Weekend Masses

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On the day of my installation as Pastor, Bishop Conlon said to me “now you need to build a rectory”. My reaction was not very positive as I had seen the figures and knew the amount of debt we had. But as I reflected on it I realized that rather than be overwhelmed by the task it could be an opportunity to tackle both the debt and to renew the diocese’s commitment to St Francis Xavier Parish. While we can expect no financial help from the diocese towards the building of a rectory, the diocese is already helping us by not imposing any interest on the loan. Secondly Bishop Conlon is very encouraging and thankful for the efforts already made to raise funds and to lower the debt. Our target for building the rectory is 350,000. Yes its “gynormous” as my niece used to say when she was younger but I believe we can do it. Why is it so high? One we need a basement that is useable for parish/ religious education meetings and that means meeting certain regulatory standards( second exit escape windows, handicap access).. Diocesan regulations require a residence suitable for two priests. Again it must be handicap accessible and there must be access to the lower level without having to go through the house. All of these and other regulations tend to increase the cost of building. We are still not fully conversant with what the county and city may require of us. Two people have volunteered to help with fundraising and we will need many more. I hope to have a letter in the mail within the next few days asking for your help and support. Yes, I know there is a huge journey ahead of us. But I know we can do it. Please pray hard and long as without your prayers the task will not be possible. Again thank you all for the support you give me in so many different ways. I pray for you every day and will continue to do so. Let our journey together continue. Fr Karl  

40 DAYS FOR LIFE Wednesday, September 28 – Sunday, November 6, 2016 The 40 Days for Life campaign is a community-based campaign that draws attention to the evil of abortion through the use of a three-point program: Prayer and fasting, Peaceful vigil, and Community outreach. Volunteers are needed to pray at Abortion Clinics in the Diocese of Joliet. See: http://40daysforlife.com. LIFE CHAIN Sunday, October 2 Life Chain is a peaceful and prayerful public witness of pro -life individuals standing while praying for our nation and for an end to abortion. It is a visual statement of solidarity by the Christian community that abortion kills children and that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death. Do you want to March for Life in Washington, D.C.? Join the pilgrimage from January 25 to January 29, 2017. Each year hearts are opened and passionate witnesses return to share the Gospel of Life. Some highlights include: Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, a youth rally and Mass, a wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery, visiting monuments and more. All registration forms and a $100.00 deposit are due November 1, 2016. For full details and to register visit . If there are any questions, please contact Respect Life Ministry at 815-221-6251. White Mass at Cathedral of St Raymond with Bishop Conlon October 9th at 11.00 am All Health Care Professionals cordially invited