MORE FROM OUR SEMINARIANS
In last weeks Ransomed, our two seminarian deacons shared about themselves. This week, our third seminarian, Logan McGahan, introduces himself. Logan is in his first year at Mundelein Seminary and will be with our community during his entire time in formation. Welcome, Logan!
Hello, my name is Logan McGahan, and I am a seminarian for the Diocese of Grand Rapids Michigan. I am from a small town north of Grand Rapids and I am the youngest of four children. All my siblings now have children and so I am the proud uncle of ten nieces and nephews. That means it is always fun and busy when I go home to visit. I may run out of physical energy playing with them, but it is such a joy to spend time with them when I can. I love machining, woodworking, and camping in my free time. I have always loved being out in nature and even made it out to the redwoods in northern California this past spring. I worked in the Tool and Die industry before entering the seminary, and I am currently in my fifth year of seminary. I am so excited to get to know all of you here at Our Lady of Ransom. It will be great to be with you over the next four years. Know of my prayers for you all and God Bless!!!
SUPPORT OUR SEMINARIANS
As part of their experience at the parish, the seminary asks us to form a committee of parishioners as a resource to our seminarians. This committee would regularly meet with these three men, providing support, feedback, and encouragement. If you’re interested in participating, please email me at frmatt@olransom.org.
Also, the weekend of Sept 17-18 is the yearly special collection for the seminary. Next week’s edition of Ransomed will have the electronic giving link you can use.
FROM RANSOM RESPONDS - OLR COAT DRIVE 10/15 & 10/16
OLR, along with the five neighborhood parishes from the Renew My Church process, are working together to support the annual Community Give-Away Event at Catholic Charities this October. This event provides a winter coat/jacket for every family member that arrives at their door at 1717 Rand Road in Des Plaines on October 20.
Especially needed this year is warm clothing for men, women, and children. Gently used or new coats, jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, and gloves/mittens are desired. More information on the event and volunteer opportunities will be shared in upcoming weeks. In the meantime, if you have some items that could support this extremely worthwhile event, plan to drop them off at the OLR Coat Drive, on the weekend of 10/15 and 10/16, in the Gathering Space before/after all the masses.
Thank you for consistently supporting those most in need in our community.
BEYOND THE BASICS: THE GENIUS OF GENESIS
Last night concluded our first Beyond the Basics experience by examining the creation stories from the Book of Genesis and how they can change our lives. We had an outstanding turnout, and we are grateful to all who participated in this important experience.
Last night we also shared the topic and date of our next Beyond the Basics event. In honor of October being Respect Life month, we proudly present From Scientist to Saint: The Life and Legacy of Venerable Jerome Lejeune. Please mark your calendar.
FROM OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR, PAUL MATIJEVIC
Starting this coming weekend, you will notice a slight change in the Introductory Rite of the Mass. After the opening announcements, and prior to the entrance procession, the cantor and organist will sing and play the Entrance Antiphon. “The Entrance Antiphon’s purpose is to open the celebration, foster the unity of those who have been gathered, and introduce their thoughts to the mystery of the liturgical time or festivity”, says the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. We believe this will allow the Introductory Rite to flow more smoothly.
EVANGELIZATION ENVELOPE THIS WEEKEND
This weekend contains our regular envelope to raise funds for our Pope St. John Paul II Evangelization Fund. Our core experiences like Alpha, School of Sainthood, The Fruitful Branch, and Beyond the Basics are supported exclusively by this fund.
100% of your donations go directly to these ministries that are having a powerful impact in so many lives. If you would like to give to this fund, please either use the Evangelization envelope or give electronically by clicking here. Thank you for support our community as we become fruitful disciples proclaiming freedom in Christ.
CHRISTIAN INITIATION
If you or someone you know is an adult over 18 who has never been baptized or was baptized in another faith but is interested in discovering more about the Catholic faith, please contact Parish Missionary, Colleen O'Dowd, at colleen@olransom.org.
This could be one conversation over coffee to answer your questions/get some more information, or more formal if you’re ready to take the next steps. Wherever you are on your journey, OLR would like to accompany you.
FROM KEVIN, ONE OF OUR PARISH MISSIONARIES
So, many of you have been hearing about Alpha for the last several weeks. And this is a good thing because our parish is truly investing in the way Jesus is so present in the Alpha experience. One of the beauties of Alpha is that is an opportunity for EVERYONE. Long-time Catholics and those new on the spiritual journey can find great meaning in the experience.
When I first encountered Alpha, I thought it would be good but not the powerful experience it turned out to be. After all, I was brought up in the Church and had been sold out for God for many many years. But I remember being so inspired by the videos and growing through all the amazing conversations. To this day, one of the best discussions I’ve ever been a part of revolving the Saints (which is not an Alpha topic, per se) happened in my small group. I soon realized that the reason Alpha is for EVERYONE was because each member of the group brings their own perspectives to the table and even if one is on the quieter side, so much is gained.
Personally, I encourage you to consider (or reconsider) Alpha. God has so much MORE for us all. We benefit from one another’s experiences and each of us makes up the whole. Alpha starts next week and runs from September 14th-November 16th: 6:30-8:30pm in Paluch Hall. You can register at www.olransom.org , at the Welcome Desk after Mass or by calling 847-823-2550. Take a chance and discover so much more about Jesus, the OLR community, and yourself.
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, ensuring 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.
DO YOU LIKE COOKING?
The new signups to cook a meal for our clergy Saturday Night Dinners are open! Please consider cooking a meal for six and dropping it off at the Ministry Center during the week before 4 pm Saturday. Contact Colleen with any questions at colleen@olransom.org or 847-823-2550. There is one shellfish allergy. Everything else is awesome and welcome! We’ll send a reminder the week you are cooking. Thank you in advance for your generosity! Simply click here to sign-up.