Feasibility Study. The Diocese of Rockford is currently conducting a feasibility study to understand the potential for a capital campaign that supports shared ministries between the Diocese and each parish across the Diocese, including ours. Your participation in this survey is invaluable to the future of our diocese. Your thoughts and feedback will inform the path forward in this potential campaign effort. Participate here.
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/.
Encounter Christ
Anointing of the Sick. Our priests will offer an anointing of the sick outside of the Chapel after all weekend Masses. Anyone who is ailing, mentally or physically, is invited to receive this special blessing.
Grow In Christ
Bible Foodie: A Lent-Inspired Tasting Session. This Saturday, March 2, and again on March 16, from noon to 1 pm, in the Rosinski Reading Room. Join our director of Adult Faith Formation, Brent, and some culinary experts for a delicious sampling menu based on the cuisine of the Eastern Mediterranean. Please sign up here.
The Faithful: Stories of Courage on FORMED.org. Five dynamic comic-book-style cartoons that will inspire older adolescents and adults alike to face life’s challenges with courage! Learn about the lives of Juan Diego, Thomas More, Nicholas the Corinthian, Perpetua & Felicity, and an unnamed prince. Watch on FORMED.org. Sign up for a free, all-access account by visiting signup.formed.org.
Be Sent by Christ
Hope for Haitians. Having a secure home is a transformational moment for a poor family in Haiti. In the Community of Acul-Samedi where the new St. Joseph Village will be built, many families take what shelter they can in stick and mud dwellings that most of us would not use as a garden shed. In the rainy season, roofs leak and dirt floors become mud.
The first thing Hope for Haitians does in a new village project is to ensure families have a small, secure home. Smaller than the average one-car garage in the US, these homes are an amazing blessing. For many families, this is the first time they have had a secure, dry place to raise their children. The small solar light in each home makes it possible for children to work on their homework and for parents to do household tasks after dark.
This Lent, our parish, as a house of prayer, is helping build houses of hope for Haitian families. Thank you to all who picked up a donation box at the Welcome Center. We hope you are following your Lent Calendar and making this a family journey. If you would like to find out more about Hope for Haitians Mission visit hopeforhaitians.org/rockford-diocese/.
Holiday Food Baskets Ministry-Easter Baskets. We will again reach out to 150 families in need in our community this Easter. Families will receive Aldi Gift Cards and hygiene goods to help with their household expenses. If you would like to share your blessings, please visit here. You may also donate items needed for the hygiene kits: toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, deodorant, toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, and laundry detergent. Please bring your donations, now through March 20 to room 216. God bless your generosity!
Helping Moms in Need! On February 17 we hosted our first Breakfast with Babies of the year. Many mothers and their babies were blessed with delicious food and baby supplies. Thank you to everyone who donated food, baby supplies, time, or talent to make this a successful event. To keep walking with moms in need we will supply them with items on the third Thursday of every month. Please help us keep this ministry going by donating the following items: baby shampoo, baby lotion, baby wipes, diaper rash cream, clothes (0-24 months), and diapers. Bring your donations to room 216. Let’s build together a culture of life and a civilization of love.
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.
Lord of Life. Weekly sharing of blessings, the Sunday Gospel, God’s action within our lives, and prayers of petition every Wednesday, 7:30-8:15 pm in Rooms 213-215.
Pietra Fitness. Thursdays, 9:30 am, in the Hoffman Center. Contact Laura at laura.m.saad@gmail.com.
Feed My Starving Children. Pack food at the Aurora location on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Contact Bob at drinibird2@gmail.com.
Northern Illinois Food Bank. Pack food at the Geneva location on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 5:30 pm. Register here.
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 630-632-5453.
Community Events
Grief Support Group at St. Patrick Parish. Are you looking for healing amidst grief? Join us for a free six-week grief support/book study group. We will discuss “Finding a Loving God in the Midst of Grief” by Susan Erschen. The book can be ordered from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Please purchase before the first meeting.
When: Tuesdays, April 2 – May 7, 6:30 – 8 pm
Where: St. Francis Room, St. Patrick Crane Road Church (6N491 Crane Road)
Contact Irene at ihollenbach@comcast.net or (630) 386-5805 to register or for more information.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Is it time to disconnect from the world and reconnect with one another? Busy lives can take away from our relationships. Put your relationship on track for more communication, love, and harmony. Sign up for an upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience! Early registration is highly recommended. For more information visit our website at wwme.org or call (888) 574-5653.
Mass Intentions
Sunday, March 3rd
8:00 † Joseph Hantsch
9:30 † Donat Vallieres
11:00 † Guillerma Faelnar
Monday, March 4th
7:30 † Elizabeth Ryan
8:30 † Tom Bradley and the Intentions of Betsy Bradley and Anna Bradley
6:00 † Stanley Peck
Tuesday, March 5th
7:30 Reyes Family (Intentions of)
8:30 † Stanley Peck
6:00 † Julie Rittenhouse
Wednesday, March 6th
7:30 † Clara Williams
8:30 † Stanley Peck
6:00 † Chris Turnis (Anniversary)
Thursday, March 7th
7:30 Joe Thomas (Intentions of)
8:30 † Ray Kosinski & Patricia Murphy
6:00 † Lia Mortensen
Friday, March 8th
7:30 † Robert Koch
8:30 † Alby Sebern
6:00 † Betty Reid
Saturday, March 9th
8:30 † Stanley Peck
4:00 † Dan Schmidt
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,
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, Mary Ann Yench, Carol Klooppmann, Gabby Amore
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
Holy God of Wonder, keep us aware of how very little we need in order to have more. Amen.
Collection Report
Budgeted Monthly Contribution Needed: $112,916.67
February Contribution Received: $104,167.00
Pledges: $133, 790.43 (Help us to the finish line!)