Without prayer, this is no peace. Please join us this Wednesday, January 18^th, from 7:00-8:00pm in the Church for a special Taizé Prayer Service for those struggling with unexpected pregnancy, especially those considering abortion. We often do not know how we can support them. First is prayer, so we invite everyone to gather together this week for a simple lighting of candles and lifting up of prayers for babies, mothers, fathers, grandparents, medical personnel, and all those working for the perseverance of human life. Uniting with one another and with God can transform hearts and minds. If you have any questions, please contact Parish Missionary, Kevin O'Connell.

You may now request Mass intentions for 2023. The easiest way to do so is online by clicking here. You may also call the Ministry Center during regular business hours.

Since the departure of Fr. Alex, parishioners have asked if we will be getting a new associate pastor to replace him. We have given this a great deal of thought and discussion. Our parish leadership has decided not to request a new associate pastor to replace Fr. Alex. While we have the ministerial needs for an additional full-time priest, our financial situation does not make that possible. Therefore, we are eliminating the second associate pastor position. With the increased responsibilities for Fr. John and myself, we appreciate your patience in realizing that we will have decreased availability. We hope that when our financial situation stabilizes, we will again be able to reinstate this position.

As we have done for the past several years, donation statements will only be sent to those who request them. You can call the Ministry Center to request a statement. Those who make their contributions directly with Pushpay can download their statements from pushpay.com, by entering the login information.

The Ministry Center will be closed this upcoming Monday, January 16, and will reopen at 9a on Tuesday.

Additionally, the Ministry Center will close at 11:30a on Friday, January 20, and reopen at 9a on Saturday.

As always, you can still get in touch with a priest if someone is in danger of death and needs emergency sacraments.

A life insurance gift is a powerful and simple way to provide future support for our parish. Here are two ways to give a gift of life insurance to Our Lady of Ransom.

1.Name our parish as a beneficiary of the policy. Simply update your beneficiary designation form with your policyholder and list the beneficiary as: “Our Lady of Ransom, The Catholic Bishop of Chicago, a Corporation Sole”

You can name our parish as the primary beneficiary for a percentage or a specific amount, or make us the contingent beneficiary so that we will receive the balance of your policy only if your primary beneficiary doesn't survive you. This is a great option if you want to have access to the cash value of the policy if you ever need it or if you want to retain the right to change the beneficiaries of a policy depending on family circumstances.

2.Make an outright gift of an existing policy. You can irrevocably name our parish as owner and beneficiary of a policy with accumulated cash value that you and your family no longer need. You qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize your taxes. Also, if you continue to pay premiums on the policy, each payment is tax deductible as a charitable gift, if you itemize.

For more information on making a gift of life insurance to our parish, we recommend you consult with your financial planner, attorney or insurance representative. Don't hesitate to get in touch with Deacon Franco Foti at deaconfranco@olransom.org or 847-823-2550 with any additional questions.