Join Flocknote to Watch Mass Online

Join Flocknote by texting JOINSCL to 84576 or by going to SCL3535.flocknote.com

SCL Giving Tree

Donations support SCL families and Maryville's programs. See https://maryvilleacademy.org for more information.
Please place your unwrapped gifts under the tree through December 22nd

Join the Advent Pray25 Challenge

Prepare your heart for Jesus this Advent with daily prayer on "Hallow", a Catholic prayer and meditation app that helps us encounter Christ through daily prayer.

Simbang Gabi

December 20th at 7:00pm
Celebration to follow in Marian Hall

Las Posadas

Our Hispanic community invites all to participate in this Mexican observance that remebers the story of Joseph and Mary looking for a place to stay.
Posada begins on December 22nd at 6pm in the church and proceeds through the school, ending in festivities in Marian Hall

Invest in Our Crusaders

Earlier this year, the State of Illinois ended the Empower Illinois Scholarship program for children in private schools. Now some of our own school families face the difficult decision to change the school their children attend—unless we can help. The Fr. James Murphy Scholarship Fund is one way to help. This fund was instituted in memory of our beloved former pastor who had a special place in his heart for our school and all its students. Please donate whatever you can! Click here to donate to The Fr. James Murphy Scholarship Fund

SCL School Enrollment

Click here to Eroll your child at our SCL School"

Youth Group at SCL

Join us as we come together as one E community through prayer, group outings, fun activities, and gathering to listen to each other's stories.
St. Catherine Labouré School
3425 Thornwood
in the Blue Room

For more information contact Megan Mullarkey mtmullarkey@sclschool-glenview.org or Sara DiCesare saradicesare@sclschool-glenview.org

Try an Assitive Listening Device

What is an Assistive Listening Device? The device itself is small with disposable earbuds. The Assistive Listening Device captures the sound and transmits it directly to the ear, eliminating the distractions. It works much like the devices you use to follow self-guided tours in a museum. Ask the ushers to show it to you. Many parishioners have found them great for hearing the Word! You can bring your own headphones or use the disposable ear buds provided. You may also purchase your own device.

SPRED needs Partners

Watch our video here to see a beautiful expression of the Spirit of SPRED!

About SPRED
SPRED is SPecial REligious Development, a ministry of faith-sharing among people with cognitive and emotional disabilities and their more typically able adult partners. SPRED is available for those 6-years- old through adulthood and includes age appropriate sacramental preparation. Here at SCL we welcome young adults, from age 17 to early 20s. We also work with parents or guardians to find a place for anyone with disabilities who wants to be in SPRED. For more information, contact Madelynn Macur Brousil at macur.brousil@gmail.com or Sara DiCesare at saradicesare@sclschool-glenview.org.

Bulletin Ministry

Please consider volunteering to assist with producing the weekly parish bulletins. The goal is to have a team of 4 or more sharing this ministry so that each person works on one bulletin a month, allowing all of us time for vacations and help with the shortened deadlines ahead of holidays. People who would enjoy this ministry are those who can edit for spelling, grammar, and usage, adapt article length while retaining the intended message, and fit articles on a page like a puzzle. New editors will also have the chance to learn to work with Microsoft Publisher. It’s a very gratifying way to serve our parish. If you’re interested in learning more or volunteering, please contact Madelynn at sclbulletin@mail.com.

Help Wanted

Our parish needs volunteers to count and record the weekly collections on Monday mornings on a rotating schedule. You will receive training. For more information or to offer your services, contact Kari Turco, Business Manager, at businessmanager@stcatherinelaboure.com or 847-729-1414.

SCL School Volunteers Wanted

Our school is looking for Hot Lunch Volunteers to help prepare, cook, serve, and clean up after lunch for our students. The hours are 10:30am to 1:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We need at least 3 volunteers for each shift. If you are willing to help, please contact:
Anne Kovochich at (847) 724-2240.

El Coro

Estimados Feligreses Los jóvenes mayores de 8 años están invitados a participare en el coro. Toda habilidad musical es bienvenida incluso los que tengan interés en aprender a tocar un instrumento. Para más información favor de hablar con Brendy (824) 688-6443.

Religious Education Registration is now open for 2024-2025

Click here for more information and to register your child.

Come Sing

The SCL Adult Choir will resume rehearsals on Thursdays, beginning on September 5 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Church. New members are always welcome! Our choir is a warm, inclusive group that enhances our worship experience with heartfelt and inspiring music and provides a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and spiritual growth. All voices and skill levels are welcome. Whether you are an experienced vocalist or simply enjoy singing, we'd love to have you with us. Your voice can make a difference! For more information, contact Julia Bray at music@stcatherinelaboure.com.

Parish Cookbook

The Women's Club is creating an SCL community cookbook full of delicious recipes provided by you! We are looking for recipes for appetizers, main dishes, desserts, beverages, etc. Your contribution can be a recipe that has been passed down for generations in your family or something fun and interesting you concocted. Please drop off your recipe in the marked boxes in the vestibule, rectory, or school office and include your contact information in case we need to clarify anything. If you wish to remain anonymous in the cookbook please state that with your entry. Recipes may also be emailed to womensclubscl@gmail.com. If you have questions, please call Barbara Hartmann at 847-724-2810.

Rosary Vigil for the Unborn

By praying with the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, you might intercede to save the unborn at the American Women’s Medical Center, 110 South River Road in Des Plaines. Join the Rosary Vigil on the third Saturday of every month from 9:30-10:30am. For more information call Russell Lundsgaard at 847-724-6344.

Special Note: NorthWest Families for Life hosts prayer vigils at the American Women’s Medical Center every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 -10:30am. For more information and more ways to be involved in this pro-life ministry, email Maria at NWFL526@gmail.com , call Laura 847-651-4877, or visit www.NorthWestFamiliesforLife.weebly.com

Prayer for Unborn Children

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.
In Evangelium Vitae, Pope Saint John Paul II wrote “A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer.”
Borrowing from St. Jerome Catholic Church,
we pray:

Almighty God, our Father, You who have given us life and intended us to have it forever, grant us your blessings.
Enlighten our minds to an awareness and to a renewed conviction that all human life is sacred because it is created in your image and likeness.
Help us to teach by word and the example of our lives. Amen

Baby Jesus in the Womb -- One month after conception, Baby Jesus had grown from a single cell to an embryo about one quarter of an inch long. His brain, spinal cord and heart had already begun to form. His genetic identity began at conception, including His hair and eye color. The beginnings of every organ of His body were present. His eyes had started to appear and He had little buds where His arms and legs would grow.

Jesus, Word made flesh, taking on a human body in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us.

First Saturday Devotions

Please join SCL parishioners on the next First Saturday of the month to pray the Rosary at 7:20am, attend the 8:00am Mass, and then stay to meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary. Confessions will be available.

New SCL Care Ministry

After careful consideration, our St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference at SCL has withdrawn from the SVdP organization. We have reorganized as a ministry of our SCL parish. Our new name is “SCL Care Ministry” and we look forward to continuing our mission of serving those in need in our community. Call or text Pat Hoffman at 847-977-6336 with questions or to join this new ministry.

Rozaniec

Zapraszamy na rozaniec po Polsku w kazdy poniedzialek o gdzinie 730pm. Please join us in praying the Rosary in Polish on Mondays at 7:30pm.

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Misericordia Fundraiser

The Knights of Columbus have published a Misericordia Candy Days Donation webpage:
https://secure.frontstream.com/misericordia-candy-days-2023/participant/KnightsGlenview .
Please donate to Misericordia Candy Days and forward our page to others or share online through social media. All proceeds benefit Misericordia Home, a community of care that maximizes the potential of persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities, many of whom are also physically challenged.

Help Wanted

Catholic Charities needs volunteers to deliver warm meals to homebound senior citizens in Maine Township. For more information call Ray Gavin at 847-729-7242.

Adult Choir Singers Sought

The SCL Adult Choir is looking for new members and voices. No experience is necessary to join the choir, just an interest in singing. The Adult Choir rehearses on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30pm in the church. The first rehearsal of the 2023-24 choir season is Thursday, September 7. Please come if you’d like to join. For more information, please contact Julia Bray at music@stcatherinelaboure.com

Children's Choir

The Children's Cherub Choir will sing at the 5:00pm Mass on Saturday. Rehearsal will take place at 4:00pm that day in the church. No experience is needed; all children of the parish are welcome to join! Contact Julia Bray, music@stcatherinelaboure.com, with any questions.

Hand Made Comfort

Our SCL Hugs and Stitches ministry offers free prayer shawls and blankets are available to those who are ill or grieving. All of our items were safely packed away, but are now available in individually packaged zippered plastic storage bags. If you or someone you know could benefit from receiving one of our shawls/blankets, contact the rectory.
This ministry needs a new leader; please consider being that person!

Ministry to Those Who are Sick or Homebound

Care for parishioners who are sick is always important to us. Please notify the Parish Center, 847-729-1414, to ask for prayers for yourself or anyone in need. If hospitalized, tell the hospital staff the religious affiliation and parish of the patient. Also, you can contact the hospital's Pastoral Care Office at any time.

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The Annual Catholic Appeal

Our parish is conducting our campaign for the Annual Catholic Appeal. The Annual Catholic Appeal theme, “Come, follow me … and bring hope to the world,” was selected because as disciples of Jesus, we follow the Master who both gives us hope and sends us to bring his hope to our world that needs it so much. Please remember that the Annual Catholic Appeal is much different from a one-time special collection. It is a pledge campaign in which you can make a gift payable in installments. Each pledge makes a difference! All parish communities participate in the campaign and the gifts of many enable our parishes, schools and ministries to deliver needed services. Thank you for your prayerful consideration and generous response. To make your gift, com- plete the mail-in giving envelope available at church or make a gift online at http://annualcatholicappeal.com

Divine Mercy

As written in her diary, Jesus said to St. Faustina, “My Heart overflows with great mercy for souls, and especially for poor sinners…[I]t is for them that the Blood and Water flowed from My Heart as from a fount overflowing with mercy. For them I dwell in the tabernacle as King of Mercy.” To learn how to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, go to https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/pray-the-chaplet

Liturgical Ministers Wanted

Our parish needs liturgical ministers.

• To volunteer as a reader/lector, contact Bill or Carol Cook at 847-226-3878 or billcook05@comcast.net. Training is available.
• To join either the traditional choir or the guitar ensemble, contact Diana York, Music Minister at music@stcatherinelaboure.com. Both choirs sing at Mass on the third and fourth Sunday of each month. The traditional choir practices on Thursday evenings and leads song at the 9:00am Mass. The ensemble practices on Wednesday evenings and leads song at the 11:00am Mass.
• To be an altar server (5th grade through high school), contact Jessie Kunnel at jessiekunnel@yahoo.com. Training is available.

Consider a QCD Gift

Jesus told us, “Whatever you do for the least of my people, you do for me.” Every day we have the opportunity to see the face of Jesus in others and be the face of Jesus to others.
Making a gift from your IRA can benefit you and our parish. An IRA charitable rollover, also known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), allows individuals age 70½ or older to authorize their IRA administrator to make a direct transfer of funds from their IRA to qualified charities, tax-free.
Those who give with a QCD enjoy three main benefits:

• If you are 72 years old or older, the amount you transfer can satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution.
• The amount transferred directly to charity does not generate taxable income, which may reduce your annual income level. This may help lower your Medicare premiums and decrease the amount of Social Security that is subject to tax.
• Your gift will be immediately used, allowing you to see the impact of your gift now.

If you would like more information on making a QCD gift, contact Kari Turco at businessmanager@stcatherinelaboure.com or 847-729-1414 or Krystina M. Campbell, Planned Giving Officer, Archdiocese of Chicago at kcampbell@archchicago.org or 312-534-5404.

Legacy Gifts for Our Parish

Please consider one of the greatest acts of stewardship an individual can make by establishing an estate plan. These gifts help us to build a solid foundation for the Catholic formation of future generations. A well-coordinated estate plan typically includes:
(1) financial power of attorney, (2) will, (3) beneficiary designa- tions, (4) charitable beneficiary designations and (5) health care documents, such as a living will and a health care power of at- torney.
Create or update your estate plans today by contacting your estate attorney and financial advisor. For more Information about including our parish in your plans please contact the Business Manager at St. Catherine Laboure Parish by calling 847-729-1414 or email at businessmanager@stcatherinelaboure.com .

Please Remember Our Priests

Priests have dedicated their lives to the ministry of God’s children, serving our needs as Catholics without asking for anything in return. Now, it is our turn to show our love and care for their ever-faithful support. Please consider including a legacy gift for Priests’ Health and Retirement to support the healthcare needs of our active priests, as well as the medical and housing needs of our retired priests. For more information, please call Priests’ Health and Retirement at 708.449.8026. If you would like to make a gift today, please visit https://www.archchicago.org/offices-and-ministries/priest-health-and-retirement

Honor Our Military

Please take time to give thanks for those who have served and are serving in our military and to pray for the safety of those who may currently be in harm’s way. In a special way, we thank and pray for these parishioners and relatives of parishioners.

He Who Sacrificed His Life
†JOHN A. STONIS, Grandson of John & Dorthy Stonis
†CHRISTOPHER ZIMNY

Those Still Serving
JAY MARTIN, Nephew of Becky and Tom Brennan
JESSICA CAMERON, Niece of the Cameron Family
JOHN PODCZASKI, Grandson of Genevieve Podczaski
STEVEN TUMBARELLO, Son of Sylvia & Vince Tumbarello
CRAIG BEHRENDT, Grand-nephew of Sister Mary Helen
DANIEL BELZER, Nephew of Dave & Bev Belzer
MICHAEL KELLY, Nephew of Kevin and Kathy Kelly
EUGENE WALL, Nephew of Suzanne Lessner
NAILL SWIDER, Grand-nephew of Alice Swider
BRYAN DUFF, Son of Julie Duff
RYAN BLOCHBERGER, Nephew of Mae Grady
TIMOTHY DWORKIN, Grandson of Barbara Bouska
ALEXIS GONZALES, Great-niece of Eden & Lyle Gonzales-Nemzin
JACK MAHON, JR., Son of Jack, Sr. & Eileen Mahon
MICHAEL FOLEY
JOHN FOLEY
PETER MULLER
DANIEL FRAYNA
JOSEPH GULLO
SANG HOON LEE
ANTHONY PALMERO
MORRIS COREY MCMAHON, SON OF CHRIS & JULIE MCMAHON
RYAN FONTILLAS

To add or remove someone, please send the person’s name and relationship (optional) to bulletin@stcatherinelaboure.com

Holy Family Adoration Chapel

We invite anyone seeking to reconnect with our Lord for one hour a week. Contact Evie Ulivieri at evuliv@gmail.com to schedule a time. Please include your name, phone number and the hour you wish to spend in adoration.

Altar Servers Needed

Altar servers are once again needed at all Sunday masses. Training is available for new servers. If your child is interested becoming a server, the first part of their training is to watch the YouTube video at tinyurl.com/ SCLaltar three times. As they watch, they should pay attention to the details of the Mass. The second part is a 1-hour training session in church. Contact Jessie Kunnel to schedule this training— by email at jessiekunnel@yahoo.com or by text at 847-977-7827. We appreciate all our servers for volunteering to serve the Lord in this way.

Join in Prayer

Lay leaders across Vicariate II invite you to join weekly prayer opportunities around pressing issues of our time. Ground your life of discipleship in prayer with others as they pray:

• for the healing of our nation and city's social fabric (Contact Colleen Ortega at cortega@ourladyofhopechurch.com .)
• the rosary for the healing of sexual abuse (Contact Peggy Myles at mamyles1110@sbcglobal.net.)
• for greater respect for life (Contact Scott Kumer at sakumer@yahoo.com.)

Parish and School Administration

The pastor, assigned to a parish community, carries out the functions of teaching, sanctifying, and governing. Also, with the cooperation of other priests or deacons and with the assistance of lay members of the Christian faithful, he is to support the institutional development of the parish community. The pastor, therefore, has a range of responsibilities in the administration of the parish and school. It is with the assistance of the community that the pastor can carry out these responsibilities.
The Code of Canon Law asks for different parish councils or boards that assist with the work done in a parish communities.

Parish Pastoral Council
Canon 536 states “…a pastoral council is to be established in each parish, over which the pastor presides and in which the Christian faithful, together with those who share in pastoral care by virtue of their office in the parish, assist in fostering pastoral activity.” The parish pastoral council at Saint Catherine Labouré possesses a consultative role governed by the council’s by-laws.

Finance Council
Canon 537 states: “In each parish there is to be a finance council which is governed, in addition to universal law, by norms issued by the diocesan bishop and in which the Christian faithful, selected according to these same norms, are to assist the pastor in the administration of the goods of the parish, without prejudice to the prescript of Canon 532.” According to Canon 532, in all juridic affairs the pastor represents the parish according to the norm of law, and he is to take care that the goods of the parish are administered according to the same law. Saint Catherine Labouré’s finance council supports the pastor in this task.

School Board
Each parish school in the archdiocese is to have a school board. The intention of the pastor is to establish an advisory board that will collaborate with him and the principal in promoting the sustainability and vitality of St. Catherine Labouré Catholic School. This advisory board of St. Catherine Labouré Catholic School is consistent with policies, procedures, and guidelines promulgated by the Archdiocese’s Office of Catholic Schools (OCS) and shall be operated in conformity with the policies of the Archdiocese of Chicago, under the guidance of the Archdiocese’s Office of Catholic Schools, the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, and the pastor and principal of St. Catherine Labouré Catholic School.

Every year, some transitions take place in each of these groups. Parishioners who have served on the different councils for a number of years pass the baton to new members who continue building upon the legacy established by the councils. COVID halted some of these changes last year. There are now a few positions for new members on each of these councils. I invite you to consider joining one of the three councils. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions.

If you want to be considered for any of these positions, please submit your name and personal information to me at pastor@stcatherinelaboure.com or drop off your information at the rectory.

Father James Murphy Scholarship Fund

For those who have been hit hardest financially, we have been able to provide help through the generosity of the Father James Murphy Scholarship Fund. We knew Father Murphy, not only as a Pastor here at SCL, but also as someone who cared deeply for our school. Through his family’s generous donations, we have been able to help several families out in this difficult time. We cannot thank the Murphy Family enough for thinking of our school, especially in this challenging time. Many heartfelt thanks from our families to the Murphys – God bless you!

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Catholic Social Teaching

The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. Following are excerpts from one of the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching:
Rights and Responsibilities
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society. “We must speak of man's[sic] rights. Man has the right to live. He has the right to bodily integrity and to the means necessary for the proper development of life, particularly food, clothing, shelter, medical care, rest, and, finally, the necessary social services. In consequence, he has the right to be looked after in the event of ill health; disability stemming from his work; widowhood; old age; enforced unemployment; or whenever through no fault of his own he is deprived of the means of livelihood. (St. John XXIII, Peace on Earth [Pacem in Terris], no. 11) Find more information at https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/seven-themes-of-catholic-social-teaching

Please Pray for...

For people around the world stricken with COVID-19 and those who have been exposed to the disease.
Healthcare professionals, medical scientists, and leaders around the world, in thanksgiving for their ongoing efforts to contain, cure, and eradicate COVID-19
An end to violence in our country and around the world and a recommitment to love of neighbor by all people
The deceased and special intentions for which Masses are offered and for all others who need our prayers

Prayer to Overcome Racism

Mary, friend and mother to all, through your Son, God has found a way to unite himself to every human being, called to be one people, sisters and brothers to each other. We ask for your help in calling on your Son, seeking forgiveness for the times when we have failed to love and respect one another. We ask for your help in obtaining from your Son the grace we need to overcome the evil of racism and to build a just society. We ask for your help in following your Son, so that prejudice and animosity will no longer infect our minds or hearts but will be replaced with a love that respects the dignity of each person. Mother of the Church, the Spirit of your Son Jesus warms our hearts: pray for us. Amen.
~ United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Domestic Violence Assistance

Remember, you are not alone. If you are a victim of domestic violence, or know someone who is, and in need of help, please contact:

• Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Assistance 312.622.7106
• Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline 877.863.6338
• WINGS 847.221.5680
• Life Span 312.408.1210
• YWCA 877.718.1868

Human Trafficing Awareness

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a presidentially designated observance to educate us about human trafficking and the role we can play in preventing and responding to human trafficking.

Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, includes both forced labor and sex trafficking. It not only represents a threat to international peace and security but also undermines the rule of law, robs millions of their dignity and freedom, enriches transnational criminals and terrorists, and threatens public safety and national security everywhere.

An estimated 27.6 million+ people—adults and children of all genders—are subjected to human trafficking around the world, including in the United States. Despite the nearly worldwide adoption of international and domestic norms to address and prevent human trafficking, we continue to witness traffickers exploit people in the United States (including here in Glenview) and around the world. But everyone has the power to help make a difference. Every Presidential proclamation for January ends with a call to action for all Americans to recognize the vital role everyone can play in combating all forms of human trafficking.

Here is a list of resources about human trafficking:
• Understanding Human Trafficking
(state.gov/what-is-trafficking-in-persons)
• 20 Ways You Can Help Fight Human Trafficking
(state.gov/20-ways-you-can-help-fight-human-trafficking)
• Home | National Human Trafficking Hotline
(humantraffickinghotline.org, 1-888-373-7888, TTY 771, Text 233733)
~ Sourced from U.S. Department of State

Hand Made Comfort

Our SCL Hugs and Stitches ministry offers free prayer shawls and blankets are available to those who are ill or grieving. All of our items were safely packed away, but are now available in individually packaged zippered plastic storage bags. If you or someone you know could benefit from receiving one of our shawls/blankets, contact the rectory.
This ministry needs a new leader; please consider being that person!

Ministry to Those Who are Sick or Homebound

Care for parishioners who are sick is always important to us. Please notify the Parish Center, 847-729-1414, to ask for prayers for yourself or anyone in need. If hospitalized, tell the hospital staff the religious affiliation and parish of the patient. Also, you can contact the hospital's Pastoral Care Office at any time.
During the current pandemic, unfortunately, our Ministers of Care cannot bring communion to hospitals or homes. Fr. Lara is available to anoint sick or dying people who do not have COVID-19. Specially designated priests from the archdiocese will minister to the sacramental needs of those with COVID-19. Call the Parish Office for any of these circumstances.

From Our Society of St. Vincent De Paul

The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) at St. Catherine Labouré is committed to helping the needy as much as possible. We may be able to assist with rent or utility payments and provide information about local food pantries or other resources. If you need help, please leave a message with the SCL Parish Center, 847-729-1414 or 847-497-8133 and an SVdP member will contact you. If you know someone who needs help, please share this information.

Attention Shoppers: The SVdP Thrift Store at 168 Peterson Road in Libertyville offers gently used clothing, accessories, household goods, and more at bargain prices. The Store is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Your purchases help our needy neighbors.

Mental Health Resources

Due to COVID-19, anxiety and depression are on the rise; however, resources are available:
Catholic Charities Counseling Resources or call 312-655-7725
NAMI Chicago or call 833-626-4244
Mental Illness Ministries of the Archdiocese of Chicago or call 773-525-0453 x221

Peace Circles for Young Adult Medical Profesionals

Join Pablo Padilla and Maria Aranda for a virtual peace circle for young adult medical professionals. The purpose of these peace circles is to accompany and care for the emotional and spiritual well-being of young medical workers. We want to give them a space where they can share openly, in an intimate and safe environment among colleagues, the daily challenges and struggles that they face. The peace circle will be exclusively for young adults working in the medical field and directly on the front lines of this crisis. This is an open invitation, so please invite anyone you know who can benefit from a virtual safe space like this one. Please email Maria at maranda@archchicago.org for the Zoom link.

Catholic Charities

Meals to go are available at Congregate Meal sites and Senior Centers

Our home care services continue and are following a more sophisticated protocol as there are seniors who have no one to drop off groceries and provide basic hygiene assistance.

Food pantries and evening meal programs will continue to provide food as dictated by supplies and safe distribution protocols. Please check our website under Our Services/Emergency Services for locations and phone numbers.

Counseling and case management services are being provided remotely. Please call your case worker or program contact if you need assistance.

We have many, many partners to thank— government, individuals, corporations, vendors, volunteers, and donors—who are helping us continue to serve those most in need amidst this pandemic. We are immensely heartened and grateful for your support. If you would like to contribute to our efforts, we know the need will only continue to grow, and we appreciate your generosity. Catholic Charities also accepts donations of non-perishable food, clothing, and personal hygiene items.Donations may be dropped off at the St. Vincent Center at 721 North LaSalle Street in Chicago, Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or at our Regional Offices.

If you are struggling in any way, don't hesitate to contact Catholic Charities. To get help, call 312-655-7700 or visit:
http://www.catholiccharities.net/GetHelp.aspx.

How You Can Help
Please consider a contribution. The need for financial assistance and program support for those who were only just making ends meet will grow significantly with lost wages and other impacts from the pandemic.

Volunteers are needed to pack food at pantries. If you are not in a high risk category and are willing to help, please email Andrew McKernin at amckernin@catholiccharities.net. Protective gear provided. Health protocols enforced.

If you would like to explore other ways to support Catholic Charities, please contact Andrew McKernin, Volunteer Relations Project Manager, at 312-655-7557 or amckernin@catholiccharities.net.

Helping Those Who Grieve

Dealing with the death of a loved one is difficult, painful, and stressful. A lot happens all at once--the shock and grief, funeral arrangements, worrying about the future, and more. Getting the support that is crucial to grieving and recovery can be overlooked. SCL has people who can help. But this Bereavement Ministry needs more volunteers. If you’re interested in accompanying people during this very difficult time, please contact:
Missy Schultz at kentuckygirlsrule2@comcast.net ,
Deacon Rod at rodrigoranola@gmail.com or 312-607-9999,
Mike Field at mikefield76@gmail.com
or the parish center.

Planned Giving

God has cloaked us in bountiful love, and we can in turn offer our fellow parishioners an extension of this love. By considering a Planned Gift to St. Catherine Labouré, you can help ensure that our parish will continue to serve and grow in its mission. Please contact the Archdiocesan Office for Planned Giving as you prayerfully consider making a gift to St. Catherine’s. Staff members are happy to discuss with you some of the financial benefits as well as the process of making a Planned Gift. This office can be reached at 312.534.5396 or plannedgiving@archchicago.org.

Ministry of Hospitality

The Liturgy Committee is looking for friendly, outgoing people from teens to senior adults to serve as Ministers of Hospitality at weekend Masses. You would greet and assist people who come to Mass, pass the collection basket, and provide bulletins and a farewell as people leave church—at the Mass you usually attend. For more information, contact Tommy Fitzgibbon at tfitzgib@aol.com or call 773-206-4433.

Help Fill Mary's Closet

Donate clean, gently used men’s and women’s designer apparel, fine jewelry, shoes, and handbags to Encore. Encore is a designer resale event for Catholic Charities Mary’s Closet program which offers professional attire and job readiness consultation to men and women who are seeking employment or beginning new jobs. Please mark all donations “ENCORE” and drop them off at Catholic Charities ,1717 Rand Road, Des Plaines or 721 North LaSalle Street, Chicago. You can also leave them at Relevant Radio, 145 South Northwest Highway, Park Ridge or St. Francis Xavier Parish, 524 9th Street, Wilmette. For more information or pick-up service, visit www.catholiccharities.net/maryscloset or email maryscloset@catholiccharities.net.

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The Women's Center

Women who think they are pregnant and are in difficult situations come to the Women’s Center for help, an ultrasound and counseling. In 33 years of service they have saved over 39,000 women and their babies from abortion.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Lobby receptionist on Monday afternoons
• People with open availability to learn greeting and reception roles
• People conversational in Spanish and English
• Individuals and groups to clean, tag, and box bottles for their Spare Change Campaigns.

For more info on these volunteer roles, call 773-794-1313.
Donations Needed:

• Breast pumps and related items
• Infant car seat/carriers (by law, must be less than 7 years old), cribs, infant strollers, highchairs, toddler beds, exersaucers and baby swings
• All brands of baby formula (especially Enfamil Formula in the yellow box), diapers in sizes 4, 5, and 6, pull ups in sizes 4, 5, and 6, sleepers sizes 9 to 12 months, receiving blankets, new pacifiers, baby wipes, baby shampoo, and baby lotion
• Toothpaste and other dental care items
• Boys’ winter jackets size 5, gently used winter clothes sizes 24 months and 2, 3, 5, 6, 14, and 16.
• 3 single strollers
• Women's health and hygene products

The families who receive these items are grateful for your generosity. Please bring donations to The Women’s Center at 5116 North Cicero Avenue in Chicago. Thank you for your generous support.
To schedule pick-up, call 773-794-1313.

Movie Available
View the movie Unplanned, available to borrow from the parish center. This movie speaks to one of the most polarizing topics of our time. It is the story of Abby Johnson, an ardent pro-life advocate.

"Invest in Kids" Tax Credit Scholarships

Through the “Invest in Kids Act,” Illinois children from low- income households who want to attend private schools will have access to new scholarships. The scholarships offered through this program could cover up to 100 percent of tuition and eligible fees for next school year. Below is more information about how to apply and details on eligibility requirements. To learn more, visit archchicago.org/tcs or contact the Archdiocese at investinkids@archchicago.org or at 312-534-5321.

Mercy Home Mentoring

The Friends First Program of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls is a one-on-one mentoring program for youth ages 9-17 in the Chicago area. The purpose of the program is to engage young people in fun, meaningful activities that promote healthy personal and social development. To learn more about becoming a mentor, call the Friends First Program at 312-738-9560 or visit mercyhome.org/mentor.

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