​We’re adding another daily Mass!
On Thursdays at Saint Ita church, there will now be a 5:30 PM Mass in English (with 4:45 PM Adoration & 5:15 PM Vespers) and a 7 PM Mass in Spanish. ​Please contact the parish office with any questions at 773-561-5343 or [email protected].

On Saturday, March 9 parishioners and visitors participated in the Lenten Retreat hosted by our cultural center, St. Gregory’s Hall. At 9 AM, participants came to St. Gregory the Great church for a spiritual conference with Byzantine Catholic priest and iconographer Fr. Thomas Loya. Fr. Loya offered reflections on the spiritual and theological use of sacred images in prayer and liturgy with special focus on how “Christ the Bridegroom” can aid us in our Lenten journey. Afterwards, there was a light reception.

Starting at 11 AM, participants joined artist-in-residence Sarah Crow for an icon workshop. They created their own icon of Christ the Bridegroom in an environment of prayerful reflection, entering deeper into the mystery of Christ's passion. In the Eastern Catholic tradition, this icon is present near the table where the Eucharistic gifts are prepared during Mass. It reminds us of all the things Christ gave to us as his beloved. He is the bridegroom that suffered humiliation, torture, and death for his bride the Church. 

Look below to see photos of the retreat courtesy of Damian Chlanda.​

Meet the newest member of our parish staff and local Conventual Franciscan community, Br. Ayub Mwenda! Read Br. Ayub’s interview so you can get to know him a little bit better and see what work he’ll be doing around the parish.
​
What drew you to the Franciscans?
I first learnt about the Conventual Franciscans through a Catholic Magazine which landed into my hands back in High School. I read about St. Francis of Assisi for the very first time and the good works the friars were doing in Kenya while following in his footsteps. I took a piece of paper and a pen and wrote to the friars requesting to become one of them. I was invited for the Come and See program and I would say, it was during this program that I fell in love with the way of life the friars were living. I made a definitive decision to become one of them.
 
Where were you before coming to Mary, Mother of God Parish?
I have been serving in the Diocese of Green Bay as an Administrative Assistant in the Parishes of St. Patrick, Stephensville, WI and St. Denis, Shiocton, WI. When I first arrived in the United States (February 15, 2019), I served in this Parish as Pastoral Associate and also as the Director of the Outreach Ministry. It feels like coming back home to see familiar faces and also encouraging to see them still keeping the faith.
 
What will you be doing here at the Parish?
I am assigned here to manage the operations of our Parish Food Pantry. 
 
What are some of the things you enjoy in your spare time?
During my spare time I like to run a lot. While I was here, I participated and completed the Chicago Marathon and it is in my bucket list to do it again. I am also an avid reader. I read as much as I can and wherever I can. I also enjoy learning new languages and watching soccer games.

Conozca al miembro más nuevo de nuestro personal parroquial y de la comunidad franciscana conventual local, el Hno. ¡Ayub Mwenda! Lea la entrevista de Hno. Ayub para que puedas conocerlo un poco mejor y ver qué trabajo realizará en la parroquia.

¿Qué te atrajo de los franciscanos?
Conocí por primera vez a los franciscanos conventuales a través de una revista católica que llegó a mis manos cuando estaba en la escuela secundaria. Leí sobre San Francisco de Asís por primera vez y las buenas obras que los frailes estaban haciendo en Kenia mientras seguían sus pasos. Tomé un papel y un bolígrafo y les escribí a los frailes pidiéndoles ser uno de ellos. Me invitaron al programa Ven y Mira y diría que fue durante este programa que me enamoré de la forma de vida que llevaban los frailes. Tomé la decisión definitiva de convertirme en uno de ellos.
 
¿Dónde estaba antes de venir a la Parroquia María, Madre de Dios?
He estado sirviendo en la Diócesis de Green Bay como Asistente Administrativo en las Parroquias de St. Patrick, Stephensville, WI y St. Denis, Shiocton, WI. Cuando llegué por primera vez a los Estados Unidos (15 de febrero de 2019), serví en esta Parroquia como Asociado Pastoral y también como Director del Ministerio de Extensión. Se siente como volver a casa y ver caras familiares y también es alentador verlos todavía manteniendo la fe.
 
¿Qué vas a hacer aquí en la parroquia?
Estoy asignado aquí para administrar las operaciones de nuestra Despensa de Alimentos Parroquial.
 
¿Qué le gusta hacer en su tiempo libre?
Durante mi tiempo libre me gusta correr mucho. Mientras estuve aquí, participé y completé el Maratón de Chicago y está en mi lista de deseos hacerlo nuevamente. También soy un ávido lector. Leo todo lo que puedo y donde puedo. También disfruto aprender nuevos idiomas y ver partidos de fútbol.

The Finance Council works with the Pastor to balance long-term financial goals against short-term financial needs of our parish. Together they strive to meet the spiritual needs of our faith community and the needs of the buildings that are the “bricks and mortar” of the parish. In other words, to pay for today’s bills while ensuring the Parish’s future vitality. We are looking to fill two volunteer vacancies.

If the chance to use your critical thinking skills to help direct the financial future of Mary, Mother of God Parish piques your interest – or if you know someone who would be perfect for this opportunity – please email our Pastor, Father Alejandro Lopez, OFM Conv.  (Include your name, telephone number, and email address.)