Prayers for Our Country

The future of the nation is assisted with the prayers of the faithful. Let us pray for our country using the 33-day Consecration to Jesus through Mary starting September 29 (Feast of Archangels) and ending November 1 (All Saints Day), just before Election Day. For details, contact susan.chheimr@akirer.com in the Devotion Ministry. For a pdf format of the devotional prayers click here.

Tolton Teaching Parish Program

Mundelein Seminary is back in session. Seminarians are back from an unusual summer in their home dioceses, being as engaged as they could in ministry. As you know, three seminarians came to Saint Catherine’s in previous years. They are part of the Tolton Teaching Parish Program TTPP. This program works with parishes in helping seminarians grow and develop pastoral skills.
Saint Catherine Labouré is blessed to have three seminarians who will be engaged in ministry as much as they can: Deacon Elliott Zak from Lafayette, IN, Matthew Ockinga from Yakima, WA, and Christopher Epplett from Grand Rapids, MI. They will be around the parish most likely for liturgies for the time being. They will be engaged in other ministries once it is safe for people to meet in person. We also thank Sister Nadiya for all her support as the coordinator of the TTPP. She is working part time at Mundelein Seminary. She is doing an outstanding job especially during this difficult time.

Eucharistic Adoration

While we must continue to keep Holy Family Chapel closed for health and safety reasons, we now offer adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in church once a week. Adoration takes place on Friday mornings from 9:00am to 12:00pm, ending with benediction/reposition. You can choose from three times slots for adoration; during each time slot, ten people may come to worship and adore: 9:00 to 10:00am, 10:00 to 11:00am, and 11:00am to 12:00pm. If you want to come and “watch one hour,” sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904054aa4ae29a1f94-mass2

We will clean and sanitize the church after morning Mass, then use a different section of the church for each hour of adoration so you can feel assured that you’re in a safe place. The church will then be clean and sanitized by volunteers after benediction. This is a community effort. Please sign up to be a greeter (arrive 15 minutes before the hour) or cleaner (after benediction).

Public Health News

Cook County Department of Public Health officials have issued emergency travel guidance directing travelers entering or returning to suburban Cook County from states with surging COVID-19 rates to quarantine for 14 days since their last contact within the identified state.
Travelers from the following states, including suburban Cook County residents returning from these states, will be directed to quarantine upon arrival: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, or Utah.

Please Pray for...

Our Jewish friends and neighbors as they celebrate Rosh Hashanah, their new year, September 18-20 and observe Yom Kippur, their day of atonement (September 27-28). We wish them a good and sweet new year and that they may be inscribed for good in the Book of Life.
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 Opportunities

This summer, Bishop Bartosic and our Vicariate II continue to ground our Catholic response to many pressing issues in prayer. Groups are gathering virtually for weekly sessions of prayer and dialogue in the areas of the sexual abuse crisis, the need for social change and equality, and respect for life. If you are interested in joining one or more of these prayer groups please contact Brian Romer Niemiec at bromerniemiec@archchicago.org or 312-914-4323.

Bible Study
Join Mundelein Seminary Rector, Father John Kartje for a 4-week online Bible study on the topic of “Living on the Edge of Chaos: Biblical Lessons for Finding Hope in the Face of Fear. The self-led study will offer biblical examples of how times of chaos can lead us to a peaceful new reality shaped by the Kingdom of God. Father Kartje will also lead a live Q&A for study participants on August 8. Visit www.usml.edu/chaos for more information.

Bible Study for Women
Please join an online information session about Walking with Purpose, a women’s Catholic Bible study offered at over 370 parishes throughout the US. Join other interested women to learn from ministry volunteers at St. Alphonsus Parish in Chicago and Walking with Purpose staff how this study series is so effectively bringing women closer to the love of Christ and to their parish communities. Register online at http://wwp.today/jul23 or contact Jeannie Gillespie at jean.gillespie@walkingwithpurpose.com for more information.

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

A Safe Place to Pray

Celebrate the Mass in one of three ways:
1. Sign up to attend daily or weekend Mass at https:// www.signupgenius.com/go/904054aa4ae29a1f94-mass1.
2. Hear weekend Masses by coming to the parking lot at 5:00pm Saturday or 9:00 or 11:00am Sunday and tuning your car radio to 87.9 FM, then receive communion in your car afterwards.
3. Watch daily and weekend Masses on YouTube via FlockNote. Volunteer to keep worshippers safe and well as a greeter, an usher or a cleaner.
Training will be provided. Sign up at https:// www.signupgenius.com/go/904054aa4ae29a1f94-mass2.

Note: People at high risk for COVID-19 (those 65 and over and/or who have underlying health issues) and those who care for people at high risk should NOT volunteer and should celebrate Mass via radio or YouTube.

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.

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. In cases of hospitalization, tell the hospital staff the religious affiliation and parish of the patient. Also, the patient or family members can contact the hospital's Pastoral Care Office at any time during a hospital stay.
During the current pandemic, unfortunately, our Ministers of Care cannot bring communion to hospitals or homes. A designated priest from our vicariate will minister to the needs of the dying. Call the Parish Center if last rites are needed.

School News

During these trying times of COVID-19, the St. Catherine Labouré school community continues to count our blessings. Families have seen hardships in the form of frontline workers and other family members getting sick. Parents have adjusted to the new normal of becoming a teacher through e-learning, and our own teachers have risen to that challenge as well.
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!
If yours is a school family and you need help with tuition payments, please contact me at jreuter@sclschool-glenview.org.
~ Jodi Reuter, Principal

Employment Opportunities

Contact Tracer
If you are wondering what you can do to help in this pandemic, if you’re a college student thinking about a gap year, or it you’re considering alternative employment options, consider being a contact tracer for the State of Illinois.

One of the criteria for moving from our current Phase 2 to Phase 3 (gatherings of no more than 10 people, remote school learning) and Phase 4 (gatherings of no more than 50 people, schools open) in Gov Pritzker’s plan to open Illinois is the implementation of contact tracing. Preliminary information indicates that more than 100,000 contact tracers are needed immediately. Contact tracers can earn up to $28.00 per hour.

To support this effort, Oakton CC is now offering online training for contact tracing and registration is now available. Go to oakton.edu/newsevents/news/2020/05/contact_tracer0507.php for more details.

Retail Team Member
Lowe’s is hiring for full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles. Here to help. Here to hire. Visit https://low.es/2GO0zau today to see how you can join their efforts.

Business Networking Ministry
The above job opportunities and more come to you through the courtesy of the Business Networking Ministry at our neighboring parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. To learn more about this ministry or to be added to their mailing list, please send an email to olphbusinessnet@gmail.com

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 during this difficult time. 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.

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.

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

Religious Education Program

Registration for 2020-21 is now open! Register soon, before June 30, to avoid the late fee! Forms are available on the RE website. Thank You for your continuing support. We are glad to help your children grow!
Classes meet on this Sunday and next through Zoom. If you didn’t receive an email about this, check the timeline with RE office.

Catholic Charities - Covid-19 Update

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 during this time, please contact Andrew McKernin, Volunteer Relations Project Manager, at 312-655-7557 or amckernin@catholiccharities.net.

The Gospel of Life

In honor of the 25th anniversary of Evangelium vitae by St. John Paul II, SCL’s Respect Life Ministry offers this quote from that historic document: “[The Gospel of Life] is therefore meant to be a precise and vigorous reaffirmation of the value of human life and its inviolability, and at the same time a pressing appeal addressed to each and every person, in the name of God: respect, protect, love and serve life, every human life! Only in this direction will you find justice, development, true freedom, peace and happiness!” (The Gospel of Life 5)

Adult Faith Formation -Canceled until further notice

“Credo” is Latin for “I believe,” the first words of the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed. In these prayers, we profess a series of doctrines, our beliefs as Christians. Do we understand what we profess? This year, our adult Spiritual Enrichment program will present “Credo” which aims to draw us closer to God and to each other through Christ. We meet on Sunday mornings from 9:00 to 10:30am for discussions of light readings and video content over refreshments. We hope you can join us. Please contact Michael LaTona at 847-971-843 or the Parish Center with any questions.

First Saturday Devotions -Canceled until further notice

In Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
On December 10, 1925, Jesus and Mary came to Lucia.… Mary then said, “My daughter, look at My Heart surrounded with the thorns with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. You at least try to console me, and say that I promise to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, go to Confession and receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary and keep me company for a quarter of an hour while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me.
First Saturday devotions begin at 7:20am with the Rosary and continue with the 8:00 AM Mass followed by meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary. Confession will be available after meditation.

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, contact Bob Vivierto at rjvtiger@comcast.net , Deacon Rod at rodranola@yahoo.com or 312-607-9999, or the parish center.

Women's Club Events - Candle Fundraiser:

St. Mary of the Willows Guild brings you Yankee Candles and more in their fundraising event this year. Visit yankeecandlefundraising.com, enter group number 990095643, then click on “Start Shopping.” Over 500 wonderful products are available and up to 45% of your purchase will be donated to the Women’s Club. For more information, call Marcia Doeden at 847-724-1223.

SPRED needs Partners

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

If you would like information about joining the SCL SPRED ministry as a Catechist or if you know someone with cognitive or emotional disabilities who might enjoy being part of SPRED, please contact our parish coordinator, Madelynn Macur Brousil at 847-970-2064 or email macur.brousil@gmail.com.

From Our Society of St. Vincent De Paul

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.

Religious Education Program

If you’re an adult (18 years or older) who wants to make a difference by sharing your faith with children, then this note is for you! SCL’s Religious Education program needs Catechists! Come and join our Religious Education Ministry. Previous experience is not required. For more information, contact the Religious Education office at srnadiya@stcatherinelaboure.com or 847-724-2240, x1.
Please put used inkjet cartridges in the bin in the church vestibule to help the SCL Religious Education program purchase needed supplies from Staples at a generous discount!

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.

Young Adult Leadership Opportunity

Amate House, a year-long leadership development and service program in Chicago for young adults, ages 21-29, is now accepting applications for its next program cycle that begins in July 2020. To learn more, please check out amatehouse.org or call Amate House to speak with Natalie Crary at 773-376-2445.

Liturgical Ministers Sought

If you are 18 years or older and would like to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMC), please contact Amalou Lim at amalou8@yahoo.com. EMCs usually serve every few weeks at the Mass of their preference and occasionally on holidays. Training is provided. If you would like to proclaim Scripture as a Lector please contact Bill or Carol Cook at carolcook05@comcast.net. Training is provided. If you would like to be an Altar Server, please contact jessiekunnel@yahoo.com. Before coming to the training, watch a short YouTube video here. Watch it three times. It is less than 15 minutes long

Volunteers Needed

Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers to help in the food pantry and clothing room at the office at 1717 Rand Road in Des Plaines. Volunteers are needed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the day. If you can help, please contact Denise Yonkers at dyonkers@catholiccharities.net or 847-376-2101. Thank you!

WINGS

WINGS provides a pathway to independence for adults and children who are escaping from domestic violence and abuse. One service they provide is temporary housing for those who have escaped their violent homes. WINGS has some critical needs right now, especially medicine due to so many people within the shared living space getting sick.
To donate any of these items, please contact Peggy Gately at margaretgately@sbcglobal.net or call 312-320-5944.

• Men's Summer Pajamas - Sizes: 2x and 3x
• Boy's Summer Pajamas - Sizes: 12mo, 5t, 5 and 14/16
• Girl's and Women's Summer Pajamas - All Sizes
• Diapers in sizes 5 and 6
• Cough medicine for children
• Cough medicine for adults
• Children’s pain reliever
• Cough drops
• Heartburn medicine
• Pedialyte
• Lysol spray
• Air freshener spray
• Baby wipes
• Baby bottles
• Vaseline

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.

Members of SCL’s Weekly prayer Devotions -Canceled until further notice

Join us in special experiences of prayer during Monday Night Holy Hour at 7:00pm in Holy Family Chapel, as well as the Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month and the prayer meeting of the Grupo Da Immaculada on the last Sunday of each month at 2:00pm in the church.

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:

• 5 car seats for 20- to 40-lb children (Note: By law all car seats must be less than 7 years old.)
• 4 cribs and 4 toddler beds
• 4 dressers
• 3 single strollers
• 3 bouncers, 3 exersaucers and 4 baby swings
• Diapers in sizes 4, 5 and 6 only and all sizes of pull ups
• Baby food and all brands of formula
• Winter and summer clothes in girls’ sizes 24 months, 2, 3, and 4 and boys’ sizes 7 and 8.
• Women's 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.

ESL and Citizen Instructors Needed

Talented individuals are needed to assist enthusiastic adult students on the path to learning English and to becoming citizens. ESL Instructors are not required to know a foreign language. Citizenship instructors help students familiarize themselves with U.S. history and civics while improving their English skills and conversational confidence in order to pass the U.S. Citizenship Exam. Volunteers teach on Thursdays, 7:00-8:30pm during the school year at St. Catherine Labouré School. New instructors will receive free training and observe a class prior to starting. After training, you’ll have the knowledge and resources of the dedicated staff at St. Joseph Services to assist you in becoming an effective instructor. If you are interested or have questions, contact James Escortt at 773-278-0484 or jescortt@stjosephservices.org

Become a SPRED Catechist

SPRED (SPecial REligious Development) is a small community of adults who share their experiences of faith with each other and with friends who have cognitive and emotional disabilities. The SPRED Community at SCL needs two new catechists. If you’re looking for a new volunteer opportunity in this new year, please consider becoming a SPRED catechist. We meet on Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00PM. It will be an experience you’ll cherish with people who will cherish you! If you’re even a little bit interested, please contact Madelynn at 847-724-6338 or macur.brousil@gmail.com.

"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.

You Are Invited!

"Do you play an instrument or like to sing? The contemporary ensemble is looking for "a few good men/women" to join us in leading the congregation in song on Sunday mornings at 11:00am. We rehearse at 7:00pm on Wednesday evenings in the church. For additional information, please contact Julie Ratschan at 847-498-30 64, or meet with us at the front of church after the 11:00am Liturgy on Sunday.