Celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus!

Hello St. Alphonsus,

Pope Francis calls for immediate release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas & has been following ‘what is happening in Israel and Palestine with tears and apprehension.’

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a wedding feast. Jesus’ message in this parable cautions against exclusive beliefs about the kingdom of heaven. The parable also teaches about humility. Those who assume that they are the invited guests may find that they have refused the invitation, and so others are invited in their place. To accept the invitation is also to accept its obligations. God wants our full conversion in complete acceptance of his mercy.

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

Invite your friends/loved ones to Mass! 

Mass Readings for Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time



October 15 Parish Bulletin

A quick reminder that St. Alphonsus is now offering Saturday morning Mass at 8:30 AM.

This Sunday, St. Alphonsus hosts representatives of the Catholic Christian

Community from Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the Holy Land who will be displaying handcrafted olive wood religious figurines and articles. Due to the political conflict and Covid19 resulting in the reduction of tourism, the Catholic

Community has come to depend more on the sale of these articles abroad to survive. The woodcarvings are beautiful and reflect faith and love for the Lord.

Please consider purchasing a gift that will be remembered and cherished for yourself or someone dear to you. The handcrafted olive wood religious figurines and articles will be available for purchase at the table in the narthex of the church.

All families are invited to fun Pumpkin decorating and carving event next Sunday October 22 after the 11 AM and 12:30 PM Masses, outside in the Oakdale parking lot. All are invited!! Pumpkins, supplies and treats will be provided. The event will relocate to Festival Hall in the case of bad weather. Hosted by our parish’s Knights of Columbus council. Contact Grand Knight and parishioner Ray San Agustin for more details.

All Souls Day, November 2nd is a special day in the life of the Church as we take time to pray for our deceased family members and friends who have died and gone before us marked with the sign of faith. St. Alphonsus Parish will be holding a special Requiem Mass on Thursday, November 2nd at 7 PM, to pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died. Through the Sacred Liturgy, the Church invokes the forgiving love and abundant mercy of God, that He may receive all those we remember into His kingdom so they can come to know the fullness of life and peace of Heaven. All those who complete the form and make a suggested offering of $15 or more for a name will receive their designated unlit candle before Mass begins. After the homily, while the choir sings, the person will come forward in a line with their candle, light it from the Paschal Candle, and place it on the Communion rail.

Additionally, our music director Brian Bloye is arranging a special program with a men's schola singing chant in Latin and English from the traditional Requiem Mass of the Church. If you would like to honor a loved one who has died, please fill out the form here. You can also write the names of your loved ones in the Book of the Names of the Dead, which will be available in the Church during November.

November 2- Sent Conference at Athenaeum/Mass at St. Alphonsus

Calling all driven Catholic professionals looking to expand their network and connect with other like-minded, business and faith-driven people! The Sent Conference is the conference for you! For more info & to register, -you won't want to miss it!

St. Alphonsus will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Sunday November 5 in the Festival Hall. Please consider donating life-saving blood! You can make an appointment here. (scroll through dates until you get to Nov. 6)

Donate Shoes for Refugees

Our St. Vincent DePaul chapter is accepting shoe donations for all the refugees currently staying at the Chicago Police District on Addison near Halsted. You will find bins marked for the shoe collections at the back of the church and at the rectory. There is a particular need for children’s shoes at this time. Shoes dropped off at the rectory should be done during regular business hours. Thank you for your kind generosity! In lieu of shoe donations, you can also support our St. Vincent dePaul chapter with a monetary gift.

"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!

Faith Formation News

Register Your Child(ren) for Religious Education! 

Classes have started for our RE program. You can still register for our Religious Education program for the 2023-2024 school year for grades 1st-8th on Tuesday nights at 6:15 PM.

Religious Education Needs Y-O-U!

Are you looking for a deeply meaningful way to serve your community? Do you want to be inspired and challenged to grow in your faith? Do you want to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the youth? We’d love to have you join our team!

Catechists are needed each Tuesday from 6:00-7:30 PM now through early May to share our Catholic faith with the young people of St. Alphonsus parish. 

In particular, we would love to have a team of more than 12 catechists, particularly in grades 4th - 8th. If you know any adults interested - please have them contact Oksana Kuzma.

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 Theological Foundations of Eucharistic Beliefs: A New National Survey of Adult Catholics

Walking With Purpose

Come as you are. You are welcome here!

Make authentic connections with other women; refuel and refresh; Learn more about God

The Touching the Divine bible study focuses on qualities of Jesus revealed through the Gospel of John. This study draws us into a deeper, loving relationship with Jesus as we reflect on His life and personality.

St. Alphonsus Women's Bible Study is on Tuesdays w/ two sessions, one at 9:30 AM and the other at 6:30 PM. Questions? Contact Susan Combes

FemCatholic

Are you a woman seeking honest, insightful conversations about sex within the context of your faith? Join other women like you at FemCatholic Sex Ed, a video and online discussion series! For too long, sex education has been male-focused, too vague, or entirely nonexistent - FemCatholic aims to fix that. Women are invited to “FemCatholic Sex Ed: Honest Conversations for Women, from Women”, a video library containing modules from trusted experts on many issues and questions surrounding female sexuality and reproductive health. Checkout the FemCatholic website for more information on the program and how to sign up.

Men's Group

St. Alphonsus Men’s group meets Thursday nights to pray the liturgy of the hours, have fellowship, and to propose challenging topics to discuss. 

We meet every Thursday night at 7 PM in the rectory. Food and drinks provided. All men are welcome, with most men being in their 20s and 30s. Access can be gained at the west facing rectory door in the parking lot. For questions or more information, contact us here!

Don't Let Fantasy Football Interfere w/ Your Marriage...

Young Adult Ministry

Check out our October newsletter here! Learn about upcoming events like Adoration next Friday October 20, our Speaker and Pumpkin Carving event on Oct 31 and more! Don’t forget to sign up on our LinkTree to make sure you’re in the know of all of our upcoming events!

Trivia Night!- Signup ends Friday Oct. 20 at 3 PM

Are you the friend whose schtick is sharing random factoids? Or, the one with the most fun party conversations? Well, calling all you trivia fans and friends, alike, to come join us, in the St. Alphonsus' Festival Hall (basement), on Saturday October 21st from 5 PM-8 PM because St. Al’s YAM Trivia is back!

Cost of tickets is $25 per person (it is a fundraiser! ). Teams of 5-6 people can register individually or together. For anyone registering as a team, simply list the names of everyone in the "Comments" section of the GiveCentral link, during your purchase. Light refreshments, beer and wine are included in the event cost. We will have prizes for 3rd, 2nd and 1st place winning teams. Don't know anyone or don't have 6 people on your team? Fear not! You may also register individually or in a smaller group (2-4 people). We will assign you to a team. All are welcome!



***Please note: pre-registration with payment through the GiveCentral link is required to attend. No walk-ups will be allowed since we have teams.

If trivia isn’t your thing, but still want to join us, consider volunteering as well!

For bonus points to your team’s final score, bring 2 unopened, unexpired, non-perishable food items! All items will be donated to Nourishing Hope- the Lakeview food pantry! They especially need pastas, jams and jellies, canned beans, rice, and canned goods with pop-tops!

For any questions or concerns, please reach out to the YAM social team!

Other Young Adult News and Events

Join fellow Catholic young adults on Saturday, December 9th at old St. Patrick's, 700 W. Adams, for the annual St. Joseph Saturday Retreat! This retreat is a FREE half-day retreat (open to all young adults in their 20s and 30s), where young adults are encouraged to “look upon work with the eyes of faith” and see God’s presence in their vocations and professional lives. The retreat will include talks, group discussion, and prayer, and it will be a time to reflect on the life of YCP's patron saint, St. Joseph the Worker.

Thursday October 26, our friends at Lumen Christi Institute will host a free event on the poetry of Dante.

Living the Gospel of Life!

In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month. We consider more deeply why every human life is valuable and reflect on how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death.

The #RespectLifeMonth Novena is happening! Join us in praying for the protection of human life from conception to natural death.

Support The Baby Bottle Project!

This October, our parish will be participating in The Baby Bottle Project benefiting Aid for Women. Aid for Women was founded over 42 years ago on the faith and teachings of the Catholic Church. Aid for Women operates four pregnancy resource centers throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Services include pregnancy tests, ultrasound exams and confidential counseling. Aid for Women’s residential programs, Heather’s House and Monica’s House, help women whose decision to choose life is further complicated by lack of adequate housing.

Please take a Baby Bottle home with you this weekend. Fill it with your spare change and return it to church in October. The bottles may be found at the exits as you leave Mass. Thank you! 

Simply Pro-Life Teen Event, October 14 10 AM-3 PM, Barrington, IL

 "Ending Abortion One Baby Step at a Time"

The Simply Pro-Life Teen Event is an opportunity for young people to find the resources and opportunities to simply get involved with the pro-life movement by connecting with pro-life organizations such as The Pro-Life Action League, hearing amazing speakers such as Lauren Muzyka, CEO of Sidewalk Advocates for Life, and connecting with other young people.

The goal of the Simply Pro-Life Teen Event is not only to educate and inspire teens, but give them real, practical ways they can get involved that very same day. There will be unlimited tacos, games, a Photo Booth, donuts and coffee, and more! You do not want your teens to miss the teen event of the year!

Be sure to sign up for the Simply Pro-life teen event taking place on October 14th at the Barrington Campus Life Center.

Step Up For Life 2023- 5K and Wiffleball Tournament Saturday Oct. 14

Every year, friends of the Women's Center come together to support life and to create and foster our pro-life community. YOU are invited to be a part of this year's event!

All are invited to celebrate life at St. Theresa Dolan Center Gymnasium (455 N. Benton, Palatine) on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 starting at 12:30 PM. Click here for more information and do spread the word!

Project Rachel is a diocese network of specially trained priests, religious, counselors, and laypersons who provide a team response of care for those suffering in the aftermath of abortion. 

Flyer in English 

en Español

Around the Archdiocese

The USCCB has announced the launch of a National Catholic Mental Health Campaign which began Oct. 10. The goal is to raise awareness of mental health issues, help remove the stigma surrounding mental illness, and encourage those suffering to seek help. Discover more and participate in the novena for mental health.

St. Clement Parish is hosting another "Growing in Grace" event this Saturday October 14 at 9:30 AM, geared towards senior citizens.

Queen of Angels School will hold its annual Children's Resale Shop this Saturday, October 14th at 2330 W. Sunnyside Ave. from 8 AM to 2 PM. Bring your shopping bags and stock up on tons of new and gently used children's clothing, shoes, accessories, strollers, furniture, toys, games, puzzles, baby equipment, books, ride-ons, sports equipment, Halloween costumes, and more! Cash and credit accepted. Admission is $2. Hope to see you there!

Need some space for prayer and spiritual refreshment? Trying to figure out what God has in store for you? Or, most importantly, discerning religious life? All women are invited to Come and See on October 27 to 29 in Justice, Illinois and allow God to speak to your heart. He is waiting!

Community News

Lincoln/Roscoe Beer Stroll Saturday October 21 3-6 PM

Buy your tickets NOW to taste Chicago's craft beer scene as businesses along Lincoln Avenue and Roscoe Street transform into tasting destinations! This Halloween-themed ticketed event includes beer samples from local breweries at popular shops along Lincoln Ave. and Roscoe St.! This event features three routes, with over 20 local businesses participating and different types of craft beer to try at every stop on each route.