Summer Opportunities:
Following Jesus & Alpha Marriage
By Sean O'Dea, Director of Evangelization

Happy June St. Josaphat Family! 

Summer is right around the corner and we are excited to announce two upcoming opportunities to kick off the summer. Consider joining us for the brand new “Following Jesus: Then and Now” or our fourth session of “The Marriage Course”.

Following Jesus: Then and Now
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm beginning June 14th

Following Jesus: Then and Now was created by Faith Hub Chicago, a conglomeration of talented leaders across the Archdiocese of Chicago. Following Jesus walks through “The Chosen” the first-ever multi-season series about the life of Christ as witnessed through the eyes of those He impacted. Check out The Chosen's trailer:
Seasons 1 & 2 have been viewed over 380 million times and in over 156 countries. This is truly the show that tens of millions of people won’t stop talking about! The Chosen has grown to become the largest crowdfunded TV series of all time. 

What is “Following Jesus”?
A course that explores how people have followed Jesus in the past and how we can follow Him today.

Who is it for?
You! Father Francis is especially inviting families of 4th grade students and up to consider watching this series as a family and coming to discuss with other families. 

What to expect?
Watch the series on your own each week, then we will gather for one hour to examine how God was at work in the lives of the first disciples using Scripture and video content from The Chosen. Our Holy Hour of Adoration will be open after discussion wraps up if you would like a peaceful place to reflect.
The Marriage Course
Thursdays beginning June 16th over Zoom

The Marriage Course Returns this Summer and is 100% online - solely between you and your spouse. Check out The Marriage Course trailer:
What is the Marriage Course?
The Marriage Course is a series of seven sessions, designed to help couples invest in and strengthen their relationship and build a strong marriage. Filled with enlightening conversation and a captivating video series, it gives you the space to focus on your most important relationship, your spouse!

Referring to this as a “course” makes this sound waaayyyyy harder or more intense than it is. You don’t have to talk with anyone other than your spouse (this is not another group zoom!) This has been surprisingly easy and surprisingly fun. 5 stars (on a totally realistic, totally post-pandemic, totally on the level, scale)!
~Patrick and Lisa Koehl

Who is The Marriage Course for?
Whether you've been married for a week or 30 years, this course is for you. Some couples do the course intentionally to invest in their already strong relationship, others are looking to address more specific challenges, and some come for a fun way to prioritize and give space to their spouse each week. 

What can I expect when I sign-up?
The Marriage Course is free to attend and is grounded on what it means to have love at the center of your marriage and draw strength from God and inspiration from God’s love. This course is designed for all couples whether they have a faith background or not.
Want to know more about either opportunity or other great ways to grow in faith? Contact me, Sean O’Dea at sean@stjosaphatparish.org.
Graduation Mass is This Sunday at 10a!
This Sunday June 5th, our 10a Mass is the graduation Mass for St. Josaphat School. Seating will be limited. We encourage parishioners to attend the Saturday 5p or Sunday 8a Mass instead.
Vacation Bible School
LAST CHANCE to register your 4-10 year-old for VBS Adventures on Promise Island at St. Josapaht! We will gather June 13–17 from 9–11:30a. We’re so excited to bring the fun back in person! Register >
One More Week to Bring Summer Fun to Refugee Kids!
We begin our final week of collecting items for Refugee One and would like to thank those who have contributed. If you would like to help out with a donation of toys and/or sports equipment, you can drop items in the boxes at church or at the parish office during business hours. Read More >
Hands of Mercy
is our mission to provide compassionate support and assistance to the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalized in Chicago, regardless of religious beliefs, race or nationality. Our specific goal is to be the hands of Christ in our community by reaching out to those in need through the corporal works of mercy. 
Please contact us if you would like to serve.  
Refugee Ministry
Do you feel called to help refugees? Exodus World Service mobilizes the Christian community to welcome and befriend refugees through their New Neighbor Program. Volunteers are trained to help ease the loneliness and isolation that many refugees experience in a new country. Join the next Cross-Cultural Training on Tuesday, June 7 from 6:30–9:30 pm on Zoom. Contact Carissa at carissa.zaffiro@exodusworldservice.org or (513) 264-0440 with questions.
Religious Education Catechists Needed
Would you like to help guide our children in their faith life? You don’t have to have all the answers! If you feel a calling to volunteer in our community, our Religious Education program is looking for catechists. We meet two to three times a month on Tuesday nights for an hour and half. Imterested? Email Mary Jane Sullivan maryJane@stjosaphatparish.org for more information. 
Good Bye, Good Luck & God's Blessings!
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Erin Bretts and Hope Zelmer as they move on from ministry here at St. Josaphat. We thank them for their time here on staff and wish them the best of luck in their new endeavors. St Josaphat Parish was blessed to have you, Erin & Hope!
Vocation Chalice Program
We are asking our parish families to join us in praying for our young people and their discernment into the priesthood, diaconate or religious life. We invite any parishioner/parish family to take the chalice home and pray with it for a week (prayers included), asking for the Holy Spirit to help those discerning this important vocation.
COMING UP
Friday 6/3
8:00 am Mass

Saturday 6/4
5:00 pm Mass

Sunday 6/5
8:00 am Mass
10:00 am Graduation Mass (limited seating)

Monday 6/6
8:00 am Mass

Tuesday 6/7
8:00 am Mass
10:00 am Breaking Open the Word
7:00 pm Holy Hour
7:00 pm Parish Pastoral Council Meeting

Wednesday 6/8
8:00 am All School Mass*
7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

*Wednesday 8:00 am All School Mass is exclusively for SJS Students and Staff.
QUICK LINKS
Sunday Offering
Thank you for your continued support of our parish! Please click here for Give Central, or text SUNDAY to 312-625-5666.
SHOP AND SUPPORT
Amazon Smile
Select St.Josaphat Parish and School as your charity of choice at smile.amazon.com and 5% of the purchase price of eligible items will be donated to the parish. Shop on your phone? Download the Amazon app, tap "Settings" and then tap "Smile".

Please Support our Parishioner Owned Restaurants:
Chicago Brewhouse 31 E Riverwalk
Corcoran's 1615 N Wells St
Emerald Loop 216 N Wabash Ave
Vaughan's Pub 2917 N Sheffield Ave
Broken Barrel 2548 Southport
Mezza Mediterranean Grill Locations throughout the Loop
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