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Living With Grief – “What We Can Learn from Mary While Grieving” 5/7
Experiencing the loss of a loved one is a difficult journey. Our Lady of Mercy is offering a monthly supportive place for participants ages 18 and older living with grief to be together in a faith community to find healing and hope.
Come to our session “What We Can Learn from Mary While Grieving” on Tuesday, 5/7 from 1pm to 2:30pm in Room 217
Registration is requested- Connect with Jolene Leroy at 331-707-5380 to RSVP or for questions.
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𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 @ 𝗢𝗟𝗠!
𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 3 𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘵 last Friday looked at how couples can increase their intimacy by expressing appreciation to each other, recognizing their differences, learning to negotiate disagreements, and supporting each other. There is value in seeing each other's differences as complementary if couples are to work effectively together as a team.
Below is a pictorial recap of the edifying evening. Let's continue to be in prayer for all the couples taking part at 7 Great Dates @OLM as they continue to invest in their marriage; Come Holy Spirit to all the couples!
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Although each date night builds upon the previous night, 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. Each date night is also designed to be enjoyed independently from the previous date night.
Take this opportunity to invest in the flourishing of your relationship. Secure your place now and prioritize the enrichment of your marriage.
Discover more and register at the following link olmercy.com/m4m/
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𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆? OR 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵
There are times when life is overwhelming when all we have is questions. In those moments, hope can feel far away. The great thing about prayer is that it shifts our perspective toward the One who stands ready to listen. No matter what you’re facing, we’d love to pray with you. Submit your prayer requests at this link olmercy.com/prayerforme/
🙏 Prayer Ministry takes place monthly at MAGNIFY and on the last weekend of the month Mass times.
🙏 Prayer ministry is an opportunity for those in need of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing or with a specific intention. Come as an individual, as a couple, or as a family and receive prayer for yourself or request prayers for someone in need. Listen and receive the prayers while being open to the Holy Spirit’s movement.
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Who is Saint Mark?
Jesus said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” (cf. Mark 16:15)
Tradition holds that Mark, the author of the second Gospel, is the “John Mark” of the Acts of the Apostles, Barnabas’ cousin, and a co-worker with Peter in Rome. According to Saint Clement, Mark wrote his account “at the insistence of the Christians of Rome.” Many early Church Fathers believed that Mark “signed” his Gospel with the account of the mysterious young man who fled the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus was arrested, leaving his linen cloth behind (15:51-52). Mark is believed to have been martyred in Alexandria, Egypt.
MEDITATION OF THE DAY
Mark was the son of Mary, a widow who hosted early Christian gatherings in her home (Acts 12:12). Although he was not one of the twelve apostles, it’s likely that he was one of Jesus’ followers. Mark accompanied Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey, but for some reason, he left them prematurely (13:13). When it came time for Paul’s next trip, he didn’t want to take Mark along. In Paul’s eyes, Mark had deserted the cause of the gospel (15:38).
Fortunately, Barnabas didn’t give up on him. While Paul went on to Syria with Silas, Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:39-41). Tradition tells us that Mark went on to Rome, became Peter’s interpreter, and later wrote his Gospel. A second chance was all he needed. Paul eventually forgave Mark, commending him for his service and calling his companionship “helpful” (2 Tim. 4:11). Tradition holds that Mark founded the church in Alexandria.
What if Barnabas had rejected Mark because of his earlier failure? Mark might never have become Peter’s “son” in the faith. What’s worse, he might never have written his Gospel—which means that Matthew and Luke might not have written theirs!
Like Barnabas, we need to give people a second chance. No one is perfect. Everyone needs the gift of a new beginning. God’s grace and love can cover a multitude of sins. Our willingness to mend relationships can make a difference not only in our lives, but even in eternity!
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𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹'𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘆𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝟱/𝟯 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝘂 𝟱/𝟱
If you are suffering from grief after having had an abortion, remember that God always offers forgiveness. Nothing is unforgivable and the Church is the hospital of healing. Just as the father ran to the prodigal son when he came home, so too is God waiting with open arms to receive you back home!
Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats offer a beautiful opportunity for healing to any woman or man who has struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain of an abortion.
For more information, and to register, please proceed here: www.diojoliet.org/w/rachel-s-vineyard-retreat
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Who is Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen?
If a poor man needed some clothing, Fidelis would often give the man the clothes right off his back. Complete generosity to others characterized this saint’s life.
Born in 1577, Mark Rey became a lawyer who constantly upheld the causes of the poor and oppressed people. Nicknamed “the poor man’s lawyer,” Rey soon grew disgusted with the corruption and injustice he saw among his colleagues. He left his law career to become a priest, joining his brother George as a member of the Capuchin Order. Fidelis was his religious name. His wealth was divided between needy seminarians and the poor.
As a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi, Fidelis continued his devotion to the weak and needy. During a severe epidemic in a city where he was guardian of a friary, Fidelis cared for and cured many sick soldiers.
He was appointed head of a group of Capuchins sent to preach against the Calvinists and Zwinglians in Switzerland. Almost certain violence threatened. Those who observed the mission felt that success was more attributable to the prayer of Fidelis during the night than to his sermons and instructions.
While he was preaching at Seewis, to which he had gone against the advice of his friends, a gun was fired at him, but he escaped unharmed. A Protestant offered to shelter Fidelis, but he declined, saying his life was in God’s hands. On the road back, he was set upon by a group of armed men and killed.
Reflection
Fidelis’ constant prayer was that he be kept completely faithful to God and not give in to any lukewarmness or apathy. He was often heard to exclaim, “Woe to me if I should prove myself but a halfhearted soldier in the service of my thorn-crowned Captain.” His prayer against apathy, and his concern for the poor and weak make him a saint whose example is valuable today. The modern Church is calling us to follow the example of “the poor man’s lawyer” by sharing ourselves and our talents with those less fortunate and by working for justice in the world.
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Earlier this month, our seminarian Jonathan spoke to our EDGE 6-8th graders about Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. They also had the fantastic opportunity to visit Jesus in the Adoration Chapel. Afterwards, they went home with an Adoration reflection/ journal page for future visits.
The Adoration Chapel is open for silent prayer on Monday -Friday from 8:30 am-10 pm. Come stop by for time with Jesus!
And registration is OPEN for EDGE 2024-2025. Check it out here: olmercy.com/formation/edge/
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𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗲-𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭, 𝟴, 𝟭𝟱 & 𝟮𝟮
Hey ladies! Are you ready to embark on a journey that nourishes not just your body, but your soul too? Join us at SoulCore every Wednesday evening at 6:30pm for a transformative experience that combines the power of prayer with core-strengthening exercises and functional movements.
This Easter season, we're delving into the Glorious Mysteries, offering a unique opportunity to deepen your faith while strengthening your body. Come prepared with your workout mat, water bottle, and comfy attire, and arrive by 6:15pm to kickstart our session promptly at 6:30pm.
Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of candlelight, soothing prayer, uplifting music, and sacred art as you contemplate the mysteries and fruits of the rosary. It's more than just a workout; it's a holistic journey toward wellness and spiritual growth.
Don't miss out on this enriching experience! For further details, visit
olmercy.com/soulcore/
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Who is Saint Adalbert?
Opposition to the Good News of Jesus did not discourage Adalbert, who is now remembered with great honor in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Germany.
Born to a noble family in Bohemia, he received part of his education from Saint Adalbert of Magdeburg. At the age of 27, he was chosen as bishop of Prague. Those who resisted his program of clerical reform forced him into exile eight years later.
In time, the people of Prague requested his return as their bishop. Within a short time, however, he was exiled again. After a short ministry in Hungary, he went to preach the Good News to people living near the Baltic Sea. He and two companions were martyred by pagan priests in that region. Adalbert’s body was immediately ransomed and buried in the Gniezno, Poland, cathedral. In the mid-11th century his relics were moved to Saint Vitus Cathedral in Prague.
Who is Saint George?
George, whose name in Greek means “farmer,” was born to a Christian family in Cappadocia around the year 280. After moving to Palestine, he joined the army of Diocletian. When the emperor issued the edict of persecution against Christians in 303, George gave all his belongings to the poor and, in front of Diocletian himself, tore the document apart and professed his faith in Christ. For this he suffered terrible torture and was eventually beheaded.
The crusaders contributed a great deal to transforming the figure of St. George the martyr into a holy warrior. Richard I of England (“the Lionheart”) invoked him as the protector of all soldiers. Devotion to St. George became firmly rooted in England. Throughout the Middle Ages his figure inspired a great deal of epic literature.
As in the case of other saints wrapped in legend, the story of St George serves to remind the world of a fundamental idea, that good ultimately triumphs over evil. With Christ, evil will never have the last word.
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𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗞-𝟭𝟬 𝗶𝘀 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡!
𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵:
olmercy.com/formation/
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𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗝𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗦 @ 𝗢𝗟𝗠 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗟𝗬 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗘
𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦. 𝘠𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. — 𝘑𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘢𝘩 29:12-13
The modern life and business of daily living can weigh us down, leave us feeling disoriented, restless or tired. The things of this world will never deeply satisfy, truly only Jesus does. Battle back the weariness and the restlessness, live a set-apart life, by encountering Jesus at Our Lady of Mercy (OLM) through any of the following.
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P.S.
🙏 Set aside time in silence with Jesus anytime during the week at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel; dial down from the business of life, and take a brief or long respite by having conversations with Jesus. Bring before Him whatever is on your mind and heart. Then, and most importantly, give the Lord the space to respond speaking to you in the silence.
🙏 Feel free to share this.
🙏 Need more details on any of the encounter gatherings below? Proceed here for more info www.bit.ly/HangingOutatOLM
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