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Hello St. Alphonsus,
"We Lift Them Up To The Lord."
At every Mass before the Eucharistic Prayer there is a brief dialogue between the celebrant and the congregation in which the priest says, “Lift up your hearts.” The gathered assembly replies, “We lift them up to the Lord.” Almost always it is a reflexive response, offered without much thought or reflection. But this simple response from Liturgy of the Eucharist can offer us a little bit of consolation and spiritual direction in light of the tragic school shooting in Texas this week, and other recent acts of violence.
In the wake of the horrific nightmare in Uvalde, Texas, investigators are investigating, reporters are reporting, churches are praying, and politicians are talking. And the victims are still hurting. Despite streams of words pouring out from a plethora of pens and a multitude of mouths, no one seems capable of stringing words together in a way that provides answers or explanations. Because sadly, there are none that could suffice. When human words fall short, we make an act of faith. Borrowing a line from the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, we call to mind all the victims, those killed and those who survived, plus their families and friends – indeed the whole community – and in a silent act of faith, we lift them up to the Lord. In prayer, we lift up all the suffering hearts and souls to the Crucified Jesus.
From the early Church to today, when talking about the crucifixion, it is sometimes referred to as the “scandal of the Cross.” From a human point of view, it makes no sense. Earthly logic can offer no answers; there is no explanation except that Jesus did not deserve it. Which is true, He did not deserve it, He was innocent. The same is also true for the children in Uvalde. They did not deserve to suffer or die.
Whenever there is an inexplicable act if injustice or violence, Jesus immediately desires to enter into that suffering. He knows the pain and the emotion (because crucifixion is the most painful form of execution ever invented), and because Jesus is the source and summit of all compassion, He desperately wants to embrace the hearts and souls of those victimized by irrational violence. And so in our prayers, spiritually we lift them up to the Lord, to Jesus on the Cross, so that the compassion of Heaven can be made known.
Christ’s death on the Cross is not the end of the story; neither is human suffering is the end of our earthly story. While in one sense, Jesus himself was a victim of hatred and violence, He willingly chose to die on the Cross. St. Catherine of Siena said that it was not the nails that held Jesus on the Cross, it was His love. Through His Resurrection and Ascension, Jesus conquered sin and death. But He did not abolish it from the earth.
Since the Fall of Adam & Eve, human nature is susceptible to the corruptive influences of sin, selfishness, envy, and hatred. When a darkness of that sort settles into a person’s heart, evil actions result, and there is suffering. But that is not our destiny. Christ came to teach us the way of life, love, and peace. But when we encounter suffering and pain – especially when there are no answers or explanations – sometimes the best thing we can do is lift up our hearts to the Lord on the Cross, and look deeply into the eyes of the Suffering Servant… If we have the faith and the courage to do that, in His eyes we can see a reflection of the compassionate love of Heaven gazing upon us, a gaze that knows our sorrows, grief, fear, and woundedness. And because He knows the cry of our hearts – because He Himself feels it at that moment – Jesus whispers to us through His own pain: “Amen I say to you, you will be with me in paradise.”
Rev. Steven Bauer
Pastor
Our parish school, Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts principal Mrs. Gerit McAllister released a statement about current and future safety measures. The safety of all school children is top priority at AACA!
Celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus!
This Sunday is our liturgical celebration of the Ascension of the Lord, when Jesus was taken to heaven on the 40th day after Easter.
Jesus assigns his disciples the task of proclaiming the Gospel to the entire world. Those who believe in Jesus are empowered to do what Jesus himself has done. Jesus sends his disciples out to preach, to heal, and to drive out unclean spirits. From his place with God in heaven, Jesus helped his disciples, and he continues to help us as we try to live as his followers.
Daily prayer keeps you in good relationship with the LORD, and yourself.
Invite your friends/loved ones to Mass! Our Sunday Mass schedule in English is 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM. Mass in Spanish is at 12:30 PM.
Mass Readings for Ascension of the Lord
Ascension of the Lord Reflection
May 29 Parish Bulletin
This Friday, May 27 join us for Praise and Adoration at 7:30 PM Spend time with our Lord in praise and adoration in Festival Hall (aka the lower church). We'll spend the first 15 minutes in silent adoration, and then our musicians will lead worship in song. The hour will conclude with benediction, and fellowship (and karaoke!) at Trader Todd's afterward starting around 9 PM.
Please return baby bottles to Mass this Sunday. Aid for Women helps thousands of women each year in the Chicago metropolitan area who find themselves facing unexpected and difficult pregnancies. Learn more at www.helpaidforwomen.org
This Monday May 30 is Memorial Day. Morning Mass will be at 9:00 AM rather than the usual 8:30 AM. The rectory office and AACA will be closed for the holiday.
All parishioners are invited next Sunday June 5 after the 11 AM Mass to Safe Families for Children's information session. There are many ways to get involved in this wonderful ministry. There is also a basket in the center vestibule of the Church requesting donations of children's books, clothes, games and more. More info can be found here and also on their website.
Sunday June 19 is the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Historically there has been a Eucharistic procession around the St. Alphonsus campus block. On this Sunday, the 11 AM Mass will be bilingual and there will not be a 12:30 Spanish Mass. Fellowship and refreshments will follow after the 11 AM Mass, provided by our Knights of Columbus council.
Friday July 15 from 6 to 8:30 PM, St. Alphonsus will be hosting Night of Mercy, with Adoration, Reconciliation, and music.
Do you have upcoming exciting events that you would like to share with our St. Alphonsus Church and our parish school communities? You can share them here!
Did you know that you can view all upcoming church events on the calendar on our website? If your ministry has an event that you would like to host at St. Alphonsus, you can complete the Plan An Event form. Any inquiries can also be directed to the parish Office Manager, Mario Serrano.
Serve as a Wedding Coordinator!
Are you looking to get more involved in our parish? St. Alphonsus is currently looking for wedding coordinators to join our team. Being part of the Wedding Ministry is a rewarding opportunity, fun, and all volunteers receive a stipend for their time. For more information, contact sacraments coordinator Kaitlin Holyk
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