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A thank you message from Fr. Alejandro for everyone who helped him celebrate his 60th birthday on Sunday: “Thank you to everyone who came to the parties to help celebrate my special day. Some of the cards and gifts didn’t have any names with them and others had only first names. If I am not able to thank you directly, please know that they touched my heart. Thank you! I felt very loved that day." 🎂 Un mensaje de agradecimiento del Padre Alejandro a todos los que lo ayudaron a celebrar su 60º cumpleaños el domingo:
“Gracias a todos los que vinieron a las fiestas para celebrar mi día especial. Algunas tarjetas y regalos no tenían nombres, y otros solo tenían el nombre de pila. Si no puedo agradecerles directamente, sepan que me llegaron al corazón. ¡Gracias! Me sentí muy querido ese día.” 🥳 Enjoy these photos from the First, Second, and Third Scrutiny Masses at our parish! The Scrutinies are Rites (i.e. ceremonies) celebrated by “The Elect” who are adults preparing to be brought into the Church at Easter. Scrutinies are celebrated on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent, and the Gospel readings are meant to teach the elect about the mystery of sin and fill them with the Spirit of Christ. As described by the Church, “These rites, should complete the conversion of the elect and deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to love God above all.” If someone you know wants to learn more about becoming Catholic, click here or call the parish office at 773-561-5343 for more information *Photos courtesy of parish volunteer Luana Lienhart
Agradecemos al diácono Jaime Ríos por dirigir un hermoso retiro de Cuaresma en español este año. La reunión tuvo una gran concurrencia y los asistentes comentaron que lo disfrutaron mucho. El tema de este año fue "Desde el Diluvio de Noe hasta el desierto de Jesús". Spanish Retreat 2025We would like to thank Deacon Jaime Rios for leading a beautiful Lenten retreat in Spanish this year. The gathering was well attended and attendees said they really enjoyed it. The theme this year was “From Noah’s Flood to Jesus’ Desert.”
This year’s English-language Lenten Retreat was hosted by our parish cultural center, St. Gregory’s Hall. Fr. Czeck, OFM Conv. led the first part of the retreat. He shared the history, spirituality, and unique power of the devotion to the Sorrowful Mother. He also led attendees through recitation of the Servite Rosary, meditations on the sorrows, and a litany composed by Pope Pius VII. Attendees were invited to round out their day with confession, lunch, and a painting workshop led by artist-in-residence Sarah Crow, who also shared about her personal devotion to the Sorrowful Mother. Participants created small images using acrylic paint inspired by a mosaic medallion of Mary's heart with seven wounds located at the chapel at Marytown. You can read more about the experience of attendees at the retreat on the St. Gregory's Hall blog. Click here! Part 1: Spiritual ConferencePart 2: Painting Workshop*Photos courtesy of parish volunteer Damina Chlanda
Thank you to Vocation Director Br. Bernard Mary, OFM Conv. for bringing a vocation guest to help distribute toys and school supplies to the families at our Food Pantry. We appreciate all your help!  Our Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen struggle to support the growing needs in our community. These ministries depend on the generosity of parishioners, and also rely on broader food assistance programs. Now, the USDA has issued a 60-day notice of $1 billion in funding cuts to school lunch programs, food banks, and food assistance purchases from local farmers. If we already struggle to meet the needs of our neighbors, how much worse will it be once these cuts take effect? What Does This Mean for Us? 📌 More children will go hungry. With fewer resources for school lunches and emergency food programs, struggling families will face even greater challenges. 📌 More neighbors will turn to the Church. When government programs fail, faith-based organizations like our parish must fill the gaps. 📌 We have an opportunity to act. This Lent, we are called not just to give alms but also to act for justice. Take Action Today: Join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in urging Congress to reconsider these cuts. With just a few clicks, you can use the SVdP's Voter Voice platform to send an email to our lawmakers. ✅ Send a letter through Voter Voice: Conference "Mary, Mother of God/Society of St Vincent de Paul" at votervoice.net/SVDPUSA/home ✅ Encourage your family and friends to participate ✅ Pray that elected officials hear our collective voices "Charity is the Samaritan who pours oil on the wounds of the traveler who has been attacked. But it is justice’s role to prevent the attacks."
May God bless our efforts as we seek to feed the hungry, serve the poor, and advocate for a more just world. Together as a parish, let us be the hands, feet, and voices of Christ in our community. Amen!
 Today is the last day of Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14) – which honors the women who have taken religious vows and acknowledges their tireless service – so we would like to introduce you to the newest members of our parish community, the Poor Handmaids Sisters!
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC) is an international, female religious congregation founded in 1851 by St. Catherine Kasper in Germany. PHJC is dedicated to serving marginalized communities. Through their compassionate outreach, the Poor Handmaids strive to embody Christ's love, fostering hope and dignity for those they serve. On July 23, 2024, PHJC’s American Province established a new diverse community of its members at our parish! The Sisters are living in the St. Gregory the Great Rectory and actively volunteer at St. Thomas of Canterbury School and the Pope Francis Center, supporting migrants in Chicago. They also engage with migrants at Our Lady of Mercy’s Parish, reflecting their commitment to education, healthcare, social welfare, and the emerging needs of the time. If you see the Sisters around the parish, make sure to say hello! On Tuesday, we held our Lenten Taizé Prayer at St. Ita church. Taizé is an ecumenical Christian movement known for its distinctive style of music and prayer which emphasizes silence, contemplation, and stillness. We came together during this solemn season to meditate on the Lord's journey to the Cross and to continue to prepare ourselves for Holy Week. *Photos courtesy of parish volunteer Luana Lienhart El martes celebramos nuestra Oración Cuaresmal de Taizé en la iglesia de Santa Ita. Taizé es un movimiento cristiano ecuménico conocido por su estilo distintivo de música y oración, que enfatiza el silencio, la contemplación y la quietud. Nos reunimos durante este tiempo solemne para meditar sobre el camino del Señor hacia la Cruz y continuar preparándonos para la Semana Santa.
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