyn Cimarrusti-Erickson
Jacqueline Cimarrusti
Marianna Cimarrusti
Charles Cook
Virginia Cordoba
Mary Elizabeth Cran
Greg DeBoer
Louis Degaetano
Mimi Degaetano
Mike Dellefield
Lewis Dilts
Joan Dolan
Hannah Erickson
Susan Ewert
Abby Furco
Esperanza Galikay
Jenny Green
Jeanne Gross
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Jesus Guzman
Laura Rose Hamel
Elizabeth Hand
Joyce Hansen
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
Amy Kaleniecki
Raine Kamm
Oceana Kashul
Mason Kelly
Genevieve Kluza
Patsy Leonard
Richard Lombardi
Caroline Lyczko
Fely Macalalad
Meg Macdonald
Jim MacNaughton
Angela Martinez
Carolina Martinez
Ralph Mastro
Robert Matthei
Derrick Mathews
Donna Mathews
Yvonne Tichelbaut McClosky
Kathryn McConnell
Janet McCue
Francis McCullough
Margaret Mary McIntyre
Ann Milite
Mary Anne Minich
Dolores Morrison
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Barbara Neis
David O'Brien
Joaquin Padilla
Tom Palella
Mary Margaret Pawl
Mary Butterfield Peddle
James Dean Penar
Marie Pfeiffer
Lisa Pommer
Lil Porter
Marianne Powers
Carol Pozdel
Marcia Ries
Charlene Roberts
Jeanie Rogalski
Frank Rogalski
Mathew Rowley
Susan Schey
Bill Shafer
Colleen Sheerer
Tai (Pascal) Shin
Pat Spencer
Nancy Sreenan
Ellen Sreenan
Debbie Sternberg
John Sternberg
Maureen Strassburger
Craig Strom
Elzbieta Szymanska
Leonard Teifeld
Tommy Thomsen
John Tocks
Linda Trueblood-Lambert
Joseph Urso
Amanda Van Vleet
Brittany Van Vleet
Marisol Vazquez
Lydia Webster
Martha Williams
Barbara Wilson
Laurie Wood
Robert Yale
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Please remember in your prayers those who have gone to their eternal rest with Our Lord, especially:
Dr. Rolando De La Torre (husband of Enna De La Torre; father of Ernest De La Torre)
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Mass Intentions will be prayed for during a private or public daily Mass.
May 29, 2021:
7:30am: Alfredo Linares; James R. Hulseman
5:00pm: John Hough; Millie Sorensen; Dorina Mentuccia
May 30, 2021:
8:00am: Janet Karam; Mary Kay Tschanz
10:00am: Pete Schaefer; Mike Hoch
Noon: Diane Kirsch; Santina Mazzetti
May 31, 2021: Josephine Park; Frances Jeffers
June 1, 2021: Gwen Wheelock Labus; Marge Tudel
June 2, 2021: Jim Tollaksen; Frank Bartucci
June 3, 2021: Dorothy George; Joseph Radogno
June 4, 2021: Ehret-Carey Family; James Jacksack
June 5, 2021:
7:30am: Josefa Gaviola; St. Mary’s Rosary Group 47th Anniversary
5:00pm: John Hough; Aldo Raganelli; Lois & John Koeller
June 6, 2021:
8:00am: Cimarrusti-Valentino Family; Jae Shim
10:00am: Stefan Heinrich; Audrey Johnson
Noon: Dottie Corra; Stephen Foley, Sr.; 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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“The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ...” ROMANS 8:16-17
If we are heirs to the kingdom of God, shouldn’t we work to build up His kingdom? Shouldn’t we be good stewards of our inheritance, using our time in prayer, our talent in charitable works and our treasure to care for the Church that God has left to us? Our Church is a treasured heirloom from God. Do we treat it that way?
Sunday Collection ------------------- Actual Budgeted Surplus/(Shortfall)
May 23, 2021 ----------------- --$17,749 $21,000 ($3,252)
Total Sunday Collections Fiscal 2021 YTD $952,797 $945,000 $7,797
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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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