Dear Parishioners,

Continuing my reflection on MAKE, the Pastoral Letter recently published by Bishop Hicks for the Joliet Diocese, I would like to focus on the second essential step in what the bishop is calling a roadmap to making Christian disciples. This next step is that of Confession, which logically follows the first step of Conversion. Conversion is the moment in people's lives when they realize that God is more than a theory or intellectual construct. It is the realization that God is personally connected with each individual. So profound is this connection that it calls forth a life-changing response from the person - a response of discipleship.

Dear Parishioners,

By now most of you have become aware of the recent Pastoral Le er launched by Bishop Hicks, i.e., MAKE for the people of Joliet Diocese. More will unfold regarding this le er in the weeks and months ahead. Essen ally its focus is on the Great Commission of Jesus. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, bap zing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the world. (Ma hew 28: 19-20).

Dear Parishioners,

Among Roman Catholics, October has traditionally been observed as the month dedicated to the rosary, the time-honored prayer that in many ways epitomizes our devotional life. October acquired this designation by Pope Saint Pius V who inaugurated the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7 in thanksgiving for a battle victory which the Christians enjoyed over the Turks at Lepanto in 1573. But prior to this historical moment, the rosary had already endeared itself to Christians.

When I arrived as your bishop five years ago, I laid out a vision of catechesis, evangelization, and faith into action, emphasizing that a thriving Church is one where we truly know, love, and serve God. The big question remains: how do we actually do that? How do we move from just having a vision to putting it into real practice?