Hello St. Alphonsus,

Celebrate Sunday Mass at

St. Alphonsus!

Daily prayer keeps you in good relationship with the LORD, and yourself.

Invite your friends/loved ones to Mass! Sunday Mass schedule in English is at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM. Mass in Spanish is at 12:30 PM.

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus heals the daughter of the Canaanite woman because of her great faith.The faith that she expresses is an affirmation of and confidence in God’s abundant mercy

Mass Readings for Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 20 Parish Bulletin

This week, we welcomed our new Sacraments Coordinator/Secretary, Kathryn Kibler to our parish staff! A lovely bio is in this Sunday's bulletin.

May the Lord continue to bless our wonderful AACA school children, their families, and our school teachers/staff as we begin our 2023-2024 school year next week!

Air and Water Show Viewing Party

Come join St. Al’s Young Adult Ministry this Saturday August 19th from 11 AM-3 PM as we watch the Chicago Air Show from the St Al’s Rectory Rooftop. Enjoy the great weather, fantastic views of the Chicago skyline and great time meeting new friends!

This is a BYOB and food event, we are hoping to have a small grill set up to cook up some hot dogs or burgers. Feel free to bring any yard games as well. 

Contact our YAM Social Team with any questions!

Our Knights of Columbus are always looking for new members! The KofC was founded by Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney to support our Pastor, our Parish and those in need, as well as to support strong marriages & families. If you are interested in learning more about our St. Alphonsus Parish Council #15158, then please contact parishioner and Grand Knight Ray San Agustin.

Interested in Becoming a Eucharistic Minister?

  We are now looking for parishioners who are interested in serving our parish as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. We will be holding a training session for new and current EMs on Thursday, August 24th at 7 PM in the church. Interested persons should call the rectory office or email the pastor. 

  Additionally, we would like to bring back Communion under both species (allowing people to receive the Precious Blood again). But we can only do this if we have a sufficient number of EMHCs. Currently we do not. 

  The requirements to serve as an EMHC: persons must have received Confirmation, be attending Mass weekly, have an active prayer life, be a Catholic in good standing in the Church, and above all, have an understanding of and a sense reverence for our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. 

St. Alphonsus is blessed with wonderful volunteers who bring Holy Communion to parishioners that are sick or homebound on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. Please call the rectory office (773) 525-0709 to arrange a visit for your loved one(s) who are unable to worship in-person at church and receive the Eucharist.

How to Offer a Mass Intention              

Did you ever notice that every Mass said here at St. Alphonsus is offered for a special intention? The entire congregation prays for that intention during the petitions (Prayers of the Faithful) when we say, "For those who have died, and for the intention of this Mass: (named intention)"

You can make a Mass Intention request here. Masses are often offered for family, friends and relatives that have died. Praying for the dead is a Spiritual Work of Mercy. Offering a Mass for someone that has died is an especially comforting gesture to the family. Mass can also be offered to commemorate joyful occasions and to give thanks to God for blessings received. 

Oktoberfest is Coming! 

Save the Dates September 22, 23, 24

Our parish is finalizing planning for our biggest fundraiser and all the festive joy that goes with it! An amazing music lineup, Craft Beer Nights in the Festival Hall Fri and Sat, Kinderfest and a jumbotron for the football games on Sunday, and other surprises to come! 

Volunteer Sign-up is Now Open Here!!  Without your generous efforts, this event could not be possible!  

CRAFT BEER TASTING: Friday Sept 22 6-9 PM, Saturday Sept 23 4-7 PM Select from dozens of options from local breweries, seasonal selections, and international favorites. Tickets now available!

Brewmaster package info coming soon!

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Clothing Drive September 10 8:30 AM-2 PM

Join us on Sunday, September 10, from 8:30 AM- 2 PM for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Donation Drive! Now is the time to start setting aside items to help us help our neighbors in need. All donated items stock the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift stores located in the Chicago area.

 On Donation Drive Sunday, We Will Gladly Accept:

· Gently used clothing, shoes, household items

· Small appliances

· Household decorations

· Kitchen utensils, dishes, pots, pans

· Jewelry

· Tools

· Sporting goods

Faith Formation News

Register Your Child(ren) for Religious Education! 

Registration for our Religious Education program is now open for the 2023-2024 school year for grades 1st-8th on Tuesday nights at 6:15 PM. Parent orientation is September 19 and classes will begin on September 26.

Are You Ready To Become Catholic?

Registration is open for The Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) Each year we are blessed with several individuals who desire to enter and learn more about the Catholic faith. The RCIA program is the study of the Catholic Faith and the process of introduction into the faith community. If you or someone you know is interested in taking the class, please contact our pastoral associate, Brooks Robinson.

The Bible Timeline

St. Alphonsus offers The Bible Timeline study group on Tuesdays at 7 PM. Participants will meet every week to view an engaging video presentation followed by a time of lively group discussion and fellowship. For more information or to register, contact Brooks Robinson.

Samuel Group @ St. Alphonsus!

Do you ever wonder how to make a good decision according to God’s will? Join us for a discernment group specifically geared toward young adults (ages 19–35). Here you will discuss all kinds of discernment – if you are called to consecrated life, married life or single life, to a certain career or city, and more. The goal of this group is to help you, and in some cases your significant other, know yourself, Jesus and your role within the Church. These discernment groups will take place monthly over the course of seven months. At each session, you will listen to talks, have time for small group sharing, and have the opportunity for Mass, Confession and Adoration. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet individually with a spiritual director during this program.

Cost: $45 per person. Register here!  

Young Adult Ministry

Spikeball Tournament

Our parish YAM are joining with the St. Clement Young Adult Community for our first Spikeball Tournament! We'll meet on Saturday, August 26th at Montrose Beach at 11 AM. We will have a beginner and intermediate bracket, so please be sure to sign up for the correct one.

Each person will sign up individually and will be placed on a team of two with another player in your bracket. If you'd like to be on a team with your friend, please be sure you list their name in the appropriate section.

Your $5 payment goes towards prizes for the winning teams, and snacks and drinks at the tournament. Please fill out the registration form here to claim your spot!

Praise & Adoration Friday, August 25 | 7:30 PM

On Friday, August 25th, spend time with our Lord in praise and adoration in the church. We'll spend the first 15 minutes in silent adoration, and then our musicians will lead worship in song. Confession will also be available! The hour will conclude with benediction, and fellowship at Olive Black after!

More News and Events for Young Adults

YCP Gives Back- MOLA Block Party Saturday Aug 19

Dinner, Talk, Adoration young adult group next Wednesday- 8/23 at 6:30 PM at Our Lady of Unity at the Monsignor Thiele Center, 1510 N Claremont Ave, Chicago, 60622

Catholic Sports Leagues are hosting a new Escape Room event Saturday Sept 23. Perfect for checking out before heading to Oktoberfest! Early Bird entry ends this Sunday!

Safe Families for Children

WE'RE GROWING!!! Our ministry is looking for 1-2 additional volunteer "Closet Workers"! Time commitment is about 1hr/week

Closet Worker Responsibilities:

(1x per week, ~30 min) Carry donated items from the church entryway bin & rectory basket downstairs to our Resource Closet in Festival Hall

(1x per week, ~30 min) Gather donated items in the Resource Closet to meet family resource requests

If you can help with this or have questions, please reach out to us at safefamiliesstals@gmail.com Thanks in advance! God Bless!

"Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3: 9-10)

What Does It Mean To Give First Fruits?

If you would like to learn more about living a stewardship way of life, please visit our section on giving on our website, or contact a member of our parish stewardship team by calling the rectory at 773-525-0709 or by emailing parish Director of Operations Daniel Szymanski.

Thank you and God bless you!

• Text sunday to 773-570-7600
• Click on the link you receive via text
• Fill in the information and click "Submit Form" to make your gift!

Around the Archdiocese

Cardinal Cupich's latest article: Faith is About the Lord's Presence

Stories & Spirits- Theology on Tap @ Black Barrel Tavern

As Christians, our faith is based on the tradition of the divinely inspired storytelling of the Gospel. Join the Theology of Tap series, Stories and Spirits, to hear modern day stories of God working in the life of Chicago Catholics. We've all got a story! Are you ready to explore yours? Tuesdays in August at 7 PM, Black Barrel, 455 W. North Ave. The speaker on August 22 is Dr. Kimberly Lymore - MDiv, DMin, Associate Minister - (Faith Community of St. Sabina) Hosted by St. Teresa of Avila, St. Josaphat, St. Michael, and Immaculate Conception & St. Joseph Parishes.

St. Clement is starting a senior group; Spirituality of Transitions; Growing in Grace on Saturday, Aug 26 at 10 AM.

Community News

Save the date! Trick or Treat on Southport details for 2023

Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber News- Porchfest this Sunday Aug 20, TacoFest Aug 26-27

19th Police District Council Monthly Meeting:

Your newly elected 19th Police District Council Meeting will hold their 4th monthly meeting open to the Public.

Date: August 30, 2023

Place: Athenaeum Center (Event Center) - 2936 N. Southport

Time: 6:30PM

Topics of Discussion :

1) Homelessness and public safety and the Bring Chicago Home proposal

2) Council activity updates

3) Public comment - share your ideas on public safety and policing in

our Community.

For additional information