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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dear Parishioners,

After nearly two years of catechetical preparation, spiritual formation and generous financial contributions, we have begun what I am calling “The Enhancement” of our place of worship. I prefer the term “enhancement” because, hopefully, when this project is completed, our parishioners will agree that we enhanced what was already a noble space. The term “renovation” which is frequently used for projects of this nature, typically implies a reconfiguration of spaces or other more radical efforts.

Pope Leo XIII consecrated the entire world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, 1899. Since then, every Pope has renewed the consecration to the Sacred Heart. As we celebrate this 125th Jubilee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I thought I'd share some interesting historical background.

While devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has its roots in medieval Europe, the more contemporary devotion stems from revelations received by the French nun, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, VHM.

People across the United States are preparing to celebrate Independence Day with block parties, fireworks, and parades! Many cities host elaborate parades featuring floats, marching bands, and costumed characters to commemorate the nation’s birth.

Catholics, too, appreciate the community-building power of parades. At Mass, processions reveal our identity as a pilgrim people following in Christ’s footsteps. Processions also mark life transitions, special times in the liturgical calendar, and lead us to step out into the world with the Good News of God’s love.

Dear beloved SJA parishioners,

It is with bitter-sweet emotion that I write to inform you that I will be stepping away from my position as Director of Adult Faith Formation, after only 1 year. It feels as though I have only gotten my feet on the ground in Lisle and just began to form meaningful relationships with many of you, and now I am moving on at the Lord’s call. If you are reading this, you are likely asking the obvious next question… WHY?

Dear Parishioners,

The following sonnet by the Irish poet John O’Donohue offers an eloquent and rich poetic expression to multiple dimensions of the Pentecost Event.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit

Somewhere in our clay remembers the speed of cold,
Overtaking the surge of colours with grey breath,
And the shudder of fields, as they smother beneath
The white infinity of ice paralyzing the world.

Dear Parishioners,

I am pleased to announce that after a lengthy and diligent search, we have hired a new Director of Finance and Administration to replace Leanne Van Gronigen who served in this position for four years. You may recall that Leanne was hired at Visitation Parish in Elmhurst for a new position that provided the additional challenge for which she was looking. During our search for her replacement, Leanne continued to work at our parish part time to keep our finances in the excellent condition that she maintained throughout her employment here. I am most grateful for her loyalty and willingness to assist us through that time of transition.