February Newsletter

February 2024

PARISH NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

A Note From Our Pastor

I pray this note finds you happy, healthy, and holy. Here at St Patrick Church of Merna, we strive to live lives of stewardship, where we recognize that everything is a gift from God. We are called to respond to God’s generosity by giving ourselves back to God in our Time, Talent, and Treasure by Praying, Serving, and Giving. It is hard to believe that Lent is around the corner and with it comes great opportunities for growth in our spiritual lives.

As we begin to prayerfully consider what our Lenten sacrifices might entail, I invite us to reflect upon how we can grow in giving God our Time by Praying. The homilies this Lent will have an overall focus on prayer, with the hope that we can grow in our knowledge and ability to pray.

In order for us to grow in prayer this Lent, it necessitates first and foremost that we spend time with God. I propose that you consider spending time with Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. Beginning this Lent, we will extend Adoration on Wednesdays by starting after the morning Mass until its usual end at 8:30pm. We are also beginning to offer a monthly Encounter Night which will provide a more structured time in Adoration to hopefully open more hearts and minds to this tremendous gift of the Church.

Lastly, please note that Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting and abstaining from meat, falls on St. Valentine's Day, Wednesday, February 14th. I encourage those wishing to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day to turn to the vigil or night before which corresponds with Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday.

In Christ,

Fr. Schultz

Parish News & Upcoming Events

Blood Drive

St. Patrick Church of Merna will host a blood drive on Monday, February 12th from 12:30-5:30pm in the Parish Hall. More appointment slots have been added! To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or contact Jeff Lopez. Volunteers are also needed to provide treats and volunteer the day of the event. Sign up at the Welcome Center!

PURLS Prayer Shawl Ministry

What: Prayer Shawl Ministry - gather together to pray, socialize, and knit/crochet prayer shawls

When/Where: Tuesday, February 13th (2nd Tuesday of each month); 10am or 6:30pm; meet in Room 9

Who: Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels (even wannabes)

Questions: Contact the parish office at (309) 662-7361

Sharing the Grief Journey

All those continuing to grieve the loss of a loved one are invited to attend a monthly gathering with other parishioners on a similar journey. Join us on Thursday, March 7th at 6:30pm in Room 6. The BeFriender ministry will host these gatherings designed to encourage healing through connection and shared experiences. This is open to all in our community so feel free to share with others. No registration is required; if you have any questions, please contact Dianne Lerman.

Teaching Mass

Join Fr. Matt as he presents a Teaching Mass where he will explain why Catholics do and say what we do before, during, and leaving Mass. This Mass is appropriate for all age groups to gain a more in-depth knowledge of our Catholic Mass. It is a requirement for RE6, CONFIRM1 and CONFIRM2 students.

When: Wednesday, February 28th

Where: St. Patrick Church of Merna

Time: 6:30pm

Materials: A pamphlet will be given out upon arrival (one per family/couple, or individual)

Questions: Contact Marylynn Meredith

A Walk Through the Sorrowful Mysteries With Fr. Matt

Join Fr. Matt as he helps us to unpack the deeper meaning of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. This study will take place on Monday evenings beginning February 19th. No materials will be needed, but registration is required. Find all the details and sign up HERE!

Youth Ministry Junior High Night

Our high school youth group is excited to host another junior high night on March 3rd. This is open to all kids currently in grades 6-8. Click the button to sign up and for more info!

Join us for our first Encounter Night with Jesus in the Eucharist! Be strengthened on your Lenten journey with a peaceful night of reflection, prayer, and music. More details to come. Families are welcome!

National Eucharistic Congress

July 17-21; Indianapolis, IN

This July, tens of thousands of passionate Catholics will experience an outpouring of grace on a scale this generation has never seen. This historic moment is called the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. Catholics from every corner of the U.S. will be in Indianapolis for this transformative gathering, and YOU are invited! Whether you join for the full experience or one day, you’ll enjoy world-class teaching from some of the most trusted Catholic voices in the United States. Come encounter and worship Jesus in a new way, and be anointed to share those graces with our community when you return home. The Diocese of Peoria has a limited number of discounted tickets available. Email eucharisticrevival@cdop.org to inquire.

Stewardship Corner

Rooted in Christ: Growing Together

Thank you to all parishioners who have completed and submitted your Commitment Card! If you who have not yet had the opportunity to submit your card, it’s not too late. Each and every one of you is a vital member of our parish community and we want to hear from you! This is an opportunity to reflect upon and renew your sacrificial commitment to support the mission of St. Patrick Church of Merna. For those who are able – there is also an opportunity to make a one-time gift to the parish. If you have any questions, please contact the parish office. If you who would prefer to fill out your Commitment Card online, please click the link below.

Online Commitment Card

Stewardship Corner

Make your Lent “A Lent to Remember”

Lent begins next week! Below are just a few ideas to help you discern what your Lenten sacrifices might look like this year. Visit our Stewardship webpage for more detailed examples, wisdom from the Saints, and more! And when Easter arrives, let us not drop the new ideas and practices that we’ve begun during Lent, but continue to be transformed into who we were created to be.

Instead of giving up something food related, consider fasting from something else like technology or gossiping.
Attend Adoration and/or Mass an extra time during the week.
“Give thanks in all circumstances.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18; be thankful and encouraging to others.
“Prepare a full account of your Stewardship.” - Luke 6:2; be intentional with your time (praying), talent (serving), and treasure (giving).

St. Patrick Church Of Merna

1001 N Towanda Barnes Rd.

Bloomington, IL 61705

(309) 662-7361

www.stpatrickmerna.org