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PARISH NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS |
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I pray this note finds you healthy and experiencing God’s love as we come to close of the Liturgical Season of Christmas. Before Christmas I preached on a topic that the Lord has been continually putting on my heart, and thus I want us as a parish to strive and grow in - the area of hospitality. To be clear, this isn’t a new topic and our parish already has ministries centered around providing a welcoming place. These ministries include the PHD’s (Parish Hospitality Directors), Ministers of Hospitality (Greeters/Ushers), and the New Parishioner Committee. However, in a certain sense all we do and offer ought to be centered around this matter; and there is always room for growth.
This focus is all the more important now because we are a leaner church with regard to Mass attendance since the beginning of the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, it’s not as if every parishioner went to Mass every Sunday, but as a spiritual father, my heart desires for all the families entrusted to my care to be experiencing God’s love in and through the Catholic Church and Her Sacraments, especially the Most Holy Eucharist. There is a profound spiritual truth that I remind myself often, “there but for the grace of God go I.” Essentially in referencing someone who may have fallen away from the faith we acknowledge that we, too, are capable of falling away if it wasn’t for God’s grace. Thus, I don’t mention this from a place of pride or judgment.
So what am I asking of us? First, that we strive to fall more in love with our Eucharistic Lord by nourishing a strong spiritual life of prayer by giving Him our time daily. Second, that we share this love with others by striving to love all people in the manner our God loves us. Third, to be willing to reach out to friends, neighbors, fellow parishioners, and family members and invite them to Mass. Fourth, don’t underestimate how God can build up His Church through you!
For anyone who would like to be inspired by a humble individual whose vocation centered around hospitality, look into the life of Brother Andre Bessette whose feast the Church celebrated last week.
In Christ,
Fr. Schultz
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Young Adult Ministry
The mission of Young Adults is to help young adults remain rooted in Christ through engaging in faith, fellowship and service opportunities. We welcome young adults (ages 20s and 30s) of all backgrounds, including those from other churches!
We will have a social event on the first Friday of each month and a service event on the third Saturday (sometimes Sunday) of each month. Additional events may be added on occasion. To learn more, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram! Simply search @SPMyoungadults. If you have any questions or would like to receive email reminders for events, please contact Kerri Elson at youngadults@stpatrickmerna.org.
Upcoming Young Adult Events
Save the date for next month’s events! Be sure to watch our Facebook and Instagram accounts for the latest info!
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January Service Event: Saturday, Jan. 22nd at St. Vincent de Paul food pantry; arrival between 8-8:30am. More specific details and a sign-up are available at the link below.
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Recovering From Divorce
This 13-week program is specifically designed to support and help divorced or separated Catholics address the most pressing challenges of divorce. The next session begins January 19th. Classes will meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm. Sign up and more information is available by clicking on the link below. For more information, please contact Pam at nursery@stpatrickmerna.org or call 309-310-3490.
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UPCOMING STUDY
The Eucharist:
The Sacred Meal, the Sacrifice, and the Real Presence
Using the Scriptures and traditions as a framework, this upcoming 4-week study will emphasize the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper and provide a fresh look at the heart of the Catholic practice of the Eucharist. You will increase your understanding of the Eucharist, enhance your life as a disciple of Jesus Christ, and see the bread of the real presence, the manna, the Last Supper, and ultimately the meaning of the Eucharist.
WHEN: Two 4-week sessions are being offered:
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Tuesday mornings: 9:15-10:45 am, beginning Tuesday, February 1st (Meeting dates are February 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd)
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Thursday evenings: 6:00-7:30 pm, beginning Thursday, February 3rd (Meeting dates are February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th)
WHERE: Both sessions are in-person at St. Patrick Church of Merna; room TBA. Once the number of participants are finalized, you will receive an email with detailed information.
MATERIALS: No materials are needed for this study - just a willing spirit to learn more about your Catholic faith!
SIGN UP: To sign up for one of the sessions, click the link below.
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Red Cross Blood Drive
St. Patrick Church of Merna will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, February 3rd from 12:30-5:30pm in the parish hall. To make an appointment, visit the Red Cross website at www.redcrossblood.org and enter the code: 040825. Contact Jana Schopp at jana@stpatrickmerna.org with any questions.
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Rooted in Christ - An Invitation to Belong |
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Increased Offertory Program
Last week you should have received a brochure introducing our “Rooted in Christ - An Invitation to Belong” Program. This coming weekend is Commitment Weekend, where we are all invited to participate in this important program and respond to God’s great gift of love. Please prayerfully consider how you and your family can help St. Patrick Church of Merna by financially supporting our ministries, furthering our mission, and reinforcing our future.
We ask that all faithful parishioners complete a Commitment Card. A card will be handed out at Mass this weekend, and was also included in the brochure mailing for you to:
- mail to the church using the pre-addressed envelope included in the mailing.
- or bring your card to Mass next Sunday.
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or you may visit our parish website at www.stpatrickmerna.org and complete an electronic Commitment Card.
Our goal is 100% participation! Thank you for your generosity and support of St. Patrick Church of Merna!
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1001 N Towanda Barnes Rd.
Bloomington, IL 61705
(309) 662-7361
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