Hello St. Alphonsus,

Cardinal Cupich Statement on the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturns the court’s tragic 1973 decision that removed legal protection for unborn children. We welcome this important ruling and the opportunity it creates for a national conversation on protecting human life in the womb and promoting human dignity at all stages of life. This moment should serve as a turning point in our dialogue about the place an unborn child holds in our nation, about our responsibility to listen to women and support them through pregnancies and after the birth of their children, and about the need to refocus our national priorities to support families, particularly those in need.

The Catholic Church brings to such a conversation the conviction that every human life is sacred, that every person is made in the image and likeness of God and therefore deserving of reverence and protection. That belief is the reason the Catholic Church is the country’s largest provider of social services, many aimed at eliminating the systemic poverty and health care insecurity that trap families in a cycle of hopelessness and limit authentic choice.

We also come to this dialogue as Americans, knowing that the principle that all human beings are endowed by the Creator with certain inalienable rights is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, and that first among these is the right to life.

Make no mistake, because this ruling regrettably will have little impact on abortion in Illinois, as there are virtually no restrictions here, we will continue to advocate strongly for legal protections for unborn children. And we will redouble our efforts to work with all to build a culture that values the inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.

This ruling is not the end of a journey, but rather a fresh start. It underscores the need to understand those who disagree with us, and to inculcate an ethic of dialogue and cooperation. Let us begin by examining our national conscience, taking stock of those dark places in our society and in our hearts that turn to violence and deny the humanity of our brothers and sisters, and get to work building up the common good by choosing life.

Statement of the Archdiocese of Chicago on the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago Statement Against Anti-Catholic Bigotry.

Celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus!

In this Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus appoints 72 of his disciples to announce the coming Kingdom. Being a disciple of Jesus is to be experienced by living in community. The ministry of evangelization and the work of continuing Jesus’ ministry in contemporary contexts is meant to be shared among Christian believers. Just as Jesus appointed and sent the seventy-two, so too Jesus continues to call disciples today for the mission of sharing Good News in the world. 

Joy is an essential mark of a Christian disciple. In a world marked by ample suffering, it can be challenging to cultivate and live in joy. Happiness is an emotion that is often felt in temporary spurts; joy is a way of life that is both a gift shared by God and a way that can help sustain us through difficult moments. While suffering is a common experience, a life rooted in Jesus can help one experience the peace that many are constantly seeking and searching for. 

Join St. Alphonsus in praying the Intentions of Pope Francis for the month of July; We pray for the elderly, who serve as the roots and memory of so many; may their wisdom help young people to look toward the future with a sense of both hope and responsibility.

Please note that due to the holiday, daily Mass this Monday on Independence Day is at 9:00 AM instead of the customary 8:30 AM. The rectory office will be closed. 

Invite your friends/loved ones to worship at Mass! Daily prayer keeps you in good relationship with the LORD, and yourself.

Mass Readings for Fourteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Fourteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time Reflection

July 3 Parish Bulletin

Project Rachel is a diocese network of specially trained priests, religious, counselors, and laypersons who provide a team response of care for those suffering in the aftermath of abortion. 

Flyer in English and en Español

Conversations That Matter: Can We Imagine A World Without Abortion?  A webinar on Tuesday July 5 at 12 PM. Join the Notre Dame Office of Life and Human Dignity at the McGrath Institute for Church Life next week as we dream about a world in which abortion is unthinkable. We will hear from those whose attention has consistently been focused on women and children and their flourishing. Together we can work to truly build a culture of life for one another.

Friday July 15 from 6 to 8:30 PM, St. Alphonsus will be hosting Night of Mercy, with Adoration, Reconciliation, and music.

**We are in need of volunteers to make Night of Mercy possible. If you are able to volunteer or if you have questions about volunteering, contact our Pastoral Associate Brooks Robinson.**

Do you have upcoming exciting events that you would like to share with our St. Alphonsus Church and our parish school communities? You can share them here!

Did you know that you can view all upcoming church events on the calendar on our website? If your ministry has an event that you would like to host at St. Alphonsus, you can complete the Plan An Event form. Any inquiries can also be directed to the parish Office Manager, Mario Serrano.

Serve as a Wedding Coordinator!

Are you looking to get more involved in our parish? St. Alphonsus is currently looking for wedding coordinators to join our team. Being part of the Wedding Ministry is a rewarding opportunity, fun, and all volunteers receive a stipend for their time. For more information, contact sacraments coordinator Kaitlin Holyk 

Faith Formation News

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

We are excited to offer Totus Tuus Summer Camp here again at St. Alphonsus! Totus Tuus is a week-long, summer youth retreat for young people in 1st through 12th grade. Participants will grow in their faith through skits, games, songs, the celebration of the sacraments, and engaging, interactive teaching. Costs are kept low through the involvement of parents and volunteers!

Day Program: Grades 1 - 6

Monday July 11 - Friday July 15

9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

$60 per child (yes, really!)

To register: https://forms.gle/YYcDxUvYiZpAFokd6

Highlights include: 11:15 AM. daily Mass (parents welcome to attend), outdoor recess, silly skits, Friday water fight. Sack lunches & water bottles required for students

Night Program: Grades 7 - 12

Sunday July 10 - Thursday July 14

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

$15 per student

To register: https://forms.gle/WGEVJYoMZ1UpXCGM9

Highlights include:  New friends, fun games, an evening of Adoration with our Lord, conversations about how to live out faith in high school and college, Thursday night social. 

What is Totus Tuus?

Hosted at 30 Chicago parishes, a Totus Tuus team of four college students and seminarians will inspire our young people with their energy and enthusiasm for the Catholic faith. They bring to our parish a zeal for the proclamation of the Gospel and a missionary spirit. Their joy is contagious and will remind us that Jesus “came that we might have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). 

The Totus Tuus program is built upon five pillars: love for the Eucharist, Marian devotion, authentic catechesis, Christian vocations, and fun! Our hope is to deepen the relationship our young people have with the Lord Jesus, while showing them how exciting a lifetime adventure with the Lord can be.

A Totus Tuus promise: If you can convince your kids to come the first day, we promise you they’ll want to come back the next day! 

Questions? Contact Erica Cook at ecook@stalphonsuschicago.org

Today is First Friday! Spend some time adoring Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!  Free eBook of the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart

Young Adult Ministry

Join us this Wednesday July 6th for our first speaker in the Theology on Tap series where William Cavanaugh will be talking about The Amazon Economy and Idolatry. Sociologist Max Weber famously said that the modern world is disenchanted, heartlessly rational and secularized. Others say that consumerism is our new religion and capitalism our new god. Who's right? Using Amazon.com and the biblical concept of idolatry to explore this question. This will take place on the Veranda, 6:30 PM for drinks, food, and conversation; the speaker will start 7 PM.

William is a professor of Catholic studies and director of the Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology, a research center housed in the Department of Catholic Studies at DePaul University and focusing on the Catholic Church in the global South—Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Upcoming ToT speakers in July:

July 13: Marriage Panel w/ Lawrence and Katie Joy 

Daufenbach and Evan and Alexandra Lutomski

July 20: Liz Meenan— “Gesundheit– The Last Great Conversation Starter”

July 27: Julia Hogan— “Tools To Discern God’s Plan for Your Life”

Julia has a workshop this coming Tuesday (on a separate topic, relationships!) Learn more and register here. 

Young Catholic Professionals are hosting a new upcoming event on Monday July 11 at 6 PM, YCP Belong. All professionals in their 20’s and 30’s are welcome for a free summer networking happy hour at Castaways. This is an opportunity to learn more about the benefits and opportunities of joining the nation’s largest young professional Catholic network and coming together to work in Witness for Christ!

"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!

Knights of Columbus

THANK YOU, St. Alphonsus Parish, for participating & praying the Corpus Christi Procession!

CONGRATULATIONS to our recently elected KofC officers and well done, Parish Knights, on achieving Star Council! Incoming Officer Installation will be on SUN, July 17, at the 5 PM Mass, with parish reception to follow.

The KofC was founded by Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney to support our Pastor, our Parish and those in need, as well as to support strong marriages & families. If you are interested in learning more about our St. Alphonsus Parish Council #15158, then please contact parishioner Paul Gillespie. Join online at online exemplification

At the Athenaeum

Upcoming shows include:

P.J Morton, Watch the Sun Tour; Sat July 16 

Hillbilly Thomists, Fri July 29

Ladygang: The Lady Secrets Tour, Tuesday September 13

Check out more upcoming shows at ACTC here!

Around the Archdiocese

St. Mary of the Lake parish, 4220 N. Sheridan in Uptown is starting their Summer Speaker series this Friday July 1 at 6 PM. The first topic deals with How do we overcome division in the Church and in society?

Come out and have fun with great food and drinks at the Old Irving Park Beer/BBQ Challenge for their final year of this event on Saturday August 6. All proceeds benefit St. Viator parish and school (near Addison and Pulaski)

Misericordia/Heart of Mercy supports children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing the highest quality residential, training, and employment services. Through dedicated families, employees, volunteers, supporters and community networks, Misericordia/Heart of Mercy offers an environment that fosters each person's spirituality, dignity, respect, and quality of life. Annual Molly Browne Gallagher Lemonade Stand – August 7, live music, sweets, lemonade and more!

Bishop Barron has released his new book, “Redeeming the Time: Gospel Perspectives on the Challenges of the Hour,” which examines how we can find hope in the Gospel even in the most difficult times. Launch special price of only $7 (plus S & H)