St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church · No Sporting Goods (Bowling Balls, Ski’s, Exercise Equip ment, Tents, or Sleeping Bags. No Items containing mold, mildew, or that smell musty.

St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church September 20, 2020

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch...” One hears this refrain, time and again, in a variety of contexts. In all of them, the implication is that you get what you pay for, and if you don’t pay, you do not get anything.

Even when it comes to matters of faith, this refrain, albeit unspoken, often undergirds our religious and pious thinking. How many of us have retained the image of God—instilled in us at some point—sitting with the big ledger with each of our names inscribed in it, followed by a credit column as well as a debit column?

Jesus intends to provoke us with this parable: the reign of God is so utterly different than what we can possibly conceive of as just and right. God does not “pay” back according to the amount we have done; God gives—and gives in abundance!

Can we accept that? Or are we the ones to whom the question, “Or are you envious because I am generous?” is directed? Is my God truly “generous in forgiving?” Is my God as generous in forgiving me as in forgiving others? Do I rejoice that God receives people whom our culture considers sinful, evil, and unjust; or do I quip, “What’s the point of doing good and disciplining myself if, at the end, everyone will enter heaven?”

If my service and love of God were only for the sake of getting my “just pay,” then that would indeed be an immature faith. As long as I project my measurement of what is “fair” onto my image of God, I am worshiping a false god, a god formed in my image and likeness.

Luckily, God does not rely on my measurements. What alone “counts” for God is my free “yes,” whatever my circumstances, or however late I let myself say it.

PRAYER Saving God, Each time I gather with my brothers and sisters, I believe you are among us. Allow me to recognize their suffering and needs and entrust them to your love. T K C ! Each time I hear your word proclaimed, I know you speak to my heart. Allow me to take my doubts and faults and submit them to your healing grace. T K C ! Each time I share in the bread and wine of the Eucharist, I embrace Jesus’ presence. Allow me to remember his absence from our world. T K C !

September 20, 2020 Page 3

Page 4 Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 6:00 PM - Red Rafferty req. Sally, Sister TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 9:00 AM - Franco Albian req. Esther Byrne WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 9:00 AM - R. Bruce McKeever req. Augie Sisco THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 9:00 AM - Patricia Messina req. Daughter Mike Lally req. Anne Huene FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020 9:00 AM - Eleanor Pecka req. Shirley Twardzik SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020 4:00 PM - Charles Bach req. Lois Bach & Family Jerry Papievis req. Mary Ann Papievis SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 8:00 AM - Maryann Hartman & Irene Kapustka req. Lydia O’Grady 10:00 AM - Janet Dvorak req. Orlock Family 12:00 PM - People of the Parish 6:00 PM - Franco Albian req. Val Bava & June Burke

Stewardship

Our Catholic Faith with Fr. Keith: During the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, as the priest presides over the sacred rites, he prays a series of ‘secret’ prayers. They are ‘secret’ because it is said in a low or quiet voice so as to be almost inaudible. One of these takes place during the reception of Holy Communion. The Roman Missal instructs the celebrant to say “May the Body of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.” This formula will be familiar to those of you who remember receiving the Eucharist at a Commun-ion Rail. Before the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the faithful would process forward to the steps of the Sanctuary and kneel along a railing to receive the Sacred Host on their tongues. The priest would recite the prayer above as he distributed Communion. Now, the presider simply says “Body of Christ” or “Blood of Christ.” Regardless of the change in practice, those words have the same effect of reminding us that who we receive, namely, Our Lord Jesus, alone has the power to save us. Salvation is the highest purpose of life and the most important priority. Certainly, we should take it very seriously. At the same time, we must remember to be joyful. Salvation ought not dissipate happiness but, rather, contribute to our earthly happiness by foreshadowing our eternal joy. Happiness derived from worldly things does not last. It is temporary and fleeting. In most cases it is harmless and morally neutral. None-theless, we should be vigilant in resisting the false consolations of the world which propose to us that naively transitory pleasures can become permanent. The joy of a Christian life is rooted in Gospel living: simplicity with possessions, poverty with wealth, sacrifice for others, and communion with God. In discerning expecta-tions for happiness, we may ask a simple question: does this lead me closer to God or farther away? If the answer is closer, then rejoice in the goodness of the grace received. If the answer is farther, then turn away from the activity and reduce the distance from God. In all things, the closer we are to Christ then the greater our joy will increase.

A CALL TO STEWARDSHIP

Weekly Collection 09/13/2020 $29,985.23

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

Goals to Date Sunday Goal to Date $313,500.00 Collections to Date Sunday Collection to Date $288,121.79 Total (Short of) Goals to Date $(25,378.21)

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


Around the Parish

GOOD NEWS *** N O T E C H A N G E I N S C H E D U L E ***

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

Through your donations many of our less fortunate Broth-ers and Sisters are provided clothing and household items at little or no cost. We accept all clothing, household items, linens, blankets, books in good condition, toys, knick-knacks, throw pillows, Glassware, Cookware, com-puters and shoes.

ITEMS BELOW ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT OUR CLOTHING DRIVES:

No Infant equipment (strollers, cribs, car seats, high chairs) No Clothes hangers. No Encyclopedias, Readers Digest Editions, or Magazines. No Sporting Goods (Bowling Balls, Ski’s, Exercise Equip ment, Tents, or Sleeping Bags. No Items containing mold, mildew, or that smell musty. No Blinds or drapery rods unless new in box. No Bed pillows, mattress’s or mattress covers. No TV's.

IN THE NEAR FUTURE, LARGE PLASTIC BAGS FOR USE IN THE CLOTHING DRIVE WILL BE PLACED AT ALL CHURCH EN-

TRANCES.

FOR LARGE FURNITURE, PLEASE CALL FOR A HOME PICK UP AT 630-231-4658.

Thank You for your continued support.

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, 5 & 7

Thursday’s 4:30 - 5:45pm Grades 1, 2, 3, 5 & 7

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

[email protected]

Religious Education

Baptism St. Mary of Gostyn Parish Family welcomed the following children to the Catholic Faith through the Sacrament of Baptism recently: Theodore Richard Aievoli, Son of Frank & Stefanie Aievoli Alexander John Arnold, Son of Andrew & Elizabeth Arnold Benedict Silvio Devane, Son of Thomas & Sandra Devane

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 Tuesday, October 6th, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the

Parish Center. We will be meeting every Tuesday starting October 6th for six weeks.

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

additional information.

School News


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 Kris Grazys Nancy Gatto Patricia Wright Jay Boss Bob Earley

Sharon Kling Sandra Stevens Armella Maguire Mark Gowgiel Clara Christiaens Spencer Mehr Joshua Ritter

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Margaret MacDonald

In Sympathy

Reverence for Life

St. Mary of Gostyn Parish YouTube Channel

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have uploaded to our YouTube channel videos of Sunday Masses, First Holy Communion's, School Masses, Graduation Mass, School

Step Up to High School Mass, and Funerals when requested. Why don't you take an opportunity to view

our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyUz8DfMDBpyx-

QecgZrpSQ/videos

While you're there, you can subscribe to our channel and receive updates as well.


Adult Faith


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

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Mary of Gostyn #255 444 Wilson Street Downers Grove, IL 60515 TELEPHONE (630) 969 - 1063 ext. 245 CONTACT PERSON Moira Barker SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2003 Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Windows XP Professional PRINTER HP Laserjet 4000n SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION September 20, 2020 NUMBER OF PAGES 1 THROUGH 10 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE PRINT 400 BULLETINS THIS IS 200 LESS THAN OUR USUAL

St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church · No Sporting Goods (Bowling Balls, Ski’s, Exercise Equip ment, Tents, or Sleeping Bags. No Items containing mold, mildew, or that smell musty.

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