In a few days, we will celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. After Jesus completed His mission, He ascended into heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Father. Before He said good-bye to His disciples, Jesus assured them: “I will not leave you orphans.” He gave them the gift of His presence in the Holy Eucharist so that they would not feel alone. He promised to send them the Consoler, the Holy Spirit, who would teach them everything. He gave them also another precious gift – His own mother.
You might have heard about this undertaking in the archdiocese called “Renew My Church”. It is an attempt to prepare the Church in Chicago for the future, taking into account the growing shortage of priests. Several parishes have already been closed or merged. Our ordination classes are getting smaller while the number of priests retiring each year is growing. We just celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday when we focused our attention on Jesus Who lays down His life for us. Just like Jesus, we need good shepherds to take care of Catholics here in the US.
Historically we have been a religious nation. Among the industrialized countries, the US always stood out as the most religious. The latest Gallup poll, however, revealed that only 49% of Americans belong to a church, temple, or mosque. The majority does not identify itself as part of any organized religion. People professing faith in institutional religion have become a minority.
Over the last weekend as well as during the coming weekends, our young men and women will be receiving their confirmation. Due to the pandemic, the bishops are not conferring the sacrament this year. Instead they have given the faculty to pastors to confirm their candidates. I feel privileged to celebrate confirmation for our young men and women to whom I had the fortune of giving First Holy Communion six years ago. As we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in our parish, I invite all of us to reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity Who is our sanctifier.
On the Second Sunday of Easter every year we hear the same gospel story that speaks of Thomas who doubted. The apostle, who according to an ancient tradition went to India to preach the gospel, is identified with his doubts even though he laid down his life for the Faith. We are grateful that he refused to believe without hard evidence, because his refusal has made our faith stronger. By asking to touch His wounds and to put his hand into His side, Thomas ensured for all of us that the Crucified Lord was truly risen.
On this day that the Lord has made, I want to wish each and every one of you the joys of this holy season. May we all experience the full life that the Risen Lord brings! Let us continue to hold our parish community in prayer. We rejoice at Easter because death is swallowed up in victory. Death has lost its sting and we are assured of eternal life. The sadness and gloom of Good Friday yield to the triumphal joy of Easter morn. Easter always arrives in spring when nature begins to sprout. This is not a mere coincidence. It reminds us of the profound significance of this feast. If we are filled with the Easter spirit, we must be full of life.
Mission Statement: As children of God, living in a Catholic community of faith, we are united by the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Aware that all we have is gift and grace from our Heavenly Father, we strive to give of our time, talent and treasure to build His kingdom on earth. We live this mission, challenged by the Word, nurtured by the Sacraments, and enlivened by the Spirit, to serve our brothers and sisters in peace, justice and dignity. All are welcome on this journey.
Monday through Friday
8:30 am - Upper Church
Saturday
4:30 pm - Upper Church
Sunday
7:30 am - Upper Church
9:00 am - HFC
9:30 am - Gym
10:30 am - Upper Church
12:00 pm - Gym
1st and 3rd Friday
after 8:30 am Mass
(must attend Mass first)
Wednesday
3-4 pm - Upper Church
Saturday
8-9 am - Upper Church
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8:30 am - Upper Church
4:30 pm (vigil) - Upper Church
7:30 am - Upper Church
9:00 am - Holy Family Chapel
9:30 am - Gym
10:30 am - Upper Church
12:00 pm - Gym
