In truth, hearing again and again about the refugee crisis, especially over the past year (Syrians, Afghans, Ukrainians), I was left overwhelmed and generally pessimistic. The number of people affected seemed so vast. Too many countries were resistant to providing aid and assistance. How can this issue ever be adequately addressed? How can I possibly make a difference?

But with a bit of investigation, I’m pleased to say that I have been able to move from overwhelm to understanding, and even to being part of the solution. This past Monday night I joined a group from St. Josaphat and St. Teresa in setting up an apartment in Roger’s Park for an Afghan family of eight. We loaded supplies (donated by the Lincoln Park community and stored at St. Vincent DePaul); carried boxes up 3 flights (!) to a wonderful 3-bedroom apt; unpacked; and set up each room. Teamwork, camaraderie, and dedication to this worthy cause made our task a joy… fun even! I can only imagine the delight of this family when they finally move into a real, permanent home after months of wandering and uncertainty. Think: The Big Reveal on HGTV!

We worked with and were directed by Exodus World Service, a not-for-profit organization that specializes in volunteer support for refugees. You’ll hear more about them and our parish’s involvement over the next couple of months, but in the meantime, if you’re curious visit: exodusworldservice.org.

And more importantly, know that YOU CAN make a difference. YOU CAN answer Christ’s call to serve those in need… His call to welcome the stranger.

Learn more about St. Josaphat's Hands of Mercy Outreach and how you can participate.

Please consider helping Ukrainian refugees! St. Nicholas Cathedral is now accepting donations through their Amazon wish list (gift cards for arriving families for personal use - groceries, toiletries, school supplies, etc) and through the Big Shoulders Fund Ukrainian Relief Fund for SNCS, specifically organized for tuition costs, crisis counseling and tutoring.

They will open additional channels for donations as they further assess their needs and those of new refugee families. 

They have stopped accepting clothes and toys, but will let us know as they need more. Finally, they ask that we be patient with them as they organize support opportunities. 

Our 2022 Lenten Almsgiving Partner

is Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos. We will collect for NPH throughout Lent. Please consider sponsoring a child or donating to NPH.

Commemorate the beginning of Holy Week with a prayer walk around Cook County Jail with Kolbe House Jail Ministry on Sunday, Apr 10, at 3p.

All ages are welcome. Let us know if you plan to join us or find the event on facebook. Bring your palms! For more information, contact Emily.

A huge THANK YOU to all who attended the Unity Gala and made it our most successful event ever! We are truly humbled by the generosity of this wonderful community. We are grateful for the support of our Parish and our Fund-A-Cause iniative. If you were unable to attend or didn't complete a donor card, please visit the website for details on how to help support the SJS Teacher Retention Fund.

If you attended the event, Fotio pictures are available to download.

Did you have fun? Please consider getting involved in planning next year's event!

St. Josaphat’s Men’s Club invites you on a road trip to Deer Creek Hunt Club in Indiana this Saturday, Apr 9. No guns, license or experience needed, on-site instruction will be provided. Contact Tom Bransfield or Jeff Jalon for more information.

Last call to donate Easter eggs! Candy-filled plastic eggs are due to the parish office by Sunday, Apr 10. Thank you for contributing to our Easter egg hunt!

We are in need of volunteers to help decorate the church for the Easter Masses on Saturday, Apr 16 at 11:00 am. Please reach out to Jennifer Miller if you are available to help.

Please join us for a St. JosaFEST kickoff meeting on Wednesday, Apr 20 at 7pm over Zoom. Check the website for the Zoom link. And save the date for St. JosaFEST, September 24-25!

Join us for a celebration of the life of Don Tenbrunsel, the namesake of our Hunger Outreach Ministry: Saturday, Apr 23 at 11a in the church.

Along with SJS alum James Keene, our Music Director, Joe Labozetta, will be presenting selections of the Catholic Church's early sacred music in a lecture-concert format at 7p on Saturday, Apr 23 at St. Vincent de Paul Church. With help from the singers of the the St. Josaphat Schola, we will be discussing and performing ancient chants and the polyphonic works of the Renaissance masters. 

Our hospitality ministries will host a Greeter Training on Sunday, Apr 24 at 9:15a in the church. This training is for new greeters or for greeters who have not attended a greeter training in the last 6 months. Questions? Contact Hope Zelmer.

Do you enjoy welcoming people, making connections, and helping people feel cared for? The Radical Hospitality Team is looking for 5 new members to join us. We meet monthly over Zoom and occasionally assist with other welcoming endeavors. Contact Hope Zelmer for details.

We are asking that our parish families join us in praying for our young people and their discernment into the priesthood, diaconate or religious life. Learn More >

Save the Date for Vacation Bible School Adventures on Promise Island: June 13–17 from 9–11:30a. We’re so excited to bring the fun back in person! Best for ages 4–10. Register >

We are looking for one more Weekend Office Associate to work 4 or 8 hour shifts on Saturdays or Sundays.