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PARISH NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS | |
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I pray this note finds you happy, healthy, and holy as we have now entered this new year! Time sure does fly! I would like to give you a reminder as well as share some exciting news with all of you.
First, just a reminder that Fr. Matt will be leaving on sabbatical Monday, January 9th and be returning to our parish mid-March. Let us pray for him during his time away. We have an opportunity to send him off this weekend as he will be offering the Masses at St. Patrick’s! If you are curious, Fr. Matt’s black pug named Barney will be sticking around so he can continue to hang with his buddy Hubert. I am grateful to the area priests who will help fill-in during Father’s sabbatical.
The exciting news is that our parish will have one of our diocese’s seminarians participating in a Pastoral Internship Program at our parish from late January until early May of this year. The seminarian who will be joining us is Ben Schoonmaker. He is currently in 2nd Theology at Mundelein Seminary. Learn more about Ben at https://comeandfollowme.org/seminarians/meetthem/benjamin-schoonmaker/. He will be regularly participating in our parish life and living in our rectory’s guest room, as well as helping out at the ISU St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center. This is not only a great opportunity for Ben, but also for us! Join me in beginning to pray for him and a great experience at our parish!
In Christ,
Fr. Schultz
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REVERSE COLLECTION SUCCESS!
We cannot thank you all enough!
Your donations were amazing!
We are extremely GRATEFUL for our generous parishioners. The boxes were overflowing with donations for Salvation Army Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter, St. Nicholas on Wheels Charity, Faith in Action, Christ Child Society, and St. Vincent de Paul. The photos below represent only a portion of our total donations!
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Maintenance Help Wanted
St. Patrick Church of Merna is looking to hire a motivated person for building and grounds maintenance. This will be a part-time position. The person in this role will work with our maintenance personnel to ensure the building and grounds leave a great first and last impression. Contact Fr. Schultz at the parish office at 309-662-7361 with any questions or to express interest.
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The Funeral Luncheon Committee Needs Your Help!
We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Our St. Patrick Merna Funeral Luncheon Committee serves to minister to families who are grieving the loss of a loved one and have their funeral service here at the church. We need your hands and feet!!
Volunteers are needed for the following:
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COOKS: prepare side dishes and desserts at home to be delivered and served at the funeral luncheons held in Shamrock Hall.
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SERVERS: help to setup the luncheon, serve the food, and clean up.
If you are willing to be a part of this ministry, please CLICK HERE or call the front office. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jeff Lopez at 309-585-1707 or Kathy Ott at 309-824-0373.
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The Catholic Catechism in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz
If you participated in the Bible in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike, you know how life-changing it was. Now, you can join him for learning even more about our Catholic faith through his newest podcast. Find more information as well as optional resources HERE. For more information contact Marylynn Meredith.
This podcast, as well as the Bible in a Year, are also available on the Hallow app! Don't forget our parish is offering a free subscription that lasts through Easter Sunday. CLICK HERE to sign up now!
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Trivia Night is Back!!!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20th, in the SHAMROCK HALL
Doors open at 5:30pm; playing begins promptly at 6:30pm. Cost: $30 per person
Prizes for first, second, third, and fourth place tables will be awarded, as well as attendance prizes! 50/50 raffles all night! At the end of the night, feel free to stay for “After Hours” - more fellowship and game show type games continue the fun! Beer, wine, soda, light snacks, and loads of fun will be provided. Tickets are on sale NOW! Sign up early for this event. Seating is limited! Questions? Contact Jana Schopp at 309-662-7361 ext. 217.
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Sharing the Grief Journey
All those continuing to grieve the loss of a loved one are invited to attend a monthly gathering with other parishioners on a similar journey. Join us on Thursday, January 26th at 6:30pm in Room 6. The BeFriender ministry will host these gatherings designed to encourage healing through connection and shared experiences. No registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact Dianne Lerman, Jana Schopp, or the parish office at 309-662-7361.
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Blood Drive
We will be hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, February 2nd from 12:30pm-5:30pm in the Parish Hall. Bring a friend and help save lives together! Contact Jana Schopp with any questions, or click below to make an appointment.
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Recovering from Divorce
The next session of the ministry Recovering from Divorce for Catholics will begin Wednesday, January 11th, and runs for 13 weeks. Meetings will take place at 6pm in the church library. More info and sign up below:
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“The Trinity” Icon Study
“The Trinity” by Russian artist Andrei Rublev is a beautiful icon that explores the mystery of the visit to Abraham by 3 strangers, told in Genesis Chapter 18. It is a perfect balance of oneness and threeness, unity and distinction, as presented by Rublev with specific colors, position, and detail. Join us for a one-time discussion of this beautiful painting and discuss what speaks to you about “The Trinity”.
When: Tuesday morning, January 10th, 9:15 – 10:45 am OR
Thursday evening, January 12th, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Where: St. Patrick Church of Merna, Room TBA
Other: There is no cost; please SIGN UP HERE for planning purposes.
Questions: Contact Marylynn Meredith or Kathleen Mitchell
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Join Youth Ministry for Catholic Heart Work Camp!
Are you a teen teen interested in a summer mission trip? Or are you a parent to a teen who wants to serve others? Catholic Heart Work Camp is a week-long opportunity to serve others, restore homes, feed the hungry, bring joy to the elderly and disabled, grow in your faith, and have a lot of fun! Join us for a life-changing week, where together we can be the hope in the world.
If you're new to Catholic Heart Work Camp and want to learn more, we are hosting an informational meeting at Epiphany Catholic Elementary School (the front school building) on Wednesday, January 11th at 6:30pm. Already know all you need to and want to sign up? CLICK HERE!
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1001 N Towanda Barnes Rd.
Bloomington, IL 61705
(309) 662-7361
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