-------Earlier this year a parishioner asked if I had heard of “This is My Body: A Call to Eucharistic Revival,” by Bishop Robert Barron. I told him I had indeed heard of it and was looking forward to reading it. He shared his prayer and hope that many people in the parish would not only have heard of it, but would also take time to read it. He went further than that and stated he would purchase the book for the parish. I thanked him for his kindness and told him I would actively promote the distribution of the book into the hands of parishioners.

-------Last weekend, copies of this book were available at the entrances to the church. I am inviting all households at the parish to spend some time becoming a bit more intentional in living Eucharistic lives. Perhaps taking time, praying, reading, reflecting and discussing this document by Bishop Barron will aid your spiritual growth and maturity. If asked, “How intentional are you in living a Eucharistic life?” would you answer in the affirmative?

--In the Study Guide of 2015, by Word on Fire Catholic Ministries the following statement and question is presented: “Throughout the long history of the Church, throughout the whole series of dramatic successes and failures, despite the stupidity and wickedness of so many Christians, the command, ‘Do this in memory of me” has been and continues to be obeyed.” What does this say about the role of the Eucharist in the life of the Church throughout history? In other words, how are we a “Eucharistic people?”

-------I invite everyone reading this article, if they have read “This is My Body” or if they have not read the book to pray into these two questions. Perhaps it will be a conversation with family, neighbors, and/or parishioners. Can you take the lead in initiating Eucharistic-centered conversations? Can you pray into your response if you were asked how you regularly and consistently follow Jesus’ command throughout history?

-------The Catholic Church and Chicago have consistently been built up by immigrants, at times by refugees. Earlier this spring the issue of caring for refugees became a political hot button across our nation. The need continues to grow for how we can partner with others in offering support and encouragement. The recent issue of the Chicago Catholic has a series of articles about the Catholic response in the Archdiocese to welcome and offer life and hope to this most recent wave of refugees and immigrants.

-------When the Parish Council gathers next month, we will be discussing how the parish may be able to get more involved in this life issue at our door. Moved by the headlines, news stories, and their faith in the Lord, a family in the parish wants to help spur others on at St. Mary’s to offer help and support to Catholic Charities efforts at caring for refugees. They are making a lead gift to the parish for $10,000 with the hopes and belief that the parish will work together and match or exceed this lead gift. Perhaps you yourself have been moved by headlines, news stories, and your faith as well. If the Holy Spirit is guiding you to contribute, please clearly indicate on your donation that it is for REFUGEE RELIEF. Donations can be made via GiveCentral as well as through the offertory or the Parish Office.

-------This weekend, Fr. Deo, visiting me from Zambia is celebrating the 10:00am Mass. I have enjoyed his friendship and company in the short time he has been here. I have been doing my best to teach him a bit about golf. Fr. Radley is planning on giving him a lesson or two in Pickle Ball. Fr. Deo will be with us for just over one remaining week, returning to his homeland on Wednesday, September 6. For those of you who have offered him a St. Mary’s welcome, I want to thank you very much. His time here in Lake Forest and the Archdiocese has provided him with untold numbers of photographs and stories to share with his family and parishioners at Christ the King Parish in Pemba, Zambia.

-------God bless you in “Eucharistic lives” of gratitude, generosity and compassion,

Go to the Official Church of St. Mary YouTube™ channel to view any and all live-streamed Masses. See the link to our Livestream YouTube™ channel at the top of our Facebook page.

COR YOUTH MINISTRY

+ 7:30 am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am

+ 5:00 pm: Livestream & Mass - Church

+ 10:00 am:  Livestream & PUBLIC MASS

+ 7:30 am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am

+ 7:30 am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am

Wednesday, August 30, 2023:

+ 7:30 am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am

+ 7:30 am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am

+ 7:30 am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am

+ 7:30 am: Livestream & PUBLIC MASS with Rosary & Private Prayer after Mass until 8:30am

+ 5:00 pm: Livestream & Mass - Church

+ 10:00 am:  Livestream & PUBLIC MASS

To read the Daily Scripture readings you may go to usccb.org and select "Daily Reading" at the top left menu.

You may also go to "Today's Reading" at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings

BANNS

III Emily English and Gabe Dwyer

II Emily Raye and Michael Bindon

II Christine Leider and Christopher Mato

I Hannah Ballard and Ryan Davis

James Krueger

Ruth Ann Lachenauer

Pauline Mohr

This new sick list began on June 4 and will continue through August. The new list begins on September 3.

 Sunday, August 27

7:30am -  Leith Frauen; Special Intention for Andrew Schroeder;

------------Special Intention for Isabella Leone

  

7:30am - Wiegand McNeil Family; Bud Metzger

7:30am - Caren “Dutch” Wood; John McManus 

 Sunday, September 3

8:00am - James Swarthout; Liz Sledd; Deceased Knights of Columbus Council 1268 

             

If you would like to request a special Mass Intention, please email our Parish Receptionists at: [email protected] and they will kindly assist you!

Sunday Collection----------------------------------------Actual----------------Budgeted------Surplus/(Shortfall)

August 20, 2023 -------------- ---------- ----------- - -- $26,680----------- ---- $26,000----------------- $680

 -----------3,342

Total Sunday Collections Fiscal 2024 YTD----- -- $224,731--------------$208,000--------------$16,731

Schedule your recurring donations via our online Giving safe and secure portal, GiveCentral Go to:  Church of St. Mary GiveCentral or click the image to the left.

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[email protected] | http://www.churchofstmary.org