St. Mary Parish DeKalb, IL April 21, 2019

S T . M A R Y P A R I S H • D E K A L B , I L • W W W . S T M A R Y D E K A L B . O R G P A G E 2

Office 302 Fisk Avenue · DeKalb, IL 60115 Phone: 815.758.5432 Fax: 815.758.2487 / Website: stmarydekalb.org

Office Hours

Monday thru Thursday: 9:00 AM - Noon & 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Friday: Closed

Liturgies

Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30 PM in English

Sunday Masses: 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM in English

Spanish Mass: Sunday 4:00 PM

Vietnamese Mass: 2nd Sunday 1:30 PM

Weekday Masses: Mon.-Fri. 7 AM and Sat. 8 AM in English

Vigil/Holy Day Masses: See page 5

Area Care Facilities: See page 5 for dates & Mass times

Reconciliation:

English: Tue, Thu, Fri. 7:35-8:00 AM

& Sat.8:35-9:15 AM & 3:30-4:15 PM

Spanish: Tue. 6:00-8:30 PM

Pastoral Staff Pastor: Rev. Dean Russell, 815.758.5432 frrussell@stmarydekalb.org Principal: Roseann Feldmann, 815.756.7905 Cemetery: 815.758-5432 Director of Music: Joe Harmon, ext. 106 Choir Director: Caleb Gray Director of Religious Education: Annalisa McMaster, ext. 110

Support Staff Business Manager: Jim Glemkowski, ext. 102 Financial Assistant: Susan Klefstad, ext. 105 Parish Secretary: Linda Jackiw, ext.103 Ministry Secretary: Mona O'Bryan, ext. 107 Receptionist: Carrie Anderson, ext. 100

Contact Information Parish Office: 302 Fisk Avenue - 815.758.5432

Faith Formation / Rel. Ed. / Youth Ministry: 815.758.5432

School: 210 Gurler Road - 815.756.7905

E-mail: mail@stmarydekalb.org

Website: stmarydekalb.org

Hispanic Ministry

Rev. Darwin Flores, 815.758.1377

Hispanic Secretary: Susana Garcia, ext. 113

Vietnamese Ministry

Rev. Anthony Vu Khac Long, 815.312.9661

Bulletin Deadline

Monday - 8:00 AM (FOR CONSIDERATION)

Send requests to: bulletin@stmarydekalb.org

From the Desk of Pope Francis — (from his Homily at World Youth Day in Panama)

Creating relationships, celebrating. This is what Jesus does, and that way He breaks with another form of complaining, one even harder to detect, one that “stifles dreams” because it keeps whis-pering, “You can’t do it, you can’t do it.” How many times you have heard this: “You can’t do it.” This is like a woodworm that eats you from the inside out.

Watch out when you feel “you can’t do it”; give yourself a slap: “Yes, I can and will show you.” The whisper, the interior whisper that haunts those who repent of their sin and acknowledge their mis-takes but don’t think that they can change. And this happens when they think that those who are born publicans will die always die publicans; and that is not true. The Gospel tells us quite the oppo-site.

Eleven of the twelve Disciples were bad sinners because they committed the worst sin; they aban-doned their Master, others disowned Him, others ran far away. The apostles betrayed Him, and Jesus went to look for them one by one, and they are the ones who changed the whole world. It did not occur to any of them to say, “You can’t do it” because having seen Jesus’ love after their betray-al, “I am going to be able to do it, because you give me the strength.” Watch out for the “you-can’t-do-it” woodworm, be very careful.

E A S T E R S U N D A Y P A G E 3

St. Mary Parish’s tithe for the month of February of $566.87

will be donated to:

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Parish Monthly

Tithe

2019 Lancer Raffle Ticket Winners

04/15 - Edgar Ramos - $50.00

04/16 - Joyce Black - $20.00

04/17– Matt Collins - $20.00

04/18 - Cherise Meadows - $20.00

04/19 - Sophie M. Burger - $20.00

04/20 - James Phillips - $20.00

04/21 - George DeRitter - $30.00

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING ST MARY SCHOOL!

He is Risen, Alleluia! Happy Easter!

Recently I visited a man in the hospital who was recovering from various ill-nesses and he was obviously somewhat down in the dumps. I noticed after we prayed together that the room was so dark. I looked over at the window and sure enough the shades were completely down. I asked the gentleman if I could open the shades to let the light in...He agreed...and within seconds we had a space filled with light, which in turn brought hope and a smile.

This is the power of Easter! The Easter message is a message that brings light, joy, and hope! No matter where each of us is at in our journey, one thing is im-portant for us all... “Let the Easter light shine in our lives!” It has the power to transform every aspect of our lives. As we celebrate Easter in these coming days, may it be a great opportunity to let the light of Christ shine in those dark spaces of our lives, and from there, see how this light can change our lives and the world for the better.

Vocations Corner Rev. John McNamara Assistant Vocations Director

Readings for the Week of April 21, 2019

Sunday: Acts 10:34a, 37-43/Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 [24]/Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8/Jn 20:1-9 or Lk 24:1-12 or Lk 24:13-35 Monday: Acts 2:14, 22-33/Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11 [1]/Mt 28:8-15 Tuesday: Acts 2:36-41/Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22 [5b]/ Jn 20:11-18 Wednesday: Acts 3:1-10/Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9 [3b]/ Lk 24:13-35 Thursday: Acts 3:11-26/Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9 [2ab]/ Lk 24:35-48 Friday: Acts 4:1-12/Ps 118: 1-2 and 4, 22-24, 25-27a [22]/Jn 21:1-14 Saturday: Acts 4:13-21/Ps 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21[21a]/Mk 16:9-15 Next Sunday: Acts 5:12-16/Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 [1]/ Rv 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19/Jn 20:19-31 ©Liturgical Publications, Inc.

Sunday Offertory $ 9,090.56 Guardian Angel $ 72.00 School $ 165.00 Capital Improvements $ 30.00 Easter $ 80.00 Ash Wednesday $ 25.00 Holy Thursday $ 15.00 Flowers $ 125.00 National Appeal $ 50.00 International Appeal $ 770.00

Thank You for Your Contributions!

Our Weekly Offering Week Ending 04/05/2019

41ST WEEK OF FISCAL YEAR 2018 - 2019

In the second reading today, St. Paul reminds the Colossians that they have been raised with Christ, exhorting

them to “think about things above rather than things of earth.” We, too, have been raised with Christ. Let us rejoice

and be glad!

See Colossians 3:2

Our Weekly Offering Week Ending 04/12/2019

42ND WEEK OF FISCAL YEAR 2018 - 2019

Sunday Offertory $ 11,358.24 Guardian Angel $ 77.00 School $ 253.00 Capital Improvements $ 40.00 Easter $ 50.00 Good Friday $ 5.00 Holy Thursday $ 50.00 Flowers $ 260.00 International Appeal $ 160.00

Thank You for Your Contributions!

S T . M A R Y P A R I S H • D E K A L B , I L • W W W .

Christ is Risen! Allelujah! Invite the risen Christ into your marriage. The next Worldwide Marriage

Encounter Weekends are Apr il 26-28 in Brookfield, WI, June 28-30 in Rockford, IL. or July

19-21 in Madison, WI. Visit our website at: alifetimeoflove.org or call (888) 574-5653.

Para un fin de semana en espanol por favor llamen a Candelario y Emilia al 815-375-4250. Las fechas son las siguientes:

26-28 de abril, 9-11 de agosto y 1-3 de noviembre.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Rockford/Madison/Milwaukee Ministry

The power of prayer We pray for St. Mary parishioners, relatives, and friends who are suffering from illness, also for those who are homebound, hospitalized, or confined to a care facility, especially:

If you know of a person in our parish who is homebound and would like to receive a card of encouragement, or to have a name added to or removed from the prayer list, call the parish office at

815.758.5432.

Giana Anderson, Jane Anderson, Matt Anderson, Rich Antczak, Jackie Balon, Joseph Barrile, Matt Bechtel, Pat Beck,

Maryilene Blondel, Patricia Budzinski, Debbie Coffland, Ben Coniglio, Mario Delgado, Joe Diedrich, Quan Do, Horst Erker,

Bobbie Fitch, Beth Fixmer, Missy Flores, Chris Haight, Rita Hammett, Eric Hanson, Kathleen Hiatt, Ruth Higgins, Margaret

Holder, Peggy Hoyt, Joann Schoo Irving, Col. Thomas Z. James, Joan Judkins, Patsy Kelahan, Rev. Richard Kramer, Carolyn Kustron, Ginger Lange, Catherine Lipps, Henrietta

Lobner, Brayden MacNeille, JoAnn MaKarrall, Bob Marcheschi, Matt Marcheschi, Timothy McMillan, Louis

Mustari, Mary O’Brien, Tom O’Brien, Carolyn Owen, Betty Ramsdell, Joel Rivera, Laura Ross, Jeff Salazar, Marlene

Salazar, Richard Salazar, Erick Schroeder, Bill Sorensen, Jim Theisen, Ray Theisen, Justin Valdez, Jerry Vasko, Abel Viland,

Nancy Watson, Dolores Wieczorek, Richard Wiseman, David Young

Those who die in God’s grace and friendship live forever with Christ. Heaven is not an abstract idea, but a true and lasting

relationship with God that is beyond all earthly description and understanding. We look forward to the resurrec-tion of the dead and everlasting life by preparing now, in hope, for our passage from this life into

eternal life.

USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities “Catholic Considerations for Our Earthly Passing”

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION NEEDED

Training sessions are scheduled Monday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. and Friday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Church. Please contact the Parish Office at 815-758-5432 if you would like to sign up for Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion training. Our Parish is in great need of Extraordinary Ministers for all Masses but especially at the 4:30 and 10:30 Masses. Jesus called imperfect men to serve as his disciples and to build his Church on earth. Is Jesus calling you to serve our Parish as an Extraordinary Minister? Mentoring is included with training to alleviate any fear in serving in this ministry. If you have ques-tions and would like to inquire more about the ministry, please call Peter and Lisa Clark at 815-756-1068.

WALK FOR LIFE - WE CARE PREGNANCY CLINIC

As many of you know, the Clinic continues to grow in service provision as well as in number of clients. The activities provided by the Clinic are supported by private donations, such as the Baby Bottle Coin Collection and the Walk for Life. Services include empowering women and men during unplanned

pregnancies through testing, option counseling, limited diagnostic ultrasound, parenting education, provision of new and gently-used equipment and clothing, and Bible study. There is also an emphasis on support for the fathers, and this has enjoyed increasing participation! The annual Walk for Life is a fundraiser scheduled for May 4. It is a sponsored, family-friendly walk of two miles. If you want to walk OR sponsor a walker, please call the We Care Pregnancy Clinic at 815.748-4242 for information. You can also register at www.WeCarePregnancyClinic.org. General questions or concerns are always welcome; call Chris Hacker at 815.758-5625. Again, thank you for prayers for this Christian pro-life ministry. Your loving support for our clients and our mission is appreciated.

Thank you for your continued support of St. Mary Church through your advertisement in our bulletin.

Thursday, May 2nd is the annual Give DeKalb County 24 hour fundraising event for local nonprofit charities. Please go to https://www.givedekalbcounty.org/ on May 2nd and consider donating to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul to support our work in serving the most vulnera-ble and needy in our local communities.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society will be hosting a Volunteer Appreciation and Benefit Dinner on Saturday, May 4th, in the cafeteria of St. Mary’s Parish in DeKalb. This year’s event will not require any ticket purchase. All are welcome to attend. A free will offering to support the ministries of SVDP is encouraged and appreciated. Dinner will begin at 6:00 pm and includes a pasta meal with desserts provided by the Catholic Daughters. Refreshment donation made by Knights of Columbus will include beer and wine, as well as lemonade and coffee. Please join us in hearing more about SVDP and its dedicated volunteers.

Finally, the SVDP wishes to thank Faranda’s Banquet Center for hosting the Lenten Fish Fry nonprofit partnerships during the current Lenten season. A portion of the sales for each event was donated to a non-profit partner as specified by the dinner guest attending the Fish Fry. Thank you, Faranda’s, for hosting these events and thank you to those who chose SVDP as their designat-ed nonprofit organization.

For the latest, up-to-date information about our parish, please “Like” our

facebook page! You can find it at www.facebook.com/StMarydeKalbIl/

or check out our website: http://stmarydekalb.org

Sunday, April 28 DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY 9:45 AM - 11:15 AM Religious Education (MC) 9:50 AM - 10:20 AM Religious Education Exposition (CH) 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Hispanic AA Group Meeting (PCN) 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM Catechist Luncheon (C) 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Divine Mercy Sunday Prayer (CH) 3:00 PM Hispanic Reconciliation (CH) 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Hispanic Religious Education (MC) Masses in English 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM (CH) Mass in Spanish 4:00 PM

Locations: (B) Bethany Room, (CA) Cafeteria, (CHP) Chapel, (CH) Church,

(E) Emmaus Room, (G) Gym, (LRC) Library Resource Center, (MARI) Marian

Room, (MC) Ministry Center, (PCN) Parish Center North, (PWR) Parish Work

Room, (PR) Presentation Room, (SAR) St. Anne Room, (SJM) St. James Room

(Private), (SJ) St. John Room, (SJOA) St. Joachim Room, (SJOS) St. Joseph

Room, (SL) St. Luke Room, (SM) St. Mark Room, (SMR) St. Matthew Room,

(YC) Youth Center

This week’s schedule… Sunday, April 21 EASTER SUNDAY No Religious Education 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM Mass in English (CH) 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Hispanic AA Group Meeting (PCN) 1:00 PM Mass in Vietnamese 2:45 PM - 6:00 PM Vietnamese Ministry Easter Social (C) 3:00 PM Hispanic Reconciliation (CH) 4:00 PM Mass in Spanish

Monday, April 22 No School 7:00 AM Mass in English (CH) NO Scheduled Reconciliation in English (CH) 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Stock (C) 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Hispanic Ministry Choir Rehearsal (SAR) 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM St. Vincent de Paul Society Meeting (C) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Extra Ordinary Ministry Training (CHP) 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Hispanic AA Group (PCN) 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Hispanic Cursillo - Grupo de Amistad (SJOS)

Tuesday, April 23 No School 7:00 AM Mass in English (CH) 7:35 AM Reconciliation in English (CH) 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Mom’s Book Club (SAR) 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Pantry (C) 3:30 PM Mass (Oak Crest) 5:30 PM Hispanic Reconciliation (CH) 6:30 PM Hispanic Mass (CH) 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Cub Scout Pack 173 Meeting (C,G) 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Teen Tuesday (YC) 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Hispanic Cursillo - Grupo de Amistad (SAR) 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Hispanic Prayer Group (CH)

Wednesday, April 24 No School 7:00 AM Mass in English (CH) NO Scheduled Reconciliation in English (CH) 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Men’s Group (E) 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Hispanic AA Group (PCN)

Hour Exposition (CH) Wednesday 7:30 AM until Thursday 6:50 AM

Thursday, April 25 7:00 AM Mass in English (CH) NO Scheduled Reconciliation in English (CH) 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Women’s Bible Study (SJOS) 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal (CH) 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Alive in His Love Prayer Group (CHP) 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Women at the Well (C) 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Hispanic Prayer Group-Choir Rehearsal (SMR)

Friday, April 26 7:00 AM Mass in English (CH) No Scheduled Reconciliation in English (CH) 6:30 PM Extra Ordinary Ministry Training (CH, CHP)

Saturday, April 27 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Hispanic First Communion Retreat (C,G) 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Hispanic A.A. Group Meeting (PCN) 11:00AM First Communion Mass (CH) 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Hispanic A.A. Group Meeting (PCN) Reconciliation in English 8:35-9:15 AM & 3:30-4:15 PM (CH) Masses in English 8:00 AM & 4:40 PM (CH)

A p r i l 2 1 , 2 0 1 9 P A G E 5

Councils and Committees

Pastoral Council Kevin Fuss, Chairperson 815-758-5432 ext. 100 Ging Smith 815-756-2177

Ana Vargas Witthoff 815-787-0285 Barbara Halverson 815-756-9453 Matt Fleming

Finance Council 815-758-5432 ext. 104

Buildings & Grounds Committee 815-758-5432 ext. 102

Cemetery Committee Thomas Specht 815-758-5432 ext. 102

Funeral Committee 815-758-5432 ext. 100

Ministry of Care Rick Fleming 815-758-5432 ext. 100

Respect Life Committee 815-758-5432 ext. 100

St. Vincent de Paul Society (Second & Fourth Monday of month) 815-200-4730 (General) 815-761-0430 (Helpline)

School Committee Greg Kubitz, Chairperson 815-756-7905

Stewardship Commission 815-758-5432 ext. 102

S T . M A R Y P A R I S H • D E K A L B , I L • W W W .

Mass Intentions Monday, April 22 (Monday within the Octave of Easter)

7:00 AM † Sharon Specht

Tuesday, April 23 (Tuesday within the Octave of Easter)

7:00 AM † Ashley Coogan

3:30 PM † Poor Souls (Oak Crest)

Wednesday, April 24 (Wednesday within the Octave of Easter)

7:00 AM † Jim Barr, Sr.

Thursday, April 25 (Thursday within the Octave of Easter)

7:00 AM † Poor Souls

Friday, April 26 (Friday within the Octave of Easter)

7:00 AM † Poor Souls

Saturday, April 27 (Saturday within the Octave of Easter)

8:00 AM † Deceased Members of Yusunas Family

11:00 AM † Linda Heinisch

4:30 PM † Caryl Steimel

(Divine Mercy Sunday)

8:30 AM † Donna Schoo

10:30 AM Living & Deceased Members of St. Mary

4:00 PM Cursillo (Spanish Mass)

Please notify the Parish Office if you or some-one you know will be hospitalized or confined at home and would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick.

In Need of a Minister of Care Visit? Perhaps you or a loved one is unable to attend Mass, perhaps due to a surgery, chronic illness, or difficulty in mobili-ty… It is important that each parishioner knows they are a part of our community, even when not able to actively participate. Each of us is in need of Christ’s presence in our lives… Ministers of Care bring the Eucharist to the homebound and offer prayer. Also, if you or a loved one is admitted to Kish Hospital, please make sure the patient’s name is given to the hospital on admission and it will be added to the list for communion visits. Call the church office if you or a loved one is in need of the Eucharist being brought to the home. Please continue to pray for the sick and homebound.

LITURGICAL ROLES

Lectors 4:30 PM Marlene Norris

8:30 AM Mike Tritle

10:30 AM Andy Small

Ushers 4:30 PM Dave Roliardi, Craig Vitkus, Keith Anderson

8:30 AM Chuck Albertson, Dan Cliffe, Doug Davis,

John Sauter, Donald Moizo

10:30 AM Duane Rapp, Dan Thompson, Jim Zenz, Mark

Farris, Nicholas Singer, Lance Farris, Michelle

Mershon, Andrew Miller, Rick Sullivan,

Toby Woodruff

4:30 PM

Captain Matt Fleming

Chapel Mary Beth Jilek

Cup 1 NO CUP

Cup 2 NO CUP

8:30 AM

Captain Tom Matya

Chapel Doug Schumaker

Cup 1 Tim Lehan

Cup 2 Bryan Johnson

10:30 AM

Captain Michael Hynek

Chapel Marlo Larson

Cup 1 Mary Parson

Cup 2 Sylvia Jones

Cantor Schedule

May 4/5 4:30 PM Alice Smith

8:30 AM Teresa Fuller

10:30 AM Tammy Farrell

April 27/28 4:30 PM Cecilia Aspengren

8:30 AM Sarah Taylor

10:30 AM Tammy Farrell

ST. MARK, THE EVANGELIST FEAST DAY—APRIL 25 Much of what we know about St. Mark, the author of the Second Gospel, comes largely from the New Testament and early Christian traditions. Born in 5 AD, he was the son of Mary of Jerusalem (Acts 12:12) whose home became a meeting place for the apostles. He is also the cousin of St. Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), a Levite and a Cypriot. He joined St. Paul and St. Barnabas on their first missionary journey to Antioch in 44 A.D. When the group reached Cyprus, Christian tradition holds that Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem, possibly because he was missing his home (Acts 13:13). This incident may have caused Paul to question whether Mark could be a reliable missionary. This created a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas and led Paul to refuse Mark's accompaniment on their second journey to the churches of Cilicia and the rest of Asia Minor. However, it can be assumed the troubles between Paul and Mark did not last long, because when Paul was first imprisoned, Mark, who was at the time in Rome with plans of visiting Asia Minor, visited him as one of his trusted companions (Col 4:10). His hopes to visit Asia Minor were most likely carried out, because during Paul's second captivity and just before his martyrdom, Paul wrote to Timothy at Ephesus advising him to "take Mark and bring him with you [to Rome], for he is profitable to me for the ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11). If Mark returned to Rome at this time, he was probably there when Paul was martyred. According to Christian tradition, Mark also held a close relationship with St. Peter, who referred to Mark has 'his son' in his letter addressed to a number of churches in Asia Minor (1 Peter 5:13). Papias states Mark had not personally heard the Lord speak firsthand and, like Luke, Mark was not one of the twelve apostles. He lived for years in Alexandria, where he died on April 25, 68 AD as a martyr while being dragged through the streets. Mark's Gospel was probably written between 60 and 68 A.D., and was based upon the teachings of St. Peter. It is believed Mark provided both Luke and Matthew with basic sources for their Gospels.

Where are you at 3:00 PM?

3:00 is the Hour of Mercy. It is the hour Our Lord expired on the cross. He revealed to St. Faustina, “...This is the hour of great mercy for the whole

world...In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion.”

#1320 Diary of St. Faustina

Everyone is welcome to stop in the church during the 3:00 hour! Often there are people praying the

Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

FIRST COMMUNION MASS Saturday, April 27, 11:00 AM

======================== We ask our Parish Family to pray for those who will make their First Holy

Communion. O Jesus, who hast loved us with such exceeding great love as to give us the ineffable gift of the Holy Eucharist,

inflame us with a burning zeal to promote Thy glory by preparing

worthily the little children who are to approach Thy holy table for the first

time. Protect, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, these young souls from the assaults of

evil, strengthen their faith, increase their love and endow them with all the

virtues that will make them worthy to receive Thee. Amen.

CRS Rice Bowl is one way Catholics can enhance their Lenten fasting practice - by giving up meals and donating the cost of those meals to Catholic Relief Services in order to help those who do not have

enough to eat. Please remember to bring your Rice Bowl to Mass or drop off at the parish office. Thank you.

St. Mary Cemetery Spring Clean-up Day is scheduled for

Saturday, May 4th, starting at 9:00 AM

(RAIN DATE - SATURDAY, MAY 18TH)

All are invited to help.

Any decorations you want to save must be removed by

April 1st. Please do not set out new decorations until

just before Mother’s Day on May 13th.

For those looking for an act of Mercy, please join us

for cleanup at the cemetery!

Apr i l 21 , 2019 ~ EASTER SUNDAY

What is a Catechist? Catechists are volunteers who are called to serve through teaching, witness, prayer, service and building of a community. According to Pope Francis, “...catechists should be joyful messengers, guardians of goodness and beauty which should shine through in their lives.”

St. Mary Religious Ed is looking for a few good Women and Men!

Catechists and Classroom Aides are needed for Religious Education for the 2019-2020 school year! Would you like to help the children of our church families know and love Jesus more? Also, consider the opportunity to visit an RE classroom before the end of the year. Possible visiting dates: April 28 or May 5. You will be able to see first hand what we do! To plan a visit or for more information call Annalisa McMaster @ 815-758-5432 ext.110 or annalisam@stmarydekalb.org

Please prayerfully consider if the Lord is calling you to this ministry.

Illinois Right to Life’s 51st Annual Banquet Please join us on Friday, May 17, 2019, at the Carlisle in Lom-bard, IL. Cocktail hour begins at 6pm, followed by dinner and a

program at 7pm. Our keynote speaker will be Trey Gowdy, former Congressman and outspoken pro-life advocate. This is our largest fundraiser of the year. It will determine just how

many hearts and minds we can change and lives we can save, as we work to restore a culture that respects and protects human

life in Illinois. We hope you can join us! To purchase tickets, go to

www.IllinoisRightToLife.org/Banquet or call 312.422.9300.

It’s Here! Lancer Legends

A History of St. Mary School 1913-2019 The 243 page book compiled by Joan Metzger includes a history of St. Mary School and many, many pictures. It is

available for $20 and can be purchased at the parish office.

Diocesan Stewardship Appeal 2018 Status

Thanks to all of you who have contributed so far to this year’s appeal! If you have not yet returned your commitment form, you have until May 31st to do so. You may also pledge and/or make

a contribution online to this appeal at: www.rockforddiocese.org/donate.

As of 04/08/2019:

Parish Target: $64,400.00

Pledges received to date: $64,157.00

May God bless you for your generosity!

Welcome New Members Juan Diego Martin

Jacquelin Es Abarca Ivanna Visairo & Diego Martin

Shawn & Caylee Ng

The parish staff wishes to extend

to the entire St. Mary Church

community a very Blessed Easter!

MERCY MOMENT April 21 – [Easter] “Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It…. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for the endless ages. Amen.” (Faustina, 1215) April 22 – “Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of [those] who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart…. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls…. of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.” (Faustina, 1217) April 23 – “Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of [those who have separated themselves from Your Church]. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart…. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls…. Who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.” (Faustina, 1219) April 24 – “Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the Heavenly Father’s favorites…. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls, and upon the souls of little children…. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.” (Faustina, 1221 & 1223) April 25 – “Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart life…. Eternal Father…. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You.…” (Faustina, 1225) April 26 – “Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of the purifying fire, that in that place, too, the power of Your mercy may be praised…. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory…. I beg You, by all the sorrow-ful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way than through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion.” (Faustina, 1227) April 27 – “Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most compassionate Heart…. O most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power…. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls, who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your Mercy…” (Faustina, 1229)

Mercy Corner Come and rejoice, praise and give thanks to our Merciful Lord as we celebrate the great Feast of Divine Mercy, Sunday, April 28, 2019. From 1:00-3:00, there will be Eucharistic adoration, confession, time for silent prayer, group prayer, scripture readings and readings from the Diary of St. Faustina, singing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. A plenary indulgence will be granted to all the faithful who go to the sacrament of Confession, receive Holy Communion, and offer pray-ers for the intentions of the Holy Father. Additionally, one must “with a soul totally detached from affection to any sin, even venial, fully participle in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or at least recite tin the presence of the Blessed Sacrament the Our Father, the Creed, and a pious invocation to the Merciful Lord Jesus (i.e. Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!).

Save the Dates!! Keep checking the bulletin for more

information! Monday, May 13th - Pizza Villa Fundraiser for High School Youth attending the Steubenville Conference. Friday, May 24th - Pilgrimage to 5 sites in Iowa Basilica of St. Francis Xavier New Melleray Abbey Trappist Caskets Trappistine Sisters St. Donatus Saturday, June 8th - Movie at Sycamore Theatre: Power In My Hands (A movie about the beauty and the power of the rosary).

Today as we celebrate the feast of Easter, like Mary Magdalene and the Disciples we find the

challenge of also seeing and believing the resurrection.

As you give your gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paull you help those who are poor and hungry to “see and believe” in the Resurrection.

Our Lord speaks: “Speak to the world about My mercy… it is a sign for the end times. After it will come the day of justice (Diary 848)… Souls perish in spite of My bitter passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy. If they will not adore My Mercy, they will perish for all eternity. Secretary of My mercy, write, tell souls about this great mercy of Mine, because the awful day, the day of My justice, is near.” (Diary 965).

Our Lord speaks: “My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon these souls that approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day, all the divine flood gates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity (Diary 699).

Our Lord speaks: “The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tender-ness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the First Sunday after Easter. (Diary 699)…I desire that priests proclaim this great mercy of Mine towards souls of sinners. Let the sinner not be afraid to approach Me. The flames of mercy are burning Me – clamoring to be spent; I want to pour them out upon these souls.” (Diary 50).

Conditions of Plenary Indulgence for Feast of Mercy:Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion and prayer for the Pope and his intentions, on the first Sunday after Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in a spirit that is completely detached from sin, even venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of divine Mercy, or who in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament recite the Our Father or Creed, or adding a prayer to the merciful Jesus (e.g. Jesus, I trust in You).

Due to our priest shortage, or grave condition (e.g. war, prison and sickness)It is appropriate, though not necessary, that the Sacramental Confession and especially Holy Communion and the prayer for the Pope’s intentions take place on the same day that the indulgenced work is performed; but it is suf-ficient that these sacred rites and prayers be carried out within several days (about 20) before or after the indulgenced act. Cardinal William Wakefield Baum.

Divine Mercy Sunday – Sunday, April 28, 2019

“The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.”

April 30, 2000: Pope John Paul II canoninzed St. Faustina and declared the First Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. On June, 2002, Pope John Paul II granted a plenary indulgence for the Feast of Mercy.