 Many families in our parish have received the Annual Catholic Appeal mailing from Cardinal Cupich. On behalf of those served by the ministries, parishes, and schools that receive funding from the Appeal, we thank you for your gifts. The Annual Catholic Appeal offers a wonderful opportunity to answer the call “Together at the table.” In addition to providing for ministries and services throughout the archdiocese, the Appeal also funds services that are of great help here in our parish. For example, Appeal supports our ministries, such as the St. Rita Domestic Violence Awareness Group, and the Militia Immaculata. As we contemplate God’s many gifts to us, we should also reflect on our gratitude. Your financial support for the work of our parish, our archdiocese, and the Church throughout the world is one way to express this gratitude. Thank you for giving what you can to the 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal. Learn more about the Appeal by clicking here! (la Campaña Católica Anual 2024 - más información en español)
 Mira fotos de la celebración de la Virgen de Suyapa el domingo el 4 de febrero. La Virgen de Suyapa fue declarada Patrona de Honduras en 1925 y su fiesta es el 3 de febrero. Miles de personas de toda Centroamérica hacen peregrinaciones para visitar la estatua. La Parroquia María, Madre de Dios celebró nuestra propia Misa de celebración y recepción para honrar a la Virgen el domingo pasado. Check out photos from the celebration for the Virgin de Suyapa on Sunday, February 4. The Virgin of Suyapa was declared the Patroness of Honduras in 1925, and her feast day is February 3. Many thousands of people from all over Central America make pilgrimages to visit the statue. Mary, Mother of God Parish held our own celebratory Mass and reception to honor the Virgin last Sunday. La MisaLa RecepciónPhotos courtesy: Wes Kinard
Last Sunday, our parish bake sale raised $814.89! Thank you to everyone who purchased a sweet treat after Mass. This money will be used for this year’s Taste of Summer entertainment. A big thank you also goes out to the parishioners – folks from all the three churches – who donated sweets for the sale. There were cakes, cookies, breads, puddings, and so much more! Also, the success of this fundraiser would not have been possible without the volunteers that helped including the students from our religious education program. We appreciate all of your hard work!  Día de la Candelaria El 2 de febrero, la Iglesia celebra la fiesta de la Presentación del Señor (Candelaria), que tiene lugar 40 días después del nacimiento de Jesús. La liturgia de hoy incluye la bendición y procesión de velas. En México, la gente viste figuras al Niño Jesús con trajes especiales y los lleva a la iglesia para que sean bendecidos, y se reúnen con familiares y amigos para comer tamales, como continuación de las festividades del Día de Reyes, el 6 de enero. Feast of the Presentation
On February 2, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) which occurs 40 days after the birth of Jesus. The blessing and procession of candles is included in today's liturgy. In Mexico, people dress up figures of the Christ Child in special outfits and take them to church to be blessed, and they also get together with family and friends to eat tamales, as a continuation to the festivities of Three Kings’ Day on January 6. Did you know the month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family? February begins with the celebration of the Presentation of the Lord when the Holy Family went to the temple in Jerusalem to present the baby Jesus to the Jewish elders and priests. During this month, we both honor the Holy Family and pray for strength in our own family life. St. Pope John Paul II called “the family of Nazareth a model for every home.” The Holy Family Prayer: |
