NOTES FOR NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | |
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Faithful can subscribe to the notes by contacting the parish office and providing their e-mail address. Thanks for your support of our border town parishes!!!
Please remember - Fr. Pete does not send out text messages, e-mails or social media posts to solicit
funds for himself or any organizations outside of the parishes he serves. Fr. Pete's emergency phone
number is (815) 685-1359 and his e-mail addresses
are either pjankowski@yahoo.com or pjankowski@stfrancis.edu.
Please do not trust any correspondences that
utilize any other phone number or e-mail address.
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Our Website will experience a Major Upgrade in December 2023! | |
Please support our parishes by clicking the ONLINE GIVING picture - these are your local homes where God is present! Let's share this grace with those of the next generation! | |
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News & Notes with Fr. Pete Jankowski
Trending in the Right Direction
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Feel free to contact Fr. Pete at email pjankowski@yahoo.com. If you have an emergency, please contact Fr. Pete at (815) 685-1359 | |
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The last three weeks of the current liturgical season focuses on the three “judgment” stories from the 25th Chapter of Matthew – the story of the prepared/unprepared virgins, the story of the investment of talents and the final judgment, separating the sheep from the goats. Starting next weekend, we begin to read these three stories but, as has happened over and over again in our history, whether we pay attention to their meaning or not will determine our ultimate fate in life.
As I teach these lessons at the university, some of those I teach prefer not to come to class – some prefer to worship other “gods” such as computers, hand-held devices, social media etc. In the pews, some of our folks pay attention; others hope the homily will be short so they can move on with life. I fall into this trap and so do you. The scriptures make it clear that neither judges, nor prophets nor even the apostles or disciples at times “get” the message God is trying to teach us. No matter how often the message is preached (and Lord knows that parents have droned on about this, over and over again), to get the kids to listen is a most daunting task and sometimes the message never gets through at all (I was once a chaplain at Stateville Penitentiary – to see family members grieve over love ones who did not grasp the message of live and pay the civil price for their deeds breaks their hearts… and mine).
All that said, we try to persevere. We try to do what is right according to God. If we pay attention, we know that eventually life will be over and then there will be no social media, no hand-held devices, no computers and certainly no one else but us and God, asking us two questions – did you love your God and did you love your neighbor?
I have mentioned to you how the city of Joliet is paying the price dearly concerning that message; according to The Herald News newspaper, sixteen parishes will be reduced at least in half (if not by three-quarters) by July 1. The leaders of the diocese call the current situation “unsustainable.” We know in the world of faith that if we depend on lawyers and scribes and the things of the world to lead us and guide us, we are doomed. If we allow God to lead us and guide us, though, the impossible becomes possible.
CLICK HERE to read The Herald News Article
Because of all of you and your investment to this faith, we have not just taken care of those most in need of God’s mercy (the Fatima Prayer) – we have grown in number as we pray together. If the leaders of this diocese ever turn towards our direction, they cannot say that we have not lived the message, nor can they say that we have not grown. The October Number Count speaks for itself over the last few years.
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We need to show the bishop… we need to show God… that we are good stewards in what we have been given. I cannot control how the bishop, or the leaders of the Church will respond to the type of stewardship we have offered the parish we love and serve. That said, we certainly know that those who have gone before us have given of their time, talent, blood, sweat and finances to sustain what we have for future generations. If we are going to be good stewards for the next generation, we must do the same, come what may. | |
St. Anne's October Mass Count | |
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Personally, I wish to thank you for your investment to what I consider one of the most beautiful parishes in the Joliet Diocese and certainly some of the most faith-filled people I have met. I am often tired – I wish I had more time to do more things – but at least I can say to God that I have tried to help all of you out so that your parish may persevere. Please just pray for me and pray for each other. As we finish off this liturgical year and the gospel of Matthew, let us make sure we live out the challenge from our gospel – “when you do this for the least of my brethren, you do this for me.”
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In response to what he considered as his "prayers answered," a priest from outside the diocese is donating the resources to refinish the "wobbly" reliquary that we have used for St. Anne's Day this last century. We will keep you informed as to this progress.
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It's not exactly good for Fr. Pete to move after a hernia operation but... the drapes for St. Patrick's Academy Gym & Community Center Stage finally arrived (in front of Fr. Pete's garage, mind you!!!) and will be installed on November 10. | |
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Finally, thanks to Ruben & Carmen Andrade (as well as our Hispanic Community for providing a "Remembrance Table" in honor of those individuals we remembered at the All Saints' & Souls' Mass on November 1 at 7:00 p.m. Ana Rivas and our "Camino y Esperanza" Choir provided a fitting song to conclude our Mass, followed by a "Las Mananitas" celebration in honor of Ana's birthday on November 2.
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Video Highlights of St. Anne's Fall Fellowship - Oct 22, 2023 | |  |
Homily & Blessing of Catechists St. Anne's Fall Fellowship | |
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UPDATE ON ST. PAT'S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION...
On October 25, some members of our Religious Education Team at St. Patrick’s (John Rehmer, Silvia Tejada, Ema Elvir and Jim Meyer) met to discuss the space issue at the church – with so many kids in our program, we realized that we needed to get creative concerning where the kids meet. Unless someone wishes to gift us with a million dollars to build classrooms behind our church (which one parishioner suggested!!! Yikes!!!), we are hoping to provide a solution to this wonderful crisis by January. Silvia Tejada has volunteered to offer adult catechesis for our parents while the kids are in session. We will keep you updated on the direction we take on this “problem” (and what a problem to have!!!).
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As was the case last week, our bulletins this weekend (which you can access by clicking the links below) highlight some of the charitable activities on which we will be focusing this next month which include, but are not limited to...
- Angel Tree Gifts for the Needy
- The Manteno Veterans Home Collection for Veterans' Day
- Thanksgiving Food Drive for Our Respective Food Pantries
- Poinsettia Orders for Advent & Christmas
- Time & Talent Forms
Yes... the bulletins could be bound this weekend into books, they are so large!!!
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On October 28th, both parishes prayed a "Rosary for Life." For this rosary, we prayed for all of you, for all life from conception to natural death, and specifically this year for all innocent victims during the current war in Israel (before the war, less than 1% of the residents in that country were Christians; Lord knows what it is now.
We also had a chance at St. Patrick's to re-dedicate our Community Center and Grotto, which both have undergone significant renovation. I felt very blessed that various organizations from our respective towns have written letters on behalf of preserving our halls. With all the changes going on at the diocese up north, we are trying to be proactive in saving what we can. This means we need to do what we can to save BOTH Community Centers (Rich Lottinville told me that St. Anne's Hall was once called a "Community Hall," which serves us will in what we are trying to do to preserve what we have. Eventually, the diocese will look down south (they are a bit preoccupied in addressing the issues up north). Please understand that what we are doing is all about you and saving what we have for the benefit of our communities.
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AND FINALLY… Many businesses in our area offered services to St. Patrick’s as part of a “Service Raffle” at our Parish Picnic on September 24. As the Service Raffle was not announced at the picnic (this is what happens when the priest gets COVID and cannot attend his own picnic!), we are offering these services in this week’s bulletin. If anyone wishes to utilize these services, St. Patrick’s receives the money from each project to help the parish with its debt and projects. Please call the office if you are interested in utilizing these services (we will only accept the first caller to utilize these services). | |
BUY YOUR TICKET FOR OUR DECEMBER DRAWING!!! | |
HIGHLIGHTS FROM ST. PATRICK'S COMMUNITY PICNIC | |
FR. PETE'S HOMILIES AT THE MARIAN PILGRIMAGE SITES OF EUROPE | |
From September 6-15, Pilgrims from the Border Town Parishes Visited Marian Shrines in Medjugorje, Fatima and Lourdes. Below are the four homilies that Fr. Pete preached at these holy sites. Included with the homilies are video highlights of the holy sites the pilgrims visited. | |
Homily Preached about Tour in Medjugorje (Preached at Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Barcelona, Spain) | | |
Homily Preached about Fatima
at the Steyler Hotel Chapel in Fatima, Portugal
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FIRST Homily Preached at the Crypt Chapel - Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral - Lourdes, France | | |
SECOND Homily Preached at the Crypt Chapel - Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, France | |
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Also because of the power outage, we realize the reason why both halls are so important to our small communities. The governments from the county, state and federal levels offer Grant Money for small towns like ours to upgrade and preserve what we have. Both parish halls could benefit from free-standing generators, parking lots and air conditioning. One industrious parishioner wrote me the following for our consideration…
I went to the website you provided for the USDA Grants and Loan program. I found that our gym at St. Patrick’s may qualify for a grant because it is a Community Center. In addition, the Hall at St. Anne’s may qualify for funds as well because the facility is being used for a food pantry. The information states that funding priorities are for communities with a population of 5,500 or less also that individuals should contact their State Director to apply and discuss their particular situation: Each state has their own individual office to contact.
Writing grants is a specialized skill; I can do this for the parishes but if anyone knows of a person who has experience with this particular discipline, please contact our office.
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Mass for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Celebrated at St. Patrick's Church - Momence, IL
Follow their message but do not follow their example." This admonition serves as the foundation of Fr. Pete's homily, who understands that parishioners do not nor should want to follow Fr. Pete the sinful Christian but the message of God that is conveyed through Fr. Pete Jankowski.
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UPCOMING PROJECTS AT ST. PATRICK'S | |
One of our seniors has taken it upon themself to take courses on writing grants. The US Government offers millions of dollars of grants that are accessible for those who apply for them. Since both parish halls are seen as "Community and Emergency Centers" by our respective cities, we need help in getting generators and internet on our properties to help the cities... and us!!! ... in our efforts to serve the people of our area. | |
ST. ANNE NOVENA - JULY 17-26, 2023 | |
ST. PATRICK'S / ST. ANNE'S
PHOTO DIRECTORIES
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Thanks to Ruth Sparenberg, Anne Andrade & Joanne Hermann for assembling, scanning and editing the follow Photo Directories from the Church History of St. Patrick's and St. Anne's Churches! | |
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The Holy Father provides a wonderful opportunity to receive an Apostolic Blessing for Birthdays, Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings, Religious Professions, Ordinations and Anniversaries of these sacraments. | | |
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For weddings and such, Fr. Pete offers a special blessing on the first Sunday weekend of each month and is willing to purchase an Apostolic Blessing for anyone who asks (and if he can afford it... since he pays out of pocket!!!).
If you are interested in receiving an Apostolic Blessing, you can do so by clicking the link below or by calling the parish offices.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR OWN APOSTOLIC BLESSING!!!
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Parish Hotline... If you know of someone who is sick and in need of the sacraments or if you know someone who wishes a visit at the hospital or care facility, please contact the parish office or Fr. Pete Jankowski at (815) 685-1359.
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Fr. Pete offers the anointing of the sick at both parishes at the First Friday Masses every month (St. Patrick’s at 9:15 a.m. and St. Anne’s at 5:00 p.m. (English) and 7:00 p.m. (Spanish). | |
PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS WEEKEND | |
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Silvia Tejada, has now made herself available for Spanish Adult Education Classes in the church during the children's religious education classes in St. Pat's Church Basement.
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We continue our “December Drawing” at St. Pat’s at St. Pat’s – 1000 tickets at $20 a piece. Please check the bulletin for further information.
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We pull our St. Patrick's 50/50 Collection Envelope Raffle This Weekend.
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KEEP UPDATED WITH OUR PARISH BULLETINS!!! | |
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To View St. Patrick's Bulletin for
November 5, 2023
CLICK HERE!
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To View St. Anne's Bulletin for
November 5, 2023
CLICK HERE!
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PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK: Mary Kay Blankestyn, Ashley & Jesse Childress, Guadalupe Maria De Leon, Austin Fuhrmann, Ron Gall, Joel Hart, Karen Hensa, Joanne McCracken, Marilyn Peterson, Joanne Prather, Evelyn Provost, Ruth Sparenberg, Cynthia Vickery, Gary Witherall... and all those on our sick list.
At St. Anne's... Eva Bell, Paula Bertrand, Lola Billings, Duane Blanchette, Cheryl Boswell, Patrick Burns, Cindy Capriotti, Jesse & Ashley Childress, Abraham Daily, Tom Dandurand, Aria Dionne, Carol Futcher, Raelynn Garrett, Jack Houk, Val Lagacy, Bentley Lottinville, Linda Miramontes and John Wojnowski.
At St. Patrick's... P. Anderson, N. Atkinson, R. Bailey, D. Barth, Beedle Family, D. Brown, W. Bukowski, B & E. Coffman, S. Conner, M & D Cousin, M. Cruz, A. Delaney, D. Demack, M. Dionne, J. Dobbins, E. Duke, D. Dunlap, G. Field, C. Fritz, R. Gall, J. Grill, R. Harper, J. Hibbs, D. Hiller, C. Jones, L. Kane, R. Kazee, A. Kijewski, L. Lee, L. Leranth, E. Lopez, B. Love, J. Marcotte, W. Marten, L. McNulty, L. Mercado, R & V Morse, C. Ortman, D. Petronio, M. Peterson, C. Piec, C. Provost, E. Provost, R. Rehmer, P. Reising, D. Roberts, B. Ryan, A. Schaff, J. Schopf. Schmied, K. Simpson, B. Siwicki, B. Spagnola, M. Tolbert, M. Tolmer, H. Tousignant, M. Velazquez, C. Vickery, M. Williams, M. Witherspoon, S. Young, A. Zimmerman, M & L Zink and G. Zokal.
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR BELOVED DECEASED: Ernest Shannon (Funeral on Monday - November 6 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Anne's Church)
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Fr. Pete Jankowski posts his homilies online at the parish website for those who wish to keep up with the gospel message each week.
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PARISH REGISTRATION FORMS | |
FR. PETE'S TELEVISION SERIES | |
CLICK HERE to watch Fr. Pete’s Twelve Part Series “Stories on the Journey,” Broadcast on Shalom World TV! | |
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BOOK, BRICK & PEW DEDICATION PROGRAM | |
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For only $100, you can dedicate a brick to someone special at St. Patrick's Outdoor Grotto (where the Our Lady of Lourdes Outdoor Masses are celebrated)!!!
(815) 472-2864
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For only $25, you can dedicate a Journeysongs Pew Book from either parish. Please call (815) 472-2864 (St. Patrick's) or (815) 427-8265 (St. Anne's) for more information! | | |
LINKS TO CATHOLIC WEBSITES
CLICK ON PICTURE TO ACCESS SITE
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