May 2, 2021 — Fifth Sunday of Easter
(Gospel of John 15:8) of John (Gospel By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. my fruit become and much bear glorified,you that Father my Byis this Weekly Prayer & Worship Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays, 4:00-4:30 p.m. (no reservation needed) Enter through the main doors—Wear your mask
Reservations are required for Mass & Adoration Register at our parish EventBrite page: Saint Mary Parish https://www.eventbrite.com/o/saint-mary-parish-14857051425 Established 1865 A Community of Faith Weekday Mass Schedule Mondays-Saturdays 8:00 a.m. in the Church and Service in Christ Daily Mass, recorded from our parish Chapel Sunday-Saturday on our parish YouTube channel by 7:00 a.m. PARISH CENTER HOURS https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrHFC5MpGVi- 1012 Lake Street, Evanston IL 60201 26PQuX55h2w (847) 864-0333
The Parish Center is CLOSED Sunday Mass Schedule Staff Is Available by Phone Saturday, 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 8:00 & 9:30 a.m. in the Church Enter through the Main Doors—Wear your mask Father Kevin McCray Pastor, ext 204 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament [email protected] Sunday afternoons, 3:00-4:00 p.m. in the church Father Tony Joseph Associate Pastor, ext. 212 Saint Mary Parish Conference, Deacon Dennis Robak, ext. 209 Society of Saint Vincent de Paul [email protected]
Deacon Ramon & Julia Navarro, x202 Our St. Vincent de Paul Society continues to [email protected] be available to our parishioners and our [email protected] neighbors in need.
Director of Music & Liturgy If you are in need, or know someone who is, please contact us: Dianne Fox, ext. 210 (847) 869-6134, leave a message and one of our Vincentians [email protected] will return your call.
Director of Faith Formation All requests are confidential. Karie Ferrell, ext. 203 [email protected]
Business Manager Leticia Montoya, ext. 201 [email protected]
Reopening Team [email protected]
Regional Director, Youth Ministry United Catholic Youth Ministry James Holzhauer-Chuckas ObSB, ext 231 Baptism Preparation for Parents [email protected] Parents are required to attend a preparation session at least Dr. Molly Cinnamon two months before scheduling a date for the baptism. Principal, Pope John XXIII School Please visit our website (stmaryevanston.org) to complete (847) 475-5678 the registration form. Deacon Dennis Robak will contact you [email protected] to arrange the time for the preparation class. Saint Vincent de Paul Society (847) 869-6134 Page 2 www.stmaryevanston.org To Help Us Worship & Pray Together
Today we are reminded of the importance of the ecclesial community, the branches on the vine that is Jesus and tended by the vine grower who is God. During this past year, God has been very busy tending our branches while we may have been feeling a bit stunted in our personal growth. But the beauty of being a part of a loving church commu- nity is that even when we cannot be together in person, we are always connected by that vine – so we are never apart.
In some ways we feel that maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we are filled with hope that we will all be together again, very soon. We’ve been able to increase the number of people allowed to be pre- sent at our Masses and we continue to find ways that we can grab a sense of “normal.” Ironically, even see- ing our Ushers return to being able to take up the collection with those long-handled baskets fills us with a sense of peace!
But we do still struggle to “get Church back” to the way it was. Picking up the hymnal to view the prayers, the readings, and most significantly, to sing together – especially the Glorias and the Hosannas! Singing is one of the most important ways we join as an ecclesial body when we join in the celebration of the “source and summit of the Christian life.” It has been a conundrum to ask you not to sing right now – it goes against all I know and all I believe in, except for one very important fact: I know and believe in you, and I know that right now any singing and yelling and playing wind instruments is dangerous to the health of those around us. And since we are all a part of one very important set of branches of our ecclesial vine, I do not want any harm to come to any of you.
So many of us have been vaccinated, it’s true, but we are still required to wear our masks nevertheless, out of care for one another, and so we also must continue to ask our communities not to sing. A day will come, very, very soon, when the total opposite will come, and I’ll be begging you all to join in!
Other than our special services, we’ve not been able to provide worship aids, but if you’re still struggling with the reciting of the Glory to God or the Creed, or if you really want to be able to see the text of the scripture, you might want to download one of a few great apps for your phone or tablet that will allow you to view the whole Mass, right in front of you! (Yes, it’s okay to pull out your phone during Mass, if this is the reason!)
I’d like to share a few that I’ve tried and have enjoyed using.
• iMissal is my personal favorite, and the one I use regularly. It’s a free download and available for all the basic phones and tablets. It includes the saints, novenas and special prayers. And they even offer a bible that you can purchase. • Laudate is another great free app that includes not only the Mass but the Liturgy of the Hours and other resources. • Many of you, I know, are familiar with the subscription publication Magnificat. They also offer a very fine assortment of apps, some free and some for a nominal fee. They offer a Sunday Mass app, but also many wonderful seasonal supplements.
I’m hopeful that some of these suggestions might help us worship and pray together as a community and help you personally during these times when it’s been such a differ- ent worship experience. While I prefer to hear us all singing together, I must tell you that as I worship with you in the Choir Loft, my heart just lifts in joy when I hear all our voices join in the reciting of the prayers. Dianne Fox, Director
of Music & Liturgy We can make music in so many ways – and sometimes it’s with just the spoken word!
www.stmaryevanston.org Page 3 May is the Month of Mary!
As the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary has a unique position among the saints, indeed, among all creatures. She is exalted, yet still one of us.
Redeemed by reason of the merits of her Son and united to Him by a close and indissoluble tie, she is en- dowed with the high office and dignity of being the Mother of the Son of God, by which account she is also the beloved daughter of the Father and the temple of the Holy Spirit. Because of this gift of sublime grace she far surpasses all creatures, both in heaven and on earth. At the same time, however, because she belongs to the offspring of Adam she is one with all those who are to be saved. (Lumen Gentium, no. 53)
Mary embraces God's will and freely chooses to cooperate with God's grace, thereby fulfilling a crucial role in God's plan of salvation. Throughout the centuries, the Church has turned to the Blessed Virgin in order to come closer to Christ. Many forms of piety toward the Mother of God developed that help bring us closer to her Son. In these devotions to Mary, "while the Mother is honored, the Son, through whom all things have their being and in whom it has pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell, is rightly known, loved and glorified and . . . all His commands are observed." The Church honors her as the Mother of God, looks to her as a model of perfect discipleship, and asks for her prayers to God on our behalf.
From Vatican News Pope Urges Catholics to pray in May for end to Covid-19 Pandemic
Catholics across the globe are encouraged to dedicate the Marian month of May to praying for an end to the pandemic. The initiative, behind which the Pope has thrown his support, involves 30 Marian Shrines from various parts of the world. The Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization announced the news with a press release on Wednesday afternoon. It takes place under the theme “The whole Church was fer- vently praying to God,” which recalls a verse in the Book of Acts (12:5).
Prayer initiative
“The initiative will involve all the Shrines of the world in a special way, so that they might encourage the faith- ful, families, and communities to recite the Rosary to pray for an end to the pandemic,” read the statement. Pope Francis will open the Marian month of prayer on 1 May with a Rosary broadcast across Vatican Media’s platforms. Each day will see Vatican News broadcast the recitation of the Rosary at 6 PM Rome time from the various Shines taking part in the initiative. The Pope will also close the initiative on 31 May with another special- ly-broadcast Rosary.
End to the pandemic
This year’s dedication of May to pandemic-related prayer recalls a similar occurrence during the first wave in March 2020. Pope Francis led the world in prayer during that confusing and difficult time, celebrating a live-streamed, daily Mass in the Casa Santa Marta. After more than a year, and with the world still in the grips of the pandemic, the Pope and the Church around the world are once again leading the way in implor- ing God for an end to the suffering which so many people are forced to bear.
By Devin Watkins https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-04/pope-francis-shrines-may-2021-prayer-end-pandemic.html
Visit our parish website for more information and for the Pope’s Prayers
Page 4 www.stmaryevanston.org SPRING APPEAL
Backpack Drive On May 1st and 2nd, there will be a second collection in support of the St. in Support of Asylum Seekers Mary conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. You can contribute in United Catholic Youth Ministries is teaming up with the Inter- person, during Mass; you can send a faith Community for Detained Immigrants and is doina two- check to the parish office; or you can part service making up backpacks for folks being released contribute via Faith Direct. Please from detention facilities. We will be starting our project with a help the St. Mary Vincentians as they drive for the items we need to make the backpacks. continue their work to help our poor • Travel Size Toiletries neighbors and friends in need. • Wash cloths, hand towels, travel hair brushes for all To Contribute Through Faith Direct hair types, women’s hygiene products Visit: faithdirect.net • Men’s Large & Women’s Small & Medium Clothes: Sign in to go to your account page jackets, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, belts Or click “GIVE NOW” ~ enter church If you miss the drop-off last weekend, contact the UCYM code IL372, click “GIVE NOW” staff to schedule a drop-off. Choose “One Time Gift” Email: [email protected] or Phone: (847) 868-3520 Enter “St. Vincent de Paul Spring Appeal” in the “Note” box
SCHOOL BOARD OPENINGS 2021-2022 Academic Year
The Pope John XXIII School Board consists of parents and parishioners who advise and assist the principal and the pastors of St. Mary and St. Nicholas in their leadership of the school.
Members of the Board should be at least 21 years of age and registered members of either St. Mary or St. Nicholas parish, or if elected for a non-parishioner position, be a parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the school at the time they are listed as a candidate for election or re- election to the Board. Employ- ees of the school or parish, as well as their immediate family members, are ineligible to serve.
There are two openings on the Pope John XXIII School Board for the coming academic year, 2021-22, one for a representative of St. Mary Parish and one for a representative of St. Nicholas Parish. Responsibilities include attending a meeting on the third Tuesday evening of every month save July and participating on a committee within the Board.
Interested candidates should email Christine O’Connor, current Board President, at [email protected], for more information about the process.
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This Week’s Readings
Readings for the 5th Week of Easter
Sunday: Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 9:26-31; Psalm 22; 1John 3:18-24 Gospel of John 15:4-5
Monday: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Psalm 19; John 14:6-14
Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28; Psalm 145; Gospel of John 14:27-31
Wednesday Acts 15:1-6; Psalm 122; Gospel of John 15:1-8
Thursday Acts 15:7-21; Psalm 96; Gospel of John 15:9-11
Friday Acts 15:22-31; Psalm 57; Gospel of John 15:12-17
Saturday Acts 16:1-10; Psalm 100; Gospel of John 15:18-21
Sunday Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 4:7-10 Honor St. Joseph the Worker Gospel of John 15:9-17 May 1
50th Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass At Holy Name Cathedral September 19, 2021
The Archdiocese of Chicago's Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass is scheduled to be held on Sunday, Sep- tember 19, 2021 at 2:30 pm at Holy Name Cathedral. Couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year are invited to participate. Please note, this Mass is planned as a live event with participants attending on-site.
With the uncertainty of how the COVID-19 virus will be this fall, this Mass may need to be moved to an online liturgy due to ongoing mitigation efforts associated with the pandemic. More details on the Mass, including location and relevant COVID-19 precautions, will be available in early summer 2021. Couples interested in participating can register here. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
Page 6 www.stmaryevanston.org We Pray for One Another & the World Mass Intentions We pray for those who are sick, especially … Every mass that is offered is offered for the needs and intentions of someone. You Maria Mereu, mother of Stefano Mereu can request that we support you in your Jim Wolinski, husband of Paula Haynes intentions and your needs. Scott Resse
Contact the Parish Office to request a mass be offered for someone you know We pray for those who have died, that is in need of prayer, for your own in- especially … tentions, or for the repose of someone’s soul. The stipend is $10. Bazile Smith Bren Murphy, wife of Deacon Chris Murphy
Sunday, May 2—5th Sunday of Easter Have a name to add or remove? Email Dianne Fox: [email protected] Sat 5:00 Our First Communicants 8:00 In Thanksgiving for Blessings 9:30 Our Parishioners We pray for those who serve,
Monday, May 3 for their families and for peace
8:00 In Thanksgiving for Blessings 2nd Lieutenant Patrick Benn, U.S. Marine Corps, son of Kathy & Adrian Benn Tuesday, May 4—Sts. Philip and James CDR Edward Carlton, U.S. Navy, son of Caroline & Frank Carlton 8:00 Family Blessing 2nd Lieutenant Henry L. Clark, U.S. Air Force, son of Gayle & Dan Clark Wednesday, May 5 Airman Lindsey Foley, U.S. Air Force, niece of Chris Foley 2nd Cadet Helen Hitt, U.S. Air Force Academy, daughter of 8:00 Capt. Andrew Lisowski Stephanie & John Hitt Lt. Daniel Kozicki, U.S. Navy, nephew of Linda O’Dwyer Thursday, May 6
8:00 Members of the Military We join our Holy Father, Pope Francis,
Friday, May 7 In prayer.
The Holy Father has designated April as a 8:00 Racial Justice month to pray for the world of finance.
Saturday, May 8 “Let us pray that those in charge of finance
will work with governments to regulate the 8:00 Bob Sherman financial sphere and protect citizens from its
Sunday, May 9—6th Sunday of Easter dangers.”
Join the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network: Sat 5:00 Our Parishioners popesprayerusa.net which addresses the 8:00 Barbara Higgins challenges facing humanity. We pray and 9:30 Yvonne Joseph work to meet the challenges of the world identified by the Pope, while walking a spiritual path called the “Way of the Heart.”
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