Hello St. Alphonsus,

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! 

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples on relationships in the Church.

Mass Readings for Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 10 Parish Bulletin

International Buy A Priest A Beer Day- This Saturday Sept. 9

Not that you need an excuse to buy your priest a beer, but this is a pretty good one! And yes, this is a legitimate thing, not something Fr. Steve and Fr. Raya came up with to get into the Oktoberfest spirit early. IBAPAB Day is a great way for new parishioners and families to get to know our priests and connect with them in a fun, casual setting.

We invite all parishioners and AACA families to join Fr. Steve in the Rectory Courtyard September 9th from 5 PM-7 PM to celebrate this most special and important of days. Fr. Raya will be celebrating in Mexico during this time, but we encourage you to bring a beer for him to have when he gets back (Modelo and Stella are his favorites)!

Please bring your favorite beer or beverage of choice to share with our priest (Fr. Steve's favorites, in true German fashion, are Oktoberfest beers. Or seasonal ambers. Or pumpkin beers). The beer money can also be donated through GiveCentral if you're unable to join us, or if you want to make sure Fr. Steve is still standing at the end of the night.

Our Cleaning Angels Ministry will be serving our parish on Saturday, September 16 from 9–10:30 AM. All are invited to join us as we help to clean and beautify our Saint Alphonsus Church! It is our duty as good Catholics to be of service to our faith community and our local parish! All cleaning products provided; no online sign-up; simply come to the Church in the morning with smiles and open hearts! 

Our parish Knights of Columbus council hosts their monthly meeting next Monday September 11 at 7:00 PM in the rectory Dining Room. For more information about joining the KoC, contact parishioner Ray San Agustin.

Confessions are heard Saturday at 11 AM and Wednesday at 6:30 PM.

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.

"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!

Oktoberfest is Coming! 

September 22, 23, 24

Our parish is planning for our biggest fundraiser and all the festive joy that goes with it! An amazing music lineup, Craft Beer Nights in the Festival Hall Fri and Sat, Kinderfest and a jumbotron for the football games on Sunday, and other surprises to come! 

Volunteer Sign-up is Now Open Here!!  Without your generous efforts, this event could not be possible!  

CRAFT BEER TASTING: Friday Sept 22 6-9 PM, Saturday Sept 23 4-7 PM Select from dozens of options from local breweries, seasonal selections, and international favorites. Tickets now available! **Remember to utilize the promo code bulletin for your St. Alphonsus community discount!**

NEW FOR 2023: TWO different Brewmaster packages this year. Standard and the upgraded Oberbraumeister package. Limited quantities available. Please check this week's Oktoberfest E-Blast for more details! The Early Bird price of the Standard package ends this Sunday!

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Clothing Drive September 10 8:30 AM-2 PM

Join us this Sunday, September 10, from 8:30 AM- 2 PM for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Donation Drive! Now is the time to start setting aside items to help us help our neighbors in need. All donated items stock the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift stores located in the Chicago area.

 On Donation Drive Sunday, We Will Gladly Accept:

· Gently used clothing, shoes, household items

· Small appliances

· Household decorations

· Kitchen utensils, dishes, pots, pans

· Jewelry

· Tools

· Sporting goods

Got Shoes? After traveling on foot for sometimes hundreds of miles, many of the migrants no longer have shoes. Any shoes brought to the SVdP location this Sunday will be set aside specifically for migrant families and children. Of particular need are shoes for kids, any size, any age.  

Thank you for your support!

Faith Formation News

Register Your Child(ren) for Religious Education! 

Registration for our Religious Education program is now open for the 2023-2024 school year for grades 1st-8th on Tuesday nights at 6:15 PM. Parent orientation is September 19 and classes will begin on September 26.

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 from mid-September 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 Father Bauer.

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.

The Bible Timeline

St. Alphonsus offers The Bible Timeline study group on Tuesdays at 7 PM. Participants will meet every week to view an engaging video presentation followed by a time of lively group discussion and fellowship. For more information or to register, contact Brooks Robinson.

Samuel Group @ St. Alphonsus!

Do you ever wonder how to make a good decision according to God’s will? Join us for a discernment group specifically geared toward young adults (ages 19–35). Here you will discuss all kinds of discernment – if you are called to consecrated life, married life or single life, to a certain career or city, and more. The goal of this group is to help you, and in some cases your significant other, know yourself, Jesus and your role within the Church. These discernment groups will take place monthly over the course of seven months. At each session, you will listen to talks, have time for small group sharing, and have the opportunity for Mass, Confession and Adoration. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet individually with a spiritual director during this program.

Cost: $45 per person. Register here!  

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 starts Tuesday September 26. There are 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 Catholic Professionals is partnering with the Heroic Men Summit to highlight the spiritual significance of work. The 2023 Heroic Men Summit: The Gospel of Work, is a virtual conference unpacking the practicals of how to rise above the daily grind and actually flourish, not just survive.

Highlighted by well-known Catholic speaker and author Matthew Kelly of Dynamic Catholic, Register here to join the Heroic Men Summit on Saturday, September 9, from 11 AM-1 PM.

Young Adult Ministry

YAM Kickoff— Sunday Sept. 17

It's almost time to officially kick off another YAM year at St. Al's! Following the 5 PM Mass on Sept. 17, young adults (ages 21-39) are invited to attend the YAM Kickoff Party in the church parking lot. Enjoy food available for purchase, free beer/wine, music and great company! Plus learn how to get involved in our small groups and Spiritual, Social, Service and Intellectual pillars. We look forward to seeing you! Whether you're a YAM regular or newcomer, all are welcome!

Other Young Adult Events around the Archdiocese

Bishop Lombardo and Sister Jaime Mitchell invite all young adults to their group next Tuesday- September 12 from 6:30 - 9 pm

@ Holy Rosary (604 N. Western Ave)

Diner, Talk in on Authentic Relationships, Adoration

RSVP here

At the Athenaeum

September 8 and 9th at 7 PM

Jeremy McLellan, a rising standup comedian, who is joyfully Catholic and universally funny, will be performing a brand new routine at the Athenaeum Center on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 7 PM. Tickets $35.

He will also be giving a talk on comedy on Friday, Sept. 8, "Divine Comedy: How Jokes Get You to Heaven." Tickets are free but limited amount available so don't wait!!

McLellan was honored as a New Face of Comedy at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, and has performed sold-out tours of the US, UK, and Pakistan. Last year he was awarded a Teaching Fellowship at Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire Institute where he released a course on Comedy and the Catholic Life, and how jokes can make you a better person!

Community News

Our Catholic values and traditions call us to strongly support those with intellectual and developmental disabilities!! Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 N. Ridge will be hosting their annual Family Fest fundraiser this Sunday Sept. 10 from 11 AM to 6 PM.

Around the Archdiocese

St. Jude Relic Tour

The arm of St. Jude (patron saint of difficult causes) is scheduled to tour the following churches: St. John Cantius in Chicago (this weekend), St. Theresa in Palatine, St. Gilbert in Grayslake, St. Julie Billiart in Tinley Park. For more info

Married in 1973? There is still time to register for the Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass with Cardinal Cupich on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2:30PM

Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts

All community members are encouraged to stop by Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, 3404 N. Southport Ave on Tuesday September 12. The ice cream shop will donate 25% of all sales from 3:30—6:30 PM back to AACA! 

Additionally, AACA will be hosting a table at the Low-Line Market at the Southport El stop each Tuesday in September. All visitors to the table will receive free school swag and the chance to win a Foxtrot gift card! The dates are September 5, 12, and 19.