From the Pastor's Desk - 9/7/2025

    Many people have been upset over the recent shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minnesota. It is scary for many of us for the simple reason, we find ourselves in church quite a bit; a place we maybe take for granted as being a “safe” space. We go in and out of the church building for mass, maybe a meeting, a rehearsal, etc. Many things bring us to church. We expect to be okay going and coming. So, when the unexpected happens, it is very unsettling. We are encouraged at this time to pray for the children, the parents and parishioners of Annunciation. They need healing, and it will take time with God’s grace. This is also a time for each one of us to be aware of our surroundings, whether we are going to church—or the store or anyplace else. The future is unpredictable. We know God wants us to be safe and healthy. He is with us and helps us along our daily activities. God understands the human condition, and He certainly is with us in our hurts. Jesus, dying on the cross, places Himself with us in our time of trial.

     Both parishes, I’m happy to say, have reached, and gone beyond their goal for this year’s Catholic Ministry Annual Appeal. Ascension and Christ the King have pledged beyond their respective goals, and have paid up the initial set goal. Remember, 70% of what is paid up over our initial goal is given back to the parish in the form of a rebate check. Thank you for your generosity and kindness in being an active participant in the different ministries in the Diocese of Joliet.

Peace…….Fr. Jeff