Week of August 26

08/26/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Catholic Church interiors: The Cross

by Rev. Gabriel Baltes, O.S.B.  |  08/25/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

While it is not the earliest symbol for Christianity, the cross is certainly one of the oldest and most defining images of our faith. Because in the earliest days of the Christian church (in the Roman Empire) the cross was recognized as an instrument of torture and the most heinous form of capital punishment, it was not an object that inspired faith let alone hope. It was a sign of contradiction and scandal to insist that this torture stake was the vehicle of salvation. Crucifixion was reserved for the most egregious criminals who were enemies of the state. It was a form of execution that was intended to evoke fear in the citizens of the empire and to serve as an unforgettable threat to all who would challenge those in authority.

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Week of August 19

08/19/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

by Rev. Gabriel Baltes, O.S.B.  |  08/18/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

Last Thursday, August 15, we celebrated the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although this dogma (an official church teaching that must be believed) was not officially proclaimed by Pope Pius XII until 1950, Christians in the eastern church were commemorating this event, which they referred to as Mary’s Dormition (“falling asleep”) since at least the 6th century C. E. This early Christian teaching held that at the end of her early life, Mary “fell asleep” and was assumed, body and soul, into the full presence of God, that is, heaven. This was a privileged sign from God since it was through the totality of her person, that Mary gave birth to the Savior of the world.

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Church Enhancements - Week of August 12

08/12/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Catholic Church interiors: Church Buildings

by Rev. Gabriel Baltes, O.S.B.  |  08/11/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

Continuing to reflect on the cross cultural concept of sacred places as reservoirs of memory, we might also ask whether there is an actual need for such places. Are there not other ways that individuals and communities have for the purpose of preserving memories of the past? The answer is “yes.” Societies have consistently found creative ways to do this. Furthermore, we might also ask whether we as Christians even need churches, chapels, shrines or other sacred places. In an absolute sense we do not, because within the New Testament epistles, Jesus Christ is acclaimed as the true and lasting temple not made by human hands.

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Catholic Church interiors: Memory

by Rev. Gabriel Baltes, O.S.B.  |  08/04/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

Continuing to reflect on the significance of places of worship, (as we prepare to return to our parish place of worship, i.e., the church) I believe it is essential to recognize MEMORY as an indispensable component to such places. In his insightful and comprehensive study of worship environments, Fr. Richard Vosko, Ph.D., Hon. AIA, writes:

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Catholic Church interiors: The Floor

by Rev. Gabriel Baltes, O.S.B.  |  07/28/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

Continuing my catechetical reflections on Catholic Church interiors, this week I want to focus on the floor. Quite a few years ago, while I was a young monk living at St. Procopius Abbey, it became time to replace all the carpet throughout the monastery. Those of you who have been to the abbey may have observed that there are two main types of flooring throughout the building; quarry tile, which is in the majority of rooms thereby creating an atmosphere of stark simplicity with excellent acoustics, (perfect for Gregorian Chant), and carpet which is in the bedrooms, cloister hallways and other spaces where a softer, quieter atmosphere is desired.

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Church Enhancements - Week of July 22

07/22/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Catholic Church interiors: The Baptismal Font

by Rev. Gabriel Baltes, O.S.B.  |  07/21/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

As the enhancement of our church interior progresses in a most timely manner, I hope to offer periodic catechetical reflections that focus on various features that are integral, not only to our project here at St. Joan of Arc Parish, but to the general understanding of Roman Catholic liturgical environments. The first focus is on the baptismal font, rightfully called “the womb of the church.” It is from the action at this ritual vessel that people are reborn as Christians. It is important to remember that no one is ever a Christian. Christians are made – they must be reborn into the life of grace. Hence the need for a place where this re-birth may be celebrated in such a manner that recognizes its immense value.

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Church Enhancements - Week of July 15

07/15/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Welcome to Denise and Matthew

by Rev. Gabriel Baltes, O.S.B.  |  07/14/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

I am pleased to introduce two new members of our parish staff who were hired in the past three weeks.

The first of these is Denise Petty. Denise and her husband live in Naperville and have been in the western suburbs for almost 30 years. Their daughter, 19 years of age, is a sophomore at North Central College, and together, they are active parishioners of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church where her daughter also attended school.

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Church Enhancements - Week of July 8

07/08/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Our St. Joan of Arc School

by Rev. Gabriel Baltes, O.S.B.  |  07/07/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

Last week our school principal (Mrs. Picchione), vice principal (Mrs. Barenbrugge), and I met for our annual review of the past school year. This meeting is designed to recognize the successes and challenges of the past year, and then suggest changes that might improve the upcoming year.

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Church Enhancements - Week of Jul 1

07/01/2024  |  A Message from Our Pastor