Dear Neighbor,

From the Desk of Fr. Anthony C. Ekanem, MSP:
 

           The readings today focus on the end of time:

 
Daniel prophesies about the resurrection of those who have already died. That part of a vision of the prophet Daniel concerning the end time is remarkable because it contains the earliest statement of the belief in the resurrection of the dead. In this month of November, we are invited also, to pray for the souls of those who have gone before us.
 
Letter to Hebrews insists on the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice over the Levitical sacrifices of the Old Law. That Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross atoned for all sins, for all people, for all time.
 
In Mark Gospel, Jesus warns his disciples of the terrible signs of the end of time but reassures them that God’s elect will be gathered from the end of the earth. Though the apocalyptic language and dramatic images are frightening, the precise time of the end time is known only to God. Therefore, the disciples must not allow themselves to be misled by claims or speculations that the end time is near but must maintain a constant watchfulness.
 
What is God’s word to us before the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year? 
 
While we cannot share Mark’s view that the end is near, we do share his faith in God’s victory in Christ.
 
-That Christ our Light is stronger.
-That God wants to give us hope for a brighter future to believe.
 
His words of assurance to us - ‘Have faith in God.’ “I set the Lord ever before me; with Him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.” (Responsorial Psalm)   
   
Pope Francis: “The first step to knowing Jesus Christ is to recognize our own poverty and our need to be saved. “


Collection : Last Sunday, November 11, 2018  was $4,105.
2nd Collection:   Last Sunday November 11th the 2nd collection will be our Monthly Church Property Insurance Collection was $1,309.
Our second collection today is for Catholic Charities Campaign for Charity and Justice
 
Today’s Focus: The End is Near– Or Is It?
In a way, it would be simpler to live out the rest of our lives if we knew precisely when all would come to an end. Jesus calls us to something more difficult: living that way even though we don’t know.

Living and Praying with the world:
All-powerful, ever-living God, over and over again you show that you will not abandon us. In Jesus you show us the path to life, even in the midst of  death and darkness. Keep us  focused on him. Open our eyes to his light in all circumstances to ready us for whenever he returns in glory.
 
Parish Notice: Please be aware that on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 6:00 pm we at St. Mary’s will have the Mass of Installation for Fr. Anthony C. Ekanem, MSP as the new  Pastor of St. Mary’s.  There will only be one Mass that Saturday and it will be  co –celebrated by Fr. Anthony, Fr. Felino and  Fr. Fares. All are welcome to attend the Mass of Installation and a small reception following the Mass at the   Parish Hall. Please let us know if you would like to attend by filling out the slips of   paper that the ushers will hand out and returning them to the ushers at the end of Mass. Thank you.
 
Parish Membership: Every family or single adult to be considered active members of St. Mary’s must be properly registered  in the parish, receiving and regularly using the weekly donation envelopes.   Only in this way can the   parish issue documents attesting to parish membership and Catholic practice, e.g. a letter to be a Godparent or Sponsor. Also if you have moved and still want to continue as a  parishioner of St. Mary’s please stop by the office with your new address so that we may make the  ppropriate changes. Thank You
 
November 2018:
24th NO Religious Education Classes- Thanksgiving Weekend
Parents if you have not done so during this month all Sacramental fees are due:

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
 

 Mass Schedule for the week of
 November 18, 2018 to November 25, 2018
Mass are daily at 8:15 and 12:05 in English and in Spanish on  Thursdays at 7:00pm
Below are the Special Intentions for this week

 
 
 
Sunday, November 18, 2018:
7:30 am–          For the Parishioners
9:00 am–          Bernardo Lazaro & Rafael De Jesus Torres
                          Maria Torres
11:00 am-        Gerardo Hilado
                          Sony Hilado

Monday, November 19, 2018:
8:15 am-          For the Bordenave Family            
                          Marie Jean-Baptiste
12:05 pm–       John Marques
                          Michael Rodrigues

Tuesday, November 20, 2018:
12:05 pm–      The Deceased Members of the Rodriguez –Moralez Martha Vega
Wednesday, November 21,2018:
12:05 pm–      Virgil Borrelli
                         Wife Angelina Borrelli
Thursday, November 22, 2018: Thanksgiving Day:
10:00 am–     Mass of Thanksgiving –Bi-Lingual Mass
 
Friday, November 23, 2018:
8:15am–         Saturnino Rodriguez Moralez
                         Martha Vaga
12:05 pm–      Denis M. McMahan
                         The Bonano Family

Saturday, November 24, 2018:
12:05 pm -        Michele Family
                           Marie Jean-Baptista
5:00 pm–            Joann Mastronardi
                            John and Josephine Mastronardi
7:30 pm–           Anastasia Martinez & Narscico Ruiz
                            Juaquina Ruiz
Sunday, November 25, 2018:
7:30 am   -         Joann Mastronardi
                           John and Josephine Mastronardi
9:00 am–          Alejandro & Altagracia
                          Family
11:00 am–        Patricia Zambrosky
                           William Zambrosky
 

The rectory office will be closed on Thanksgiving weekend.
From November 22nd to November 25th

 
 



 

 

Convent of the Holy Spirit
      Office of the Mission Secretary
       319 Waukegan Road
      Northfield, IL 60093
            847-441-0126
          mary.millerssps@hotmail.com

 
The Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (also known as Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters - SSpS), from the American Province House in Northfield (Techny), Illinois, will visit Immaculate Conception / St. Mary Parish on the weekend of August 11-12, 2018.
The Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters are an international missionary congregation serving in over 50 countries of the world, primarily in rural, poor areas and frontier situations; addressing the needs of the people through education, health care, and socio-pastoral ministry. Special attention is given to women and children, trafficking, those affected by HIV-AIDS, inter-religious dialogue, and sharing the “Good News” of God’s love.
Through your prayerful accompaniment and generous financial support, the mission of Christ to “go, teach, and proclaim the Gospel to all people” will continue through the work, ministry, and witness of our Sisters.
We look forward to meeting you and share life and mission with you.
For more information on the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters,
their history and ministry in more than 50 countries of the world,
visit our websites:   www.ssps-usa.org   and    www.worldssps.org
 
Thank you!