Fourth Sunday in OLPH January 31, 2021 Ordinary Time Seek,Loving Share,/ Sharing / Praying Rejoice! Together Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties. 1 Cor 7:32 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish 1775 Grove St. Glenview IL 60025 Parish Office 847-729-1525 olphglenview.org seek, share, rejoice - pastor's letter... Dear Parishioners, “I should like you to be free of anxieties.” These words taken from St. Paul’s letter this weekend speak to many of us. We are living at a time where many are struggling with different degrees of anxiety. COVID-19 has initiated a lot of anxiousness. We worry about our elderly parents knowing how vulnerable they are. We worry about our children in terms of their safety. The pandemic is leaving a wave of economic uncertainty. COVID-19 fatigue leaves many frustrated. There has been the unfortunate politization of public safety protocols. The isolation and reduction of social contact like sports, going to church and other communal activities has resulted in a prolific increase in mental health challenges. St. Paul invites us to make a special effort to center our lives on the Lord. He is called the Prince of Jerry Boland, Pastor Peace. In the Gospel this weekend we read, “the people were astonished by his teaching”. Thoughts on the We look to many places to relieve the anxiety and stress in our lives. This weekend’s scriptures are simple but profound. Let us surrender to the Lord; let us seek his comfort and reassurance. We will turn Sunday Scriptures the corner on COVID. Each day brings us closer to a return of some of the personal freedoms we have In today’s Gospel we hear had to relinquish for the common good. proclaimed the beginning As pastor, I see such remarkable efforts to support the common good. In many ways it is at the heart of Jesus’ public ministry. of the mission of a parish. Our many ministries witness to the love of Christ. Whether we bring comfort He teaches. He heals. And to the homebound, feed the hungry or reach out, we are motivated by the teaching of Christ, “love one all are amazed. another as I have loved you.” By their baptism, Next weekend is Commitment Weekend for the Annual Catholic Appeal. This year’s theme is very appropriate considering the above; “Come Follow Me… and bring hope to the world”. The Appeal Christian stewards realize supports many resources and ministries in the Archdiocese and beyond. Last year the Appeal raised they are called to do the $14 million dollars, more than half of that went directly to parish communities. Many of these parishes same in their lives. They are financially overwhelmed by the pandemic. Well over a third of the money raised went to support are called to be the light of Archdiocesan ministries. Catholic Relief Services is also a recipient of the Appeal. Christ each day. Many of you may have already received an invitation to support the Appeal in the mail. In the Bulletin As we bring closure to and at next weekend’s liturgies we will present many ways that you can support the appeal. Because the beginning of this new of COVID-19 protocols, the in-pew process has been adapted. year, now is a good time Our parish goal is $213,000. If we exceed our goal, that money remains in the parish. If we exceed our to ask the Lord to fill our goal, two projects I would like to consider would be replacing the carpet in the Church and installing hearts with courage and a new church bell system in our church tower (we have already received some donations for this faith, so that we too may project). Thank you for your consideration of the Appeal. publicly minister in his This week is Catholic Schools Week. We are blessed by our school and the generous support of our name. parishioners to provide an excellent Catholic education. For 91 years students have been formed in the very best of our Tradition. This year has been one of the most challenging in our history, but we have Let us ask that we may more than met the challenge! be liberated from our insecurities and fear so This year’s observance of St. Blaise Day has been affected by COVID-19. We will be bestowing general that we can share the blessings but unfortunately, we cannot bless individuals. Gospel authoritatively In a few weeks we will be celebrating St. Valentine’s Day. We will celebrate at the 5:00 “Drive in Mass”, and work to heal at on Feb. 13th. We will have the renewal of vows, “in your car” with other surprises. Please sign up! leastone wounded The reality of Covid-19 will impact Lent, Holy Week and Easter. As we finalize plans, I will be sharing relationship in the coming them with you. months ahead. May your week bring you peace! ©ICSC 2021 Fr. Jerry Boland 2 January 31, 2021 • olphglenview.org seek, share, rejoice - annual appeal, news and events... Annual Catholic Appeal Special Scouts Mass Sat, Feb. 6, 2:00 pm OLPH Scouts BSA Troops 57B and 57G invite everyone to view the live stream of our Scout Sunday Mass celebration on Saturday, February 6 @ 2:00 pm. This year, we have 7 Scouts (boys and girls) who will receive their Ad Altare Dei religious emblem, and 3 adult scouters who will be recognized for their contributions to our Scouts’ faith development. Please Make Your Gift to the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal Please join us to celebrate this special youth ministry at OLPH! Join us on Feb. 6 at: Come, follow me … and bring hope to the world. https://vimeo.com/event/162709 to view the livestream. Many families in our parish will be receiving the Annual Catholic Appeal mailing from Cardinal Cupich. On behalf of those served by the ministries, parishes and schools Virtual Winter Guild Night who receive funding from the Appeal, we thank you Wed, Feb. 10, 7:00 - 8:00 pm for your gifts. Please return your response as soon as As we begin a New Year, take the time to reboot and possible. reconnect with your hopes and aspirations. Ramaa The Annual Catholic Appeal offers a wonderful Krishnan, teacher and founder of Full Bloomed Lotus, opportunity to answer Jesus’ call to “Come, follow me … Center for Self-Awareness leads us to a place in ourselves and bring hope to the world.” This is especially important which is fertile with possibilities. during these trying and challenging times. Many in our Join us so that we may together weed away our fears, sow parishes are affected financially by the pandemic, and we the seeds of intentions, and water them with a renewed encourage giving at all levels to support this initiative. love of life. In addition to providing for ministries and services Online: Eventbrite throughout the archdiocese, the Annual Catholic Appeal https://olphwinterguildnight2021.eventbrite.com funds services in our own parish. $10 Donation When we financially support the work of our parish, our archdiocese and the Catholic Church throughout the world, we experience a feeling of deep gratitude, especially when we contemplate God’s many gifts to us personally. By sharing our wealth through gifts to the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal, we demonstrate our commitment to the Church and each other. Blessing of Throats on the Feast of St. Blaise Wed, Feb 3 Each year, OLPH priests offer individual blessings for throat ailments on this day using two large candles crossed at the neck. Due to COVID, the celebrant at 8:30 am Mass on February 3 will offer a single blessing to all present and those watching from home. St. Blaise, pray for us! (BTW, Fr. Larry Basbas' mother Cefie will be celebrating her 90th birthday on Feb 3. Please keep her in your prayers!) January 31, 2021 • olphglenview.org 3 seek, share, rejoice - sharing ministry... The Sharing Ministry with non-perishable food. Sr. Paulanne also regularly distributes these bags to local needy. These easy-to- Food Donations assemble bags are donated by OLPH individuals, families, and groups. Should you want to donate non-perishable food, please donate directly to the Northfield Township Food Pantry, Consider making up a few or get a group together and 2550 Waukegan Road (rear of building) while the Sharing make up even more. No quantity is too big or too small. Room remains closed due to Covid. Bags should contain: You can also make a monetary donation directly to our Pre—packaged tuna or chicken sharing parishes so that they can purchase what is most salad with crackers needed in their pantries. Mail your donations to: Trail mix St. James Social Care 2907 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60616 Peanut butter or cheese and Attn: Cathy Moore crackers Our Lady of Tepeyac Food Pantry 100% juice in box or can 2226 S. Whipple St. Dried fruit Chicago, IL 60623 Fruit cup or applesauce Attn: Donna Oborski Plastic spoon and napkin Catholic Charities Social Services Center 1120 W. 79th St., Optional: candy, power bars Chicago, IL 60620 and granola bars Attn: Fitz Craan Please use larger sized lunch bags and double the bags (This facility services the community of St. Sabina’s) for durability. Bags can be delivered to the Sharing Diginity Drive, Feb. 8 - 20 Room on Sunday mornings or whenever volunteers are present. Contact Julie Cooper, 847-909-0661 for further Please support the upcoming Dignity Drive, sponsored by information. Guilds 1, 8 and 21. Toiletries are a precious commodity when you are poor as the LINK card is restrictive and Contact Julie for more information: 847-909-0661.