Celebrate Sunday Mass at

St. Alphonsus!

Hello St. Alphonsus,

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus is tempted in the desert. The fact that Jesus spent 40 days in the desert is significant. This recalls the 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the desert after being led from slavery in Egypt. The prophet Elijah also journeyed in the desert for 40 days and nights, making his way to Horeb, the mountain of God, where he was also attended to by an angel of the Lord. Remembering the significance of these events, we also set aside 40 days for the season of Lent.

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

Mass Readings for First Sunday of Lent

February 18 Parish Bulletin

Men's Evening Prayer's Group (Vespers) continues on Wednesdays from 8:15 to 9 PM in the chapel.

The Stations of the Cross will be prayed every Friday during Lent at 6 PM (en Espanol) and 7 PM in English. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed at 6:30 PM.

Praise and Adoration This Friday, February 16th at 7:30 PM

Spend time with our Lord in praise and adoration in the church! We'll spend the first 15 minutes in silent adoration, and then our musicians will lead worship in song. Confession will also be available! The hour will conclude with benediction, and our Young Adult ministry will lead a group for fellowship at Olive Black afterwards!

Calling All Youth Sharp Shooters! Our Knights of Columbus are sponsoring the annual Youth Free Throw Shooting competition this Sunday, Feb. 18 from 1-4 PM. All Girls and Boys aged 9 to 14 are invited to sign-up at their respective age/gender division! This is a free event. Winners receive basketballs and the District championship will begin immediately afterwards from 4-6 PM. Sign-up here! On-line registration closes Saturday. If on-line registration is closed, please arrive at 12:30 in the gym for day of registration, all age brackets. THANK YOU!

Archbishop of Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich will celebrate Mass at St. Alphonsus on Wednesday, February 21 at 4:30 PM. St. Alphonsus will still have our regular daily Mass at 6:00 PM. The Lumen Christi Institute and the Loyola University Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage are sponsoring a Catholic Criminal Justice Reform Network: Panel Discussion at the Athenaeum that evening. The panel discussion is Invite-Only. Contact the Hank Center if you are interested in attending.

Lenten Retreat Next Saturday!

Eucharistic Revival Lenten Retreat- Saturday, February 24, 9 AM-1 PM

The Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian Life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324) and the Catholic Church teaches that the bread and wine we bring to the altar are transformed into Christ’s body and blood. And yet, in an age when we seem to need Christ more and more every day, barely 31% of American Catholics believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Last year, the bishops of the United States initiated a Eucharistic Revival movement to encourage the faithful to rekindle a relationship with Christ.

As part of this movement, we are excited to announce our retreat for early this year. On February 24th, everyone 18-39 years old is invited to join us at St. Alphonsus for a half day retreat focusing on the Eucharist and our relationship with Christ. This event will kick off at 9AM and end at 1PM. We will be joined by Fr. Derek Ho, who will offer talks on the Eucharist and lead us in small group discussions. Additionally, confession and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament will be available.

The cost to attend this event will be $15/person. Coffee and Bagels will be available in the morning with light food available throughout the retreat. We ask that you sign up in advance so we can get an accurate count of attendees.

Knights of Columbus

The annual Knights of Columbus Fish Fry is the biggest event of our fraternal year. It is not only a fundraiser for our church and local community’s charities, but a way to bring our Parish and neighborhood together for some good food and cheer.

2024 Fish Fry Info

• Date: Friday, March 8th
• Where: 1429 W. Wellington, Chicago in Festival Hall, beneath the church
• Time: 6:30-9PM
• Featuring the Trinity Irish Dance Troupe around 7 PM.
• Cost: $20 for adults. $10 for kids 5-12. Free for 4 and under.
• Buy Fish Fry Adult Tickets Online Here !
• Buy Kids tickets at the door via Cash, Zelle or Venmo
• Menu: Fried Beer Battered Cod, Macaroni and Cheese, Coleslaw
• For Sale separately: Mini-cupcakes, Brownies and other treats
• BYOB Alcohol only. 
• Water and other non-alcoholic drinks will be for sale
• For the kids: Multiple games and prizes

Help out your parish and volunteer for this wonderful event!

St. Alphonsus Parish Lenten Food Drive

Benefiting Mission of Our Lady of the Angels

Saturday, March 2nd - 10 AM to 1 PM

St. Alphonsus Church – 1429 W. Wellington Ave. 

Drop off at the Church parking lot. (Collection bins also available in Church entrances the week prior)

Want to help the homeless, the poor of Chicago, the migrants? They all visit Mission OLA. All non-perishable, unexpired food items are appreciated. Thank you from St. Alphonsus Parish!

Like to donate, but need your food donation picked up? Contact Paul Gillespie

Annual Catholic Appeal 2024

Our parish is still conducting the Annual Catholic Appeal campaign. The ACA helps support various parish ministries as well as our AACA school. Your gift gives our parishes the resources they need to support the ministries, programs, and agencies that serve the educational, physical, and spiritual needs of the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago and beyond. 

There are ACA envelopes in the pews or you can make your gift online here. (Be sure to enter St. Alphonsus- Chicago under the parish designation drop-down!)

In order to help understand the larger story of the Annual Catholic Appeal, we invite you to read the most recent issue of the LUMEN magazine.

Faith Formation



Rev. Steven Bauer and our parish staff are always open to the faithful in assisting with your spiritual journey. May God bless us all with patience and peace as we seek to live in harmony with one another and all creation!

The Sorrowful Mysteries Lenten Study - The Scourging at the Pillar

Thursday Mornings, NOW through Mar. 21, 9:30 AM-11:00 AM, in the Rectory

Join us atop the roof of The Church of the Ecce Homo, the location where Pilate brings Jesus out to the crowd. The Scourging takes place within the context of Jesus’ trial. Pilate finds no crime in Jesus, yet has him brutally scourged. Our Lord’s pain and suffering is very real yet it points to something much deeper - an infinite love - a God who is willing to endure the deepest pain on our behalf. Encounter a love that conquers death. A love that fights - for you! It’s not too late to join us. Enter into the Mystery of Christ’s Scourging and discover the power of the Rosary. 

Email Emily Ember for more info.

How to Pray the Rosary

Walking With Purpose- Women's Bible Study Group

Tuesday mornings and evenings 9:30-11 AM or 6:30-8 PM. 

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.

Saint John referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” and as we study, John will teach is how much Jesus loves us and how His love is the true satisfaction of our souls.  

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!

7 Ways to Have a Good Lent

Young Adult Ministry

St. Alphonsus has a vibrant young adult community! Be sure to check out our Facebook page for service opportunities and other future events!

Visit our Linktree

Sippin Social Happy Hour- Sunday, Feb. 25

Once a month (usually) our St. Alphonsus YAM board hosts a social after the 5 PM Mass. Join us on Sunday, February 25 for some drinks and socialization at Olive Black on N. Lincoln Ave. We will gather at the back of the church and walk over together. Invite some friends!!

Other Activities for Young Adults Around the Archdiocese and More:

Catholic Sports Leagues

Thursday evening volleyball league is now on waitlist. 

Bowling sign-ups are now live! 

The 4 week league starts April 9, on Tuesday evenings at Waveland Bowl and is just $55 as an Early Bird special. Price will increase in March. This league will fill up fast so don’t delay!    

Safe Families for Children

Please join us for New Volunteer Training on Saturday, February 24th here at St. Alphonsus! FREE light breakfast and lunch included! RSVP HERE! 

Volunteer roles covered in training:

· "Host Family" - host local children in your home for short periods of time

· "Family Friend" - provide volunteer babysitting or transportation for host families and local families in crisis situations

Safe Families for Children is a national, Christian nonprofit which connects local families in crisis with "safe families" who volunteer to watch their children while parent(s) get back on their feet. This is a great opportunity to show Christ's love and compassion for local families, often young single moms with no support system, in a tangible and meaningful way. For questions, please reach out to us at safefamiliesstals@gmail.com 

Around the Archdiocese

CLG Lenten Retreat At The Mission 2024

The Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago’s 2024 Lenten Retreat will take place at the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in West Humboldt Park on Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 17, hosted by the Franciscans of the Eucharist. This Retreat will start on Friday evening with an overnight stay and resume Saturday morning and conclude with Mass early Saturday afternoon. This Retreat will be a great way to start the Lenten season and will provide a unique opportunity to witness the amazing service the Mission provides to its community, led by Bishop Robert Lombardo and the Franciscans of the Eucharist. (This retreat is open to all, you do not need to be in the law profession to attend.)

Shroud of Turin Relic Exhibit

The traveling exhibit is at St. Peter the Apostle in Itasca through this weekend, Febaury 18.

Resurrecting the Catholic Funeral

On Saturday, February 24 from 10 AM until Noon, the Benedictine Monks of Chicago at the Monastery of the Holy Cross, 3111 S. Aberdeen St., will be hosting a series of talks on rediscovering the significance and beauty of the Catholic funeral. Topics include the Church's teaching on practices for teh wake, funeral Mass, and graveside service. The event is free and open to all. To register.

The Loyola University Hank Center for Catholic Intellectual Heritage invites all to a free discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 7 PM. This year’s Newman Lecturer is Professor Jason Blakely from Pepperdine University. Dr. Blakely is a Political Philosopher and a leading scholar of contemporary "communitarian" and post-liberal thought, especially the work of philosophers Alasdair MacIntyre and Charles Taylor. His lecture is entitled, "Atheist!: A Story of Conversion."

Annual Cardinal Albert Meyer Lecture Mar. 7 and 8

On March 7 and 8, all are welcome to attend the Cardinal Albert Meyer Lecture featuring John L. Allen Jr., President and Founder of Crux, an independent Catholic news site. Allen will discuss “Protocol, Politics and Posterity: The Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI and the Future of the Church.” Please note that Allen will deliver the same presentation both days (Mar. 7 at Union League Club in Chicago and Mar. 8 at USML); however, on March 8, he will be joined by faculty at the University of St. Mary of the Lake for a panel discussion. For more information, the complete schedule and to register.

The Little Sisters of the Poor invite you to attend Travinia on Saturday, March 2nd, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM at St. Mary’s Home, 2325 N. Lakewood Ave., Chicago. Gather your team of friends and enjoy an evening of trivia fun! Tickets are $30 in advance or $50 at the door. To buy tickets or to donate, or call (773) 935-9600. Trivia questions begin promptly at 5:30 PM., so don’t be late! Sponsorship opportunities with benefits are available!

Night of Mercy

Join others on Wednesday, March 6 from 6 – 8:30 PM. at Jesus Bread of Life Parish (St. Sylvester church site-2157 N. Humboldt Blvd.) for an evening of Eucharistic Adoration, confessions, and music! All are welcome to join us in prayer. We also need volunteer greeters, help with hospitality, and more people for the street evangelization team for this event! Contact Sr. Stephanie Baliga with any questions or to sign up to volunteer.