|
|
PARISH NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS |
|
I pray this note finds you happy, healthy, and holy! Time is flying and it’s hard to believe that summer is almost over. I have had a great summer and one thing that sticks out about this summer has been being involved with our youth group. We have such a great and diverse group of kids coming to our events. It has caused me to reflect back on how instrumental my parish’s youth group was to me.
I can honestly say that my involvement with my youth group and TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) changed my life and more importantly changed me. It was precisely through my involvement in them that Christ revealed Himself to me. Prior to falling in love with Christ and our Catholic faith, I was a lost and unfulfilled sheep. I was doing things that I thought would make me happy, and though I was having “fun” my soul was left empty and unfulfilled. In my young mind and heart I was confused because I was doing the things that other people were doing and they seemed to be happy.
I slowly began to realize that my heart was made for Christ, and I only experienced true joy in and through Him. I also came to realize in time that my heart was no different than anyone else’s heart. It was ironic that the very aspects of my Catholic faith that I had always been around were the very things that would fulfill me. My youth group centered around having a holy hour every Thursday evening. Praise and worship hymns were sung and our priest would hear Confessions. I began to have Christ centered friendships, which I came to realize were true friendships. We were very accepting of all people, and I witnessed myself being friends with people I wouldn’t necessarily have otherwise been friends with. It was through being involved with TEC that I continued to be drawn into the faith, especially when I would waiver.
I can’t express to you how grateful I am to God’s benevolence and the many friends and youth group leaders that helped me learn about myself and God’s love for me. I say all of this as a background to my excitement for what is happening in the hearts and minds of our youth who are coming to youth group and being involved in our local TEC program. It has been wonderful to see God working in our youth! The only part of my heart that is sad knows how many more youth our parishes have that aren’t coming. I pray that you encourage your children and grandchildren to plug themselves into youth group and TEC so that, God-willing, their lives may be forever changed by falling in love with Christ.
In Christ,
Fr. Schultz
|
|
GriefShare
GriefShare is a support group that meets weekly for 13 weeks. There are 3 key parts to the GriefShare experience:
-
Video seminar: encouraging, information packed videos featuring leading grief recovery experts.
-
Support group: small group discussion about the weekly video content.
-
Workbook: journaling and personal study exercises that reinforce the weekly session topics.
GriefShare is led by caring people who have experienced grief and have successfully rebuilt their lives. They understand how you feel because they've been in the same place and will walk with you on the long path through grief toward healing and hope for the future.
WHO is GriefShare for: Anyone desiring help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. It may be a recent loss or a loss you've been struggling with for a time.
WHEN is GriefShare: Thursday, August 25th is the beginning of a new 13-week session, 6:30-8:30pm. The sessions will be held in the Conference Room at St. Patrick Church of Merna.
HOW do I register for GriefShare or learn more: Pre-registration is suggested, but not mandatory. To register, click HERE. For questions, contact Jana Schopp at 309-662-7361 ext. 217 or email jana@stpatrickmerna.org or contact Rich Gordon at 309-533-2738 or email richgordon13@yahoo.com. There is no registration fee.
|
|
Msgr. Gregory K. Ketcham Memorial Golf Outing
This year's outing will be at Crestwicke Country Club on Monday, September 12th. The fee will be $140 and includes green fees, cart, lunch and dinner, mulligans, on course games, 50/50, other prizes, and an event shirt. To guarantee your shirt size, you MUST register prior to August 12th. Register now by clicking below. Your participation in this event will benefit the Msgr. Gregory K. Ketcham Memorial Scholarship, the athletes of the Miracle League, and the charitable works of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. If you have any questions, contact Joe Klingler (309) 838-7333, Kurt Gibson (309) 530-0915, Rich Thomas (309) 530-0328, or Rich Staley (309) 530-3819.
|
|
PUMP UP… with Adoration
Have you ever wondered; “Why or what is Adoration?” “What does it mean when ‘Exposition and Benediction’ are said?” or “What do you ‘do’ during Adoration?” All these questions and more will be explained at the one-time session of “PUMP UP… with Adoration”, the first session in the “PUMP UP” series.
WHEN: Thursday, August 11th
TIME: 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
WHERE: St. Patrick Church of Merna’s Chapel
OTHER: There is no cost. For planning purposes sign up here. However, walk-in participants are welcome! If you have questions, contact Marylynn Meredith at meredithmarylynn@yahoo.com.
|
|
Feasibility Study Results
In late Spring, our parish participated in a feasibility study to get your feedback on potential projects for our parish. The finance council members, trustees, and I have received and reviewed these results and would like to share a summary of them with you. I am grateful for your participation thus far, and look forward to seeing what God can do through our working together in the future. There will be more information forthcoming about our parish's next steps.
God bless,
Fr. Schultz
|
|
Religious Education Registration is Now Open!
● Classes begin after Labor Day.
● Class sizes & classrooms are limited. Classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis so register early.
● Grades 1-5: weekly; Tuesday or Wednesday option
● All incoming 1st graders MUST complete 1st grade program to start sacrament preparation.
● Grades 6-8: bi-weekly; Wednesdays; class times on website
● Confirmation preparation is a 2-year program. Generally completed during 7th & 8th grade, older students may join now to start year one of preparation.
● Payment is required at registration. Multiple student discount.
● Teachers & small group leaders receive an incentive.
|
|
Take that leap of faith…consider VOLUNTEERING!
We have had a strong start to registration, yet not enough volunteers to teach, aide or lead a small group. Religious Education classes begin in 5 weeks. Without volunteers, how will we pass on our faith? Please prayerfully consider joining your child’s class as a teacher, aide or small group leader. We have opportunities in grades 1-5 on both Tuesday & Wednesday nights as well as for grades 6-8 later on Wednesday nights. It is so true—it takes a village! I’d love to discuss the possibility and answer any questions. Contact Bobbi Hassel at bobbi@stpatrickmerna.org.
|
|
Youth Ministry Coming Events
Save the date for our upcoming events! Be sure to watch our Facebook and Instagram accounts for the latest info!
-
Join us this Sunday, August 7th, from 6-8pm for Youth Group out at the shed! It’s our very last meeting before the school year begins! Bring a friend, and come see us. We can't wait for you to be here!
-
School Year Kickoff: On August 21st, we will be hosting our School Year Kickoff event in Shamrock Hall. All High School students are welcome! Join us for dinner, worship, fellowship and a message from Dan Muller as we introduce our school year theme, “We Belong.” Bring a friend, and we’ll see you from 6-8pm here at the church! RSVP here.
-
Small Groups: Our small groups are continuing throughout the school year! Our teens can join us for faith building discussions on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm in the youth room as we navigate through the fall semester together! For more info, email us at youthministry@stpatrickmerna.org.
|
|
1001 N Towanda Barnes Rd.
Bloomington, IL 61705
(309) 662-7361
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
