NOTES FOR JANUARY 26, 2024

Faithful can subscribe to the notes by contacting the parish office and providing their e-mail address. Thanks for your support of our border town parishes!!!

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funds for himself or any organizations outside of the parishes he serves. Fr. Pete's emergency phone

number is (815) 685-1359 and his e-mail addresses

are either pjankowski@yahoo.com or pjankowski@stfrancis.edu.

Please do not trust any correspondences that

utilize any other phone number or e-mail address.

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News & Notes with Fr. Pete Jankowski

Gabby and Pocahontas Now Have Something in Common!!!

Feel free to contact Fr. Pete at email pjankowski@yahoo.com. If you have an emergency, please contact Fr. Pete at (815) 685-1359

This morning (among all the other running around I had to do), Marie Smith asked me to visit her father Jack Houk over in St. Anne, IL. About nine or so years ago, her parents Jack & Lucia celebrated their 50th Anniversary of marriage; that article was printed in our local Kankakee paper. If you recall, last month, Lucy passed away and we celebrated her funeral at St. Anne’s – her story was party of my Holy Family homily which you can view if you CLICK HERE!!!

Ten days ago, Marie called me, telling me that her father Jack had taken a turn for the worse and that he was not doing well at St. Mary’s ICU. As Jack had talked to me about getting baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church (which we discussed while Lucia was still alive), I ran to the hospital to baptize and confirm Jack… our first confirmation for 2024!

This morning, I visited Jack, who now is in Hospice Care at home with daughter Marie. I returned to the family Lucia’s homemade ornament, which I placed on a Christmas tree in St. Anne’s sanctuary (the only ornament that could be found in the sanctuary of the church!) as a symbol of her presence in our community. I then completed the sacraments of initiation for Jack by offering him his First Communion at home.

After Communion, Jack lamented that I did not bring “Pocahontas” to the house; I had no idea what he was asking. He said that “Pocahontas” sniffed him and played with him when he visited the rectory after Lucy’s passing. After Communion, Jack lamented that I did not bring “Pocahontas” to the house; I had no idea what he was asking. He said that “Pocahontas” sniffed him and played with him when he visited the rectory after Lucy’s passing.

I asked Jack if he mistook Pocahontas for Gabby, my basset hound, which he did! I figure this is my first “Pocahontas” reference in twenty-eight years as a Catholic priest – how exactly do you mention that in a conversation???

I also lamented this week that a dear friend of mine, Deacon Santos Martinez, passed away last Sunday after a short illness. Deacon Santos was 88 years old. He and I served together at St. Mary’s Church in Plano, IL, the first of three times in my priesthood that I had to start Hispanic Ministry for a growing population. Santos was ordained a deacon in 1985 and, when the priests of St. Mary’s (The Marians of the Immaculate Conception – the MICs) had no priests in their order that spoke Spanish – and they served all of Kendall County at that time! – they asked if I could help out. With Santos’ help, we served together for fifteen years. Now the parish is growing significantly on the west end of the diocese, and in no small part did Santos make this possible.

The family asked me to celebrate his funeral Mass on Monday at St. Mary’s. Please say a prayer for him and the family (all the sons are named “José” – Santos and wife Armandina made a promise to his parents that all the sons would be named “Joseph” and all daughters would be named “Mary.” I spoke to son Albert this week (all the sons go by their middle names) and he certainly is thankful for all your good thoughts. CLICK HERE TO READ THE OBITUARY NOTICE.

This weekend, Brother Ender Jhobany Orduz-Duarte will be speaking at all the Masses concerning vocations on behalf of The Clerics of St. Viator. At one point in our diocese’s history, The Viatorians served most of the parishes in the southern end of the diocese, including St. Patrick’s and St. Anne’s. They now only serve three parishes in the state – Maternity BVM in Bourbonnais, St. Patrick’s in Kankakee and St. George in St. George. Please consider supporting those who undertake this path towards the priesthood and religious life. This is a noble vocation, a calling that God offers to many of us. The question is whether we nurture this call or not. The future of our Church… and our salvation… depends on it!

Finally, please pray for the people of Joliet, Rockdale and Crest Hill. Today, the bishop announced that five parishes in that area will be closing as well as two schools. This is not an easy time for anyone… but this is an opportunity or “wake up call” to make sure our affairs are in order so that our parishes remain strong!

Article from Bishop Hicks about Joliet Parish Restructuring

Join Us at Our Annual Polka Mass and Appreciation Dinner!

February 10, 2024

Polka Mass w/ Ray Koncar at 4 pm

Appreciation Dinner to Follow

This week, we started planning in earnest for our Border Town Mass and Appreciation Dinner in February (prior to our Ash Wednesday services and the Season of Lent), we just worked out details with JR's Chicken and Bill & Elina Dimitrious in Joliet (owners of four restaurants in that area), whose staff will also be preparing food for this event. Anyone who volunteers at the parish is invited to join us with their families. All you have to do is RSVP at St. Anne's [(815) 427-8265] or St. Patrick's (815) 472-2864] and you are all set to go - hope to see you there!!! We have included highlights from last year's celebration with this note.

ONLINE VIDEOS THIS WEEK

Please Stay Safe! If you are Not Comfortable Leaving Your Home This Weekend Because of the Snowstorm, Feel Free to Watch Our Online Masses Here! Thanks for Supporting Our Border Town Parishes!!!

Mass for the Fourth

Sunday in Ordinary Time

Celebrated at St. Patrick's Church - Momence, IL

As other parishes in the City of Joliet await their future from Bishop Ronald Hicks at the end of the month, Fr. Pete reflects in his homily about the GROWTH of the community he serves and the basic charisms of the Church that have guided our Church's growth - faith, hope and love. Humility is the foundation of prayer - so many sacrifices have been made for the good of the people we serve. Fr. Pete thanks the parishioners of the Border Town for all the good that they have accomplished these last four years and what lies ahead in an ever-growing community!!!

Homily in Spanish for the

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Celebrated at St. Patrick's Church - Momence, IL

Offered by Fr. Pete Jankowski

Thanks to Andres Ojeda and family for recording our Masses!

For Catholic Daily Reflections (based on the scripture readings of the day),

CLICK HERE!!!

CLICK HERE to Access the Readings for This Sunday's Mass

From the Website of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops

UPCOMING PROJECTS AT ST. PATRICK'S

WE HAVE REDUCED OURPARISH DEBT AT ST. PATRICK'S BY A FACTOR OF OVER $200,000 IN THE LAST TWO YEARS!!!

One of our seniors has taken it upon themself to take courses on writing grants. The US Government offers millions of dollars of grants that are accessible for those who apply for them. Since both parish halls are seen as "Community and Emergency Centers" by our respective cities, we need help in getting generators and internet on our properties to help the cities... and us!!! ... in our efforts to serve the people of our area.

ST. PATRICK'S / ST. ANNE'S

PHOTO DIRECTORIES

Thanks to Ruth Sparenberg, Anne Andrade & Joanne Hermann for assembling, scanning and editing the follow Photo Directories from the Church History of St. Patrick's and St. Anne's Churches!

1973 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory

1981 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory

1986 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory

1993 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory

2004 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory

2006 St. Patrick's Academy 100th

Anniversary Commemorative Booklet

2010 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory

2016 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory

2023 St. Patrick's Church Photo Directory

1960s St. Anne’s Church Photo Directory

1970s St. Anne’s Church Photo Directory

1989 St. Anne’s Church Photo Directory

1998-2004 St. Anne’s

Church Photo Directory

2023 St. Anne's Church Photo Directory

PAPAL BLESSINGS

The Holy Father provides a wonderful opportunity to receive an Apostolic Blessing for Birthdays, Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings, Religious Professions, Ordinations and Anniversaries of these sacraments.

For weddings and such, Fr. Pete offers a special blessing on the first Sunday weekend of each month and is willing to purchase an Apostolic Blessing for anyone who asks (and if he can afford it... since he pays out of pocket!!!).

If you are interested in receiving an Apostolic Blessing, you can do so by clicking the link below or by calling the parish offices.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR OWN APOSTOLIC BLESSING!!!

Parish Hotline... If you know of someone who is sick and in need of the sacraments or if you know someone who wishes a visit at the hospital or care facility, please contact the parish office or Fr. Pete Jankowski at (815) 685-1359.

Fr. Pete offers the Anointing of the Sick at both parishes at the First Friday Masses every month (St. Patrick’s at 9:15 a.m. and St. Anne’s at 5:00 p.m. (English) and 7:00 p.m. (Spanish).

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS WEEKEND

For those who are wishing a 2023 Contribution Statement, please contact the parish office.
Please consider donation socks and slippers to Harbor House in January. More information can be found in the bulletin.

KEEP UPDATED WITH OUR PARISH BULLETINS!!!

To View St. Patrick's Bulletin for

January 28, 2024

CLICK HERE!

To View St. Anne's Bulletin for

January 28, 2024

CLICK HERE!

PRAYER INTENTIONS

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK: Mary Kay Blankestyn, Ashley & Jesse Childress, Guadalupe Maria De Leon, Austin Fuhrmann, Ron Gall, Joel Hart, Karen Hensa, Joanne McCracken, Marilyn Peterson, Joanne Prather, Evelyn Provost, Ruth Sparenberg, Cynthia Vickery, Gary Witherall... and all those on our sick list.

At St. Anne's... Eva Bell, Paula Bertrand, Lola Billings, Duane Blanchette, Cheryl Boswell, Patrick Burns, Cindy Capriotti, Abraham Daily, Tom Dandurand, Aria Dionne, Carol Futcher, Raelynn Garrett, Val Lagacy, Bentley Lottinville, Linda Miramontes and John Wojnowski.

At St. Patrick's... P. Anderson, N. Atkinson, R. Bailey, D. Barth, Beedle Family, D. Brown, W. Bukowski, B & E. Coffman, S. Conner, M & D Cousin, M. Cruz, A. Delaney, D. Demack, M. Dionne, J. Dobbins, E. Duke, D. Dunlap, G. Field, C. Fritz, R. Gall, J. Grill, R. Harper, J. Hibbs, D. Hiller, C. Jones, L. Kane, R. Kazee, A. Kijewski, L. Lee, L. Leranth, E. Lopez, B. Love, J. Marcotte, W. Marten, L. McNulty, L. Mercado, R & V Morse, C. Ortman, D. Petronio, M. Peterson, C. Piec, C. Provost, E. Provost, R. Rehmer, P. Reising, D. Roberts, B. Ryan, A. Schaff, J. Schopf. Schmied, K. Simpson, B. Siwicki, B. Spagnola, M. Tolbert, M. Tolmer, H. Tousignant, M. Velazquez, C. Vickery, M. Williams, M. Witherspoon, S. Young, A. Zimmerman, M & L Zink and G. Zokal.

PLEASE PRAY FOR BELOVED DECEASED: Deacon Santos Martinez

FR. PETE'S HOMILIES

Fr. Pete Jankowski posts his homilies online at the parish website for those who wish to keep up with the gospel message each week.

CLICK HERE TO READ

FR. PETE'S HOMILIES

PARISH REGISTRATION FORMS

Click Here for the Parish

Registration Form in English

Click Here for the Religious Education Registration Forms FOR BOTH PARISHES

Click Here to Register for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

Click Here for the Time

& Talent Form in English

Click Here for the Link to All the Parish Forms

FR. PETE'S TELEVISION SERIES

CLICK HERE to watch Fr. Pete’s Twelve Part Series “Stories on the Journey,” Broadcast on Shalom World TV!

FR. PETE'S HOMILY SERIES

Help support our parishes buy purchasing copies of Fr. Pete’s Homiletic Books! You can purchase them at the parishes or online at Amazon.com!

Cycle A Homilies - Cycle B Homilies

Cycle C Homilies

BOOK, BRICK & PEW DEDICATION PROGRAM

For only $100, you can dedicate a brick to someone special at St. Patrick's Outdoor Grotto (where the Our Lady of Lourdes Outdoor Masses are celebrated)!!!

(815) 472-2864

For only $25, you can dedicate a Journeysongs Pew Book from either parish. Please call (815) 472-2864 (St. Patrick's) or (815) 427-8265 (St. Anne's) for more information!