From the Desk of Fr. Mike

August 31, 2025

When good people come together for a common purpose, share ideas, listen to the diversity of perspectives, come to a mutual understanding in decision-making, and move forward with those ideas, wonderful things unfold. Grace-filled moments unfold.

The Church of St. Mary’s “150th Anniversary Year of Grace” is about to unfold. Wonderful things are about to unfold for every parishioner of the parish. We are looking forward to welcoming Cardinal Cupich to St. Mary’s next Sunday, September 7th, at the 10:00 a.m. Mass. He will celebrate Mass, he will bless the 150th Anniversary Statue of Mary and Infant Jesus, he will gather with parishioners for a reception following the 10:00 a.m. Mass. Our Cardinal Archbishop is going to “pray open” our Anniversary Year. You are invited to join us in “praying open” our 150th Anniversary Year of Grace.

Old news by now, but the following weekend, the following Sunday, September 14th, at the 12:00 Noon Mass, Bishop Tim O’Malley, an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese, the auxiliary bishop of Vicariate I, will be with us. He will also “pray open” or “pray into our Anniversary Year of Grace.” Bishop O’Malley is excited about joining in our anniversary celebration.

Good people, dedicated people, hard-working people, the Anniversary Planning Committee has been meeting for over eighteen months. They are hopeful, excited, and trusting that parishioners will take part wholeheartedly in the events and celebrations they can attend in the “Anniversary Year of Grace.” You are able to support them, help them, make life easy for them by making sure to register as soon as you can, for the celebration on Sunday, September 14th, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. By doing so, the Celebration Planning Committee will be able to have ample food, beverages, activities, and all things needed for each and every person that gathers in thanksgiving. You have time, there is time, for you to register today, for the Kick-Off Celebration Picnic of the 150th Anniversary Year of Grace taking place in two weeks. I am grateful for the continued efforts of the Planning Committee and excited for all who will be part of the events and celebrations.

Many Catholics have it on their “bucket list” to go on a pilgrimage to Rome. Fr. Andre is going to Rome in the Jubilee Year as a “pilgrim of hope” later this year. He will carry with him any prayer intention you share with him, in advance of his pilgrimage. I will be giving him several intentions to offer during his pilgrimage. Many parishioners have been able to travel to Rome, as well as many other pilgrimage sites across the planet. (I am working on planning a pilgrimage next August – stay tuned for more details.) When in Rome, a high point is getting a ticket for the “general audience” in St. Peter’s Square outside of the Basilica. For those who have been fortunate to attend a papal audience, it is often a highlight of a pilgrimage to Rome. St. Peter’s Square fills with believers from around the world. St. Peter’s Square fills with people of every skin color known to man, all made in the image and the likeness of God. St. Peter’s Square fills with people who pray to God in every language spoken on the earth. Being present in St. Peter’s Basilica is a blessing, as a believer in Jesus Christ, one member among many of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church. Imagine being in St. Peter’s Square and being asked to come forward, to meet the Pope. Lauren McCabe was married to Justin Chambers on August 2, 2025, and they received a special blessing from Pope Francis at the Vatican during their honeymoon.

Lauren’s family are parishioners of St. Mary’s. The newlyweds, called up to meet Pope Leo, had a five-minute conversation with him, and received a Papal Blessing. That is a wonderful way to celebrate a honeymoon, being blessed by Pope Leo, the two hundred sixty seventh successor of St. Peter. Please remember, all are invited next week to “pray open” our 150th Anniversary Year of Grace.

God bless and guide us with God’s grace,

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