AN URGENT MESSAGE – JUNE 24, 2024
Dear St. Catherine-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parishioners,
To follow up my brief message shared by the presider at each Mass this weekend, I want to personally express a heartfelt thank you for all the forms of support you give to our parish. Your ongoing stewardship makes the work of the parish possible. It is that important work, our robust ministries and vast outreach efforts which compel me to reach out to you in this time of need. As the end of our fiscal year is upon us, it is my hope that you will feel inspired to extend your help.
You are probably aware from our weekly stewardship report that Sunday Offertory has a shortfall of just over $100,000 year-to-date. Like any household, our parish creates an annual operations budget with anticipated expenses and projected income which is primarily funded by the weekly Offertory. The shortfall in Offertory has been a challenge since Covid. Although many parishioners have come back to Church, there are still many who have simply found reasons not to return.
Despite fewer worshippers at Mass, the parish has become more vibrant and alive. We celebrate liturgy with Gospel music under the direction of Julius White. Our St Catherine-St. Lucy School has the largest enrollment it has had in years under the leadership of Principal Sharon Leamy. The St. Catherine-St Lucy campus graciously opened its doors to the migrants living at the District 15 Police Station one year ago on June 27 which was the beginnings of our bustling Migrant Ministry. Housing Forward and The Neighborhood Bridge are preparing to expand services offered at the St. Catherine-St. Lucy Rectory.
The new ministry collaborative of shared faith formation and Religious Education programs and offerings across the Oak Park Catholic Community now moves into its second year. The Oak Park Migrant Ministry has now expanded its services offering not only clothing, essentials, and breakfast meals, but case management and medical and legal services. In addition, the ministry has also been able to transaction close to 10 migrant families into apartments so they can begin their new lives in the United States.
The Rose K. Goedert Early Childhood Center has moved from Dominican University to the Gleeson Building on the St. Giles campus. Under the guidance of Principal Meg Bigane, St. Giles School enrollment will increase as a result. It brings me great joy to report that the St. Giles worship site will once again have a fully functional pipe organ. This project has been in the works for over a decade and by the fall, an opening night reception will be planned for its debut. Much of the organ project has been funded by individual donors.
Nevertheless, the shortfall in our Sunday Offertory is of great concern as we end this fiscal year. Would you consider an additional charitable donation to help close that gap? Donations can be made by a check dropped off or mailed to the Parish Center this week OR online through GiveCentral using the link / button below. Any contribution you make qualifies as a charitable tax deduction and will be gratefully appreciated. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Click to Contribute Online – Thank you!
With you a Christian. For you a priest.
Fr. Carl Morello
Pastor
St. Catherine of Siena – St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
ARTICLE FROM OUR PARISH BULLETIN – JULY 14, 2024
BEWARE… scammers are once again sending emails in my name asking for money or gift cards to help me out of a jam or to show support to our parish staffs. IGNORE them! They are not from me. The sender’s e-mail address is a bit of a giveaway if you look carefully. If I really needed help, I would call someone directly. SO BE AWARE!
On the 4th of July, Father Rex and I celebrated a beautiful Mass at our Saint Edmund worship site. About 100 folks attended, and those present represented members from both of our unified parishes. I believe this was the first time the Oak Park community gathered for a holiday at just one Mass. The prayers and music were beautiful; but what was most special were the people and what they represented. There was an openness to trying and doing something new and different that worked and was a sign of unity.
At the end of Mass, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to add this comment which I want to share with all today. For some, it was the first time in Saint Edmund Church. I commented that this was one of four unique and beautiful churches in the Oak Park Community. I have been privileged to offer Mass in each one. While our history is one that identifies us with our church buildings and the communities we worship with, what is it that really makes us one no matter what building or table we celebrate around? WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST!
During this time of Spiritual Renewal with change and transition for us all, we cannot lose sight of this fact. It is Jesus who is the true cornerstone of our faith wherever we are and whoever is worshiping with us. May our minds, hearts, and souls find joy and strength to let this truth guide us in word and action as we walk the journey of renewal together.
After Mass on the 4th of July, several folks asked that I share my homily. The Gospel was the Beatitudes where Jesus offers a vision of the Kingdom of God. This is a kingdom characterized by humility, mercy, purity, and peace. These teachings challenge us as citizens of this nation to embody these virtues in our lives and in our actions in our communities. I chose four to speak about, but I am sharing the one that I feel is at the top of the list.
BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT, THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. As Americans, we cherish the ideals of freedom and opportunity. Yet, true freedom begins with recognizing our need for God and one another. In our INDEPENDENCE, let us not forget our INTERDEPENDENCE. We are called to support those who are struggling, to lift up the marginalized, and to ensure that all have the chance to thrive. Our greatest strength lies not in our might, but in our ability to embody the values of the Beatitudes.
Finally… delays and flexibility are a fact of life and a value to be practiced. What do I mean? At the Saint Giles worship site, the installation of the newly refurbished organ has been delayed. Our installation date was May, now late July with completion in the fall, hopefully September.
At the Saint Edmund worship site, the scaffolding was to be taken down beginning on June 25. It was planned to be down by July 14, the 117th anniversary of the first Catholic Mass celebrated in Oak Park in the stable on the Scoville Estate. However, due to weather, the holiday, and other unforeseen delays, it will not all be down until… TBD! Again, delays and the need for flexibility are a part of life!
A shared Mass, where we will be blessing and sending forth BOTH ASP groups from our two parishes, will be held this Sunday, July 14, at 5 pm in the courtyard on the Saint Giles campus, weather permitting. NOTE: The regular 5 pm Oak Park Catholic Parishes’ Mass at Saint Edmund Church will still take place as usual.
Be safe and well.
With you a Christian. For you a priest.
Fr. Carl Morello
Pastor
St. Catherine of Siena – St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
