May 2022
PARISH NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
A Note From Our Pastor
I pray this note finds you well. I first would like to wish all of our mothers a very blessed and happy Mother’s Day weekend. On this side of eternity we can’t fully know all that our mothers have done in love for us and how their nurturing love has formed us. This weekend provides us an opportunity to express our appreciation to our mothers, and if your mother has gone home to the Lord we can still thank God for her and pray that she be with God forever in Heaven. 

Just over two months ago, Bishop Louis Tylka became the 9th Bishop of the Diocese of Peoria. I was blessed to have served on a cabinet with him that lasted for a year and recently ended. I got to know Bishop Lou as a prayerful man who strives to follow God’s guidance. He also understands the importance of listening to those around him. Before being asked by the Holy Father to seek feedback from the faithful in his diocese, Bishop Lou had already met with all the priests in his new diocese and lay representatives from each parish. This unprecedented action represents Bishop Lou’s desire as a shepherd to know the sheep he serves! 

Bishop Lou recently revealed to us the five foundations of his service to our diocese. I have included the bishop’s own words to describe these foundations. His full text can be found in his Easter Message in the Catholic Post.

1. Evangelization: As the Holy Father reminds us, we are living in a new Apostolic Age. So while the truths of our faith remain unchanging, the manner we present our truths must adapt. It is not simply a matter of instructing a fallen world on the teachings of the Church; rather we must continually invite others to experience the joy of knowing Jesus in a personal way.

2. Eucharist: The source and the summit of the Church’s life is the Holy Eucharist. Deepening our own appreciation for the Eucharist in our lives is essential to deepening our relationship with Christ. Eucharistic revival is a priority for the Church in the United States and in our local church.

3. Discipleship: Forming minds, Shaping Hearts, Developing Christian Leaders: A hallmark of discipleship is the ongoing deepening of one’s own relationship with Jesus.

4. Vocations: Everyone has a vocation! As disciples of Jesus, we naturally want to strengthen people’s response to God’s call in their life. The promotion of strong families and the gift of matrimony as a Sacrament inspire the other vocations within the Church. In particular, the promotion of vocations to the priesthood and religious life are key.

5. Archbishop Fulton Sheen: We are committed to promoting the cause for the canonization of the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen. Our beloved son, ordained to serve as a Priest of Jesus Christ for the Diocese of Peoria, went on to serve the universal Church by his dynamic, creative, and inspiring ministry as a bishop.

I love the vision of our Bishop and ask that you join me in praying daily for him as he serves as our Shepherd! God bless.

In Christ,
Fr. Schultz
Upcoming Events
Studies
“A Woman Among Us”
With May being the month to celebrate our earthly Mother and Mother of our Lord Jesus, learn more about how special she is to all of us. Two one-time studies about our Mother will be offered. To sign up, click here.
 
Option 1: Tues., May 17th, 9:15-11:15 am

Option 2: Thurs., May 19th, 6:00-8:00 pm
 
Meeting room to be determined.
 
Participants are asked to bring a favorite photograph, artwork, image, etc. of Mary if one is available. 
 
For questions, contact Marylynn at meredithmarylynn@yahoo.com OR Kathleen at krmitchell730@yahoo.com
"The Chosen"
This interactive Bible study is season 2 of several upcoming seasons and begins with the Sermon on the Mount. 

What: 8-session study that includes short videos, group discussion, and minimal homework from The Chosen study guide

When: Thursday evenings beginning Thursday, May 26th

Time:   6-7:30 p.m. (room TBD)

Materials: The study guide that accompanies the study, and your Bible. Once you receive the book, please read the Introduction. If your book does not arrive by the 1st session, please still plan on attending.

Registration and questions: Email Marylynn at meredithmarylynn@yahoo.com
Youth Ministry Parish Party!
Save the date for a rockin' good time! Our Youth Ministry is hosting a party for the entire parish - ALL are welcome to attend! Join us on Sunday, June 12th from 5-9pm for food, live music, and more! More details coming soon - keep an eye on our bulletin and social media.
Spring Fling Senior Luncheon
The PHDs are sponsoring a Spring Fling Senior Luncheon on Tuesday, May 17, at noon in Shamrock Hall. Please join us for a lunch that features a variety of salads, sandwiches, and desserts as we celebrate being together in fellowship. You may sign up at the Welcome Center or by contacting Jana at jana@stpatrickmerna.org or by calling the church at 662-7361. We hope you will join us for this fun social event!
PURLS Prayer Shawl Ministry
PURLS gather to pray, socialize, and create knitted and crocheted shawls as tangible reminders that others are praying for you. 

No matter your skill level (even wannabes), please join us for our next gathering. Their are 2 times to choose from:

Tuesday, May 10 at 10am
Tuesday, May 10 at 6:30pm

Both sessions meet in room 9.

For questions, contact Jana at jana@stpatrickmerna.org or 309-662-7361, ext. 217.

Do you or someone you know need a prayer shawl? Contact Jana or any parish staff member. We have many beautiful prayer shawls waiting to comfort someone!
K of C Steak Sandwich Dinner
The Knights of Columbus will be serving PRE-ORDER Steak Sandwich meals from 4:30-6:30pm on Saturday, May 21st. This will be a take-out only meal and can be picked up behind the church at the Shamrock Shed. The dinner will include a grilled rib-eye steak on a French roll bun, a serving of sweet pepper slaw, bag of chips, and a cookie and will cost $12 per meal or $8 for just the sandwich. Pre-order your meal by clicking below. Sign up will only be open through May 16th so don't wait! On the day of the event there may be a limited number of meals available while supplies last. If you have question, please contact Ed Larsen (309) 275-3545, or Joe Klingler (309) 838-7333.
Volunteer Opportunities
Habitat for Humanity Wall Build
In conjunction with Habitat for Humanity of McLean Co., our Knights of Columbus along with our parish are sponsoring a “Wall Build” on Saturday, May 14th in the St. Patrick Church of Merna parking lot. The day will start out with Mass at 8:00am, followed by breakfast, and then the constructing of walls for a 3-bedroom home. Volunteers must be 10 years and older (10-18 years of age must be accompanied legal guardian). No skill level needed, just a desire to give back to a family in our community. 

Click below for volunteer and donor opportunities or contact Tim Abel at 309.826.3115, timabel64@yahoo.com or Jeff Lopez at 309.826.9472 or jeff@stpatrickmerna.org
The Nursery Still Needs Your Help!
The nursery has reopened! However, we can’t keep it open without your help! We need more caregivers (adults and teens) to help with all three Masses, but especially at the 11am Mass. Is God calling you to share your love with His little children? Click here to sign up. Please contact Pam at nursery@stpatrickmerna.org if you have any questions. 
Altar Servers & Masters of Ceremony (MC) Needed!
We are FINALLY ready to begin having Altar Servers and MCs assist at weekend Masses! It has been 2 years since we have had servers, so we are in NEED of students (4th grade - high school) interested in being a part of this IMPORTANT MINISTRY! 

Trainings are taking place throughout the month of May. Sign up below and Jana will contact you with available dates and times.

To be placed on the contact list for upcoming training please click below:
Volunteers Needed to Help With the Presentation of the Gifts
At every Mass on the weekends we need volunteers to bring the gifts (bread, wine, and water) from the back of the church to the altar. This is a WONDERFUL and SPECIAL way to help out at Mass! And, NO TRAINING is needed! Families, individuals, small groups, etc. are all invited to participate. Click the link below to reserve your dates now!

Contact Jana at jana@stpatrickmerna.org with any questions.
VBS Adult & Teen Volunteers
We need your help! Please consider giving your time and talent to this fun ministry. From counselors to games to crafts and snacks, there is something for everyone to help out with! Click below to sign up as a volunteer. Contact Jana Schopp at jana@stpatrickmerna.org or Jenny Cook at jenny@stpatrickmerna.org with any questions!
For Kids and Teens
Register Now for Vacation Bible School!
Theme: Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness

When: Monday, June 6 - Thursday, June 9; 6:00pm - 7:35pm

Where: Corpus Christi Catholic School, 1909 E. Lincoln, Bloomington

Who: All children age 4 years old by August 31, 2022 through entering 6th grade

Registration Fee: $30 for 1 child; $40 for 2 children; $50 for 3 or more children; Scholarships available!

We are back to the “old” way of VBS, with just a few small changes! More information about the schedule, drop-off and pick-up procedures, etc. will be available in your family packets which will be distributed at the end of May. Contact Jana Schopp at jana@stpatrickmerna.org or Jenny Cook at jenny@stpatrickmerna.org with any questions!
Youth Ministry
St. Patrick Church of Merna Youth Ministry exists to provide our teens with a space to grow in their relationships with Jesus. Our purpose is to help our youth understand that each of them are known, loved and chosen by God for a specific purpose. 

Check out our newsletter! To sign up for more information from the Youth Ministry team, click here or email Julia and Josh at youthministry@stpatrickmerna.org.

Our Next Event:
All 8th-12th graders are welcome to come join us next Sunday (May 15th) from 5-8pm as we host an Open House styled coffee shop study hall in preparation for finals! Come unwind and have coffee and donuts with us for a quiet time to prepare for the busy weeks ahead. 

Mark your Calendar!
  • May 29th Youth Group
All 8th-12th graders are invited to join us from 6-8pm here at St. Pat’s for youth group on May 29th! Show up for dinner, games and fellowship, and hear a message about how we can create good spiritual habits, even in the summer! 
1001 N Towanda Barnes Rd.
Bloomington, IL 61705
(309) 662-7361