St. Katharine Drexel Parish of Chicago

Rooted in Faith. Strengthened by Love.

2020 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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On September 5, 2020

In Livestream Video, Prayer Teleconference, Special News

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am inviting you to participate in the Mass for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.  There is a “word” from the Lord tomorrow!  The Mass will be live-streamed at 10:15 a.m. on the parish’s Facebook page, St. Katharine Drexel Parish of Chicago.  Remember!  You do not have to subscribe to Facebook in order to celebrate with us.  Just “click” on the following link that takes you directly to our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/StKatharineDrexelParishChgo/live.

If you do not have internet access, you may participate in the Mass by dialing our toll-free teleconference number:  1 (978) 990-5000.  The access code is:  883420.
Please forward this information to your ministry partners, family and friends who may be looking for a community to worship with on Sunday.  I welcome their participation in our liturgy!
Reminders / Announcements:
 
The Parish Office has reopened for business on a part-time basis.  The office is open on the following days and times:  Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.  Should you need to contact us, please do so.  These hours are in effect through the end of September.  Of course, the office will be closed on Labor Day, September 7 and will reopen for business on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
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If you have a new address, telephone number or email address, please let us know asap.  Likewise, if you wish to have your name deleted from the parish database, please let us know that as well.  This will help us greatly as we continue to update our records.
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We will resume our Midweek Prayer and Praise Service via teleconference on Wednesday, September 9 at 6:45 p.m.  The call-in number is the same as the telephone number listed above for the Sunday Mass.  Another reminder will be sent on Tuesday.
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Let us continue to pray for one another in these difficult times.  Prayer does work!  I leave you with the following prayer: “Loving God, hear the prayers of your people who turn to You in these difficult times seeking Your guidance, love, mercy and peace.  Hear our prayers we pray.  Keep us close to You for we know that You are always with us.  Guide and direct our every step this day for we make our prayer in Your Name. Amen.”
Have a blessed, happy and safe Labor Day weekend!  Know that Fr. Herb and I keep you in our daily prayers!
Peace,
Fr. Paul Whittington, O.P.

August 12th Update from Fr. Paul Whittington, O.P.

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On August 13, 2020

In Uncategorized

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I hope you’re having a good week and that this communication finds you in good health!  Below, I share with you information about our weekly prayer service as well as other information and reminders.  Please be attentive to the information.
Please join me tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12, at 6:45 p.m., for our Midweek Prayer and Praise Service via teleconference as we prepare to celebrate the liturgy for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time.  The Scripture readings are found in the text, At Home with the Word, on pages 112-113.  If you do not have the text, the Scriptures are:  Isaiah 56: 1, 6-7; Romans 11: 13-15, 29-32; and Matthew 15: 21-28.  Please read the Scriptures in advance if you have a chance.
The dial-in number is:  1 (978) 990-5000.  The access code is:  883420.
I look forward to your participation in our service!
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After submission of paperwork to reopen the church for Phase 1, we have been certified to reopen.  This means that funerals, weddings and baptisms may now be celebrated in the church for a limited number of attendees.  At the present time, there are no baptisms or weddings scheduled, but funerals of parishioners may now take place.  Please remember to call the church first before making arrangements with a funeral home, especially if you intend the service to be held in the church.  Parishioners will be informed when we are certified for Phase 2 which allows for attendance at Mass on Sundays and weekdays.
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St. Ailbe School is now registering students for the 2020/21 academic year.  As of this writing, the year begins with in-person classes.  Parents may also opt for remote learning.  The school office is open Monday-Friday from 9 am – 12 noon if you wish to speak with a school representative.  The academic year begins on Tuesday, September 8.  Please call (773) 734-1386 for further information.
Also, the school roof will be replaced in the next few weeks.  After several years of water entering the building, the Archdiocese and Big Shoulders are footing the bill to cover the bulk of the masonry and roofing expenses.  I am happy to say that SKD Parish was able to contribute $25,000 to this project.  I thank God that we were able to assist in some small way!  By the way, the church roof will receive an aluminum coating seal designed to prevent the minor leaks that we have in our building.  This will take place after the school roof is completed.
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Dr. Richard Watson and the EmergeMed Team will conduct Covid-19 antibody screenings in the church parking lot on Friday, Aug. 14 from 1-5 pm and on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 9 am-1 pm.  For further information, please contact Dr. Watson at (312) 206-1064.  I will attach a separate flyer as Dr. Watson will be speaking live on the parish’s Facebook page on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 7:30 pm.  You are welcome to tune in.
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Finally, I have two public service announcements.  Make sure you complete the 2020 Census and if you are not registered to vote, please do so!  Both of these issues are important to our community.  Please make sure that you are counted and that your voice is heard!
Enough said for now!  Have a wonderful evening!

Fr. Paul Whittington, O.P.

 Covid-19 Antibody Screenings at Church Parking Lot 07-17 and 07-24

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On July 14, 2020

In Events

On Fridays, July 17 and 24, there will be Covid-19 antibody screenings performed in the church parking lot from 1-5 p.m.

Parishioner, Dr. Richard Watson, MD, and his Team will perform the screenings.

There is no out-of-pocket expense if you have Medicare or some other form of insurance, otherwise, you will need to pay $51.00.  For further information, or if you have questions, please contact Dr. Watson directly at (312) 206-1064.

Link to register in advance

Weekly Midweek Prayer and Praise Service via teleconference

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On June 23, 2020

In Prayer Teleconference

This Wednesday, June 24, at 6:45 p.m., and every Wednesday join us for our Midweek Prayer and Praise Service via teleconference as we prepare for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 
The Scripture readings are found in the text, At Home with the Word, on pages 98-99.  If you do not have the text, the Scriptures are:  2 Kings 4: 8-11, 14-16a; Romans 6: 3-4, 8-11; and Matthew 10: 37-42.  Please read the Scriptures in advance if you have a chance.
The dial-in number is:  1 (978) 990-5000.  The access code is:  883420.
I look forward to your participation in our service!  Have a blessed evening!
Peace,
Fr. Paul Whittington, O.P.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday June 8th, 2020

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On June 8, 2020

In Livestream Video

3rd Sunday of Easter

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On April 25, 2020

In Events, Livestream Video

Third Sunday of Easter

Mass for the Third Sunday of Easter will again be live-streamed on the St. Katharine Drexel parish’s

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/StKatharineDrexelParishChgo/live

beginning at

10:15 a.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2020

If you have an account with Facebook, please join us.  If you do not have a Facebook account but would like to participate in the Mass, please “click on” the following link which will take you directly to our Facebook page where you can view the Mass:  https://www.facebook.com/StKatharineDrexelParishChgo/live.

If you do not have internet accessibility, you may participate in the Mass at 10:15 a.m. via teleconference.
Call the following number:
1 (978) 990-5000 and enter the access code: 883420.
Should you get a busy signal or experience technical difficulties, please continue dialing in until you get connected.
Last Sunday, we experienced some technical difficulties with the live-streaming.  My hope is that this Sunday, everything will flow smoothly.  Thank you for your thoughtful comments about our services and for your financial support during these weeks of exile.  Know that God is doing a good work among us!
Let us continue to pray for one another, especially those on our sick list.   Please also remember Charlotte Martin (RIP) and her sister, Toni Flippin, who mourns her, as well as Mae Ruth Stewart, (RIP), a former member of St. Joachim Parish, who joined our new parish following the mergers.  May the Lord give them both eternal rest and comfort the members of their families during their time of bereavement.  Know that I pray for you daily!
Sincerely yours in the Risen Christ,
Fr. Paul Whittington, O.P.

2nd Sunday of Easter 2020 – Divine Mercy Sunday LiveStream

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On April 17, 2020

In Events, Livestream Video, Uncategorized

Divine Mercy Sunday

https://www.facebook.com/StKatharineDrexelParishChgo/live

The Catholic Church throughout the world continues to celebrate the Octave of Easter.  The Easter celebration concludes on Sunday, April 19, the Second Sunday of Easter, also referred to as Divine Mercy Sunday.  The Scriptures for Sunday are:  Acts 2: 42-47; 1 Peter 1: 3-9; and John 20: 19-31. (Please read and reflect on them in advance if you have a chance.)

My purpose in writing is to remind you that the Mass for Sunday, April 19, will again be live-streamed on the parish’s Facebook page, St. Katharine Drexel Parish of Chicago at 10:15 a.m.  You must have Facebook in order to comment during the Mass.
If you do not have internet accessibility, you may participate via teleconference by calling our toll-free number.  The number is: 1 – (978) 990-5000.  The access code is:  883420.  Should you get a busy signal or a message saying there are technical difficulties, please continue dialing back until you get connected.
I look forward to this opportunity to once again connect with you!  Thank you for the words of encouragement or expressions of gratitude for bringing the Word of God home to you through our media ministry.  I am delighted that we were able to reach so many at Easter!  Please continue to share with your family and friends that St. Katharine Drexel is alive and well!
May God continue to bless each of you as we “shelter-in-place”!  In your prayers, please remember all who are ill from the COVID-19 virus, those who are struggling with other illnesses,  all healthcare workers and medical technicians, all first responders, foodcare workers, truck drivers and all who are assisting us through this crisis.  Let us remember those who have lost their jobs and are experiencing difficulty paying bills; let us pray for our young people, especially students who are adjusting to a new way of learning and being; let us pray for the faithful departed, especially our loved ones and friends and all who mourn their loss, and finally, let us pray for all who feel alone and/or abandoned, especially those whom society make us think are unimportant.  May they experience the abiding presence of God this day.
Let us pray:  Our  Father and our God, we thank you for this day for the many blessings that You have given us.  Hear the prayers that we offer in your Name.  Bless us and all whom we commend to You.  We know that you are aware of what is already on our hearts and minds.  We lift these our prayers to You.  Give us peace, compassion and an understanding heart so that we may have the courage to face all people and situations that come our way.  We bless and praise You for You are God all by Yourself!  We make this prayer in your Name.  Amen.
 
Have a blessed weekend!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Paul Whittington, O.P.

 

Easter Mass LIVESTREAMED at 10:15 a.m. C.S.T.

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On April 12, 2020

In Events, Livestream Video

Easter

He Is Risen, Celebrate the Savior

Access the Easter Mass LIVESTREAM here

Fr. Paul on Palm Sunday Prayer Teleconference

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On April 4, 2020

In Events

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings from St. Katharine Drexel Parish!  I hope you are doing well.
I am inviting you to join me on Sunday, April 5, Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord for a Prayer Teleconference beginning at 10:15 a.m.  Since we are unable to gather for Sunday Mass, I want us to gather on one accord and pray as a faith community. I am asking you to help me get the word out so that as many parishioners as possible may join us.  Please invite your family to participate in our prayer as well.  I believe in these difficult times we all need prayer and are looking for God to speak to us in some small way.  We can get up to 1000 people on the call, so I am going to convene only one teleconference rather than the two that I had mentioned in earlier emails to parish leaders and my faith sharing group.
The dial-in number is:  (978) 990 – 5000.
The access code is:  883420.
Should you get a busy signal when dialing in, please continue to call back until you are able to join the call!
The times in which we are living may be frightening, but God is calling us to remain faith-filled and committed to him.  Please don’t be led to despair and lose hope.  God is still on the throne!  God has not forgotten us!
As we begin Holy Week this Sunday, let us not forget the great sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf so that we might have eternal life.  In preparation for the prayer service, I ask that you read the scriptures for Palm Sunday found on pages 62-66 of At Home with the Word.”  If you do not have a copy of the book or a Missalette, the Scriptures are:  Isaiah 50: 4-7; Philippians 2: 6-11; and Matthew 26: 14 – 27: 66.
I look forward to our time together.  May God bless each of you!  Have a blessed and safe weekend!
Peace,
Fr. Paul Whittington, O.P.

An Important Message From Pastor Fr. Paul Whittington

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On March 23, 2020

In Special News

An Important Message From

Pastor Fr. Paul Whittington

Sunday March 22nd, 2020

Dear Deacons, Parish Leaders and Parishioners,

First, I want to say that I miss you terribly!  I hope you and your families are well.  I’ve been thinking of and praying for you.  May God continue to cover you in these trying times!  Remember!  This period of time in which we’re living is temporary.  We’ll get through this eventually!   Know that God is able!  I look forward to the day when our worshipping community will be able to resume.  Until then, let us continue to pray for one another.

Secondly, as I’m sure you know by now, Holy Week and Easter services will not be celebrated at the parish this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The Archdiocese will be streaming the liturgies of Holy Week from Holy Name Cathedral for those who wish to view them online.  I’m sure further information will be forthcoming from the Vicar General.  If/when I receive it, I will share it with you.

In a previous communication, I shared that the rectory chapel would be available for private prayer Monday through Friday.  Unfortunately, this is no longer available as a result of the Governor’s “shelter-in-place” mandate that is effective through April 7.  All churches, chapels, schools and other parish buildings must be locked until the order is lifted.  In addition, funerals and wakes must be postponed.  As I say this, two of our parishioners have made their transition in the last 24 hours.  The families will have to work out details with funeral homes.  I do not wish to share the family names without the loved ones’ permission.  There may be a backlog of funerals once this is all over.  Also, the parish office will be closed until April 7 due to the Governor’s mandate.  You may still call the rectory with any emergencies!

On another note, I had a wonderful teleconference with members of KPC Ladies Auxiliary Court # 181 this afternoon.  I am looking into the possibility of obtaining a free teleconference number so that I may keep in contact with you during this time.  We will have the opportunity to have prayer, emergency meetings, etc., given this capability.  I’ll keep you posted!

Finally, without our in-person gatherings for worship each weekend, we are unable to collect tithes/offerings.  I am asking, if you’re able, to mail in your offering to the parish or drop it in the mail slot at the rectory.  We have to continue to pay bills.  Please do not mail any contributions to the Archdiocese!  It is often difficult for us to get these contributions when we need them for parish use.  I am grateful, as always, for your financial support of the parish!

This Lent is for many of us quite challenging:  physically, mentally, emotionally, and, for some, spiritually.   And yet, I remain confident that “eye has not seen nor ear heard what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2: 9).  As we prepare ourselves for the celebration of Easter, I pray that you remain joyful and hopeful.  The news that we hear or read daily can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, fearful and so on, but I believe that God is preparing each of us for something greater.  We are going to be bolder, stronger, more faith-filled and committed than ever after this pandemic is over.  I am believing God in this!  I encourage you to “hang in there”!  Remain prayed up and don’t forget to look after and remain connected to your family and parish family!  May God bless each of you!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Paul Whittington, O.P.

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