ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL (ACA)
As we are all aware the past couple of years of COVID, unrest in our world and cities and uncertainties facing many of us has been difficult and challenging. In the midst of an often troubled world, the Church has tried to be a source of hope, healing and assistance to those in need of God's presence.
This weekend, throughout the Archdiocese, we are encouraged to participate in the Annual Catholic Appeal. Your gift – no matter the size – has an important part in helping bring the Gospel message to our fellow Catholics and others throughout our region. Given the great challenges we have all faced in these past few years of COVID, the work supported by the Appeal is more important than ever. Gifts to the Annual Catholic Appeal directly support the necessary work of parishes, Catholic schools and vital ministries throughout the archdiocese.
Each church/parish throughout the Archdiocese has a goal to meet to help the various ministries supported by the ACA. I am hoping that as in previous years we will not only meet our goal but we will exceed the goal. When contributions exceed our goal, St. Peter's Church will receive a rebate from the excess donated funds. In the past year those funds that were over our goal for 2022 have helped maintain our ministry here at St. Peter's Church.
As in previous years, you are asked to make a financial commitment this weekend to the Archdiocese of Chicago Annual Catholic Appeal. Your financial commitment this weekend not only helps support the ministries of the Archdiocese but it also helps St. Peter's and our participation in the work of the Archdiocese.
This weekend (Feb. 11-12) during the homily time at Masses, we will listen to a special reflection from Cardinal Cupich speaking to all members of the Archdiocese about the theme of this year's Appeal, "Walking on the Road with Jesus." I encourage you to be generous in supporting the ACA this year. As I noted above, if ACA contributions exceed our goal, then St. Peter's Church will receive a rebate of those excess donated funds for our ministry here at St. Peter's.
LENTEN SEASON
The Season of Lent will soon be here with the celebration of Ash Wednesday on February 22. During this 2023 Lenten Season, I encourage you attend one of our daily Masses, come to church for some quiet and prayerful time with the Lord, and join us for Adoration or Stations of the Cross. Consider participating in one or more of our noon-time programs or visit our Gift & Book store for some excellent books or DVDs on topics to help you grow in faith. If you are not sure what might be a good Lenten book ask one of the workers in the Book Store or, ask one of the friars here at St. Peter's for suggestions.
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, February 22. Please note that we will distribute ashes as we did last year after Masses or Scripture Services as listed below:
7:30 am Mass
9:00 am Scripture Service
10:00 am Scripture Service
11:40 am Mass
12:30 pm Scripture Service
1:15 pm Mass
2:30 pm Scripture Service
4:00 pm Scripture Service
5:00 pm Scripture Service
We will have two priests available on Ash Wednesday in the lower level Confessional Rooms B & C 10:30 am-3:00 pm on Ash Wednesday.
SCHEDULE OF LENTEN SERVICES & MASSES
Monday-Friday: Masses: 7:30 am, 11:40 am and 1:15 pm
Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 pm
Sunday Masses: 9:00 am and 11:00 am
Monday-Friday: The church is open for private prayer from 7:00 am-4:30 pm.
Monday-Friday: Confessions are 10:30 am-3:00 pm.
Saturday: Confessions are 12:00 pm-4:30 pm.
Please note the following change of day for Adoration and day and time for Stations of the Cross during the Lenten Season:
- On the Wednesdays of Lent, we will have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament beginning at the conclusion of 1:15 pm Mass. Adoration will conclude with Benediction at 4:15 pm. Adoration begins Wednesday, March 9.
- On the Fridays of Lent, you are invited to join us as we pray the Stations of the Cross at 4:00 pm. Stations begin on Friday, February 24 at 4:00 pm.
After Lent ends, we will return to Adoration and Exposition on Fridays. Please consult future bulletins or our website for programs and other Lenten opportunities.
CONGRATULATIONS
Fr. Gilberto Cavazos-González, OFM, a member of St. Peter's Friary community, will be installed today as the John Duns Scotus Chair of Franciscan Spirituality at Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Hyde Park. Fr. Gilberto is a Professor of Spirituality at CTU. He received a doctorate in Spirituality from the Pontifical University of Saint Anthony (also known as the Antonianum) in Rome. He also lived and taught spirituality in Rome for a number of years. He has written a number of books, especially about St. Clare of Assisi. We offer our CONGRATULATIONS to Fr. Gilberto on this special honor he receives today.
VOTE
If you are a resident of the City of Chicago don't forget to vote for mayor and alderman on Tuesday, February 28. Early voting is now possible...Your vote DOES count...Plan on voting today!
PRAY FOR VOCATIONS
Please continue to encourage young men and women to consider serving the Church as priest, religious brother or sister. Please continue to pray for vocations. If you have any questions about priesthood or religious brother's life, ask any of the friars. Ask Sr. Fran about life as a religious woman.
Enjoy this Super Bowl weekend...maybe the Bears will be in it next year? Don't forget to wish those you care about a Happy Valentine's Day on February 14th and please continue to pray for peace and an end to violence in our world.
Fr. Michael