Yesterday, Saturday, September 16 was Mexican Independence Day. The Grito de la Independencia ("Cry of Independence"), was uttered from the small town of Dolores, near Guanajuato, Mexico on September 16, 1810. It is the event that marks the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. The "grito" was shouted by Fr. Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest. Since October 1825, the anniversary of the event is celebrated as Mexican Independence Day. Let us remember our southern neighbors on this day and pray for all those of Mexican descent who today make Chicago their home. May each one of us continue to pray and work for a just settlement of the various immigration issues facing our country and other countries throughout the world.
Today, September 17, the Church celebrates the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. September 17 is also for Franciscans throughout the world, the feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi. Praying on the mountain of LaVerna in September, 1224, St. Francis was marked with the wounds of the Crucified Christ. From that moment on St. Francis was visibly showing that he lived the words written by St. Paul to the Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ and now it is no longer I that live, but Christ who lives in me…in fact I bear the marks of Jesus in my body.” (Gal. 2:20; 6:17)
SEMINARIAN EDUCATION FUND
This weekend, September 16-17, throughout the Archdiocese a second collection will be taken up at Masses for the education of future priests for the Archdiocese. These funds provide support for those studying for the priesthood and future service to the Archdiocese. Below you will find a note from Cardinal Cupich regarding this collection for the education of Archdiocesan priests...
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Today, more than ever, we need compassionate and knowledgeable priests who will accompany us on our life journey, sharing in our joys and sorrows and guiding us through its challenges. The young men who are currently enrolled at both the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary and at Saint John Vianney College Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, are the priests of tomorrow who will walk with us through life.
We are truly blessed to have these selfless, young seminarians step forward to minister us, our children and our grandchildren. We are grateful for their willingness to dedicate their lives to Jesus, the Church and each of us.
As a show of our gratitude, we take a moment this weekend to pay our respects by making a gift to their education. At Masses throughout the archdiocese this weekend, we ask for your encouragement and prayers for our seminarians. We also seek your financial support to help cover the cost of their preparation, which includes tuition and fees, room and board and health insurance. These young men are giving their lives to us, and I ask that you to match their generosity by making a sacrificial gift as we take up this collection. Not only will you be investing in them, but also in the future of the Church. A remittance envelope will be found at the back of the church for your gift. You may also send your donation directly to your parish, noting that it is for “Seminarian Education,” or you may make a gift online at archchicago.org/seminarianfund.
In addition, you can also support vocations in the archdiocese by encouraging young men in your acquaintance to consider discerning the priesthood. Many current priests credit their vocation to personal conversations with loved ones and friends who recognized this potential in them. On behalf of current and future archdiocesan seminarians, thank you. May God continue to bless you abundantly. Please know that I keep you in my daily prayers and intentions, and I ask for yours in return.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Cardinal Blase Cupich
Archbishop of Chicago
PRAYERS & SUPPORT
Please continue to keep the people of Hawaii, especially those on the island of Maui, in your prayers as they recover from the devastation of the recent wildfires. Let us also keep in our prayers and thoughts all those in Florida, Georgia and the Carolina's who are suffering due to the recent hurricane, storms and those who have been suffering this summer and early Fall due to high temperatures.
CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS
Our celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi will soon be here. A few events that you may want to mark on your calendar and plan to attend are…On Sunday, October 1, we will have our annual blessing of animals at 12:30 pm in the front of the church. All pets and their owners are invited to attend. On Monday, October 2 at 12:15pm, we will have a presentation in the St. Clare Auditorium (lower level of the church) on St. Francis of Assisi. Tuesday, October 3 is a special concert in the St. Clare Auditorium at 12:15 pm. Also on Tuesday, we remember the passing of St. Francis of Assisi to eternal life through the prayer service called, "The Transitus" (passing). The Franciscans here at St. Peter's invite you to join us for this prayer service to commemorate the death of St. Francis. It will be held in the church on October 3 at 4:30 pm. On Wednesday, October 4, we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi with a festive celebration of Mass at 11:40 am. We will also have Masses at 7:30 am and 1:15 pm for those unable to attend the special Mass at 11:40 am.
SCHOOLS ARE IN SESSION DRIVE CAREFULLY
A reminder to everyone to please drive carefully especially around schools. I am shocked at the careless driving of many people on our expressways and city streets. The extra few seconds you may gain by speeding, driving on the shoulder of the road in the midst of heavy traffic, running red lights and weaving in and out of lanes can all lead to injuries or even death. Please drive carefully!
THANK YOU
Thanks to your generosity the second collection on July 29-30, 2023 to support the ministry of the Little Sisters of the Poor to the elderly and poor of the raised $2,474. Thanks also for your contributions to the ministry of the Diocese of Lucena in the Philippines on August 12-13, 2023 raised $2,984. May God bless your generosity and assistance your donations help in these two important ministries.
Be sure to consult our weekly church bulletin, posters displayed in church and our website for more activities here at St. Peter's Church this Fall and Winter season.
Fr. Michael