Hello St. Alphonsus,

Celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus!

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus tells three parables about losing, finding and rejoicing, also known as the parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and the most well known one The Lost Son. The loving father is at the center of this parable. Even though his son runs off with his father's inheritance and squanders the money, the father waits for him, hoping for his return. Upon his son's return, the father, “full of compassion,” runs out to embrace and forgive him before the son can utter one word of repentance. At this point the rejoicing begins.

The parable does not end there. Rather, it makes one more point about the older son's reaction. This son who never left, just like the Pharisees and scribes who feel they are righteous, refuses to enter his father's house to join in the rejoicing. The father's response teaches us that God's care and compassion extend to the righteous and sinner alike. When we are lost, God doesn't wait for our return. He actively seeks us out. And when the lost are found, how could we not celebrate and rejoice?

Join the Holy Father in prayer with the loss of Queen Elizabeth II this week.   Tribute to the Queen.

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

Mass Readings for Twenty Fourth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Twenty Fourth Sunday In Ordinary Time Reflection

Sept 11 Parish Bulletin

IBAPAB Social This Friday September 9 at 7 PM

Friday Sept. 9 is International Buy A Priest A Beer day. (This illustrious holiday dates all the way back to 2013 when it was invented by bloggers online called The Catholic Gentleman.) To celebrate, Father Bauer joyfully invites all parishioners to a fun social in the rectory courtyard. It is a day when Catholics show appreciation for our priests and share with them how their ministry has been important to them. You could also show your appreciation in another ways, such as buying them a different drink, by inviting them over for dinner, or by praying for them. Bringing a beer is not required; this legitimate holiday is just a convenient excuse for parishioners to hang out with the pastor on a Friday evening. (come to the rectory front door on Wellington Ave)

YAM Kickoff This Sunday Sept. 11 after 5 PM Mass

It's time to officially kick off another fun Young Adult Ministry social at St. Alphonsus! Following the 5 PM Mass this Sunday, all young adults (ages 21-39) are invited to attend the YAM Kickoff Party in the church parking lot. Enjoy food available for purchase, free beer/wine, music and great company! Plus learn how to get involved in our small groups and Spiritual, Social, Service and Intellectual pillars. We’re looking forward to seeing new and old faces alike! Invite your friends, meet some new ones, and see how you can get involved in our young adult community here at St. Alphonsus! Sign up to volunteer for this social!! We appreciate your help!

Interested in signing up your child for Boy Scouts? Pack 3889 Cub Scouts Registration is now open. For full details and registration info.

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 

Oktoberfest

September 23-25

Our parish's biggest fundraiser and all the festive joy that goes with it! An amazing music lineup, Craft Beer Nights in the Festival Hall Fri and Sat, Kinderfest and a jumbotron for the football games on Sunday, and other surprises to come! 

Volunteer Sign-up is Now Open Here!!   Without your generous efforts, this event could not be possible!  

CRAFT BEER TASTING: Friday Sept 23 6-9 PM, Saturday Sept 24 4-7 PM Select from dozens of options from local breweries, seasonal selections, and international favorites. Tickets now available!

BREWMASTER PACKAGE

Brewmaster Package includes a commemorative 1L stein from Germany, free Fest admission for four, brats, 2-for-1 beer, discounts on limited edition merchandise, reduced admission to Craft Beer Tasting, and the choice of either a Tyrolean Hat with a commemorative pin or an Oktoberfest baseball cap. Only 100 packages will be sold! $175 early bird price, $200 after Sept 11th. Get your Brewmaster package here. We greatly appreciate you helping out your parish!  

NEW Oktoberfest Brat Shirts!  Additional Merch will be available at the Fest!

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!

Registration is open for St. Alphonsus 2022-2023 Religious Education program! Volunteer as a Catechist!  

Register your child(ren) here for the upcoming year.

Our RE program is for children grades 1st-8th on Tuesday evenings at 6:15 PM. Parent orientation is Sept. 20 and classes begin Sept. 27.

RE Schedule for 2022-2023

Each year, St. Alphonsus joyfully educates the children of our parish in their Catholic faith. If you would like to spend more time with children, strengthen the faith bonds in our families or enjoy serving in our parish— please consider volunteering as a catechist for our religious education program! We’d love to talk to you and no experience is necessary :) There are training

opportunities and support as you get started and throughout your time of service. Contact our RE Coordinator Erica Cook for more information.

Are you ready to become Catholic? Registration now open for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). If you or someone who know is interested, contact our pastoral associate Brooks Robinson.  

Do you ever wonder how to make a good decision according to God’s will? Samuel Group is an Archdiocese of Chicago discernment group specifically geared toward young adults (ages 19–35). Here you will discuss all kinds of discernment – if you are called to consecrated life, married life or single life, to a certain career or city, and more. The goal of this group is to help you, and in some cases your significant other, know yourself, Jesus and your role within the Church. It is a monthly meeting and there are 2 tracks, one here at St. Alphonsus, the other at the St. John Paul II Newman Center at UIC, 700 S. Morgan. The cost is only $45. Click on the flyer here for more info and to register! 

Young Adult Ministry

Deeper Dialogue: Theology of the Body

Mondays starting Sept. 12 | 7:30 PM

Immerse yourself in a deeper form of conversation surrounding JPII's Theology of the Body. Led by Casey Karbowski and Marisa Michak, the group will examine excerpts from the book as well as other related materials to break up the content into more digestible and easily understandable elements for discussion. No need to have a hard copy of any Theology of the Body books as all materials and discussion points will be provided on a weekly basis. Join on Monday evenings at 7:30 PM starting Monday, Sept. 12th!

Prove Me Wrong w/ speaker Fr. Tim Monahan Monday, Sept 19

Join us on Sept. 19 in Festival Hall for the latest installment of the Prove Me Wrong series. Fr. Timothy Monahan, vocation director for the Archdiocese of Chicago will be the featured speaker.

Title: "Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously!"

Description: Joy and a sense of humor are an integral part of the Catholic Faith, and need to be cultivated especially in times of outrage and anger.

Fellowship at 6:30 PM w/ the discussion starting at 7 PM. Complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be provided. A $5 donation is suggested.

More Young Adult Events                   

Eagle Eye Ministries is excited to invite all young adults ages 22-38 in the Chicagoland area to their annual young adult retreat Sept 16-18. See more details and register here! 

Led by Fr. Hugh Mary of the Community of St. John, the weekend will include Mass, Adoration, Confession, Intellectual Formation, and Community. Spend time in prayer, reflection, and fellowship while learning about St. Joseph and how he can be a beacon of holiness for us on our journey towards heaven. 

Young adults are invited to join Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) Chicago on Tuesday, September 13th for an Executive Panel Discussion event on "Being Bold" w/ panelists Luana Lienhart, OSF, Joyce Duriga, and Noel Pawlak! This is a great opportunity for those in their 20s and 30s from ALL professions to form a more intentional community, network, and grow in virtue together with insight from those with different vocational backgrounds.

Register here use promo code: comeandsee

Safe Families for Children

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. Interested in learning more? Reach out to us here!  

"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!

A charitable gift annuity to benefit Saint Alphonsus, our AACA school, or ministries — as designated by you — is a generous expression of your support for God’s work within our community and for future generations of Catholics. Learn more here!

At the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture

Christians believe that Jesus is Lord, and to him every knee shall bow. What does this mean in a liberal political culture like our own? What kind of public authority should religious believers seek for God’s revelation? Some of the most fundamental elements of America’s political system are being questioned. American Christians must consider the role that they, the church, and our core institutions ought to play in shaping the future of our political order. Join as First Things editor Rusty Reno sits down with New York Times columnist and prolific author Ross Douthat for a timely conversation on these and related topics. A ticket is required to attend this event on Monday October 3 at 7:30 PM, please RSVP to reserve seats. The event is free with a suggested donation of $35/person or more.

This will be the first official event in ACTC's new event space, the Paradiso!! Designed by award-winning architect, John Ronan, this part of our historic building has been tastefully reimagined into a state-of-the-art gathering and presentation space. We look forward to welcoming you to the Paradiso! 

Sunday Sept 18 at 2:30 PM, Free show for children & families - Italian opera, puppets, and a captivating performance from Teatro Verde!  Presented by the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago