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PARISH NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS | |
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I pray this note finds you happy, healthy, and holy. It’s hard to believe that we are already in February and that Lent is just three weeks away. I don’t know about you, but I really love Lent. And if I am being honest, I really need Lent. It gives us an opportunity to focus on something to “give up” as well as something we can “add”.
We are familiar with the idea of giving something up for Lent. We are abstaining from a good thing that we enjoy and that is difficult for us to do. This practice helps us to strengthen our will power so as to not be enslaved to our passions. Furthermore, these sacrifices that we endure have significance because we can unite them to Christ’s sacrifice.
Recently, I got out of an appointment just past noon and was really hungry. I really wanted to stop and eat something, but felt God nudging me to not eat at that moment and to unite that little sacrifice to his for our seminarian who was arriving. I was grateful for the grace God gave me. This is a very small example but reflective of the many opportunities in our lives. Let’s begin to pray now asking our Lord to reveal what he is calling us to give up this Lent.
This liturgical season also gives us an opportunity to add something to our life. What we can add is TIME we give to God. Maybe start saying a rosary every day or add an extra 15 minutes to however much you pray. This will help us grow closer to Christ in Lent and give more meaning to what we have given up. Let us prepare now in order to have a grace filled Lent!
In Christ,
Fr. Schultz
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“Rooted in Christ - An Invitation to Belong” Program
Over the next few weeks, you will be hearing about the upcoming “Rooted in Christ- An Invitation to Belong” Program at St. Patrick Church of Merna. This effort is very important as we move forward with the mission and vision of our parish. We, as a parish family, have changed so many lives in our community! In order to continue our mission and ministries, we encourage all parishioners to spend time in prayer and discussion with your family reflecting on the work we do. Our special Commitment Weekend will be held on February 18 & 19. If you have any questions regarding the “Rooted in Christ - An Invitation to Belong” Program, please feel free to contact the parish office.
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St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul is looking for people interested in helping our community. We need people to help collect after Masses, do home or phone visits, and coordinators to assign cases. For more information, contact Chris Kornfeld at info@svdpbn.com.
Thank you to everyone currently giving their time to St. Vincent de Paul! Your efforts are very much appreciated and making a huge difference in our community!
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Schedule of Masses for Ash Wednesday
February 22, 2023
St. Patrick Church of Merna
St. Mary Church in Downs
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Pump Up Your Faith - Stained Glass Windows & Music in the Liturgy
The next installment of the Pump Up Your Faith series will be this Sunday, February 5th at 3:30 pm. This session will focus on the history and meaning of our stained glass windows as well as the music we use in liturgy. Jana and Lindsey, the Previously Protestant Presenters, are also hosting a good old fashioned Hymn Sing. This is a great way to get acquainted with our new hymnal and have a lot of fun singing with friends. We will end in Shamrock Hall with a Potluck. Please sign up below to help us plan! Contact Jana at jana@stpatrickmerna.org or Lindsey at lindsey@stpatrickmerna.org with any questions.
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"Seamless" Women-Only Bible Study
In 7 sessions, Seamless covers the people, places, and promises of the Bible, tying them together into the greater story of Scripture. You’ll gain an overarching understanding of the fundamental layout and meaning of God’s Word. This women-only study meets weekly and begins February 21st and ends April 4th. Find all the details and sign up below.
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Into His Likeness Book Study
Edward Sri, a well-known Catholic author, provides an approachable but in-depth exploration of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Into His Likeness provides how to live as a disciple and experience the transformation Jesus wants to work in our lives. The study will be offered beginning March 1st on Wednesdays at St. Mary Church in Downs and Thursdays at St. Patrick Church of Merna. Click below for all the details and to sign up.
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The Ascension Lenten Companion Book & Journal
Has your relationship with God grown stale? Has it lost its spark? Are you plagued by a particular sin? Something you can’t shake? Are you just tired from the day-to-day grind of your life? These all show that God wants to give you more. And this Lent can be when God gives it to you. Fr. Mark Toups leads readers inward to invite the Lord to heal those areas where they need it most. He follows the same format that tens of thousands enjoyed in Advent with his popular Rejoice! journals. Readers will receive daily guidance as well as supplemental videos, to help enter more deeply into Lent and remain focused throughout the season. Watch an introductory video and order resources by clicking HERE.
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Growing Disciples
Since coming to the “Heart of Illinois,” Bishop Louis Tylka has experienced firsthand the faith and good works of our priests, religious and laypeople, and he has listened to the people of the Diocese of Peoria. In response to what he has learned, Bishop Tylka has commissioned a pastoral planning process called Growing Disciples, with the goal of moving further into the mission which Christ has given us: to go and make disciples.
In order to renew discipleship and enhance relationships with Jesus in every corner of our region, Growing Disciples will examine the current structure of parishes and schools in the diocese to evaluate how they can best meet the needs of the faithful and address challenges facing the Church today. Visit the Growing Disciples page on our website to view all the latest information and videos!
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Ireland Pilgrimage
You’re invited to join Fr. Martin & Deacon Mike on a pilgrimage to Ireland, September 25 – October 5, 2023. We will be visiting holy sites throughout Ireland, walking in the footsteps of numerous saints, and we know your faith will be reinvigorated and renewed by this pilgrimage. For more information contact Deacon Mike at mpool4625@gmail.com, or visit Tekton Ministries.
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Ash Wednesday Simple Soup Supper
Our youth ministry will host a simple soup supper on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, from 4:45pm-6pm (or whenever they run out of soup). This is a great opportunity for our parish to support the teens in youth ministry who will be attending Catholic Heart Work Camp this summer. Our group hopes to take about 30 people to work camp this summer and any donation, no matter the size, helps to offset the cost of registration, transportation, food, and lodging. We want to thank you in advance for your generosity and ask that you continue to pray for our group. We look forward to going out in service and proudly representing our local church community while being the hands and feet of Christ to those in need. Purchase tickets for the Simple Soup Supper below.
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Cubs vs. Cards Game
Join our parish for the annual bus trip to a Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals baseball game! Thursday, July 27th at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
- $100 per person- includes ticket (section 235), bus transportation, sack lunch, and snacks and refreshments on the bus
- Estimated departure: 1pm; estimated return: 1am
- Seating is limited - sign up below!
For more information, contact Jeff Lopez.
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Super Bowl Squares Fundraiser
Mom’s Morning Out is selling Superbowl Squares as a fundraiser. Squares are $10 each and you can purchase as many as you would like. Payout will be $100 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarter, $200 for the final score. Deadline to buy squares is Tuesday, February 7th. Once all squares are sold, an email will be sent with the square sheet. Any questions? Contact Amy.
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About Mom’s Morning Out
We are a group that supports mothers in the community with the assistance of our church. Our mission is to provide a nurturing forum for mothers through fostering personal growth and spiritual enrichment, while also providing information and support concerning issues important to women, children, and family life. Join us at St. Pat's on most Friday mornings from 9am-11am!
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Teens Encounter Christ
Teens Encounter Christ is a thought provoking and fun filled spiritual weekend open to young people age sophomore in h.s. through 19 years old of all Christian faiths and denominations. The next weekend is coming up February 18-20. This weekend is for both boys and girls. Accommodations and various talks will be separated; meals, liturgies, and some free time will be together. Space is limited so sign up today! Visit www.bn-tec.org for more info. Contact Deacon Mike Pool with questions.
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1001 N Towanda Barnes Rd.
Bloomington, IL 61705
(309) 662-7361
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