I rejoiced when they said to me, “Let us go to the house

of the LORD.”

Psalm 122:1

Moving Forward!

What a blessing it was to open the doors for Mass last Sunday. This Sunday, we're pleased to be able to double the number of parishioners able to attend. Having a great team of volunteers in place makes the difference. We keep learning and trying to make things better as we follow the very important protocols designed to keep us healthy and safe.

Two Masses, But 216 Seats!

We continue this Sunday with two Masses—one at 8am and the other at 10am. Each Mass will be able to accommodate up to 108 parishioners.

The safeguards include all those important things we’re used to doing when going out into public areas—wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and using hand sanitizer. It also includes our ability to disinfect and clean all surfaces that we may come in contact with before, during, and after Masses.

Let Us Know If You’d Like to Attend

To help keep things running smoothly and to set expectations, we have a sign-up system available through our website to let us know if you would like to attend and how many people in your family we should expect.

Alternately, if you aren't able to use this feature--or you know a parishioner who doesn't have access to it--you can also call the Parish Office at 847-885-7700 and dial extension 102 to register. Please be sure to leave your name, a valid phone number and the number of people who are interested in attending, along with the Mass time. We will return your call to let you know we received your request.

You can begin registering anytime between 3pm Wednesday and 5pm Friday. Planning ahead will help us make sure we have everything ready for you on Sunday.

We want to be able to share the experience of coming back to Mass with as many as possible, so if you had the opportunity to attend last Sunday, consider checking in on Friday afternoon to see if there is some room still available. We're working week by week to meet the need and will keep adjusting as we're able. (Note: we are also balancing phone call requests with on-line requests.)

Sign-Up to Attend Sunday Mass

If you experience any problems or are unsure you have correctly signed-up, please contact Karyn Baldwin at 224-523-5063 or kbaldwin345@gmail.com. She is here to help.

What to Expect

We put together a video if you would like to see what’s involved—especially the protocols around receiving the Eucharist.

The same directives we had the Sunday prior to March 14th will still be in place: no physical exchanges at the sign of peace (except for those living together in the same house), and receiving of the host only in the hand. We also won’t be able to offer the chalice. Plus, as challenging as it is, we're being asked to refrain from singing out loud for the time being to keep those around us safe.

Again…Only When You’re Ready

We fully realize not everyone is ready to come back to Mass for a number of reasons, including those of you who are feeling very vulnerable right now. As such, Cardinal Cupich has extended the dispensation for the Sunday Mass obligation until further notice.

We will continue to stream the Sunday Mass on our website and will also offer the Spiritual Communion Prayer Service as well. Also check out our “Food for the Journey” page on the website that contains opportunities for prayer, devotionals, and spiritual nourishment.

Our Volunteers are True Witnesses!

We’re grateful to our team of parishioners who volunteered to help make this happen. I think of Jesus' model of service--washing the feet of the disciples. Our volunteers are willing to serve so that we can experience the Mass and resume our sacramental life. Without them we wouldn’t be able to do it. Thank you!!!

One thing is for sure: it will be really good to be together—whether in person or virtually—each Sunday to celebrate our faith and our life in God.

May God’s peace and protection be with you and those you love,

--Fr. Mike and the Re-Opening Team