Potluck & Mission! Final Call to join us for our next potluck on Sunday, February 25 at 6 pm. Our Lenten Mission will immediately follow at 7 pm in the church. The parish will provide the main course of Italian meatball subs. Don't just fill your plates, fill your hearts before we continue our Lenten journey with the Parish Mission. Please sign here.
Office Closed. Our parish office will be closed on Monday, February 19, in observance of President's Day.
Part-Time Choir Director and/or Accompanist! If you or anyone you know is interested in this great opportunity to take an active role in our music ministry, please send a resume to Rebecca Kowaleski, Business Manager at bkowaleski@sjnstcharles.org. More details on this position at sjnstcharles.org/parish-diocesan-news/.
Grow In Christ
Lord of Life: Weekly Faith Sharing Group. Beginning Wednesday, February 21, 7:30 pm-8:15 pm, in rooms 213-215, gather for a weekly faith-sharing experience. Hear one another discuss blessings, the Sunday Gospel, God’s action within our lives, and prayers of petition. Encounter God as “Lord of Life.” Register here.
Diocesan Theological Institute. March 2 & 9, 2024. Attend the Stories of Women in the Bible, presented by Dcn. Richard Marcantonio, held in Crystal Lake. God has worked through the women who appear throughout salvation history. The next class (spread over two Saturday sessions) will focus on the mysterious & heart-rending, dramatic, and timeless stories found in Scripture. For information and registration, click here.
Bible Foodie: A Lent-Inspired Tasting Session. On Saturday, March 2 and 16, from noon to 1 pm, in the Rosinski Reading Room. Join our director of Adult Faith Formation, Brent, for a delicious sampling menu based on the cuisine of the eastern Mediterranean. Learn about foods and flavors that respect the simplicity of Lent, renew your appreciation for nutrition, and delight your tastebuds. Please sign up here.
33 Days to Merciful Love-Preparation for Consecration to Divine Mercy. Monday, March 4 – April 8, 7-8:30 pm. Journey into the heart of St. Therese of Lisieux’s Little Way. Adopt for yourself her devotion to the merciful love of Jesus Christ. This six-week parish retreat, with DIY content, includes a retreat guide and workbook, group discussions, and video-recorded talks by author Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC. On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, everyone will gather for a consecration to Merciful Love. Repeat and new participation is welcome! Register here.
O Lamb of God, I Love You | the Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello. On this special feature-length episode, Benjamin Cello, Lolly Popular, and the Cheerful Chums join with traveling troubadour, Brother Joseph, to tell the story of the Passion of the Lord Jesus to little children. Using immersive and artful shadow puppetry and a soaring full orchestral score, Brother Joseph and Benjamin Cello bring the Greatest Love Story Ever Told to life! Watch on FORMED.org. Sign up for a free, all-access account by visiting signup.formed.org.
Be Sent by Christ
Almsgiving During Lent...Works of Charity!
During Lent, as faithful Catholics, we are called to do penance through prayer, fasting, abstinence, and exercising works of piety and charity. Here are some opportunities in our parish and community to fulfill our obligation this Lent.
- Feed my Starving Children. Bring hope to hungry children. Tuesday, February 20, and March 19 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Aurora location. Contact Bob Andrini at drinibird2@gmail.com to register today!
- PADS Food Ministry. We provide food to feed the hungry on the 2nd Thursday of the month at Hesed House, the second-largest homeless shelter. If you want to volunteer contact Sue Skibley at 630.584.9084 to register.
- 40 Days for Life Campaign. From February 14 through March 24 peacefully pray in front of Planned Parenthood in Aurora for the end of abortion. Our St. John Neumann Day of Prayer will be on Friday, March 8. Register today to pray at 40daysforlife.com/aurora.
- Lazarus House. Feed our hungry neighbors at our local homeless shelter. We are committed to providing breakfast and lunch on the first, fourth, and fifth Wednesdays of the month. Contact Marianne Hale at mariannedatahale@gmail.com to register.
- Blood Drive. On Monday, March 4, from 2:00 to 7:00 pm at St. Patrick’s Parish on Crane Road, donate blood and save lives. Make an appointment today bit.ly/DonateStPats4 or call (800) 786-4483.
- Hope for Haitians. Support this International Ministry and make a difference in the lives of our Haitian brothers. Pick up your donation box and a calendar from the Welcome Center and make this a family Lenten project. Visit hopeforhaitians.org for more information about their mission.
- Northern Illinois Food Bank. On the 3rd Thursday of the month, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Let’s fight hunger together! Invite your family and friends and join our next session on March 21. Register here.
February, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
Up to 1 in 4 teens will experience abuse in one form or another before they enter college. TV, movies, and music videos portraying violent and overly dramatic relationships with disrespect and derogatory language are the norm. Today’s young men are flooded with images of violence where aggression is respected, and humiliating others is tolerated. The “win at all costs” concept leads them to view compassion and empathy as weakness.
It is important to teach our young people to set boundaries and take steps to stop abusive behavior not only in boyfriend/girlfriend relationships but also among their peers. By understanding their identity as sons and daughters of God and God’s love for them, our youth can begin to build relationships based on God’s ultimate design. The most effective prevention begins by educating young people on how to form healthy relationships with others. Click here to learn strategies to promote healthy teen relationships. For more information contact our Domestic Abuse Ministry at: 630.480.6561
Community Events
The Silver Foxes Celebrate Mardi Gras. The Silver Foxes recently celebrated Mardi Gras at Sorrento's Steakhouse. Upcoming Events: Breakfast meeting at Colonial Cafe on Thursday, February 22, at 9 am. Pizza & Bingo at Geneva American Legion Hall on Thursday, March 21, 12-3 pm. If you would like to join this great group, contact Lorraine at 630-632-5483.
Mastering What Matters. A Half-Day Men's Retreat. Sponsored by Men of Christ on Saturday, March 9, 8 am - 1 pm in Wheaton. Video presentations by Bishop Ronald Hicks, Sam Blair-former Navy Seal, and Fr. Mark Bernhard. More details here.
Meal Packing Event. It's Time...To Save the Life of a Child! Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Mercy for the Starving 2-parish meal packing event taking place on Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23. The goal for this 2-day event is to raise over $40,000.00 and pack over 139,968 meals!!
To gain further insight into the impact you can make on the life of a child, watch this short video titled "Until All Are Fed" at https://youtu.be/B8pKyDYapXw. Your life will be enriched by making a difference in the life of a child and giving them HOPE that they will live one more day. Online registration goes live on February 17. Please sign up here.
Wait...There's More! To accommodate the hundreds of volunteers walking in the doors of St. Patrick to pack meals, we need to transform the rooms at the church so we can pack these meals. This means there will be numerous volunteer position openings available for those who are willing and able in addition to the meal packing volunteers. We will need to set up, take down, welcome volunteers as they arrive, check them in, hand out hair nets, and do a host of other activities. Click on this SignUp Genius link to volunteer.
Ongoing Events
Street Outreach for the Homeless. Bags with essential supplies are available at our office and Welcome Center. Next time you encounter a homeless person, follow Jesus in reaching out with a bag and a smile.
Daughters of Mary Widows Group. If you like to share conversation, enjoy fun afternoons, and visit interesting places, join us! The meetings are on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 1:30 pm, in rooms 213-215.
That Man Is You! Saturdays, 6:45 am, with breakfast, in the Hoffman Center. Includes small group discussions and presentations.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend Gospel Study. Wednesdays, 11:15 am, in rooms 213-215.
Pietra Fitness. Thursdays, 9:30 am, in the Hoffman Center. Contact Laura at laura.m.saad@gmail.com.
Neumann Needlers. If you already know the craft or would like to learn, join this group on the first Monday of every month, 9 am - 11 am, in rooms 213-215.
Silver Foxes. Join the fun and fellowship with this 55 years & over group. Contact Lorraine for more information at 630-632-5483.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, February 18th
8:00 † Joseph C. Hantsch
9:30 † Ann Kabbe
11:00 † Frank Cristino
Monday, February 19th
7:30 † Diane Carney
8:30 † Davida Mazzetti Crain
6:00 † Stanley Peck
Tuesday, February 20th
7:30 † Sally A. Fenlon
8:30 † Thomas Franzak
6:00 † Elpido Bigol
Wednesday, February 21st
7:30 † Stanley M. Peck
8:30 † David Markel
6:00 † Stanley Peck
Thursday, February 22nd
7:30 † Ken Benson
8:30 † Marie Schero
6:00 † James Hyler
Friday, February 23rd
7:30 † Robert Keeney
8:30 † John Wrobel
6:00 † Kevin Sheehan
Saturday, February 24th
8:30 † Anna Mraz
4:00 † Joe Arnony
Sick List
Georgette Wurm, Jenny Martin,
Adele Fabish, Terri Carlson,
Cathy Brandenburg, Lisa Marie Fuchs, Mary Anderson, Marianne Roberts, Glenn Johnson, Larry Fehling,
Darlene Thomas, Patrick Thomas,
Don Van Borsch, Katie Kennedy, Constance Thullen, Gabby Amore,
Mary Ann Yench, Carol Klooppmann
Adele Fabish, Terri Carlson,
Cathy Brandenburg, Lisa Marie Fuchs, Mary Anderson, Marianne Roberts, Glenn Johnson, Larry Fehling,
Darlene Thomas, Patrick Thomas,
Don Van Borsch, Katie Kennedy, Constance Thullen, Gabby Amore,
Mary Ann Yench, Carol Klooppmann
Heavenly Father, we lift up all those who are facing various illnesses. Give them the hope and courage they need today and every day. Comfort their pain, calm their fears, and surround them with Your peace.
Stewardship Corner.
God of All Creation, make me a gift to others as I pray and work in union with your Son, our Savior and Brother Jesus the Christ, and in your Spirit of Love who reigns over all forever and ever. Amen.
Collection Report
Budgeted Monthly Contribution Needed: $112,916.7
January Contribution Received: $116,049.12
Diocesan Stewardship Appeal Progress (Contribute here!)
Goal: $138,956.00
Pledges: $132,660.43 (Help us to the finish line!)
Goal: $138,956.00
Pledges: $132,660.43 (Help us to the finish line!)