Since the years that Cardinal Bernardin led the Archdiocese of Chicago as Cardinal, priests have been called to gather in June every three to four years for an
Archdiocesan Priests' Convocation. Cardinal Cupich is calling all priests of the Archdiocese for a convocation June 18 - 21. The Cardinal is also asking the parishioners of the Archdiocese for prayers and support.
In a recent letter, Cardinal Cupich wrote;
"We have intentionally chosen the theme "One in Christ" for our June Convocation to highlight the Renew My Church process must always aim at strengthening the unity of the Church of Chicago. That effort begins with us and the brotherhood we share. Because I feel so strongly about the need for all of us to get away from our usual duties to attend this gathering, and because of the importance of this Convocation, I will be publishing a notice that the usual schedule of weekday Masses should be cancelled during these days and substituted, if possible by weekday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest. This notice will also indicate that I am calling on the Catholic community to be supportive of our priests' absence and pray for the success of our convocation."
The Parish Council and Parish Staff have been discussing how we can best call the parishioners to prayer on
Tuesday, June 19th, Wednesday, June 20th and Thursday, June 21st while the clergy are with the Cardinal and the presbyterate. A schedule of services will be printed in upcoming bulletins.
This coming Thursday evening, with pride and joy, we will celebrate the
101st graduating class of the Church and the School of St. Mar
y.
Our 8th graders have grown, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and academically during their time in school. We pray for them and their future success building on the solid and firm foundation all graduates receive from the School of St. Mary.
This Sunday,
June 3rd at the 6:00pm evening Mass we give thanks for and celebrate our high school seniors who are graduating and moving on to new endeavors. We will recognize them and ask for God's blessings on them, giving thanks for their leadership in our COR Youth Ministry. May their future in college and beyond guide them to be strong in faith, using their talents to improve our world and society.
A note of attention to those who come to daily Mass at St. Mary's. Tuesday, June 5th is our final all school Mass of the year, being celebrated at 9:45. Effective Monday, June 11th our
daily Mass schedule will resume with Mass celebrated at
6:30am and 8:00am Monday - Friday. All are welcome to come celebrate daily Mass with the parishioners and visitors at St Mary's.
I am away from the parish this Saturday celebrating a wedding for friends that I met while I was a deacon, preparing for ordination to priesthood. I have seen the groom grow from an energetic four year old child to a man of deep faith looking forward to living out the vocation of marriage with the love of his life. This spring and summer will see many couples coming together to celebrate the sacrament of marriage. With the help of God, may all couples, fulfill their vows in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, all the days of their lives.
God bless you with a joyous and renewed faith.
