FROM THE PASTOR’S CORNER:
A word from Pope Francis ~ “I realize, of course, that joy is not expressed the same way at all times in life, especially at moments of great difficulty. Joy adapts and changes, but it always endures, even as a flicker of light born of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved.”
Thank you for all of your good wishes and prayers over the past few weeks. No one anticipated the blood clot in my lungs – especially myself! I was at the Parish Office on Saturday, November 2nd preparing for the blessing and dedication of our Perpetual Adoration Chapel when the attack took place. The Paramedics were here immediately and transported me to the Emergency Room at Central DuPage Hospital. Their timeliness made all the difference. I can’t thank them enough. The Emergency Room staff was excellent in stabilizing my condition. A stay in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit allowed for additional heart and blood tests. A room in the step-down unit followed. Since oxygen treatment made it difficult to talk, visitors were limited. Once blood thinning drugs were balanced, I was discharged last Sunday afternoon. Follow-up care appointments followed throughout last week. Father Rey and Father Juan Jose rose to the occasion and held down the fort, doing double-duty. I was constantly assured and encouraged by the prayers and good thoughts of so many from our parish, previous parishes, the St. Francis High School community, and many more. God’s blessings were and continue to flow. I am very grateful to everyone for all that you did and continue to do.
At this time of year as the seasons change and the harvest is gathered in from the fields, we cannot help but take notice of the abundant blessings we have received. God continues to pour out his blessings upon us. Experiences of being blessed can often lead us to a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to share those blessings with others. One opportunity takes place next weekend when we participate in the annual collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Since 1970, CCHD has been our church’s compassionate and effective response to the needs of low-income people in our own diocese and throughout the country. CCHD funds more than 300 projects each year, helping people to work within their own communities to create jobs, provide affordable housing, ensure decent wages and organize for change. CCHD is a practical way for us to respond to Pope Paul VI’s exhortation, “If you want peace, work for justice.” Please respond as generously as possible next weekend. Envelopes have been included in the packet mailed to our homes or please use the white envelopes in the holders in each pew.
One of the traditional aspects of the month of November is our prayerful remembrance of those who have gone before us in faith. Our parish Book of Remembrance is now at the front of the Church near the Baptistery and the Easter Candle. If you were not able to add the names of your beloved dead in the book for our All Souls Day Mass and parish Memorial Mass, please feel free to add these names to our Book of Remembrance. We continue to remember all of our beloved dead in prayer during this month of November.
This is the last full week before we celebrate Thanksgiving. A lot is happening in our parish as we quickly move towards the holiday season. Please take time to read the rest of the bulletin and become aware of the many different things happening at our parish. The bulletin is our primary means of communication. As always, may God continue to bless us with all that we need, and more.
Father Jim Murphy