Saint Josaphat School and Religious Education Second Graders celebrated First Communion on Sunday. The children were all excited to receive Jesus in this sacrament for the first time.

During a child’s First Communion, we remind our children what the point of First Communion is and why it is such a special significant moment. These students completed at least a full year of religious education and by attending Mass regularly, with these two factors: children should be getting enough knowledge to understand what their faith means and, in turn, what the First Communion represents. Now, you will see these children receiving communion in lieu of their usual special blessings.  

Our second graders were asked to reflect about their experience...  

"My favorite part about First Communion was seeing my family in the pews and receiving communion for the first time." —Cataleya L.

"I enjoyed my reading because I like reading to people." —Anneliese L.

"I grew closer to Jesus during First Communion." —Thomas B.

"My favorite part about First Communion was receiving the Sacrament of God." —Eva K.

"My favorite part about First Communion was that I got to taste the host and I think that is special." —Claire D.

"My favorite part of First Communion is eating the host." —Evan P.

"My favorite part about First Communion was receiving Jesus. It made me feel closer to Jesus and believe in Jesus more than I had before!" —Vivienne L.

"I feel joy because I am coming closer to God." —Rosaleen S.

"I feel different after First Communion. I am happy because my heart was beeping a lot." —Christian M.

"I feel different after I received Communion for the first time and I am looking forward to receiving Jesus at Mass." —Kasia M.

"I am excited for Mass this week so that I can receive Jesus again!" —Caroline K. 

"I feel good because I am closer to Jesus." —Michael B.

"I feel happy that I ate the host because now I can eat it with my family." —Thomas S.

"Dear First Graders, You should look forward to First Communion because you will receive the bread of God! Sincerely, Mark" —Mark L.

"I think first graders should look forward to receiving Jesus and being able to fully take part in mass." —Kathleen M.

"The First Graders could look forward to going to First Communion and being able to get the body of Christ and getting blessed." —Elise F.

"The First Graders can look forward to seeing how fun it is to receive the host!" —Penny K.

"I want to tell the first graders that the two new sacraments they'll be receiving are perfect chances to be closer to Jesus and God." —Teddy S.

It’s that time again! Pick up a baby bottle, help a mother in need. Aid for Women helps women who are facing difficult, unplanned pregnancies. We’ll be handing out baby bottles after all the Masses this Mother’s Day weekend. Take a bottle, drop your change in it for a few weeks, and return it to the parish by the end of May. The money will help Aid For Women provide material support and counseling services for pregnant women, and assist them in accessing other community services.

Read the latest from our Refugee Ministry and prayerfully consider helping asylum seekers.

Mark your calendar for 10am Mass on Sunday, May 21st where we will bid happy retirement to our Pastoral Associate, Mary Jane Sullivan. If you’d like to send Mary Jane a card or message in honor of her retirement, please send it to St. Josaphat Parish, Attn: Mary Jane Sullivan, 2311 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60614 by Friday, May 19. Thank you!

 Join us each morning the week of June 12–16 for songs, crafts and games! Best for kids ages 4 to 10. Register Here Early Bird discount ends on May 15th.

We are seeking a friendly, detail-oriented Parish Office Associate to work weekday mornings in the parish office supporting our parishioners, parish clergy and staff. Read More >

Lector Training on July 23 at 11:00am

Eucharistic Minister Training TBD

Please contact Jim Maciejewski for details.

We are looking for a volunteer, or two, to help co-host the St. Josaphat Tots Program September 2023 - May 2024. The Tots group meets weekly for one hour to play and have snack. All parents, nannys, grandparents and caregivers are welcome at Tots. Inquiries please contact Jeanne-Marie Cohen jeannemwalsh@yahoo.com.