The Scripture passages chosen for this, the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, describe the callings of Isaiah, Paul and the disciples Peter, James and John. They all had a profound experience of the presence of God in their lives. They felt unworthy. However a profound experience of God’s presence encouraged them to respond “Here I am Lord. Send me”. They left all to follow God’s calling. Not many of us, perhaps, will experience so dramatic a presence of God in our lives. We do receive inspiration through the Holy Spirit, the words of Scripture, Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. We pray for the grace to respond as Isaiah did "Here I am Lord. Send me”. We also pray that we will follow the callings each of us have committed to.
Catholic Schools' Week ended Friday, February 5, with an all-school mass. The school administration, faculty and students had many events during the week highlighting Catholic education. The week’s activities opened at the 11:00 A.M. mass last Sunday. It was well attended by parents, students and faculty. Many visitors accepted the invitation to attend the Open House. They visited the classrooms and viewed the work of the students and teachers. People also had an opportunity to talk with the students and staff. Congratulations to all involved in making the day a success. Thanks also to those who spoke at St.Kevin’s and Annunciata churches about our school and Open House. They all did a wonderful job promoting our school. Many people are now inquiring about enrollment at Annunciata school. Our reputation as a ‘Jewel of a School’ is spreading.
Our school building was very presentable. This was due to the work of our maintenance personnel. They were ably assisted by a number of school parents who volunteered their services. They did an A-one job. We thank them very much.
A REMINDER: Sunday, Feb 14, the Family and School organization is presenting Late Nite Catechism 3. Check the bulletin for further details. Please consider buying a ticket to the show and dinner. All proceeds will help our school.
Please continue to pray for me and I, as always, will pray for you. Have a wonderful week.
Peace and Joy
Fr. Paul, OSM
Monday, February 8, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Dear Parishioner,
Today we begin the Annual Catholic Schools’ Week celebration. At the 11:00 A.M. Mass we will highlight our school administration, faculty and students. Following the mass the school will host an Open House. Please pay a visit to see the wonderful things our faculty and students are doing.
Congratulations to Mrs. Linda Duignan who will be honored by the Archdiocese with the Distinguished Service Award. Her impressive resume follows below.
Linda Duignan, a lifelong parishioner of Annunciata Church, will be celebrating her 30th anniversary as a teacher at Annunciata School on February 3, 2010. Linda has been a vital member of our parish community as a student, parent, lector, Eucharistic minister, parish council member, Home and School member, CCD teacher, assistant principal, and most importantly as a teacher who has had the opportunity to form the academic, social, and spiritual development of the youth of our parish for the last 30 years of the 60 years of our school's existence. It is hard to imagine an Annunciata School without Linda Duignan, who has been a role model, teacher, and friend to everyone who has passed through its doors since 1980. In recognition of Linda's accomplishments and in acknowledgment of her 30 years of service to Annunciata School and 32 years of service to the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Archdiocese of Chicago has announced the following:
The Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools has named Linda Duignan a "Distinguished Service Award Winner" for 2010. Nominated by school administrators, 25 recipients were chosen from a potential pool of more than 5,300 educators in the 255 Catholic schools in Cook and Lake counties. The awards recognize exceptional dedication, leadership, and service of 10 or more years in Catholic education. Specifically, the recipients have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments; inspired students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues; and possess the energy to sustain effectiveness in performing their roles.
Linda Duignan will be recognized at a "Distinguished Service Award" Dinner on Sunday, February 21, 2010, at the Chicago Marriott on Michigan Avenue.
During her years of service to Annunciata School, Linda has taught virtually every subject in the junior high and spent 19 years teaching eighth grade. She has moderated the Student Council, coordinated science expos, and served as Assistant Principal. In addition to her accomplishments within the school, Linda has been nominated by her past students to Who's Who Among America's Teachers and has received numerous awards from the various Catholic high schools as the best elementary teacher that former students have had. Also, Linda has been honored by the East Side Chamber of Commerce as Educator of the Year and was the first Annunciata teacher inducted into the Annunciata Hall of Fame. Linda exemplifies what a teacher should be. She dedicates herself to her students, goes above and beyond her assigned duties to help the school and parish, and continually reeducates herself to stay current with modern trends in education. In Linda's own words: "The joy of teaching in a Catholic school system comes in the moments when I bring God into the lives of my students. It is also when my students bring God to me through their efforts to find the answers to the ultimate questions in their lives." From the entire parish, we congratulate Linda on 30 years of dedicated service to Annunciata School. If the measure of success is the lives you have touched in a positive way, then Linda's life has exceeded anyone's expectations.
Linda is representative of our fine teachers who continue to make Annunciata a ‘Jewel of a School’.
Have a good week. Pray for me and I will pray for you.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. Paul, OSM
Today we begin the Annual Catholic Schools’ Week celebration. At the 11:00 A.M. Mass we will highlight our school administration, faculty and students. Following the mass the school will host an Open House. Please pay a visit to see the wonderful things our faculty and students are doing.
Congratulations to Mrs. Linda Duignan who will be honored by the Archdiocese with the Distinguished Service Award. Her impressive resume follows below.
Linda Duignan, a lifelong parishioner of Annunciata Church, will be celebrating her 30th anniversary as a teacher at Annunciata School on February 3, 2010. Linda has been a vital member of our parish community as a student, parent, lector, Eucharistic minister, parish council member, Home and School member, CCD teacher, assistant principal, and most importantly as a teacher who has had the opportunity to form the academic, social, and spiritual development of the youth of our parish for the last 30 years of the 60 years of our school's existence. It is hard to imagine an Annunciata School without Linda Duignan, who has been a role model, teacher, and friend to everyone who has passed through its doors since 1980. In recognition of Linda's accomplishments and in acknowledgment of her 30 years of service to Annunciata School and 32 years of service to the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Archdiocese of Chicago has announced the following:
The Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools has named Linda Duignan a "Distinguished Service Award Winner" for 2010. Nominated by school administrators, 25 recipients were chosen from a potential pool of more than 5,300 educators in the 255 Catholic schools in Cook and Lake counties. The awards recognize exceptional dedication, leadership, and service of 10 or more years in Catholic education. Specifically, the recipients have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments; inspired students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues; and possess the energy to sustain effectiveness in performing their roles.
Linda Duignan will be recognized at a "Distinguished Service Award" Dinner on Sunday, February 21, 2010, at the Chicago Marriott on Michigan Avenue.
During her years of service to Annunciata School, Linda has taught virtually every subject in the junior high and spent 19 years teaching eighth grade. She has moderated the Student Council, coordinated science expos, and served as Assistant Principal. In addition to her accomplishments within the school, Linda has been nominated by her past students to Who's Who Among America's Teachers and has received numerous awards from the various Catholic high schools as the best elementary teacher that former students have had. Also, Linda has been honored by the East Side Chamber of Commerce as Educator of the Year and was the first Annunciata teacher inducted into the Annunciata Hall of Fame. Linda exemplifies what a teacher should be. She dedicates herself to her students, goes above and beyond her assigned duties to help the school and parish, and continually reeducates herself to stay current with modern trends in education. In Linda's own words: "The joy of teaching in a Catholic school system comes in the moments when I bring God into the lives of my students. It is also when my students bring God to me through their efforts to find the answers to the ultimate questions in their lives." From the entire parish, we congratulate Linda on 30 years of dedicated service to Annunciata School. If the measure of success is the lives you have touched in a positive way, then Linda's life has exceeded anyone's expectations.
Linda is representative of our fine teachers who continue to make Annunciata a ‘Jewel of a School’.
Have a good week. Pray for me and I will pray for you.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. Paul, OSM
Monday, January 25, 2010
Dear Parishioner,
St Luke tells us in today’s Gospel that Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth on the Sabbath day and stood up to preach in the synagogue. Moved by the power of the spirit he read this passage from Isaiah “ the spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, to let the oppressed go free and to give sight to the blind” Then he said “today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing”
The mission of Jesus in Luke's gospel is to provide the peace that the suffering need and only God can give. The work of the church continues Jesus’ mission: preaching the Gospel, working for social justice and reaching out to all peoples in compassion. As members of the church, through Baptism, we accept the calling to live out Jesus’ mission in our lives. How do we do this? How do we proclaim Jesus by word and deed? Do we act with compassion towards those in need? Do we take time with the word of God in prayer and meditation. These are some thoughts for our reflection during this coming week.
Our hearts are filled with compassion and prayer for the people in Haiti. The images we see on television and in the newspapers are shocking and horrific. The number of dead and injured are beyond comprehension. We marvel at the compassion and care of those aiding the victims: doctors, nurses, army personnel, and church volunteers. We admire their courage and charity under the most harrowing of circumstances. Let us pray for all these people and let us be as generous as possible in contributing aid. Thank you for your generosity in last Sunday's appeal for relief in Haiti. So far the collection is almost $3000. If you missed donating last weekend, you can still drop your offering at the rectory and it will be sent to Catholic Relief Services. Every cent of your dollar will be used to benefit the victims of the earthquake.
Speaking of care and compassion, I thank you for your generosity to the St. Vincent de Paul collection of food and clothes on the third Sunday of the month. They are put to good use in caring for the needy in our parish and neighborhood. The needy are more numerous at this time, due to the economic downturn, resulting in loss of jobs and income. The St. Vincent de Paul Society helps as many people as they can.
During the coming week let us be more compassionate to those in our families, to those with whom we work and to those we meet every day.
May God bless you. Please pray for me and I, as always , will pray for you.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. Paul, OSM
The mission of Jesus in Luke's gospel is to provide the peace that the suffering need and only God can give. The work of the church continues Jesus’ mission: preaching the Gospel, working for social justice and reaching out to all peoples in compassion. As members of the church, through Baptism, we accept the calling to live out Jesus’ mission in our lives. How do we do this? How do we proclaim Jesus by word and deed? Do we act with compassion towards those in need? Do we take time with the word of God in prayer and meditation. These are some thoughts for our reflection during this coming week.
Our hearts are filled with compassion and prayer for the people in Haiti. The images we see on television and in the newspapers are shocking and horrific. The number of dead and injured are beyond comprehension. We marvel at the compassion and care of those aiding the victims: doctors, nurses, army personnel, and church volunteers. We admire their courage and charity under the most harrowing of circumstances. Let us pray for all these people and let us be as generous as possible in contributing aid. Thank you for your generosity in last Sunday's appeal for relief in Haiti. So far the collection is almost $3000. If you missed donating last weekend, you can still drop your offering at the rectory and it will be sent to Catholic Relief Services. Every cent of your dollar will be used to benefit the victims of the earthquake.
Speaking of care and compassion, I thank you for your generosity to the St. Vincent de Paul collection of food and clothes on the third Sunday of the month. They are put to good use in caring for the needy in our parish and neighborhood. The needy are more numerous at this time, due to the economic downturn, resulting in loss of jobs and income. The St. Vincent de Paul Society helps as many people as they can.
During the coming week let us be more compassionate to those in our families, to those with whom we work and to those we meet every day.
May God bless you. Please pray for me and I, as always , will pray for you.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. Paul, OSM
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Dear Parishioner,
As we begin the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, I would like to offer you a short reflection based on today's Gospel. It is written by Sister Joyce Rupp, a Servite sister. Her words have been a source of inspiration for me, so I share them with you.
Filling Our Stone Jars
Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings...John 2:6
There’s a familiar saying: “Tell God your plans. Then hear God laugh.” I think of this in relation to the gospel today. Everyone had gathered for a wedding. Those who planned the gala event filled six stone jars of water so the guests could follow the custom of washing their hands before the bread was blessed. What the planners never dreamt is that those six jars of water would become filled with wine.
That’s how it often is in our lives too. We set out the stone jar of our day and plan to fill it with all sorts of things. Then our plans slowly, or quickly, fall apart with interruptions and uncontrolled events. My first response when this happens is to feel impatient or irritated. But when I pause and remember I am not the ultimate planner, I can usually find the wine of blessing hidden in my foiled endeavors.
Surprising God, keep my mind and heart open to the unexpected ways you manifest in my life.
Have a wonderful week, one day at a time. Pray for me and I will pray for you.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. Paul, OSM
Filling Our Stone Jars
Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings...John 2:6
There’s a familiar saying: “Tell God your plans. Then hear God laugh.” I think of this in relation to the gospel today. Everyone had gathered for a wedding. Those who planned the gala event filled six stone jars of water so the guests could follow the custom of washing their hands before the bread was blessed. What the planners never dreamt is that those six jars of water would become filled with wine.
That’s how it often is in our lives too. We set out the stone jar of our day and plan to fill it with all sorts of things. Then our plans slowly, or quickly, fall apart with interruptions and uncontrolled events. My first response when this happens is to feel impatient or irritated. But when I pause and remember I am not the ultimate planner, I can usually find the wine of blessing hidden in my foiled endeavors.
Surprising God, keep my mind and heart open to the unexpected ways you manifest in my life.
Have a wonderful week, one day at a time. Pray for me and I will pray for you.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. Paul, OSM
Monday, January 11, 2010
Dear Parishioner,
During the days of November and December we were bombarded with commercials about Christmas shopping, Christmas spirit and joy. Houses were decorated with all sorts of bright lights, blow-up Santas and Christmas trees. A few even had cribs. Radio programs played Christmas carols and music 24/7. By the time Christmas Day arrived we were saying enough already. Then a strange thing happened, as it does every year. At twelve midnight, Dec 25, all Christmas music ceased on the radio, commercials on TV were promoting after-Christmas sales and Valentine's Day gifts and cards. The Christmas season according to the business community was over.
The church looks at it in a different light. Dec 25, Christmas Day, is the beginning of the Christmas season. The liturgical season ends today with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. During the previous weeks we honored the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We celebrated Mary, under the title of Mother of God. We commemorated the visit of the Three Kings. We rejoiced in the birth of Our Savior- God has become one of us. We were reminded that each of us belongs to the family of God and our own natural families. We prayed for all family groupings, through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God. We wished all relationships the gifts of love, peace and forgiveness. We were inspired by Matthew’s story of the visit of the Magi and their homage to the Christ-child. Their lives were changed by that meeting. Matthew says they went home by a different direction. We prayed that that our lives may be changed with a deep encounter with Christ.
Today, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we hear the story of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan. We are reminded that this event is another epiphany of the Lord. Jesus is revealed as the Beloved Son of the Father as the Holy Spirit descends on Him. Jesus goes on his public mission led by that same spirit. As Jesus is led by the Spirit on his mission, so too are we. By our Baptism we are to continue our mission of beloved children of the Father. Thus we begin Ordinary Liturgical Time in an extraordinary way.
As our Christmas decorations disappear for another year, I again wish you all the blessings of Christmas 2009 and the New Year 2010. May it be a year of holiness, happiness and good health.
Again I offer a great big thank you to all who helped with the beautiful and creative decorations in the church. It was most spiritual and inspiring. We wish the choir continued good voice on the coming Sundays of Ordinary Time. Thank you to all those who keep the church clean and tidy. Your voluntary work is indispensable. Last, but certainly not least, I repeat my gratitude to you for your cards and gifts, to me personally, and you're generous donations to the Christmas collection.
Pray for our schoolchildren and faculty as they begin a new semester. Pray that our “Jewel of a School” will continue to be successful.
May God be with you during the coming week. As always, pray for me and I will pray for you.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. Paul, OSM
The church looks at it in a different light. Dec 25, Christmas Day, is the beginning of the Christmas season. The liturgical season ends today with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. During the previous weeks we honored the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We celebrated Mary, under the title of Mother of God. We commemorated the visit of the Three Kings. We rejoiced in the birth of Our Savior- God has become one of us. We were reminded that each of us belongs to the family of God and our own natural families. We prayed for all family groupings, through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God. We wished all relationships the gifts of love, peace and forgiveness. We were inspired by Matthew’s story of the visit of the Magi and their homage to the Christ-child. Their lives were changed by that meeting. Matthew says they went home by a different direction. We prayed that that our lives may be changed with a deep encounter with Christ.
Today, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we hear the story of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan. We are reminded that this event is another epiphany of the Lord. Jesus is revealed as the Beloved Son of the Father as the Holy Spirit descends on Him. Jesus goes on his public mission led by that same spirit. As Jesus is led by the Spirit on his mission, so too are we. By our Baptism we are to continue our mission of beloved children of the Father. Thus we begin Ordinary Liturgical Time in an extraordinary way.
As our Christmas decorations disappear for another year, I again wish you all the blessings of Christmas 2009 and the New Year 2010. May it be a year of holiness, happiness and good health.
Again I offer a great big thank you to all who helped with the beautiful and creative decorations in the church. It was most spiritual and inspiring. We wish the choir continued good voice on the coming Sundays of Ordinary Time. Thank you to all those who keep the church clean and tidy. Your voluntary work is indispensable. Last, but certainly not least, I repeat my gratitude to you for your cards and gifts, to me personally, and you're generous donations to the Christmas collection.
Pray for our schoolchildren and faculty as they begin a new semester. Pray that our “Jewel of a School” will continue to be successful.
May God be with you during the coming week. As always, pray for me and I will pray for you.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. Paul, OSM
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Dear Parishioner,
As we begin this New Year, 2010, I wish you and your families every blessing. May the Lord bless you with holiness, health and happiness in the coming days and months. I pray that the Lord’s presence and grace is with you each day. Again, I ask you to take this year, 2010, one day at a time. Remember the Lord gives us our daily bread — the strength and grace we need each day.
HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL.
Bro Brian, Fr. Conrad, Fr Dennis and I thank you for your cards and gifts to each of us. They are very much appreciated.
I thank you also, in the name of the parish, for your generous contributions to the Christmas collection. You are a very generous people. I also thank those who decorated the church. The display of lights, poinsettias and crib is very beautiful. I thank them for their time and creativity. They outdo themselves every year.
Thank you, parishioners, for your charity to those in need. Your gifts to those listed on the Giving Tree were most appreciated. Thanks also to the St. Vincent de Paul Society who distributed many baskets of food to those in need. My gratitude to the choir who did so much to enhance the Christmas liturgies. They put in many hours of practice under the guidance of Tim, our Music Director. I give an applause to Fr. Dennis and his little helpers who helped bring the Christmas story to life at the 5P.M. mass on Christmas Eve. I appreciate all the families who participated. Last but not least I thank the church cleaners, who helped clean our church for the Christmas celebration.
Again , Happy 2010. Let us pray for world peace, for a better economy and more jobs for those out of work. May our families be blessed. Please continue to pray for me and I, as always, will pray for you.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. Paul, OSM
HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL.
Bro Brian, Fr. Conrad, Fr Dennis and I thank you for your cards and gifts to each of us. They are very much appreciated.
I thank you also, in the name of the parish, for your generous contributions to the Christmas collection. You are a very generous people. I also thank those who decorated the church. The display of lights, poinsettias and crib is very beautiful. I thank them for their time and creativity. They outdo themselves every year.
Thank you, parishioners, for your charity to those in need. Your gifts to those listed on the Giving Tree were most appreciated. Thanks also to the St. Vincent de Paul Society who distributed many baskets of food to those in need. My gratitude to the choir who did so much to enhance the Christmas liturgies. They put in many hours of practice under the guidance of Tim, our Music Director. I give an applause to Fr. Dennis and his little helpers who helped bring the Christmas story to life at the 5P.M. mass on Christmas Eve. I appreciate all the families who participated. Last but not least I thank the church cleaners, who helped clean our church for the Christmas celebration.
Again , Happy 2010. Let us pray for world peace, for a better economy and more jobs for those out of work. May our families be blessed. Please continue to pray for me and I, as always, will pray for you.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. Paul, OSM
Monday, December 21, 2009
Dear Parishioner,
Please come and join us on Mon, Dec 21, at 7:P.M, for the Sacrament of Reconciliation with individual confession. Coming together as a community is a true sign of the nature of reconciliation –it is never a private matter. We come together to examine our consciences, enlightened by God’s word. We come together to consider, prayerfully, if we are in right relationship with God, others and our own ideals. Last Sunday we heard John the Baptist tell his followers and us to repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand. In other words, we all need to look at how we integrate the Gospel into our daily lives. The Lord is waiting for us with open, forgiving and loving arms. Come join us on Mon. Dec 21, at 7P.M.
Please note the schedule for the Christmas masses. I hope to see all of you there, to personally greet you with Christmas wishes. Meanwhile, may you and your families have a blessed and holy Christmas. May you experience real joy, peace and love and share those same gifts wherever you celebrate this Christmas. I give thanks to God for all of you, for your generosity to Annunciata Church in time, talent and treasure. You certainly bring Jesus alive in your hearts and in the lives of others.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR.
We end with a little humor: “ My wife never stops asking for money.” a man complained to a friend, “Last week it was a hundred dollars, the week before fifty, now she wants two hundred.” “What does she do with all that money?" his friend asked. “I don’t know.” he answered, “I never give her any.”
Continue to pray for me and I, as always, will pray for you.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. Paul, OSM
Please note the schedule for the Christmas masses. I hope to see all of you there, to personally greet you with Christmas wishes. Meanwhile, may you and your families have a blessed and holy Christmas. May you experience real joy, peace and love and share those same gifts wherever you celebrate this Christmas. I give thanks to God for all of you, for your generosity to Annunciata Church in time, talent and treasure. You certainly bring Jesus alive in your hearts and in the lives of others.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR.
We end with a little humor: “ My wife never stops asking for money.” a man complained to a friend, “Last week it was a hundred dollars, the week before fifty, now she wants two hundred.” “What does she do with all that money?" his friend asked. “I don’t know.” he answered, “I never give her any.”
Continue to pray for me and I, as always, will pray for you.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. Paul, OSM
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