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IC Parish Newsletter
November 2014
PARISH WEBSITE www.icelmhurst.org
Greetings from Fr. Tom
Dear Friends in Christ,
The month of November brings us many special days. We begin this period of time celebrating the great Feast in
honor of all the Holy Saints. On November 1, we recall the Holy Men and Women who the Church recognizes
whom have entered the Kingdom of Heaven. We also celebrate in memory our loved ones who led saintly lives
while here upon the earth. On November 2, we pray for all the holy souls and ask that God grant them eternal
rest. On November 7 at 7:00 pm in the Church, our parish will celebrate a special Liturgy in honor of all of our
deceased loved ones who have passed away during the past year.
The great Feast of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on November 27. Our parish will gather for a special Liturgy
at 7:30 am in the Church. I hope as many of you as possible can attend this Eucharist as we gather together to
thank God for all of our many blessings. Please do not be concerned about the use of the York Road parking lot
and also the parking adjoining our buildings. Those responsible for the Turkey Trot have agreed to very closely
monitor the needs of all our parishioners as they leave when mass is ended.
On Saturday night, November 29, and Sunday, November 30, we begin a new Church year as the Holy Season of
Advent will be upon us. I pray that all of these important events that happen during this month will bring to you
many blessings. Thank you for you continued loving support of our parish. I am most grateful for all of you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Tom Paul
NOVEMBER PRAYER
This Thanksgiving let those of us who
have much and those who have little
gather at the welcoming table of the Lord.
At this blessed feast,
may rich and poor alike remember that we
are called to serve one another
and to walk together in God's gracious
world.
With thankful hearts we praise our God
who like a loving parent denies us no
good thing.
Let us gather as a family
thanking God for our many
blessings. Please join us for Mass on
Thanksgiving Day at 7:30 a.m. in
the Church
Rev. David Mowry
November 2014
Immaculate Conception, Elmhurst, IL
On Communion, Divorce, and Remarriage – Part 1
Brothers and sisters, the peace of Christ be with you all.
The Extraordinary Synod on the Family has come and gone, and of all the questions raised during those weeks of the Synod, the one I
saw the most confusion about was the Church’s teaching on the reception of Holy Communion by those who have been divorced. Allow me to
clarify the matter so as to ensure we can have a good idea of how we practice our faith and minister to those in difficult marital situations.
First, the reception of Holy Communion in the Catholic Church is not an instrument of unity, that is to say, receiving Communion does
not make a person part of the Church. Rather, the reception of Holy Communion is a sign of unity, that is, a sign that the person belongs to the
Church already and practices the Catholic way of life. This is why we do not approach the Eucharist if we have unconfessed mortal sins, for a
mortal sin is a profound wound in a person’s unity with God and the Church. The fact that Holy Communion is a sign of unity also explains why
we do not allow our Protestant brothers and sisters to receive the Eucharist. Sadly, we do not enjoy union with them, and therefore we must suffer
the consequences of not being able to share the sacraments with them.
Regarding divorce, allow me to say this at the outset: A person who has gone through a divorce (for many, a very painful process) is not
automatically excluded from receiving Communion simply because he or she has gotten a divorce. There are as many different circumstances as
there are individuals. Anyone with questions about whether he or she can receive Communion should speak to either myself or Fr. Tom. We as
priests would love nothing more than to help someone be reconciled to the Church so as to help him or her enjoy the full communion of our faith.
Bearing that in mind, know that in the marriage of two faithful Christians, the Church recognizes two layers of marriage: the legal
contract and the sacramental bond. In the case of divorce, it is the legal bond that is severed. However, in the eyes of the Church, a man and a
woman remain bound by the sacrament of Matrimony even if they obtain a legal divorce. The sacrament of Matrimony brings about a permanent,
indissoluble bond between husband and wife: “What God has joined, men must not divide” (Mark 10:9). There may be good reason for the
marriage to come to an end, especially when the physical or mental health of one of the spouses is at risk. The Church certainly looks with pity on
those whose marriages break up.
However, if both the man and the woman entered freely into marriage, without force of any kind, and with full knowledge of the
obligations of that married relationship, then the Church views that marriage as having a valid bond between the husband and the wife, even if the
legal marriage should be ended by divorce. This is why the Church asks couples to take at least 6 months to reflect seriously on the marriage they
wish to enter, so that they may make an honest and informed commitment to this permanent, indissoluble bond.
This article has already run long, and there remains much still to say regarding the reception of Communion by divorced people and by
divorced-and-remarried people. We will continue this discussion next time.
Let us continue to keep each other in prayer.
Around the Parish in November 2014
Saturday, November 1 Sacrament of Reconciliation
Held in the Chapel 4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 All Saints Day
Mass times: 8:00 a.m./Church 5:15 p.m./Chapel
Saturday, November 1 Bible Study
A quick journey through the Bible. Meets in the Resource Room
8:30 a.m.
Sunday, November 2 All Souls Day
Mass times: 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. & 5:15 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 5 RE Classes
Grades K-5 Classes today at 10:10 a.m. GS
Grades 6-8 Classes today at 10:10 a.m. ICCP
Sunday, November 2 1st Grade Family Mass
9:00 a.m. All families are encouraged to participate
Sunday, November 2 Donut Sunday
Join in the fellowship! Donuts and refreshments will be served
in MPH after the 7:30 & 9 a.m. Masses
Sunday, November 2 Spiritual Classes
Join in the lively conversation while reading The Cloud of
Unknowing, Meets in the Media Center at 10:15 .am.
Weekend, November 1-2
Food Collection for families-in-need will be collected at all
Masses
Monday, November 3 All Saints Day Mass ICGS/ICCP
Grade School 8:15 a.m. in the Church
ICCP 9:40 a. m. in the Chapel
Tuesday, November 4 Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting
9 a.m. – noon in the Marian Room
Tuesday, November 4 Lectio Divina
Join Anne Hohbein in the Rectory after 7:30 a.m. Mass
Tuesday, November 4 Cup of Hope
Support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
10 a.m.—11 a.m. Resource Room
Wednesday, November 5 RE Classes
Grades K-8 Classes today at 5:10 p.m. GS
Wednesday, November 5 Bible Study
Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother" 10:00 a.m. in the RR
Friday, November 7 All Souls Day Commemorative Mass of
Remembrance 7:00 p.m. in the Church
Saturday, November 8 Men’s Prayer Breakfast
Join Jim Viola for a monthly discussion following the 8:00 a.m.
Mass
Saturday, November 8 Women’s Prayer Breakfast
Join in the conversation as we discuss the book of Prayer
8:30 a.m. in the Marian Room
Saturday, November 8 Sacrament of Reconciliation
In the Chapel 4:00 p.m.– 4:45 p.m.
Weekend, November 8-9
Food collections for families-in-need will be collected at all
Masses
CHRP speakers at all Masses—After Communion
Thanksgiving volunteer sign-up after all Masses
Tuesday, November 11 Lectio Divina
Join Anne Hohbein in the Rectory after 7:30 a.m. Mass
Tuesday, November 11 Men’s CHRP
Meets 7:00 p.m. in the Agnesian Room
Tuesday, November 11 Men’s CHRP Meeting
Meets 7:00 p.m. in the Agnesian Room
Wednesday, November 12 Bible Study
Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother"
Meets in the RR 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, November 12 CCW Meeting
Meets at 7:00 p.m. in the Marian Room
Saturday, November 15 Bible Study
A quick journey through the Bible. Meets in the Resource
Room 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, November 15 Sacrament of Reconciliation
Held in the Chapel 4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
Sunday, November 15 Spiritual Classes
Join in the lively conversation while reading The Cloud of
Unknowing, Meets in the Media Center at 10:15 .am.
Sunday, November 16 RE Classes
Grades K-5 Classes today at 10:10 a.m. GS
Grades 6-8 Classes today at 10:10 a.m. ICCP
Sunday, November 16 8th Grade Family Mass
9:00 a.m. All families are encouraged to participate
Weekend, November 15/16
Food Collection for families-in-need will be collected at all
Masses
Tuesday, November 18 Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting
9 a.m. – noon in the Marian Room
Tuesday, November 18 Lectio Divina
Join Anne Hohbein in the Rectory after 7:30 a.m. Mass
Wednesday, November 19 Bible Study
Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother" 10:00 a.m. in the RR
Wednesday, November 19 RE Classes
Grades K-8 Classes today at 5:10 p.m. GS
Thursday, November 20 Women’s CHRP Meeting
Meets 7:00 p.m. in the Marian Room
Saturday, November 22 Bible Study
A quick journey through the Bible. Meets in the Resource
Room 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, November 22 Sacrament of Reconciliation
In the Chapel 4:00 p.m.– 4:45 p.m.
Sunday, November 23 Spiritual Classes
Join in the lively conversation while reading The Cloud of
Unknowing, Meets in the Media Center at 10:15 .am.
Weekend, November 22-23
Food collection for families-in-need will be collected at all
Masses
Thanksgiving food collections after all Masses
Tuesday, November 25 Lectio Divina
Join Anne Hohbein in the Rectory after 7:30 am Mass
Tuesday, November 25 Thanksgiving Prayer Service
ICGS/ICCP In the School Gym
Wednesday, November 26 Bible Study
Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother"
Meets in the RR 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, November 26—Friday, November 28
NO CLASSES ICGS, ICCP
Thursday, November 27 Thanksgiving Day
7:30 a.m. Mass in the Church
Around the Parish in November cont.
Saturday, November 29 Sacrament of Reconciliation
In the Chapel 4:00 p.m.– 4:45 p.m.
Weekend, November 29-30
Food collection for families-in-need will be collected at all
Masses
Giving Tree Tag Distribution: After all Masses individuals
may adopt a family for whom to purchase Christmas gifts.
The Immaculate Conception Council of
Catholic Women
Cordially invite you to attend our
Holiday Dinner/Fundraiser
Friday, November 21, 2014
Diplomat West
681 W. North Avenue – Elmhurst
(corner of North Ave. and Rte. 83)
Saturday, November 1
Mass times 8:00 a.m. (Not a Holy
Day of Obligation)
Vito Zato will be our entertainer!!!
Cash Bar & Raffle at 6 PM Dinner at 7 PM
Enclosed is my check made payable to
ICCCW
To reserve _________seats @$45 per person
Saturday, 5:15 p.m.
Sunday, November 2
Mass times 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. & 5:15 p.m.
If you have a group, please put names & money in one envelope.
Reservations needed by November 17th.
Drop off at the Rectory or mail to:
Melanie Ryan, 658 Edgewood, Elmhurst, Il 60126
Cash donations also welcome.
Contact Cay Calcagno – 630-833-2107
NOVEMBER FAMILY MASSES
The Bereavement Ministry of Immaculate
Conception Church invites you and the
family of your beloved, who has passed
into eternal life, to a special
Commemorative Mass of Remembrance
on Friday evening, November 7, 2014 at
7:00 PM in the Church. All who have died
in the past year will be remembered in a
special way. If you wish to have the name
of someone remembered, please contact
Pam at 530-3497.
November 30, 2014
1st Grade Family Mass
Sunday, November 2 at 9:00 a.m.
8th Grade Family Mass
Sunday, November 16 at 9:00 a.m.
All families are encouraged to participate
Donut Sunday!
November 2
Donuts and refreshments will be served
after the 7:30 a.m. & 9:00 a.m.
Masses in Plunkett Hall
Please join in the fellowship!
1st Sunday of Advent
”…For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened…”
Luke 11:10
Each of the recent IC renewal weekend participants below knocked on the door at a
Christ Renews His Parish renewal weekend and the door to their faith was opened for
them.
If you are starting to feel the gentle urge of the Holy Spirit (like they did),
Previous Christ Renews His Parish Renewal Weekend Participants
Rita Beese
Dr. George Loss
Andrea
Hutchinson
Liam Brennan
Jan Vanek
Donna Campbell
Tom Goebel
Beth Wilkins
Jack Campbell
Jennifer Morrisey
Loretta Kalina
Chuck Jacobson
Nora Hipskind
Tim Campbell
Kathleen Hillsman
Mary Luczak
Michael Kennedy
Bev Cronin
Joe Costello
Lucy Milar
Rita McCaffrey
Andy Crnkovich
Cheryl Hurley
Len Hohbein
Susan Koch
Mary-Ann McLean
Mike Farrow
Elaine Backman
Dave Maki
Mary Maher
Tammy Miller
Vince Vitali
Ellen Farrow
Dave McCaffrey
Mary Luca
Mickey Tovey
Pat McGowan
Jackie Crnkovich
Jim McLean
Olive Caderas
Nancy Wallace
Paul Daudelin
Gabrielle Wood
Chuck Wallace
Ruth Hill
Jane Kornesczuk
Sandy Taylor
Don Gimbel
Rachel Thompson
Don La Monica
Karyn Arnold
Jim Kenneally
Melissa Haggerty
Paul Divine
Karin Broton
Susan McCoyd
Paul Darley
Megan Sullivan
Steve Hillsman
Carmen Grace
Puentes
Tess Hill
Gene Leonard
Susan Molinaro
Jim Collins
Jean Carlquist
Mary Lynn Pollastrini
Joe Damm
Jo La Monica
Paul Taviani
Joe Hughes
Elizabeth Fontillas
Rob Amann
~ God is going to give you 52 weekends in 2015;
won’t you give Him back one weekend to renew YOUR faith? ~
2015 Men’s weekend: January 17-18
2015 Women’s weekend: February 7-9
For our information on our renewal website,
click here.
For online registration for either women or men,
click here.
Getting a Handel on the Messiah
Adult Faith Formation Series: sessions 3 and 4
The Development of Messianic Hope in the Old Testament
And Its Fulfillment and Transformation in Jesus
Facilitated by Matt Pozen
(Director of Parish Faith Formation, Visitation Parish, Elmhurst)
7:00 – 8:30 pm in the Church
Monday, November 10: Mary Queen of Heaven Church
(425 N. West Ave., Elmhurst: www.maryqueen.org)
“Roman Rule and the Life of Jesus: Hope Rekindled”
Monday, November 17: St. Charles Borromeo Church
(145 E. Grand Ave., Bensenville: www.stcbparish.org)
“The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: Hope Fulfilled & Transformed”
Hosted by Family/Friends of Matt and Karen Toole • (630) 834-5228
Message from the Host
A very casual, come-as-you-are evening of fun and fellowship, featuring live music, bagpipes, appetizers, desserts, a cash bar, and
some very exciting silent auction items and raffle prizes. (Adults only!)
WE WILL BE COLLECTING $20.00 PER PERSON AT THE DOOR TO COVER THE COSTS OF THE EVENT. WE WILL
ALSO HAVE A LARGE DONATION BOX FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE DIRECT CONTRIBUTIONS.
Our goal is to raise as much money as possible for Matt, Karen, and their two young children, Regan and Paddy. Matt has been
diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease." ALS patients gradually lose their ability
to move their arms, legs, and body, talk, swallow, and breathe. There is no cure for ALS. It is a heartbreaking, fatal, and often,
financially devastating disease.
Matt and Karen's out-of-pocket expenses will be numerous, including costs for medical care, treatment and prescriptions, for making necessary modifications to their home and Matt's customized wheelchair, for a wheelchair-accessible van, for living and educational expenses for their young children, and most importantly, for a full-time caregiver as Matt's condition progresses. Caregiving
services are not covered by insurance and alone can run as high as $150,000 per year.
We appreciate your support in any way. Please come and enjoy the evening, or just pop in to say hello.
Visitation Gym/Valentino Center , 851 S. York Street, Elmhurst , Illinois 60126
Do you come to Mass every
day or every weekend?
We invite you to become a Liturgical Minister to bring
the Word and the Body and Blood of Christ to the
faithful assembled at our daily and weekend Masses at
IC.
Visitation Blood Drive
Sunday, November 9, 2014
7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
773 S. York Road, Elmhurst
Hospitality Room
Training of Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy
Communion will be held on two dates in November; all
those interested in becoming ministers as well as
existing ministers are invited to attend.
Many medications, diabetes, tattoos and cancer
survivors acceptable!
Tuesday evening, November 11 at 7 PM in the
Chapel*
FREE Cholesterol Screening and FREE Blood
Typing!
Saturday morning, November 15 at 8:45 AM
in the Chapel*
Walk-ins Welcome!
or register:
Call LifeSource at 877.543.3768
Online at www.lifesource.org;
code 026G.
For more information and to register online, click here
or call Maria Wilbert, IC Volunteer and Special Project
Coordinator at (630) 530-3498 or email Maria here
(*In compliance with Diocese of Joliet requirements, all adult
Liturgical Ministers are required to complete training and attend a
Protecting God’s Children workshop if they have not yet done so)
A SPECIAL THANKS
I.C.R.E. JUNIOR HIGH UPDATE!
NOVEMBER, 2014
WHAT’S GOING ON AT IC RE?
RE CLASSES: Nov. 2, 5, 16 & 19
GRADE 7: Reconciliation dates
November 2 during RE classes.
The October 14, 2014 Marian Event Participants:
The following students from both I.C.R.E and I.C.G.S. were
wonderful in sharing information about 16 feast days of Mary
that we Catholics celebrate throughout the year. Thank you
Junior High students…we are proud of you and your service to
our Church Family! God bless you.
Mollie Grasse, Grant Dyer, Julie Roberts, Alexia Suarez,
Colin Wright, Kate Forgac, Ethan Hunter, Grace Hunter
Jill Forgac, Jen Schiliro, Will Heuer, Tom Lamborn,
Jack Castanoli, Elizabeth Thurber, Padraig McEnery
GRADE 8: FAMILY MASS on
November 16 at the 9:00 Mass. Sign up
for a ministry….contact
[email protected]
Thanks to all I.C.R.E students who contributed to our Make a
Difference Teddy Bear collection. We will distribute them to
the Oakbrook Terrace Police Department, Family Shelter
Service, and to St. Mary’s Mission.
Immaculate Conception Parish
First Reconciliation (Confession)
Parent Meeting/Faith Formation
Facilitator: Sr. Jane Schlosser RSM
t
Group A – ICGS Ms. Anderson’s Class
ICRE – Sunday Classes
Monday, November 17
7:00 – 8:15 p.m.
In the Church
t
Group B – ICGS Mrs. May’s Class
ICRE – Wednesday Classes
Tuesday, November 18
7:00 – 8:15 p.m.
In the Church
t
Please contact Chris Hannigan-Wiehn
RSVP
630-530-3480 OR [email protected]
Christian Ministry News
We are in the midst of our holiday outreach. If you would
like to Adopt-A-Family or Adopt-A-Senior, please call the
Christian Ministry Office at 630-530-3497. We will match a
family to your specifications. Last year, we provided over 120
families with food. The number of families we serve in our
food pantry has increased, so the need will be great. Thank
you for your generous hearts.
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
FREE WILL DONATION WILL BE
TAKEN AT THE THANKSGIVING MASS.
This is a self-supporting ministry whose only
source of funds are derived through personal
donations. Please be generous.
Christian Ministry News cont.
THANKSGIVING OUTREACH COLLECTION
NOVEMBER 22/23
We invite and encourage all of our parishioners to
participate in helping to provide a joyous Thanksgiving to
our outreach clients. Each year, we give out approximately
120 food baskets, with names we receive from Catholic
Charities, Transitional Housing, Senior Services and our
own food pantry.
For many years, we have tried to provide food for a week.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain what we need
through the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Additionally, our
food drive has declined over the past years. This year, we
will provide families with a Thanksgiving gift box which
contains all of the items necessary for their Thanksgiving
meal. In addition, we will give them grocery gift cards so
they may purchase the items they like and that are essential
to their special family gathering.
We need turkey breasts (for single or two-person
households), as well as gift certificates in $25
increments from Jewel, Aldi, Mariano’s or Ultra Foods. If
you are able to donate a turkey or food certificate, please
drop them off at the IC Rectory from 8:30 – 4:30 Monday
through Friday. Of course, you may also donate food, which
will be used to restock our food pantry. May God bless
you for your outstanding generosity to our outreach
programs.
Christian Ministry offers numerous service
opportunities for junior high students seeking
service hours. Thanksgiving and Christmas
tag-stringing and envelope-decorating will take
place on November 12, 18 and 20, along with
December 10 (if needed). We need students to
help assemble our Christmas boxes on December
13, as well as help with the gift sort on December
14. For more information, please call 530-3497.
Thank you to the many individuals who have responded
to our plea for additional food.
Please remember us as you do your weekly shopping.
Our most needed items include pancake mix and syrup,
fresh or canned vegetables, pasta and pasta sauce,
laundry detergent and dish soap. Personal care items
are always needed (shampoo, shower gel, deodorant,
toothpaste).
Food may always be dropped off at the PAC/Rectory
during normal business hours.
May God bless you for your continued generosity to our
pantry.
If you or someone you know are experiencing health issues, facing
surgery, receiving or recuperating from medical treatments, healing
through grief or experiencing a significant life crossroads and would
like to receive a prayer shawl, please contact the parish office at
630-530-8515. One of our Prayer Shawl Ministers will contact you
to obtain additional information.
Prayer shawls are a tangible sign of healing prayers from our parish
and a way in which to feel the healing presence of God.
Reporting Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a sin and a crime. Anyone who has reasonable cause
to suspect the sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy or
other Church personnel is urged to report the matter immediately.
In addition to reporting the abuse to civil authorities, victims of abuse
are urged to come forward to receive pastoral assistance.
To inform the Diocese of Joliet, please contact Ms. Judith Speckman
(Victim Assistance Coordinator) at 815-263-6467. Contact DCFS at
1-800-252-2873 and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office at
630-407-8000.
Many, many thanks to all who
donated to our annual St. Vincent DePaul clothing/household goods drive
and to Catholic Charities’ Undy
Sunday. We collected an enormous
amount of underwear, socks and
diapers that will benefit our needy
neighbors. May God continue
to bless you for answering our many
“asks.” Our parish always comes
through in a BIG way! THANK YOU.
Christian Ministry News cont.
SAVE THE DATE
Our Fair Trade artisan’s market is coming on Sunday, December 7 from 8:00AM –
3:00PM in MPH.
Discover intriguing gifts and home decor handcrafted by skilled artisans from over fifteen
developing countries at our third annual Fair Trade Market.
There are gifts for everyone - jewelry, clothing, toys and musical instruments, baskets,
decorative gifts for your home, stationary, bathroom accessories, ornaments, creches,
coffee, chocolate and much more.
Your purchases mean fair wages and continuing work for artisans around the world,
enabling them to dream and plan for a better future, helping pay for food, education,
health care and education for their families. Support fair trade – where your
purchase makes a world of difference.
Invest In Your World - Shop Fair Trade
Roundy’s Foundation, the parent of Mariano’s, recently donated 2,500 pounds of
food and $500 to the IC Food Pantry. Our donation included staples such as
oatmeal, peanut butter, canned corn, macaroni and cheese and beef stew, among
other non-perishables. We are enormously grateful that Roundy’s selected us to
receive this much-needed donation. Please be sure to thank the local manager
when you shop at Mariano’s.
On behalf of Fr. Jerry Rogers and the children at St. Mary’s Mission in Red Lake, MN, we wish to thank all
those who spearheaded, volunteered or supported our first annual fish fry in any way.
Special thanks go to Nora Hipskind, who masterminded and put into motion the event, the Knights of
Columbus, who flawlessly executed the fish fry, from set- up, to cooking to clean-up, K of C Mermaids, the
Squires, who helped with set-up, clean-up and food service, the ICCP Mission trip students, who acted as
Ambassadors at the event, ICCP students and football players who hosted and helped with the clean-up and
all who donated home-made desserts. We apologize for anyone we inadvertently have left out. Know that it
could not have been accomplished without many volunteers. We especially thank our parish family who
supported this event by coming to the fish fry. Approximately 400 meals were served. We look forward to
another great fish fry in 2015!
….is coming the weekend of November 29 and 30.
Hundreds of gift tags will be available both for adults and children. Names are received
through the IC Food Pantry, Catholic Charities, IC Daybreak Transitional Housing and
PADS. We are providing a joyous Christmas to those within our own communities who
would otherwise not have one.
Special emphasis is being placed on Adopting-A-Family this year. Simply call or
e-mail the Christian Ministry Office and we will try to match a family to your
unique specifications. This is a great project for CHRP groups, Book Clubs, Girl/Boy
Scout Troops, Parents’ Clubs, Faith Sharing/Bible Study Groups, Community
Organizations, Commissions, Committees and neighborhood groups.
It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
Are you in need of an annulment? Do you have
questions about the process, timeline or requirements?
Please contact Pam Stefik at 630-530-3497 for
information.
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM THE BISHOP
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has come to the aid of communities nationwide for
over 40 years in an effort to eradicate poverty. During World Youth Day, July 25, 2013, Pope Francis told us
to “never tire of working for a more just world, marked by greater solidarity.” CCHD puts these words into
action by funding housing, education, and the development of job opportunities.
Projects supported by CCHD move beyond providing for basic needs. They work to build healthy, sustainable
futures for communities. Ten years ago, Boston’s Haley House began offering bakery training at the request
of a few regular guests at the soup kitchen. Experiencing a tremendous demand, Haley House created a
six-month course that includes customer relations and basic business principles. Haley House currently has
70 trainees who have completed the program and are now employed in the Boston area.
Haley House also runs cooking classes for at-risk teens and a Transitional Employment Program that
provides holistic, individual support to men and women re-entering the community after incarceration. Haley
House creates a strong local economy by building human relationships; it carries on Christ’s mission “to bring
glad tidings to the poor . . . liberty to captives . . . sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free” (Lk 4:18).
This Collection is the primary source of funding for CCHD’s anti-poverty grants and education programs.
Collection funds offer new hope each year to those living in poverty throughout the United States. And
remember, 25 percent of the Collection’s proceeds stays here in our diocese to fight poverty in our
communities and defend the dignity of our neighbors. Help us defend human dignity and show Christ’s charity
to those in need.
For more information about the Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and the groups
it funds, please visit www.povertyusa.org.
God bless you,
Most Reverend R. Daniel Conlon
Bishop of Joliet