Global Day of Fasting, Penance & Prayers

Hello St. Alphonsus,

The Archdiocese of Chicago calls for Catholics and all people of good will to answer Pope Francis’ plea to unite for a global day of fasting, penance and prayers on Friday, Oct. 27 for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. Cardinal Cupich asks that all parishes and worship sites in the Archdiocese of Chicago dedicate their Friday services as Masses for the restoration of peace and justice in this time of war and civil disturbances.

“We mourn the presence of war and pray for the light of peace on this broken world and for mercy and reconciliation among nations,” said Cardinal Cupich. “As we pray for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine, we grieve for the suffering and deaths of our brothers and sisters, and pray for comfort of those with immense grief and fear for their safety.”

The Holy Father announced that special prayers for peace will take place in St. Peter's Basilica at 6 PM (1600 GMT) on Oct. 27. He has invited all to join. “War does not solve any problems, it only sows death and destruction. It increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future, it erases the future,” Francis said at the end of his general audience talk in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 18.

As a reminder, those fasting may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted, if necessary, to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.

A Message From Our Pastor

Last week at Mass, Fr. Steven Bauer preached on the importance of Stewardship. Please take a moment to read and reflect on his follow-up article in this Sunday's bulletin!

Opening Doors, Opening Hearts

If any parishioners who have a background in finance, accounting, and/or business are interested in joining the Finance Committee, they can reach out to us at (773) 525-0709.

Parishioners often wonder how much to contribute. The table below provides suggested giving amounts based on the concept of giving your first hour of salary back to God. These amounts are suggestions and are not meant to be taken as a rule.

We invite you to make your offertory gift at any amount after your prayerful consideration! 

"Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3: 9-10)

What Does It Mean To Give First Fruits?

If you would like to learn more about living a stewardship way of life, please visit our section on giving on our website, or contact a member of our parish stewardship team by calling the rectory at 773-525-0709 or by emailing parish Director of Operations Daniel Szymanski.

Thank you and God bless you!

• Text sunday to 773-570-7600
• Click on the link you receive via text
• Fill in the information and click "Submit Form" to make your gift!

Celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus!

In this Sunday's Gospel, the Pharisees continue to test Jesus with a question about the greatest commandment, to which he interpreted the Law of Moses and replies that all commandments can be summarized by is to love God and neighbor as oneself. Love of God finds its expression in our love for our neighbor.

Daily prayer keeps you in good relationship with the LORD, and yourself.

Invite your friends/loved ones to Mass! 

Mass Readings for Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time



October 29 Parish Bulletin

A quick reminder that St. Alphonsus is now offering Saturday morning Mass at 8:30 AM.

Our parish welcomes Emily Ember, our new Coordinator of Religious Education and Evangelization! A brief bio is in our parish bulletin.

Please note the Oakdale parking lot will be closed this Friday October 27 starting at 3 PM for our AACA Mother’s Club Trunk or Treat event.

Volunteer at St. Alphonsus!

Our Cleaning Angels Ministry serves this Saturday October 28 from 9-10:30 AM. All are welcome to join as we help to clean and beautify our St. Alphonsus campus! It is our duty as good Catholics to be of service to our faith community and local parish! The focus area will be on the rectory instead of the church this month. Volunteers please come to the front door of the rectory rather than the usual church!

There will be an American Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Alphonsus on Sunday November 5 in the Festival Hall. Thank you for considering donating life-giving blood! Please make an appointment online at their website and use the sponsor code StAlphonsusChurch

All Saints & All Souls Day

All Saints Day, Wednesday November 1 is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be at 8:30 AM and our regular Wed evening 6 PM. The morning Mass will be a school Mass w/ our AACA students.

All Souls Day, November 2nd is a special day in the life of the Church as we take time to pray for our deceased family members and friends who have died and gone before us marked with the sign of faith. St. Alphonsus Parish will be holding a special Requiem Mass on Thursday, November 2nd at 7 PM, to pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died. Through the Sacred Liturgy, the Church invokes the forgiving love and abundant mercy of God, that He may receive all those we remember into His kingdom so they can come to know the fullness of life and peace of Heaven. All those who complete the form and make a suggested offering of $15 or more for a name will receive their designated unlit candle before Mass begins. After the homily, while the choir sings, the person will come forward in a line with their candle, light it from the Paschal Candle, and place it on the Communion rail.

Additionally, our music director Brian Bloye is arranging a special program with a men's schola singing chant in Latin and English from the traditional Requiem Mass of the Church. If you would like to honor a loved one who has died, please fill out the form here. You can also write the names of your loved ones in the Book of the Names of the Dead, which will be available in the Church during November.

Thanks to Fr. Raya and our Hispanic community, refreshments of Hot Chocolate and Mexican bread will be offered on the Veranda after the 7 PM All Souls Mass!

Faith Formation News

Are you looking for a deeply meaningful way to serve your community? Do you want to be inspired and challenged to grow in your faith? Do you want to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the youth? We’d love to have you join our team!

Catechists are needed each Tuesday from 6:00-7:30 PM now through early May to share our Catholic faith with the young people of St. Alphonsus parish in our Religious Education program. 

If you know any adults interested - please have them contact Emily Ember.

Are You Ready To Become Catholic?

Registration is open for The Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) Each year we are blessed with several individuals who desire to enter and learn more about the Catholic faith. The RCIA program is the study of the Catholic Faith and the process of introduction into the faith community. If you or someone you know is interested in taking the class, please contact our pastoral associate, Brooks Robinson.

Seek 24 , January 1-5 in St. Louis, MO Register Now!

Walking With Purpose

Come as you are. You are welcome here!

Make authentic connections with other women; refuel and refresh; Learn more about God

The Touching the Divine bible study focuses on qualities of Jesus revealed through the Gospel of John. This study draws us into a deeper, loving relationship with Jesus as we reflect on His life and personality.

St. Alphonsus Women's Bible Study is on Tuesdays w/ two sessions, one at 9:30 AM and the other at 6:30 PM. Questions? Contact Susan Combes

Men's Group

St. Alphonsus Men’s group meets Thursday nights to pray the liturgy of the hours, have fellowship, and to propose challenging topics to discuss. 

We meet every Thursday night at 7 PM in the rectory. Food and drinks provided. All men are welcome, with most men being in their 20s and 30s. Access can be gained at the west facing rectory door in the parking lot. For questions or more information, contact us here!

Men's Group Holy Hour on Friday November 3 at 7:30 PM

"Walk The Talk" Annual Great Lakes Catholic Men's Conference in Dekalb, Saturday Nov. 18

Young Adult Ministry

Tuesday October 31 at 6:30 PM in Festival Hall

We’re excited to introduce a brand new speaker at St. Alphonsus! On Tuesday, October 31, we will be joined by Sister Margaret Lekan, OP for a talk on the various stresses in our lives and God’s working through them. Sister Margaret comes to us with a tremendous wealth of experience having organized numerous retreats and workshops for the laity, clergy, and religious on various aspects of human psychology, mental health, and God’s connection to them in the workings of our daily lives.

Afterwards, you’re invited to participate in pumpkin carving organized by our Social Committee! Everyone is welcome to attend and refreshments will be provided. While we will provide carving tools, we ask that anyone interested in participating please bring your own pumpkin. This is a great way to get to know some new people in our community while getting into the fall spirit! Hope to see you all there!

Be sure to stay updated for all our events through our YAM Linktree. November Newsletter coming soon!

Knights of Columbus

Thank you to all who participated in our wonderful Pumpkin Carving event this past Sunday!

November 6 7:30PM : Knights council monthly meeting

Location: Rectory Dining Room

Council meetings are typically the first Monday of the month at 7:30PM

Questions about our monthly meetings? Email Grand Knight Ray San Agustin or Chancellor Mike Winkler.

Save the Date: Knights of Columbus Christmas Party Dec. 14; this is a Family Event for all KoC members.

Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts

At AACA, our focus on academic excellence, enriched by an arts-integrated

curriculum and a strong Catholic foundation, creates a welcoming community full of creativity and opportunity for all. Join us at our next Open House on Thursday November 9 at 9 AM to discover what our community has to offer you and your child. This is a wonderful chance for you to become familiar with our school and to ask questions you may have about AACA. Register online

Four Quartets by T.S Eliot

"In my beginning is my end." - T. S. Eliot, "Four Quartets"

Join us on an epic journey into the very heart of light as we explore what it means to be human.

"Four Quartets", the solo-staged rendering of T. S. Eliot's timeless poem is a blazing journey into the heart of creation. Now playing through October 29.

Open Mic Night

The Athenaeum Jr. Board will host an Open Mic Night on Thursday, November 16 at 7 PM in the Paradiso Room at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture. 

Musicians, poets, and performers are all welcome! If you're an artist interested in performing, please sign up on the Google Sheet here. Slots will be 10 minutes. If you have anything to set up, we ask that you choose a spot after one of the breaks. Please feel free to reach out to coordinator Clare with any questions!

The event will be free and there will be snacks! The bar will be open for beverage purchases, and we're hoping for an enthusiastic audience to come have a drink and support our local artist community! 

Around the Archdiocese- Choral Music and National Vocation Week