Sadly, this is Deacon David Sacha's last weekend with us. After a week-long silent retreat, he will be returning home to be ordained a priest.
It has been a blessing having him here over the course of the past 4 years. He has served our community in many different ways, and it has been an honor to be part of his formation for the priesthood.
Deacon David has promised that he will return in September to celebrate a few Masses for us. Please keep him in your prayers as we look forward to his return as Father David.
This weekend is the annual special collection for Catholic Charities. To make an electronic donation, please go to: https://catholiccharities.net/DonateNow/MothersDayDonations.aspx
Remember, now is the time to switch your giving from Give Central to PushPay. PushPay is more secure, easier to use, and costs the parish less in fees. It only takes 5 minutes to switch.
If you are currently giving through Give Central, I'd ask you to take the following steps by May 20:
We can assist you with part of this process. For help or questions, please contact our Operations Director, Deacon Franco, at (847) 823-2550 or deaconfranco@olransom.org.
From Kevin, one of our Parish Missionaries:
Please join us for our part 2 adventure into the awe-inspiring “Chosen” series which runs for 7 weeks from Tuesday, May 3rd until June 14th, 6:30-8:15pm in Paluch Hall. Each week we will view a Season Two episode of “Chosen,” discuss its message and experience prayer in a unique and powerful manner. Throw in some food and fun and we have ourselves an Easter party. Please see attached flyer for additional details.
I am pleased to say that Fr. John is starting our altar server program. At the beginning, we are looking for young people in 4th-7th grades to serve our community in this important way. If your child is interested, please pick up an application at the Welcome Desk before or after Mass.
A couple of months ago, I told you that we have a significant problem involving a lack of parishioner involvement in our ministries. That situation hasn't changed. We are in considerable need of individuals to assist as: Wedding coordinators, ministers of care, bereavement ministers, Eucharistic ministers, greeters, and much more.
One of the ways that we discern what the Lord is asking us to set aside is if we do not have the resources needed to maintain a ministry. The two most important resources are people and finances. To prevent us from having to make drastic changes to what we can do for our community, the staff has done their best to step in and cover areas that are normally served by parishioners. But that is not sustainable and we are quickly reaching a point where difficult decisions will need to be made.
If you are interested in learning more about or assisting in one of the above areas - or somewhere else - please reach out to me directly at frmatt@olransom.org.
Please remember, we cannot receive food or supplies dropped off unattended at the Ministry Center. Due to safety concerns, any food or items left unattended at the Ministry Center are disposed of. Please bring food donations to our Ransom Responds pantry on Saturdays from 12-2p.
Heavenly Father, we are thankful for the gifts that you give, those we recognize and those we fail to recognize. We are especially grateful for ...
- the ministry of Deacon David over the past four years;
- all the young men who answer God's call to dedicate their lives to the priesthood;
- all of the Vicariate II ministers who gathered at OLR last Wednesday to reflect on parish renewal;
Jesus, for those graces spoken and unspoken, we give you thanks; and we ask that you multiply their fruits in our lives and the lives of those around us.
- Amen
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HELPING COUPLES WHO ARE GETTING MARRIED?
The Our Lady of Ransom wedding ministry is an excellent opportunity to assist couples on their big day. You will work closely with the priest and the couple during the rehearsal and wedding ceremony, making sure that all the "behind-the-scenes" details are attended to. We don't have a high volume of weddings, so you would only need to serve a couple of times per year. Interested in helping or learning more? Please contact Fr. John at frjohn@olransom.org or by calling (847) 823-2550.