Dear Parishioners,

Our Campaign Readiness Assessment is officially underway as of Sunday, October 16, 2022. Two vibrant Vison Groups have already met and shared valuable insights with Lorraine Klemz, the director of our fundraising project. In addition, a good number of families also participated in personal interviews. The final round of Vision Groups was conducted on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. I would like to thank all those who joined in this important process and who, by their participation, helped to create the wonderful enthusiasm that is evident.

In order to provide everyone with the opportunity to have their voice heard, we are rolling out a brief survey this weekend regarding the proposed 100th Anniversary projects and the capital campaign that will bring these projects to fruition. It will be true testimony to the values of our parish community if we are able to have the interior of our church repaired and enhanced for our jubilee celebration that will begin on December 14, 2023.

The projects being considered are:

Refurbish and Repair the Pews - $250,000
Replace the Carpet and Tile in the Church with Terrazzo - $600,000
Paint the Interior of the Church - $200,000
Total: $1,050,000

The above numbers are “best estimates” at this time. Before we begin any construction however, these projects will be sent out to bid so that we can benefit from value engineering and competitive pricing as per the directives of the Joliet Diocese.

I ask that you please complete and return the survey inserted in this bulletin, so that the suggestions, hopes and dreams of as many parishioners as possible may be included in this significant moment in the history parish. In the very words of St. Joan of Arc, our heavenly patron, In God’s name let us go forth bravely.

Parish Mission

Mark your calendars for our first parish mission since the COVID shutdown that will be conducted on December 11 – 14, 2022. The mission topic will be the spirituality of beauty and how this is expressed in iconography, music and prayer.

The mission presenter will be Sr. Jeana Visel, OSB, a Benedictine sister from Immaculate Conception Monastery in Ferdinand, IN. Sr. Jeana is a native of northern Illinois and is currently serving at St. Meinrad Seminary, IN where she is the Dean of the School of Theology and Director of graduate programs. She earned a B.A. in Religious Studies from Kenyon College, an M.A. in Theology from St. John’s School of Theology-Seminary in Collegeville, MN, and a D.Min. in Spirituality from the Catholic University of America.

Sister is the author of Icons in the Western Church: Toward a More Sacramental Encounter, and regularly lectures on topics related to religious art. Sister is also a proficient musician and singer with particular interest in the chants of St. Hildegard of Bingen, a renowned 12 th century visionary and Benedictine abbess from Germany.

On the evenings of Dec. 12, 13 and 14, Sister will offer a presentation on some aspect of religious art. These will be followed by a brief Night Prayer service. The last evening will conclude with the Taize Prayer around the Cross followed by a social gathering.

The topic of beauty and spirituality is especially pertinent at this time in our parish history as we look to repair and enhance our place of worship in preparation for our centennial. This topic is also timely given the Christmas season that is fast approaching – a season, like no other, that celebrates Our Incarnate God whose beauty permeates the world.

In what can be one of the most hectic times of the year, give yourself the gift of this mission to help make this a most memorable and holy Christmas.

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