July 2022
PARISH NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
A Note From Our Pastor
I hope and pray that this note finds you “happy, healthy, and holy”. Bishop Lou told his priests at a gathering recently that he wanted his priests to be “happy, healthy, and holy” and that popped into mind as my desire for you! This summer has been flying by, and it's hard to believe that June came and went and now we are in July. 

Throughout my priesthood, I have always enjoyed having meals with parishioners at their homes. It’s a great opportunity to get to know people. Over the years, there are some families that I have grown closer to and have been over to their house many times. As you would imagine during my first few visits it was a bigger deal to have “father” over for dinner. That wears off over time and I just become “part of the family”. When this happens I naturally start helping with clean-up or in any way that I can because I feel very much at “home” even though I am still kind of a guest. 

We have a big parish with a good number of people yet it’s my desire that every person who comes to our parish for Mass feels welcomed. Though we have volunteer greeters opening various doors, a welcome center that can be visited in our gathering space, and clergy greeting folks as they leave, WE can and should do more. All of us at some point came to St. Patrick Church of Merna for the first time and we were “guests”... but in time you have become “part of the family”. I am challenging all of our parishioners to embrace their role in our family. Push yourself out of your comfort zone to be warm and welcoming to those you encounter. 

As Christians, we should do this everywhere with everyone. We should always have a warm smile and a kind greeting ready to be given. In time then, everyone we meet will become part of our family! And what a great way to experience a parish - as a church family where ALL people belong. So the next time the door is opened for you at Mass be reminded of your responsibility to do the same for others!

In Christ,
Fr. Schultz
Upcoming Events
Msgr. Gregory K. Ketcham Memorial Golf Outing
This year's outing will be at Crestwicke Country Club on Monday, September 12th. The fee will be $140 and includes green fees, cart, lunch and dinner, mulligans, on course games, 50/50, other prizes, and an event shirt. To guarantee your shirt size, you MUST register prior to August 12th. Register now by clicking below. Your participation in this event will benefit the Msgr. Gregory K. Ketcham Memorial Scholarship, the athletes of the Miracle League, and the charitable works of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. If you have any questions, contact Joe Klingler (309) 838-7333, Kurt Gibson (309) 530-0915, Rich Thomas (309) 530-0328, or Rich Staley (309) 530-3819.
Parish News
Confession Returns Indoors
Beginning Friday, July 8th, confessions will move inside the church in the north confessional labeled, “Fr. Martin”. The day and time confessions are offered will remain the same: Fridays from 12pm-4pm.
All Day Friday Adoration Returning!
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest. 
Matthew 11:28
All day Friday Adoration is returning to St. Patrick Church of Merna beginning Friday, July 8th. All are welcome to come and spend time with our Lord in Adoration at any time. Please prayerfully consider a weekly commitment as we will need committed Adorers to ensure continuous coverage throughout the day. Reflect upon these words of our Lord to His Apostles during His Agony, “Could you not watch one hour with me?” (Mt 26:40) Sign up by clicking below and choosing ‘Weekly Commitment’. Questions? Email adoration@stpatrickmerna.org.
Youth Group Schedule
Youth Group is off next week for the TEC weekend from July 8-11th! We will be back on July 17th for some more fellowship, and we can’t wait to see you then! 
 
Youth Group's Summer Small Groups 
We are happy to announce that our summer small groups are here! Meeting once a week, our teens can join us for faith building discussions on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm in the youth room as we navigate through the summer together! For more info, email us at youthministry@stpatrickmerna.org
CELEBRATING ALL FAMILIES!
During the summer months, we gather more often with family as we enjoy God’s many blessings. We want to hear about your family’s summer activities. Help us create a parish-wide bulletin board showcasing our families. You do not need to have a child in RE classes to participate.

1. Click on the button below.
2. Print off the CELEBRATE FAMILY page & complete with your family.
3. Return it to either the Welcome Center or the Parish Office by August 14th.

Easy as 1, 2, 3! Share your summer and family with us!
"Mass Singles"
Do you come to Mass alone? Would you like a friendly group of other "Mass Singles" to sit with each week? We are exploring the possibility of starting a new ministry for those who attend Mass by themselves (for any reason). It would give "Mass Singles" a chance to create a sense of community while attending Mass - someone to check in with, to give the Sign of Peace to, and a friendly face to see during Mass. If you are interested in finding out more, please click below and fill out the form. Contact Jana at jana@stpatrickmerna.org with any questions.
Volunteers Wanted
Take that leap of faith…VOLUNTEER!
We are excited as we start planning for in-person Religious Education classes this fall. The success of our program has always relied on parent volunteers. Please prayerfully consider joining your child’s class as a teacher, aide or small group leader. We have opportunities in grades 1-5 on both Tuesday & Wednesday nights as well as for grades 6-8 later on Wednesday nights. This is a wonderful way to become more ROOTED in your faith. I’d love to discuss the possibility and answer any questions. Contact Bobbi Hassel at bobbi@stpatrickmerna.org.
The Nursery is open... but we need your help to keep it that way!
Volunteers, both adults and teens, are needed for all Masses; especially the 11:00am Mass. With enough volunteers, the typical commitment is only once a month. There is a one-time diocesan safe environment requirement which is online and easy to complete. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the parish or earn service hours. Go to the parish website to sign up or contact Pam Goode at nursery@stpatrickmerna.org to get the
answers to your questions. Won’t you consider volunteering?
Join Our Team
We are Hiring!
St. Patrick Church of Merna is looking to hire a Director of Evangelization. This will be a full-time position. The person in this role will work to ensure that all those involved with our parish have an opportunity to encounter our Lord in a manner that changes their life. The main areas of focus will be Faith Formation and Small Groups. Visit our website at www.stpatrickmerna.org/DOE for more specific job responsibilities. Contact Fr. Schultz at the parish office at 309-662-7361 with any questions or to express interest.

St. Patrick Church of Merna is also looking to hire a motivated person for building and grounds maintenance. This will be a part-time position. The person in this role will work with our maintenance personnel to ensure the building and grounds leave a great first and last impression. The main areas of focus will be cleaning and maintaining restrooms, classrooms, and office areas throughout the building, operating equipment to clean and maintain floors, and mowing and trimming the grounds. Contact Fr. Schultz at the parish office at 309-662-7361 with any questions or to express interest.
1001 N Towanda Barnes Rd.
Bloomington, IL 61705
(309) 662-7361