MARCH 3, 2019 ● 8TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Pray for our Confirmation Candidates who received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Friday, March 1

Elizabeth Marie Allore Steven Louis Anderson

Joseph Bilello Michael Sebastian Bosque Bergen Andrew Bosshart

Caitlin Gianna Brunk Chloe Elizabeth Byrne Devin Louis Castillon

Mason Patrick Castillon Colin Joseph Ciaccio

Daniel Sebastian Connelly, Jr. Reece Sebastian Cruz

Ian Dymphna Cunningham Jack Martin Czapla

Mackenzie Claire Czapla David Rafael DeGrazia Victoria Elizabeth Deja

Vincent Delizo Cecelia Bernadette DiBella

Ian Thomas Divane Mia Seraphina Dunaway

Natalia Dorothy Dziekonski Jason Edwards

Katelyn Cecilia Fletcher Liliana Francis Foley

Matthew Patrick Franzen Meagan Catherine Friese

Theodore Fulton Chase Thomas Gibson Dane Edward Glover

Mathew Gonzalez James Jurasz

Vasilis Dennis Karabinis Matthew Kawa

Matthew Anthony Kisselburg Evan Patrick Klein

Lily Nicholas Krusinski Quinn Stephen Kuch

Brian Mark Kuran Samantha Cecilia Lopatowski

Bryn Cecilia Lucht Owen Michael Marcotte

Neil Martin Eli John Melnick Alaina Dorothy Merkel Justin Dominic Moser Gabrielle Catherine Ney Liam Pepin Nold Jackson Michael Ori Jack John Pacella Sylvia Bernadette Plucinski Daniel William Pogachnik Owen Isadore Potempa Kendall Catherine Ranieri Camryn Bridget Rapplean Abygail Rocco Ray Emily Clare Schwarz Lukas James Smith Kylie Ann Soudan James John Stubitsch Ella Victoria Surowiec Lauren Catherine Suvanich Abigail Elizabeth Tekampe Ella Elizabeth Tews Elle Cecilia Thomas Sabine Nicole Welsch Gracie Catherine Werner Grace Maria White Andrew Vincent Wierzchon Hayley Isabel Williams Charles Winkelman Samantha Elizabeth Wolfe Ashley Anastasia Wolverton Jolene Flora Zielinski

Mass Intentions Monday, March 4, Saint Casimir 8:00AM †Ernie Delisio req. The Family †Paul Collette req. Helen Croll Tuesday, March 5 8:00AM †Elizabeth “Betty” Beyer req. Denise Fuller Wednesday, March 6—Ash Wednesday 8:00AM For the Parishioners of St. Mary of the Annunciation 9:30AM For the Parishioners of St. Mary of the Annunciation 7:00PM For the Parishioners of St. Mary of the Annunciation Thursday, March 7, Saints Perpetua & Felicity Martyrs 8:00AM †Rita Schmidt req. Husband Gene & Family Friday, March 8 8:00AM Living Carol Hansen req. Victoria Hansen Living Mike & Sherry Schmidt req. Gene Schmidt †Brad Hansen, Sr. & †Danny Hansen req. Hansen Family Saturday, March 9 8:00AM †Michael Nabasny req. Rita Nabasny †John Pryga req. The Family †Warren Gerleman req. Agatha Rassch Sunday, March 10 7:30AM For the Parishioners of St. Mary of the Annunciation 9:30AM Living Gene Schmidt Family Living Joseph & Mary Murphy req. Patrick & Sheila Tracy †Marguerite Markham req. Victoria Hansen †John Bowes req. Wife Margaret & Family †Mike & †Berny Zirko req. Daughters Debbie, Diane, Darlene, Dina &Families †Eleanor Bell req. Ed & Sharon Slezak 11:30AM †Tom Schnite req. Wife Beverly †Bill Divane req. Dave & Jennifer Pepping Family

Mass Times 5:00PM 7:30AM 9:30AM 11:30AM

Presiders Fr. Jacob Fr. Jacob Fr. Jacob Fr. Pelrine

Deacons Deacon Al Deacon Andrew Deacon Howard Deacon Gary

Lectors M. Dressel A. Schaen

K. Igielski P. Coughlin

B. Slack K. McCreery

J. Sanmiguel E. McPherson

LITURGICAL MINISTERS MARCH 9 & 10, 2019

Eucharistic Ministers

Deacon J. Sinkovec C. Kasamis T. Kennedy M. Marciniak G. McQuillan C. Fisher D. Prezell B. Buenik

Deacon A. Rafferty III J. Weiler D. Igielski E. Tauscher P. Tekampe M.Tekampe L. Zucco K. Lenzen

Deacon L.M. Davis J. Fisher K. Pieniazkiewicz T. Gawne C. Lutzow L. Kuderna, C. Kuderna S. Kajohn S. Monahan A. Capulong

Deacon M. Crutcher Z. Dela Cruz L. Dela Cruz L. Tooke S. Poletto O. Santos-Trinidad A. Thompson K. Crotty

The Week Ahead Sunday, March 3 9:30AM Childcare 9:30AM Liturgy of the Word for Children 10:45AM Family Catechesis 1:00PM Church Tours Monday, March 4 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 6:30PM Domestic Violence Ministry Meeting Tuesday, March 5 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 9:00AM Bible Study Follow Me 5:30PM Edge 7:00PM Bible Study Follow Me Wednesday, March 6—Ash Wednesday 6:30AM Liturgy of the Word with distribution of Ashes 8:00AM Mass 9:30AM Mass 4:00PM Liturgy of the Word with distribution of Ashes 6:00PM P.A.D.S. 7:00PM Mass Thursday, March 7 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 8:00PM Contemporary Choir Rehearsal Friday, March 8 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Divine Mercy Chaplet 6:00PM Stations of the Cross Saturday, March 9—Hospitality 8:00AM Bible Study Follow Me 9:00AM Adult Formation: Romero Coffee Discussion 5:00PM Liturgy of the Word for Children Sunday, March 10—Hospitality 9:30AM Childcare 9:30AM Liturgy of the Word for Children 10:45AM New Parishioner Welcoming Session 1:00PM Catholic Work Heart Camp Meeting 6:00PM Ignite High School Youth Group 7:00PM Parish Mission: Alive In His Love

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 10, 2:00 AM

NEXT SUNDAY & MONDAY

Pray for all who suffer illness, pain and grief:

Jean Furzland, Harold, Crawford, Kathy Lenzen Mary Burke

and for the repose of all who have recently died:

Steve Rymsza Paddy Barrett, Ronald Rymut Edward Mosley

Pray the Daily Rosary Please join other parishioners in the Eucharistic Chap-el following the 8:00 AM Mass Monday through Thurs-day.

Pray the Divine Mercy Novena & Chaplet The Divine Mercy Novena & Chaplet is prayed in the Eucharistic Chapel on Fridays immediately following the 8:00 AM Mass .and 3:00 PM during Adoration of

the Blessed Sacrament.

The Family Rosary Join us for Family Rosary Saturday Devotion, requested by Our Lady of Fatima, every First Saturday of the month at 4:30 PM.

Saturday Coffee and Conversation

“Romero” – Starring Raul Julia Screening of the movie and conversation

with Deacon. Howard Fischer

Saturday, March 9, 2019

9:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Center Meeting Rooms

With the October 2018 canonization of El Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero, Paulist Productions re-released the 1989 mov-ie “Romero”. The newly remastered film tells the story of Archbish-op Romero who was a model of holiness, peace and calm during a period of hate, anger and turmoil in El Salvador. In recent decades he has emerged as one of the most beloved saints of what Pope John Paul II termed “our difficult century.” If you missed Romero, this is a great opportunity to see film and join fellow parishioners for cof-fee and conversation, facilitated by Deacon Howard Fischer. Our original screening was rescheduled due to winter weather.

There is no cost to attend but please register to help the parish pre-pare for the session. **

You may register online at the Adult Formation page on the parish website www.stmaryfc.org or by returning this form to the parish office. Name ________________________________________________ Email* ________________________________________________

*Email address will be used for any correspondence about the session.

RESCHEDULED DATE

Stewardship Report

Sunday Collection February 24, 2019 $ 19,653.05

Budgeted Weekly Collection $ 22,788.46

Difference $ (3,135.41)

Current Fiscal Year-to-Date* $ 765,333.15

Budgeted Sunday Collections To-Date $ 797,596.15

Difference $ (32,263.00)

Difference vs. Last Year $ (6,086.21)

*Note: YTD amount reflects updates by bank to postings and adjustments.

St. Mary Moms Monthly meeting: Wednesday, March 13 9:30 am - 11:00 am Meeting Rooms 1 & 2 (off narthex in main church) All moms and children welcome. Please join us!

Questions? Please email stmarysmoms1@gmail.com or visit us at www.stmaryfc.org (under REP/Youth/Family)

Encounter Lent Join our faith community—and more than 14,000 Catholic Communities across the United States—in a life-changing Lenten journey of encoun-ter with CRS Rice Bowl. Pick up your family’s CRS Rice Bowl from the nar-thex. Curing the 40 days of Lent we will encounter the needs of the world. And don’t forget to down-load the CRS Rice Bowl app!

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament March 12 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in the Eucharistic chapel on Tuesday, MArch 12, from 8:30 AM until 6:30 PM. The sign-up book is in the narthex.

Ashes will be distributed at all liturgies 6:30 AM Liturgy of the Word 8:00 AM Mass 9:30 AM Mass 4:00 PM Liturgy of the Word 7:00 PM Mass

MARCH 6, 2019

People often don’t look forward to Lent. Words like “sacrifice,” “discipline,” and “self-denial” are often used in ways that suggest that Lent is something to be en-dured rather than a time of grace and spiritual growth. Imagine for a minute that this Lent is going to be dif-ferent than any other Lent. Imagine that God wants to transform our lives and that something wonderful is about to happen! Be sure to visit the Lent page on the parish website to make the most of this Lenten sea-son of renewal.

www.stmaryfc.org/lent

from

Jacob’s Well

Dear Friends in the Lord On this last Sunday in Ordinary Time, before we enter into the season of Lent, we hear another parable of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. At first hearing, they seem very simple as words or sayings by which we try to live. When we use the term “the blind leading the blind” in regards to the way a pro-ject or assignment was being performed, we infer that there is a lack of knowledge or insight in terms of how to complete that task. We also sometimes experience a person who can be very critical of others or who has no problem pointing out every mistake we make. Jesus sharply challenges that way of thinking and acting when there is an apparent lack of self-awareness. These are indeed challenging words when we realize that Jesus is speaking to us whenever we find ourselves criticizing or judging someone who does not think or act like us. A healthy self-awareness means we have a sense of self and can recog-nize how our own experiences and abilities affect how we view the world. This awareness can be most helpful on our spiritual journey as it enables us to examine our motivations and limita-tions and how they might limit our ability to understand some-one whose experiences are different from our own. Jesus then says that “every tree is known by its fruit.” You can tell the difference between good and rotten trees by their fruits, Jesus says. But Jesus is really talking about us. What are the good fruits that you and I bring forth? This again might require some self-reflection in regards to our good deeds and our stewardship of the gifts God has given us. The image of a tree’s fruit is also used by the author of Sirach who coun-sels that the true test of a person’s heart is in their speech and conversation. This also requires self-awareness and reflection. What about our own conversation and the words that we use each day, including things we text or post on electronic media? Are our words honest and uplifting or do they convey anger or are they defamatory to another? You and I are known by our words and our deeds. Do the words we use and the actions that accompany our words bear witness to the faith we profess each Sunday? This coming season of Lent is the appropriate time for us to honestly look at the state of our lives and hearts. Pope Francis’s advice to us is: “Let us not allow this season of Grace to pass in vain!” In the message, the Pope expresses his hope that God will help us set out on a path of true conversion. As we prepare to enter into the Holy days of Lent, whatever devo-tions or sacrifices we choose to commit to, may they serve to deepen our encounter with Christ as his beloved disciples Let us pray for one another, Fr. Jerry

New Parish Photo Directory! It’s time! It’s time for us to update our photo directory. Our last directo-ry was published in early 2011 with photos from 2010. A lot has hap-pened since then and we need to catch up! The photo directory is a great resource to help us connect with one another. We know that everyone is busy, so we ask you to save the dates now. We will photo-graph all families starting May 21st through June 8th. Portrait sessions will be available on Tuesdays through Saturdays and will take place right here at St. Mary. Online sign-up for portrait sessions will be avail-able soon and we will have several sign-up weekends in the narthex after Easter. Everyone who has their picture taken will receive a free 8x10 photo and a copy of the directory. Our directory won’t be com-plete without you. Please watch our bulletin and website for more in-formation in the coming weeks.

Today’s men can live out their masculinity, fatherhood, and brotherhood as Christ has taught us. We invite all men to attend this conference to deepen their faith and renew their commitment to being the best man they can be. Sessions throughout the day include inspirational speakers and small group discussion. Registration is required. Cost to attend is $65 and includes lunch. For more information at www.amanamongmenchicago.com or visit the link on the parish website to register March 16, 2019, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm , Dominican University 7900 W. Division Street, River Forest, IL 60305 Website: http://amanamongmenchicago.com/

Chicago Catholic Men’s Conference 2019

A Man Among Men Man’s Adventure in Following Christ

@youth_stmaryfc St. Mary of the Annunciation

@youth_stmaryfc

IGNITE High School Youth Group We are off to a quick start in the new year! Upcoming Youth Nights are Sunday, March 10 at 4:00 PM (time change) and March 24 at 6:00PM in Gabriel House. All high school teens are welcome to come! We will have snacks, a teaching on our faith, games and discussion. Come check us out!

Catholic Heart Work Camp 2019 CHWC applications are available NOW in the parish office or online under the CHWC page. If you have an interest or have any questions please feel free to reach out to Grant Bright at gbright@stmota.org. We have MANY spots available, registration closes on March 1st! Don’t miss your chance to serve the Universal Church!

Steubenville Youth Conference Do you feel distant from God? FEAR NOT! We have a FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY for YOU!! Join St. Mary Youth Ministry this upcoming July at a Steubenville Youth Conference at Carthage College in Wiscon-sin. The weekend consists of many fantastic speakers, small group sessions, and a live band for praise and worship. This is a chance to have God reveal himself to you. If interested please look at the web-site or contact Grant in the parish office!

Twisted Limits Escape Room Are you willing to test your knowledge? How about your problem solving skills? What about your…PATIENCE!? Join Youth Ministry as we try to tackle an ESCAPE ROOM. The challenge you face as a group is that you are locked in a room for 60 minutes and you must work your way through a series of clues and puzzles in order to solve the case. We will go on March 3. We’ll start with pizza and pop at 12:00 PM and then leave for the Escape Room and be back at 4:00 PM. The cost is $45. Any questions may be answered at gbright@stmota.org.

F isch–ing Lines by Deacon Howard Fischer

Today’s Gospel contains a number of instructions for would-be disciples. None of them are easy. Jesus challenges us to

eliminate self-righteousness from our hearts. It is the one pervasive human malady that Jesus tolerates least, as shown by his frequent critiques of the scribes and Pharisees. He tells us to first recognize our own sinfulness before we even think of judging others: “Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see

clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.” (Lk 6:42) Any dis-cussion of sin and evil must begin with the recognition that we ourselves are in as much need of forgiveness and salvation as anyone. We must accept responsibility for our sins. And correct them! This is a proper mission to embrace as we head into Lent later this week. We may not always seek to condemn and ridicule others (although judging by social media I’m not so sure). Sometimes we con-vince ourselves that we’re just trying to “correct” the other person’s er-rant ideas or actions. But as author Alice Camille points out, providing correction requires that we know what is actually the correct thing be-fore we advise others that they aren’t doing it. Too often we jump off without all the facts or we try to impose a personal preference rather than an absolute “right way.” Frequently we simply pass judgment on others based on externals. We are quick to compare ourselves to other people and find ways in which we can be satisfied that we are better and holier than they are...and then point that “fact” out to them. Hence, we need to be fully aware of the beam in our own eye before we attempt to address the splinter in someone else’s. Thomas Merton, a famous Catholic monk and author who died in 1968, once observed: “Truly the great problem is the salvation of those who, being good, think they have no further need to be saved and imagine their task is to make others ‘good’ like themselves!” Like the scribes and the Pharisees, we place our salvation at risk precisely because we convince ourselves that we are holier than others and holy enough. Today’s passage ends with Jesus making the point that be-yond words, pieties and appearances what really counts is what we produce for the Kingdom of God. The real question then is what fruit do we actually produce, good or rotten? Producing no fruit counts as rotten fruit. Being a true disciple requires more than our inert presence, lip service and good appearances. We must be more than Sunday morning Christians. As a preacher once said, sitting in church on Sundays makes us a “Christian” just as much as standing in our garage makes us a car. True faith is not simply the intellectual acceptance of certain dogmas; rather, true faith takes control not only of our minds but of our hearts, words and actions as well. It is a total and complete handing over of our whole selves to God – our finances, our lifestyles, our enter-tainment choices, our politics. When the Word of God takes root in us, everything becomes a religious practice. Faith, and the service which it inspires and demands, must be our number one priority, not just some-thing we do when work/sleep/sports leaves us with some “extra time.” In his epistle St. James famously admonishes, “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” Faith that does not show forth in action is dead; actions without faith are empty. To think otherwise is to delude ourselves. Recall the Last Judgment scene in Matthew’s Gospel where the King says to those on his right hand, “For I was hungry and you gave me food...I was thirsty and you gave me drink.” Jesus did not say, “I was hungry and you felt sorry for me...I was sick and you were con-cerned about my condition.” That is the difference between good fruit and rotten fruit. You and I must accept a full share of the work of the Gospel or we cannot hope to share in its eternal life. With the start of Lent just a few days away, you and I had better focus on removing beams and cultivating good fruit.

One final note on a topic about which I have written a number of times: This past week 200 bishops from around the world met to con-tinue confronting the evil of child sexual abuse within the Church. Strides were made, but progress on this matter will never be far enough or fast enough. Let us continue praying and working for the healing of those so grievously injured. And let us continue praying and working to prevent the repetition of past sins while we hold accountable all those at all levels who are responsible for such crimes or their cover-up. Let us prune the rotten fruit so that the good fruit may flourish. If you wish to contact me, please send an email to deaconhwf99@yahoo.com.

Please Make Your Gift to the 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal

Many families in our parish have received the Annual Catholic Appeal request mailing from Cardinal Cupich. On behalf of those served by the ministries, parishes, and schools who receive fund-ing from the Appeal, we thank you for your gifts. Please return your response as soon as possible. The Annual Catholic Appeal offers a wonderful oppor-tunity to answer Jesus’ call to “Come, Follow Me…and share the Word.” In addition to providing for ministries and services through-out the Archdiocese, the Appeal also funds services that are of great help here in our Parish. As we contemplate God’s many gifts to us, we should also reflect on our gratitude. Your financial support for the work of our Parish, our Archdiocese, and the Church throughout the world is one way to express this gratitude. Please give generously to the 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal. When our parish reaches its goal of $89,557 in paid pledg-es, all additional funds contributed will be returned to us for use here at St. Mary of the Annunciation.

REP REGISTRATION Registration for the 2019-2020 REP year is available on the parish web site. Forms are not mailed to families but will also be available in the parish office and in the kiosk in the narthex. Families who are new to St. Mary and wish to have their children enrolled in REP must first register with the parish. This can be done by attending one of our Welcome Sessions or by making an appointment with the parish office. This summer’s Vacation Bible School will take place the week of June 17. Watch the bulletin and parish web site for registration information and volunteer opportunities. Please contact Sue Matousek at smatous@stmota.org or 847-223-0010 with any questions.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Don’t miss out on the upcoming marriage enrichment on April 12-14, 2019 that starts with a private weekend experience and never ends! For more information and to apply, go to wwme-chicagoland.org

Science Day at Mundelein Seminary What Makes Us Human? Insights from Studies of Pri-mates and Other Animals As evolutionary knowledge continues to advance, the question of what makes humans unique from other species becomes increasingly fascinating and important to our understanding of human decision-making, motivation, and psychology.

Please attend a free lecture by Robert C. O'Malley, Ph.D., fol-lowed by breakout discussion sessions on the spiritual aspects of this topic led by seminarians studying at Mundelein Semi-nary. The event also includes lunch following the discussion. Sat, March 9, 2019, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Cardinal Mundelein Auditorium Principal Avenue, University of St. Mary of the Lake

There is no cost, but registration is required: www.eventbrite.com/e/science-day-at-mundelein-seminary-tickets-54719487460

Formation and Training for New Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist When: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Where: St. Joseph Church, Koenig Center, 121 East Mapl eAve. Libertyville, Il 60048 Time:8:30 AM Registration; 9:00-NoonTraining Workshop This preparation session will focus on: • The Ministry of Eucharist: Our Baptismal Call to Ministry • A Theology of Eucharist as Celebrated in the Roman Catholic

Tradition • Rooted in scripture and the early Church, through the Second

Vatican Council • Historical aspects of our celebration of Eucharist in practice and

devotion. • Review of the Liturgy of the Eucharist and how our ministry as

EOM’s ‘fits’ • Questions and Answers

To Register: Go to www.vic1chicago.org Questions? Contact Maureen Evers at mevers@maryofvernon.org This training meets the Archdiocesan requirements for mandation or remandation. The Koenig Center is on East Maple Ave, just past the church entrance and before the school. Parking and entrance is in the rear of the build-ing. The Koenig Center is handicapped accessible.

Formation and Training for New Lectors WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 2019 WHERE: St. Joseph Church, Koenig Center , 121 E. Maple Ave. Libertyville, IL 60048 TIME: 8:30 registration, 9:00 a.m. – Noon workshop Lectors have a critical role in the celebration of the Mass. Because lectors proclaim not just any word, but the word of God, it is essential that they develop the skills required to communicate God’s message competently. Through the use of voice, eye contact and personal pres-ence, lectors help God’s Word come alive for the assembly. This training will provide the skills and self-confidence needed for those who wish to be-come lectors in their own parish. Open to adults and high school students. TO REGISTER: go to www.vic1chicago.org Questions? Contact Maureen Evers at mevers@maryofvernon.org All buildings at St. Mary of Vernon are handicapped accessible.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS Friday evenings in Lent

6:00PM in the big church

HUMAN CONCERNS COMMISSION: The mission of the Human Concerns Commission is to promote the word and manifest the love of Jesus Christ by helping those who are in need, following the principle that “whatever you do to the least of my people, you do unto me.”

St. Mary of the Annunciation Lenten Fast Challenge

Why a Lenten Fast Challenge? By parishioner, Dr. Elizabeth Nagel

Lent is a time of conversion, of exchanging current views and habits for those more in line with the gospel, of making permanent changes that benefit all people, the global family, the Body of Christ on earth. Conversion often entails taking up wholeheartedly the responsibilities that God gives us. Lent is a time to practice the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, a list based on Jesus’ list in Mt 25:31-46 (parable of the sheep and goats), the point of which is that what we do to the least (who are these in our midst and around the globe because all people and things are interconnected) we do to him. For one thing, we throw our plastic in his front yard; it doesn’t disappear with the garbage truck. It ends up in the oceans and lands on the beaches where the poor live. Pope Francis added “Care for Our Common Home” to the Church’s list of spiritual and corporal works of mercy. He reasons that improving the environment always benefit the poor in whom Christ lives. Healing the earth of toxins will insure the food production. The amount of water on earth is limited and must be protected so that “no one thirsts.” Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving and at the heart of it is conversion. What will you change? {{Pope Francis’ teaching are not innovations: he bases them on those of Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI: Saint John Paul II: World Day of Peace 1990, 1, 6 Para 1: In 1979, declared Saint Francis the patron of Ecology: “Faced with the widespread destruction of the environment, people every-where are coming to understand that we cannot continue to use the goods of the earth as we have in the past ... [A] new ecological awareness is beginning to emerge which rather than being downplayed, ought to be encouraged to develop into concrete programs and initiatives.” Para 6: “The gradual depletion of the ozone layer and the related "greenhouse effect" has now reached crisis proportions as a conse-quence of industrial growth, massive urban concentrations and vastly increased energy needs. Industrial waste, the burning of fossil fuels, unre-stricted deforestation, the use of certain types of herbicides, coolants and propellants: all of these are known to harm the atmosphere and environ-ment.” Humans are stewards of earth: “God gave the earth to the whole human race for the sustenance of all its members, without excluding or favoring anyone.” Encyclical Centesimus Annus, 31, 1991. Pope Benedict XVI: wrote frequently about the environment and asked all Catholics to be better stewards of God’s creation. Was named “the green Pope” because he made Vatican City the world’s first sovereign state to become carbon-neutral, meaning that all the small country’s green-house gas emissions are offset by renewable energies and carbon credits, thanks to extra trees and solar panels. He made use of a more energy efficient, partially electric popemobile. }}

WATCH THIS SPACE ALL THROUGH LENT FOR THE WEEKLY FAST CHALLENGE… & SHARE YOUR FAST CHALLENGE EXPERIENCES WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

FINDING HOPE/HEALING HEARTS Grief Support Group: Support groups help grieving people by:

--introducing them to others who have had similar experiences, thoughts, and feelings. -- countering the sense of isolation that many experience in our shame-based, mourning-avoiding culture. --providing emotional, physical, and spiritual support in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. If you are mourning the loss of a loved one, you are invited to join this group.

The weekly group will meet at St. Mary of the Annunciation On Thursday afternoons:

March 14 through May 16, 2019 1:00-2:30pm

There is a $40.00 registration fee which covers the cost of the two books and materials. To register, contact Diane Mulroe in the St. Mary parish office…

St. Mary of the Annunciation Women's Retreat

September 21st & 22nd, 2019 Siena Center in Racine, WI

with Dr. Jenny DeVivo

Honoring St. Mary School’s Legacy Calling all St. Mary School alumni, parents, long-time parish-ioners and current Frassati families. You are invited to share your memories and stories of what school was like when you or your student attended St. Mary School throughout its long and rich history. This is an opportunity to pay tribute to a fa-vorite current or former teacher, share a memory or testimoni-al about what you love best, and reflect on the impact and legacy of our parish school in your life. As Frassati Catholic Academy transitions to one location in Wauconda next school year, St. Mary’s Communi-cations Ministry will produce a commemorative special edition of the St. Mary Spotlight newsletter this spring. Whether you wish to share just a few thoughts or would like to write a long-er reflection article of up to 300 words, we welcome your contributions for possible publication. Email your memories and tributes to stmotacommunications@gmail.com.

What Will Happen to the School Building? With the upcoming consolidation of Frassati Catholic Acade-my onto a single campus in Wauconda, some people have asked what the parish intends to do with the school building. The answer is both nothing and quite a lot. The Education Center has always been used by many of the parish’s minis-tries, including the school. Most importantly, the Education Center is the home of our Religious Education Program which helps form nearly 600 children in the faith every year, using all of the classrooms and more. In addition, the build-ing hosts our Vacation Bible School program for more than 125 children. Diantha Hall — the gymnasium — is actively used by our teen ministry both for gatherings and games. Frassati also intends to continue operating its pre- and after-care programs in Diantha Hall. The kitchen is used for any parish event requiring the capabilities of a full kitchen, like the St. Vincent de Paul Pasta Party, as well as food prepara-tion for Country Fest, etc. We see potential use in other parish purposes down the road. We are committed to being good stewards of all the facilities and grounds with which God has graced St. Mary through the generosity and dedica-tion of generations of parishioners.

Information Meeting for Oberammergau Passion Play 2020 with Fr. Jerry Jacob will take place on Monday, April 08 at 7:00 PM

with Trans World Travel and Sue Jackson at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church

ONLY A FEW PLACES LEFT!

THE PLAGUE During the Thirty Years War, in 1633 the plague reached even the tiny Alpine village of Oberammergau.

THE VOW If God would release them from the plague, the village would perform once every 10 years the story of the Passion of Christ. From the moment the Vow was taken, no-one else in the village died.

THE PLAY A single performance to fulfil the vow has developed into a masterpiece of drama and music – a moving testimony of Oberammergau’s Christian faith.

OUR TOUR

Alpine Treasures – September 16 to 23, 2020

The highlights – Kitzbühel, Salzburg, the Eagle’s Nest, the Iceman Museum, Dolomites, Neuschwanstein, Oberammergau – for a lifetime of memories!

OUR HOTEL IN OBERAMMERGAU The Hotel Wittelsbach is the highest category hotel closest to the Passion Play Theater (five minutes walk) and we have Category 1 Play tickets! For a brochure and more information, please contact Fr. Jerry at the Parish Office on 847 223 0010 ext.218 or Trans World Travel, Inc. on 847-432-2400

SAVE THE DATE TO LET THE GOOD TIMES

“ROAR” Go on an African adventure

with St. Mary’s VBS

June 17-21, 2019 Life is Wild, God is Good.

Watch the bulletin and parish web site for more information.

Sacrament of Penance Saturdays 4:00—4:40 PM, and by appointment

Baptisms Ordinarily during the Mass on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month and after the Mass on the other Sundays, outside of Lent. Parents are required to participate in a Baptismal Preparation class before scheduling a Baptism.

Adult Initiation Adults who wish to become Roman Catholics are enrolled in a formation process that includes prayer, dialogue, instruction, and introduction to the Church’s life and values, rituals and tradition. Call the parish office for more information.

Marriage St. Mary Parish rejoices with parishioners who are preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony. The Archdiocese of Chicago requires that a wedding be scheduled at least six months in advance so that the couple may receive necessary preparation. A parish wedding information packet is available at the parish office.

Ministry of Care Ministers of Care visit the homes of the sick, homebound, or hospitalized and bring Holy Communion to them. Call the parish office when a pastoral visit is desired. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered by the parish priest upon request.

New parishioners We welcome new members who wish to worship with us and support the parish’s work and mission. New Parishioner Welcome session is offered on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Time of registration is 10:45AM—11:25AM. If you are unable to make the Welcoming Session, please call the parish office to schedule time to register.

Mass

Saturday 5:00 PM

Sunday 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:30 AM

Weekday at 8:00AM Monday, Tuesday Thursday, Friday

Wednesday Communion Service Only

PARISH NUMBER 847-223-0010

Parish Emergency 224-358-3210

Parish Fax 847-223-5960

22333 W. Erhart Road • Mundelein, Illinois 60060 • WWW.STMARYFC.ORG Email: parish@stmota.org Frassati Catholic Academy: Mundelein Campus: 847-223-4021 Wauconda Campus: 847-487-5600

Religious Education Program (REP) Emergency Number 847-239-2725 Parish Office Hours Monday–Friday 8:30AM–4:00PM

Parish Staff Ms. Tammy Kleckner Ext. 310

Principal, FCA cclcprincipal@gmail.com

Ms. Penny Elwood Ext. 217 Bookkeeper/Accountant Bookkeeper@stmota.org

Ms. Victoria Hansen Ext. 200 Administrative Assistant parish@stmota.org

Mr. Robert Kilkenny Ext. 304 Facilities Manager rkilkenny@stmota.org

Mr. James Shaffer Maintenance

Rev. Ken Kiepura Rev. Ed Pelrine Weekend Associates

Rev. Jerome Jacob Ext. 213 Pastor FrJerry@stmota.org

Deacons Mike Alandy, Gary Kupsak, Robert Poletto, Alan Sedivy

Mr. Fred Vipond Ext. 234 Director of Music & Liturgy FVipond@stmota.org

Ms. Sue Matousek Ext. 218 Director of Religious Education SMatous@stmota.org

Ms. Diane Mulroe Ext. 216 Director of Human Concerns DMulroe@stmota.org

Mr. Grant Bright Ext. 230 Coordinator of Youth Ministry GBright@stmota.org

Dcn. Howard Fischer Ext. 215 Director of Parish Operations HFischer@stmota.org

Pastoral Council Mary Lou Loomis Joaquin Valdes Cassandra Dye Kathy Lenzen Pete Coughlin

Dan Prezell Sheila Dalton

Carey Marciniak Marivie Alandy Jon Matousek Linda Green

Sandra Fioretti-Frank*

Finance Council

Larry Molloy Denise Fuller

Joe Tylka Tom Zengeler Roger Fisher Patrick Tracy Karl Kompare

Carl Calabrese Kevin Igielski*

*ex-officio, secretary