 Dear Friends,
On June 30, 2021, we closed the books on the second fiscal year of our newly formed Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish. We did our best during the first global pandemic in a century. We pumped our creative juices, adjusted, and pivoted at every turn. By all accounts, we not only survived the pandemic, but we thrived, thanks to the steadfast support and great stewardship of so many. I thank God for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the stewardship of the amazing Saints JFX community. Between July 1, 2020, and the end of our fiscal year on June 30, 2021, we faced plenty of obstacles. However, we chose to view them as opportunities. Working together, we: • Safely reopened our schools and remained fully open from August to June • Welcomed over 600 students to our two campuses • Found creative ways to use virtual platforms to educate and develop nearly 300 students in our Youth Faith Formation program. To see the full report, click here.  Thursday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m. Central (8 p.m. Eastern)
Join Catholics and Protestants across the country coming together online to pray for the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case. This is the case that could overturn Roe v. Wade—the Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal in all 50 states. This historic online gathering will bring together Christians across denominations. Together, we will pray for a just outcome that protects millions of preborn babies and their mothers. Jesus says, “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mt 18:20). Reserve your spot today: Click here to register  Dear Parishioner/Friend of Saints JFX Parish,
Our Pastor, Father Wayne Watts, recently formed a cross-functional Stewardship committee with a mission to increase engagement within our parish and its many ministries by encouraging others to share their personal resources of time, talent, and treasure. Since coming together in July 2019, we have successfully integrated two vibrant parish communities and have become one. At Saints JFX, we are blessed with two wonderful schools, two beautiful church campuses, and hundreds of dedicated and loving parishioners. We pulled together in innovative ways to continue to worship and serve the community despite the Covid-19 pandemic. While times are not completely back to normal, there are still countless ways to safely connect as a parish through masses, ministries, and fellowship. We can actively practice our faith now and as we continue to emerge from the pandemic in the year ahead. We have put together a brief survey to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and perspectives on how we, as a whole, can better serve the needs of our parish and greater community moving forward. What can Saints JFX Parish do to make our dynamic community even better? Please click the link below to complete the survey, which should only take a few minutes of your time. Your responses will remain anonymous. We ask that each adult (age 18+) complete one survey by October 14, 2021. We hope to have the results compiled for reporting after the holiday season. Saints JFX Parish Survey click here If you have any questions concerning the survey, please email: stewardshipssjfx@archchicago.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Thank you and God bless, The Saints JFX Stewardship Committee  Choir Season Returns!
After an 18 month hiatus, our choirs will soon resume with regular weekly schedules. The first opportunity will be to provide music at the Sister’s Jubilee Mass on Sunday August 22nd at the St. Joseph Church. Join us for the rehearsal at 9:30 am in the St. Joseph Church Community Room. Mass music will begin at 10:50am - we will be seated in the upper loft. ALL are welcome. Our contact list is outdated. Please sign up (previous and new singers) for our parish choirs at SJ and SFX Churches, by e-mailing both jmetzinger@ssjfx.org and jhopkins17@gmail.com with your name, contact information, and any preference you might have for church location.  We have exciting news: Registration is now open for our Youth Faith Formation (YFF) Program at Saints JFX! The Archdiocese has shared with us that all Youth Formation Classes will meet in person for the upcoming school year.
Please use this LINK to register for YFF classes. As our program continues to grow, we are looking for ways to best meet the needs of our parish families. We offer classes at both church campuses on Sundays and have additional after school classes on Tuesday at the St. Joseph church campus. See the registration form for more information. Questions? Contact YFF Directors Dani Froelich – dfroelich@ssjfx.org Director of non-Sacrament classes, OR Dana McKenna – dmckenna@ssjfx.org, Director of Sacrament classes.  Fr. Robert Ryan is from Antioch, IL, and is the youngest of 3 children. Before becoming a priest, he attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising in 2007, and then moved to Austin, TX, where he had a successful sales career in IT. In 2013, he had a profound and powerful experience of the Lord’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and felt a calling from God. Fr. Ryan began his formation for the priesthood in 2015, and has since completed a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Religion.
Fr. Ryan was ordained as a Catholic priest in 2021. He also completed a Baccalaureate of Sacred Theology and Master of Divinity in 2021. He will complete a Licentiate of Sacred Theology in 2023, while actively preaching and celebrating sacraments at both our Saints JFX churches. Fr. Ryan is very excited and thankful to come and be a part of the Saints JFX community. His desire is for us to come to know and love each other and, together, come to know and love Our Lord, Jesus Christ. We ask you to welcome and pray for Fr. Ryan as he begins his journey at Saints JFX, beginning July 1, 2021. |
