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We wish a heart-felt congratulations to the students from the Religious Education Program and St. Thomas of Canterbury School who celebrated their Confirmations on Saturday, April 4 with Bishop Daniel Turley Murphy, OSA presiding. Thank you to the catechists and clergy who prepared the students for this foundational Sacrament. 🕊️ *Photos courtesy of parish volunteer Luana Lienhart, OFS Felicitamos de todo corazón a los alumnos de los programas de la Escuela Santo Tomás de Canterbury y la programa de Educación Religiosa que celebraron la Confirmación el 4 de abril (presidida por el Obispo Daniel Turley Murphy, OSA). Gracias a los catequistas y al clero que prepararon a los estudiantes para estos sacramentos fundamentales. 🔥
*Fotos cortesía de la voluntaria de la parroquia Luana Lienhart, OFS 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
Congratulations to our parish’s catechumens and candidates who celebrated the Rite of Sending and Rite of Election on Sunday, March 9 at Holy Name Cathedral. We are excited for you to take the next steps along your faith journey as you make your spiritual home in the Catholic Church. Our parish looks forward to welcoming you into the Church at the Easter Vigil!  What is the Rite of Send & the Rite of Election? They are an important two-part celebration in the journey of adult converts joining the Catholic Church. At our parish, this process of faith education and evangelization is called Becoming Catholic — you might know it as OCIA or RCIA. The word “election” has nothing to do with politics. Rather, we are publicly acknowledging that God has chosen a person to be disciple of Jesus. How is it celebrated? There is a sending and a receiving. First, catechumens – those preparing for the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation – are sent by their parishes. Second, the bishop receives the catechumens and invites them to enter their names in the Book of the Elect. When is it celebrated? They take place on the First Sunday of Lent. The Rite of Sending is done at the parish church after which everyone goes to the local cathedral for the Rite of Election. Who participates? Participants are unbaptized adults known as catechumens, Greek for “being instructed” or candidates, adults who have been baptized but not confirmed. Upon the testimony of their sponsors and catechists (teachers), the catechumens affirm their intention to join the Church and the Church approves them to receive the Sacraments. What happens next? When the catechumens inscribe their names in the Book of the Elect, the bishop declares them “the elect” (the chosen ones). They now begin a period of Purification and Enlightenment which ends with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Afterwards, the newly baptized and confirmed enter more fully into the life and unity of the Church.
 Registration is open for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program at St. Gregory’s Hall. CGS is a religious education program for children ages 3 to 12 that fosters their relationship with God through scripture, liturgy, and prayer in a contemplative setting.
CGS families are hosting the upcoming Sunday social at St. Gregory the Great church on August 25. All are invited to come learn more about this Montessori-inspired program. Bible Study combines reading, DVD presentations and small-group discussions with fellow parishioners. In 2024, we will be studying the Psalms. Please contact Religious Education Coordinator Candido Reyna for more information. Registration is either $38 fee for workbook and online access (includes access to video portion plus digital workbook) or $32 fee for workbook only. To sign up, please download the registration form below, fill it out, and return it to the parish office (1220 W. Catalpa) along with your materials fee. Registration Deadline: August 11, 2024  We wish a heart-felt congratulations to the students from the Religious Education Program and St. Thomas of Canterbury School who celebrated their Confirmations on Saturday, May 25 with Bishop Bartosic presiding. Thank you to the catechists and clergy who prepared the students for this foundational Sacrament. -------------------- Felicitamos de todo corazón a los alumnos de los programas de la Escuela Santo Tomás de Canterbury y la programa de Educación Religiosa que celebraron la Confirmación el 25 de mayo (presidida por el Obispo Bartosic). Gracias a los catequistas y al clero que prepararon a los estudiantes para estos sacramentos fundamentales.  Holy Spirit, you are the giver of many gifts which God wants to give to each of us. Open the hearts and minds of those students who celebrated their Confirmation this year. Congratulations to the children from the Religious Education and Catechesis of the Good Shepard programs who celebrated First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 11.  Let us pray for all the children who, for the first time, received the Lord Jesus in Holy Communion. May they always know the peace of Jesus, the light of His love, and the joy of His life within in them. In preparation for Good Friday, the students from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd religious education program prayed the Stations of the Cross with their parents and our Pastor Fr. Alejandro Lopez, OFM Conv. About 25 students attended and the group used a Stations booklet specifically designed for children. Fr. Alejandro had a different child lead the prayers at each station and students also carried the processional cross and candles. At the end, Father blessed everyone with the Relic of The Most Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd fosters the relationship between God and children in harmony with children’s development. It is grounded in Scripture and the liturgy and framed by the education principles of Maria Montessori. Photos courtesy of Damian Chlanda.
 Here is a group photo of our RCIA catechumens, candidates, and sponsors from the recent Rite of Election held at Holy Name Cathedral on Sunday. Mary, Mother of God Parish is excited to be accompanying so many who wish to join the Catholic Church! What is RCIA and the Rite of Election?
Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands are baptized into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new Catholics through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The Rite of Election is part of the process of RCIA and includes the enrollment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens, their sponsors, and their families gather at the cathedral. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book, and they are called the Elect. |
