Each November we celebrate Thanksgiving, a national holiday. As Catholics, every time we gather for the Eucharist we celebrate "thanksgiving." May we reflect on and grow in our thanks for the many graces and blessings in our lives.

 

Thanksgiving is a time for family celebrations. We prepare for and welcome family and guests that return home for the holiday. We prepare for and make arrangements to travel to be with loved ones for Thanksgiving. The Parish Council is inviting parishioners to reflect, to give thanks, and to share what you carry in your heart, the blessings for which you give thanks, the graces bestowed by God upon you. Please take time, reflect and follow the instructions in the bulletin so we can present those blessings and prayers of thanksgiving as part of our Thanksgiving Mass on Thursday, November 22 at St. Mary's at 9:00am.

 

The parishioners of all ages, sharing their faith, impact and touch the lives of many parishioners, neighbors, family members and even strangers. We are blessed to live lives of vibrant faith each and every day. Because of the ways that this parish has been stewards of their time, talent and treasure, the ministries, activities and programs of St. Mary's help spread the Good News of Jesus far and wide.

Registered parishioners have been mailed a copy of the  2017-2018 Annual Report. The annual report reflects the ministries that took place from July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018. This report has been communicated to the Archdiocese. It is being shared with parishioners, both through the mail, as well as posted on our parish web site,  2017-2018 Annual Report.   As you read it, please join me in giving thanks for the people who contribute to the parish offertory collection, who are benefactors of the parish, school, and Religious Education programs. Many people generously serve, giving of their time and talent in many generous and supportive ways. This annual report is  a snap shot of sorts of what the people of St. Mary have brought to life.

 

I ask each and every one of us, all those who call St. Mary home,      to reflect on how we can continue to give back to God, financially, as well as of our time and our talent. All is a gift from God above, may we always make a return with joyous and generous hearts.

 

One very special and very much appreciated ministry, supported by the Guild of St. Mary is our annual Sharing Tree. The Sharing Tree is an outreach of love and generosity to families of our sharing parish, Most  Blessed Trinity. You are invited to take an ornament, with a family's name and  information, shop for them, and   provide   some joy that they will share on Christmas day.   Distribution of the ornaments will take place next weekend, November 17 and 18, with all gifts to be dropped off on December 8 and 9. Thanks to the Guild's St. Maria Goretti Circle for bringing this opportunity to our parishioners.

  

Your prayers are appreciated for the teen leaders of our 34 ^th Kairos Teen Retreat. Our students began the retreat this past Thursday afternoon. They are at the Stritch Retreat House in Mundelein, on the grounds of the seminary. The student teen leaders, the adult leaders, and the students attending the retreat are growing in their relationship with God and their peers. Through prayer, reconciliation, and Mass the Kairos retreatants share their faith in powerful and renewing ways. I am grateful for the sacrifice and commitment of our teens and adult team. I am thankful for the many people who support Kairos behind the scenes, helping make sure things are in place for the retreat to go smoothly. Those on the Kairos retreat return to the parish and their homes          Sunday after the retreat concludes. Please pray that all participants    of    Kairos     will   grow      in       faith    and appreciation for the many blessings and graces from God in their lives.

 

God bless you with an Alleluia he a    r t this day.