HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

As we gather this weekend to celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter, we also honor and pray this Mother's Day for our mothers, those living and those deceased. It was one hundred nine years ago, on May 9, 1914, that President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. As he wrote in his proclamation, "... we proclaim this special day as a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of our country." Initially, it was a day to honor our mothers during church services in various congregations. In the years since 1914, greeting cards, dining out, gifts, flowers and various other activities have become associated with Mother's Day.

As we begin the month of May (a month traditionally dedicated to the Virgin Mary) we are given an opportunity to recall the important part of Mary in God's plan, as the Mother of God. As we celebrate Mother’s Day 2023, let us to do all we can to provide support for mothers and all women in creating an atmosphere of respect for them and all of God’s people. At each of our Masses this weekend, we will give a special blessing to mothers and those who show a mother’s love to others. May God bless all those who have given birth to each of us who gather to worship this weekend.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES COLLECTION ON MOTHER’S DAY

Each year on Mother's Day, the Archdiocese asks that each parish take up a Collection for Catholic Charities to support that agency's work on behalf of mothers. As Cardinal Cupich in his letter regarding this need  wrote, "Catholic Charities helps tens of thousands of mothers each year with counseling services; food, housing, and utility assistance; adoption support; home-visit parenting support; domestic violence safe-shelter; and so much more." The Cardinal reminds us that, "...our donations are critical to this work of faith. It enables us to be Christ's hands throughout Cook and Lake counties. As the largest provider of human resources in our region, the Catholic Church touches thousands of lives daily through the work of Catholic Charities." You may donate this weekend (1) Through the Second Collection at Masses , (2) On-line at www.catholiccharities.net/donate or (3) By mail at Catholic Charities, P.O. Box 8275, Carol Stream, IL 606197-8275.

Two brief stories of mothers who have received help in the past year from Catholic Charities are:

1) For Eva* and her young daughter, the St. Sabina Food Pantry operated by Catholic Charities is a lifeline for nutritious produce and meat. She’s grateful to the staff who help her secure healthy food that is keeping her small family fed in uncertain economic times. As she navigates this stage, finding her footing as a young parent, Eva recently shared, “I’m thankful that I have someplace to go where I can be helped and respected.” Catholic Charities helps hundreds of mothers like Eva every day throughout Cook and Lake counties.

2) Sarah* was 21 with two children when she entered the Catholic Charities New Hope Apartments program. Having lived in foster care most of her life, she was seeking to be a good parent and successful adult. At New Hope, Sarah gained skills in budgeting, parenting, and interviewing. She blossomed before her case manager’s eyes and went on to gain stable employment, enter a healthy marriage and enjoy a peaceful family life.

*Names changed to protect privacy

ASCENSION

Just a brief reminder that we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord at Masses next weekend, May 20-21. We celebrate Pentecost and the coming of God's Spirit the weekend of May 27-28. With Pentecost, we end the Easter Season and return to Ordinary time.

HEALTH ITEMS

Thursday, May 11, 2023, marked the end of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration. Though the danger of COVID and other infectious diseases remains throughout our world, the use of vaccines, safe health practices and the low incidence of those infected with COVID has helped reduce the danger of COVID to everyone. While we encourage people to wear masks if they feel ill or are susceptible to sickness, the use of a mask at church is NOT mandatory. You are of course welcome to use a mask if you wish to avoid infection. And remember to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth/nose if you are going to cough or sneeze and if you are sick stay home to help you have a speedy recovery and not spread germs to others.

A COUPLE OF LITURGICAL ITEMS

In the past few months, we have received inquiries from those who are allergic to wheat (celiac disease) asking if we have gluten free hosts. Presently, we do not have gluten free hosts at our Masses. However, we are making plans to offer such hosts to those who might need a gluten free host. We will let you know once we have established a protocol for these hosts. While I am very aware that those receiving communion at Mass have the option of receiving in their hand or on the tongue, I highly encourage you to receive in your hands. A couple of our priests and Eucharist ministers have hand tremors and they are afraid of dropping the host as they try to place it on the communicant's tongue. All of our priests and ministers of the Eucharist are very concerned for reverence for the Eucharist and are afraid that sometimes in trying to get the host on your tongue their tremor may cause the host to fall on the floor.

May all of us who gather to celebrate the Mass always show respect for one another and maintain great reverence for the Eucharist being aware of the development of Liturgical practices over the years and  directions of the Church on the reception of the Eucharist.

For your reflection, I offer the following pastoral guidance from one of the Church Fathers of the 4th century. St. Cyril of Jerusalem in the year 348 gave this instruction to his congregation: “When you approach Holy Communion, make the left hand into a throne for the right, which will receive the King. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'.

PRAYERS

Please continue to pray for an end to war especially in Ukraine and Sudan. Pray for an end to the senseless attacks here in our country and the increasing use of guns and knives against innocent men, women and children. As you make plans for the Memorial Day holiday (May 27-29 weekend), I invite you to join us on Monday, May 29 at 9:00 am for a special Memorial Day Mass as we honor all who have given their lives in service to our country and to remember all the dead.

Please continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood, sisterhood and brotherhood in the Church. Why not invite someone you know to consider service in the Church?

Fr. Michael