St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church...experience of most people at that time. For this reason, the vineyard image is a common one in the Scriptures. Today, vineyards are featured prominently

St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church October 4, 2020

can see the evils of resisting and rejecting God's love, and recognize the shockingly unjust and futile results of such rejection. We may be moved to wonder, How could this possibly happen? Yet, we know we reject God's grace and love every day. We are ungrateful and unjust, often without a thought to the consequences. As we meditate on these passages about vineyards, what is strikingly new in the Gospel, as contrasted with the Isaiah reading, is the ending. While the owner in Isaiah's passage destroys his beloved vineyard, Jesus ends His parable before a judgment is made. He asks His listeners to provide an ending, which they readily supply before realizing that they are condemning their own behavior. We can be thankful that we know, from the very example of Jesus, that while a wretched end is within our own power to choose if we remain unconverted, God still offers us the opportunity for repentance, forgiveness, salvation, and a place in the eternal vineyard, in the Kingdom of heaven.

During the Mission Month of October, Pope Francis reminds us that, as baptized Christians, we are called personally to mission – especially at this time – to bring Christ’s love to those most forgotten around the world. Jesus is God the Father’s own Missionary; He asks us to respond to this call to mission, this invitation to “step out of ourselves for love of God and neighbor.” What will your answer be? “Here I Am, Send Me” is the response we will all endeavor to live out this World Mission Sunday, through prayer, participation in the Eucharist, and generosity to the collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

Through the Pope’s own missionary society, you too can be sent out to all the ends of the earth – sent through your support of missionaries and those they serve. Even though we have not been able to actually go on mission because of the pandemic, our diocese of Joliet continues to support our missions to the Philippines, Bolivia, the Navajo Nation and Uganda.

I invite all of us in this diocese to respond in the most generous way you are able.

Your brother in Christ, Most Reverend Richard E. Pates Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Joliet

Twenty-seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time

God offers us so much. How do we respond?

In the Gospels over the past two weeks Jesus has challenged us with vineyard parables. Last week's parable called us to labor in the vineyard, even if but for a few hours–and even if at first we really would rather not. This week, the vineyard theme is expanded, offering us food for thought about our response to God's unbounded love. The vineyard proves to be an image that is ripe–so to speak–for expansion and great fruitfulness. That is, it can help us grow in holiness. Obviously, for the people living at the time of Jesus, and for many generations after, wine was not only a common staple of life, but was also produced on a local level. Indeed, growing a few grapevines was as common as having a garden would be today. Vineyards themselves, like farms near many small towns today, would have been close to the experience of most people at that time. For this reason, the vineyard image is a common one in the Scriptures. Today, vineyards are featured prominently not only in the Gospel, but also in our first reading, and in our Responsorial Psalm. Great respect, and even honor, was garnered by those who dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to making certain their vines were meticulously cared for; their vineyard kept in the best of shape. Such care required diligent work and a great deal of labor. We see that incredible level of care and commitment at the beginning of our first and third readings. The beginnings of these readings should remind us of the unparalleled love that God has for all of His creation. People of every time and place need only notice the beauty and order around them to be moved to grow closer to that love through greater conversion and more authentic faith. So, one response to these readings would be to gratefully acknowledge and open oneself to the all-encompassing, saving and transforming power of God's love, and resolve to love others in return. However, the parables of these two weeks also convey the opposite picture–people being oblivious to, and even rejecting, God's lavish outpouring of grace. Thankfully, we know that God can work through even such negative things as rejection to help us change our hearts, and help us grow in faith. So, as we hear the vineyard stories, we

October 4, 2020 Page 3

Everyday Stewardship

Did you know there are over eight thousand wineries in North America? Not every winery has a vineyard, but that’s a lot of grapes on vines. In North Carolina, there are now over 120 wineries and/or vineyards throughout the state. With the decline of tobacco as a major cash crop, those fields have become fertile soil for planting grapes. It would seem the famed “Tobacco Road” might be more aptly named “Wine Way.” Everyone should tour a winery and vineyard at least once. Owners and workers enter into a relationship with the land that is 24/7 and 365 days a year, and it is inspiring to observe. The hard work is worth it, especially when you can produce a fine wine that causes a wine drinker to smile (and pay top dollar)! I just can’t imagine doing all that work. I am glad it is easier to enjoy wine by just buying it in a store. Being good stewards in the vineyard of the Lord isn’t that easy either. Much is entrusted to us to care for and cultivate. The expectation is that good fruit will be produced. When the time comes that we are asked for the fruits of our labor, we can react negatively because we have not been the most productive of workers. What we sometimes forget is that, with the help of the One who owns the vineyard, we can produce more good fruit than we can imagine. You can see the joy in the eyes of a winemaker who has created an award winning bottle. Making good wine takes practice, commitment, and a love of the craft. Some barrels of wine produced are not good at all. Mistakes are a part of the process. But perseverance can lead to a wine that is spectacular.

Welcome and Thank You!

We welcome to the Diocese of Joliet, Bishop Ronald A. Hicks as our new Bishop. The Instal-lation was held on Tuesday, Septem-ber 29 at the Cathedral of St. R a y m o n d Nonnatus in Joliet. There are 616,000 Catholics in the Diocese of Joliet,

and Bishop Hicks in collaboration with others and God’s good grace will be spreading the Good News vibrantly, continuing to evangelize and mak-ing sure the faith is steadily growing! We also express much gratitude to Bishop Richard E. P a t e s . T h i s remarkably kind, generous and h o l y m a n stepped into the role as Apostolic Administrator at the end of December, com-ing out of retire-ment and not knowing the pandemic was a few weeks away. He has been a genuine leader, and a community builder who has taken the time to get to know us, care for us and guide us. We were blessed when he was appointed to our diocese. He will be truly missed and we will be forever grateful!

Page 4 Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 6:00 PM - Dolores Molitor req. Family Kay Selfridge req. Selfridge Family TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020 9:00 AM - Ethel Zindrick req. Jerry Kolpa Eduardo Alvisse req. Nora Alvisse Stella Caccamo req. Fran Belcastry WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2020 9:00 AM - Catherine Briatico req. Fran Belcastro Robert J. McMahon req. Family Carmen Giannini req. Family THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020 9:00 AM - Living Intention for Kathleen Heintz req. Calistro Family FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020 9:00 AM - Franco Albian req. Hernan & Brigid Lazaro SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 4:00 PM - Living Intention for Jim Murawski req. St. Vincent de Paul Society Special Intention req. Gloria Caracello SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 8:00 AM - People of the Parish 10:00 AM - Bernadette & Edward Genatempo req. Karen & Emil Mudra 12:00 PM - Larry Bonin req. Deacon Al & Carol Agurkis Living Intention for Vito & Amelia Markas req. Family 6:00 PM - Larry Huene req. Anne Huene

Stewardship

Our Catholic Faith with Fr. Keith: 2016 was an interesting year for many reasons. In Chicagoland, we experienced the end of over a century of futility from the Chicago Cubs. Even as a lifelong White Sox fan, I must admit that World Series finale was unique in the drama of baseball. That weekend at Sunday Mass, I cracked a seemingly innocent joke about the 1906 World Series when the hitless wonders White Sox beat the 116 win Cubs in a postsea-son crosstown classic. The negative reaction from the congregation was immediately noticeable. There was little to no laughter and many audible groans. Needless to say, I knew I had misspoke. After Mass, many people voiced their displeasure in tone and manner ranging from disappointed to malicious. My pastor thought the whole situation was hilarious but he taught me a valuable lesson about reverence. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is an experience of the Crucifixion at Calvary. Of course, there is a horizontal dimension to Mass, that is, a human experience of communion. But, the greater emphasis is on the vertical dimension, namely, the exchange of our offering with the reception of Divine grace. Mass is not a social function like attending a concert, musical, or show. It is not the action of human beings for the entertainment of other human beings. It is not a symbolic ritual with vaguely ill-defined spiritual notions. Still more, it is not a project designed according to our own individual preferences or the popular fads of the day. Rather, the Mass is arranged for us by Holy Mother Church according to a very specific set of guidelines and expectations. These rubrics are not made to stifle the creativity of the human spirit but to enhance the receptivity of the Holy Spirit. Certainly, there is room for the human element in how we celebrate Mass. But, the emphasis must always be on the salvific action of God on behalf of us. Returning to my story above, the lesson was this: the reverence we owe to God while at Mass is a sign of our love for the God who made us by love, for love.

A CALL TO STEWARDSHIP

Weekly Collection 09/27/2020 $27,596.74

Weekly Goal (Fiscal Year 2020/2021) $28,500.00

Goals to Date Sunday Goal to Date $370,500.00 Collections to Date Sunday Collection to Date $342,672.28 Total (Short of) Goals to Date $(27,827.72)

Thank you for your continued generosity during this extraordinary time. We are very grateful for your support!

October 4, 2020 Page 5

Baptism St. Mary of Gostyn Parish Family welcomed the following children to the Catholic Faith through the Sacrament of Baptism recently: Dominic Paul Hartwig, Son of Jason & Michelle Hartwig Ethan Wyatt Mattson, Son of Alex & Agnes Mattson Dean Warren Robinson, Son of Reynold & Priscilla Robinson Harrison Michael Snyder, Son of Kevin & Lauren Snyder Aviana Lucille Wenc, Daughter of Bryan & Danielle Wenc

St. Mary Book Discussion Meeting Wednesday October 7th

at 10:00 am in Whitlock Park. Discussing: WE ARE THE LUCKY ONES

by Georgia Hunter For further information contact Pat Burton (630)852-2168.

Around the Parish

GRIEF SUPPORT TEAM

….“And Jesus wept” John 11:35

Jesus’ friend Lazarus died, and because of his grief, Jesus wept.

If you have lost a loved one and you are experiencing the pain of loss and grief, please

join the Grief Support Team at St. Mary of Gostyn to share with us and others

who have experienced the grief and pain you are now feeling.

Grief Support Group starts meeting on Thursday, October 8th, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the

Parish Center. We will be meeting every Thursday starting October 8th for six weeks.

Call Moira Barker at the Parish Center (630) 969–1063 to register or if you need

additional information.

ATTENTION SMG WEEKEND MASS READERS

Your 2021 Reader Workbooks for Week-end Masses are now available for pick up in the Sacristy. The next time you are

at Mass, please stop by and pick one up. After October 18th, you can pick up your copy at the Parish Center, 445 Prairie Ave. Thank you.

RECYCLING NEWS We have decided to have the paper recycling bins in our East parking lot removed. We no longer receive income from this company and we are now in need of the space to accommodate parking for both our School families and our Parish families at different times of the year. The campus will continue to recycle our paper products through a different channel, handled by the trash bins within the fenced in areas of the School and the Church.

Thank you for your support of this decision.

A Warm Welcome

We welcome: Julio & Veronica Rodriguez

Alex & Claire Schaefer who registered at St. Mary of Gostyn

Parish recently.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FALL CLOTHING DRIVE

WHEN: SATURDAY OCTOBER17TH FROM 2:30PM - 6:00PM. SUNDAY OCTOBER 18TH FROM 7:30AM - NOON.

WHERE: East side of the Church Parking Lot near Fairview

FOR LARGE FURNITURE, PLEASE CALL FOR A HOME PICK UP AT 630-

231-4658.

Thank You for your continued support.

School News

Page 6 Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prayer Requests

Kevin Braasch Michael Martel Natalya Brechlin John Svoboda Christopher Fountain Nathan Kijowski Bob Lang Zachary Frana

Pray for our Military Let us pray for all of our military personnel, especially the men and women of our parish who are serving

in harm’s way:

Timothy Randazzo Kyle Ng Christopher Randazzo Joe McSweeney Maggie Benhart Kevin Hanlon Brendan Vrtis

The following persons have requested prayers from our parish community:

Karli Brown Carmela Martini Jay Boss Bob Earley Hugh Toner John Sommer Mark Gowgiel Nancy Gatto Sally Moll

Mark Gowgiel Clara Christiaens Spencer Mehr Joshua Ritter Donna Wiencek Anna Bandur Sharon Kling Patricia Wright Sandra Stevens

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Jack Zellner, brother of Paul Zellner

In Sympathy

A Call for Catechists Are you a person of faith who wants to share it with the children of our Parish? We are looking for you! We are in need of Catechist for our Religious Education program. Please consider sharing your faith, talent and time with the children of our Parish. Here is where we need volunteers:

Wednesday’s 4:30 - 5:45pm

Grades 1, 2, 3 & 6

Thursday’s 4:30 - 5:45pm Grades 1, 2, 4 & 5

Please contact the RE office at 630-960-3566 or

[email protected]

Religious Education

October 4, 2020 Page 7

Mass Sign Up With the Fall season kicking into high gear, we are experiencing increasing numbers of attendees at all the weekend Masses. We ask that you use the online reservation link, available either through the bi-weekly emails we send to those of you who have provided an email address to us or through the link on our website. With our decreased capacity, we want to ensure that we are able to seat all those attending Masses in a safe environment. If you need help registering, please call us at 630-969-1063. Thank you for your help.

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR KENTUCKY Since 1986, St. Mary of Gostyn has generously provided Chris tmas presents for the children in Appalachia. However, COVID brings a new challenge for us this year, as we are not able to distribute names before and after the Masses. Consequently, if you would

like to receive a name, or would like more information, please e-mail us at [email protected] or call Deacon Al at (630) 960-3565 ext. 221 or Nancy Babel (630) 852-2692. If you do send an e-mail, please include your full name, the number of children you wish to buy for, your phone number and mailing address.

The gift of New Clothing consists of a pair of jeans, socks, underwear, a winter hat and a shirt or sweatshirt. For some of the children this may be the only Christmas gift they receive.

The gifts may be dropped off at the Parish Center, 445 Prairie Avenue, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday, November 9 thru Friday, November 13 and Monday, November 16 thru Friday, November 20 to Deacon Al’s attention. We will also be collecting the presents at 5817 Webster in Downers Grove on Sunday, November 22 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Thank you for your continued support and please stay safe.

Adult Faith

Page 8 Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

NEW PARISHIONERS: We are happy to welcome new members to our community, and encourage you to register either in person at the Parish Office, or register online through our website, www.stmarygostyn.org.

BAPTISMS: St. Mary of Gostyn offers baptismal preparation sessions on a monthly basis. If this is your first child, you will need to participate in a baptismal preparation session before you can receive a date for your baby’s Baptism. Parents are the first and primary educators in the practice of the Faith. Godparents play an important role in the faith life of your child. While considering godparents for your child, be aware that at least one must be a baptized and confirmed Catholic who is active in his/her faith. Please call the parish office at 630-969-1063 to register for a preparation class and to schedule a baptismal date.

BECOMING A CATHOLIC: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of welcoming and preparing adults for the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation - for full membership in the Catholic Church. Unbaptized adults, adults baptized in another Christian faith, and baptized Catholics with little or no formal religious education are invited to participate. Please call the Parish Office for further information.

ANNULMENTS: We are available to help anyone who is in need of information about how to apply for an annulment. Please contact the Parish Office at (630)969-1063.

SACRAMENT of ANOINTING: The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is available at regularly scheduled liturgies throughout the year, or by appointment. You may ask the presiding priest before any Mass for an anointing. Communal Anointing Masses are held on the 1st Saturday of the month in August, December and April at the 8:00 AM Mass. The Eucharist will also be brought to those who are ill, upon request. Please notify the Parish Office if members of your family are in the hospital or homebound.

FUNERALS: Arrangements are usually made by the Funeral Home or by a family member. A member of our Bereavement team will meet with you to plan the Funeral Liturgy. Eulogies can be given at the Wake Service, Interment at the Cemetery or at the Funeral Luncheon, but not at the Mass of Christian Burial.

MARRIAGES: Arrangements should be made at least six months in advance to provide ample time for preparation of this sacrament.

PRAYER GROUPS: Monday evening Rosary at 6:30 PM in the Church; Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM in the Parish Center chapel.

RECONCILIATION: Confessions are heard Saturday, 8:30 to 9:30 AM in church. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available by appointment. Please call the Parish Office (630-969-1063) to arrange to have your confession heard by a priest.

St. Mary of Gostyn Parish