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On Catholic Marriage
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Today's Readings
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Reading I Heb 3:7-14Responsorial Psalm 95:6-7c, 8-9, 10-11Gospel Mk 1:40-45
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rcia program
RCIA SESSIONS IN THE PRESENTATION ROOM OF THE PARISH OFFICE FROM 7:00-8:30
For class dates and more information, click here. -
Diocesan Safe Environment Program
All parish volunteers need to complete Protecting God’s Children, undergo a background check, and read a few important documents. Please contact Mona O'Bryan at the parish office 815-758-5432 x 107 if you are unsure if you have completed all the requirements or to answer any questions you may have. Thanks for your prompt cooperation with this important US Bishop's initiative. -
Links
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Extraordinary MINISTER and LECTOR SChedule
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from the desk of FR Russell(Jan 17, 2021)
We all need to pray for that openness to God’s plan in our life.
I encourage all of our Grade School students to pray and be open. We can marvel at thecallings of the disciples and Samuel this weekend. “At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD, because the LORD had not revealed anything to him yet. The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time” (I Sam. 3:7-8). The Lord is patient with us, but we must be open, of course. Samuel, who “was not familiar with the LORD” was open.
It is a good reminder for all of us in every realm of life to be open to a deeper understanding of truth. The lack of openness can be a cause of great harm, as is evidenced in our world today. “Speak, for your servant is listening,” said Samuel finally, after con- sulting with Eli, the priest.
The Apostles in the Gospel today are also open to God, though they will grow immensely in their un- derstanding of the Lord. Andrew listens to John the Baptist, who declares Jesus to be “the Lamb of God”. Simon Peter then listens to Andrew; and because he does, he hear will soon hear Jesus tell him, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called
Cephas” (John 1:42). We must be discerning, of course, in our search for truth; but our openness to God in those around us is important. What if Andrew would not have listened to John the Baptist or Simon Peter would not have listened to Andrew? God will accomplish the plan of salvation, but what would Si- mon Peter’s future have been?We must pray for every kind of vocation for ourselves and others.
God responds to these prayers. I know some of you are devoted to prayer for religious vocations and I thank you on behalf of the Church. If you know of any high school or college age men that might be interested in the priesthood or if you yourself are open to that possibility, there is a discernment group called “The Melchizedek Project” meeting at Christ the Teacher (Newman Center) beginning Thursday, February 12th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with discussion, prayer, and food.
In Christ, son of Mary
Fr. Russell -
ANNOUNCEMENTSBecause of the coronavirus surge, effective tomorrow, Tuesday, November 17th, we are closing our office to casual walk-ins and will instead meet parishioners by appointment only. Most parish business can be conducted via telephone or email. Please call 815-758-5432 to set up an in person appointment or email mail@stmarydekalb.org with your request. There are no changes to our Mass schedule or requirements. Thanks for your patience as we attempt to keep everyone healthy and safe.
Mass Sign-up
Volunteer sign-up
Click on Link to the right
Link for Live Streaming Mass on Saturdays at 5:00 PM
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZh1iPkdCl_hQKsCTCA-EVA
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Word on Fire