Letters from a Pastor to His People

Today we celebrate the Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Today our first reading from the Book of Kings and the gospel speak of generosity. In both readings the main character is a poor widow who chooses to share what little she has, not knowing where her next meal will come from. In the first reading, the prophet Elijah asks the widow for water, and some cake to eat. She is about to prepare her last meal for herself and her son, yet she invites Elijah to join them. Because of her generosity they have enough flour and oil to last a year. In the gospel Jesus is watching people give to the temple treasury. Wealthy people are giving a lot, but it is from their surplus. Eventually a widow comes and gives two coins. Jesus celebrates the widow’s generosity because it came from her need, not her surplus. Each of us is asked to share with others from the blessings we have received.

It is a joke among Catholics that we do guilt better then any other religious group around. Today I am going to help keep the joke going by asking everyone to prayerfully consider the blessings you have received throughout your life and then, like the widows in our readings today, prayerfully consider a gift to the Generation to Generation: Answer the Call capital campaign. To those who have much, much is expected. We often hear people who feel that things aren’t going well. We don’t feel that we have an abundance of money, or we feel our bills are too high. Like you, I know those feelings; but in the end, it seems like I do always have what I need. God is generous. And I am now asking you to be generous as well.

To date the Generation to Generation campaign has exceeded $779,000 in pledges. This is about 65% of the parish goal of $1,215,000. That 65% has come from about 71 families. Now we are asking everyone else to consider being part of the parish success. We plan to use our portion of the funds to make the former convent totally accessible and to add much needed meeting space. Every generation of parishioners has made lasting contributions to Saint Juliana. Our school is an example of that. Even though it looks like one building, the school is made up of five buildings that were built to meet the needs of the time. Your five-year pledge will not only help us in the present, but will be used by generations to come. So please consider helping.

In the past two weeks everyone should have received a packet of information in your home as well as a pledge card. Today after all the Masses I will have a presentation in the school cafeteria on the campaign. We also will have several of the volunteers present to answer your questions as well. We need all of you. Join us after this weekend’s Masses.

After this weekend we are asking that everyone turn in their pledge cards at the masses on November 16th and 17th. Hopefully we will be able to celebrate Thanksgiving as a parish knowing we have reached our parish goal and are providing for the future.  

Today we celebrate the Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. November marks the last month of the Church calendar. The month begins with our celebration of All Saints and All Souls. On All Saints we were presented with all the people who have followed Jesus faithfully and are considered models for us to follow. The saints were not perfect. We can relate to them because, like us, they also sinned. But still their lives give some example of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. On All Souls we celebrate our personal saints, our family and friends who have gone before us but are not forgotten. Their gifts and traits live on in all of us. We celebrate and commend them to God. Beginning this weekend we have set up our Tables of Remembrance in the sanctuary of the church as a place to remember and celebrate our loved ones. They are still with us; and as we celebrate together, these pictures represent their spirit in our midst. The tables will remain up through our celebration of Thanksgiving.

In the first reading from the book of Deuteronomy and in the gospel, we are given two commands. The first command is to love God with our whole being and to make God the center of our lives and decisions. The second command extends that love of God to our neighbors. I think the love of neighbor is the lived experience of loving God. If we don’t love the people around us, can we truly love the God who created everyone? That is the question given to us this weekend. 

This week Fr. Prasad will begin a bible study program. The group will meet twice a month on the first and third Monday of each month. It will be held in the parish library in the office building. Each session will last one hour. I encourage everyone to consider joining the group, especially as we near the beginning of the Advent season. The first topic will be the epistles of Saint Paul. Check out the bulletin or web page for more details.

This week all registered parishioners of Saint Juliana should have received a small packet of information on the Generation to Generation Capital Campaign. Next weekend, November 9th and 10th, after all of our Masses, we will be having Generation to Generation gatherings in the school cafeteria. These gatherings will be a chance for the whole parish to learn about the campaign and what we hope to do with the campaign proceeds in the parish. It is also a chance for us to answer any questions you may have about the campaign. To date about sixty families have generously made a five-year pledge that has brought our pledge total to $700,000. That is about 58 percent of our parish goal. Now we need all of you to prayerfully consider a gift to the Generation to Generation campaign.

Today we celebrate the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and we hear that Bartimaeus is a blind man begging on the roadside. Through his encounter with Jesus, who is on his way to Jerusalem, Bartimaeus can now see. Because of this miraculous encounter, Bartimaeus follows Jesus to Jerusalem. Bartimaeus is strengthened and willing to follow the Lord wherever he is led. What blindness are we hoping to be shed of in our lives. Do we let our encounter with Jesus in the scripture and the bread and wine, transform us? Are we ready to take on the good and bad that seem to be a part of life?

Last weekend we celebrated marriage by blessing couples who stepped forward asking to have their marriages blessed. I think one of the vows a couple agrees to is to stand together for better or for worse. We all love to celebrate the joyful moments in our lives. We want to gather people around us to let them know how lucky we are, yet in marriage the worse often strengthens us. The commitment to love one another through good times and bad is the commitment that Jesus asked of his disciples and Bartimaeus. It is the same commitment Jesus asks each of us. Congratulations to all of our married parishioners who celebrated their marriage last weekend. 

Last Sunday we also are celebrating the commitment the students have made as they prepare to receive the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of Confirmation this spring. These students are now in the second year of their preparation for the sacrament. They promised to continue to walk with Jesus and seek a transformation of themselves and the world. This commitment is not to be taken lightly. Their parents, families, and teachers have been their guides. Now we as their faith family accept their commitment and assure them of our support. Please keep our Confirmation students in your prayer in the months ahead. Then in spring we will joyfully celebrate their reception of the Holy Spirit.

Today at all of our Masses we will celebrate the Anointing of the Sick. We believe that through the Anointing of the Sick we can receive healing. Sometimes the healing is physical, but other times we receive a healing of our spirit. People have come because of physical illness, psychological illness, and just old age. We all want to be made new and we call on the Lord to heal us. Please pray for those in the Saint Juliana family who have come forward to receive this blessing.

This Friday we celebrate All Saints Day. We gather to celebrate the men and women whom the Church has put before us as examples of holiness. The saints weren’t perfect, but through some aspect of their lives they helped bring about the kingdom. Please join us for Mass in the morning at 8:30am or 7:00pm in the evening.

Next Saturday, on the Feast of All Souls, we will have our parish remembrance for those in the Saint Juliana family who died in the last year. We will call the names of our deceased and light a candle in their memory. The candle is a reminder to all of us that our loved one’s light still burns brightly. Please join us for this celebration of remembrance on November 2nd at the 5:00pm Mass. Also we will once again have our tables of remembrance in the front of church to remember our loved ones in the month of November. So please add a picture to our tables.

Finally, we invite everyone to join Fr. Prasad as he begins a twice a month bible study in November. The group will meet on the first and third Monday of each month. The study lasts an hour and begins at 6:30pm. Fr. Prasad will begin with the epistles of Saint Paul. Please call the parish office to sign up for the class.

Today we celebrate the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Today we are reminded that there is one person who saved us, and that is Jesus. The prophet Isaiah predicted that Jesus would come and shoulder all our sin and weakness. In the letter to the Hebrews, we are reminded that even though Jesus was God, he was also one like us. He was flesh and blood, yet he didn’t sin, but rather bore our sins. The sacrifice of Jesus plays out in the gospel as the disciples ask Jesus to give them leadership in the coming kingdom. Jesus asks them point blank if they can bear the load of sin, hurt, frustration, and anger of the world. They reply with a resounding yes. Then Jesus sends them out to serve the world. How will we answer the same question? Are we ready the shoulder the burdens of those around us? Are we ready to serve the whole world, including those we love and those we don’t?

This weekend we celebrate the gift of marriage at our 5:00pm Mass. During this celebration we ask all couples in attendance to rededicate themselves to each other in the presence of the community. For many it will be the first time they publicly declare their love since their wedding day. I believe privately they have declared their love repeatedly through action. Today the Saint Juliana family joins them in asking God’s continued blessing on their journey ahead.

This weekend we are hosting our October fall hospitality Sunday. We invite everyone to hang around after the Masses and catch up with neighbors and friends. This Sunday we will also have a Saint Juliana information booth set up for anyone who might have questions about something that is happening at the parish. Our bulletin and web pages are full of information, but sometimes it is nice to have a person-to-person chat about something you have seen or heard. We may not be able to answer every question, but we will make sure that someone gets back to you quickly. Thanks to Barb Ernat and the Hospitality Team for their work at building up the community. We are always stronger as a community!

Next weekend we will be celebrating Anointing of the Sick at all of our weekend Masses. The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing within the Church. We can receive the sacrament multiple times, often as we face health issues or as we get older. We believe the sacrament can provide healing—sometimes that healing is physical and sometimes it is in the form of peace to face whatever is ahead. We encourage those who need the sacrament to join us next week.

For those who know me, I am not one who likes to talk about money. I sometimes think it comes from starting life in a large family where the treasure we had was each other, rather then lots of money. That being said, this fall the parish and I chose to be part of the pilot for the Generation to Generation: Answer the Call capital campaign in the archdiocese. By now everyone should know that it is a five-year pledge campaign to raise money for accessibility and more meeting space in our former convent. As I write this, I want to thank the first fifty-five families who have pledged to the campaign, for a total of $650,000. We are already halfway to our goal! I now ask everyone to prayerfully consider what gift you will make to the campaign. For some of you, Saint Juliana has been your home for generations. For others, you are just starting out. It has been a place of support, healing, and strength in good times and in difficult times. Please answer the call and make a pledge for the future. In the coming weeks you will be receiving calls from parishioners or myself asking your support. Please answer the call as you are able.

Thanks to Cindy Brennan our parish health coordinator for taking time to distribute flu shots to our parishioners who wanted them. It is always nice to be able to get some of our services locally. Cindy is a great person to call when we have health questions. Thanks, Cindy!

Today we celebrate the Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The question posed this week is whether we want wisdom or possessions. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom makes clear that wisdom is the correct choice. The writer says that if we possess wisdom, live by wisdom, and follow God, other blessings will come as well. In the gospel, Jesus answers the young man who is asking to be justified, telling him he has done good things and only one stumbling block remains—his possessions. We struggle daily for our possessions. Then we worry about them and forget other more important things like relationships. The man went away sad because he had many possessions. The reading doesn’t say he didn’t listen to Jesus. I always hope eventually he made the right choice and began to take care of the poor. We can have both, possessions and wisdom.

Next Saturday, October 19th, we are celebrating our Saint Juliana marriage anniversary Mass at the 5:00pm Mass. Many of us pick special anniversaries and decide to celebrate them. We encourage all our married parishioners to join us for a blessing and recommitment to your marriage. You might be married twenty-five years, fifty years, or more. You might be married two months or seven years. Every marriage deserves to be blessed by God and celebrated in the community. So please join us next Saturday, and during the Mass we will renew vows and ask God to bless your love once again.

The archdiocese is once again taking count during the month of October. You may ask what we are counting. At Saint Juliana wisdom has shown us what is important. We are counting who may have been touched by programs like Alpha, The Chosen, bible study, adoration, or retreats. What really counts is how many people feel closer to Jesus today and if they are sharing that story of closeness with others. With that in mind I believe we have a great October count of recommitted Catholics who are opening themselves to opportunities to encounter Jesus anew! I encourage all of you in the coming year to be included in the October count of recommitted followers of Jesus. Don’t let an opportunity to meet Jesus pass you by.  

Thanks to all the parishioners who supported the Mission Spirit Team’s Uncle Pete’s fall lunch return and all of you who supported the Saint Vincent De Paul coat drive. Sometimes we don’t even get a chance to announce these drives at the Mass, yet both have become a part of Saint Juliana and you always step up. Thanks to all the volunteers who collect and disperse your generosity. Go Saint Juliana!

Finally, we have had several good weeks as we unfold the Generation to Generation capital campaign. As of this bulletin, we have collected $550,000 in pledges. This represents 45% of our parish goal. We need everyone helping to successfully reach our goal of $1,215,000. In the back of church, we have some simple renderings to show what some of the work will look like.  Please help us keep the momentum going. Consider prayerfully a five-year pledge to the Generation to Generation capital campaign.

Today we celebrate the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. This week the readings talk about creation, relationships, and marriage. In the Book of Genesis, God is looking for a suitable partner for man. The whole story of creation is the story of God’s love that flows into creation of the world and all living things. God’s love doesn’t stop there, though. He wants the man he created to be happy. God creates a partner that is his equal, and both are made in the image of God. And God says it is good. The gospel continues a discussion on relationships, and asks what we are to do when relationships break down or fall apart. First and foremost, couples need to put their time, effort, and energy into ongoing building up of the marriage they entered before difficulties arose. We live in a society that looks for instant and constant gratification. All of you who are married know that life isn’t always perfect. Sometimes it is in the struggle that our relationships can get stronger. But sometimes even with our best effort, our relationships break down. Two thousand years after Jesus’ conversations with the Pharisees, the Church still tries to grapple with the breakdown of marriage.

When a marriage comes to an end, the Church asks couples to go through an annulment process. The annulment process helps the couple recognize things that they missed when they began their marriage or things within the marriage that led to the breakup. Was a couple immature? Did they not understand the sacrifice that marriage entails? Were there things beyond their imagining that made the marriage fail? Finally, the Church takes all the information gathered and asks, “Why wasn’t God’s grace present?” We believe that God’s grace is present in our sacraments, so when a marriage ends the Church tries to find an answer. In thirty-five years, I have found the annulment process to be helpful for couples who are looking to move on from a failed marriage. It allows couples to have a fresh start. I encourage everyone who has experienced a divorce or knows someone who has to consider the annulment process. Self-reflection is never a bad thing.

Today at our 9:30am liturgy we will be celebrating with all the students who are receiving their First Communion in the spring. It is a Mass in which the parish lets the children know that we support them and are excited for them. These children are excited as well. It is also a time for parents to recommit themselves to the weekly celebration of the Eucharist as well. We believe that Jesus is the center of our lives. Every week we put Jesus front and center in our celebration, and then we invite him to be the center of our being through our reception of the Eucharist. The children are excited about inviting Jesus into their lives. Please pray for all our First Communion families.

Fr. Prasad is continuing home visits in honor of our Blessed Mother. Fr. Prasad leads the rosary and then blesses the participants, as well as their home. Call the office if you would like a visit from Fr. Prasad and our traveling Blessed Mother.

Finally, thanks to everyone for your response to the appeal made last week for the Generation to Generation: Answer the Call capital campaign. Appointments are being made and pledges are coming in. We are now at 40% of our goal, with $478,000 being pledged.  We will soon have a thermometer in the back of the church to track our progress. Please pray for the success of the campaign and join us in making it successful.

Today we celebrate the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The first reading and the gospel today speak about jealousy in ministry. The question is who has the right to proclaim God’s good news. In the first reading God takes some of the spirit given to Moses and shares it with seventy other elders. Two more elders weren’t present when the spirit was bestowed, but they also seem to have received the spirit and are prophesying. The seventy are jealous that the two also received the spirit. In the gospel, John tells Jesus that there are people driving out demons in Jesus’ name and they are not part of his following. Jesus and Moses are both glad that others are proclaiming the good news. They both hope that everyone will speak and spread the good news. Jesus also encourages all of us to spread the faith as well. Our words and actions are an example for others of all that God can do in the lives of people who believe and proclaim his good news.

This week as we begin the month of October, Fr. Prasad and parishioners will once again be visiting homes in honor of our Blessed Mother, Mary. October and May are dedicated to our Blessed Mother. Fr. Prasad began the visits last year and looks forward to bringing the image of Mary to our parishioners’ homes and saying the rosary with everyone there. The visits also include a blessing for all present and a blessing on the home. Please call the parish office if you would like to schedule a visit in October.

This past week Saint Juliana has begun the second season of The Chosen. Parishioners gather and watch an episode of the show, and then discuss what the episode and discipleship mean in their lives. The Chosen is presented twice a week on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7:00pm, and a repeat is presented on Thursday mornings beginning at 9:30am. Please join us for season two!

Next Sunday we will celebrate the commitment Mass for the children who will be receiving their First Communion this year. We invite families to join us at our 9:30am liturgy. The children will receive a blessing as they say yes to learning more and more about Jesus and work to make Jesus a part of their daily lives. We ask all the parish to join us in prayer for these young children.

This coming Saturday, October 5th, in honor of Saint Francis, we will be having our blessing of pets. The blessing will take place at 9:00am after the morning Mass in front of the church. Saint Francis of Assisi had a great love and devotion to all of God’s creation. He saw all of us as stewards of the earth God gave us. Today Francis is more relevant then ever as we discuss climate change and the impact people have on the planet. Near his feast day, we ask Francis to watch over the pets that have become part of our families. Join us if you would like to have your pets blessed this year.

Finally, next Sunday, October 6th, Fr. Elliott will officially be installed as the pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish in Orland Park. Our Lady of the Woods is located at 10731 W. 131st St., Orland Park, IL. Fr. Elliott served Saint Juliana for three years after being pastor of Saint Pascal Parish. We knew he wouldn’t be with us for long, and last July he was named pastor of Our Lady of the Woods. Fr. Elliott’s installation Mass will be held at 11:00am, and there will be a light reception after the Mass. Everyone is invited to the celebration. Please pray for Elliott and his new parish community.

Today we celebrate the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the gospel this week, Jesus tells the disciples that the one who serves others will be the greatest in the kingdom. He says we must gently care for each other as we do a child. In the book of Wisdom, we see people are not ready for Jesus’ teaching. Rather than spend their time doing good for each other, they use their time to trip each other up. They do not want to change themselves, but rather think everyone else needs to change. Saint James in the second reading tells us that wisdom is peaceable, gentle, compliant, merciful, and full of good fruits. Where do we fall? What do our words and works show the world?

This weekend we begin the public phase of the Generation to Generation: Answer the Call capital campaign. Over the last two months, several parishioners have been asked to be early participants in the campaign. They also have been asked to help us get the word out as the campaign builds and ask their friends and neighbors to join as well. The Saint Juliana Parish goal for the campaign in $1,215,000. To date, we have collected $360,00 in cash and pledges and are at thirty percent of goal. We are one of fourteen parishes in the pilot phase of the campaign. The campaign is a multi-year pledged campaign that runs for five years from the start date in each parish. The archdiocese and the parish each have projects that will be part of the campaign. All money collected in the campaign is split 50/50 with the archdiocese. This morning at all the Masses you will hear me speak on the campaign. If you haven’t yet, soon after this weekend you will be receiving calls from volunteers who are working to make our campaign a success. I ask you to please welcome the volunteers and consider making a gift to the Generation to Generation campaign.

Saint Juliana will use the funds raised to continue renovations in the parish office building (former convent). These renovations will include making the whole building accessible and adding more meeting space for parish and school use.

There will be two pieces to the accessibility portion of the project. The first will be an exterior ramp built on Osceola to make the current first floor of the building accessible. Presently you must climb five steps to access the office and meeting rooms on the first floor. The second piece of the accessibility will be adding an elevator inside the building so people can access the chapel (three steps down), the first floor, and the second floor of the building. This will make the whole building accessible and usable for all parishioners.

The second piece is adding more meeting space on the second floor of the former convent. We presently have three meeting spaces on the first floor. These were created when Fr. James renovated the first floor. Each space has a different capacity, with the biggest holding about 55 people. We plan on creating a new room upstairs that would accommodate about 75. We will also include a full kitchen. Aside from the new meeting space and kitchen, we will also provide office space for all the staff. Because the school is now full at 570 children, we need the meeting space for school and parish alike.

The archdiocese has three main foci: evangelization, priest care, and help to parishes and schools who need financial help due to demographics and economic situations.

Evangelization: The first phase of Renew My Church was structural. It was “right sizing” the archdiocese for future ministry. This structural piece was painful and included closing and merging of parishes. Now though the important part of renewal has begun with a new emphasis on evangelization. Saint Juliana has been a pilot for this new evangelization for about a year. We are blessed to have Brian Romer Niemiec as an extra staff team member given to us by the archdiocese to help us begin to build a culture of evangelization in the parish. If everything goes well, every parish in the future will have a “Brian” helping with outreach and culture building.

Priest care: This is often seen as seminary training, but now Cardinal Cupich has initiated a more comprehensive program to help priests at all stages of their priesthood. Like many of you, we now are asked to set yearly goals—in spirituality, education, and health. The archdiocese helps us with the goals and provides resources to help us meet our goals. The second piece of priest care is the actual health and wellbeing of our priests. Presently we have about 220 retired priests in the archdiocese. We have about 310 active priests. Those numbers will soon become equal. This has put a large strain on healthcare costs for priests, and the pension fund that supports priests in retirement. Sometimes it is important to hear, but a priest receives $1,500 monthly as pension. This portion of the collection will make sure that at least that small amount of pension is still available as priests retire in the future.

Help for parishes and schools who struggle financially: Before Renew My Church, 70% of parishes needed some financial support from the archdiocese. 30% of the parishes still need financial help. This piece will help those parishes and schools who have difficulty meeting their financial obligations.

You all have generously supported campaigns in the past which have kept Saint Juliana strong. Ten years ago, you supported our last capital campaign, the To Teach Who Christ Is Campaign. Besides completing all the original projects in that campaign, we were also able to put all new windows in the school this past summer. As a parish we live out the Generation to Generation theme! I ask you once again to support this new campaign as we look to the future of Saint Juliana. 

Today we celebrate the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the Letter of Saint James, we are told to show no partiality to anyone. In other words, we are being told not to judge anyone. Saint James uses the example of encountering a rich person and a poor person. Do we treat each of them the same? Or better yet, do we reach out to the one in need and lift them up? Saint James tells us that God has done that for us. God has lifted us up and called each one to come to the table. In the gospel, Jesus is passing through areas that were often off limits to the Jews. A deaf and mute man was brought to Jesus for healing. He did not ask the man’s status, religion, or nationality. Jesus took him aside and healed him. God knows no partiality.

This weekend we will honor our first responders at the 11:00am Mass. First responders live out the commandments we hear today in our readings. By their lives, the first responder answers every call. They don’t choose which calls they will take and which they will refuse. Every call is important. They often put their lives on the line for all of us. We expect it of them. Police, firefighters, and EMTs are living examples of what the scripture teaches us today. I probably would also add in nurses and doctors as well. First responders deserve our admiration and respect. Today we say thank you to all of our first responders.

This week I want to take a moment and acknowledge one of our parishioners who has decided to pursue the diaconate. Last year, Frank Rottman met with me and asked if I would support his inquiry into the deacon formation program of the archdiocese. Just like priests, we need deacons, and so I wholeheartedly gave my support. Frank and his wife, Mary, finished the year of inquiry and will now begin a three-year program that will end in his ordination. As pastor I am excited that Frank and Mary have accepted this call to service in the Church. Their “yes” to this call of service is a call to all of us to serve the Lord. Thanks to all our deacons serving at Saint Juliana and thanks to Frank and Mary. And if you are thinking, don’t we already have a Rottman as deacon?—that answer is yes. Frank’s uncle John Rottman is one of four deacons at Saint Juliana. The parish has a rich history of deacon service. So please join me in praying and supporting Frank and Mary on this journey!

This week we will begin our fall Alpha program. There has been a great response to Alpha and through it we are raising up parish leaders who see the need for welcome, hospitality, and dialogue as we journey and encounter the Lord every day of our lives. Evangelization is recognizing all the ways God is a part of our lives, how we are transformed by those encounters with God, and then sharing those stories with others. When we gather and share our stories, others realize that they also have had encounters with the Lord. Become a part of our living evangelization in the parish and join us for this fall season of Alpha.

Next Sunday, September 15th, we will begin the 2024-25 RCIA program. I encourage everyone to invite family and friends to join the RCIA if they are baptized Catholic but did not receive any other training or sacraments. If someone was baptized in another Christian tradition and now would like to become Catholic they also should join, and finally those who have never been baptized but now are interested in finding out more about the Catholic Church. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is for you. Chris Floss leads the program on Sunday mornings. Call the office if you have questions.

Finally, next week at all of our Masses we will be blessing teachers and catechists from the parish. Our teachers in the school, and our catechists help pass on the faith to our children. They deserve our gratitude and prayers.

Today we celebrate the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings this Sunday speak about laws. One question posed is do we have to follow the law? Another topic is the purpose of laws. Are some laws more important then others? Jesus, through his ministry, did categorize laws. He picked two laws to highlight. He asks all of us to love God and love our neighbor. In other words, are the things we do, our actions, done with love of others and God in mind? Jesus doesn’t condemn laws that create civil society. He doesn’t fight the need for governments and laws, but Jesus does change the focus of all our laws and actions. Do we keep them because they show love of God and neighbor?  Do our laws and actions lift all the people in our lives up and not just a few we are comfortable with? 

This weekend we also celebrate the national holiday of Labor Day. God and nation asks us to celebrate the work we have been given to do. We believe that work gives us dignity. By our work we are a part of a bigger whole. Our nation is formed by hard working people who see their work as part of the great work that is the United States of America. Please pause this weekend to pray for work for all who are seeking employment. And celebrate the work you have been entrusted with at this point in your life.

Registration continues for the new season of Alpha. Over fifteen people have already signed up. Alpha asks us all questions of life. Together with parishioners, we then get share our faith and belief on the topics presented. Alpha is a safe place to ask questions. Please join us for this third season of Alpha.

The RCIA program is also about to begin. The Rite of Christian Initiation is designed for adults. It is for adults who want to learn more about our Catholic faith. There are Catholics who have been baptized but then did not receive any of the other sacraments. RCIA is for you. There are Christians of other denominations who have been baptized in other faith traditions but now want to become Catholic. The RCIA is for you. And there are many people who have never been baptized and want to know who Jesus is and what a relationship with him can do for them. RCIA is for you. Please call the parish office and ask for Marie Dombai to register for our RCIA classes.

Next week we will celebrate the work our first responders do every day. We want to pray for them and let them know that we support them. When there is a crisis or disaster, a first responder answers the call and puts themselves in danger so we can be safe. Sacrifice is the center of following Christ and we see it over and over again in the men and women who answer the call to serve. We encourage first responders to come in uniform so we can recognize your work and say thank you. Join us next Sunday for this important celebration.

This past week the Chicago Public Schools opened their doors. Now all of our children are back in school. I encourage you to drive safely on Touhy for the children of Saint Juliana and Ebinger. Other incentives are the tickets being given out when you don’t. Someone asked me why we put speed cameras up. The cameras are a city and county function. But safety is for all of us. We pray for a safe year ahead for our children.

Today we celebrate the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. In both the first reading from the Book of Joshua and in the Gospel of John, people are given a choice. They must decide whom they will choose to follow. We all like options; the more the better. But making the choice between several options can be difficult. We often put off the decision until it is too late. No decision becomes a decision. I do believe the world has become more complex. We did have fewer options fifty years ago then we do now. But we still had to make choices. Jesus asks us to choose him. All the other “shiny” objects in our lives distract us from what is important. We may want money, fame, promotions, possessions, etc., but they will not bring lasting happiness. Jesus, the “Bread of Life,” will. The prophet Joshua and the people of Israel chose the Lord. Jesus’ disciples also chose the Lord. So, what will we choose to bring us happiness? 

Last Wednesday Saint Juliana School began the 2024-25 school year. Prior to opening day the teachers and school staff gathered for a retreat. As we continue to work on evangelization, it made sense that our teachers and staff should also take some time to reflect on their relationship with the Lord. Each day our teachers and staff work to help our children build a relationship with Jesus. So it made sense to spend time with the Lord in prayer and reflection. After the retreat, the meetings began. This Wednesday, August 28th, we will have a parent meeting and open house for our school families. On Thursday, August 29th, we will speak to our religious education families at a mandatory meeting. These events are important so that everyone has a clear knowledge of the expectations of our children and parents. I look forward to being with you at these important meetings.

Thanks to Brian Romer Niemiec for leading our evangelization leadership team training for the parish. This two-session training is a way to continue the parish work of evangelization. The more people who experience these opportunities to reflect on their relationship with Jesus will help the parish incorporate evangelization in all programs we run in the parish. Fifteen parishioners have taken the time to participate in the program. Thanks to Marie Dombai and Brian for the presentations.

On September 10th, we will begin our third Alpha at Saint Juliana. The team is ready and registrations are already coming in. Thanks to Leo Miller, Jon Peters, John Pelrine, and Chris Floss for speaking at the Masses last weekend. They did a great job describing their experiences with the Alpha program. Please feel free to call Marie Dombai in the parish office for more information or use the QR code from the bulletin to get more information.

This past week we finished season one of The Chosen. We will begin season two on September 25th and 26th. Parishioners gather and watch an episode each week and then take time to discuss the episode afterward. You can join us for season two even if you were not able to be with us for season one. We can help people catch up on the first season. Again, call the office and ask for Marie Dombai if you would like more information on this program.

Finally, thanks to Barb Ernat and her hospitality team for the great back-to-school block party last weekend. All of our schools have different start days, but the party was a great way to celebrate all students and teachers. Our families had a fun time and the hot dogs were delicious. Our prayers go out to everyone as the new school year begins.

Today we celebrate the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Jesus continues what today we call the “Bread of Life” discourse. He tells his disciples and followers that he is the bread that gives life. He tells us we must consume—or maybe we need to turn it around—we need to be consumed by this living bread. Every culture in the world has a special bread that is a sign of life. It may be fry bread for Native Americans, Italian bread for dipping, Irish soda bread with butter, the list is endless. Bread sustains our physical life; Jesus sustains our spiritual life. Often we try to fill our needs with things that do not give us life, such as power, alcohol, status, or recognition. The Bread of Life needs to be our all. Jesus needs to be our all! Do we feel this need, this hunger for the Lord?  Or are we trying to be filled by things that will not give us life?

Today at all of our Masses we offer blessings on all students returning to their studies. This may be first-time students in our three- or four-year-old preschools, or it may be adults pursuing a doctorate. Many of our college-age students are already in week two of studies. The new school year is a time of new beginnings. It is a time to start fresh and commit ourselves to the work ahead. This time is always a great time to also recommit to our faith. Millions are recommitting to their education journey and millions of us also can recommit to our journey with Jesus. Today after our 11:00am Mass we will be hosting our back-to-school block party for all of our students and families. It doesn’t matter where you go to school, our commitment is the same. Please join us today at noon.

I also want to give a shout out to our teachers, principals, and school staffs. They do not get the recognition and thanks they deserve. The teachers build the foundations that all of us live on. When they do their job well, our society is blessed. Make sure you say thanks to all the teachers you know. Make sure they know how thankful we are for their ministry.

Registration is now open for the fall Alpha program. We have completed two successful Alphas and we look forward to the next one beginning on September 10th. Alpha gathers people together to ponder and discuss the big questions of life. It leads participants on a gentle journey to Jesus and faith. For those who already walk with the Lord, it is a renewal of their faith. For those who never knew Jesus or have walked away from him, it is a first step to building that relationship with the Lord. We have a great team ready to welcome you this September.

Last call for religious education registration. Registration has been open since May and now it is time to begin another year. Friday is the last day for registration.

Finally, a joyful celebration for Deacon Bob Ryan and Peggy his wife. After thirty-nine years as an active deacon at Saint Juliana, Bob is officially retiring. For more then forty years, the Ryans have dedicated themselves to Jesus, faith, and our parish. They took classes together, went on retreats, and served Saint Juliana in so many ways. They also raised a family at the same time. They have been the ultimate multi-taskers! And Saint Juliana Parish has been the recipient of their love and dedication. Don’t worry—Bob and Peggy are not going anywhere. They will still be a part of the heart of Saint Juliana. Congratulations, Bob and Peggy!

Today we celebrate the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our readings today remind us of the strength we receive through our relationship with God. In the first reading from the Book of Kings, Elijah is ready to give up. He has found success in vanquishing the prophets of Ba’al, but now he has once again fallen into fear. He runs to the wilderness; and rather than ask God for help, Elijah asks for death. God will have none of this. God is the God of life and not death. So, Elijah is told twice to get up and eat so he has the strength for what is ahead. Elijah lets go of his fear, does what God asks, and can walk for forty days and nights on his next mission.

Jesus in the gospel tries to convince his disciples and those who are following him that he is the one who will nourish them. He tells them to bring their fears, their concerns, their needs, and he will give them life. We are Jesus’ newest disciples. We to are encouraged to lay our hopes and worries at the feet of the Lord. In the end though it will come down to trust. Do we trust Jesus with our hopes and dreams? Are we willing to lay our burdens at the feet of the Lord?

I invite everyone to join us for our Saint Juliana Parish back-to-school celebration next Sunday at our 11:00am Mass. We will offer blessings to all those returning to school this fall. Everyone is included—preschool, grade school, high school, college, or tech schools. It doesn’t matter if you are in a Catholic school or a public school. We all need blessings for our journey ahead. We will also offer a blessing for our teachers as well. After Mass we will have a celebration in the street in front of the church. It will be a chance to reconnect with friends we haven’t seen over the summer. Thanks to Barb Ernat, our school and parish ambassadors, and our hospitality team for organizing the event. And thanks to the Men’s Club and Mother’s Club for financially backing our celebration.

Thanks to everyone who supported the Saint Vincent de Paul school supply drive last weekend. I remember growing up how important it was for me to be able to go to school with fresh supplies—a new notebook, pencils and paper, scissors and such! Your generosity helps young learners succeed. Thanks to the Saint Vincent de Paul group for reminding us how important these little gifts can be in the life of a child.

Thanks to Tammy and Dan Pritt for all of the beautiful landscaping around the church and parish. Not a week goes by when someone doesn’t tell me how nice everything looks. Tammy and Dan enjoy doing the work and have taken most of it on by themselves. So just a shout out to the Pritts for all their work at Saint Juliana.

Today we celebrate the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings today ask everyone to remember who it is we rely on. In the first reading the Israelites are angry that Moses has led them into the desert. They forget the years of pain and slavery they endured in Egypt. Somehow, they think the past was better then their present and future. God reminds them that they exist because of him. He also tells them they need to rely on his goodness and providence. So, each day God feeds them. He doesn’t give them any extra. Every day they receive what they need for that day, fowl in the evening and manna in the morning. Saint Paul tells the Ephesians that they shouldn’t rely on their old ways or habits, but rather Jesus is the new way that brings light and life. Finally, Jesus confounds everyone in the gospel by telling the people he is the true bread from heaven. He is the food for our soul not just our body.

We are beginning the crunch time for the start of school, religious education, RCIA, and fall parish programing. Dan and Carlos have been working hard to make sure the school and surrounding property are once again in tip top shape. There is limited time and space for registrations for Saint Juliana School and the Saint Juliana religious education program. I encourage everyone to make sure your child or grandchild has their space reserved. Ms. Scotkovsky, our principal, and Mary Petrash, our Religious Education Director, have worked hard filling positions for the coming year. And now the teachers and catechists are beginning their preparation for the year ahead.  We look forward to once again welcoming back our children for the new year.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in also revving up. Chris Floss, our coordinator, has been in contact with those who have already shown an interest in the program. The RCIA is a pathway for people to become Catholic. Participants gather, and together they learn about the Catholic faith. It is a place to bring questions as they journey toward the Lord. In the beginning the RCIA group discuss what it means to have a relationship with Jesus and then how that is lived out in the sacraments in the Church. If you know people who might be searching in your family or circle of friends, encourage them to call the parish office and we will connect them with Chris. Everyone of us has a part in the mission to invite others to Jesus. 

Thanks to everyone who was able to support our summer Mission Appeal. Fr. John Khongsai appreciated the welcome and support he felt at Saint Juliana. This is another way that we can participate in the missionary discipleship of Jesus.

Today we celebrate the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Two of our scripture readings today tell stories of hungry people being fed. If that were the only story, there might not be any reason for us to even think more about the stories. But we hear in both that there wasn’t enough food to go around, yet everyone was fed. We also marvel that in both stories there was extra bread leftover. These are stories that speak to us of God’s care. God gives an overabundance of care to us. We don’t always recognize the blessings we receive, so these readings remind us to go back and look at the blessings we have received in life. Then like God, we are called to share our blessings and not hoard them. Blessings aren’t supposed to be hidden in a closet or put under a bushel basket. Rather they are to be shared with people hungry for them. We live in a society that tells us there aren’t enough blessings for everyone. We are told to build up our own blessing stockpile and don’t worry about others. Jesus tells us that our blessings will grow in relationship to how we share them with others. May we all strive to be as generous as Jesus.

Today we are having our summer mission appeal. Rev. John Khongsai will be speaking today at all our Masses about the mission work going on in the diocese of Imphal in the state of Manipur in Northeast India. Know that you can make an immediate difference by donating to this mission appeal. We will have an actual collection today for the church in Manipur. Please be as generous as your means allow.

As summer continues, we are preparing for some fall programs in the parish. The RCIA program will once again begin in early September. The Rite Of Christian Initiation of Adults is a program for those ready to join the Catholic faith. These might be family or friends who have never been baptized, but now would like to know Jesus and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. The RCIA is also for those baptized in another Christian faith tradition that now want to join the Catholic Church and profess their faith in the Catholic Church. Finally, it is also for those who were baptized as Catholics, but for whatever reason have not received the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist.   I encourage you to call us if you fall into one of these groups and want to begin a journey toward the sacraments. Chris Floss is our RCIA director and he would be glad to answer any of your questions. If you call the office, we will put you in contact with Chris.

We still are in need of catechists for the upcoming religious education year. The classes meet on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:15pm. You may be concerned that you can’t make all the classes. I encourage you to think about asking a family member of friend to teach jointly with you. That way if you need to miss a class there will be seamless transition. Two adults in a classroom are always great as well. Please contact Mary Petrash if you are able to volunteer for this ministry this year.

Today we celebrate the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Last weekend we witnessed the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump. Both former president Trump and current president Joe Biden agreed in their separate statements that there was a need to end all violence in our politics and work needed to be done to unite the country. As a parish we join them both in their prayer for unity and an end to violence. Paul speaks to the Ephesians today about unity and peace.  Obviously, there is disunity in the followers of Jesus in Ephesus. I quote St. Paul, “For he (Jesus) is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall on enmity, through his flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of two, and might reconcile both with God, in one body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it.” As followers of Christ, we are called to work for an end to all division in our world and bring and end to divisions that threaten all of us with violence.

This Saturday, July 27th, the Saint Juliana Book Club is meeting and will be discussing John Steinbeck’s book, Travels with Charley in Search of America. Everyone is invited to join the discussion beginning at 9:15am in the parish office building.

Parishioners continue to meet for viewing and discussion of The Chosen. There is one group meeting on Wednesday evening at 7:00pm and another group meets on Thursday morning at 9:30am. Everyone is invited to these discussions as well.

Calling all golfers! The Saint Juliana Men’s Club is hosting their annual golf outing on Saturday, August 17th at the White Pines Golf Course. This is one of the Men’s Club’s biggest fundraisers. Please come out and support the Men’s Club and all their charitable work.

I don’t even want to mention school yet, but the St. Vincent De Paul Society will be hosting their annual school supply drive on August 3rd and 4th. Once again any donations you can offer would be greatly appreciated. 

Next weekend we will host our summer mission appeal. Each year we have two opportunities to participate in mission work. The first is the yearly collection for the propagation of the faith. The second is the summer mission appeal where we receive groups from around the world who ask for our prayers and financial support for their missionary work. This year we will be welcoming a representative from the diocese of Imphal in Northeast India. We thank God for the courage that Christian missionaries have shown in the diocese and I encourage you to be as generous as you can be for the collection.

Finally, thanks to our scouts for their work at cleaning up the cars of the parish. Thanks to all of you for supporting the Boy Scouts and their activities. This weekend Chris Zayia is collecting funds for his Eagle Scout project. He plans to build raised vegetable planters for the residents of Saint Benedict Village. Please consider helping if you are able. 

Today we celebrate the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. This week we continue to encounter prophets who are not welcome. Amos is called by God to speak to the tribe of Judah, asking that they change their ways. Amos was a shepherd and caregiver of trees when he received God’s call. But Judah is stubborn, and instead of considering Amos’ words, Judah banishes Amos from the kingdom. In the gospel Jesus sends out the apostles two by two to bring the good news to the people. Jesus tells them that they will be taken care of and so they shouldn’t worry about what they will wear or what they will eat. They should focus only on the good news they have been given and share it with those who will listen. He also tells the disciples to not focus on rejection, rather shake the dust off their feet from those people who reject them and move on to more fertile ground. There isn’t enough time to get caught in the naysayers. It is the same today. We are the missionary disciples sent out by Jesus. We are to focus on good news and not let ourselves get trapped in negativity. Good news equals light, and we are to be people of the light.

As we continue into the middle of July, forty parishioners are gathering each week to watch The Chosen. This is the first season of the hit show on Jesus and his disciples. There is a group meeting each Wednesday evening in the parish office library beginning at 7:00pm. There is also a second group meeting on Thursday mornings at 9:30am. The groups watch the episode and then take some time to unpack the content. It is a great way to sharpen our faith and learn from one another. Please join us if you are able.

The Saint Juliana Book Club continues even without their fearless leader Fr. Elliott. The next meeting will be held on Saturday, July 27th at 9:15am in the parish office building. The book that will be discussed will be Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck. Everyone is welcome to join.

We have a month left for religious education registration. The last day to register your children or grandchildren for classes is August 23rd. We will not be taking late registrations. You can register on line at our webpage or contact Mary Petrash at [email protected]. There will be a mandatory parent meeting on Thursday, August 29th for those who have registered and their children.

Finally, Mundelein Seminary is hosting a retreat for high school boys who may be considering the priesthood. The retreat runs from Sunday July 28 through Wednesday July 31st. Please contact Donna in the parish office if you are interested in joining other high school students from the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Diocese of Joliet. Scholarships are available for this retreat.

Today we celebrate the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. All three of our scripture readings speak about prophets. In the first reading we are given the prophet Ezekiel’s call. He tells us that when God called, the Spirit entered him and he couldn’t sit still. The Spirit compels him to go to Israel and let them know that God is not happy with their ways. In the second reading we hear from Saint Paul, also a prophet. He is so excited by what he has been asked to do, that God sends him a thorn to bare. We don’t know what that thorn is, but it does help him to see grace in weakness. Finally, Jesus is the prophet who isn’t accepted in his hometown. Being a prophet isn’t an easy job. Being a follower of Jesus isn’t easy either. It requires patience, forgiveness, love, compassion, generosity, joy, and hope. Jesus the prophet speaks to all of us. Are we willing to answer his call?

As the summer break continues, work continues here at Saint Juliana. Last week I spoke about our Blessed Mother statue being rejuvenated and the window replacement in the school. Two other projects that are being completed are the repainting of the Ahearn Center (gym) and new floors in two of our classrooms. All these projects happen because of your ongoing generosity.

Ten years ago, we had the Teach Who Christ Is capital campaign. That campaign was a success, and it provided the funds for the school windows we just installed. Now the archdiocese and Saint Juliana are beginning a new campaign. The Generation to Generation: Answer the Call capital campaign will help us to continue renovation of the convent/parish office building. We look to make the whole building accessible with ramp access to the first floor and an elevator to go up to the second floor and down into the chapel. We also will blow out part of the second floor to make a larger meeting room than we have on the first floor, along with a full kitchen. The archdiocese will use their portion of the funds to support the new evangelization efforts we have been a part of here at Saint Juliana. They will also use the funds to make sure the priests’ pension remains solvent so we can take care of our elderly priests. Finally, a portion of the money will go to help parishes that are not able to sustain themselves due to demographics and location. Over the next few months, you will be invited to join us at campaign events or have visits in your home as we ask for your support of the campaign. The campaign is a five-year pledged campaign and we look forward to completion of our project to provide more meeting space for both the parish and school, along with accessibility. Please pray for the success of our campaign!

Finally, I want to let people know that the Saint Vincent DePaul bins that are located in the alley behind the parish office will be removed soon. This past year we have experienced issues with bins not being emptied, large donations stacked outside the bins in the elements, and donations strewn all up and down the alley. It is not fair to our neighbors who have to look at that all the time. We have a short list that we compiled for you to consider when you want to donate something, which we will include on the website and in next week’s bulletin. I am sure there are other organizations as well that will take your donations. This does not affect the Saint Juliana Saint Vincent de Paul Society or the collections they sponsor each year. Thank you for your cooperation.

Today we celebrate the Thirteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time. In the first reading from the book of Wisdom, we are told that God did not make death, rather he is the creator of the living. Though it is a statement, it also is a directive. Like God we are called to bring life into our everyday world. We are to work hard to steer clear of sin or actions that lead to death or darkness. You have heard me say that good actions or words lead to more good, and that bad actions and words lead to more evil. Jesus asks us to fill our days with good for the coming of the kingdom. When we feel overwhelmed or filled with worry, it is nice to know that Jesus knows and lived our craziness. Look at today’s Gospel and a day in the life of Jesus. The day begins with large crowds pressing in on Jesus to hear his word and experience his presence. In the midst of teaching the people, a synagogue official comes to him and asks him to heal his daughter. Jesus follows the official, as does the whole crowd. Along the way another woman, who has suffered for years, decides she just needs to touch Jesus cloak and she will be healed. Jesus feels the healing power leave his body as the women experiences physical healing. Then Jesus is told that the daughter of the synagogue official is already dead. He is not defeated by the news and wakes her from the dead. Jesus knew busy days! He experienced great joy and moments of sadness! Yet whenever he could he brought more light into the world by his words and actions. We are asked to do the same.

Just a couple of updates to report on and thanks to give. First, the statue of our Blessed Mother is back after a very necessary rejuvenation. The statue had faded over the years and was very dirty. Pieces of the original statue were missing, including a few fingers on our Lord. The artist who restored our statue believes it was originally made somewhere between 1890-1910. When he began to clean the statue he also found two or three layers of paint on some parts of the statue from earlier repairs. After more work he found the gold trim along her blue mantel. I want to thank all of you who supported the gala last fall. The restoration of our Blessed Mother statue was one of the projects that was part of the gala fundraising. Thanks again to everyone who worked to make the gala a success.

The second update is the replacement of our school windows. The school building is really four or five buildings that were built in stages as Saint Juliana grew. Some windows were original to when a new building was added to the school. Other windows were updated at different times throughout the 100-year history of the school, but in the end it was time to replace the windows as we prepare for the future. The bronze windows unify the school and now all the windows can be opened and closed safely. Every classroom also has a exterior access window if it is ever needed by police or fire. The cost for the windows was around $800,000. The funds for this project came from the To Teach Who Christ Is account. Thanks to everyone who supported that campaign ten years ago.

Thanks to Marvin Bornschlegl for all his work with our Totus Tuus summer camp. It was a great week of fun, faith, and friends for our children. Thanks also to the young adults who led the program and all the adult volunteers who gave time and food for the camp.

Finally, this week we celebrate Independence Day. This is a yearly reminder of how God has blessed us and our country. We live in a polarized world that works to highlight what divides us. On July 4th we will gather with family and friends to celebrate what happens when we work together. We have freedom because we choose freedom. We continue to ask God’s blessing on all that we do as a nation. Happy Independence Day!

Today we celebrate the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The first reading from the book of Job is short, but it reminds us of who God is. God has the power to create and to bring order out of chaos. Job struggles to believe that concept, just as many of us do as well. In the gospel that doubt comes to the forefront when the disciples believe they will die at sea in a storm. Jesus happens to sleep through the storm until someone wakes him and makes him aware of the situation. Are we comfortable making God aware of our situations? Do we give our personal chaos to God and ask God to help us sort it out? We can use the excuse that God knows everything, but God doesn’t intervene unless he is asked. It is another of those relationship lessons. We believe our spouses or friends should know what we need. We live together and have known each other for years, but oftentimes those closest to us are not aware of our concerns or worries. Today God tells us to simply share ourselves and listen for God’s answer.

This past week the priests of the archdiocese completed our summer camp! Just like I am telling all of you, priests also need to constantly renew our relationship with Jesus. The convocation is a way for us to receive new content that furthers our faith journey and discuss the journey with fellow priests. It provided time for the priests to pray together. Shared meals, prayer, and lectures helped us remember what our call to priesthood looked like. We all received a call through baptism, and each of us needs to constantly take time to reflect on and keep that call fresh. This is part of the new evangelization for all of us. I am thankful for the time, and I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities for renewal offered in the parish.

Summer is a great time in the parish to reflect on upcoming activities in the future. I will start today with the RCIA program. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a program for people who would like to join the Catholic Church and receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. It might be your spouse, or a neighbor, or a friend at your high school or college. The RCIA is also for Christians who were baptized in another Christian faith tradition (Lutheran, Methodist, etc.) and would now like to become Catholic. They would make a profession of faith, and then receive Confirmation and Eucharist. Or you or a friend may have been baptized Catholic, but have not received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. The program is designed for adults and begins with an inquiry phase. Along the way everyone is given the option to continue or take a step back if they need more time to make this faith decision. I encourage you to talk to family or friends who might be ready to take this leap of “faith.” Chris Floss directs the program and is always willing to talk to possible candidates. Just call the office and we will put you in touch with Chris.

We need religious education teachers for next year. The program runs on faith-filled individuals who work to pass on the faith to the children of the parish. We provide training and material for the classes so that you can feel prepared for the ministry. Please consider volunteering for this important work.

Finally, I hope you get a chance to participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage this week. The Masses, processions, and adorations are listed on the webpage as well as this bulletin. If you can only pick one event, I would encourage you to join Bishop Bartosic at Queen of All Saints Basilica on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 5:00pm. This is our vicariate celebration! Some of the deacons and parishioners have already told us they will be there, so please join us if you can. We are blessed to be able to celebrate the Eucharist and know that God is with us! 

Today we celebrate the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. As the summer season gets into full bloom, two of our Sunday readings talk about plants and how they produce. In the first reading, God takes a small, tender shoot off the of the cedar tree. He plants it on a high mountain and tends to the tree he has planted. The fruit of God’s work is God’s Jewish faithful and all of us Christians who came forth from God’s care and protection. In the gospel we have another image of a seed that is planted in the ground. The writer tells us that the seed is planted, and we don’t know how it springs up. The gospel goes on to talk about a specific seed. The mustard seed is the littlest of seeds, but when it grows it becomes a large bush and home to many birds and animals.  These stories give us a lesson as we continue to build a relationship with Jesus and one another. To become a disciple of Jesus, we must show up. What do I mean by this? Well, if we don’t put ourselves in God’s presence, or don’t listen to God’s word, or don’t use the opportunities presented such as Alpha, The Chosen, retreats, Sunday Mass, and prayer experiences, we are like a seed that is left in the packet and doesn’t produce. There will be no vegetables or flowers if the seeds are still in the bag. They need to encounter the soil to produce all their potential. It is the same with us. We need to encounter Jesus, put ourselves in activities that build our relationship with the Lord, and through those activities we begin to produce the fruit of faith. We become what God intended us to be.

This past week over twenty-five people came out for one of the two showings of The Chosen. That was a great response! Even if you didn’t make the first session you are welcome to come to the other sessions. Each week there is a bit more of Jesus’ story told and the response of those he chose to follow him. Questions are provided to help bring it to life in our own day-to-day living. Thanks to the team who is hosting the program. They are like the ushers at the movie theater, working to make us comfortable. So bring your friends and join us either this Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

Totus Tuus summer youth camp is beginning tomorrow, Monday, June 16th. There is a day session for first through sixth graders and an evening session for seventh through twelfth graders. Thanks to all of the volunteers who are helping to make the camp a success. In a special way thanks to Marvin Bornschlegl, who is running the whole week. Please keep the college-age leaders in your prayers.

Once again, just a reminder that registration for Religious Education is now open. There are two months to register before we close registration. There will be no late registrations, so make sure you get the word out to family and friends to sign up now! We will have a parent/student meeting in August to go over expectations for both students and parents. We look forward to sharing this time with our parish children. If any parents wish to volunteer as catechists or aides for the program, please contact Mary Petrash through the parish office or email.

Today we also celebrate Father’s Day. Each year our parents only get one day for all the good they do for us. Today our dads get to be in the spotlight. We are thankful for their guidance and help as we grew up. We see our fathers as role models for us to emulate. Jesus always referred to his father, and today is our chance to make sure our fathers know how much we love and appreciate them. Happy Father’s Day!

Finally, this week the priests of the archdiocese will be at our convocation. That means the priests will be out of the parish from late afternoon Monday until late afternoon on Thursday. The parish deacons will be handling communion services during those days. Please keep all the priests of the archdiocese in your prayers. 

Today we celebrate the Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Saint Paul tells us in the second reading that all of us share a faith in Jesus Christ. He also tells us that because of that faith, we can not be silenced. Faith in Jesus causes us to want to live out his teachings and also tell others about the treasure we have received through Jesus. This is the basis for our discipleship. The disciple not only hears the Word, but then must share it with others. In the gospel, Jesus calls us all brothers and sisters and asks each of us to do the Father’s will.

Today at our eleven o’clock Mass we will say our goodbyes to Fr. Elliott and wish him well as he goes forth to pastor Our Lady of the Woods parish in Orland Park. Elliott came to us as the former pastor of Saint Pascal parish in Chicago. His experience as associate pastor and pastor showed in all he did at Saint Juliana. He has been a gift to all of us. Parishioners appreciated his thoughtful homilies. They were excited when he led Bible studies. We all could see and experience his love for the Word of God and also how it has impacted the history of the Church. The SJ Book Club was always challenged by his selections and appreciated his openness to their choices as well. We will all miss Elliott, but he is not going that far. I feel gifted having been able to serve with Elliott here at Saint Juliana and see him as a good friend. Good luck, Fr. Elliott! The thoughts and prayers of Saint Juliana go with you!

This week we will begin the showing of The Chosen. There will be two times available for those who want to join the viewing. There will be one showing beginning on Wednesday, June 12th at 7:00pm. A second matinee is available beginning on Thursday, June 13th at 9:30am. There will be some questions for discussion. Please beat the summer heat with friends viewing The Chosen.

Totus Tuus summer youth camp begins next week. There will be a day program for children in first through sixth grades. There will also be an evening program for seventh-twelfth graders. Call your friends and sign up for this week of fun and faith.

Thanks to everyone who made our parish picnic a success last Sunday. I will start with God, who gave us a perfect day. Then to the whole committee who worked so hard setting up, taking down, and providing the food. Thanks to the chefs and all the food helpers who gave us a great meal. We are grateful to the Friendship Club for working the registration tent, and the Boy Scouts for handling first aid! Finally, a big thanks to Marie who directed and worked with the committee to ensure success. Summer has now officially begun!

Next week the priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago will gather for our convocation. It is a chance for fellowship, relaxation, and time for renewal. What that means practically for the parish is that there will be no morning Masses on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, June 18-20. Our parish deacons will be leading communion services on these three days. We will have 8:30am Mass on Monday and on Friday. As the archdiocese has restructured the parishes and downtown offices, the priests have experienced the same sadness and unsettledness as many others in the archdiocese. The convocation gives us a chance to support one another and look to the future ahead. Please keep all the priests of the archdiocese in your prayers.

Today we celebrate the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist is the center of our faith in Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus is present to us in the Word, the assembly, but most importantly in the Eucharist. When we consecrate the bread and wine, we are called to be part of the sacrifice that happened over 2000 years ago. Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins is ongoing. We are invited to the cross every time we celebrate the Eucharist. We also participate in the Resurrection as well. Through our participation in the Eucharist and reception of the Body and Blood of Christ, we become the Body of Christ. We are called as disciples to take the Body of Christ out into the world, into our homes, workplaces, and communities. Jesus is alive. He is not history, but rather a presence we can access every day in our daily lives. We need to always give time to building and strengthening the relationship we have with the Lord.

This month the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will be coming through the Archdiocese of Chicago. The bishops of the United States are hoping that we can reawaken the importance of the Eucharist in our daily lives. We have been publishing the Archdiocesan events in the bulletin for the last month. A short recap, Wednesday, June 26, 4:00-7:00pm Mass, adoration and procession at Mundelein Seminary, youth focused. Thursday June 27, 12:00-9:00pm Masses, adoration, and procession at she shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines. Friday, June 29, 6:30-10:00pm Mass, adoration, and procession at Saint Alphonsus Church, Chicago. Saturday, June 29, Mass, adoration, and procession at Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago. This evening is for all of us in Vicariate II. And on Sunday June 30, Cardinal Cupich will be hosting Mass, adoration, and a procession at Holy Name Cathedral. After the Sunday celebration the pilgrimage will move on to Indianapolis. I know several parishioners are already scheduled to go to Indianapolis. I encourage you if you can, to go to the Vicariate II celebration of Saturday, June 29th at the Queen of All Saints Basilica. Bishop Bartosic will be hosting that event. Most importantly, take time to renew your relationship once again with the Lord.

To build your relationship with Jesus and to live out his call to be disciples, I encourage you to participate in the parish watch events and discussions around the Chosen series. On June 12th, we will have an evening viewing and discussion beginning at 7:00pm. On June 13th, we will have a morning viewing and discussion for those who find the morning easier. It begins at 9:30am. Both sessions will be held in the library of the parish office building. Please register so we have enough popcorn for the showings.

Please remind family and friends that registration is now open for religious education classes for the 2024-2025 school year. We will close registration on August 23rd. This gives everyone three months to register. There will be no exceptions for late registration. Get your registration in now before you forget. 

Finally, now is the time to register the parish children for the Totus Tuus Summer camp to be held on the week of June 16th-21st. Grades 1-6 will have a day program and grades 7-12 will have their own evening program that same week. More details about registration are in the bulletin.

Today we celebrate the Most Holy Trinity. We celebrate the God who is with us. God is present in many ways, yet we know God is one. God the Father reminds us of the God who creates—the God, who out of extreme love, formed us from nothing. We celebrate the Son who became one of us so that we might experience new life when we had sinned. We celebrate the Holy Spirit who continues to guide us and help us as we make decisions each day. At Christmas we use the word “Emmanuel” to describe God. This is a God who is with us in many forms.

The Trinity is also an example of relationship for us. The perfect relationship within the Trinity between Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a model for our own relationships with one another and God. We are called to be one, just as the Father, Son, and Spirit are one. The closer we get to that unity in our daily lives, the more we experience peace and joy. We are not perfect, but we can look to the Most Holy Trinity as an example to follow.

This weekend as a country we also celebrate Memorial Day. This holiday was created to celebrate the men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedoms. It is a day to celebrate those who sacrificed to make our lives better. It has also become a day to remember those who actively serve now in all our armed services. These men and women put their lives on the line for us. Memorial Day has also become a day to remember all the deceased members of our families. Many people will visit our local cemeteries as they remember and honor their grandparents, parents, family, and friends. We do not want to forget. It is in the sharing of stories that our loved ones once again are alive in our lives. We also gather as families on Memorial Day for picnics and barbeques. These celebrations connect us to the celebrations our deceased family celebrate with God. We hope you have a good Memorial Day celebration this year.

Next Sunday Saint Juliana will host the parish picnic at the Bunker Hill Woods Forest Preserve. We will gather at Grove 5 beginning at 11:00am. There will be music, food, and games for all ages. There will be a petting zoo and pony rides. At 12:30pm we will have a Mass under the picnic shelter. And then after Mass food will be served. Bring some comfortable chairs and join us as Saint Juliana begins its celebration of summer.

During summer, activities often start to slow down in the parish, but this year we have a number of upcoming events and classes and events for all ages! Totus Tuus, our summer youth camp, starts in mid-June. Our discussion of The Chosen also begins around that time. Registration information is included in this bulletin.

This week the Saint Juliana School Class of 2024 will celebrate their graduation. The eighth graders are ready for the next stage of their lives. Their work here at Saint Juliana has given them the foundation for whichever high school they have chosen. We are proud of these students, and we send them off with our prayers. We also remind them that they will always have a home at Saint Juliana. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

Today we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, the end of the Easter season. Even though we follow this Sunday up with the feast of the Most Holy Trinity and the Body and Blood of Christ, the Easter season is now complete. On Pentecost we celebrate the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles. They receive gifts that allow them to be Jesus’ disciples who go out and share the good news that they have received in Jesus. There are different versions in the scriptures as to how and when the Holy Spirit came to Jesus’ followers; but no matter the story, the result is the same. The disciples were filled with passion that made them share all they had received in Christ. We, too, receive that same Holy Spirit through our receipt of the sacraments. Today we celebrate God’s gifts that continue to pour out over each one of us. These gifts are meant to be shared!

In the last couple of years there has been a lot of talk around the TV show The Chosen. It is a fictional depiction of Jesus’ life and the lives of all who followed him. It is well done and has made many people look at their own faith in Jesus and what it means to be a follower of him. Beginning this June, Saint Juliana will be viewing and discussing the first season of The Chosen. We will hold two viewing sessions, depending on your preference. For those who prefer the evening, we will meet on Wednesdays, starting June 12th. The daytime viewings will be on Thursdays, starting June 13th. We will view the weekly episode together and facilitate group sharing around some questions that pertain to the episode. We look forward to some good dialogue and insights, and we hope you will join us! See page 10 in the bulletin for more information.

On June 2nd, Saint Juliana will host our parish picnic in the Bunker Hills Woods, Grove 5. This is the second year for the reincarnation of an old staple from the past. There will be food, music, and lots of activities for the young and the young at heart. New this year will be a petting zoo, pony rides, and frozen treats for the children. We will host an outdoor Mass beginning at 12:30pm in the shelter, and food will be served after the Mass. The parish has the grove from 11:00am until 6:00pm. So, grab your family, friends, and most comfortable lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon with your parish family. Please see the flyer on page 9 for registration information.

Summer is fast approaching, and Saint Juliana is once again hosting the Totus Tuus summer youth camp. The camp will be held on the week of June 16th-21st. Grades 1-6 will meet during the day, and grades 7-12 will have a separate evening program. Registration is now open. Check the bulletin or webpage for registration information.

Finally, the Niles Metropolitan Chorus will be hosting Donizetti’s Requiem at Saint Juliana on Thursday, May 23rd in the church. The concert is open to all and will begin at 7:30pm. The chorus is performing the requiem as a remembrance for all those we lost throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Several of our Saint Juliana choir members sing in the Niles Metropolitan Chorus, so it is an honor to have them perform here at Saint Juliana. For more information you can go to www.nilesmetropolitanchorus.com or call 224-585-3768.

Today we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. So now what? That is the question we hear in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Jesus tells the apostles that they are to stay together and wait for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will give them power and courage to live in Jesus’ way. But then he is taken up in a cloud. So now what? The gospel gives us the answer to their question. Jesus tells his disciples to “go out into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” This is our call as believers in Jesus. We are missionary disciples who are called to go out and proclaim our encounter with Jesus to the world. These encounters with the Lord should change our lives. In the gospel, Jesus tells the disciples that they will be saved, drive out evil, and speak new languages. Recently I have come to believe that the new languages we will speak are peace, forgiveness, hospitality, generosity, kindness, and hope. We have lost touch with these “original” languages and often work out of division, chaos, and despair. Today let’s reclaim our original languages and together share our stories of hope with one another.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our moms. Our mothers are the first teachers of a life of hope. They teach us what it means to be self-giving.  They nurture us and teach us follow in their footsteps. Today we take time to say thank you to our moms for all of their love, care and sacrifice. We pray for all of them living and deceased.

This Wednesday evening, May 15th, we will be having a new parishioner social. Over the past couple of years we have had many people register as parishioners at Saint Juliana. We are grateful to all of you, who have decided to make Saint Juliana your faith family. Now we want to welcome you in person and answer any questions you may have about the parish. It doesn’t matter if you just signed up or have been with us for a few years. It will be an evening to meet other new comers and staff. We will meet in the parish office library and outdoor patio between 6:30-8:30 pm. We look forward to putting faces with names.

This June Fr. Elliott will be leaving Saint Juliana. Fr. Elliott was named pastor of Our Lady of the Woods parish in Orland Park. He will take up his duties as pastor beginning on July 1st. Elliott has gifted us with his homilies and his scriptural knowledge. He can make scripture come alive. Whether it was in his scripture studies or just at a staff meeting we looked to Elliott to give us more insight into what the words were saying. He also loves to read and has led our parish book club. Change is not easy, but we are happy for Fr. Elliott as he is once again able to lead a parish community. On June 9, 2024 ,Fr. Elliott will celebrate the 11:00am Mass. There will be a reception for Fr. Elliott after the Mass. Please mark your calendars so you can join us in saying thank you to Fr. Elliott. 

Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter, and we get two important teachings through the scripture. The first teaching is that God will come to anyone who accepts him. What does that mean? It means that everyone who has heard Jesus’ word and tries to follow his teaching has been accepted. It means that family and friends we know are accepted. It also means people we may have written off in our lives are also accepted. We are all called through this teaching to take a fresh look at our own judgements and prejudices. We are called to see everyone as a child of God.

The second lesson is to love one another. It seems straight forward. Though clear, the commandment to love is not easy. We hold onto hurts and slights. Words injure us, and often they come from those who have the power to hurt us—family and friends. But Jesus’ teaching reminds us that we are to forgive seventy times seven times. To love someone means we know them. So, another lesson is that we can’t generalize or make assumptions about people we don’t know. We need to spend time forming relationships with them, just as we need to take time and grow our relationship with Jesus.

Congratulations to all the Saint Juliana parish children who received their First Communion last weekend. We had two wonderful celebrations. Our children inspire us to be better. Their hard work and preparation is a reminder to all of us that we also need to work and prepare each and every time we receive the Lord. Like the children, we need to joyfully accept the mission to be the Body of Christ in our world. May Christ’s light shine forth from these children and from all of us.

Congratulations to all the Saint Juliana parish children who were confirmed this past Friday. Like the younger children, they prepared and were ready when Bishop Bartosic called down the Holy Spirit. The difference is that as junior high students the expectations to live as Jesus wants them to, can seem daunting. It is hard to always make the right decisions. Hopefully with the help of the Holy Spirit they will live out their call to be the Light of Christ in the world.

Thanks to all of our teachers and catechists. It is hard to be a teacher. Like the children, teachers also must chose to be the Body of Christ. We are blessed with great teachers and catechists who continue to inspire our parish children. Thanks to all!

The conclusion of the Easter season is fast approaching. Next Sunday, May 12th we will be celebrating the Ascension of the Lord. We also will be celebrating Mother’s Day. You have a week to do something nice for your moms!

Today we celebrate the Fifth Sunday of Easter. Last week we were given the image of the good shepherd. This week we have the image of the vine. Jesus tells us that he is the vine, and we will grow and experience new life as long as we are attached to the vine. Dead branches fall away, and fruitful branches are pruned so that they become even more fruitful. Just like last week we must nurture our relationship with the vine who is Jesus. Through prayer, reading, and actions we actively must pursue a relationship with the Lord. Through that relationship we bear much fruit and become Jesus’ disciples.

Yesterday Saint Juliana celebrated First Communion. Congratulations to all the Saint Juliana parish children who received the Lord for the first time in the Eucharist. We connect in a special way with Jesus each time we receive the Eucharist. We experience the God who is with us, and then are called to become the Body of Christ in our world. The call to become the Body of Christ changes throughout our lives. Our age, wisdom, and life experiences help us discern what it means to be the Body of Christ. As we celebrate with our parish children today, take a moment and reflect on how God is calling you this week to be his body in our world.

This Friday evening Saint Juliana celebrates the sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop Bartosic will join us to confirm that those who are receiving the sacrament have grown since they first encountered Jesus in the Eucharist. He will ask them if they have put in the work necessary for this next step and if they feel ready to embrace a life of service and discipleship in our world. We joyfully congratulate all those who will receive the Holy Spirit. We also say thank you to all the parents, teachers, and catechists who have guided these children on this faith journey. 

Totus Tuus summer youth camp registration is now open at Saint Juliana. The camp will run the week of June 16th through the 21st. There will be a day component for first through sixth graders and a evening program for seventh through twelfth graders. Contact information is provided in the bulletin and on the parish web page. We are also looking for adult volunteers who might feel drawn to helping during the week. Adults will not be expected to provide content for the camp, but will be asked to provide “backstage” support of the program. Thanks again to Marvin Bornschlegl for leading the camp.

Fr. Prasad will once again be visiting homes with Mary during the month of May. Each visit includes a May crowing of our Blessed Mother, prayer, and a blessing on those present in the home for these visits. Please check out the information in this bulletin or on the Saint Juliana webpage to sign up for a home visit.

Finally, about two weeks ago Fr. Roger celebrated the sixty-sixth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Saint Juliana has been blessed with his ministry for many years. Congratulations, Fr. Roger! 

Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Traditionally this Sunday is known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The gospel reminds the listeners that the shepherd is willing to lay down his life for the sheep. The sheep know his voice and they follow because they trust the shepherd. This Fourth Sunday of Easter I will speak about the relationship we have with Jesus the Good Shepherd. Are we familiar with the shepherd’s voice in our daily lives? Do we actively seek out ways to build up our relationship with the Lord? The Eucharist is central to that relationship. Through the Eucharist we are invited to participate in the dying and rising of Jesus Christ. Jesus is willing to take on our failings and faults and offer us new life. But like the Gospel tells us, we must listen to the Lord, and we must know him. Think of the important relationships in your life. Those relationships remain strong as long as we put in the time to keep them fresh. Without that time or effort, relationships begin to wither and die. It is the same with our relationship with Jesus. How do we keep it fresh? Is it through prayer, scripture, small faith groups, adoration, retreats, or the Eucharist? Do we share our stories of encounter and faith with others, helping them grow in their own faith? This is the renewal and new evangelization Pope Francis and his predecessors have asked us to journey on. Let’s really think about spending time with the Lord in new ways that fit our lifestyle now. Our world has changed—hopefully our faith is changing with it!

This past Saturday, Saint Juliana hosted its first Meet, Greet, and Play event for young families. Barb Ernat, one of our staff members, has been working to organize outreach and welcome events for new parishioners, as well as opportunities for our young parents and children to come together to meet new friends in the parish. The Meet, Greet, and Play events will be held every month. For information on the next one, please contact Barb through the parish office or her email listed in the parish bulletin. 

This coming weekend our Alpha participants will be having their day away. It is a retreat day where they hope to encounter the Holy Spirit. We are excited for the Alpha participants and the Alpha team. Please keep all of them in your prayers.

Also please remember to keep all those who will be receiving the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation in your prayers as well. Please pray that they nurture their walk with the Lord, not only on these important sacramental days, but every day of their lives.

Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Easter. I believe the Easter readings today speak of transformation. Jesus’ death and resurrection transformed many, but many still found themselves in the process of that transformation. In the Acts of the Apostles, Peter speaks boldly to the people about what has taken place and how Jesus, whom they crucified, has risen from the dead. There is no hesitation in Peter’s proclamation, rather he speaks with confidence as a transformed believer. His confidence also allows him to invite his brothers and sisters into God’s mercy. Everyone can still find a place in Jesus’ kingdom and light. For most of us, we are a transformation in progress. In the second reading from the First Letter of Saint John we are reminded that even if we sin, we can still approach the one who saved us. Jesus’ mission of redemption is ongoing. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist we are included in that saving mission of transformation. Finally, the Gospel once again begins with Jesus’ peace, his forgiveness. Jesus came to save, not to condemn. As transformed disciples, we are now called to go out and spread the Good News to our brothers and sisters. We are witnesses to God’s goodness and love.

In the next few weeks, we will be celebrating the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation at Saint Juliana. On Saturday, April 27th, those who have been preparing will receive their First Communion. They will receive the Body of Christ and become the Body of Christ. These children and their families are very excited and look forward to this new relationship with the Lord.

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Friday, May 3rd. Those prepared are now ready to say yes to the promises their parents made for them at their baptism. These sacraments call our children and young adults to “come along” and join the transformation open to all of us. We are proud as a parish community! I ask all of you in the next few weeks to remember all the children receiving First Communion and Confirmation in your prayers.

Finally, I would like to thank all the Saint Juliana Parish ministers who helped with our Easter celebrations. These include those involved in music ministry, our Communion ministers and Ministers of Care, our sacristans, our lectors, ushers, greeters, hospitality ministers and our servers, and those who helped decorate the church. Together we helped the parish encounter the Risen Lord.  Thank you for your ministry to the Saint Juliana Parish family.

Your ministry is grounded in a relationship with Jesus. And to support our continuing journey I am asking all our ministers to please join me for a morning of Renewal on Saturday, May 4th. The morning of reflection will be held in the school hall. The Office of Divine Worship will lead our journey into the relationship with Jesus and how that relationship is the center of all our ministry in the Church. Please save that morning. You will be receiving invitations through emails and personal invitations from your ministry leaders with the times included. I look forward to spending this time with all of you.

Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday. The resurrection of Jesus is too big for just one day. The church celebrates seven weeks of Easter. During those seven weeks we hear stories of how the apostles and disciples encountered the risen Lord. The Church shares those stories of encounter to strengthen the faith of not only those who were present at the time of the resurrection, but for all of us as well. These New Testament stories remind us of our own stories of encounter with Jesus. But the story doesn’t end there. Jesus sends us to go out and share the good news with our families and friends. What are our stories of healing, forgiveness, guidance, and strength? How has Jesus changed us for the better? We need to let people know why we gather each week to celebrate the Eucharist. This sharing of story is the center of the new evangelization that Pope Francis is leading.

Today the Church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday. Saint Faustina, a Polish Franciscan nun, received visions in which she saw God’s mercy coming from the heart of Jesus. Eventually she shared that image and it became a beacon to many in need of mercy and healing. St. Pope John Paul II placed this celebration in the Church calendar on the Second Sunday of Easter. It is another reminder of the mercy we receive in the death and rising of Jesus Christ. This afternoon there will be a Divine Mercy Prayer Service at 3:00pm in the church. The service will include a procession, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Please join us for this continuing celebration of God’s love.

As part of the bishops’ national call of a Eucharistic revival, they have scheduled a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Parishioners have been asking when and where it will take place in the Archdiocese. So we will begin to publish information in the bulletin as we get it. The days the procession will be in the Archdiocese of Chicago will be June 26-30, 2024. The first event of the procession will take place at Mundelein Seminary on June 26th, beginning at 4:00pm. This event will include Mass, adoration, and a procession. It will be youth centered. On Saturday, June 29th, Vicariate II will have a Mass, adoration and procession at Queen of All Saints Basilica beginning at 5:00pm. On Sunday, June 30th, Cardinal Cupich will celebrate a Mass and procession at Holy Name Cathedral beginning at noon. Please watch the bulletin for other events scheduled during the upcoming pilgrimage.

Over the Easter holiday we have replaced the school windows on the north side of the school building. (parking lot) We are excited because now our teachers can open and close their windows without injury. Also the new windows will afford another layer of security, as each classroom has an access window for police and fire during an emergency. The remaining windows will be changed out in the first couple of weeks of the summer vacation. These updates are signs of the vitality of the parish. Funds from the Teach Who Christ Is Campaign helped fund the project. We are already looking at new projects for the future including more updates to the parish office building (convent). These will include more meeting spaces, office space, and accessibility. More information to come.

Donna and Diane have been working on a parish census for about two months. We are updating our records and asking everyone to check and see if your information is correct. This includes updating phone, email, and occupants in your house. Please look over the material when you receive it, follow the instructions, and bring it back as soon as possible. Thanks for your help. 

Finally, thanks to everyone who made all of our Holy Week and Easter celebrations so meaningful. It takes a team to make these celebrations a reality. Thank you!

Happy Easter to everyone. Today our Saint Juliana Parish family and the Roman Catholic Church around the world celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. It is a time to celebrate the gift we have in Jesus Christ. In two of the Easter gospels, it is Mary Magdalene who comes to the tomb and realizes that the tomb is open. It is still dark. Mary runs to Simon Peter and the disciple Jesus loved and tells them the tomb is empty. Simon Peter and the other disciple take off for the tomb and on entering the tomb they find the burial clothes rolled up. It is the disciple Jesus loved who first believes Jesus has risen. Holy Week and Easter are reflections of the struggle between light and darkness, death, and new life. Jesus is the light who disperses the darkness. Jesus’ death removes our sin and through it we rise to new life in the resurrection. The sacrifice is ongoing every time we gather and celebrate the Eucharist. Once renewed we are called to go out as disciples and share the good news with family and friends.

As a parish Saint Juliana is on a journey of renewal. Through the Alpha program, retreats, prayer experiences, and scripture study we are being asked to recall how we have experienced God in our own lives, and how that encounter has changed us. I think what is sometimes new and uncomfortable is sharing our stories of encounter. I believe we can all think of ways we have experienced God’s healing, comfort, forgiveness, peace, or joy. We hold onto those encounters in our hearts but aren’t as comfortable sharing them with family and friends. Without testimony or witnessing to the “good news” of Jesus, it will eventually die. The “new evangelization” calls us to reflect on our encounters, grow in our relationship with Jesus and then to share the good news with each other. That is the heart of Jesus’ message to his disciples and all of us!

Last night at the Easter Vigil, we welcomed five adults and one baby to a new encounter with Jesus. Two of the young women received baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist. One of our elect came from another Christian faith tradition and joined the Catholic Church after making a declaration of faith. She then also received confirmation and the Eucharist. Two others were baptized Catholic and received confirmation and Eucharist at the Vigil. And one baby, a sister of two of the young women was baptized as well. It was an exciting and joyful evening for our newest members, their families, and the parish community who joined in the celebration. We invite those who are seeking more in their lives to consider joining our RCIA program. The RCIA begins with a few months of inquiry into who Jesus is and how we as Catholics live out our relationship with Jesus. After that time of inquiry a candidate makes a choice to continue toward the Easter sacraments or pause to learn more in their own faith journey. Today we joyfully welcome our newest members and encourage others to join us as well.

For teachers who have rooms on the north side of the school, this Easter will not bring chocolate or other treats, but rather new windows. During the Easter break we will replace all the classroom windows facing the parking lot. This will allow our teachers to easily open and close their windows. Every classroom will also have an emergency egress window for police or fire during an emergency. The remaining windows on Osceola, Touhy, Oketo, and in the courtyard will be replaced right after school ends in June. Money collected from the To Teach Who Christ Is campaign and parish savings will be used for this update. Thanks to all of you for your generous financial support. You continue to keep the parish up to date and ready to embrace the future ahead of us.

Finally, once again on behalf of the parish and school staff, Fr. Roger, Fr. Elliott, Fr. Prasad and myself, we wish you a joyful Easter celebration with family and friends. 

Today we celebrate Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. Palm Sunday is one of the bookends to the celebration of Holy Week. The other is Easter and the Resurrection of our Lord. Today’s liturgy begins triumphantly as Jesus enters Jerusalem to shouts of, “Hosanna!” The people celebrate the kingdom in their midst. Quickly though the story turns, and on Good Friday Jesus dies on the cross. On Holy Thursday, Jesus celebrates a meal with his disciples. It is this meal and the sacrifice to follow that invites us into the death and resurrection of Jesus. While with the disciples, he asks them to eat his body and blood and thus join him in the sacrifice ahead. Each time we celebrate the Eucharist we are included in Jesus’ sacrifice. He also teaches them that those who are called must serve others. The washing of the disciples’ feet reminds us of that call to service. From the Good Friday commemorations until the first celebration of Easter at the Vigil, we join Jesus in the tomb. We combine our own tombs of sin, sadness and worry with the Lord’s. Through this time of darkness, we eventually travel into the light of the Resurrection. Through it all, Jesus is with us!

I invite you to take time this week to reflect on the gift we have in Jesus. He is the one who knows us and still celebrates us. He is the one who gives us life and takes away our sins. He is the one who walks with us every day. Please join us for our Holy Week celebrations. The schedule for all the events of Holy week are included in the bulletin and on the parish web page. I also encourage you to invite your family and friends to join you at the Easter celebration. Don’t just ask them to come but explain why it is important to you. What does Jesus mean to you? Your reason might be just what someone else needs to bring them back to Jesus. We look forward to celebrating with you and your families.

Last Sunday we celebrated Saint Patrick. For many it has been a month-long celebration. This past week we also celebrated Saint Joseph. Both men lived out a relationship with God. Patrick was consumed with a fire to bring Jesus to the people of Ireland. Joseph listened to God and protected the Holy Family. Joseph is seen as a worker, a provider who calls all of us to see the dignity in the work God gives us each day. I feel both Patrick and Joseph never imagined what was coming in their lives, but both followed a call they heard in their hearts. Let’s find inspiration in these two men that we all celebrate.

Amid all the big Holy Week celebrations we also invite everyone to the Easter basket blessing on Holy Saturday at 11:00 am. Traditionally many ethnic groups bring food that will be shared with family and friends on the Easter celebration. Through this blessing we prepare to break the fast of Lent and celebrate in the new light of Jesus. As a child this was one of my families’ big traditions. I look forward to keeping that tradition alive with all of you.

Finally, if you are traveling over the Easter celebration, we wish you safe journey and know that you will be included through prayer in the Saint Juliana Easter celebrations.  

Today we celebrate the Fifth Sunday of Lent. The prophet Jeremiah tells us that God will make a new covenant with his people. Most of the Jewish scripture, the Old Testament, speaks of God’s love. God loves those he created and creates covenants with his people. But the people continue to break the covenants with God. Finally, God sends his Son and proclaims that he is the final covenant. Every Lent we take time to renew our personal covenant with God. We reflect on our shortcomings and ask God to transform us. We must let parts of ourselves die, so we can experience new life. In service to one another we experience the joy of new life in Jesus.

Next weekend the Saint Juliana Fine Arts Association will be presenting Frozen, Jr. All of the children have been working very hard in learning their lines and preparing their songs. I encourage you buy your tickets online for one of the four performances. Tickets are going fast so come out and support the Saint Juliana Fine Arts program. Thanks to Julie and John Hammerle and all our other adult volunteers.

Thanks to the Saint Juliana Cub Scouts and their parents for the delicious pancake breakfast a few weeks ago. Each time I went down to the school hall, it was filled with families enjoying the delicious pancakes and sausage, along with visiting with each other. Food always is a good beginning to building community and friendships. I encourage parents to check out both the Boy and Girl Scout program for their children. We are blessed to have both at Saint Juliana.

Thanks goes out to the eighth graders who gave us the Living Stations of the Cross on Friday. The students learned their parts quickly and worked hard to make it a moving performance of Jesus’ love. Thanks to Glenn for providing music for the stations. Thanks also to Mrs. Lidgus, who always works with me on our student religious activities. 

Thanks to Glenn and all our musicians, choirs and cantors for the beautiful Taize prayer and reconciliation we offered last Thursday. It was a moving evening of music, readings, prayer, and silence. We are blessed at Saint Juliana to have such a great music director and music. If you like to sing or if you play an instrument I encourage you to talk to Glenn about sharing your talents with the parish. I always say, the more the merrier!

Next week we will be celebrating Palm Sunday. Attendance goes up for all of the Holy Week celebrations as family and friends come together to celebrate the Holy Days. Plan to get here early so you find a parking spot and seat. I always look forward to meeting all of the extended families in for the holidays. Make sure to take a bulletin home so you have a schedule of all the Holy Week celebrations.

Finally, I didn’t want to forget to wish all of you a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day. It seems like the parties and parades have been ongoing for a month. Well, today is the day we celebrate the man, Patrick, who brought Jesus to the people of Ireland.

Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Lent. Today in our first reading from the second book of Chronicles we once again see how God’s chosen people turn away from God. Throughout the Jewish scripture, God over and over offers covenants to his people and over and over the people tire of them and break the covenants. As we stand in the middle of Lent, we call on God and ask that he renew us. Make us new, oh Lord! Renew your covenant within our hearts. God responds by sending his only son. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”  May we be inspired by God’s abundant love to continue our journey of renewal and continue to seek out Jesus and his teaching.

There is a lot going on at Saint Juliana during this Lenten season. The first session of our Alpha program two weeks ago was a whirlwind. Literally. We spent half an hour in the basement and hallways as the tornado sirens blared. God has a sense of humor! But forty people began the Alpha journey that night.  We asked participants to give it at least three weeks before making a decision on continuing, but the response so far has been outstanding. Alpha is particularly geared for those searching for more in their life. It is one pathway to experience a new encounter with Jesus. Please include the participants and team in your prayers during this Lent and Easter season. Last weekend the women of the parish also hosted women’s retreat. Over fifty-five women took time out of their busy lives to enhance their relationship with the Lord. Everyone thinks money and possessions are the most important things in our lives, but I disagree. I believe time is our greatest gift, and we guard our time. Taking a day “away” from our daily lives is sacrifice; but from what I saw last week, the women found it very worthwhile.

This weekend the men of Saint Juliana also held a retreat. Though smaller then the women’s retreat, it was just as powerful. I would like to thank the teams of both the women’s and men’s retreats. They gave so much of their treasure—time—to make these experiences worthwhile. Thanks, to all of you!

Fr. Prasad is continuing a Lenten journey at our parish adoration on Tuesdays and offers reconciliation on Friday evenings before our Stations of the Cross. Thanks to Deacon Tom Dombai and Deacon John Rottman for leading our Stations of the Cross along with the Lee and Steve Baggio, and Diane Damert. This coming Friday, March 15, some of the eighth graders will celebrate our Living Stations of the Cross. There will be Living Stations at 2:00pm with the school children, and at 6:00pm. Everyone is invited to either celebration.

Fr. Elliott is also about three weeks into his study of the Book of Romans. I have found it a blessing listening to Elliott as he shares insights to the scripture. It is his passion!

Finally, I wanted everyone to know that our Blessed Mother statue will be heading to a spa for renewal. The statue may already be gone when you read this. A piece of the profits from the fall gala was earmarked to be used to repair and restore the statue. We hope the statue will be back by May 1, 2024. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.  

Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Lent. At three of our Masses we will be using the readings that are published in the bulletin. At the 9:30am Mass we will be using the Cycle A readings as we celebrate the Scrutinies with our RCIA catechumens and candidates. My remarks this morning reflect the Cycle B readings that are in the bulletin. In our second reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, Paul highlights the center of our faith. Jesus Christ, crucified and risen from the dead, is our sign and wisdom. He tells us the Jews look for signs and the gentiles are searching for wisdom. Jesus is both sign and wisdom for we who believe. But sometimes we fall into the same trap as the Jews or the gentiles. We want signs, and we feel at a loss for wisdom. The closer we get to Jesus, the easier it is to trust. God’s folly becomes our new life.

Next Sunday, March 10th at noon, I will be hosting our second leadership summit in the school cafeteria. The focus of this summit will be what we mean when we talk about encountering Jesus. There will be a light lunch, a panel that will talk about an encounter they have had, and then table discussion around the topic. We also will do a review of our evangelization pathway. Everyone is invited to attend. We just need numbers for food, so please contact Marie Dombai if you plan on attending.  

This past week we began our first Alpha program. Over thirty-five people signed up to participate. Alpha is one of the programs we are using to help all of us see our baptismal promises in a new way. In baptism we are called to continually build and support a relationship with Jesus. We also are directed by Jesus to then go out and bring the “good news” to others. There are many ways to recommit ourselves to the Lord. Alpha is one way. Through the Alpha program, we recommit ourselves to Jesus, and then we are asked to go out and invite family and friends who may have walked away from Jesus and the Church to come and see. If you are interested, please contact Marie Dombai in the parish office for more information.

This weekend Saint Juliana held its women’s retreat in the parish office building (convent). Over fifty-five women from the parish and beyond participated in the day of renewal. Thanks to the team who organized and gave witnesses at the retreat. The retreat was another way for the ladies to deepen their relationship with Jesus.

This coming weekend the men are hosting a men’s retreat day. The day will begin at 9:00am in the parish office building. Men can still sign up for this retreat. Let’s all pray for the success of this retreat and the Alpha program as well.

We will have living Stations of the Cross on Friday March 15th. The eighth grade students who are able will enact the stations for us. Stations will begin at 6:00pm. We will also have living stations that day with the school children. Those begin at 2:00pm. Parishioners are welcome to come to the afternoon stations as well. 

Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Lent.  The Gospel today portrays Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain.  Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him up the mountain and while they were there Jesus is transfigured before them.  He radiates light and his clothes are white as snow.  Then Elijah, and Moses appear and begin to talk with Jesus.  The disciples are dumbfounded.  They are caught up in this moment and ask Jesus if they should set up tents for him and the prophets.  They don’t want this moment to end.  And if that wasn’t enough, then a voice is heard claiming, “This is my beloved Son.  Listen to him.”  Then as quickly as it began, the transfiguration ends.  Encounters with the Lord are like that.  They can be clear as day and touch our heart, and then they are gone.  Just like Peter, James and John, we are left to ponder the encounter.  How is God speaking to you today?  Are you open to recognizing the Lord when he comes, or are we too busy or frazzled.  Our faith builds on our encounters with Jesus.  During this season of Lent we are called to look for the Lord’s presence in our lives. 

On Sunday, March 10th, I will be hosting our second Leadership Summit.  It will focus on what we mean when we talk about encounters with Jesus.  Just as the Transfiguration changed the disciples, our encounters with the Lord have the same power to change us.  The summit will begin at noon with a light lunch.  Please RSVP to Marie in the parish office if you would like to join us so we can have enough food.

This Tuesday, February 27th, our Alpha program will begin in the parish office building.  The first session begins with dinner at 7:00 PM, followed by a video and small group discussion.  Alpha is a program designed to help people reignite their relationship with Jesus, or to begin a relationship if they are learning about Jesus for the first time.  Everyone is invited to Alpha!  Please register so we can once again provide the right amount of food for the dinner.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Women’s Retreat which will take place this coming Saturday in the parish office building.  This is a one day retreat beginning at 9:00 AM.  The Men’s retreat is scheduled for a week later on March 9, 2024.  It also begins at 9:00 AM.  We hope you consider joining us.

Last week I wrote about the Rite of Sending and the Rite of Election for our RCIA catechumens and candidates.  These Rites are actually happening today at our 9:30 AM mass.  So if you were wondering what happened last week and why they were not celebrated, it was just your pastor having the wrong day.  Please continue to pray for our RCIA catechumens, candidates and the RCIA team who has worked with them as they move closer to receiving the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. 

Today we celebrate the First Sunday of Lent. In the readings this week there is already a sense of renewal and rebirth. In the first reading from the book of Genesis, we are post flood. God tells Noah, I am now establishing a covenant with you and your descendants. This covenant includes every living creature that came out of the ark after the flood. People and animals are all included in this covenant. For me the exiting of the ark represents birth. These people and animals are a new creation in God. As we enter the season of Lent, we too are preparing ourselves for our own rebirth. Hopefully, through prayer, fasting and charity, we will experience a new encounter with Jesus once again. We hope that our baptismal covenant will once again come to life. Just as Jesus left the desert and proclaimed the good news, we too will leave our deserts behind and share our good news in Jesus.

Today at our 9:30am Mass we will be celebrating the Rite of Sending with our catechumens, Ava Brant and Josie Wilson, and our candidates, Samantha Arce, Adriana Velezquez, and Miranda Velezquez. During the Rite of Sending, we question the catechumens, candidates, and their sponsors as to the readiness of the catechumens and candidates to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter vigil. They will also sign the Book of the Elect that will be brought with them to the Rite of Election that will be held at Holy Name Cathedral this afternoon. At the Rite of Election, Cardinal Cupich will accept our catechumens and candidates into the final preparation for the Easter sacraments. Please pray for our catechumens and candidates as we begin these final days of their preparation.

As we continue to move through this Lenten season, opportunities for growth and reflection are being offered through the parish. We encourage you to join us for daily Mass at 8:30am in the church. On Tuesday evening beginning at 6:00pm there is adoration in the chapel in the office building. The sacrament of reconciliation will be offered on Friday evenings in the chapel and Sunday mornings in the church after the 9:30am Mass. Stations of the Cross will take place on Friday evenings at 6:00pm in the church. These are all ongoing activities for personal prayer and growth.

We also are offering the Alpha program for those looking for a more communal experience of encounter with Jesus. Alpha is held on Tuesday evenings in the parish office building. It begins at 7:00pm with a meal provided by the parish. Then the group watches a video, followed by small-group sharing. We are also offering a women’s and men’s retreat during the season as well. The women’s retreat will take place on Saturday, March 2nd, beginning at 9:00am. The men’s retreat will be held on Saturday, March 9, beginning at 9:00am. Information and registration for all three events can be found in this bulletin. 

Finally, thanks to everyone who was able to make a commitment to the Annual Catholic Appeal for 2024. Your generosity continues to allow not only Saint Juliana to thrive, but the Archdiocese as well. Thank you.

Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and we have two stories that pertain to leprosy. In the first reading from the book of Leviticus, Moses and Aaron are instructed to exclude those with leprosy from the community. The person with leprosy is told to separate themselves from the community and cry out, “Unclean!” Leprosy was seen as a punishment for some sin committed by the person who had it. In the gospel Jesus also encounters a leper. Jewish law hadn’t changed, and lepers were still considered outcasts. Jesus, though, puts the law aside as and sees the person in front of him. Jesus sees his ministry as one of inclusion and healing. Jesus didn’t know any more about the illness we now call Hansen’s disease, but he did know how devastating it was to be excluded from the community. So Jesus does the unthinkable, he touches the man, he welcomes him, he heals him. We are about to begin a season dedicated to returning to God. A season of welcome and healing. Will we choose to commit ourselves to a life of welcome and healing, or will we continue to exclude those we see as the foreigner or the unknown? In our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and country, we have a choice to make.

This week we end Ordinary Time and move into the season of Lent. Our church environment changes each year as a reminder of this season of healing and welcome. On Ash Wednesday, we come together as a community to recommit ourselves to a life in Jesus. We ask God to help us turn away from sin and follow the good news. We commit ourselves to fasting and works of charity. Please join us for one of our three Masses on Ash Wednesday, February 14. The Masses are at 8:30am, 1:30pm, and 7:00pm. Ashes will be distributed during the Mass. Please remember that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence for all of us. Also note that Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence from meat as well.

During Lent I encourage you to join us for daily Mass at 8:30am each morning. On Fridays we will have Stations of the Cross beginning at 6:00pm in church. Adoration is available on Tuesday evenings in the chapel. Also, I encourage you to consider joining the Alpha program that will span the Lent and Easter seasons, beginning on Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00pm. There is also a Men’s Day of Reflection set for Saturday, March 9, beginning at 9:00 AM and a Women’s Retreat Day set for March 2, beginning at 9:00am. Reconciliation is offered on Sunday mornings in the church and Friday evenings before Stations of the Cross. We will also once again offer a Taizé reconciliation prayer service during the season of Lent as well. We hope this is a season for all of us to encounter Jesus and his ministry of healing and welcome once again.

Finally, we joyfully welcome Fr. Prasad home this week. He has been home in India reconnecting with his family, his priest friends, bishop, and parishioners from the past. Fr. Prasad has also renewed his visa as well. I know he has been very busy at home, but he also has had time to rest and rejuvenate. We are looking forward to his return. 

Today we celebrate the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the Gospel, Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law who was ill with a fever. After that everyone who is ill is brought to Jesus. Soon the whole town is gathered outside of the house Jesus was in. Every time I hear this reading, I am reminded of the need for healing that we all have. Everyone is gathered, waiting for Jesus to heal them. We are part of that crowd. After a busy day of healing, eventually Jesus can go out and pray while everyone else is still asleep. The disciples come looking for him and tell him there are more people to be healed in that town. Jesus tells them that they need to move on. His mission is universal, and he needs to spread the good news everywhere. Everyone is entitled to the good news. We are the catalysts that bring the good news into the world. Through our baptism, Jesus entrusts each of us with that mission of healing and peace. The Eucharist gives us strength for the work ahead. We ask God to help us answer the call to discipleship.

This week we celebrate first Reconciliation with the students of the parish who are preparing to celebrate their first Communion in April. Every time we come to the Eucharist, we ask God to forgive our sins. We ask God to look the other way and allow us all to come to the table. God is always gracious and offers that forgiveness. In the sacrament of Reconciliation, we receive grace to do our best. It is God as coach who cheers us on, forgives our sins, and strengthens us to do better. We pray for these children and their families as they celebrate God’s forgiving love. Thanks to their teachers and catechists who have prepared them for this sacrament. May these children be an example to all of us of our own need for forgiveness and peace.

Next weekend we will begin the Annual Catholic Appeal for 2024. In the 2023 appeal the parishioners of Saint Juliana donated $53,720. This year the Archdiocesan goal for Saint Juliana is $65,467. The goal is always based on a percentage of our weekly and holy day collections. Many of you probably have received material already in your home. I know I did. Please feel free to make your pledge from home if you want to. All I would ask is that you make sure Saint Juliana is on the pledge or donation. That way the parish will get credit for your gift. Next Sunday we will have a short talk presented by Cardinal Cupich and then do the in pew portion of the appeal. Please consider making a pledge and join other Catholics in the archdiocese as stewards of God’s gifts to us. Thanks for your generous gifts last year.

This weekend we will have a representative of the Alpha program giving a short testimonial at all of our weekend Masses. They will speak of their involvement in the Alpha program and invite you to consider joining our next Alpha beginning on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Take one of the red Alpha cards home with you and use the QR code for more information and registration. Representatives of the Alpha team will also be in the back of church to answer questions as well. 

Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. There are two themes running through the readings today. In the first theme, God reminds the people through Moses that a prophet will come who will lead God’s people. This news from God might be pointing to any of the prophets that God called from his people Israel. This theme is fulfilled for Christians in the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the prophet who will lead us and guide our paths. Jesus is the true prophet and true God. The second theme is one of God’s revelations in the person of Jesus. Since we celebrated the Epiphany in early January, our Gospels have been filled with miracle stories that show us the power that Jesus has, and who he is. Jesus is God alive in our world. Today’s Gospel continues that theme as even the unclean spirits recognize him and follow his commands. Do we recognize Jesus as the living God? Do we listen to him as even the unclean spirits did, or do we try to put Jesus and his teachings in a side pocket of our lives? Those are the questions before us today.

This week Saint Juliana begins its celebration of Catholic Schools Week. This is a nationwide celebration of the impact Catholic education has had on the life of the Church and our nation. These celebrations are taking place in our grade schools, our high schools, and our Catholic colleges and universities. I believe for most people it is a celebration of the academics, morals, and civic responsibility instilled on those who choose a Catholic education. But the real celebration, and the real purpose of our schools and our religious education programs is to pass on a faith based on Jesus’ call and to fulfill the mission given to us in our baptism to go out to all the world as missionary disciples called to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to our world! Each of us is called to go out and make disciples who will know Jesus and accept his call. This is not just the work of priests or religious. This is the mission of all who have been baptized in Jesus Christ. This call to missionary discipleship is what we celebrate this Catholic Schools Week!

Saint Juliana Parish and School is nearing our one hundredth anniversary. Some of our parish and school families go back four generations. It is a past that we need to celebrate. But we also can’t be complacent because of it. Our  current families in both our school and religious education program need to embrace the invitation given by Jesus to all of us, “Come and See.” Guiding our parish children to a relationship with Jesus is no easy task. We can’t do that unless we as adults once again say yes to the invitation as well. I encourage everyone to recommit during this Catholic Schools Week to a life that seeks encounter with Jesus Christ. We pursued our spouses, our friends, and it is time we once again pursue Jesus.

In late February and early March we are offering a number of activities to help us reencounter Jesus. On February 27th we will begin our first parish Alpha program. We completed the pilot Alpha in the fall and now want to open it to the larger community. Take a card from the pew and scan the QR code for more information. Or ask any of us on staff to fill you in.

On March 3rd Saint Juliana will host a women’s retreat, and on March 10th the parish will host a men’s retreat.  Open yourselves to Jesus’ invitation to “Come and See!”

Today we celebrate the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. The three readings today all have something to say about time. In the first reading from the book of the prophet Jonah, Jonah is sent to the city of Nineveh to tell them that the time of reckoning had come. They were given forty days to change their way or else! Well, they did change, and the destruction of the end was averted. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, Paul tells the people to not let anything stand in the way of their discipleship to Jesus. He tells them the time is short. In the gospel Jesus tells the disciples that his is the time of fulfillment. “The reign of God is at hand! Reform your lives and believe in the Good News.” All three readings sound like Lenten readings, reminding us to not waste our time on things that distract us from the Lord, or even worse, go against the Kingdom of God. The light has come into the world and we are to help make that light shine through our lives.

On this cold winter week I hope that you will take time and consider joining the parish Alpha program at Saint Juliana. We are often looking for something extra to do for Lent and Easter, and Alpha would be a great way to meet other parishioners, reflect on our lives, and encounter Jesus in a new way. All the information is in the bulletin for registration. The first session begins on February 27 at 7:00pm in the parish office building on Osceola. Make sure you invite family and friends who may be searching.

This past Friday we had a great trivia night at Saint Juliana! All the intellectuals of the parish were out to show their stuff. I was there for the food and friendship. The night was sponsored by the Fine Arts association of Saint Juliana to help fund their spring musical, Frozen, Jr. Thanks for everyone who came out and please make plans to attend Frozen, in the spring.

A few upcoming events to put in your calendar. Beginning on January 28th we will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week at Saint Juliana. It is a time for us to celebrate the school, our students and teachers, and all of you who support the parish school. The school is strong and is running at full capacity this year. Based on registrations so far it looks like next year will be the same. This is a once-a-year celebration to honor our history—ninety-seven years of Catholic education!—and to look forward to many adventures and blessings ahead.  Thanks to everyone who is working to make this a great celebration.

Question: What do Ash Wednesday and Valentines Day have in common? This year they are both on the same day. So if you are planning to show your sweetheart that you love them, don’t wait for the actual day. Abstaining, fasting, and refraining from chocolate might not be the valentine your sweetheart wants. I keep telling people I might put big hearts on their foreheads with the ashes. In any case, now you know to celebrate Valentine’s Day early this year. 

Today we celebrate the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Last Monday we ended the Christmas season with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. We added green banners for Ordinary Time in church and took out some of the Christmas decorations. We decided to leave some of the poinsettias in church because they looked so beautiful. This year our winter ordinary time will be short. On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, we will be celebrating Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.

This Sunday as we listen to the readings, we hear two stories of how people were called by God. In the first reading Samuel doesn’t understand who is calling him. He thinks Eli the temple priest is calling him. In the end Eli realizes that God is calling Samuel, and Eli directs Samuel to respond with the simple words, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” In the Gospel it is John the Baptist who recognizes Jesus and lets his disciples know who Jesus is. John’s disciples then begin to follow Jesus. I think there are two roles shown in these readings. As followers we are called to actively participate in both of those roles. In the first role we are called to lead or direct other people to the living God. We are on a journey together and we need to point out those moments when God is active in our lives and world. As we share our stories of encounter with Jesus others realize that God is also at work in their lives. The second role presented in the readings is that of a seeker. Samuel and the disciples in the Gospel actively seek God out. They actively put themselves in positions that will help them clarify God’s call for them. Each of us are called to be seekers, but we have to put ourselves in paths that lead to the Lord. So as we continue this new year I encourage you to consider putting yourselves in God’s path by either signing up for Alpha, or the women’s or men’s retreats. The more we put ourselves out there, the more likely it is that we will encounter the Lord.

Don’t forget to register for the Saint Juliana trivia night. It will be held on this Friday, January 19th in the school hall. The trivia night is one of the ways that the Saint Juliana Fine Arts Association funds their programs throughout the year. We especially are looking forward to the spring production of Frozen, Jr. So gather your family and friends and put your thinking cap on and join us for this year’s trivia night.

Thanks to Saint Juliana Boy Scouts for putting up and taking down our outside manger scene. The scouts have it down to a science, and I appreciate not having to worry about it. Thanks also to Dan for putting up our outside lights and taking them down as well. Thanks to David Plier and family for putting up the manger scene in the church and taking it down as well. And thanks to Mike Bronk for hanging the wreaths in church and taking them down. This is quite a team who helps us with our Christmas decorations, and we are grateful for their help! 

Today the Christmas celebration continues with the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. Whether we call them kings, magi, or astrologers, we all know the story of these foreign dignitaries who come to find the newborn king of the Jews. The kings’ appearance creates quite a stir for Herod and those who follow him. Herod is oblivious to what has taken place in his own kingdom. He is too busy with day-to-day events to think about a savior who has come into the world. Yet the light of Jesus called to strangers from distant lands. This was one of the first epiphanies of Jesus—the eye-opening event that says Jesus came to save the whole world, and not just a small portion of the world. All we must do is open our eyes and be open to the salvation Jesus is offering. I think today it is especially important as we are being asked to exclude the foreigner, criminalize those who are different, circle our wagons against real or imaginary threats, to realize that Jesus’ light is a gift to all humanity. We are just one recipient of that gift. The other important piece of the celebration today is that the gift of light, hope and peace that has been given to us is meant to be shared.

Tomorrow, Monday January 8th, we celebrate the last feast of the Christmas season. The Baptism of the Lord seems a bit out of place. After a few weeks of stories of Jesus’ Nativity, we now find ourselves almost thirty years later at the bank of the Jordan River. It is another epiphany, as Jesus is made known to all those who are present that day at the Jordan. Jesus approaches John the Baptist and asks for baptism. John does not want to baptize Jesus because he knows who Jesus is. Jesus insists, and when the baptism occurs the skies open and a voice says, “You are my beloved Son. On you my favor rests.” As we end the Christmas season we move from infancy to adulthood, from possibilities to action. Let us all work this year to bring Christ’s light into our world.

This week both Saint Juliana School and our religious education program will be starting again. Hopefully all of the students and teachers had some time to regroup and relax over the Christmas holiday. We have had a few emergency repairs completed over the Christmas break in the school. Pipes under the oldest part of the school, the south facing wing, have been leaking steam and messing up the floors. Work was completed and hopefully we are done with emergencies for a while. We are still expecting that some of the new windows in the school will be installed over the Easter break. This will be a welcome change that helps with easy ventilation to our classrooms. We always seem to have an exciting project on the horizon.  Stay tuned for what might be next.

Just because I know people will be asking, I want to let everyone know that Fr. Roger left this week for his winter break in Florida. He will be gone for at least two months and expects to get back sometime in March. Hopefully Fr. Roger can rest and rejuvenate. Fr. Prasad is also leaving this week for a trip back to India. He will be meeting with his bishop and priest friends from his diocese, visiting with family, and working on his visa. Fr. Prasad should be back in early February. Fr. Prasad has been away from family and friends for almost two years. I hope Prasad has a great visit with his family and friends.

Finally, I want to give a general thank you to everyone who has made our Advent and Christmas celebrations so meaningful at Saint Juliana. I have heard from so many about the beautiful decorations, the wonderful music and the welcoming spirit shown by everyone in the parish. Thanks also for all your financial support. Our Christmas and Easter collections are an important part of our budget, and you once again showed your willingness to keep Saint Juliana strong. I hope that 2024 will be an exciting time for all of us. 

Today we continue our celebration of Christmas with the Feast of the Holy Family. Jesus, our Light, came into the world. Like each of us, Jesus came into a family. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are not your normal family. Mary and Joseph often have visions and visits from angels and spirits. Their marriage is rushed because Mary is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Family are refugees who must move from their hometowns because of government decrees. Finally, they end up living in a barn because there isn’t a room for them to stay. And when Mary at last gives birth to Jesus, and Joseph and Mary are hoping for a bit of peace and quiet, everyone stops by for a visit including angels, shepherds, and kings. Sound familiar?

I always say that the Church has put this feast in the middle of the Christmas holiday as a reminder that any chaos we experience in our own families has been experienced by the Holy Family as well, especially during the Christmas holidays. We idealize the Holy Family, but if we listen carefully to the story, life for Mary, Joseph and Jesus was not a bed of roses—yet they survived and thrived. That is the promise each of us receives on this feast day. God will be with our families every day. The Light will lead and guide our interactions; and when difficulty, worry, or chaos ensues, God will help us through it. Family life is not always easy, but with God’s help we find joy in our family and friends.

As the old year ends, I would like to offer thanks to everyone who has helped to make the celebrations of Christmas so meaningful. First a thank you to the Saint Juliana School children who gave a tremendous Christmas performance last week for their families and friends. Thanks also to the junior high students for putting together Christmas gift bags for the residents at Saint Benedict’s senior living facility. And  to the eighth graders for delivering those same gift bags before Christmas and to those who also had roles in our Living Nativity. And thanks to the volunteers who provided treats after the performance.

Thanks also to everyone who made each of our church celebrations so impressive. We thank Glenn de Castro and the choirs, cantors, and musicians for the heavenly songs of Christmas. We thank our readers, who gracefully told our story at each of the Masses. Thanks to our communion ministers who faithfully present Jesus to us every week. Thanks to all the servers who showed up during the holidays and special thanks to our ushers who worked so hard to welcome families and guests to Saint Juliana. Together with all of you who attended our celebrations, we are a holy family!

 As the year ends, I want to thank all of you who have generously supported Saint Juliana through your monetary gifts. For generations, dreams have become reality because of your generosity and support. Like the Holy Family, let’s keep dreaming as we enter 2024. Together we will make our parish dreams a reality.

Finally, we will have one mass on New Years Day for the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, the mother of God. After all of the craziness of the New Year celebrations, beginning the New Year with a peaceful Mass sounds heavenly. Please join us if you are able at 10:00am.

Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent. In the first reading from the Book of Samuel, King David tells Nathan the prophet that he should build a temple for God to dwell in. David thinks it is only fitting for all the ways God has blessed himself and Israel. But God tells David that there is no need for a temple because he is in all of them. God also reminds David that he has been with them through all their journeys and will continue to be with them forever. The temple God desires is for each of us to be open to his word and teachings. In the Gospel, Mary is visited by the Angel Gabriel and is told that she would bare the Son of God. Mary is stunned, but because of her relationship with God, she says “yes” to what God is asking of her. Tonight, and tomorrow each of us will be asked to welcome the Christ into our homes, and more importantly into our hearts, just as Mary did. Christmas is the time we celebrate the “Light of the Nations,” Jesus Christ. As we joyfully gather with family and friends to celebrate the gift of a God who is with us, we give thanks for another year of blessing and hope.

Today the waiting is over. The preparations are complete. The Saint Juliana family invites everyone to come and celebrate the gift that is God with us! Our Christmas Masses begin this afternoon at 3:30pm and at 5:30pm. Tomorrow morning, Christmas day, we will celebrate at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:00am. Surrounded by church family and friends we glory in the hope and peace that is Jesus Christ. We hope to see everyone throughout this Christmas season.

A few weeks ago, we invited parishioners and leaders of parish groups to come together to discuss a vision for Saint Juliana moving forward. We stressed the importance of searching for and recognizing fresh encounters with Jesus Christ. What do we mean by a fresh encounter? Think of the relationships you have with spouses, family, and friends. Unless you make time, seek out new adventures, and put yourself out there, the relationships can begin to feel routine, or even worse, stale. It is the same with our relationship with Jesus. Besides the “obligation” of Sunday Mass, do I make an effort to encounter Jesus in a new way? Christmas is a great time to recommit to building a stronger relationship with the Lord. Give a gift to yourself. Consider signing up for the next “Alpha” that will be beginning in February. Mark your calendars for the men’s or women’s retreats coming up in March. Stop in at adoration on Tuesday evening. Or hook up with Fr. Elliott for bible study or book club. All it takes is you making the commitment and saying “yes.” Too often we wait for something better to come along and end up doing nothing. Let’s all make this a year of action. It is time to get off the bench and get into the game.

This week the parish office will be open sporadically. I recommend you call before heading into the office. We will be checking the parish messages throughout the week.

Finally, on behalf of Fr. Roger, Fr. Elliott, Fr. Prasad, the parish staff, and myself, we wish you a joy filled, hope filled, and peace filled Christmas! May the Lord’s light shine brightly on you and your families during this holy season and the upcoming year.

Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent. The readings begin to transition to the first coming of God in Jesus. In the gospel we hear about John the Baptist. John is questioned by the leaders of Jerusalem as to whether he is the coming Messiah. John is quick to say he is not the Messiah, rather he is a prophet who is calling people to the light that will come into the world. He quotes the prophet Isaiah, telling the leaders, “I am a voice in the desert, crying out: Make straight the way of the Lord.” Today’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah tells us that he has been called to prepare the world for the Messiah who is to come. I believe we also are called like Isaiah to prepare ourselves and the world for Jesus’ coming. Here is what Isaiah tells us, “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because he has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God.” Isaiah’s response is pure joy! He is ready for his mission; are we?

This Thursday, December 21st, Saint Juliana will host the living nativity in the school parking lot. The Living Nativity is a way for the community to gather and celebrate the Christmas season. Our eighth graders will act out the bible story of Jesus’ birth. It is a chance for all of us to refocus on the center of the Christmas celebration: Jesus coming into a world that is looking for light. Jesus is our light. The animals for the living nativity will be on site from 6:00-8:00pm. We will act out the story of Jesus’ birth twice during that time at 6:30pm and 7:15pm. There will also be some cookies and hot chocolate available as refreshments. 

Next weekend. December 23rd and 24th, we will be celebrating the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The 5:00pm Mass and the 7:30am and 9:30am Masses will mark the Fourth Sunday of Advent. We will not have an 11:00am Mass next Sunday, December 24th, so we can prepare for the celebration of Christmas in the afternoon.

The celebration of Christmas will begin at 3:30pm on Sunday afternoon, December 24th, with our first Mass of Christmas. We will also have a 5:30pm Mass on Christmas Eve as well. On Monday, Christmas Day we will have three Masses. They are scheduled for 7:30am, 9:30am, and 11:00am. We look forward to celebrating with all the Saint Juliana families over the Christmas holiday!

We will not be celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation on Sunday, December 24th. Reconciliation will resume on Sunday, December 31st, after the 9:30am Mass.

Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent. In the Gospel of Mark we hear, “Here begins the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Each and every time we gather in Jesus’ name, we again are given the “good news.” It is a gift given to all who believe and open themselves to an encounter with Jesus. Both the prophet Isaiah and John the Baptist remind us that one greater than all of us will come and will change our world. Most of the prophets, as well as John the Baptist, were seen as odd. They didn’t necessarily follow the established rules on faith, politics, and the world around them. They envisioned things that others couldn’t see. As we continue this Advent season, we ask God to open our eyes and hearts to the possibilities around us. Help us to see coming light in darkness and to feel work toward peace in our families, workplaces, and world.

Today we celebrate the Rite of Acceptance with the RCIA candidates and catechumen. Ava Brant, our catechumen, will receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. Adriana Velazquez, Miranda Velazquez, and Samantha Arce will be receiving the sacrament of confirmation at the Easter Vigil. They have been journeying since September ,and now we get to show them our commitment to their journey. As a parish community we will promise them our support and prayers on this journey. This celebration will take place today at the 9:30am Mass. Please keep them in your prayers. 

This week we invite everyone to join us for our Advent Taizé prayer and reconciliation. Taizé prayer is a distinctive style of meditative prayer developed in France. Through repetitive song, silence, and readings, it helps quiet the spirit. I think in the busyness of the Christmas season it is especially needed. So on Tuesday, December 12th, join us at 7:00pm. Some might want to just come for the prayer, others may also want to take advantage of the sacrament of reconciliation. Priests will be available, whatever your choice. Please take time in your hectic schedule to sit with the Lord and open yourself to God’s healing power.

This year our Advent season is very short. What do I mean by that? Well, the Fourth Sunday of Advent will also be the morning of Christmas Eve. So even though we will have four Sundays of Advent we will only have three full weeks of Advent. Practically, what does that mean? It means that on December 23rd and 24th, we will celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent at three Masses. The 5:00pm Mass on Saturday and the 7:30am ad 9:30am Mass on Sunday. We will not have an 11:00am Mass on December 24th. We will begin the Christmas celebration on December 24th with our first Christmas Mass at 3:30pm, followed by a 5:30pm Mass. On Monday, December 25th, we will have three Masses for Christmas—at 7:30am, 9:30am, and 11:00am. So now you have it! If your head is spinning, know that ours is spinning as well. We look forward to celebrating with you and your families over the Christmas holiday.

On Thursday, December 21st,  Saint Juliana will once again be hosting the Living Nativity. The Living Nativity will be outside in the parking lot adjacent to the Ahearn Center.  Our four-legged actors, the animals, will be here from 6:00 -8:00pm. At 6:30pm and 7:15pm, we will share the story of Jesus’ birth. and our eighth graders will act it out. Our children’s choir will lead all of us in a few songs as well.  We hope it is a simple way for our families to gather and celebrate together the joy of the Christmas holiday. Invite neighbors and friends and introduce them to the Saint Juliana community. 

Today we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent. In today’s gospel we are reminded to “Be watchful, be alert!” We begin the Church year as we ended it, waiting and preparing for the second coming of the Lord. The prophet Isaiah is so ready for the coming that he calls on God to come and make things new again. Isaiah uses the image of a potter who takes a piece of clay and fashions it into a work of art. We are the clay that God will fashion. Are we open to the Lord and willing to become the piece of art that God is forming a new?

This Friday, December 8th, we will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From its earliest days, many within the Church believed that if Mary is the Mother of God, then it would be impossible for her to have been born with the stain of original sin. It took over 1800 years for the Church to finally enshrine the Immaculate Conception of Mary as dogma. As a parish we will celebrate the feast day with two Masses. There will be an 8:30am and a 7:00pm Mass. The school children will be joining us for the 8:30am Mass. Please take time to join us for this celebration of our Blessed Mother.

On December 12th we also celebrate another feast of Mary that is very important to our brothers and sisters of Mexican descent. Mary appears to Juan Diego and asks him to build a church in her honor. At first the church leaders are skeptical; but eventually, as her image is imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma, or cloak, the bishop is convinced. We consider Mary the Mother of the Americas. So don’t be surprised if you see pilgrims walking or riding horses through your neighborhood toward the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines. It will be a day of great celebration for those who participate.

Next Tuesday, December 12th, we will also be celebrating our parish Advent reconciliation service. This year we will embed the reconciliation service in a taizé prayer. Taizé prayer is a distinctive style of meditative prayer developed in France. It incorporates silence, readings from scripture, and repetitive songs or chants. The prayer allows us to open our hearts and minds to God’s work within us. In this prayer the option for sacramental reconciliation will be offered for those who desire it. Others may choose to come and participate in the prayer and not receive the sacrament. The choice is yours. I do though encourage everyone to include the evening in your Advent preparation.  

Finally, this past week we ended our pilot Alpha program. I want to thank the Alpha team who worked so hard to provide a welcoming space for those seeking a deeper connection to our Lord, Jesus. Thanks also to the parish participants who volunteered to join this first Alpha. I know that they were an inspiration to the team, and that God has spoken to them in different ways. They also helped the team hone their skills for the future Alphas to come. The next Alpha will begin in early February and will be open to anyone in the parish or neighborhood.

Today we celebrate the Thirty-Fourth Sunday of the year, the Feast of Christ the King. This is also the last Sunday in the Church calendar. Next week we begin a new Church year with the First Sunday of Advent. So what does this feast of Christ the King offer us? It reminds us that the king written about in scripture will come as a shepherd. The king will search every nook and cranny to find any sheep that have been lost. He will even search out the dark and hidden spots where some of the sheep may be holding up. This king does not want to lose even one sheep. He hopes to find all the sheep and lead them into safe pastures.  This is the story of Jesus. He comes to restore us to our original goodness. He gives his life so that we may live our lives to the fullest. This is the king we celebrate today and everyday in our lives.

This coming Saturday, I will be hosting a parish leadership summit. We invite ministry leaders, ministers, ministry/club members and parishioners to attend the summit, which we will hold in the school hall. Enter through door number three, nearest the elevator. My hope is to set out a pathway to renewal in the parish as envisioned in the Renew My Church process. The morning will include prayer, input, and discussion among all who join us. The world is changing every day. The Church exists in our changing world and needs to be open to new pathways that lead people to a deeper relationship with Jesus. Hopefully, together we can begin a journey that deepens our own relationship with the Lord, and share that relationship with others. Please register by emailing Marie Dombai at [email protected].

On December 12th, Saint Juliana will be hosting our parish Advent reconciliation service. This year we are offering the sacrament of Reconciliation in the context of an evening of Taizé prayer. For those who have not experienced Taizé prayer before, it is a prayer that came out of an ecumenical monastic community located in the Burgandy region of France. Taizé prayer is a simple, meditative form of worship, calling us all to dwell deeply on Christ’s presence around and within us. Mantra songs, prayerful silence, and short readings guide the focus of the Taizé prayer. The Taizé prayer is open for everyone in the parish. For those who want to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, it will be offered during the Taizé prayer. Please mark your calendar and join us for our Advent Taizé Reconciliation service. 

There will be lots of things going on in the parish during December. I want to leave you today with an invitation to join us on December 8th for the Feast of the immaculate Conception. Because Mary bore Jesus our Savior, the Church believes she could not have been stained with original sin. Because she was conceived without original sin, she is given the title of the Immaculate Conception. Under the title of the Immaculate Conception, Mary is considered the patroness of the United States. We will have a mass at 8:30am and at 7:00pm on December 8th. Please join us if you are able.