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Hello St. Alphonsus,
The Holey Veranda
Earlier this summer, we wrote about that in Chicago, summertime is a synonymous for construction. We've all seen the construction projects happening in our neighborhoods, and even at the intersection of Lincoln-Southport-Wellington. The Chicago Department of Transportation explained to Fr. Bauer that one of the goals was to improve traffic flow on westbound Wellington by more clearly demarcating two lanes of traffic. The overall scope of the project also included sidewalk repair and restoration along those roadways.
Just over a week ago, the crews, using road machinery and heavy jackhammers, demolished the sidewalk on Southport Ave., directly in front of the church, and poured new concrete sidewalks. Unfortunately, the strong vibrations caused by the construction machines rattled the mortar in the facade of the veranda, cracking the mortar between the large limestone blocks. As a result, several of the blocks from veranda's facade the were shaken loose and fell to the sidewalk last weekend. Security fencing was very quickly erected around the hole. While very unsightly, the hole is in the facade of the exterior veranda wall. We immediately contacted an architect, engineer, the Archdiocese, and a masonry expert to examine the site. Behind the limestone facade is another layer of a brick wall, and further in a network of interior support columns. Those remain very solid and stable, so they all assure us that the deck of the veranda is structurally sound. They are also drawing up plans to stabilize the limestone facade by temporarily filling the hole with concrete blocks, which will happen in the very near future.
The extraordinarily iconic veranda of St. Alphonsus Church was built in the 1890s so that the very architecture of the church extends out to the community and invites people to gather and linger in the shadow of the steeple. Because of this architectural reason -- and also historical, aesthetic, and social reasons -- it is our every intention to fully restore our beautiful veranda and its facade, that it may welcome and gather people for another 130 years. Included in the scope of this project will be reconstruction of the staircases leading up to it, which have weathered some degree of erosion over the decades. When the architectural plans are drawn up, we will share them with the parish so that the parish may share in joy, pride, and care of our church's veranda for generations to come.
Rev. Steven Bauer
Pastor
Celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus!
In this Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus says, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” While the entirety of the Gospels instructs us that heavenly peace is the ultimate aim of the Kingdom of God, the world we live in is not always willing to make the sacrifices necessary for the Kingdom of God to be made manifest in the here and now. The fire of which Jesus speaks is the fire of the Holy Spirit. It is a fire that purifies, renews, and engulfs our hearts and souls without consuming them like wood is burned up -- reminiscent of the Burning Bush, which was engulfed in fire but not consumed. Rather, the Holy Spirit renews us, gives us perseverance, and helps us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, messages proclaimed to us in the second reading.
Unfortunately, though, in a world tainted by sin, wherever the Word of God is heard and acted upon, division occurs. We don't expect to hear such difficult words from Jesus in the Gospel. But it is good to be reminded once in a while that the decision to do the right thing, the good thing, is not always easy and without conflict. Jesus himself did not make easy decisions and avoid conflict. Today's Gospel reading, in a sense, reminds Christians that truly being a disciple who orients his life for the next world can cause division from those whose lives are only earthly-focused.
Nevertheless, Christ ignites the fire of love in our hearts, that our souls may be purged of sin and our heart animated by love. And in response, as disciples of Christ we are called to be connected to a community of faith and become blaze builders, employing the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that God can transform and renew the world with a vision of peace that comes from Heaven, and points us all back to Heaven.
Invite your friends/loved ones to worship at Mass! Daily prayer keeps you in good relationship with the LORD, and yourself.
Mass Readings for Twentieth Sunday In Ordinary Time
Twentieth Sunday In Ordinary Time Reflection
Aug. 14 Parish Bulletin
Our parish staff's emails have changed! Please be sure to update your contact list from the parish staff directory here. Any general inquiries can be sent here.
This Monday August 15 is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mass will be celebrated at St. Alphonsus at 8:30 AM and 7:00 PM. Deacon Michael Mehringer shares a wonderful reflection in this week's parish bulletin.
Knights of Columbus Social/Recruitment Drive
Friday, August 19 at 6:30 PM
Come one, come all, to a parish social hosted by the St. Alphonsus' Knights of
Columbus council on Friday, August 19th 6:30-9:00 PM in the side courtyard near the Festival Hall. (weather permitting)
Summer isn't over yet! What better way to see what your fellow parishioners have been getting up to this summer then eating, drinking, and socializing together at St. Als on a Friday night. All are welcome. Food and drinks to be provided at no cost. See you there!
The KofC was founded by Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney to support our Pastor, our Parish and those in need, as well as to support strong marriages & families. If you are interested in learning more about our St. Alphonsus Parish Council #15158, then please contact parishioner Carlos Medina. Join online at online exemplification
Next Sunday Aug 21 is AACA Academy Day as our school community gears back up for another wonderful year of Catholic education with Mass at 11 AM, followed by refreshments afterwards. Thank you to the Mother's and Father's Club respectively for their support with this event!
Do you have upcoming exciting events that you would like to share with our St. Alphonsus Church and our parish school communities? You can share them here!
Did you know that you can view all upcoming church events on the calendar on our website? If your ministry has an event that you would like to host at St. Alphonsus, you can complete the Plan An Event form. Any inquiries can also be directed to the parish Office Manager, Mario Serrano.
Serve as a Wedding Coordinator!
Are you looking to get more involved in our parish? St. Alphonsus is currently looking for wedding coordinators to join our team. Being part of the Wedding Ministry is a rewarding opportunity, fun, and all volunteers receive a stipend for their time. For more information, contact sacraments coordinator Kaitlin Holyk
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