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Rev. Edward F. Upton, Pastor |
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March 7, 2010 Many years ago, a lecturer in college spoke of future advances in technology. He predicted this new era would provide more time for leisure; the work week would be shorter; everyone would have more free time. The modern question would involve dealing with leisure. There was some truth in his prediction – modern technology has made some labor intensive tasks easier; and many things can be done more quickly. What that predictor did not anticipate was that modern technology also sped up the pace of life. We must respond right now! Companies in this downsizing era expect fewer people to do more. We are tethered to cell phones, e-mails, texting; instant communicating is addictive. We filled up empty time with activities. Sports and extra-curricular school activities seem to take over lives. The above is a long preamble to say to say we need not just a break, but an opportunity for reflection on our relationship with the Lord, with ourselves and families. Our PARISH MISSION is such an opportunity: Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evening at 7:00, Fr. John Canary Our theme is that of our 20th Anniversary – "Gathered in Faith.. .Growing in Love." In his presentations, John will develop that theme for his nightly reflections. Fr. Canary grew up in Christ the King. He was ordained in 1969 and spent his first assignment at St. Irenaeus in Park Forest. For the majority of his ministry, he has been involved in seminary formation and administration. As he trained candidates for the priesthood and specifically to be parish priests, he reminded them to always connect their ministry with prayer. For the last three years, he has served Cardinal George as Vicar General and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Archdiocese of Chicago. John and I have been friends for many years and I know that in the midst of all of the pressures of his ministry, he has kept a center and focus on the Lord. Following each of the liturgies, there will be light refreshments in the Great Room. FIRST EUCHARIST CANDIDATES This weekend, I welcome our First Eucharist candidates who will be at Mass with their parents. They are continuing their journey to prepare for First Eucharist. They will bring their "squares" which have their pictures; these squares will be in the Narthex. It is great to see the children look for the picture. And these pictures are to serve as a reminder to pray and welcome these children to the Lord’s table as they begin to see themselves as part of the community. UPCOMING EVENTS ST. PATRICK/ST. JOSEPH PARTY Our St. Pat/St. Joe Party is Saturday, March 13th. I encourage you to join us for a wonderful time. These days of winter can make us homebound. Get out for the evening and enjoy good food, excellent entertainment and friendship. The South Side parade is gone so join us for a celebration. CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH The weekend of March 20 and 21 is our Men’s retreat weekend. I encourage the men of our parish to sign up in the narthex. We have been conducting these weekends for a numbers of years and while all enter with some questions as to what these are about, all feel this day and one half was well worth the time. PANCAKE BREAKFAST Sunday, March 21st after all Masses in the Parish hall is our Pancake Breakfast. ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL Gifts to the Catholic Appeal can still be made; envelopes are in the pews and in the narthex. All gifts will be matched by the Archdiocese. Completed pledge envelopes can be placed in the Sunday collection or mailed to the parish office. Let me offer some words of clarification: We have two loans (mortgages) with the Archdiocese – the Church and the Center. The Church loan payment is $32,000 monthly; the Center loan payment is $22,000. It is our hope, that with a successful response to this current Appeal, matching from the Archdiocese and our continued monthly payment, the mortgage on the Church will be paid by October, when we celebrate our 20th Anniversary. The Center mortgage will still remain, but our monthly payment will now be $22,000. The Archdiocese is offering us this second opportunity because we have been consistent and generous. After meeting with our Finance Council, they realized continued $54,000 monthly payments would put a severe strain on our ability to maintain financial stability. So, they gave us this wonderful opportunity. Your response is critical. These monies must all be used for the mortgage. If the gifts exceed the Church mortgage, (praise God), they will be applied to the Center mortgage. If you have questions, please feel free to ask me or Diane Niehaus, our Business Manager. AID FOR THE CHURCH IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE The collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe invests in the future of the region. It supports social programs such as the shelter-homes in Kapshagai, as well as essential pastoral projects, Catholic communications, and scholarships for Catholic students who often become leaders of the Church in the region. This collection funds work in a vast geographic area: from Russia, Latvia, and Albania in central and eastern Europe to countries in western and central Asia such as Armenia, George, and Turkmenistan. You may place your envelopes in the regular collection. - Rev. Edward F. Upton
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