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St. Mary's Church
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Mass Times
Weekend
Saturday: 6:00 pm
Sunday: 8:30 am
Weekday
Wednesday: 8:30 am
Friday: 8:30 am
First Fridays: 8:30 am Healing Mass and Adoration
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday: 9:00 am-9:30 am
Confession Times
Saturday: 5:30 pm-5:50 pm or by appointment by calling the Rectory at 815-858-3422
Office Hours
Tuesday: 8:30 am–3:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am–3:30 pm or by appointment
Thursday: 8:30 am–3:30 pm
Parish Bulletin
At St. Mary's Church, our parish bulletins are your go-to source for the latest news, events, and inspiration. Each week, we share important updates, spiritual reflections, and opportunities to connect with our vibrant community. Stay informed and engaged with us!
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Welcome
A Message from our Pastor Fr. Joachim
In the conclusion to his letter the authro emphasizes once again that what is at stake is not the specific nature of the end, namely the fiery destruction, nor the correct reading of the signs and events that immediately precede the end, namely, the presence of false teachers. What matters, rather, is the manner of the waiting-Christians are to be at peace-and the holiness of those who wait-they are to be found without spot or blemish. And what one knows about God is also important. God's patience in delaying the end is for the purpose of salvation (verses 14-15).
The earlier efforts of the author to establish the connection of his teaching to that of the apostolic age become more explicit here (verse 15; see 1:16-17, 3:2). He affirms that what he is teaching is the same as what Paul had written to his community. The reference to Paul calling him "our brother" gives further reason to trust the teaching of the writer of this letter. That is, if one can claim unanimity of thses two-Peter and Paul-the reliability of the teaching should be unimpeachable. To further bolster the reliability of Paul's writings, the author refers to them in the same way he refers to Scripture. The wisdom given to Paul (verse 15), since it gives rise to Scripture, can be understood as wisdom coming from a divine source.
One last time the author plays on the dualities of the instability of the ignorant and the stability of the knowledgeable. This a reminder to the audience again to be alert and to grow in knowledge. The final word is that glory belongs to Christ in every time (verse 18).
For Reflection: How do I strive for peace in my life and in my dealings with others? Do I try to grow in knowledge or do I caling stubbornly to my opinions?
Prayer Starter; Loving God, give me the grace to wait in patience and peace for your coming in mystery into my life. Help me continue to grow in knowledge, and may I use that knowledge for the glory of Christ.
Rev. Joachim Tyrtania
Pastor
This Week's Gospel
Daily Readings
Pastor Message and Prayer
11/8
ALL SOULS DAY
"Welcome with meekness the word that has been planted in you."
JAMES 1:21
Read James, chapter 1, verses 19 to 27
James keeps the theme of "the word". Here he urges us to welcome the word of salvation that has been planted in us (verse 21) and to do the word. On one level, the word must refer to the gospel and the mention of it being implanted in Christians will evoke a contrast between them and the rich in whom the word is scorched and withered (verse 11, compare Matthew 13:20-22). The word that takes root in the Christian bears fruit in deeds. It is "the perfect law, the law of liberty" (verse 25).
On another level, the Christian will surely think of Christ, the Word of God. In the poetic prologue to his Gospel, the evangelist John proclaimed that Jesus was the Word of God personified (John 1:1-18). Self-reflective Christians know they are born of the word and saved by the word. The Christian listens (verse 19) and looks (verses 23 to 25), not at him or herself, but into the gospel. The listening and the looking give rise to righteousness (verse 20) and true religion (verse 27). Hearing the word is not enough, because like Jesus, the Christian is to become word personified.
There should be no seperation between hearing and doping the word. As we commemorate today those faithful who have gone before us, we remember that at our own end we will have to account for both hearing and doing.
For Reflection:
Do I give time each day to ponder how my life reflects that of Christ? How do the cares of my busy life take time and energy away from the works of the gospel?
Prayer Starter:
Jesus Christ, Wisdom of God, open my ears and my eyes to your word. Help me listen attentively and see clearly so that my life and service may give bodily form to the word.
Fr. Joachim
Our Community
The Church of St. Mary, followers of Christ, are inspired by our Catholic Faith to brought the Eucharist, Prayer, and Education, as the family of God, and with one another, we desire to live our faith in the world.
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