Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As we continue on this unique journey and look forward to another month of caring for each other through staying at home, there have been a number of incredible stories of charity and love displayed throughout our parish and school communities.
From food pantries to financially supporting our parishes, many are answering the call to love thy neighbor throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. You can find inspiration on how to serve others on our Virtual Accompaniment Resources webpage as well as by following the many social media accounts of the Archdiocese of Chicago (a few can be found here, here, and here) where every Friday inspiring #LoveThyNeighbor posts are shared.
If you have a story of kindness you would like to share, please email archlink@archchicago.org. Thank you for continuing to carry out Christ’s message of love and may God bless you and your families.
In Christ,
Father Peter Wojcik
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Virtual PreCana
The Archdiocese of Chicago is thrilled to offer live PreCana sessions virtually!
Participants enjoy the benefit of live interaction with other couples as well as the ease of having private conversations in the comfort of their own homes. Those who participate to do not need to be living or getting married in the Archdiocese of Chicago to fulfill their PreCana requirement through these virtual sessions. Click here for a digital flyer for English sessions and here for a digital flyer for Spanish sessions. For more information, including how to register, please visit pvm.archchicago.org/virtual-precana.
Peace Circles for Young Adult Medical Professionals
Young adult medical professionals are invited to join virtual peace circles on Mondays at 3 p.m. hosted by our Young Adult Engagement Team. The purpose of these peace circles is to accompany and care for the emotional and spiritual well-being of young medical workers. We want to give them a space where they can share openly – in an intimate and safe environment among colleagues – the daily challenges and struggles that they face. This is an open invitation, so please invite any young adult medical professionals from across the country that you know who can benefit from a virtual safe space like this one.
Virtual May Crowning May 3
Mundelein Seminary is honoring the Virgin Mary with a virtual May Crowning ceremony on May 3 at 1 p.m. Sign up at usml.edu/maycrowning to receive a link via email to join the livestream.
Support the Kolbe House Jail Ministry
In the effort to protect vulnerable people in Illinois prisons from COVID-19, many are being released quickly. Upon release it is common for people to have nothing but the clothes on their backs. To get a safe start on life in the community they need food, clothing, basic transportation, guidance to resources, and reinforcement of social distancing guidelines. Kolbe House Jail Ministry is part of a coalition of organizations providing such assistance. Can you help us meet this need? Your donation today will be used to purchase $50 grocery gift cards and $30 CTA passes for essential travel. Give online here or mail your check to:
Kolbe House
2434 South California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
Thank you for your compassion for these brothers and sisters!
Virtual Prayer Groups and Book Clubs – You Can Still Register!
During these extraordinary times we wish to offer the following virtual initiatives as a means for our parishes to build community and fortify our faith together. You do not need to be Catholic or live in the Chicago area to join – all are welcome!
- Virtual Prayer Groups
Small groups that connect regularly to pray, read and reflect on scripture, share prayer intentions and share helpful tips/resources (meet approximately twice a week).
- Small prayer groups will meet English, Spanish and Polish.
- Book Clubs
Small groups read a selected book and meet about once per week to discuss them.
- Prayer Group for Engaged Couples in English
The COVID-19 crisis has altered the way that each sacrament is administered in the Catholic Church. As health precautions become stricter for the health and safety of the greater good, engaged couples are now facing cancellations, indefinite postponements or smaller wedding alternatives that were unfathomable just a few weeks ago. The Archdiocese of Chicago is excited to offer a weekly virtual prayer group for engaged couples that have felt the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Led by a couple facing the same difficulties, this weekly prayer group will provide a sense of community, solace and reliance on faith that is sure to bring comfort. The virtual prayer group will take place on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. via ZOOM. To register, please click here and select “Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. (James Erler and Krystle Frey | English)”.
For all schedules and registrations visit pvm.archchicago.org/events/covid-19-virtual-events.
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Music Licensing
For information regarding music licensing for streamed or recorded Mass click here.
Praying Through the Pandemic
Praying Through the Pandemic is a flexible resource for individual or group prayer, focused on praying about—and through—the COVID-19 pandemic. Available in English – Spanish coming soon. Click here.
Prayer and Worship Resources
Ongoing Prayer Resources
- The Office for Divine Worship has additional prayer resources here.
- Liturgy Training Publications (LTP) has responded to the current COVID-19 situation by developing opportunities to pray at home in English and Spanish. (Link)
- Magnificat is currently offering complimentary access to its at-home prayer resources (English | Spanish)
- Daily Catholic Gospel is a free daily email resource providing reflections on the Gospel of the day (English/Spanish)
- Liturgia de la horas / Spanish liturgy of the Hours (Spanish)
- Liturgy of the hours (Link 1) (Link 2)
- Pray the Rosary with a Seminarian from Mundelein Seminary every Wednesday (Link)
Online Giving
You can give to your parish offertory through a new, online giving tool created to support our parishes during this time at archchicago.org/offertory.
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Alpha Online – Spanish
The Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship is pleased to announce we will be offering Alpha Online in Spanish! Alpha Online is meant for anyone who is interested in exploring questions of faith in a safe, friendly, judgement free space through Zoom. We invite you or anyone you think could use a way to connect during these uncertain times to join us. All are welcome, no matter their level of faith. There is no commitment, no cost. Come for the first night and then decide if you want to come back. We will be here for 11 weeks.
Click here to sign-up for Alpha Online. The first session begins on Thursday, May 7th at 7:30 p.m. A link will be sent to you prior to each session to ensure security. And please pray for this Alpha series and all who join together to explore faith.
Newsletter
Stay informed and up to date with whats happening with the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship by subscribing to our monthly newsletter On the Way. Click here to add yourself on our mailing list.
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Join Pablo Padilla and Maria Aranda for a virtual peace circle for young adult medical professionals. The purpose of these peace circles is to accompany and care for the emotional and spiritual well-being of young medical workers. We want to give them a space where they can share openly – in an intimate and safe environment among colleagues – the daily challenges and struggles that they face. The peace circle will be exclusively for young adults working in the medical field and directly on the front lines of this crisis. This is an open invitation, so please invite anyone you know who can benefit from a virtual safe space like this one. Please email Maria at maranda@archchicago.org for the Zoom link. More info can be found here.
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Domestic Violence
It is no surprise that Covid-19 has increased the incidence and intensity of domestic violence. The Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline reports that calls for help increased 50% in March, from 60 to 90 a day. It is important that our parishes inform parishioners about available services, whether counseling or shelter. If you know or suspect someone is a victim, please check on them! If they are in immediate need, help them call 911, the National DV Hotline: 800.799.7233 or the Illinois DV Hotline: 877.863.6338 to connect to services. Additional training and awareness resources are available at the Archdiocese Domestic Violence Outreach website.
Pastoral Migratoria Newsletter - Spanish
“Inmigración y su Parroquia” is a resource for pastoral agents that are active in the Pastoral Migratoria network. The April edition includes resources and details for recent and upcoming trainings, including Zoom train-the-trainer sessions, Weekly Rosary Prayers, and virtual Peace Circle trainings for facilitators.
Resources for Workers
Arise Chicago has updated their website to include Frequently Asked Questions for workers during COVID-19, including what rights essential workers have, protecting your job, paid sick leave, and others. These FAQs are available in English, Spanish, and Polish, and information is being updated regularly. Arise is also urging all Chicago residents to contact their alderman and request their support of the Chicago Emergency Paid Leave Ordinance, which will further protect workers and families impacted by COVID-19 related work stoppages.
Let Us Live: Protect People with Disabilities and Seniors Now
Protect people with disabilities (PWDs), seniors and frontline caregivers who are getting sick and dying from COVID-19. (Link)
CRS Rice Bowl
Thank you to all who participated in CRS Rice Bowl with us throughout Lent! Given the realities of COVID-19 and that communities are unable to physically collect CRS Rice Bowls, you can submit your CRS Rice Bowl gift online, by phone (1.877.435.7277) or mail:
Catholic Relief Services
CRS Rice Bowl
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, Maryland 21297-0303
During this difficult time, every contribution will help those most in need in your community and around the world. No matter how you choose to give, 25% of your donation comes back to the Archdiocese of Chicago to support our local grants, which fund vital hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. Click here to see how CRS is responding to the pandemic worldwide.
Amate House Seeking Applicants
Amate House, a year-long leadership development and service program in Chicago for young adults between the ages of 21 – 29, is accepting applications for its next program cycle that begins in late July 2020. To learn more, please check out the Amate House website or contact Natalie Crary at ncrary@amatehouse.org or 701.388.4191.
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Events and Opportunities for Faith Formation Ministers
Evangelizing Catechesis – Free Webinar
It is important for the catechist to integrate the kerygma into every lesson and encourage a response of faith back to our Lord. The Center for Evangelization and Catechesis at Aquinas College is hosting a free webinar for all Evangelists, Catechists, and Catechetical Leaders to cover this topic. Webinar is being offered at two different times:
- Tuesday, May 5th at 10 a.m. CST.
Register in advance for this webinar (space is limited)
- Thursday, May 7th at 6:30 p.m. CST.
Register in advance for this webinar (space is limited)
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Survey – Online Courses from USML
The Institute for Pastoral Leadership of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein IL, is looking to offer online courses for Catholics interested in growing their understanding of the Catholic Faith. These courses may also be helpful to those who have questions about what Catholics believe. This survey is intended to assist us in planning courses that meet your needs both in content and in how they are delivered. Survey participants will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to Amazon.
Sacramental and Religious Education Resources
- PreCana sessions are available online through the end of June. Learn more and register for a date here. (Additional Spanish sessions to be added)
- The Augustine Institute now presents sacramental preparation through their new platform Prepared for Grace. Includes program to prepare children for First Holy Communion in English (Link) and resources for the formation of RCIA candidates in English and Spanish.
- Sadlier is offering free First Eucharist retreat resources, including resources to prepare students and families, and a virtual intergenerational Eucharist event. Learn more here.
- Free monthly lessons for catechists from Sophia Institute are available here
Youth Ministry Opportunities and Resources
Living Faith amid COVID-19 Outbreak – Webinar for Youth Ministers and Parents of Youth
The COVID-19 pandemic presents a wide range of challenges for parents and youth ministers across parishes. Parents must now balance between work, childcare, tutoring, self-care, and living faith. Youth ministers are confronted with the challenges of finding ways to lead and accompany the youth to live their faith when church doors are closed. In an effort to support and to journey with parents and youth ministers, NFCYM in collaboration with the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement invite you to a webinar on Friday, May 1, 2 – 3 p.m. Invited guests will discuss best practices and effective ways to overcome this most difficult time. Presentation will be bilingual, Vietnamese and English. Learn more and register here.
Ministering in the Digital Environment
The Archdiocese of New York offers short, entertaining videos about how to do youth meetings via platforms. Find the videos here.
Adult Formation Opportunities
At Home with the Word – Free Weekly Easter Retreat from Liturgy Training Publications
This weekly retreat will afford you the opportunity to reflect and meditate on God’s Word before tuning into your parish’s live-streamed or pre-recorded Sunday liturgy. Thursdays in the Easter Season, 7 – 8:30 p.m. CST. Learn more about session in English and Spanish.
Theology of the Body – Free Virtual Conference
Hosted by Theology of the Body Institute, the TOB Virtual Conference May 8-10 will feature dozens of prominent speakers and artists who will share their "ache" and joy with you — showing how Theology of the Body applies to everyday life, how it will transform your prayer life, how it can bring healing of the deepest wounds in yourself and with others, and how it will bring your Catholic faith alive in new and brilliant ways. Friday May 8 to Sunday, May 10. Learn more and register here.
A People of Hope – Weekly Virtual Reflections
The Bernardin Center at Catholic Theological Union continues the series of online reflections and opportunities for virtual community as A People of Hope while we are unable to gather during the 2020 pandemic. Find the video reflections here.
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