Christmas Letter 2022

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My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

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   We find ourselves journeying through a very unusual Advent season. Despite the unique challenges due to the unification, our gaze remains fixed upon Christ.

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   These weeks leading to Christmas are a special time in which we prepare for our King, Jesus Christ, to be born anew in our hearts. This year, we are invited in a very special way to imitate the humility and trust of our Blessed Mother. In St. Luke’s narrative of the Annunciation, Mary responds to the angel Gabriel with the words, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38).” We pray that, like Mary, we may be filled with courage to say yes even though we do not fully understand what will unfold before us.

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   Over the past five months, our community went through challenging times as we face the unification. Like Mary, we have found our strength by embracing the Lord to carry on. And with the Holy Spirit guiding us, The family of Our Lady of the Mount/Mary Queen of Heaven continues to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ among us and our community without letting ourselves be discouraged by unification.

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   Our parish has adapted new ways to serve our community during these changing times by unifying the religious education, adult formation to parents and people in different ministries as we joyfully work for the unification. We have found wisdom and strength in the celebration of the Mass, the sacraments, and the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in both temples. Thanks to all of you who have given so much of yourself during this process to unify the community, THANK YOU. Your faith has made it possible for us to worship together and serve the Lord together. Know that it is an honor to be at the service of all of you, it is a blessing to have Fr. Jesús Romero as a companion on this path; My thanks to my brother priests who are helping us with the celebration of the Mass and the formation of adults: Fr. José Antonio Delgado, Fr. Marco Vences and Fr. Alejandro Marca, Thank you brothers.

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   Now, in the endemic people continue to distrust coming to church because of COVID 19 and since the pandemic our collections continue to suffer on a weekly basis. The contributions of parishioners at Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses constitute a sizable portion of our annual budget to fund vital ministries and areas of operation for our parish.

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   Mindful of rising prices due to inflation, I humbly ask that you prayerfully consider making a one-time Christmas donation of $150 per family or whatever amount you can afford to ensure our parish ministries and operations can continue into the new year. You can send your gift to our parish office, or simply by going to https://give.archchicago.org click or by clicking here DONATE and go to the give to a parish section and find us on parish selection. If you are unable to make a financial gift, I ask that you continue to pray for unification.

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   I also invite you to give of your time to the extent you are able. We need additional volunteers to assist with Masses given the necessity to register, usher, lectors, extra ordinary minister of communion, catechists, cantors, musicians.

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   Now that the Cardinal has lifted the dispensation, we are ready to welcome you in person to Mass and know that your presence is a gift to our parish family. The Body of Christ is not complete when we are not united, when you are not in person.

   May the Lord be with each one of you during the Advent and Christmas seasons. I continue to pray for you and ask that you continue to pray for me.

 

Pax,
Rev. Sergio de la Torre - Carrillo

Parish Administrator