Celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Alphonsus!

Daily prayer keeps you in good relationship with the LORD, and yourself.

Invite your friends/loved ones to Mass! 

This Sunday's Gospel, the rejected stone becomes the cornerstone and the parable about the wicked tenants, reminds us of the importance of listening to God's word. God speaks to us in many ways—through Scripture, through our Church tradition, in our Church's teaching, and through modern-day prophets. Are we attentive and receptive to God's word to us through these messengers? This week seek God’s kingdom with a passionate confidence in God’s desire to give the good things we don’t deserve.

Mass Readings for Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time



October 8 Parish Bulletin

Our parish is happy to announce that we will begin offering Saturday morning Mass at 8:30 AM starting October 7.

Our parish wishes good luck and blessings for all who are running the Chicago marathon this Sunday, especially Sister Stephanie & Team Our Lady of the Angels!

Our own AACA students will be running as well next Thurs and Fri for their annual Rocket Run fundraiser!  On Thursday, October 12th, our PK and K students will be participating. On Friday, October 13th, our 1st through 8th grade will be running around the school block. A family run will take place after school! For more information and how you can make a donation in support.

Join us this Monday, October 9th in the Festival Hall from 6:30-8 PM as Fr. Rob Ryan gives a survey of the circumstances leading up to Vatican II, its structure, major documents, and the fruit of the council as a roadmap for the church and our call to be saints in the third millennium. This free discussion event is hosted by our parish Young Adult Ministry Intellectual Pillar.

South Lakeview Neighbors Meeting

Tuesday, October 10, The Athenaeum Center-2936 N. Southport, Meeting starts- 7PM sharp, doors open 6:30PM. Topics include: Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce – 2023 Master Plan for the Neighborhood.

All families are invited to Pumpkin decorating and carving, Sunday October 22 after the 11 AM and 12:30 PM Masses, outside in the Oakdale parking lot. All are invited!! Pumpkins, supplies and treats will be provided. The event will relocate to Festival Hall in the case of bad weather. Hosted by our parish’s Knights of Columbus council. Contact Grand Knight and parishioner Ray San Agustin for more details.

St. Francis Blessing of Pets- if you missed the blessing at our parish on October 4, there is a list on the Archdiocese of Chicago website for more pet blessings this weekend.

All Souls Day, November 2nd is a special day in the life of the Church as we take time to pray for our deceased family members and friends who have died and gone before us marked with the sign of faith. St. Alphonsus Parish will be holding a special Requiem Mass on Thursday, November 2nd at 7 PM, to pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died. Through the Sacred Liturgy, the Church invokes the forgiving love and abundant mercy of God, that He may receive all those we remember into His kingdom so they can come to know the fullness of life and peace of Heaven. All those who complete the form and make a suggested offering of $15 or more for a name will receive their designated unlit candle before Mass begins. After the homily, while the choir sings, the person will come forward in a line with their candle, light it from the Paschal Candle, and place it on the Communion rail.

Additionally, our music director Brian Bloye is arranging a special program with a men's schola singing chant in Latin and English from the traditional Requiem Mass of the Church. If you would like to honor a loved one who has died, please fill out the form here. You can also write the names of your loved ones in the Book of the Names of the Dead, which will be available in the Church during November.

Donate Shoes for Refugees

Our St. Vincent DePaul chapter is accepting shoe donations for all the refugees currently staying at the Chicago Police District on Addison near Halsted. You will find bins marked for the shoe collections at the back of the church and at the rectory. There is a particular need for children’s shoes at this time. Shoes dropped off at the rectory should be done during regular business hours. Thank you for your kind generosity! In lieu of shoe donations, you can also support our St. Vincent dePaul chapter with a monetary gift.

Cub Scout Registration Open Through October 6

Registration for scouting with Pack 3889 is open for all participants grades 1-5 for the 2023/2024 year. Register here. We have many fun adventures planned and we are in need of a parent Den Leader for our 3rd Grade Bears Den! We would love you to give Scouting a try! Please contact the Pack with any questions! Thank you! 

Prayer for Marathoners



Lord our God,

You have created us in Your image and likeness,

and You have made us capable of accomplishing great things

as a way of returning thanks and glory to You.

Bless us who will be running the marathon:

May Your Fatherly grace sustain us with endurance

and protect us fro harm,

May Jesus Christ who has given us the living waters of baptism

refresh and hydrate our thirsting bodies and souls,

And may the gentle breath of the Holy Spirit

remind us of Your presence and strength.

And through intercession of St. Paul,

may we be inspired to persevere in running the race,

and be confident that we can do all things

through Christ who strengthens us.

May the crown of earthly glory we receive

remind us of the heavenly glory that is to be ours

by staying true to our journey of faith.

We ask all this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

"Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3: 9-10)

What Does It Mean To Give First Fruits?

If you would like to learn more about living a stewardship way of life, please visit our section on giving on our website, or contact a member of our parish stewardship team by calling the rectory at 773-525-0709 or by emailing parish Director of Operations Daniel Szymanski.

Thank you and God bless you!

• Text sunday to 773-570-7600
• Click on the link you receive via text
• Fill in the information and click "Submit Form" to make your gift!

A charitable gift annuity to benefit Saint Alphonsus, our AACA school, or ministries — as designated by you — is a generous expression of your support for God’s work within our community and for future generations of Catholics. Learn more here!

Faith Formation News

Register Your Child(ren) for Religious Education! 

Classes have started for our RE program. You can still register for our Religious Education program for the 2023-2024 school year for grades 1st-8th on Tuesday nights at 6:15 PM.

Religious Education Needs Y-O-U!

Are you looking for a deeply meaningful way to serve your community? Do you want to be inspired and challenged to grow in your faith? Do you want to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the youth? We’d love to have you join our team!

Catechists are needed each Tuesday from 6:00-7:30 PM now through early May to share our Catholic faith with the young people of St. Alphonsus parish. 

In particular, we would love to have a team of more than 12 catechists, particularly in grades 4th - 8th. If you know any adults interested - please have them contact Oksana Kuzma.

Are You Ready To Become Catholic?

Registration is open for The Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) Each year we are blessed with several individuals who desire to enter and learn more about the Catholic faith. The RCIA program is the study of the Catholic Faith and the process of introduction into the faith community. If you or someone you know is interested in taking the class, please contact our pastoral associate, Brooks Robinson.

Walking With Purpose

Come as you are. You are welcome here!

Make authentic connections with other women; refuel and refresh; Learn more about God

The Touching the Divine bible study focuses on qualities of Jesus revealed through the Gospel of John. This study draws us into a deeper, loving relationship with Jesus as we reflect on His life and personality.

St. Alphonsus Women's Bible Study is on Tuesdays w/ two sessions, one at 9:30 AM and the other at 6:30 PM. Questions? Contact Susan Combes

Men's Group

St. Alphonsus Men’s group meets Thursday nights to pray the liturgy of the hours, have fellowship, and to propose challenging topics to discuss. 

We meet every Thursday night at 7 PM in the rectory. Food and drinks provided. All men are welcome, with most men being in their 20s and 30s. Access can be gained at the west facing rectory door in the parking lot. For questions or more information, contact us here!

Young Adult Ministry

Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter to make sure you’re in the know of all of our upcoming events!

Trivia Night!

Are you the friend whose schtick is sharing random factoids? Or, the one with the most fun party conversations? Well, calling all you trivia fans and friends, alike, to come join us, in the St. Alphonsus' Festival Hall (basement), on Saturday October 21st from 5 PM-8 PM because St. Al’s YAM Trivia is back!

Early Bird cost of tickets is $20 per person (it is a fundraiser! ). Teams of 5-6 people can register individually or together. For anyone registering as a team, simply list the names of everyone in the "Comments" section of the GiveCentral link, during your purchase. Light refreshments, beer and wine are included in the event cost. We will have prizes for 3rd, 2nd and 1st place winning teams. Don't know anyone or don't have 6 people on your team? Fear not! You may also register individually or in a smaller group (2-4 people). We will assign you to a team. All are welcome!



***Please note: pre-registration with payment through the GiveCentral link is required to attend. No walk-ups will be allowed since we have teams.

If trivia isn’t your thing, but still want to join us, consider volunteering as well!

For bonus points to your team’s final score, bring 2 unopened, unexpired, non-perishable food items! All items will be donated to Nourishing Hope- the Lakeview food pantry! They especially need pastas, jams and jellies, canned beans, rice, and canned goods with pop-tops!

For any questions or concerns, please reach out to the YAM social team!

Learn more and sign up here!

More Young Adult Events Around the Archdiocese

Join YCP Chicago and Catholic Charities Junior Board on Tuesday, October 10th for an Executive Speaker Series event, featuring Michael Monticello, Managing Director at CIBC and Board Chair of Catholic Charities.

Young adults in their 20s and 30s from ALL industries are invited to this free event, where you will learn insights about the integration of faith and work and network with other young Catholic professionals from the Chicagoland area over complimentary beer, wine, and appetizers

Living the Gospel of Life!

In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month. We consider more deeply why every human life is valuable and reflect on how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death.

May God grant us the wisdom and courage to lovingly protect His gift of human life at every stage, in sickness and in health; We pray to the Lord

Support The Baby Bottle Project!

This October, our parish will be participating in The Baby Bottle Project benefiting Aid for Women. Aid for Women was founded over 42 years ago on the faith and teachings of the Catholic Church. Aid for Women operates four pregnancy resource centers throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Services include pregnancy tests, ultrasound exams and confidential counseling. Aid for Women’s residential programs, Heather’s House and Monica’s House, help women whose decision to choose life is further complicated by lack of adequate housing.

Please take a Baby Bottle home with you this weekend. Fill it with your spare change and return it to church in October. The bottles may be found at the exits as you leave Mass. Thank you! 

Simply Pro-Life Teen Event, October 14 10 AM-3 PM, Barrington, IL

 "Ending Abortion One Baby Step at a Time"

The Simply Pro-Life Teen Event is an opportunity for young people to find the resources and opportunities to simply get involved with the pro-life movement by connecting with pro-life organizations such as The Pro-Life Action League, hearing amazing speakers such as Lauren Muzyka, CEO of Sidewalk Advocates for Life, and connecting with other young people.

The goal of the Simply Pro-Life Teen Event is not only to educate and inspire teens, but give them real, practical ways they can get involved that very same day. There will be unlimited tacos, games, a Photo Booth, donuts and coffee, and more! You do not want your teens to miss the teen event of the year!

Be sure to sign up for the Simply Pro-life teen event taking place on October 14th at the Barrington Campus Life Center.

Step Up For Life 2023- 5K and Wiffleball Tournament Saturday Oct. 14

Every year, friends of the Women's Center come together to support life and to create and foster our pro-life community. YOU are invited to be a part of this year's event!

Project Rachel is a diocese network of specially trained priests, religious, counselors, and laypersons who provide a team response of care for those suffering in the aftermath of abortion. 

Flyer in English 

en Español

Around the Archdiocese

St. John Cantius, 825 N. Carpenter St. will be hosting Night of Love, an all night vigil of reparation, Oct 6-7. Come spend time with Jesus and help with His great work of redemption to pray for the Church and its members who have fallen away.

St. Edward Parish, 4350 W. Sunnyside, will be hosting their Autumn Fest on Saturday, October 7. Kick off Autumn with a bash celebrating Mass, serving food and live entertainment from Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames.

The Catholic Imagination in Fiction

Queen of Angels School will hold its annual Children's Resale Shop on Saturday, October 14th at 2330 W. Sunnyside Ave. from 8 AM to 2 PM. Bring your shopping bags and stock up on tons of new and gently used children's clothing, shoes, accessories, strollers, furniture, toys, games, puzzles, baby equipment, books, ride-ons, sports equipment, Halloween costumes, and more! Cash and credit accepted. Admission is $2. Hope to see you there!

Need some space for prayer and spiritual refreshment? Trying to figure out what God has in store for you? Or, most importantly, discerning religious life? All women are invited to Come and See on October 27 to 29 in Justice, Illinois and allow God to speak to your heart. He is waiting!

October newsletter for The Pulse of Black Catholic Chicago