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/
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.)
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.
St. Katharine Drexel Parish Week At-A-Glance
Second Sunday of Lent 2020
Pastor’s Notes
- On Sunday, March 15th, we will celebrate the women of our parish at the 8:00 and 11 a.m. Masses. Sister Anita Baird, DHM, will be the speaker. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us thank God for the many women who have made great contributions to our society and church.
- Please read my letter regarding the liturgical practices that we will follow going forward due to public health concerns amidst the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19. It is important that we all exercise good hygienic practices while at church and elsewhere. These practices will remain in place until the Archdiocese says it is safe for parishes to resume their customary rituals. Please remember to pray for all who have been affected by the Coronavirus and especially the families who loved ones died due to the disease. I ask your understanding and cooperation during this time. May God keep us all healthy and safe from all danger!
First Sunday of Lent
Pastor’s Notes
- We welcome Bishop Perry to our parish today! I am grateful to Bishop Perry for his support of our parish and for all of his efforts on behalf of the people of African descent on the south side. We appreciate you, Bishop, and wish you well in your ministry to the People of God.
- Thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary and the Junior Daughters of the Knights of Peter Claver, Court # 181 for such a wonderful celebration last Sunday at Georgios Banquets. Congratulations once again to the men from our parish who were honored and to all parishioners who supported them by purchasing tickets or making a donation to support the event. It was good to be with all of you!
- On Sunday, March 15th, we will celebrate the women of our parish at the 8:00 and 11 a.m. Masses. Sister Anita Baird, DHM, will be the speaker. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us thank God for the many women who have made great contributions to our society and church.