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. This year our target goal for St. Peter's Church is $11,750. 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 2021 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. In speaking with Fr. Kurt, he has shared with me the generosity of so many of you to the ACA over the years. Your financial commitment this weekend not only help 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. 19-20) at 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, "Making all things new.....God's promise and our responsibility." 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 March 2. During the 2022 Lenten Season, I encourage you to 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.
Ash Wednesday Schedule - Mass or Scripture Service with ashes* [in church]
Please note: Church is open from 7:00 am - 4:30 pm.
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
*Ashes will be distributed at the conclusion of the Scripture Service or at the end of Mass.
How ashes are distributed will depend on the latest Archdiocese Liturgical guidelines for distribution of ashes.
Ash Wednesday Confessions
Lower Level Confessional Rooms B & C
10:30 am - 3:00 pm on Ash Wednesday
LENTEN SCHEDULE
Monday - Friday - Masses are at 7:30 am, 11:40 am and 1:15 pm
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
Please consult the bulletin or our website for a schedule of noontime programs and Scripture study programs.
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 2:00 pm.
More information on Lent will be available in the bulletin and web site in the coming weeks.
As we prepare to begin the Season of Lent, I offer you these words of Pope Francis: In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. At the Easter vigil, we will renew our baptismal promises and experience rebirth as new men and women by the working of the Holy Spirit. This Lenten journey, like the entire pilgrimage of the Christian life, is even now illumined by the light of the resurrection, which inspires the thoughts, attitudes and decisions of the followers of Christ.
May you have a peaceful and blessed week!
Fr. Michael