Dear Parishioners, On June 1, 2025, I blessed the Time Capsule (and its contents) that was one of the closing moments of our parish centennial celebration. Our time capsule was designed and organized by the committee that has overseen all the components of our year-long celebration.

The purpose of a t ime capsule is to preserve a snapshot of a specific period in history so that future generations will be able to better understand and appreciate its roots. Within capsules are objects, documents and other items that represent the accomplishments of those people.

The contents of our parish time capsule includes the following:

† Terrazzo glass from new flooring, centennial renovations
† Wood from the original outdoor cross of the church dedicated in 1976
† 2024 coin collection
† Centennial spirit wear, hat and t-shirt
† Centennial celebration ceramic mug
† Comfort cross from Bethlehem Gifts
† Tootsie Roll to represent the good works of the KOC
† Benedictine medal and card explaining its symbolism
† Benedictine Crucifix representing the ministry of Benedictine monks and sisters
† St. Joan of Arc medal and prayer card
† Prayer card commemorating the election Pope Leo XIV
† St. Joan of Arc medal and prayer beads
† Well-wisher Signature Scroll, signed by parishioners
† A Century of Ministry, an article published in the Daily Herald
† Cloth purse made by Leanne McGrath, co-founder of The Sharing Connections organization that serves the needy
† Communion Chalice used in the liturgy to distribute the Precious Blood of Christ
† Statue of St. Joan of Arc donated by St. Procopius Abbey
† Prayer Blanket representing this parish ministry that served the sick and dying
† Daily Missal, published in 1956
† Burse used to contain a corporal during the Tridentine Mass
† Copy of the book, Our Lady of the World’s Fair, Bringing Michelangelo’s Pieta to Queens in 1964, written by parishioner Ruth Nelson
† Worship Aids designed by Jim Susic and used during various liturgical rites
† St. Joan of Arc School Gala program booklet
† St. Joan of Arc School yearbook
† Complete set of “Throwbacks Articles” by Ruth Nelson that were included in each bulletin during the year 2024
† St. Joan of Arc School Handbook
† Centennial Memory Book
† Centennial post Mass Celebration ticket
† Letter from Bishop Hicks announcing the election of Pope Leo XIV
† Bulletin article written by Fr. Gabriel regarding recent church enhancements
† Previous dedication liturgy booklet from the celebration of March 13th, 1977
† Parish and School Directories
† Coin designed on the occasion of Bishop Hicks’ installation as bishop of Joliet

The following prayer was offered on the day of blessing.

O God of endless ages, to you belong all times and seasons, all persons and places for you are the beginning and end of all that exists. We have gathered today as a community of faith to celebrate this parish dedicated to St. Joan of Arc. And we gratefully acknowledge the abundant blessings you have bestowed on it throughout this past century.

Today we place before you this Time Capsule the contents of which are a testimony to the faith of your people and the power of your grace. May the history preserved and symbolized within this vessel reflect your abiding presence to the people of this parish.

May those who open it in years to come be reminded of the faith and trust of us and our forbearers. May they too enjoy the guidance of your strong yet gentle hand.

May the peace of Christ rule in the hearts of all people and may the Word of Christ, in all its richness, dwell in those who work and pray in your name.

Bless the generations of those who will continue what was begun in this parish. Grant that one day, when time shall cease, all people of the earth may come to dwell in your Kingdom of light where sorrow and pain will be no more and where all your children will come to the eternal joy and lasting peace in your radiant presence where you reign as Father, Son and Holy Spirit now and unto the ages of ages.

Amen.

The exact location of our parish time capsule has yet to be decided, but various options are currently being discussed.

Blessings,

Fr. Gabriel Baltes, O.S.B.

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