remaining that we didn't come close to hitting our goal. I am very grateful to those of you that donated and sometimes donated multiple times. There are two steps that we will be now taking. The first is that we need to break into a C.D. that we have with the Archdiocese in order to have enough funds in our local accounts to make payroll and cover our basic expenses. At the same time, we will be leaning on the wisdom of our Financial Stewardship Commission and our Operations Director, Deacon Franco Foti, to determine the next steps. Since we have done a good job over the course of the past several years minimizing unnecessary expenses, any cuts we make will be difficult. I will keep you updated as we move forward.

As I mentioned last week, the Greenwood and Normal Ave doors are temporarily locked, requiring all parishioners to come through the main entrance. You may still exit at any door.

Additionally, we can no longer accommodate individuals standing in the back of the church while there is ample seating available. This is part of a permanent change in our processes meant to ensure your safety and security while we worship together. A staff member or greeter will be happy to assist you in finding an available seat.

Yesterday, the priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago wrapped up their every 3 years convocation. It was an important time of fellowship and shared prayer. I am especially grateful for the presence of Fr. David Mowry this past week. Fr. David's time here allowed us to be one of only a handful of parishes across the Archdiocese to continue to celebrate Mass, confessions, and anointings during the convocation. Please say a few prayers for Fr. David in gratitude for his service to our community.

At the priest convocation, Cardinal Cupich told us that he would soon be releasing an important statement on the anti-catholicism that is, once again in the history of our country, showing its ugly head. Specifically, the letter addresses a situation where Illinois State Senator Sara Feigenholtz posted a violent and offensive image intended to demean and disparage Catholics. At our priest convocation, Cardinal Cupich was passionate about condemning this and related actions, and I encourage you to read his full statement by clicking here.

As is our custom, there will be no 8:15a or 12:15p Mass on Monday, Independence Day. The only Mass that day will be at 9a.

Additionally, our office will close at 4p on Saturday and not reopen until 9a Tuesday. As always, you can still get in contact with a priest in case of end-of-life situations.

For the first time since 2018, charitable gift annuity payout rates have increased – allowing you the opportunity to benefit more from your giving and to help ensure that God’s good work continues. When you establish a charitable gift annuity with the archdiocese, not only will you receive fixed payments for life, but you can designate our parish as the remainder beneficiary.

You can schedule payments according to your financial needs, and enjoy immediate and future tax benefits, including a federal income tax deduction for a portion of your gift, if you itemize. Also, a portion of each annuity payment will be tax-free (through life expectancy). The funds remaining after your lifetime will support our parish or school  – as designated by you.

To receive a free, no-obligation personalized illustration of how you could benefit from a Charitable Gift Annuity, contact Krystina M. Campbell, Planned Giving Officer, Archdiocese of Chicago at 312.534.5404 or kcampbell@archchicago.org.