Hello St. Alphonsus,

Happy Thanksgiving!

May this Thanksgiving fill your hearts with joy, gratitude, and the warmth of cherished moments. May you find peace in the company of loved ones and take a moment to reflect on the blessings that surround you.

Our parish and AACA school staff wish everyone a wonderful blessed Thanksgiving holiday!! Mass on Thursday, November 23 will be at 9:00 AM, which differs from the regular morning Mass time. The collection for Thanksgiving is in support of our parish's Saint Vincent DePaul Society chapter. Thank you for your generosity!

In sacred scripture, we see the theme of gratitude mentioned time and again. This free eBook features several verses that show the importance of giving thanks to the Lord and the beauty of hospitality and love for family.

The Feast of Christ the King is Sunday, November 26. This year it occurs after Thanksgiving, which is quite unusual. It's worth coming back early from your travels to celebrate Sunday Mass right here with us. 

During the 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM liturgies, our St. Alphonsus choir, joined by a string ensemble, will sing Haydn's delightful and courtly Missa Brevis in Honor of St. John.You will also hear music from the Italian tradition by Grancini and Corelli. Taken together, this music and the feast that inspires it are a most fitting and joyous way to close out the liturgical year!

All community members are encouraged to grab a free 2024 Religious Art Calendar at the table in the narthex this weekend!

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus teaches that when the Son of Man comes in glory, he will judge the nations, separating the sheep from the goats.

The judgments made by the Son of Man will be based upon the acts of mercy shown to the least ones—the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the ill, and the imprisoned. The Gospel also extends last week's message that our judgment before God will be based not only on how we have used our gifts and talents, but also on how we have extended ourselves in service to those struggling. Jesus tells us that whenever we have served those in need, we have served Christ himself.

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

Invite your friends/loved ones to Mass! 

Mass Readings for Jesus Christ, King of the Universe



November 26 Parish Bulletin

Celebration of Giving

The Giving Tree is now up in the narthex! Catholic Charities’ Celebration of Giving supports children and families throughout Cook and Lake counties, giving to those who otherwise would not have gifts for Christmas. Through our parish’s generosity, many of our less fortunate brothers and sisters receive much needed gifts and Christmas cheer! New, unwrapped gifts should be placed under the tree by December 3. If you are unable to drop your gift off after a Sunday Mass, please bring it to the Rectory Office between 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday.

Thank you for your generosity; these gifts are possibly the only ones they will receive this upcoming Christmas!

Contact Office Manager Mario Serrano for any questions.

Sweets With Santa! Saturday Dec. 9

Our parish school, Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts, is hosting a wonderful event for kids on Saturday, December 9 from 9:30 AM— 11:30 AM. Join us for light bites, Christmas crafts, and photos with Santa! All members of our community with small children are welcome, no affiliation with AACA required. For planning purposes, we do ask that you please RSVP by clicking the logo here and complete the form. Thanks!

Free Pancake Breakfast After Mass!

Sunday Dec. 10

Join us in Festival Hall on Sunday, December 10th from 10:30 AM-1:00 PM to enjoy FREE pancakes, eggs, and fellowship! 

Stop in before or after Mass for a dose of Good Cheer and Sunday Refreshment!

See new and familiar faces alike. All are Welcome!

Just be sure to observe the 1-hour Eucharistic Fast before receiving Communion.

Coffee and Hot Chocolate will also be served. We can't wait to see you!

Sponsored by our parish Friends Through Faith ministry. RSVP with Amy!

Young Adult Ministry Christmas Ball!

Get into the holiday spirit! All young adults are invited to our Christmas Ball on Saturday, December 9 from 6:30 PM-10 PM. Tickets are only $15 ($20 at door) and we will have plenty of food, drinks, desserts, dancing, and other fun festivities! Dinner will be provided as well. Wear your best holiday cocktail attire 👔👗

As it is also the time of year for giving, especially to those most in need, we will be collecting charitable donations to put together blessing bags at the event as well. Suggested items are toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, socks, wet wipes, tissues, and non-perishables, such as applesauce or fruit cups, raisins, pasta, canned vegetables, etc. This is just a short list of items; please feel free to donate anything of your choosing along these lines. We're looking forward to constructing these packages together and donating them all to Catholic Charities!

To make this event possible, we need some volunteers to help out with setup, bartending, and cleanup. Please sign up here if you can lend a hand!

Contact our Social Team for any questions!

YAM Advent Retreat

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 Advent retreat for this year. On December 16th, 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. This is a great opportunity to not only renew your relationship with Christ but also a wonderful way to prepare yourself to enter into the Christmas season.

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.

Giving Tuesday is November 28

This year, we invite parishioners to show their thankfulness to the Lord for His blessings through making a donation to St. Alphonsus Parish. Every gift is appreciated,and any amount is appropriate. There are many wonderful blessings here, the blessings of Giving Tuesday helps us keep our ministries running and the blessings flowing. Make your contribution today or TEXT Tuesday to (773) 570-7600.

Stewardship at St. Alphonsus

Parishioners often wonder how much to contribute. The table on our website 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!

Faith Formation News

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 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.

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!

Safe Families for Children Ministry

When a single parent experiences a crisis (hospitalization, loss of housing, unemployment, etc.) and has no support system to lean on for childcare, they can call Safe Families for Children.

Safe Families works by connecting families in crisis with compassionate, background-checked families to care for their children until the parent(s) are back on their feet.

Apply to be a "Host Family" or "Family Friend" today!

Around the Archdiocese

Remain in Me Series- All Sessions Now Available

Perfect for both parish-wide gatherings and small group faith dialogue, the Remain in Me series helps facilitate a process of encounter, understanding, and response to Christ’s abiding presence in the Eucharist. Based on Cardinal Cupich’s Take, Bless, Break, Share: A Strategy for Eucharistic Revival, each reflection session unpacks one of five central themes of our sacramental and liturgical lives through engaging video content, Scripture, prayer, individual reflection, small group discussion and personal testimony.

Keep Hope Alive Benefit- Thursday, November 30

The Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity Immigration Ministry invites you to join Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Rev. John Hoffman, Jim Kiley and Tom Kiley for the premier benefit and celebration supporting the Archdiocese of Chicago’s local Immigration Ministry and National Pastoral Migratoria. Musical entertainment will be by Sones de México Ensemble, Latin Grammy nominated and four-time winner of the Best Latin Entertainer in the Chicago Music Awards.

Cardinal Cupich recently expressed disappointment over the end of the Invest In Kids Act..