Posts in Catechesis
Archdiocese Announces Plan to Re-Open Churches

May 13, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ, These fifty days of Easter, leading to Pentecost, are marked by unprecedented suffering, as humanity has fallen victim to a perilous contagion. In addition to the threats to our physical wellbeing, we are suffering spiritually as the Covid-19 pandemic has required restrictions of our worship and active participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Surely, there have been moments in history when governments and rulers have persecuted Christians and banned their public worship. This is not one of them. Rather, the present restrictions come in response to an extreme medical emergency as local, state and federal authorities – specifically public health officials – legitimately fulfil their responsibilities to safeguard human life and the common good…

Read More
COVID-19 Updates

Based on current guidelines from local public health departments, which recommend the cancellation of public gatherings involving 250 or more people, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, mandated the suspension until further notice of all liturgical services effective Saturday evening with the  regularly scheduled weekend services. In addition, he has mandated the closing of schools operated by the archdiocese, and to close the Pastoral Center and related agency offices until further notice.

Read More
Archdiocese Update: Sacramental Practices

March 24th, 2020

As all residents of the state comply with the order to stay at home and refrain from non-essential activities, we are nonetheless painfully aware that being cut off from the sacramental life of the church, especially the Eucharist, creates a great hardship for our people, indeed for all of us. However, we make this sacrifice for the common good, convinced that we, like all citizens, have a responsibility in preventing the spread of COVID-19. In fact, doing so will ensure that our people can return to the sacraments as soon as possible…

Read More
Archdiocese Update on Holy, Week, Chrism Mass, and Funerals

March 19, 2020

Based on current guidelines from local public health departments, which recommend the cancellation of public gatherings involving 250 or more people, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, mandated the suspension until further notice of all liturgical services effective Saturday evening with the regularly scheduled weekend services. In addition, he has mandated the closing of schools operated by the archdiocese, and to close the Pastoral Center and related agency offices until further notice.

Read More
20,000 of our Brothers and Sisters gathered together and it was awesome.

There are few experiences in my life that have reminded me so profoundly of the size of the Body of Christ as the first night of each National Catholic Youth Conference I have attended, reminds me. An experience of parish or of high school can feel large but to see 20,000 people who are gathered because we have commonality in being followers of Christ, fills me with awe each time I experience it.

Read More
Blessed, Broken, Given~ The National Catholic Youth Conference~ High School age

“Preparing and going to NCYC was nerve-racking. I had no idea what to expect from this type of conference. All of my doubts and worries quickly diminished as I realized that I was surrounded by 25,000 other teenagers who were also there to learn more about their faith. Every single day was full of keynote speakers, smaller group reflections, singing, and meeting new people from all across the country. Some of my favorite speakers…”

Read More
Living your faith after Confirmation

We commissioned our newest Eucharistic minister this past Sunday at the 10:300 Mass. During the commissioning we were reminded of the importance of receiving the Eucharist and being willing to bring the Body of Christ to others. Yianni chose to serve as a Eucharistic Minister after he received the sacrament of Confirmation in March. The next formation meeting to serve as a Eucharistic Minister is on May 11th after the 5:00 Mass. Email kmcmillan@stbenedict.com if you would like to attend.

Read More