Parish Bulletins and Newsletters

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Weekly Updates
​during Pandemic

march 23,2020
Bishop Jenky has announced "with great sadness" that the suspension of public worship in the Diocese of Peoria will continue through Easter Sunday. Following is the text of his just-released message on Holy Week and Easter.

My dear friends in Christ,

Holy Week and Easter rank as the most important moments we celebrate as believers of Jesus Christ. As important as these great celebrations are for the proclaiming and strengthening of our faith, it is with great sadness that I must announce that the suspension of public worship will continue through Easter Sunday.

The first words of the Risen Christ to his disciples were, “Peace be with you!” During this difficult and painful moment, we pray for the peace that only God can give. It is the peace that comes from having our sins forgiven and being united with God.

Beginning with Palm Sunday and continuing through Easter Sunday, these events will be streamed live through the diocesan website: www.cdop.org. A specific schedule will be announced in the days ahead. If your own parish will not be broadcasting these Masses, I invite you to join in the ones we will be making available through the Internet. It won’t be the same as being together, in person; but it enables us to be united in ways that the current times make possible.

In these difficult times when we each have to carry our own personal crosses, we do so in the hope of Easter glory. I ask your prayers for me and for your priests. Please know that I am holding you close to my heart and I am praying for you daily.
​
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.
Bishop of Peoria
march 27, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
I pray that you are all doing well and staying healthy. I was reflecting on the words that we have had up in the church for a long while now, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19). As I reflected on that, I was reminded of the end of that Gospel passage and the last words of Matthew’s Gospel, “I am with you always until the close of the age” (Mt. 28:20). God will continue to guide us through these challenging times, and we know that Jesus is always with us and will always be.
 
With that in mind, I want to update you all on a few things that the diocese has been communicating to us priests as of late. A couple of items I reiterate from the past, but there are a few new items as well.
 
The following points are new pieces of information or additional pieces of information from past correspondences:
 
1.Mass
a.Public celebration of Mass is suspended through Easter Monday (4/13). Not sure when that will end, but it will be at least after the 13th.
b.I will be trying to do live-streamed Masses during Holy Week for at least the Easter Triduum. More info to come on that.
2.Live-Streaming and Recorded Videos of Mass and Other Liturgies
a.I will stream as many things as possible next week and especially during Holy Week. We hope to make the holiest of weeks in the year as special as we can for you given the circumstances.
b.To get to live-streaming events you can go to this website…
a.If you were unable to see the event live, it can still be accessed from this page online and you can see a recording of it.
c.Some events are too challenging to record live or for other reasons do not work as well live. I will get those to you via Flocknote or they will be put on St. Mary’s Facebook and other sources to be viewed at anytime.
3.Flocknote
a.I will do my best to get some spiritual experiences to you all in the coming days especially during Holy Week. The easiest way to make that happen is by joining Flocknote.
b.If you are not currently on Flocknote, use your cell phone to text the word PONTIAC to 84576. Follow the instructions given to you, and you will be in the loop. Each family member who has a cell phone should register with Flocknote. It’s important that we have BOTH your up-dated email address and cell phone number. Please check your Flocknote account to make any necessary changes. If you are ONLY a landline user, please contact Mick Peterson (815-822-1724), and he will guide you through the registration process.
4.Parish Office and Events
a.The parish office is closed, but we are trying to take phone calls if possible. Please leave a message with Father Adam if urgent and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Parish Office Phone: (815) 844-7683
5.Confessions
a.I hope to come up with a plan for confessions in the coming weeks before Easter for more people, if restrictions lighten. If the Sacrament of Reconciliation is urgent at this time, please call me [(815) 844-7683] and I can meet you in the parking lot of the church and we can do confession while you are seated in your car or arrange some other social distancing confession.
6.Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
a.The celebration of the Sacraments and Reception into Full Communion with the Catholic Church that are usually part of the Easter Vigil will take place at a later date, perhaps associated with a major feast of the liturgical year. Further direction will be given from the diocese on this. I will continue to offer information and guidance to those in the process of RCIA through some online resources as time goes forward.
7.Known Upcoming Live Events (Stay Tuned - there may be more…) These will all be streamed from the above YouTube Channel
a.March 29th at 9:30am – 5th Sunday of Lent – Mass from St. Mary’s Church live-streamed
i.Something to help at Mass this weekend…
1.
b.April 5th at 9:30am – Palm Sunday Mass – St. Mary’s Church live-streamed
c.April 9th at 7:00pm – Holy Thursday Mass – St. Mary’s Church live-streamed
d.April 10th at 12:00pm – Good Friday Service – St. Mary’s Church live-streamed
e.April 11th at 8:00pm – Easter Vigil Mass – St. Mary’s Church live-streamed
f.April 12th at 9:30am – Easter Sunday Mass – St. Mary’s Church live-streamed
8.Other Events to Be Looking for in the Coming Weeks (either live or recorded) …
a.Stations of the Cross
b.Most Holy Rosary
c.Eucharistic Adoration
d.Reflections on the Readings
9.Be Aware of Phone, Text or Email Scams
a.Some people with problematic intentions in the world, are attempting to take advantage of the current problems in our world. They will either call, text or email asking for money. They will tell you that Father Adam or some other person in the parish or diocese needs money or information. Do NOT give them your information or any money.
 
The following are points from previous correspondences that some might not have received in the past…
 
1.Church
a.The diocesan website indicates that all churches and chapels are to be closed and locked. Clergy may enter for prayer and to offer Mass, but they are to remain closed to the public at this time.
2.Funerals
a.We will not be celebrating funerals during this period although outdoor committals are allowed with social distancing.
3.Weddings
a.Suspended until governor’s order is lifted.
4.Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum
a.Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be done to those who are dying.
b.Special priests have been appointed throughout the diocese to do anointing for those with the Coronavirus. If that is the case, please let me know and I will make sure we have one of them visit the area. Keep praying that will not be necessary.
5.Spiritual Communion Prayer (can be used with me during Mass or on your own at any point)
a.There are many of these available online. Kind of like the Act of Contrition, there are many different formulas, but all are acceptable.
b.My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament, I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
 
May the Lord continue to guide and bless you all during this time when we are not able to be physically together, but know you are all in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I miss you all and look forward to getting through this challenging time together in prayer. Please keep praying and asking the Lord to give wisdom to all who make decisions for the good of people in our times. Pray for all of those who are sick and suffering in this time and for an end to this virus.
 
As one of my dearest friends that I have not seen in many years often tells me, “I will see you in the Eucharist.” That is my farewell to you all today. “I will see you in the Eucharist.”
 
God bless you all,
Father Adam 
march 28, 2020
Click here for a video message from Bishop Jenky.
april 4, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

"Let us not quench the wavering flame (Is 42:3) that never falters, and let us allow hope to be rekindled. Embracing his cross means finding the courage to embrace all the hardships of the present time, abandoning for a moment our eagerness for power and possessions in order to make room for the creativity that only the Spirit is capable of inspiring..." (Pope Francis, March 27, 2020) 

Pope Francis gave this incredible speech to the world during his Urbi et Orbi Blessing a week ago. You can get all the words to his speech by clicking here...https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/03/27/read-pope-francis-urbi-et-orbi-address-coronavirus-and-jesus-calming-storm. 

My prayer for each of us this week is that we can "make room for the creativity that only the Spirit is capable of inspiring" in this time. For several months now, God has been giving me a vision of open doors and closed doors in prayer. Sometimes we try to force down doors that God doesn't really want us forcing down. In the meantime, we miss many other doors HE is revealing for us to walk through. We can get too caught up in what WE believe to be most important. Meanwhile, all we have to do is look left or right and see that the Holy Spirit has another door just waiting for us to walk through. I believe that is one of the most important lessons God is helping us to learn right now. Look around and see what door God is opening instead of getting caught up on the door that won't open. That is what Pope Francis is referring to when he reminds us to make room for the creativity of the Holy Spirit. 

May we enter into the most holy of weeks in our liturgical year, with that openness and docility to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit! 

The week ahead - Holy Week:

Sunday, April 5 - Palm Sunday live-stream Mass at 9:30am.

Monday, April 6 - Reconciliation. I am currently working on plans to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation in our church parking lot. Yes, drive-thru confession. More instructions will follow in a future correspondence. For now, I am planning on being "in the confessional" from 3-6pm on Monday. I will remain longer if it seems people are still coming. Please stay in your vehicle and I will explain more as the time approaches. 

Tuesday, April 7 -  Father Adam video about holy oils. The previously scheduled Chrism Mass held on Tuesday of Holy Week each year at The Cathedral in Peoria will be scheduled at a later date.

Wednesday, April 8 - Stations of the Cross at 6:30pm.  "St. Mary's movie night". Last week I edited a Stations of the Cross with the scenes of The Passion of the Christ. Join me live as I lead you through them and we can watch the Stations "together." 

Thursday, April 9 - Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper at 4pm. Feel free to watch Mass live with us at 4pm or whatever time is best for you. Live-streamed videos are available online anytime following the live showing. 

Friday, April 10 - Good Friday Service at noon. 

Saturday, April 11 - Easter Vigil Mass at 8pm.

Sunday, April 12 - Easter Sunday Mass at 9:30am.  

You will receive Flocknote reminders and links for each of the recorded events above. Please note that any events that are live-streamed on "Father Adam Cesarek" YouTube channel can be viewed at a later time; they are available after their scheduled live-stream time.

Father Carl, Father David and Father Bill Update
I found out yesterday (4/3), Father Carl is moving in a very good direction. He will be moved out of the hospital to Timbercreek Rehab and Healthcare in Pekin, IL as he is no longer in need of hospitalization, but will remain in quarantine at that location. He is still unable to receive visitors, but please do keep him in your prayers. 

Father David is doing very well despite being confined to the upstairs of the rectory. Last night, Ethan and I Skyped him from the lower level and we played Scattergories together through Skype. It was a great time and in the end, Ethan beat Fr. David in a tie breaker. I believe his quarantine started as of last Saturday, so today is his midway point through his quarantine and he has shown no signs of having the Coronavirus. 

Father Bill is also doing well. He seems to be in good spirits and received his customary Friday groceries from County Market via some gracious volunteers yesterday. I also have received some great pictures of him enjoying life watching some television with his dogs and cat. He shows no signs of having the Coronavirus either. 

Parish Office and Events
We are following the governor's stay-at-home declaration until April 30. All Masses, classes, confessions, adoration, meetings, and church & school events have been cancelled at least until then. Diocesan officials indicated that we will be notified if any directives will change and we should not presume any changes until we hear from them directly. 

The parish office is closed, but we are trying to take phone calls if possible. Please leave a message with Father Adam if urgent and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Parish Office Phone: (815) 844-7683.

Mass Intentions
Mass intentions continue to be offered in my private Masses. If you already have set up Mass intentions in the month of April, and do not want them to be offered privately, please call the parish office and let me know. Patti and I have been checking with who wants to maintain their Mass intentions privately and who would like to wait for public Masses, but please feel free to do so before we call. 

Steeple Repair
A few weeks ago, we had a few pieces of brick fall from the steeple and had it inspected to find out we need to get it fixed immediately. Yesterday (4/3), the steeple bricks were replaced, fixed and secured for the present time. 

Flocknote
If you are not currently on Flocknote, use your cell phone to text the word PONTIAC to 84576. Follow the instructions given to you, and you will be in the loop. Each family member who has a cell phone should register with Flocknote. It’s important that we have BOTH your up-dated email address and cell phone number. Please check your Flocknote account to make any necessary changes. If you are ONLY a landline user, please contact Mick Peterson (815-822-1724), and he will guide you through the registration process.

Martha's Ministry Needs More Ministers
Martha’s Ministry (St. Mary’s Bereavement Ministry) serves family members grieving the loss of a loved one. Bereavement ministers make contact by phone, mail, e-mail and personal visits. Cards are sent out to parish members at the time of their loved one’s death and at Easter, All Saints’ Day, Christmas, and the one-year anniversary of the death.  Also, a booklet, To Be Lifted Up, is delivered or mailed to grieving families that assists them in their journey of grief and healing. At the same time, prayers are offered for those who have passed and for their families.

Martha’s Ministry, started in March 1999, by Monsignor Tom Mack and Deacon Jim Wallace, meets on the second Wednesday evening of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Rosary Room. At these meetings prayers are offered for those who have died and for their family members.  Then each minister picks from a pool of obituaries of recent deaths, choosing one or more.  The obits are people who have family members from St. Mary’s.  The ministers help each other with information about the deceased and their families so that they may minister with sensitivity and pertinent information.  Discretion and confidentiality are, therefore, very important.

The Martha’s Ministry team needs caring and empathetic individuals to join in this ministry.  If interested, please call the rectory, 815-844-7683, Margo Law, 815-579-5102, or Katie Wille, 815-842-1233.  

Saint Vincent DePaul Food Pantry 
St. Vincent DePaul volunteers have been working very hard these past few weeks to assure those in need are taken care of and everyone stays safe. They have served over 90 people each of the past two weeks. If you or anyone you know is looking for up-to-date information about St. Vincent DePaul please see their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/St-Marys-Pontiac-St-Vincent-De-Paul-Food-Pantry-104872387818698/ or call the pantry directly at (815) 844-3663(FOOD). 

Message from Bill Alvey, Mayor of Pontiac
Please visit https://pontiac.org/covid-19 for the most up-to-date information on closures, resources, and links to local, state, & federal sites.

Again, may we all remember in this most holy of weeks, "make room for the creativity that only the Spirit is capable of inspiring..." God is doing great work in our world right now and will continue to. May we all have eyes of faith to be able to see it. May God be with you all in a very special way as we enter into Holy Week. I miss you all and look forward to the day that we will be altogether again. 

In Christ,
Father Adam
april 11,2020
Happy Easter everyone (well almost, in 7 hours)! [Have to get the church ready for tonight, so please forgive me for any grammatical errors. No time to proofread. Haha]

Jesus is risen! Tonight we begin a six-week celebration which culminates on May 31st on Pentecost Sunday. Six weeks of the Paschal Celebration of Easter. May we always remember what Jesus has done for us as we said on Holy Thursday. May we walk with Jesus on Good Friday and Holy Saturday and enter into the emptiness with all the apostles and Mary as they did, but tonight, tomorrow and for the next 50 days, let's celebrate and be joyful for He is risen from the dead! 

Know you are all especially in my prayers as I offer these Easter Masses! I miss you all and look forward to Mass tonight! Hopefully see you there. 

In the Love of the Risen Christ, 
Father Adam 

Quick Father Carl, Father David and Father Bill Update for Easter...

Father Carl is back home at this point and all things considered doing well. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as he continues building up his strength. 

Fr. David and Fr. Bill are as of this afternoon off of their quarantines. Fr. David will be joining us at the Easter Vigil Mass tonight! 
 
Easter Flower Memorials and Honors
    We don't have a lot of Easter lilies but we do have a few to celebrate Easter. Wanted to be sure those who sent in offerings were recognized. 

IN MEMORY OF:
Grandpa Crowley, Aunt Jan, Uncle Randy by N,M,C,M,M,R,P,S,K,C,K,L,B,C,H
Paul & Betty Folks by Their Family
John Panno by His Family
Our Parents by Owen & Pat Lyons
George & Marcy Harback, Steve & Theresa Kamnikar by Bob & Julie Harback
Ray & Dorothy Broerman, Becky Catalano, Jim Broerman, Ann Miller by Broerman Family
Earl & Selma Simpson by Harry & Pat Simpson & Family

IN HONOR OF:
Grandma Joan Crowley by N,M,C,M,M,R,P,S,K,C,K,L,B,C,H

St. Mary's DrawDown Update
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are postponing the 29th Annual DrawDown to the Fall of 2020.  We are working to finalize a date at this time, and it will be communicated soon. If you purchased a ticket, it will automatically be transferred to the new date. If you would prefer a refund, please contact Heidi Gregory gregory.heidi@stmaryspontiac.org by April 15. Thank you for your support of St. Mary's School.


Divine Mercy Novena - Get ready for Divine Mercy Sunday next week! 
https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/novena 
april 18, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Happy Divine Mercy Weekend! This is a great weekend where we spend time looking at the Scripture passage where Jesus appears to the apostles in the Upper Room for the first time as a group after His resurrection. Jesus shares with them the powerful words, "Peace be with you." 

May you know those words in your heart deeply during these challenging moments in history. May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you in this time and may you deeply trust He is with you. 

May we all find a deep seated peace in this Easter season that will last until Pentecost on May 31st, and with that I am going to put together a bit of a schedule of events. This will be my attempt for the week and if this week goes well, I will let you know next Saturday if next week's plan will remain similar. 

The big news for tomorrow is that we will have 9:30am Sunday Mass yet again live. ALSO, since tomorrow is Divine Mercy Sunday, I will be having Drive-Thru Confessions yet again. Tomorrow (Sunday) is one of the most important days of the year to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I won't explain why right now, but suffice it to say that if you can come tomorrow to receive the sacrament, it would be a great grace and experience of God's mercy and peace on Divine Mercy Sunday. More information on that below as well. 

May God grant you all peace this special weekend and every day! 

In the peace of Jesus Christ, 
Father Adam 

Readings and Links for Sunday Mass 
Live Stream Link...https://youtu.be/2tuJemooHDM
Please see this link so you can easily access readings for Sunday morning Mass...
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041920.cfm 

A Look at The Week Ahead

Sunday, April 19 
      9:30am            Livestream Divine Mercy Sunday Mass                                                                               https://youtu.be/2tuJemooHDM
      2:00-4:00pm    Drive Thru Confessions in St. Mary's Parking Lot

Monday, April 20 
      9:00am            Daily Cup O' Joe Message 

Tuesday, April 21 
      9:00am            Daily Cup O' Joe Message
       
Wednesday, April 22 
      6:00pm             Live Daily Cup O' Joe which will take the place of our Come &                                    See Night. We will be discussing the problem of suffering as well                                as Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. Please send in your questions                                    and they will be answered live on Wednesday night. See more                                    information below...https://youtu.be/0VkLuFe7hfI

Thursday, April 23
       8:00am            Live Holy Half Hour of Eucharistic Adoration with Prayer on The                                 Road to Emmaus (see Gospel reading at this link                                                         http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042620.cfm) Here is the link                                 for the Live Stream, but feel free to watch any time which is why                                  we are streaming early in the morning.                                                                         https://youtu.be/YRaXBdTQv5Y

Friday, April 24
        9:00am            Daily Cup O' Joe Message 
 
Saturday, April 25 
        Noonish           Weekly Message/Bulletin/Newsletter
        2:00-4:00pm    Drive-Thru Confessions in St. Mary's Parking Lot 

Divine Mercy Sunday (4/19 - tomorrow) 

Confessions 2-4pm in St. Mary's Parking Lot
Drive Thru Confessions will be tomorrow (Sunday) from 2-4 and you can pull into the lot and follow the directions. I wanted to do 2-4 as we will be doing them during the 3 o'clock hour of Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday. So that's kind of exciting!

For video explaining how we did this the last time, please click this link...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsU0TPe0IOA&t=82s. 

There may be adjustments to how we do the Drive-Thru confessions from last time, but please enter from the Chicago Street (east parking lot) entrance and we will get you through from there. 

St. Peter and Paul in Chatsworth Divine Mercy Confessions (12-2 in the church parking lot)
Father David will be hearing drive-thru confessions at St. Peter and Paul Church tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon as well. So for those who are in that area, or will be in that area around that time, you are welcome to go to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation there tomorrow. 

Live Wednesday Night Cup O' Joe/Come & See Wednesday Night + RCIA 
Please Reply with questions about Heaven, Hell and Purgatory...
This Wednesday night at 6pm was going to be a Come and See Night on the problem of suffering as well as Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. As I was praying, I thought it might be good to do an "Ask the Priest" Night. I will do a live session on Wednesday night at 6pm to answer any questions people have on suffering or on the topics of Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. The Live Stream link is available here and will be resent on Wednesday. https://youtu.be/0VkLuFe7hfI We especially hope that our Come & See attendees will be able to be with us and ask questions. Please reply to this email with questions you have about suffering, heaven, purgatory and hell and we will work at answering them on Wednesday night. 

Also, please continue to keep in prayer all of our folks who are excitedly awaiting their entrance into the Catholic faith whenever the Lord provides. These are some great folks who we have been praying for and God is doing great work in each of them. 

Catechumens (Those who will be baptized in the faith) 
     1. Virginia Bassett
     2. Gina Bohm
     3. Savannah Doran 
     4. Vanessa Kapper
     5. Ray Logan 
     6. Aaron Metcalf 
     7. Spring Rice 

Candidates (Those who will be brought into full communion in the Catholic faith)
     1. Lilly Logan
     2. Ricky Matuszewski 
     3. Tom Murphy 
     4. Nicki Salinas 
     5. Bill Schulz 

Please add them to your prayer list and get ready to join us when we get to welcome them all into our Catholic faith in the coming year! Stay tuned for that date...

First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion had been scheduled for Sunday, April 26th at the 9:30am Mass. Sadly, that date will need to be moved and we are unsure as to when that will be yet. The diocese will certainly give information about when we can look at those events in the coming weeks. Please pray for our 2nd Graders at St. Mary's School and in St. Mary's Faith Formation. I know they are very excited to receive their 1st Holy Communion and it will happen. I will keep you all in the loop as to when that exciting event will be happening. Please stay tuned for more information...

Pray for Seminarians...
As you all know we have had Ethan Lacey with us here for the past month and he is one of many great seminarians we have in our diocese. Please keep all of them in prayer.Pray for these seminarians and the at least 5 more that will be joining them in the coming months. I also include a little video for the day that I've had a couple people ask about. From seminary...here it is... https://youtu.be/UazjLYtqyVE

St. Mary's School
We just announced to our parents that the state has made clear we will not be re-opening schools for the remainder of this school year. E-learning is going to continue. Our principal, teachers and staff are doing a great job in a difficult situation to continue educating our students as best we can at this time. Parents, grandparents and guardians are doing a great job, despite the difficulty of the situation, to help our children maintain some learning in this time. All are sad that we won't be back in the school this year, but they will be supported with prayer for sure. Please keep all teachers, staff and students in your prayers as this is a challenging time, but everyone is doing a great job as we work through this. More information will be forthcoming in the weeks to come.

Finance Report
I met with members of the Finance Council this week via Zoom and as you would expect our finances are a little behind since we haven't had a collection at Mass in over a month. Please continue to mail in envelopes to the parish office, drop off envelopes in the front mail slot in the parish office or give online. The online giving website is available if you click this link...   https://church.stmaryspontiac.org/giving.html 

Further information on finances will be forthcoming as we move forward. We are not in trouble at this point, but let's pray that this all ends soon. Please continue to give in whatever way you can in this time and prayerfully consider giving online. God bless you for any help you can offer in challenging times. 

Little Disciples Preschool
The Little Disciples Preschool is still going forward. The construction workers have been coming in at different times to maintain social distancing and the work is well on its way. Please see yesterday's Cup O' Joe video for a little tour of the current construction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX6eTyaoXSI It is very exciting to see some great things being done even in these challenging moments. 
​
From the City of Pontiac:
In an online meeting with PAMA (Pontiac Area Ministerial Association) as well as many city officials, they asked me to share with you some important information for the community. 

The pontiac.org website is very helpful and constantly being updated. To be linked specifically to the website updates on COVID-19 please click this link. https://www.pontiac.org/722/COVID-19-Updates  On the website you can find Illinois State information, local restaurant information, utility assistance, child care assistance, social services, un-employment services, internet access information, local school information and more. Please check it out if you need help with any of these things. 

For particular help email pontiac@pontiac.org or call the city at 815-844-3396. 

Please take time to fill out the 2020 Census. It helps us get the financial resources and other resources we need from the state and federal government. Go to this website...https://2020census.gov/ 

Finally, please follow the guidelines the state has given us in regards to stay at home orders and try to wear masks if you must be around others in stores etc. 

Thank you! 

Parish Office and Events
We are following the governor's stay-at-home declaration until at least April 30. All Masses, classes, confessions, adoration, meetings, and church & school events have been cancelled at least until then. Diocesan officials indicated that we will be notified if any directives will change and we should not presume any changes until we hear from them directly.

The parish office is closed, but we are trying to take phone calls if possible. Please leave a message with Father Adam if urgent and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Parish Office Phone: (815) 844-7683

Mass Intentions
Mass intentions continue to be offered in my private Masses. If you already have set up Mass intentions in the month of April, and do not want them to be offered privately, please call the parish office and let me know. Patti and I have been checking with who wants to maintain their Mass intentions privately and who would like to wait for public Masses, but please feel free to do so before we call.

Flocknote
If you are not currently on Flocknote, use your cell phone to text the word PONTIAC to 84576. Follow the instructions given to you, and you will be in the loop. Each family member who has a cell phone should register with Flocknote. It’s important that we have BOTH your updated email address and cell phone number. Please check your Flocknote account to make any necessary changes. If you are ONLY a landline user, please contact Mick Peterson (815-822-1724), and he will guide you through the registration process.

Martha's Ministry Needs More Ministers
Martha’s Ministry (St. Mary’s Bereavement Ministry) serves family members grieving the loss of a loved one. Bereavement ministers make contact by phone, mail, e-mail and personal visits. Cards are sent out to parish members at the time of their loved one’s death and at Easter, All Saints’ Day, Christmas, and the one-year anniversary of the death.  Also, a booklet, To Be Lifted Up, is delivered or mailed to grieving families that assists them in their journey of grief and healing. At the same time, prayers are offered for those who have passed and for their families.

Martha’s Ministry, started in March 1999, by Monsignor Tom Mack and Deacon Jim Wallace, meets on the second Wednesday evening of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Rosary Room. At these meetings prayers are offered for those who have died and for their family members.  Then each minister picks from a pool of obituaries of recent deaths, choosing one or more.  The obits are people who have family members from St. Mary’s.  The ministers help each other with information about the deceased and their families so that they may minister with sensitivity and pertinent information.  Discretion and confidentiality are, therefore, very important.

The Martha’s Ministry team needs caring and empathetic individuals to join in this ministry.  If interested, please call the rectory, 815-844-7683, Margo Law, 815-579-5102, or Katie Wille, 815-842-1233.  

St. Mary's DrawDown Update
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are postponing the 29th Annual DrawDown to Saturday, October 17, 2020. More information about the DrawDown will be coming in future weeks. Thank you for your support of St. Mary's School. 

Saint Vincent De Paul Food Pantry 
St. Vincent DePaul volunteers have been working very hard these past few weeks to assure those in need are taken care of and everyone stays safe. If you or anyone you know is looking for up-to-date information about St. Vincent DePaul please see their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/St-Marys-Pontiac-St-Vincent-De-Paul-Food-Pantry-104872387818698/ or call the pantry directly at (815) 844-3663(FOOD). 

ALSO, PLEASE KEEP TURNING IN ENVELOPES...St. Vincent DePaul continues to need donations so if you could be turning in those envelopes that would be a great help. 
april 25, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Happy Feast Day of St. Mark! I always have happy memories of this day from my time as a FOCUS Missionary at the Bradley Newman Center in Peoria. The parish attached to the Newman Center was St. Mark's Church. One of the things that happens each year on this weekend was a group of men from St. Mark's Parish started the Men's March held in downtown Peoria each year on the Saturday closest to St. Mark's Feast Day. We march from the riverfront to the cathedral and I am always inspired at this event. Sadly, this event was supposed to be held today and like all events is cancelled. Given men did not get to go to that event, I would ask the men (or the women...it will inspire all) to watch this video about the need for good Catholic men from the Knights of Columbus. 

We'll call that video our St. Mary's Men's March this year! A very inspiring video indeed.

Besides this day being the Feast of St. Mark (one of the 4 Gospel writers), this weekend is also the Third Sunday of Easter. We will read from Luke's Gospel, Chapter 24. This is the Road to Emmaus. In it a disciple named Cleopas and his companion will encounter Jesus in the two biggest ways we can - in the Word and in the Eucharist. More information on the Mass for tomorrow is below.

Msgr. Halfacre (our Vicar General) gave us a couple of updates this morning that I think are worth mentioning. Given the governor's stay-at-home order continuing through the end of May, the suspension of public celebration of Masses will continue. I will continue live-streaming and putting out other online videos to help grow your faith during this challenging time.

We have no Weddings scheduled in May at St. Mary's, but weddings are only allowed in the Diocese of Peoria for less than ten people and social distancing must be observed at a wedding in this instance. Also, I haven't checked with the court house, but I'm not sure if our county is issuing marriage licenses or not at this time. If they are not, then weddings are not possible until we know our county is issuing marriage licenses. I will have to check on that as we move forward.

Funerals have been left up to the priest's discretion and if there is need for a funeral there are specific guidelines. If the need were to come up in the month of May, no more than ten people can be at any funeral service and the norms of social distancing must be followed. If the need arises, we will take these on case-by-case basis.

Baptisms will not be happening in the church through the month of May and if a grave or immediate need arises, I will also take those on a case-by-case basis.

The Vicar General closed with these words, "Our people are very eager to return to Mass and to visit Our Lord in the tabernacle. While public Masses (other than weddings and funerals) are not permitted, you might remind them that Jesus is still in the tabernacle of our churches. If they are on their way to the grocery store, they could pull into the parking lot and greet Our Lord from their car. From a time that
long predates the current pandemic, many Catholics have been in the habit of making a visit – from their car or bicycle – to greet Our Lord who is locked inside a church."
I pray that you are all hanging in there well and having a different but blessed and joyful Easter season! My prayers continue for all of you daily and as always, I look forward to seeing you all as soon as possible! Until then, I will continue to see you in the Eucharist.

Yours in the love of Christ,
Father Adam
Readings and Links for Sunday Mass 
The Live Stream link will be sent out tomorrow morning, but if easier for you to access on your computer, here it is...https://youtu.be/giwafsrJT-s
Please see this link so you can easily access readings for Sunday morning Mass...
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042620.cfm 
A Look at The Week Ahead

Saturday, April 25 (reminder for today) 
      2:00-4:00pm    Drive Thru Confessions in St. Mary's Garage - Pull through the                                    cones and then wait until the person leaves the garage in front of                                you. 

Sunday, April 26 
      9:30am            Livestream Third Sunday of Easter Mass   
  
Monday, April 27 
      9:00am            Daily Cup O' Joe Message 

Tuesday, April 28 
      9:00am            Daily Cup O' Joe Message
       
Wednesday, April 29 
      TBD                 I will let you know as the week goes on with the following days...

Thursday, April 30
       TBD                 Prayer together at some point...        

Friday, May 1
        TBD                Will let you know as week goes on...
 
Saturday, May 2
        Noonish           Weekly Message/Bulletin/Newsletter
        2:00-4:00pm    Drive-Thru Confessions in St. Mary's Parking Lot 

PLEASE READ, BECAUSE OF RAIN...
Saturday Confessions 2-4pm WILL take place, but in the garage...
Drive Thru Confessions will continue on Saturdays from 2-4pm.  Please enter the east parking lot from the Chicago Street entrance, and follow the cones. It is raining today and I don't want you all to have to roll down windows in the rain. I will be seated in the garage and you are welcome to pull right into the garage in your vehicle and we will maintain 6 feet of distance and I will do my best to make it possible to go behind the screen or face-to-face. I really want to make Reconciliation available. You are welcome to pull in the garage and I will do my best to make directions simple for you as you enter. 
Sunday Confessions 1-3pm at Chenoa and Lexington 
Father David, Father Carl (feeling back to normal) and Father Bill will be hearing drive-thru confessions in St. Joseph's parking lot in Chenoa and St. Mary's parking lot in Lexington. For those who are in those areas, or will be in that area around that time, you are welcome to go to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation there on Sunday from 1-3pm in the church parking lots at Chenoa and Lexington.

Prayers for our First Holy Communion Children
First Holy Communion had been scheduled for tomorrow, April 26th at the 9:30am Mass. Please pray for our 2nd Graders at St. Mary's School and in St. Mary's Faith Formation. I know they are very excited to receive their First Holy Communion, and it will happen. I will keep you all in the loop as to when this exciting event will occur.

Grace Becker
Daxell Collins
Bailey Cox
Champ Daily
Flynn Eggleston
Adrian Gill
Reid Gray
Charlee Hart
Evelyn Hinz
Ryann Krenz
Jacob Lauritsen
Chris Legner
Noah Logan
Amelia Maier
Madelynne Mikeworth
McKinlee Morgan
Zain Pierce
Samantha Salinas
Johnathon Sancken
Barrett Tissiere

Women's Guild Rummage Sale
The Women's Guild Rummage Sale will happen when the stay-at-home order is lifted. Please consider saving things when you are doing spring cleaning. We will keep you posted on a date.
Parish Website

https://www.stmaryspontiac.org/ 
We want to make our parish website also available to everyone. There are occasional updates on there and lots of good information. We know how difficult these times are for everyone, but if you are able, please continue sending in your envelopes to the parish office or drop them off in the front mail slot. We are incredibly grateful for those who have been doing this. Please note, that online giving is also an option. You can do so through our website or click the following link. https://church.stmaryspontiac.org/giving.html"

God bless you for any help you can offer in challenging times. 
Virtual Conference Opportunity:
Parish Office and Events
We are following the governor's stay-at-home declaration until at least May 30. All Masses, classes, confessions, adoration, meetings, and church & school events have been cancelled at least until then. Diocesan officials indicated that we will be notified if any directives will change and we should not presume any changes until we hear from them directly.

The parish office is closed, but we are trying to take phone calls if possible. Please leave a message with Father Adam if urgent and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Parish Office Phone: (815) 844-7683

Mass Intentions
Mass intentions continue to be offered in my private Masses. If you already have set up Mass intentions in the month of May, and do not want them to be offered privately, please call the parish office and let me know. Patti and I have been checking with who wants to maintain their Mass intentions privately and who would like to wait for public Masses, but please feel free to do so before we call.

Flocknote
If you are not currently on Flocknote, use your cell phone to text the word PONTIAC to 84576. Follow the instructions given to you, and you will be in the loop. Each family member who has a cell phone should register with Flocknote. It’s important that we have BOTH your updated email address and cell phone number. Please check your Flocknote account to make any necessary changes. If you are ONLY a landline user, please contact Mick Peterson (815-822-1724), and he will guide you through the registration process.

Martha's Ministry Needs More Ministers
Martha’s Ministry (St. Mary’s Bereavement Ministry) serves family members grieving the loss of a loved one. Bereavement ministers make contact by phone, mail, e-mail and personal visits. Cards are sent out to parish members at the time of their loved one’s death and at Easter, All Saints’ Day, Christmas, and the one-year anniversary of the death.  Also, a booklet, To Be Lifted Up, is delivered or mailed to grieving families that assists them in their journey of grief and healing. At the same time, prayers are offered for those who have passed and for their families.

Martha’s Ministry, started in March 1999, by Monsignor Tom Mack and Deacon Jim Wallace, meets on the second Wednesday evening of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Rosary Room. At these meetings prayers are offered for those who have died and for their family members.  Then each minister picks from a pool of obituaries of recent deaths, choosing one or more.  The obits are people who have family members from St. Mary’s.  The ministers help each other with information about the deceased and their families so that they may minister with sensitivity and pertinent information.  Discretion and confidentiality are, therefore, very important.

The Martha’s Ministry team needs caring and empathetic individuals to join in this ministry.  If interested, please call the rectory, 815-844-7683, Margo Law, 815-579-5102, or Katie Wille, 815-842-1233.  

St. Mary's DrawDown Update
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are postponing the 29th Annual DrawDown to Saturday, October 17, 2020. More information about the DrawDown will be coming in future weeks. Thank you for your support of St. Mary's School. 

Saint Vincent De Paul Food Pantry 
St. Vincent De Paul volunteers have been working very hard these past few weeks to assure those in need are taken care of and everyone stays safe. If you or anyone you know is looking for up-to-date information about St. Vincent De Paul please see their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/St-Marys-Pontiac-St-Vincent-De-Paul-Food-Pantry-104872387818698/ or call the pantry directly at (815) 844-3663(FOOD). 

ALSO, PLEASE KEEP TURNING IN ENVELOPES...St. Vincent De Paul continues to need donations so if you could be turning in those envelopes that would be a great help. 

Little Disciples Preschool
The Little Disciples Preschool is still going forward. The construction workers have been coming in at different times to maintain social distancing and the work is well on its way. It is very exciting to see some great things being done even in these challenging moments. 
Prayers for our RCIA Members
Please continue to keep in prayer all of our folks who are excitedly awaiting their entrance into the Catholic faith whenever the Lord provides. These are some great folks who we have been praying for and God is doing great work in each of them. 

Catechumens (Those who will be baptized in the faith) 
     1. Virginia Bassett
     2. Gina Bohm
     3. Savannah Doran 
     4. Vanessa Kapper
     5. Ray Logan 
     6. Aaron Metcalf 
     7. Spring Rice 

Candidates (Those who will be brought into full communion in the Catholic faith)
     1. Lilly Logan
     2. Ricky Matuszewski 
     3. Tom Murphy 
     4. Nicki Salinas 
     5. Bill Schulz 

Please add them to your prayer list and get ready to join us when we get to welcome them all into our Catholic faith in the coming year! Stay tuned for that date...
May 2, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Happy Birthday to Father David!  We have been celebrating him today, and the absence of rain helped with those plans.  Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate Father David all throughout today.

You will see the game plan for this week below.  Links to each livestream or video will be sent out to you day by day.

Also, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is tomorrow, May 3, 2020.  We "Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38, Lk 10:2).  On this day, the Church concentrates its attention on vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life.  Please join together in prayer for an increase in these vocations.

Yours in the love of Christ,
Father Adam

Readings for Sunday Mass 
The Live Stream link will be sent out tomorrow morning before 9:30am Mass.  
Please see this link so you can easily access readings for Sunday morning Mass...
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050320.cfm 

A Look at The Week Ahead

Sunday, May 3 
      9:30am            Livestream Fourth Sunday of Easter Mass   
  
Monday, May 4 
      9:00am            Daily Cup O' Joe Message 

Tuesday, May 5 
      9:00am            Daily Cup O' Joe Message
       
Wednesday, May 6
      6:00pm            Cup O' Joe Message including special guest(s)

Thursday, May 7
       9:00am           Daily Cup O' Joe Message        

Friday, May 8
        9:00am          Daily Cup O' Joe Message
 
Saturday, May 9
        Noonish           Weekly Message/Bulletin/Newsletter
        2:00-4:00pm    Drive-Thru Confessions in St. Mary's Parking Lot 

Confessions at Chatsworth (May 9) and Lexington & Chenoa (May 10)
Drive-in Confession will be offered every two weeks.  Please come by if you are in the area.  Our next offering will be the following: 
Saturday, May 9   3:00 - 5:00 pm   Sts. Peter & Paul, Chatsworth
Sunday, May 10   3:00 - 5:00 pm   St. Mary, Lexington and St. Joseph, Chenoa

Parish Office and Events
We are following the governor's stay-at-home declaration until at least May 30. All Masses, classes, confessions, adoration, meetings, and church & school events have been cancelled at least until then. Diocesan officials indicated that we will be notified if any directives will change and we should not presume any changes until we hear from them directly.

The parish office is closed, but we are trying to take phone calls if possible. Please leave a message with Father Adam if urgent and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Parish Office Phone: (815) 844-7683.

Mass Intentions
Mass intentions continue to be offered in my private Masses. If you already have set up Mass intentions in the month of May, and do not want them to be offered privately, please call the parish office and let me know. Patti and I have been checking with who wants to maintain their Mass intentions privately and who would like to wait for public Masses, but please feel free to do so before we call.

Flocknote
If you are not currently on Flocknote, use your cell phone to text the word PONTIAC to 84576. Follow the instructions given to you, and you will be in the loop. Each family member who has a cell phone should register with Flocknote. It’s important that we have BOTH your updated email address and cell phone number. Please check your Flocknote account to make any necessary changes. If you are ONLY a landline user, please contact Mick Peterson (815-822-1724), and he will guide you through the registration process.

​Women's Guild Rummage Sale
The Women's Guild Rummage Sale will happen when the stay-at-home order is lifted. Please consider saving things when you are doing spring cleaning. We will keep you posted on a date.

Prayer for Seminarians:
Father, thank You for the generosity of our seminarians. Safeguard them as they prepare for the priesthood.
Keep all evil far from them, so they
may become strong Christian men
who are faithful to prayer,
diligent in their studies,
open to spiritual direction,
and docile to all aspects of
seminary formation.
Above all, enflame their hearts with love so they will be ardent and gentle shepherds for Your Church.
We make this prayer through the great High Priest, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May 9, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Happy 5th Sunday of Easter and Happy Mother's Day to all women out there because all women are called to motherhood, but in different ways. Those with biological children, adopted children, foster children, women anticipating being mothers, women who desire to be mothers and are struggling to conceive, mothers who have lost children, spiritual mothers (which is every woman who is working to lead others to Christ), and all women because every woman has a call to motherhood in some form. The most profound way is through spiritual motherhood. Spiritual motherhood is the call of every woman of all time in particular to be like the Mother of all mothers - Mary.

Mary's role while in this world and now in heaven is to lead all of her children toward Jesus. Every woman is called to do that same thing. This day is not just for physical mothers, but for all women because every woman is called to spiritual motherhood. Whether that is with your children, your nieces/nephews, family members, friends, husbands, friends and so on. All women are given the call to help others toward Jesus as Mary - the model of motherhood. 

Turn to Mary in this month of May and ask her to lead you to Jesus so that you can help lead others more to Jesus, regardless of who you have been commissioned by Jesus to lead toward heaven - all women are called to motherhood. 

I would also like to take a moment on Mother's Day weekend to thank all the women who have been moms (physically helping or spiritually guiding) to me - I have been blessed with a lot of them. My heavenly Mother Mary, my earthly mother (Mom), great-grandmas, grandmas, women in the parish who take care of me in many ways, women keeping tabs on me to see if I'm taking good care of myself physically and/or spiritually and the many female friends I have who have helped guide me through many times in life and especially those women who pray for me. 
Most especially, I want to thank Mary and my own mom! I was thinking just a bit ago, about something that always makes me think of my earthly mom. The number 9 - you might say, that's weird. A number makes you think of your mom? 

Well, to begin with most moms spend 9 months getting to know their little child before anyone else in the world gets to know them. With my mom specifically, her birthday is July 9th so when I was little (I think I was 9 years old) I played for the Little League All Star team and the first game was on July 9th. I picked the number 9 for my jersey specifically for my mom that day, and my number in baseball from that time through college was the number 9. 

My mom also loves the number 3, because of the Trinity. She even pumps gas (along with my dad) to $33.33 and always uses the number 3 on all kinds of random things because she loves God who is a Trinity of Persons. 9 is, of course, 3 x 3 and there were 3 kids in our family so there was a lot of talk about threes growing up. My brother's football number was 63, so I decided to carry on that tradition in football because of him and for maintaining some semblance of my baseball number - 6 + 3. 

Speaking of my brother, and being very random, and to keep some laughter in our day, one of our favorite movies together growing up was the fantastic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". Mr. Rooney had to call his mom and inform her of how many times, Ferris had missed school - just in case you're not an 80s movie fan...it was "9 times". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh_vLKlz2Mc 

Okay, back to your regularly scheduled message...

Today is the day before Mother's Day which just so happens to be May 9th and this will be the 9th Sunday in a row that I have been unable to be with all of you physically at Mass, and I am praying that it is the last or at least one of the last. It also seems like about 9 years since I last saw my mom. All I know is that God makes Himself very clear to us in many ways and the number 9 always leads me to keep the two most important ladies in my life - my heavenly Mother and my earthly mother - on my mind. May we all keep Mary and our moms at the forefront of our minds and prayers. God bless all of our moms, whether here on earth or in eternity. 

Yours in the love of Christ,
Father Adam

Diocesan Update...
Here is the most recent update from Msgr. Halfacre and the Diocese on what things are looking like. All the bishops in the state are really trying to get this all figured out together as best they can...
Letter to Priests - 6 May 2020 - Updates and Clarifications.pdf

Readings for Sunday Mass 
The Live Stream link...https://youtu.be/RJ6xNczPByg 

It will also be sent out tomorrow morning before 9:30am Mass.  

Please see this link so you can easily access readings for Sunday morning Mass...
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051020.cfm 

A Look at The Week Ahead

Sunday, May 10 
      9:30am            Livestream Fifth Sunday of Easter Mass 
  
Monday, May 11 
      9:00am            Daily Cup O' Joe Message 

Tuesday, May 12 
      9:00am            Daily Cup O' Joe Message
       
Wednesday, May 13
      6:00pm            Cup O' Joe Message including special guest(s)

Thursday, May 14
       9:00am           Daily Cup O' Joe Message        

Friday, May 15
        9:00am          Daily Cup O' Joe Message
 
Saturday, May 16
        Noonish           Weekly Message/Bulletin/Newsletter
        2:00-4:00pm    Drive-Thru Confessions in St. Mary's Parking Lot 

Confessions at Chatsworth (May 9) and Lexington & Chenoa (May 10)
Drive-in Confession will be offered every two weeks.  Please come by if you are in the area.  Our next offering will be the following: 
Saturday, May 9   3:00 - 5:00 pm   Sts. Peter & Paul, Chatsworth
Sunday, May 10   3:00 - 5:00 pm   St. Mary, Lexington and St. Joseph, Chenoa

Bishop Jenky's Message to Catholic Schools
Our bishop created a very heartfelt message for our teachers, all faculty & staff, students, graduates, and family members. Click here to watch Bishop Jenky: 
https://youtu.be/AP351KH8ArU
 
Sanctuary Lamp 
For years, Fr. David and I have looked at the sanctuary lamp in the church and wondered if years ago it was purchased for a bargain because it looked like it was upside down. One day in prayer, Father David was in the church and took a closer look and started working with it to see that it could be reassembled. It had been assembled upside down for at least a decade (how long he has been here). He spent a good amount of time working on it the other day and we can now see the sanctuary light burning brightly in the church from anywhere. Thank you Father David! 
Quick Draw Winners
Congratulations to our March Quick Draw winners at SMS:
Linda Hart, Schaidle Family, Mimi Green & Roberta, Lori Rowe, and Ruth Siebers!

And the list of Quick Draw winners for April:
Congratulations to Marilyn Hoke, Paige & Tessa Collins Family, JMSA, Maurice Sheehy, Darryl Kilmer, and Brad and Andy's Fab and Fix!

Parish Office and Events
We are following the governor's stay-at-home declaration until at least May 30. All Masses, classes, confessions, adoration, meetings, and church & school events have been cancelled at least until then. Diocesan officials indicated that we will be notified if any directives will change and we should not presume any changes until we hear from them directly.

The parish office is closed, but we are trying to take phone calls if possible. Please leave a message with Father Adam if urgent and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Parish Office Phone: (815) 844-7683

Mass Intentions
Mass intentions continue to be offered in my private Masses. If you already have set up Mass intentions in the month of May, and do not want them to be offered privately, please call the parish office and let me know. Patti and I have been checking with who wants to maintain their Mass intentions privately and who would like to wait for public Masses, but please feel free to do so before we call.

Flocknote
If you are not currently on Flocknote, use your cell phone to text the word PONTIAC to 84576. Follow the instructions given to you, and you will be in the loop. Each family member who has a cell phone should register with Flocknote. It’s important that we have BOTH your updated email address and cell phone number. Please check your Flocknote account to make any necessary changes. If you are ONLY a landline user, please contact Mick Peterson (815-822-1724), and he will guide you through the registration process.

Martha's Ministry Needs More Ministers
Martha’s Ministry (St. Mary’s Bereavement Ministry) serves family members grieving the loss of a loved one. Bereavement ministers make contact by phone, mail, e-mail and personal visits. Cards are sent out to parish members at the time of their loved one’s death and at Easter, All Saints’ Day, Christmas, and the one-year anniversary of the death.  Also, a booklet, To Be Lifted Up, is delivered or mailed to grieving families that assists them in their journey of grief and healing. At the same time, prayers are offered for those who have passed and for their families.

Martha’s Ministry, started in March 1999, by Monsignor Tom Mack and Deacon Jim Wallace, meets on the second Wednesday evening of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Rosary Room. At these meetings prayers are offered for those who have died and for their family members.  Then each minister picks from a pool of obituaries of recent deaths, choosing one or more.  The obits are people who have family members from St. Mary’s.  The ministers help each other with information about the deceased and their families so that they may minister with sensitivity and pertinent information.  Discretion and confidentiality are, therefore, very important.

The Martha’s Ministry team needs caring and empathetic individuals to join in this ministry.  If interested, please call the rectory, 815-844-7683, Margo Law, 815-579-5102, or Katie Wille, 815-842-1233.  

Women's Guild Rummage Sale
The Women's Guild Rummage Sale will happen when the stay-at-home order is lifted. Please consider saving things when you are doing spring cleaning. We will keep you posted on a date.

St. Mary's DrawDown Update
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are postponing the 29th Annual DrawDown to Saturday, October 17, 2020. More information about the DrawDown will be coming in future weeks. Thank you for your support of St. Mary's School. 

Saint Vincent De Paul Food Pantry 
St. Vincent De Paul volunteers have been working very hard these past few weeks to assure those in need are taken care of and everyone stays safe. If you or anyone you know is looking for up-to-date information about St. Vincent De Paul please see their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/St-Marys-Pontiac-St-Vincent-De-Paul-Food-Pantry-104872387818698/ or call the pantry directly at (815) 844-3663(FOOD). 

ALSO, PLEASE KEEP TURNING IN ENVELOPES...St. Vincent De Paul continues to need donations so if you could be turning in those envelopes that would be a great help. 

Little Disciples Preschool
The Little Disciples Preschool is still going forward. The construction workers have been coming in at different times to maintain social distancing and the work is well on its way. It is very exciting to see some great things being done even in these challenging moments. 
May 16, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Happy 6th Sunday of Easter everyone and I pray you are all doing well in this time. I spent most of yesterday with my mom and dad (God bless them - on their 44th wedding Anniversary) who helped Father David and I move down the street. I also want to thank the folks who offered to help (we wanted to keep the numbers as low as possible) as well as Chuck and Dianne Hanley for their helping hands yesterday. We are getting settled in well, and I am grateful to God for opening up this door for our us and our parish. 

A reminder to everyone of the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation today (on this beautiful day) between 2 and 4pm. 

Tomorrow, we will plan to distribute Holy Communion immediately following our typical 9:30am live-streamed Mass. You can watch the Mass online with this link...    https://youtu.be/yxlYlpzPusU

Following Mass, from 10:30am until 12(noon), I am excited to report that we have a plan in place for reception of Holy Communion. We can do it while maintaining reverence to the most holy of sacraments and following all procedures put forward by the diocese who have been in touch with civil officials. I am confident we will be able to pull this off, come rain or shine. 

The diocese has given this important thought, “At all times, we should be mindful of the reverence and attention to detail that we should always give to Holy Eucharist. That in turn builds and enriches the people’s faith and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Naturally, priests are to exercise great caution to protect the faithful and themselves from this deadly virus.”

Given the seriousness of the virus, the diocese states that Communion should be given outdoors and outside of Mass.

​Here are some of the instructions of how we will maintain reverence for the Eucharist, while also maintaining the safest environment we can so that we can receive the greatest of gifts in this world - the Most Holy Eucharist. 
  1. At the conclusion of Mass tomorrow morning (around 10:30), we will be able to distribute Holy Communion for those who wish to receive. Bishop Jenky has maintained the suspension of the Sunday obligation so NOBODY should feel compelled to do anything they feel uncomfortable with. Bishop Jenky has also recommended that anyone who might be at a higher risk due to age, compromised immune system or other illness, that they remain at home and continue to unite their hearts to Jesus by an Act of Spiritual Communion. Anyone who is able to receive under the usual conditions is invited, but not obligated. 
  2. We will offer Communion in the east parking lot (school parking lot). The line will begin on Chicago Street. Please enter from the north on Chicago Street. Do not enter from the south side of Chicago Street as that will cause traffic on Howard Street (116). See the map to the right.
  3. You will be directed by cones through the parking lot and eventually get to near the sacristy entrance and you will be directed as to what to do as you approach the location of distribution of Holy Communion. All guidelines follow what the bishops have worked out with the State of Illinois for reverence of the Blessed Sacrament and helping assure the safety of all. 
  4. For those who were not able to watch Mass either on TV or online, it is encouraged that you pray an Act of Contrition and an Our Father before receiving. You are welcome to do so as you wait in line. Not sure how long the line will be, but allow yourself or those in the car with you to enter into prayer. Perhaps pray a rosary or listen to a song or meditation that lifts your mind and heart to God. 
  5. As with other areas of public life these days, please wear a mask and stay in your cars until directed to the location where you and any in your car will step out and receive Holy Communion. Please make use of hand sanitizers. 
  6. Bishop Jenky encourages us to receive the Eucharist on the hand at this time. Please, be extra cautious if you desire to receive on the tongue. 
  7. After receiving the Eucharist, please consume the host immediately, while quietly and reverently returning to your car. 
  8. It is strongly encouraged for Communicants to spend a moment in quiet thanksgiving in their cars, praying a Glory Be or other prayers to the Lord. 
  9. Leave the parking lot as directed between the church and convent onto Howard Street. 
This is a step toward being able to get back into the fullness of the Sacraments yet again so praise God for this and may He bless you abundantly in this Easter season. 

Yours in the love of Christ,
Father Adam
​
Diocesan Update
Here is the most recent update from Bishop Jenky dated May 13, and a plan regarding a multi-phased approach to re-opening churches:
Letter-from-Bishop-Jenky
Plan-for-Reopening
​
Readings for Sunday Mass 
The Live Stream link... https://youtu.be/yxlYlpzPusU

The link will also be sent out tomorrow morning before 9:30am Mass.  

Please see this link so you can easily access readings for Sunday morning Mass...
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051720.cfm

A Look at The Week Ahead

Sunday, May 17 
      9:30am            Livestream Sixth Sunday of Easter Mass, immediately followed by distribution of the Holy Eucharist in parking lot
  
Monday, May 18 
      9:00am            Daily Cup O' Joe Message 

Tuesday, May 19 
      9:00am            Daily Cup O' Joe Message
       
Wednesday, May 20
      6:00pm            Cup O' Joe Message including special guest(s)

Thursday, May 21
       9:00am           Daily Cup O' Joe Message        

Friday, May 22
        9:00am          Daily Cup O' Joe Message
 
Saturday, May 23
        Noonish           Weekly Message/Bulletin/Newsletter
        2:00-4:00pm    Drive-Thru Confessions in St. Mary's Parking Lot 

Parish Office and Events
We are following the governor's stay-at-home declaration until at least May 30. All Masses, classes, confessions, adoration, meetings, and church & school events have been cancelled at least until then. Diocesan officials indicated that we will be notified if any directives will change and we should not presume any changes until we hear from them directly.

The parish office is closed, but we are trying to take phone calls if possible. Please leave a message with Father Adam if urgent and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Parish Office Phone: (815) 844-7683

Mass Intentions
Mass intentions continue to be offered in my private Masses. If you already have set up Mass intentions in the month of May, and do not want them to be offered privately, please call the parish office and let me know. Patti and I have been checking with who wants to maintain their Mass intentions privately and who would like to wait for public Masses, but please feel free to do so before we call.

Flocknote
If you are not currently on Flocknote, use your cell phone to text the word PONTIAC to 84576. Follow the instructions given to you, and you will be in the loop. Each family member who has a cell phone should register with Flocknote. It’s important that we have BOTH your updated email address and cell phone number. Please check your Flocknote account to make any necessary changes. If you are ONLY a landline user, please contact Mick Peterson (815-822-1724), and he will guide you through the registration process.

Martha's Ministry Needs More Ministers
Martha’s Ministry (St. Mary’s Bereavement Ministry) serves family members grieving the loss of a loved one. Bereavement ministers make contact by phone, mail, e-mail and personal visits. Cards are sent out to parish members at the time of their loved one’s death and at Easter, All Saints’ Day, Christmas, and the one-year anniversary of the death.  Also, a booklet, To Be Lifted Up, is delivered or mailed to grieving families that assists them in their journey of grief and healing. At the same time, prayers are offered for those who have passed and for their families.

Martha’s Ministry, started in March 1999, by Monsignor Tom Mack and Deacon Jim Wallace, meets on the second Wednesday evening of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Rosary Room. At these meetings prayers are offered for those who have died and for their family members.  Then each minister picks from a pool of obituaries of recent deaths, choosing one or more.  The obits are people who have family members from St. Mary’s.  The ministers help each other with information about the deceased and their families so that they may minister with sensitivity and pertinent information.  Discretion and confidentiality are, therefore, very important.

The Martha’s Ministry team needs caring and empathetic individuals to join in this ministry.  If interested, please call the rectory, 815-844-7683, Margo Law, 815-579-5102, or Katie Wille, 815-842-1233.  

Women's Guild Rummage Sale
The Women's Guild Rummage Sale will happen when the stay-at-home order is lifted. Please consider saving things when you are doing spring cleaning. We will keep you posted on a date.

St. Mary's DrawDown Update
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are postponing the 29th Annual DrawDown to Saturday, October 17, 2020. More information about the DrawDown will be coming in future weeks. Thank you for your support of St. Mary's School. 

Saint Vincent De Paul Food Pantry 
St. Vincent De Paul volunteers have been working very hard these past few weeks to assure those in need are taken care of and everyone stays safe. If you or anyone you know is looking for up-to-date information about St. Vincent De Paul please see their Facebook page or call the pantry directly at (815) 844-3663(FOOD). 

ALSO, PLEASE KEEP TURNING IN ENVELOPES...St. Vincent De Paul continues to need donations so if you could be turning in those envelopes that would be a great help. 

Little Disciples Preschool
The Little Disciples Preschool is still going forward. The construction workers have been coming in at different times to maintain social distancing and the work is well on its way. It is very exciting to see some great things being done even in these challenging moments. ​
May 23, 2020
Good morning St. Mary's! This week we have returned to our weekly bulletin format. You can click on the attachment. Also, Father Adam asked to resend the letter from May 13 explaining our priests moving into a new residence. It is attached.
Also, here are the links to three events occurring this weekend that you can view live on YouTube as they happen:
1. St. Mary's Kindergarten Graduation ceremony - Saturday evening at 5 from the parking lot of the school - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIPJTuIN5SM 
2. Sunday Mass to be held as usual at 9:30 AM. This week we celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BZDqcmqfK8 
3. St. Mary's 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony - Sunday at 1 PM from the school parking lot - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puhggAo9iEs 
Happy Memorial Day to one and all! 

​Informing the People

5/24/20 Bulletin
2020
2019
119 E. Howard St. | Pontiac, IL 61764 | Phone (815) 844-7683 | ​Fax (815) 842-4345