Our Easter collection totalled $17,396.00. Many and sincere thanks for your grand generosity. With special gratitude. -- Father Jim

Matthew Kelly opened his presentation with the idea that all people want to be happy. Jesus is the source of joy, peace and mercy, the way to happiness and life. Join us on Monday evenings for an awakening to this way of life through Adoration and prayer for one hour from 7:00 to 8:00 in Church.

On May 2, following the 11:30 Mass, there will be a May Crowning, followed by a dedication of St. Patrick's memorial to the "un-born".

This memorial is a mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe which has been fashioned by the artist of the parish. Our Lady of Guadalupe has been designated as the intercessor of the Unborn.

Come join us at Father's garden, next to his garage, to view and dedicate St. Patrick's memorial to the unborn!

Each year on December 25 we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. For centuries the Church has celebrated His conception on March 25, the feast of the Annunciation. This year our parish Respect Life Committee will print a monthly bulletin insert following the progress of the development of this most special child.

Surely by now Mary has told her parents, Joachim and Anne, of her pregnancy. What must they think? How will they tell Mary's betrothed, Joseph the Carpenter? The law would have Mary stoned for adultery. They must trust in God! Today's unwed teenage mother may never know the comfort of loving parents or the warmth of understanding support. Without parental guidance or knowledge, the law allows her to terminate an infant before it has begun its journey into life. At two months, the child in the womb has a fully functioning body with fingers, toes, a brain, its tiny heart beating twice as fast as an adult's. His milk-teeth are present at 6½ weeks. Though only a little over an inch, it is now apparent that the baby is a boy or girl.

Pray for teens in crisis pregnancies, that God will strengthen them to make the right choice. Pray also for the passing of Illinois' Parental Abortion Notification Act.

St. Patrick's Spring Luncheon will be Tuesday, May 11, at Syl's. Herb chicken will be served. Cost is $13.00. Please call Sharon Kolodziej at 741-0146 (evenings) for reservations.

St. Vianney Parish, 401 Brassel, Lockport, will celebrate the feast of St. Peregrine on Tuesday, May 4, with a Mass and a Healing Service at 7:00 p.m. St. Peregrine is the patron saint for those suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses. Confessions will be heard before and after Mass. All are welcome. For more information, please call 723-3291.

A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is like springtime. It's a weekend of fresh air, the rebirth of romance and new beginnings. If you'd like to make your marriage even more special than it already is -- call now! Upcoming weekend dates are May 14-16, July 16-18, and August 13-15.

For more information or reservations, call Jim and Jane Richards at 815-744-7660 or click on logo below.

The Rhythm of Life is a lifestyle. It is a way of life that makes allowance for, and leads to the fulfillment of all our legitimate needs -- physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.

The Rhythm of Life is the perfect combination of rest, activity and pace, which ennobles us to become the unique individual we were created to be, enables us to excel in all we do, and empowers us with a certain clarity of mind and peace of heart.

The Rhythm of Life is an antidote for our age. I believe that the day-to-day drudgery that stifles the greatness of the human spirit should be avoided at all costs. I do not despise simple daily tasks, but I believe their place is in building us up, not in tearing us down.

As we venture into the new millennium, the challenge life presents to us all is to develop a balance between activity and thought. But particularly, to fill our lives with action which springs forth from contemplation. Look at the world. Look at yourself. Look at your lifestyle. Ponder these things. Our chaotic world and complex lives are crying out for a little order and simplicity.

Many thanks to everyone who attended this wonderful presentation.

God Bless!

Father Jim

O gracious God,
You are wonderful in all of your abundant blessings.
Thank you for all my caregivers,
My doctors, nurses, family and friends
Thank you for giving them strength and patience
Courage and dedication and loving service.
Like St. Peregrine, my caregivers remind me
Of the miracles of Jesus Christ...
Taking care of the sick,
Healing the blind and the lame,
Encouraging the downtrodden,
Comforting the sorrowing
And giving risen life to the weak.
In a special way O gracious God,
Continue to send your Holy Spirit
Upon all my caregivers this day.
May our relationships together
Grace one another with greater
Health, support and loving kindness.
Amen.

On Sunday, May 2, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in church, we will have our third and final mission talk for 2004. On this evening Father Jay Comerford, O.Carm., a St. Pat's boy, will speak on the Blessed Mother in our lives. Father Jay is an engaging and reflective preacher. His words will touch your hearts. Please mark your calendar!

Anyone who has reasonable cause to suspect the sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy or other Church personnel is urged to report the matter immediately. To inform the Diocese of Joliet, call S. Mary Frances Seeley, OSF (Victim Assistance Coordinator) at 815-263-6467 or write the Diocese of Joliet, 425 Summit Street, Joliet, IL. 60435. Contact DCFS at 1-800-252-2873 or call the office of the local County States Attorney.

"Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them"(Mt. 18:20). Sisters Norma, Ellen and Karen are inviting any interested person or families to join them at Emmaus House Convent, 1523 Mayfield Avenue on May 2, 2004, at 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. to pray for vocations. Everyone has a special vocation from God. We will thank God for our vocation, pray to be faithful to it, and pray that more people will heed the call to the priesthood and religious life. Please call to RSVP or for more information (730-0971).

The diocese of Joliet is beginning preparations for the fall Mission to Sucre, Bolivia (October 23 to November 6). An Information Evening for prospective Missioners will be held on May 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Charles Pastoral Center, 402 Independence Blvd., Romeoville.

We are looking for social workers, counselors, and prison ministers interested in working with the Sucre prison ministry. Also needed are people to be involved with the community services including pre-school/ elementary teachers to work with a day care center. We are also seeking an accountant to assist with a budget review and an audit of our mission hospital. For the medical team we need surgeons in all specialities, anesthesiologists or CRNA's, respiratory therapists, PT's and/or OT's, assistance in community outreach, and a dentist. Additionally, we are looking for a bio-medical technician to assist in the calibrations of hospital requirements as well as training of local hospital technicians. We are looking for willing workers and helpers for the construction team. No special building skills are required but are a definite plus. We are looking for a priest, religious, and others for the Pastoral team to support the teams and serve the Bolivian people with whom we work. Spanish language skills are an asset but not a requirement. Persons with willing hands and loving hearts who are interested in participating in this mission are invited to attend.