News from Priest in Training (P.I.T.)
What does it mean to be a disciple? In today’s first reading, it is Saul's boldness in Christ that makes the other Christians finally acknowledge him as a disciple. That boldness is a quality we are also called to have.
In the second reading, we hear of Jesus’ commandment to believe in him and love one another as he commanded us. This commandment has two features, which we might be tempted to separate into two commandments, but it is a singular directive. We are told that our faith should bear fruit in our works, especially in the way we love others. Our faith should find expression in our actions. To believe in Christ is to entrust yourself to Christ. It would be odd to believe in Christ and not obey him. Rather, to not obey would shed light on an area in yourself that Christ needs to be brought into, and that other brothers and sisters should be consulted about. Therefore, the disciples of Christ obey his commandments, and that obedience is proof of their faith.
The Gospel continues with the imagery of vines, branches, fruit, and pruning. Jesus makes the point through this imagery that it is impossible to grow in holiness without also producing good fruit for others. The Gospel takes a frightening turn when it says that anyone who does not remain in Christ will be thrown into a fire like dead branches! As previously mentioned, faith and works go together as one. Thus, believing in Christ but refusing to do anything he asks us to do for our own good is the same as rejecting Christ. Perhaps we are not rejecting him entirely, but the invitation is to completely surrender ourselves to Christ and trust in him. In the same respect, he has already given himself entirely to us. The disciple is, therefore, dependent on Jesus and his grace. This leads to a deep unity, which bears much fruit.
As a man who has committed himself to Christ, is seeking to be his disciple, and strives to make others his disciples, this Gospel reminded me of many of the fears I had when surrendering to God and entering priestly formation. One of the fears I had was that in configuring myself to Christ, I would become a different person. Perhaps I would become a priest who prays abundantly, but has little personality left afterwards. While I have changed in many respects, the Lord has pruned certain aspects of my life to make me more fruitful. All those moments of pruning and letting go of things has resulted in deep happiness. I am becoming who God truly created me to be. It is when I begin to reach for that which has been pruned away, that I often lose my peace. My invitation today is to ask Jesus a hard question: “Jesus, are you asking me to do something in order to love you more?”
Jonathan
7 Great Dates on Friday 5/3
- The 7 Great Dates aka the Marriage Course is a series of 7 sessions encompassed with food, talk, and private discussion between the couple only. Each session features leading experts, teaching content, and stories from around the globe.
- Although each date night builds upon the previous night, couples are welcome to join at any time. Each date night is also designed to be enjoyed independently from the previous date night. Take this opportunity to invest in the flourishing of your relationship. Secure your place now and prioritize the enrichment of your marriage at the following link
- Fridays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm through May 17th.
- Upcoming date nights are 5/3 The Impact of Family, 5/10 Good Sex, and 5/17 Love in Action.
First Friday and First Saturday 5/3 & 5/4
- 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀!
This Friday and Saturday, all are invited to join the First Friday of Reparation and the Communal First Saturday!
- On First Fridays:
- Confession immediately following the 8am Mass
- Respect Life 1st Friday Devotion: The Respect Life Ministry invites you to stand and silently pray in front of Waterleaf Women’s Center on May 3rd. Prayer warriors are needed for one hour shifts 7 am – 4 pm to change hearts and save lives. For more information, please call Lisa at (630) 236-3310
- In addition to the daily 8am Mass time, there will be an additional Mass at 12pm
- On First Saturdays:
- The First Saturday Devotion after the 8:30am Mass
- Saturday Confessions are from 9:30am to 10:30am and also
from 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Rachel's Vineyard Retreat 5/3 thru 5/5
- If you are suffering from grief after having had an abortion, remember that God always offers forgiveness. Nothing is unforgivable and the Church is the hospital of healing. Just as the father ran to the prodigal son when he came home, so too is God waiting with open arms to receive you back home!
- Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats offer a beautiful opportunity for healing to any woman or man who has struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain of an abortion.
- For more information, and to register, please proceed here: https://www.diojoliet.org/w/rachel-s-vineyard-retreat
PADS Board Drop-Off 5/4 & 5/5
- The OLM PADS/Hesed House Board is now on display in the Atrium (Door B Entrance). The board contains a “wish-list” of items used to prepare meals for 250 guests at the Hesed House homeless shelter, on the first Tuesday of each month. Drop-off for all items are before all Masses this weekend, May 4th and 5th. Monetary donations can be made via the OLM Online Giving Portal (please specify donation is for Hesed House), or make checks payable to Our Lady of Mercy Church, and write on the memo “Hesed House-PADS”. Thank you for supporting our mission of mercy.
First Communion Masses 5/4 & 5/5
- Let us be in prayer for our parish children who will be receiving Jesus for the first time in the Holy Eucharist this weekend, on Saturday May 4th at 11am and Sunday, May 5th at 2:30pm.
Green Fair and Fair Trade Sale on Donut Sunday 5/5
- Join us at the PLC after the 8am and 10am Masses on Sunday, May 5th, for a morning of delicious donuts, freshly brewed coffee, and warm fellowship. Plus, don't miss the annual Green Fair happening simultaneously, where you can learn about environmental sustainability and ways to make a difference in our community and world. Also explore fair trade items such as jewelry, household items, coffee, baskets from Ten Thousand Villages and support artisans worldwide. It's a morning you won't want to miss—come for the treats, stay for the impact!
Mondays with Monica and Augustine on Monday 5/6
- Join Mondays With Monica And Augustine Prayer Group at 7:30pm in the Church to pray "The Way of the Cross for Loved Ones Who Have Left the Faith."
- Let's come together to uplift our family and friends who have strayed from the faith. Your presence and prayers can make a profound impact. We kindly request registration to ensure an ample supply of prayer books, yet we warmly welcome walk-ins as well. Proceed here for details and registration.
Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group on Tuesday 5/7
- Calling all young adults, join our Consuming Fire Young Adult Grow Group (CFYA) on Tuesdays at 7pm for community, faith building and social gatherings. Reach out to cfyagg@gmail.com to get plugged in with the group or sign up at the link HERE.
Monthly Grief Group "What We Can Learn from Mary While Grieving" 5/7
- Experiencing the loss of a loved one is a difficult journey. Our Lady of Mercy is offering a monthly supportive place for participants ages 18 and older living with grief to be together in a faith community to find healing and hope.
- Come to our session “What We Can Learn from Mary While Grieving” on Tuesday, 5/7 from 1pm to 2:30pm in Room 217
- Registration is requested- Connect with Jolene Leroy at 331-707-5380 to RSVP or for questions.
Bible Study on the Book of Revelation 5/8
- On Tuesday evenings at 7pm through June 11, the Bible Study on the book of Revelation. We will use the Ascension Press "Revelation: The Kingdom Yet to Come" study guide and video. Please purchase the study guide online at the link below. As Easter culminates in the coming of Jesus and His Kingdom, we’ll dive deep into the second coming. Join us for this Book of good news and learn more about our mass through the revelation of John.
- Register for the study here. Purchase study guide here
SoulCore Continues on Wednesday 5/8
- All women are invited to SoulCore on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm to nourish body and soul through prayer, core strengthening and functional movements. This Easter season we will be praying the Glorious Mysteries.
In May, SoulCore is holding a fitness challenge that women can take part in called "Movement for Mary" commit to 30 minutes of movement per day (your choice...cardio, strength or stretch) and pray at least one decade of the rosary each day. The focus is on different titles of Mary. Each week you'll receive an email containing 5 SoulCore Rosary single decade videos, with movements and reflection to accompany each title, you can sign up to take part in this challenge here. - Let us know you are attending, register here or just show up with a work-out mat, bottle of water and wear comfortable clothing on Wednesdays at 6:15pm so we can start at 6:30pm on May 1, 8, 15, and 22.
An Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching 5/8
- “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
What. Through prayer, reflection, and discussion we will become familiar with the social teachings of the Catholic Church.
When. Part 1 on 5/8 and Part 2 on 5/15 from 6:30pm – 8:30 pm
Where. Room 114 of the PLC
Who. Opened to anyone who is interested. Sponsored by the OLM St. Vincent de Paul Society and the OLM Peace and SocialJustice Ministry.
Fit Shepherds on Wednesday and Saturday mornings
- 🔥 Join the Ranks of Fit Shepherds! 🔥
Are you tired of the narrative that encourages men to scatter when life gets tough? Ready to break free from the mold of the hireling and embrace the call of the Good Shepherd? Then it's time to step up and join Fit Shepherds!
At Fit Shepherds, we're not just about fitness; we're about becoming the best version of ourselves—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Through challenging workouts, camaraderie, and discipleship, we're forging men who lay down their lives for their families and communities.
In a world where the wolf prowls and seeks to scatter, we stand together as brothers, ready to face the challenges head-on. Whether you're 14 or 40, if you want to be better—for yourself, your loved ones, and your community—Fit Shepherds is the place for you.
Join us Saturdays at 7am and Wednesdays at 5:30am in the parking lot, and together, let's become the leaders, the protectors, and the shepherds our world desperately needs. Don't be a hireling—be a Fit Shepherd. Let's embark on a journey of transformation, strength, and purpose!
- For more information check out their website at this link or connect with Alex Baier who is looking forward to hearing from you; email him at abaier823@gmail.com. Dads are encouraged to bring their sons 5th grade and older. Get a glimpse of a Saturday morning work out at the following video,
Weekly Praying for Priests
- A prayer group has been praying for priests in front of the Blessed Sacrament weekly for over a year now, as well as on First Fridays. Even if you can't join the group inside the church, you can pray wherever you are at during the times below.
Wednesdays at 10:30am - Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy with meditations for priests,
Thursdays at 12:30pm - Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy with meditations for priests,
First Friday of the month following 12pm Mass - Stations of the Cross with meditations for priests in the narthex.
Restore Weekly Restore Confidential Meetings
- Restore is a ministry that accompanies men so as to win the battle against the struggles of living a lust-free life.
- The ministry meets at a weekly (anonymous) meeting where men lean on each other for support and accountability and share ideas about strengthening their resolve to stay on God’s path of chastity. All men are welcome, whether you have been free of the addiction for many years or struggle with it every single day. Though the meetings are weekly, at the last weekly meeting of the month, men are guided by a licensed Catholic therapist. If you are ready to start breaking free from the struggles of living chastely and want to Restore your life email Restore.olm@gmail.com to find out more information on when and where we meet or call 331-684-7415.
Come Visit Jesus in the New Adoration Chapel
- Create more time for silence and prayer in your schedule by spending time with Jesus at the new Eucharistic Adoration Chapel anytime right after the 8am Mass until 10pm.
- We're currently seeking committed adorers for Wednesdays at 1pm and 3pm.
- We continue to seek second adorers for the times where we only have one committed adorer.
- Proceed here to sign up.
- Fr. Michael is urging us to not only dedicate an hour to spend with Jesus but also to consider sharing this commitment with one or two friends. If you're unsure about making this commitment, this suggestion offers a lovely way to overcome any doubts and enhance your friendships. Just imagine the enriching conversations you could have with each other about your experiences spending time with Jesus.