“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40 We are humbled by the level of generosity of our parish community. Over 340 Christmas gifts were donated exceeding our toy drive goal. These toys were given to children celebrating their first “Merry Christmas” in the United States whose families have recently arrived from South America. We also want to acknowledge the volunteers who coordinated these projects – turning them from ideas into reality. This involved many hours of hard work as well as coordinating with community partners like El Centro Romero, local shelters, the Alderman's Office, and other churches. Thank you to everyone at Mary, Mother of God parish for actively living out our Christian faith by caring for the most vulnerable and of need in our neighborhood! Toy DonationsVolunteers Wrapping GiftsToys Gifted on Christmas Eve
This year, our parish honored the Filipino Advent tradition of Simbang Gabi with two days of Masses and feasts (December 15 & 16)! In the Philippines, Simbang Gabi is a celebration consisting of a nine-day series of early morning Masses to prepare for the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. Filipino immigrants have proudly brought this tradition to the Church in the United States, modifying it slightly.
Each evening began with Mass featuring traditional Filipino music and the procession with the star-shaped lantern (parol). Followed by a reception with feasting, games, line dancing. At St. Gregory the Great, winners of the games of musical chairs and "bring me something..." won crisp single-dollar bills! At Saint Ita, two performers danced the Binasuan, a Filipino folk dance where the performer holds full glasses in each hand while performing balancing tricks. On behalf of the Filipinos of Saint Ita and St. Gregory the Great, we hope you will incorporate Simbang Gabi into your Advent celebrations next year! Click "Read More" to see the photo albums! Tuesday Adoration at St. Thomas of Canterbury is canceled on December 26, the Tuesday after Christmas, because the Parish Offices will be closed.   All Parish Offices will be closed Monday, December 25 & Tuesday, December 26.
 Mass Schedule: Christmas Eve (December 24) - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1)  Image: "Mary's Little Lamb" by Fr. Alejandro Lopez, OFM Conv. Haga clic en "Leer más" para español | Bấm vào "Đọc thêm" để đọc tiếng Việt
Fotos de la celebración parroquial Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe 2023. Gracias a todos los que planearon, decoraron y se ofrecieron como voluntarios. Agradecemos a Las Guadalupanas por todo su arduo trabajo. Y gracias al obispo Bartosic por celebrar la misa de la tarde. *Photos from the parish Our Lady of Guadalupe 2023 celebration. Thank you to everyone who planned, decorated, and volunteered. We are grateful to Las Guadalupanas for all of their hard work. And thank you to Bishop Bartosic for celebrating the evening Mass. 4 - 6 AM Mañanitas *Traditional Mexican music Fotos cortesía/Photos Courtesy: Fr. Alejandro Lopez, OFM Conv. 7 PM Misa con Obispo Bartosic *Spanish Mass with Bishop Bartosic Fotos cortesía/Photos Courtesy: Wes Kinard Recepción después de la Misa *Reception after the Mass Fotos cortesía/Photos Courtesy: Wes Kinard
On Saturday, December 9, the Guardian Angels Religious Education Program hosted a Mass at Saint Ita church for students and their families. Guardian Angels is a catechesis community serving people with disabilities. After Mass, everyone enjoyed a reception in Jubilee Hall with pizza and presents! If you know of a student who would benefit from this program, or who would like to be a part of the community, please contact the Parish Office at 773-561-5343 ex. 10. MassReceptionPhotos courtesy: Damian Chlanda
Opportunity to Obtain a Plenary Indulgence In honor of the 800th Anniversary of the Christmas at Greccio, a plenary indulgence (removing all temporal punishment for a committed sin) has been granted from December 8, 2023 (the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception), until February 2, 2024 (the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord). The indulgence may be obtained by visiting a church served by Franciscans and praying before the nativity scene set up there. Even those who cannot physically visit a Franciscan church can experience the Indulgence by offering their sufferings or carrying out a spiritual sacrifice. To honor Advent, we will not have our Nativities set up in full splendor until the weekend before Christmas. However, we will be leaving them in the churches through the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (February 2, 2024). What do you have to do?
Learn more about plenary indulgences from the Catholic News Agency by clicking the button below. Haga clic en "Leer más" para la versión en español.
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