St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church - September 26, 2021
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St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church
September 26, 2021
Afflicting the
Comfortable
Once again we focus on a lesser known
passage from the Letter of James. It is one of those
Bible passages that “afflicts the comfortable and
comforts the afflicted.”
James’ strong words for the rich are perfectly
in line with Jesus and passages in the Old Testament
warning about making money by dishonest means,
putting our security in worldly goods and
accumulating wealth while neglecting the needy.
In fact, Jesus told more parables about
economic injustice than he did about any other topic.
His parable about Lazarus called out the sinfulness of
one man being extravagantly wealthy while another
man didn’t have enough to eat. Jesus critiqued the
farmer who built bigger barns to store his harvest only
to die suddenly. (If he had such abundance, maybe
he hadn’t followed the Old Testament laws about
sharing his harvest with the poor.) Another time, Jesus
exposed the religious authorities who gave the
required tithes but “neglected the weightier matters of
the law, justice and mercy and faith” (Mt. 23:23).
In the same way, James condemns the rich
who have stored up material goods that will only rot
away. (“You’ll never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul.
You can’t take anything with you.”) He also criticizes
those who have lived in pleasure and luxury because
they have defrauded others. Although we may be
tempted to ignore this reading, assuming it doesn’t
apply to us, perhaps there is something here for us to
acknowledge if we look deeper.
Questions of the Week
In what ways do people today continue to
defraud, cheat, or take advantage of others, some
of which may be socially acceptable (ex: paying
less than a living wage to house cleaners,
babysitters, or gardeners; skimping on tips for
waiters; indirectly paying below minimum wage
to farmworkers who pick produce, etc.?)
What invitation do you hear in this passage to
change the way you relate to money or
possessions?
Prayer Requests Parish News
The following persons have requested prayers
from our parish community:
Joseph Leto Lois Bach Spencer Mehr A Warm Welcome
Hugh Toner John Toner Bridget Bailie
We welcome:
Rudolph Spacal Adalyn Harres Carmela Martini
Michael & Elizabeth Resce
In Sympathy Steven & Erin Stuckey
Our deepest sympathy to the families of who registered at St. Mary of Gostyn
Richard Ferreri Parish recently.
Terence O’Dekirk, husband of Terri O’Dekirk
Pray for our Military St. Vincent de Paul
Let us pray for all of our military Fall Clothing Drive - 2021
personnel, especially the men and
women of our parish who are serving WHEN: SATURDAY OCTOBER 2ND FROM 2:30 TO
in harm’s way: 6:00PM AND SUNDAY OCTOBER 3RD FROM 7:30AM
TO NOON.
Kevin Braasch Kyle Ng
Michael Martel Joe McSweeney WHERE: EAST SIDE OF THE CHURCH PARKING LOT NEAR
Natalya Brechlin Maggie Benhart FAIRVIEW AVE
John Svoboda Kevin Hanlon
Christopher Fountain Brendan Vrtis Through your donations many of our less fortunate Brothers
and Sisters are provided clothing and household items at
Nathan Kijowski Ben Gartlan
little or no cost. We accept all clothing, household items,
Bob Lang Kathleen Halloran linens, blankets, books in good condition, toys,
Zachary Frana Peter Gartlan knick-knacks, throw pillows, Glassware, Cookware,
Isabella Czopek computers and shoes.
ITEMS BELOW ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT OUR
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT ST. MARY’S CLOTHING DRIVES:
No Infant equipment (strollers, cribs, car seats, high
We announced last week the retirement of our Parish
chairs, etc.)
Business Manager. We continue to thoughtfully develop a
No Clothes hangers.
plan to replace this very critical position as well as evaluate
No Encyclopedias, Readers Digest Editions, or
and re-align some of the current job functions within our
Magazines.
organization. We want to ensure that any changes will
benefit the Parish in the long term while we look for candi- No Sporting Goods (Bowling Balls, Ski’s, Exercise
dates who have the skill sets to continue to help St. Mary's Equipment, Tents, or Sleeping Bags.
continue its very healthy position for the future. Once we No Items containing mold, mildew, or that smell musty.
have defined the job description for this opening, we will No Blinds or drapery rods unless new in box.
share it on our website for those who may be interested in No Bed pillows, mattress’s or mattress covers.
this opportunity. No TV's.
We also shared with you information about three other Thank you for
openings we have at our School. We are looking for a your continued support.
candidate for our Technology Assistant position,
Administrative Assistant and Director of Marketing. These
job descriptions are available on our website at
www.stmarygostyn.org.
September 26, 2021 Page 3
PLEASE NOTE CHANGES IN MASS
SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
The Priests of the Diocese of Joliet are meeting in
Convocation this Week, please pray for them.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2021 Monday, September 27th - 9:00 AM Mass
9:00 AM - Franco Albian req. Adam Walsh Family NO 6:00 PM MASS
Living Intention for Rosalie Braasch req.
Shirley Twardzik Tuesday, September 28th
Wednesday, September 29th
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 - COMMUNION SERVICE Thursday, September 30th
9:00 AM 9:00 AM COMMUNION SERVICE ON THESE DAYS
NOT A MASS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 - COMMUNION SERVICE
9:00 AM Friday, October 1st - Back to regular schedule
9:00 AM Mass
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 - COMMUNION SERVICE
9:00 AM
Our Catholic Faith with Fr. Keith:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 This week we will celebrate the Solemnity of Saints
9:00 AM - Michael Meers req. Calistro Family Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels and the
Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels. Many postmodern
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2021 skeptical people deny the existence of angels. They consid-
4:00 PM - Avery Stockwell req. Deacon Al & Carol er these spiritual beings to be characters in a fantasy.
Agurkis Unfortunately, most people of faith only have a slightly
better understanding based on the familiar prayer from
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 childhood, “Angel of God, my guardian Dear, to whom
8:00 AM - People of the Parish God’s love commits me here, ever this day/night, be at my
10:00 AM - Arthur Stadtler req. SMG Respect Life Ministry side, to light and guard, to rule and guide, amen.” This is a
Robert Frawley req. Corbett Family worthy and commendable prayer for all people to rely
12:00 PM - Marie Therese Donahue req. Deacon Al more deeply on the heavenly aid of their particular
& Carol Agurkis guardian angel. Angels are biblical messengers who signify
6:00 PM - Donna Wiencek req. Sara Rausch God’s transcendence and loving care: Michael (meaning
“Who is like God?”), Gabriel (“God’s Strength”), and
Raphael (“God’s Remedy”); Michael: patron of security
Stewardship forces and of the sick; Gabriel: of telecommunications and
the postal service; Raphael: of travelers and the blind. The
Thank you for your very generous Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels has been observed
response to the 2021 Catholic in Spain since the 16th Century. Pope Clement X assigned
Ministries Annual Appeal. To date, this Memorial to the first free liturgical day following
over $180,000 has been pledged by Michaelmas day. Dionysius, the Areopagite, orders angels
St. Mary’s parishioners, and almost $174,000 has been in a hierarchy: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions,
collected. Our parish goal was $134,200 which means your Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.
donations will also greatly benefit our parish, because 70% This hierarchy has a Scriptural foundation in Saint Paul (cf.
of the funds collected over our goal will come back to St. Ep 1:21 and Col 1:16). Angels are pure spiritual beings.
Mary as a rebate. As a reminder, please continue to make God gives them a purpose to aid humanity. They are not
your CMAA pledge payments using your payment coupons omniscient or omnipotent because they are created by
or billing statements. God. They are immaterial participants in salvation history.
The fallen angels were corrupted in their purpose. This
A CALL TO STEWARDSHIP definitive choice against God led them to become demons
Weekly Collection 09/19/2021 $26,358.75 who work with Lucifer for damnation in opposition to
Weekly Goal (Fiscal Year 2021/2022) $28,000.00 salvation. We need one major point of clarification in our
Goals to Date modern understanding of angels: when people die they do
Sunday Goal to Date $336,000.00 not become angels. It can be comforting to think of the
Collections to Date deceased as angels. However, we do not need to make
Sunday Collection to Date $334,493.49 men into angels to enjoy their intercession. Instead, let us
Total (Short of) Goals to Date ($1,506.51) cast aside this neo-superstition in favor of the truth that
between humanity and divinity is a host of beings who
help us along the away.
Page 4 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
School News
September 26, 2021 Page 5
Adult Faith Page 6 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. Mary of Gostyn Parish
445 Prairie Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515 ~ 630 - 969 - 1063
NEW PARISHIONERS: We are happy to welcome new members to our SACRAMENT of ANOINTING: Due to Covid restrictions, you will need to
community, and encourage you to register either in person at the make arrangements by contacting the parish office.
Parish Office, or register online through our website,
www.stmarygostyn.org. FUNERALS: Arrangements are usually made by the Funeral Home or by a
family member. A member of our Bereavement team will meet with you
BAPTISMS: St. Mary of Gostyn offers baptismal preparation sessions on a
to plan the Funeral Liturgy. Eulogies can be given at the Wake Service,
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 Interment at the Cemetery or at the Funeral Luncheon, but not at the Mass
Baptism. of Christian Burial.
Parents are the first and primary educators in the practice of the Faith. MARRIAGES: Arrangements should be made at least six months in
Godparents play an important role in the faith life of your child. While advance to provide ample time for preparation of this sacrament.
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 RECONCILIATION: Confessions are heard Saturday, 8:30 to 9:30 AM in
the parish office at 630-969-1063 to register for a preparation class and to
church. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available by appointment.
schedule a baptismal date.
Please call the Parish Office (630-969-1063) to arrange to have your
BECOMING A CATHOLIC: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) confession heard by a priest.
is a process of welcoming and preparing adults for the Sacraments of
Initiation - Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation - for full membership in the ANNULMENTS: We are available to help anyone who is in need of
Catholic Church. Unbaptized adults, adults baptized in another Christian information about how to apply for an annulment. Please contact the
faith, and baptized Catholics with little or no formal religious education are Parish Office at (630)969-1063.
invited to participate. Please call the Parish Office for further information.You can also read
