News from St. Mary's
Feel free to browse about our new parish website as you wish (We even have a place to blog now). Our goal is to provide visitors with as much information about St. Mary's Parish as we can! Check out Special Devotions tab under Home!
St. Mary's Graduation 2012
Monsignor Mack Transfered to Monmouth; Father David Sabel Takes Over St. Mary's
After fourteen years as pastor of St. Mary's, Monsignor Thomas Mack will be leaving for a new post at Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth, IL (and sister parishes in the area) in mid-June. The move allows Monsignor to be closer to his elderly parents, something very dear to the 60 year-old priest. Father David Sabel will assume his new duties as pastor of St. Mary's as Monsignor's replacement. This will come during a time when the plans presented by the GIFT clusters will go into effect.
You will all have a chance to wish Monsignor "Good Luck" when he will be honored with a parish reception on Sunday, June 10 after the 10:30 mass until 2:00. It will run inconjunction with the "Retirement Party" for St. Mary's teacher Katie Wille.
You will all have a chance to wish Monsignor "Good Luck" when he will be honored with a parish reception on Sunday, June 10 after the 10:30 mass until 2:00. It will run inconjunction with the "Retirement Party" for St. Mary's teacher Katie Wille.
Bwana Set for June 9
You will need a lawn chair…maybe some sunscreen or a hat…your appetite…and an open heart and mind. One more thing….Men only.
Those are the ground rules for BWANA, a day set aside for the men in our parish to come together and share. Much like a safari needs a leader to see it through (“Bwana”), so do our homes, and this day is designed to help the dads of St. Mary’s take a long look at their roles in their family lives. However, since we can’t take a safari trip, we will do the next best thing---take advantage of one of Livingston County’s beautiful nature spots---Humiston Woods.
The men of St. Mary’s are invited to meet in the school parking lot on the morning of Saturday, June 9, be transported out to Humiston Woods, and take part in a series of presentations designed to examine the role of the Catholic Dad in today’s society. Speakers, activities, fellowship, and prayer will be the focus of creating an atmosphere in which our men can honestly assess their feelings about family life.
Lunch, prepared by Mike LoPiccalo, will be served, and, weather permitting, the day is designed to occur at several different spots in the park throughout. Speakers for the day will former assistant pastor Fr. Tom Holloway, youth group director Jim Woolford, renowned men’s speaker Fr. Joseph Mary, and St. Mary’s alum Drew Peterson. The facilitator for the day will be Mick Peterson.
A day with nature, a chance to share with others, and an opportunity to become a “better man” are the themes of the day. No cost to anybody…just your time and your heart. To register .......
Those are the ground rules for BWANA, a day set aside for the men in our parish to come together and share. Much like a safari needs a leader to see it through (“Bwana”), so do our homes, and this day is designed to help the dads of St. Mary’s take a long look at their roles in their family lives. However, since we can’t take a safari trip, we will do the next best thing---take advantage of one of Livingston County’s beautiful nature spots---Humiston Woods.
The men of St. Mary’s are invited to meet in the school parking lot on the morning of Saturday, June 9, be transported out to Humiston Woods, and take part in a series of presentations designed to examine the role of the Catholic Dad in today’s society. Speakers, activities, fellowship, and prayer will be the focus of creating an atmosphere in which our men can honestly assess their feelings about family life.
Lunch, prepared by Mike LoPiccalo, will be served, and, weather permitting, the day is designed to occur at several different spots in the park throughout. Speakers for the day will former assistant pastor Fr. Tom Holloway, youth group director Jim Woolford, renowned men’s speaker Fr. Joseph Mary, and St. Mary’s alum Drew Peterson. The facilitator for the day will be Mick Peterson.
A day with nature, a chance to share with others, and an opportunity to become a “better man” are the themes of the day. No cost to anybody…just your time and your heart. To register .......
Bits and Tidbits
*****Our entire parish's condolences to Deacon Jim and Laura Wallace on the recent death of their son James. RIP
*****2012 Annual Diocesan Appeal underway. Please do your part in helping our parish reach its goal of $74,000+. So far, over $52,500 has been pledged! Any funds raised above our parish goal are returned to St. Mary's to help reduce our own Building Fund debt.
*****8th grade graduation will be held Wednesday, May 23 at 7 in the church. Help salute Katie Wille who will be retiring this year, as well as Msgr. Mack's final "official duties." Twenty students will be promoted. A reception for Mrs. Wille will be held on Sunday June 10 in conjunction with a Farewell Tribute for Monsignor Mack. Both occasions will be held in the parish hall after the 10:30 Mass until 2 PM.
*****We will be holding an election in June choosing a member for the parish council. Be looking for details.
*****Vacation Bible School will begin June 18. "Operation Overboard---Dare to Go Deep with God!" is this year's theme. Children ages 4 thru 5th grade are invited to attend. Contact Karen Peissig (844-2175) for more info.
Check out the Youth Group page (Organizations Tab) to see about their fund raisers! Help our kids get to the Catholic Heart work camp this June!!!!
******CHECK OUT THE Final, Approved RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE "GIFT" CLUSTER GROUP TO THE DIOCESE! Click on the "Ministries" Tab above and then the "GIFT" tab.
******REGISTER your email address----Be looking for another drawing soon! Maybe you could be a winner like Bob Gregory!!!
******REGISTER your email address----Be looking for another drawing soon! Maybe you could be a winner like Bob Gregory!!!
"Sister" is coming in September! St Mary's has contracted a performance of Late Night Catechism on Saturday September 8 in our Parish hall in an effort to raise funds to reduce our debt from Making Room for God's Children. A representative from ALL parish organizations is invited to a meeting on Monday, June 4 at 7 pm in the parish hall to get an update on the proceedings and to provide input on the project!
Priesthood Ordination
The big day for Deacon Tim Hepner and Deacon John Steffens will take place on May 26 at 10:30 at the Cathedral in Peoria. The Ordination is open to the public, and all parishioners are invited to attend.
Here are some guidelines:
Transportation – The Knights of Columbus has sponsored two buses for the day Departure time will be at 8:30 AM from the Kmart parking lot. The trip includes the ceremony, the reception afterwards, and a light snack. A $5 donation is requested per person, payable when you leave. You can still reserve your spot by calling the rectory at 844-7683.
First Masses – Fr. John Steffen will celebrate his 1st Mass on Sunday, May 27 during our regular 10:30 timeslot, while Fr. Tim Hepner will celebrate his 1st Mass at 1 PM that afternoon. Either of these masses fulfills the Sunday obligation.
Parish Celebration – St. Mary’s will host a celebration for both priests in the parish hall at 2:30 PM. It will be your first chance to offer congratulations and receive their first blessing. A meal will be served by the St. Mary’s Women’s Guild for all in attendance. Please RSVP to the rectory (844-7683) to give us an idea of how many to prepare for.
Plenary Indulgence – Anyone who attends an Ordination, attends a 1st Mass, or receives a First Blessing from a newly ordained priest receives a plenary indulgence. That’s time off in Purgatory, so if you attend all five activities, you could receive five plenary indulgences!
Here are some guidelines:
Transportation – The Knights of Columbus has sponsored two buses for the day Departure time will be at 8:30 AM from the Kmart parking lot. The trip includes the ceremony, the reception afterwards, and a light snack. A $5 donation is requested per person, payable when you leave. You can still reserve your spot by calling the rectory at 844-7683.
First Masses – Fr. John Steffen will celebrate his 1st Mass on Sunday, May 27 during our regular 10:30 timeslot, while Fr. Tim Hepner will celebrate his 1st Mass at 1 PM that afternoon. Either of these masses fulfills the Sunday obligation.
Parish Celebration – St. Mary’s will host a celebration for both priests in the parish hall at 2:30 PM. It will be your first chance to offer congratulations and receive their first blessing. A meal will be served by the St. Mary’s Women’s Guild for all in attendance. Please RSVP to the rectory (844-7683) to give us an idea of how many to prepare for.
Plenary Indulgence – Anyone who attends an Ordination, attends a 1st Mass, or receives a First Blessing from a newly ordained priest receives a plenary indulgence. That’s time off in Purgatory, so if you attend all five activities, you could receive five plenary indulgences!
Nursing Home Masses
Masses at our nursing homes will be as follows:
Asta Care Center 2nd Monday of the month 10 AM
Evenglow Lodge 3rd Monday of the month 10AM
****All nursing home/assisted living centers are visited weekly by St. Mary's pastoral care ministers offering communion and prayers.
Asta Care Center 2nd Monday of the month 10 AM
Evenglow Lodge 3rd Monday of the month 10AM
****All nursing home/assisted living centers are visited weekly by St. Mary's pastoral care ministers offering communion and prayers.
