Lenten Reconciliation Service

Click here for more information about our Easter Cake Fundraiser.
Click here for more information about our flower sale.
During Lent, the Church asks us to surrender ourselves to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We seek the Lord in prayer. The fasting that all do together on Fridays is but a sign of the daily Lenten discipline of individuals and households: fasting for certain periods of time, fasting from certain foods, but also fasting from other things and activities. Likewise, the giving of alms is some effort to share this world equally—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents. Contemplate the meaning and origins of the Lenten fasting tradition in this reflection.

In Lent, the baptized are called to renew their baptismal commitment as others prepare to be baptized through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a period of learning and discernment for individuals who have declared their desire to become Catholics.
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The key to fruitful observance of these practices is to recognize their link to baptismal renewal. We are called not just to abstain from sin during Lent, but to true conversion of our hearts and minds as followers of Christ. We recall those waters in which we were baptized into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ. (USCCB)
Lent & Easter Schedule
Burning of the Palms
Tuesday, February 13
10:00 AM St Mary Church (front steps)
5:30 PM Mater Christi Church (Shrine)
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 14
8:00 AM Mater Christi Church Mass (with the distribution of ashes)
8:30 AM St. Mary Church Mass (with the distribution of ashes)
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
       Mater Christi Church & St. Mary Church; Distribution of Ashes ONLY
3:30 PM Mater Christi Church – Prayer Service & Distribution of Ashes ONLY
4:00 PM St. Mary Church – Prayer Service & Distribution of Ashes ONLY
7:00 PM St. Mary Church – Mass (with the distribution of ashes)
7:00 PM Mater Christi Church – Mass in Spanish (with the distribution of ashes)
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Saturday, March 23 and Sunday March 24
Regular Mass schedule at both worship sites
Triduum
No morning prayer or Mass on 3/28, 3/29 or 3/30.
Holy Thursday, March 28
Liturgy of the Lord’s Last Supper
  • 7:00 PM St. Mary Church Mass (Bilingual) followed by
    • ​​Altar of repose and Adoration at:
      • Mater Christi Church until Midnight and
      • St. Mary Church until Midnight
      • Click here for more information about visiting "7" Churches on Holy Thursday and local churches to visit for adoration.
Good Friday, March 29
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
  • 3:00 PM St. Mary Church – Stations of the Cross (No Communion)
  • 3:00 PM Mater Christi Church- Service with Veneration & Communion
  • 7:00 PM St. Mary Church- Service with Veneration & Communion
  • 7:00 PM Mater Christi Church – Service with Veneration & Communion in Spanish
Holy Saturday, March 30
Vigil for the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord
No Regular Saturday Evening Masses
  • 12:00 PM Blessing of Easter Baskets and Food at both campuses
  • 7:00 PM Easter Vigil Mass at St. Mary Church (Bilingual)
Easter
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord
  • 8:00 AM Mater Christi Church (Spanish)
  • 8:00 AM St. Mary Church
  • 9:30 AM Mater Christi Church
  • 10:00 AM St. Mary Church and Parish Center
  • 11:00 AM Mater Christi Church
  • 12:00 PM St. Mary Church
  • No 5:00 PM Mass Easter Sunday
Lenten Mission Speakers
Sr. Julia Walsh
Wednesday, February 21
7:00pm; For Love of the Broken Body
St. Mary Church; 105 Herrick Rd., Riverside

For Love of the Broken Body

Click here for more info.
Sister Julia Walsh is a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration and part of her congregation’s formation team, serving women who are discerning their religious vocation. Along with another Franciscan Sister, she co-founded The Fireplace, an intentional community and house of hospitality on Chicago’s southside that offers spiritual support to artists and activists. She has a MA in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union and is a certified spiritual director and secondary teacher. As a creative writer, podcaster, educator, retreat presenter and speaker, she is passionate about exploring the intersection of creativity, spirituality, activism and community life. A regularly published spiritual writer, Sister Julia’s work can be found in publications such as America, Living Faith Catholic Devotional, Global Sisters Report and St. Anthony Messenger and Living City. She enjoys sharing musings on Twitter and Instagram as @JuliaFSPA. Her spiritual memoir, FOR LOVE OF THE BROKEN BODY (Monkfish), is forthcoming in April 2024. 

​Check out her website at: 
​Messy Jesus Business
Dr. Timothy Johnston
Monday, February 26
7:00pm; Music and the Eucharist
St. Mary Church; 105 Herrick Rd., Riverside

Music and the Eucharist

Click here for more info.
Timothy A. Johnston serves as a pastoral association at St. Thomas the Apostle in Hyde Park. He earned a Master of Arts in liturgical studies from St. John’s University, Minnesota and a Master of Arts in Christian doctrine from Marquette University, Wisconsin. His Bachelor of Science in music education was granted by Quincy University, Illinois. Originally from Old Mines, Missouri, Timothy previously served as the director of the office of worship for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, as an editor and liturgical training consultant for Liturgy Training Publications with the Archdiocese of Chicago, IL, as the director of the Office of Liturgy for the Diocese of Salt Lake City, as the director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of St. Cloud, and as director of Liturgical Programs at Marquette University. He has served as a high school teacher, written articles on pastoral liturgy, and presented workshops on liturgical formation, especially the Liturgy of the Hours and Christian initiation. Timothy is the author of Pocket Prayers for Times of Trouble (Twenty-Third Publications, 2014) and co-author of Guide for Celebrating Infant Baptism (LTP, 2020) and Disciples Making Disciples: Print and Digital Resources for Forming the Assembly (LTP, 2017).
 
Timothy likes to read historical fiction, hike in the Rocky Mountains, visit museums, and attend musical events like the symphony.
Fr. Vittorio Bruscella
Thursday, March 7 (SPANISH)
7:00pm; La Eucaristia- El Camino a la Vida​
Mater Christi Church; 2401 S. 10th Ave., North Riverside

​La Eucaristia- El Camino a la Vida
More information to come.
Dr. Mary Amore
Wednesday, March 13 (date change)
7:00pm; Encountering Jesus in the Eucharist: Becoming the Very Mystery We Receive
St. Mary Church; 105 Herrick Rd., Riverside

Encountering Jesus in the Eucharist: Becoming the Very Mystery We Receive

Join us as we explore the greatest mystery of our Catholic faith as an invitation to spiritual transformation, healing and discipleship. 
Dr. Mary Amore, Executive Director holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Liturgy and Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union. Dr. Amore is the author of four books published through Our Sunday Visitor: Primary Symbols of Worship and the Call to Participation; Every day with Mary; Every Day with Joseph; and Every Day with Jesus. She is the creator of two DVD Series: Eucharist: Pathway of Transformation, Healing and Discipleship, and From Mary’s Heart to Yours, published by Pauline Media.  

A Cardinal Bernardin Scholar and distinguished member of the North American Academy of Liturgy, Mary has been a presenter at the LA Congress, University of Dallas Ministry Conference, Fresno Diocesan Congress, and Diocese of New Hampshire Ministry Conference, as well as conducting parish missions, retreats, and adult faith formation programs. Dr. Amore is also the creator and host of two cable television shows, Soul Snackin with Dr. Mary Amore and A Willing Spirit, and has hosted a radio show on Radio Maria. Dr. Amore has served for 18 years as the full time Executive Director of Mayslake Ministries, a Catholic non profit in Chicago. 
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Dr. Mary Amore is a proud member of the Catholic speakers bureau, CMG Booking.
Most Rev. Robert Casey
Tuesday, March 19 (BILINGUAL)
7:00pm; Celebrating the Eucharist 
Mater Christi Church; 2401 S. 10th Ave., North Riverside

Celebrating the Eucharist
Bishop Casey is a native of Evergreen Park and grew up in Alsip where he attended public elementary schools. He graduated from Marist High School before entering Niles College Seminary, where he received a B.A. in English. Bishop Casey graduated from University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood May 21, 1994.
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His first assignment was as associate pastor at St. Ita Parish where he served until 1999. Bishop Casey, who is fluent in Spanish was named associate director of Casa Jesús, a house of discernment for men from Latin America in 1998. In 1999, he became its full-time director. In 2003, he completed a 40-day pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain before becoming pastor of Our Lady of Tepeyac Parish in Chicago and in 2008, he co-founded Taller de José, a ministry sponsored by the Congregation of St. Joseph that offers accompaniment to people in need.

He served as pastor of St. Barbara Parish in Brookfield from 2009 to 2016, when he was appointed pastor of St. Bede the Venerable. He also served on the priests’ placement board and the priest steering committee for Renew My Church. Bishop Casey was appointed auxiliary bishop by Pope Francis on July 3, 2018 and ordained on Sept. 17, 2018.
Fr. Ed Foley, Capuchin
Wednesday, March 20 
7:00pm; Eucharistic Adoration
St. Mary Church; 105 Herrick Rd., Riverside

Eucharistic Adoration
Edward Foley, Capuchin is the Duns Scotus Professor Emeritus of Spirituality, retired Professor of Liturgy and Music and founding director of the Ecumenical Doctor of Ministry Program at Catholic Theological Union. He holds graduate degrees in ministry, music and theology including the Ph.D. from Notre Dame. He has released collections of CDs and DVDs, authored or edited 32 books, produced 58 book chapters, 51 peer review articles, and over 325 encyclopedia, dictionary and pastoral articles translated into 9 languages. He has lectured around the world from the catechetical institute in Mumbai to the Mayo Clinic, for 6000 teens in the Houston Astrodome to graduate students in Brisbane, from St. Scholastica College in Manila to Wescott College in Cambridge. Fr. Foley is a Lilly sabbatical Fellow, the Berakah laureate with a lifetime achievement award from the North American Academy of Liturgy, a recipient of a major grant ($231,000) from the John Temple Foundation on preaching and the sciences, and recently a $1.25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment for preaching and neuroscience. He has been honored with the 2021 Frederick McManus award from the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, the 2022 Marten Fellowship in Preaching at the University of Notre Dame, the Great Preacher Award from Aquinas Institute (2022), and the Yves Congar Award from Barry University (2023). He presides and preaches at Old St. Patrick's Church in Chicago. 

Visit his website here.
​Join us to explore the Mystery of the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Love.
St Mary Church- coffee and conversation to follow in Oak Room.
Mater Christi Church- coffee and conversation to follow in Marian Room.
Lenten Prayer & Reconciliation Opportunities
​ADORATION
Mondays at Mater Christi Church 6:00 -8:00 PM
Thursdays at St Mary Church 3:00 – 8:00 PM
NO ADORATION ON MARCH 14 AT ST. MARY CHURCH

Click here for more information about visiting "7" Churches on Holy Thursday and local churches to visit for adoration.

CONFESSIONS (DURING ADORATION)
Mondays: February 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25; 6:00-7:00 PM Mater Christi Church (Bilingual) 
Thursdays: February 15, 22, 29, March 7, 21; 6:00-7:00 PM St. Mary Church (English)
​NO ADORATION OR CONFESSIONS ON MARCH 14 AT ST. MARY CHURCH

PARISH RECONCILIATION SERVICE
Tuesday, March 5; 6:30-8:00 PM St. Mary Church     
                Please click here to view the recorded service on YouTube.
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​STATIONS OF THE CROSS                                          
​Fridays: 7:00 PM Stations of the Cross at Mater Christi Church
  • Feb. 16 (Hispanic Ministry-bilingual)*       
  • Feb. 23 (Knights of Columbus & Holy Name Society)*  
  • March 1 (Music Ministry)*                          
  • March 8 (Faith Formation Team)*
  • March 15 (Women’s Society)*                  
  • March 22 (St. Vincent DePaul)*
*Soup dinners will begin at 6 pm in the Marian Room preceding each Stations of the Cross.  Each evening the Soup Dinner will be hosted by, and the prayer service led by the group listed.

  • March 22; 7:00 PM Living Stations of the Cross at St. Mary Church led St. Mary School Students 
More Lenten and Easter Opportunities
Family Faith Formation
Beautiful Eucharist Book Discussions
We hope everyone received their complimentary copy of Beautiful Eucharist. We cannot wait to see how this book impacts your lives and the life of our parish. There are limited copies still available in the churches and at the parish office.
 
For those of you who have received your copy, I hope it’s already inspiring you. If you haven’t started reading yet, I’d encourage you to take 15 minutes today to begin. That’s all it will take to see how God might be inviting you to collaborate with Him in a powerful new way. 
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Click here to for the signup and keep checking back for more times.
Blood Drive
Feast of St. Hugh
Monday, April 1
8:00 AM Mater Christi Church
8:30 AM St. Mary Church
Divine Mercy Sunday
Sunday, April 7; 3:00 PM Mater Christi Church
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Please join us for Holy Hour, Adoration, Confessions, and recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Lenten Resources