St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church September 27, 2020

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I: Ezekiel 18:25-28 Reading II: Philippians 2:1-11

Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32 Key Passage A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father? They said, “The first.” (Matthew 21:28–31)

Today’s Scripture readings can be understood as a plea to live a virtuous life, a life that exemplifies all that is wholesome about our human nature. Justice, c o m p a s s i o n , m e r c y , selflessness, humility and, above all, love portray the best of who we are. This is not to ignore the fact that we sometimes fall short in these virtues in our day-to-day living. Rather, it is to help us recognize that there is more goodness in the world than there is evil. It is found in the love of a parent for their child, in the mercy we show to the sick, the forgiveness we ask from a friend and the compassion we have for another. These little acts often go unnoticed but they are real expressions of a virtuous life.

The prophet Ezekiel expounds on the virtuous life, pointing out the importance of staying on task and not turning away from virtue by committing evil deeds. In other words, a life of goodness does not guarantee that we can remain right with God if we choose evil over goodness. In

contrast, Ezekiel tries to get the Israelites to understand that God will give life to those who turn away from wickedness and do what is right and just. This is a difficult lesson for most of us to understand. We live a good life and expect an eternal reward. Another person lives a sinful life, repents on their death bed and is forgiven. How do we make sense of God’s idea of justice?

Saint Paul has a suggestion for us: that we have the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus. That we see with his eyes. Jesus welcomed sinners who repented. Saint Paul says that Jesus

would offer solace in love, participation in the Holy Spirit, and compassion and mercy. He also reminds us of how and why Jesus would do such a thing. It is because Jesus was humble in that he who is God took the form of a slave. Jesus poured himself out for our sake and was obedient, accepting death on the Cross so that we could have new life in him. The core of his attitude was humility and obedience, an attitude that Saint Paul says we should adopt.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons to the chief priests and the

elders in an effort to help them understand that they are failing to distinguish between right and wrong in their lives. Growing up in the Jewish community, Jesus recognized that the religious leaders often gave the appearance of leading virtuous lives but, in fact, were unable to see their own failings. They did not have the same attitude of Jesus because they failed to recognize that Jesus was from God and was the Son of God. We, however, have the benefit of hindsight. We can renew our belief in Jesus, make a conscious effort to have the attitude of Jesus and, with the grace of God, live a virtuous life.

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Part of Who We Are The parable Jesus tells about the father who asks his two sons for help may sound familiar to those of us who have more than one child. The father in the story asks his first son to work in the vineyard. The son refuses, but later goes to work in the fields. The father approaches the second son with the same request. This son tells his father he will go, but he doesn’t.

In this parable Jesus tells us God doesn’t want just lip service. God wants us to be who we say we are. For example, I like to garden, but I am not a gardener. I write short reflections like this one, but I am not a writer. I know the difference because I have a friend who is a gardener, and a husband who is a writer. I garden because I want to have a summer garden. I began writing these reflections as part of my job. If I could afford to hire a gardener or to not work, I just might not do either.

My friend Nympha, the gardener, doesn’t just enjoy her summer garden. She spends all of fall, winter, and spring planning and going through seed catalogs. Her garden reflects who she is. My husband isn’t paid to write; yet he writes almost daily, putting into short stories or vignettes snapshots of human experiences. His writing reflects who he is. My friend gardens and my husband writes because what they do is part of who they are.

She has to garden; he has to write. This is what God ultimately wants from us. Not just obeying the rules because we want to enjoy God’s kingdom or because it’s part of the job of being a Christian. God wants us to obey the rules because it’s a part of who we are.

I’m not a gardener or writer, but I am a mother. My children are a part of who I am. Their needs are

my needs. I think being a Christian means feeling that way about everyone, friend and foe. Taking care of others’ needs as deftly as we take care of our children’s or our own should be a natural response, and not done just because it is the rule. When that happens, we are not just followers of Christ; we are Christ.

FAMILY RESPONSE

Look through a newspaper or watch a local news program together. Decide on something you can do to help someone who is in need.

(Sometimes offering a prayer is the only practical or possible response.)

PERSONAL RESPONSE

What is something you love to do—something that is a part of who you are? What do you want to remem-ber from last week? What are you looking forward to next week? What are your concerns?

Prayer O Lord, our Creator, your majesty fills the earth! When I observe the sky above me and remember it is the work of your hands, When I search the night sky and am overwhelmed by the infinite stars, Who am I that you would even think of me? Yet you have given to me the glory and honor of being your child and have entrusted me with the care of the earth. This gift stills my pride and silences my mouth. May my life and all my strength be given only to praise your name. Amen.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 * PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN MASS TIME* 9:00 AM - Mike & Liz (Eischeid) O’Connell - In celebration of their 25th Wedding Anniversary req. Madeleine O’Connell TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 9:00 AM - Audrey Waechtler req. St. Vincent de Paul Society WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 9:00 AM - Janet Dvorak req. Orlock Family THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 9:00 AM - Franco Albian req. Calistro Family FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020 9:00 AM - Arthur Grams req. Mauser Family SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2020 4:00 PM - People of the Parish SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 8:00 AM - Ruth Long req. St. Mary’s Homebound Ministry Phyliss Both req. John & Carol Sommer 10:00 AM - Jermaine & Edward Bach req. Lois Bach & Family 12:00 PM - Franco Albian req. Gerry & Carolyn Mueller 6:00 PM - Mel & Marlene Spohn req. Gloria Caracello & Annette Clynch

Stewardship

Our Catholic Faith with Fr. Keith: Every year in the seminary we would take a spiritual retreat. Usually, this was a week of silence either with conferences preached by a priest or individually directed. These retreats were some of my favorite times during priestly formation because they renewed my spiritual life. Most of us think of retreats in a secular sense, as in something for professional develop-ment at work like a seminar or a self-help exercise in wellbeing. However, the Christian practice of making a retreat is not self-referential. Indeed, the retreat, again, is a time to rediscover and renew the most important of all relation-ships, namely, interior communion with God. Initiating and maintaining a spiritual life is not exclusive to clergy or religious. Rather, all the baptized are encouraged to foster deeper communion with the indwelling Trinity through prayer. When beginning a prayer life it is important to be consistent, as in choosing a regimen that you know you will be able to commit to on a daily basis. A common fallacy among many people is to crowd their prayer life with a multiplicity of various devotions, litanies, chaplets, rosaries, etc. Certainly, these are pious and good practices. But, it can actually become detrimental to the spiritual life if they become inconsistent by a lack of commitment each day. In doubt, we should look to the example of the Saints who are what we one day hope to become. Their perfection in holiness was a lifelong endeavor of discipline, commitment, and consistency. This is why the great religious orders so often adopted similar ways of monastic living. We may not live in a monastery or convent but God is accessible anytime and anywhere simply by turning the attention and affection of the mind, heart, and soul to a deeper awareness of His presence. This may seem lofty or aspirational but it is grounded in the time-tested habits of saints. Take some time this week to evaluate your relationship with God with three simple questions: how well have I loved God? How well have I loved myself? And, how well have I loved others?

A CALL TO STEWARDSHIP

Weekly Collection 09/20/2020 $26,953.75

Weekly Goal (Fiscal Year 2020/2021) $28,500.00

Goals to Date Sunday Goal to Date $342,000.00 Collections to Date Sunday Collection to Date $315,075.54 Total (Short of) Goals to Date $(26,924.46)

Thank you for your continued generosity during this extraordinary time. We are very grateful for your support!

September 27, 2020 Page 5

SAFE ENVIRONMENT PROTOCOLS

Out of concern for the safety and well-being of children, every diocesan parish, school or religious education employee or volunteer 18 years and older who is involved with minors on a regular, recurring basis and those who may have an opportunity to be alone with children during parish, school or religious education sponsored events, are required to attend a VIRTUS® Protecting God’s Children Workshop. Of all the safe environment programs availa-ble, Protecting God's Children was selected for the Joliet Diocese. Through October 31, 2020, the Virtus Workshop can be viewed online. Registration is done online by going to www.Virtus.org . Even though volunteers are not currently allowed in the school, I encourage everyone to take advantage of the online version as I don’t know if this will be offered beyond October 31st. If you have previous-ly taken a PGC Workshop, you do not need to take it again. Those who do have a Virtus account, I encourage you to log in to your account and verify all information is up to date. Please refer any questions to Deacon Bob at deaconbob@stmarygostyn.org .

Around the Parish

GOOD NEWS *** N O T E C H A N G E I N S C H E D U L E ***

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FALL CLOTHING DRIVE

WHEN: SATURDAY OCTOBER17TH FROM 2:30PM - 6:00PM. SUNDAY OCTOBER 18TH FROM 7:30AM - NOON.

WHERE: East side of the Church Parking Lot near Fairview

Through your donations many of our less fortunate Broth-ers and Sisters are provided clothing and household items at little or no cost. We accept all clothing, household items, linens, blankets, books in good condition, toys, knick-knacks, throw pillows, Glassware, Cookware, com-puters and shoes.

ITEMS BELOW ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT OUR CLOTHING DRIVES:

No Infant equipment (strollers, cribs, car seats, high chairs) No Clothes hangers. No Encyclopedias, Readers Digest Editions, or Magazines. No Sporting Goods (Bowling Balls, Ski’s, Exercise Equip ment, Tents, or Sleeping Bags. No Items containing mold, mildew, or that smell musty. No Blinds or drapery rods unless new in box. No Bed pillows, mattress’s or mattress covers. No TV's.

IN THE NEAR FUTURE, LARGE PLASTIC BAGS FOR USE IN THE CLOTHING DRIVE WILL BE PLACED AT ALL CHURCH EN-

TRANCES.

FOR LARGE FURNITURE, PLEASE CALL FOR A HOME PICK UP AT 630-231-4658.

Thank You for your continued support.

A Call for Catechists Are you a person of faith who wants to share it with the children of our Parish? We are looking for you! We are in need of Catechist for our Religious Education program. Please consider sharing your faith, talent and time with the children of our Parish. Here is where we need volunteers:

Wednesday’s 4:30 - 5:45pm

Grades 1, 2, 3 & 7

Thursday’s 4:30 - 5:45pm Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7

Please contact the RE office at 630-960-3566 or

religiouseducation@stmarygostyn.org

Religious Education

GRIEF SUPPORT TEAM

….“And Jesus wept” John 11:35

Jesus’ friend Lazarus died, and because of his grief, Jesus wept.

If you have lost a loved one and you are experiencing the pain of loss and grief, please

join the Grief Support Team at St. Mary of Gostyn to share with us and others

who have experienced the grief and pain you are now feeling.

Grief Support Group starts meeting on Thursday, October 8th, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the

Parish Center. We will be meeting every Thursday starting October 8th for six weeks.

Call Moira Barker at the Parish Center (630) 969–1063 to register or if you need

additional information.

School News

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Prayer Requests

Kevin Braasch Michael Martel Natalya Brechlin John Svoboda Christopher Fountain Nathan Kijowski Bob Lang Zachary Frana

Pray for our Military Let us pray for all of our military personnel, especially the men and women of our parish who are serving

in harm’s way:

Timothy Randazzo Kyle Ng Christopher Randazzo Joe McSweeney Maggie Benhart Kevin Hanlon Brendan Vrtis

The following persons have requested prayers from our parish community:

Karli Brown Carmela Martini Jay Boss Bob Earley

Armella Maguire Mark Gowgiel Clara Christiaens Spencer Mehr Joshua Ritter

Our deepest sympathy to the families of Raymond J. Brown, cousin of Judy Cosenza Ross Iovinelli, brother of Angelo Iovinelli

In Sympathy

Reverence for Life

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Mass Sign Up With the Fall season kicking into high gear, we are experiencing increasing numbers of attendees at all the weekend Masses. We ask that you use the online reservation link, available either through the bi-weekly emails we send to those of you who have provided an email address to us or through the link on our website. With our decreased capacity, we want to ensure that we are able to seat all those attending Masses in a safe environment. If you need help registering, please call us at 630-969-1063. Thank you for your help.

Adult Faith

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NEW PARISHIONERS: We are happy to welcome new members to our community, and encourage you to register either in person at the Parish Office, or register online through our website, www.stmarygostyn.org.

BAPTISMS: St. Mary of Gostyn offers baptismal preparation sessions on a monthly basis. If this is your first child, you will need to participate in a baptismal preparation session before you can receive a date for your baby’s Baptism. Parents are the first and primary educators in the practice of the Faith. Godparents play an important role in the faith life of your child. While considering godparents for your child, be aware that at least one must be a baptized and confirmed Catholic who is active in his/her faith. Please call the parish office at 630-969-1063 to register for a preparation class and to schedule a baptismal date.

BECOMING A CATHOLIC: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of welcoming and preparing adults for the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation - for full membership in the Catholic Church. Unbaptized adults, adults baptized in another Christian faith, and baptized Catholics with little or no formal religious education are invited to participate. Please call the Parish Office for further information.

ANNULMENTS: We are available to help anyone who is in need of information about how to apply for an annulment. Please contact the Parish Office at (630)969-1063.

SACRAMENT of ANOINTING: The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is available at regularly scheduled liturgies throughout the year, or by appointment. You may ask the presiding priest before any Mass for an anointing. Communal Anointing Masses are held on the 1st Saturday of the month in August, December and April at the 8:00 AM Mass. The Eucharist will also be brought to those who are ill, upon request. Please notify the Parish Office if members of your family are in the hospital or homebound.

FUNERALS: Arrangements are usually made by the Funeral Home or by a family member. A member of our Bereavement team will meet with you to plan the Funeral Liturgy. Eulogies can be given at the Wake Service, Interment at the Cemetery or at the Funeral Luncheon, but not at the Mass of Christian Burial.

MARRIAGES: Arrangements should be made at least six months in advance to provide ample time for preparation of this sacrament.

PRAYER GROUPS: Monday evening Rosary at 6:30 PM in the Church; Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM in the Parish Center chapel.

RECONCILIATION: Confessions are heard Saturday, 8:30 to 9:30 AM in church. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available by appointment. Please call the Parish Office (630-969-1063) to arrange to have your confession heard by a priest.

St. Mary of Gostyn Parish