"I will place my law within them
and write it upon their hearts;
I will be their God,
and they shall be my people."
~ Jeremiah 31:33
The New Covenant
Today’s first reading is an enormously important passage, not only in the history of the Jewish people, but also for us as disciples of Jesus, who see in it a foreshadowing of the Christian dispensation. The prophet announces that God has chosen to forgive the people, and that as a sign of divine forgiveness a new covenant will be established. Contrasting the new covenant with the one made with Moses on Mount Sinai, Jeremiah says that the new covenant will be written on the people’s hearts rather than on tablets of stone. No longer will the community’s tradition be the sole bearer of the covenant; henceforth, God will speak directly and personally to each individual, forgiving sin and calling for a return to God in faithfulness. No longer will mere outward compliance with the dictates of the Law suffice; henceforth, God asks for an obedience that springs from the depths of one’s heart.

Precisely that kind of obedience is highlighted in today’s second reading, where the author of the Letter to the Hebrews describes Jesus as the mediator of the new covenant whose obedience has made him the source of salvation for all who, in turn, obey him.
Happy St. Patrick's Day
“May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song, may each day bring you bright, happy hours that stay with you all year long.” — Irish Proverb
Solemnity of St. Joseph
All are invited to stay following the 8:15am Morning Mass this Friday, March 19th at SJE to pray the Rosary. We will conclude the Rosary with a special prayer to St. Joseph.

This Friday evening, please join us for a special Mass at 7pm at QR to honor the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Those who are concluding the Men's Lenten Series will be provided an opportunity to consecrate themselves to St. Joseph during this Mass. All are invited.

Since the Solemnity (Solemn Feast Day) of St. Joseph, March 19, falls on a Friday this week the law of abstinence from meat and meat products does not apply on Friday, March 19th this year (per Canon 1251).
RSVP for Sunday Liturgies
RSVP for the Fifth Sunday of Lent is live March 17th at 7:00pm!

Please note, attendance is limited and registration is required. Schedule as follows:

Saturday
SJE Church, 5:00pm

Sunday
QR Church, 8:00am

SJE Church, 9:15am

QR Church, 10:30am
QR Church, 10:30am Parking Lot (intended for those with underlying medical conditions who are unable to join us in church at this time)
Follow this link to keep up with Readings for Daily and Sunday liturgies.
We have added a parking lot option at the 10:30am Mass at QR. This option is restricted to those with underlying medical conditions, who, due to the ongoing pandemic are unable to join us in church at this time. Please select QR Parking Lot* on the SignUp and include the number in your car so that we know how many to expect. Park in the West lot in front of the steps and tune to 102.5 FM radio channel to listen to Mass on your car radio, or watch from your phone on our Facebook page. At Communion, an Extraordinary Minister will distribute the Holy Eucharist to guests in each car.

*In case of inclement weather, the parking lot option will not be available and we will do our best to contact you in advance of the 10:30am Mass.

Important Note: The following safety protocols continue to be enforced at ALL liturgies and in-person gatherings at both churches, parish centers and on parish grounds: face covering worn securely over nose and mouth, hands sanitized upon entry (and again prior to receiving Holy Communion), seating in marked areas only to respect social distancing, temperature checks for all events involving youth or food service and no congregating in church facilities including parking lots.

If in the previous 14 days you have traveled to a state on the watch list, experienced any cold or flu symptoms or have spent time with anyone experiencing symptoms, we ask out of an abundance of caution that you please stay home to help insure the safety of our parish family.

Wondering what to expect? Follow this link to download Parishioner Reopening Guides in Polish, Spanish or English. And take a minute to watch our Welcome Home Video on the home page!

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.
March 24th Winter Supper
Chicken Casserole...It’s What’s for Supper in March! If you are able to help shop, cook, prep, pack or clean up for the
Wednesday, March 24th Winter Supper, we need you!

Sign-Up Here or contact the parish office (847) 956-0130.

TEENS: Winter Suppers is a great way to have fun with family and friends while earning Service Hours!
Calling All Sewers!
Yes, we know that Christmas is nine months away, and no, this isn't a typo. We don't call them Christmas Elves for nothing...

While we're all waiting for Spring to make an appearance, the Boys of Summer to throw out the first pitch, and dreaming about Summer BBQ's, OLBS Christmas Elves are busy sewing 1000+ stockings for the children at Mission Our Lady of Angels.

If you sew, or would like to learn, and would like to join our Christmas Elves, please contact the parish office (847) 956-0130 and we'll connect you.
The Way of the Cross
Join us in church to pray the Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent. This Friday, March 19th, Stations will be prayed at 6pm at Queen of the Rosary. For those still unable to join us, Stations of the Cross may be live-streamed to our websites and Facebook pages when possible.
Join Us for Healing
"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD" ~ Jeremiah 30:17

Though sometimes God's perfect plan is that we experience disease, sickness and hardship, we offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to provide God's comfort and strength to those in need by inviting the Holy Spirit into our hearts for physical, spiritual and emotional healing.

Join us on Friday, March 26th at 7pm at St. Julian Eymard for a Healing Mass during Lent.
Calling All Teens, Take Mr. Van's Teen Lenten Challenge!
This week we visit the Ninth and Tenth Stations as we Walk the Way of the Cross with Jesus. Follow this link to read reflections on each Station as we journey through Lent.

This week's challenge, Gather some nice new or gently used clothes and other necessary accessories to donate to a shelter or charity shop or even someone you know who is suffering the indignation of not having anything decent to wear. When you donate, find a way to do it anonymously so they don’t have to suffer the indignation of you knowing their plight. Remember: the Father sees what no one else sees and your reward will be great in Heaven. Remember: God is never outdone in generosity!

Share photos and pics from the Teen Lenten Challenge on the YM Facebook page to help inspire others!

Ready to take the Challenge? Follow this link to Take Mr. Van's Teen Lenten Challenge!
School Report
From the desk of Laura Ellefson, kindergarten teacher...

Kindergarten at Queen of the Rosary School is a very special place! In the month of February,
kinders have been very busy. It started with waiting for the groundhog to see his shadow.
Next, we learned about Moses, the ten commandments and making good choices. We received our ashes and made our Lenten promises. We listened to some awesome guest readers, while celebrating Catholic Schools Week. We created artwork inspired by Piet Mondrain. We practiced our sight words, worked on our addition and subtraction skills and used our fine
motor skills to make a beautiful valentine necklaces. After that, we learned about the Lunar
New Year, the Year of the Ox, and how it is celebrated. Lastly, we enjoyed the fresh air with a
return to the playground! Kindergarten is a happy place at Queen of the Rosary School.

Please continue to pray for our school as we continue to teach in these special circumstances.

Follow this link to discover more about QR School.
Save the Date, April 17, 2021 for QR School's Annual Spring Gala.

Follow this link for more information, to buy tickets or to help raise donations.
RE Roundup
From the desk of Mrs. Uhlarik, Coordinator of Religious Education...

Save the Date for the upcoming March 30th Carlo Acutis Faith Sharing Night when OLBS' very own, Fr. Dan Folwaczny, will be Jonathon Blevins special guest.

Diagnosed with one of the worst types of leukemia – Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML or M3), Carlo died in 2006 at age 15. His reaction was striking: “I offer to the Lord the sufferings that I will have to undergo for the Pope and for the Church, so as not to have to be in Purgatory and be able to go directly to heaven."

Carlo's true passion was the Eucharist: "his highway to heaven". At the age of 11, Carlo began to investigate the Eucharistic miracles that have occurred in history. He used all his computer knowledge and talents to create a website that traced that history. It comprises 160 panels that have also made the rounds of more than 10,000 parishes in the world.
Follow this link to download the flyer to learn more.

Contact Mrs. Uhlarik or Mrs. D. to register and receive the Zoom link.
Easter Basket Project
To the many who have already donated, we thank you for your generosity! If you have a donation to drop off, don't forget that this Friday, March 19th is the last day.

Members of our Youth Group will assemble, wrap and help deliver baskets to Elk Grove Township before Holy Week. Most-requested items from the Easter Bunny this year:

  • Plastic baskets
  • Cellophane bags
  • Grass
  • Coloring books
  • Crayons
  • Small stuffed animals
  • Bubbles
  • Individually wrapped candy
  • Chalk
  • Small toys
  • No used items please

Your help is greatly appreciated!
VIRTUAL TOOLBOX
We may still be limited in gathering and need to keep our social distance for a little while longer, so we remind you that we have the following virtual tools to help us stay connected:

Sunday's Digital Worship Aid. Whether you print out or follow along on your phone, from home or inside our churches, you will find Sunday's Digital Worship Aid on the home page of our church websites: QR (scroll down to the link "Click here for digital worship aid...") and SJE (scroll down to the button "Sunday's Digital Worship Aid").

Daily Prayer. Follow this link to review daily prayer, or signup to receive daily prayer delivered right to your inbox.

Morning Prayer. No commute, no computer needed...join us on your phone Monday through Saturday for Morning Prayer. Learn more.

Weekly Bulletin. Download the weekly parish bulletin when you are unable to attend Mass.

Weekly Rosary. The Rosary is prayed at SJE on Tuesdays at 7pm. If you are unable to join us in church, we invite you to join the live-stream.

Live-Stream. We have live-stream available for Sunday liturgy and some daily Mass from both churches: QR and SJE.

Let's Get Social. Like or follow us on Facebook to receive news and updates in real time and join the conversation: QR and SJE.
Raise Your Hand
Our Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, and School Board are advisory bodies that Fr. Dan turns to for support, expertise, and perspective.

Joining a council or board requires a short 1-3 year commitment and shows great stewardship. Please share your gifts and offer your talents to one of these three important consultative boards or one of the many ministries serving our parish and community. Raise your hand. Make a real difference in the life of our parish and schools. OLBS needs YOU!

Want to know more? Please contact the parish office (847) 956-0130.
DID YOU KNOW?
In our community of faith nobody grieves alone. In addition to our clergy, the OLBS Bereavement Ministry prays with and for families grieving the loss of a loved one. Compassionate ministers assist in planning and celebrating the Rite of Christian Burial from wake service to the final committal.

We are grateful for your continued generosity to the needs of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament family during this time. In addition to dropping or mailing your donation to church, you may give online where you may make weekly contributions to our parish family and keep the vital ministries and services we provide going. We thank you for your generosity!

SJE Campus | 601 Biesterfield Road | (847) 956-0130
QR Campus | 750 W Elk Grove Blvd | (847) 437-0403