St. Mary of the Assumption

Maple Park, Illinois

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On November 18, 1965, Pope St. Paul VI promulgated the Church’s teaching on Divine Revelation entitled Dei Verbum (“the Word of God”). God’s revelation is the way in which He communicates with us for the purpose of drawing us into friendship with Him. What could be more significant for all believers, and for our mission to bring the good news about Jesus to the world?

The bishops were aware of a need for greater awareness and appreciation of the Bible in the Christian lives of Catholics. Certainly today, when ignorance and misunderstanding of the Bible is often a prime reason why people, especially young people, are turning away from Christianity, it is important to be able to respond to charges made against the teachings of the Bible. 

There are six chapters in Dei Verbum.

• Chapter 1: Revelation itself 
• Chapter 2: Handing on Revelation
• Chapter 3: Sacred Scripture’s Divine Inspiration and Its Interpretation
• Chapter 4: The Old Testament
• Chapter 5: The New Testament and
• Chapter 6: Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church.

At Mass we are frequently told that we are fed by God’s Word in the Scripture and by Jesus’ gift of Himself in the Eucharist. We remember Jesus’ words during His temptation by the devil: “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God [Matthew 4:4]. If we are to be fed by the Word of God in the Scripture readings at Mass, it is important that we understand what we are being fed. Helping us understand is an important part of the ministry of the bishop, priest or deacon in the homilies at Mass, but time limits often do not allow for much in-depth exploration of some of the more difficult Scriptures that may require deeper explanation.

Bible study groups can be very helpful in bringing a deeper understanding of the Scriptures to all of us. If there are any of you who would like to have a Bible study group in our parishes, please let myself or Fr. William know of your desire.

Of course, there are non-Catholic Christian Bible study groups to which we are invited, and they can be helpful. But remember that we can be led astray in them at times, so it is important that we have Catholic Bible study groups available as well, since the Church, not individuals, is the final interpreter in case of doubt. 

God’s word is His way of communicating to us and our treasure. May we deepen our love for the Holy Scriptures and make them part of our life.

Important Messages

• Happy Independence Day! The parish office will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, July 4 & 5.
• COVID-19 Guidance - Masks are currently OPTIONAL for all church functions. Click here to view Bishop Malloy's memo to priests dated February 23, 2022.
• Church Cleaners Needed - Please follow the link to our Signup Genius page, Church Cleaning Schedule, if you are willing and able to help. 
• Daily Mass Schedule - Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM (unless otherwise announced)
• Confession Schedule - Wednesdays: 11:00 AM to 12:00 (Noon); Thursdays: 7:00 to 8:00 PM; Saturdays: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

 

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RCIA = Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

• Non-Catholics who want to find out more about the Catholic Faith
• Those who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism, or Profession of Faith
• Those who were baptized Catholic as infants but never received religious education, Confirmation, or First Eucharist.

Are you or do you know someone who is interested in becoming Catholic? RCIA will begin in early September. Call the parish office. 
 

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Diocesan Appeal 2022

We encourage all parishioners to contribute to the 2022 Diocesan Stewardship Appeal.  See the video above from Bishop Malloy on the many ways this helps the Diocese and our parish. There are several ways to participate:

1. Complete the pledge envelope you received in the mail or pick one up at church and drop it in the mail
2. Give Online: www.rockforddiocese.org/donate
3. Text: “Donate” to 815-885-5806

Thanks to those parishioners who have contributed to the 2022 Diocesan Stewardship Appeal.
The following is the status as of June 27:
 
Please accept our sincere thanks for all of your support to our parish and the Diocese through gifts of your time, talent, and treasure.
 

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Religious Education

Please return your Registration for our Religious Education Program for the 2022-2023 school year. You may pick up your registration forms in the back of the church, at the parish office or online at the link below. Tuition need not be paid at this time but please return them as soon as possible so that we know how much materials we need to purchase.

Classes are held on Sundays, 9:15-10:30 AM, in the Novak Center. Download the RE Calendar and Combined Registration Form here. If you have questions, please call our RE Coordinator Leila Rivers at 815-827-3205 x3.
  

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Mass Intentions

Please remember your loved ones with a Mass intention. We can pray for anyone, they do not have to be deceased. It can be for a wedding anniversary or birthday, a Mass of hanksgiving, or any other special intention. Weekend Masses fill up quickly, but we do have daily Masses each week that are available. You can also use these Masses while you are away and cannot be here to pray for those loved ones. Please call or stop in the parish office for more information.
 

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New Parishioners Welcome!

If you are new to our parish or just visiting - WELCOME!!  If you would like to officially claim St. Mary’s as your parish home - we would love to have you!  Contact the Parish Office (815-827-3205) for information and a registration form.  Forms can be mailed or emailed to you or you may stop in and pick them up.
 

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Volunteers - We Need You!

The Catholic faith community of St. Mary, Maple Park is in need of people to be involved in our liturgy. During this time of COVID, we are in need of cantors, lectors, ushers, and greeters. Make an effort to actively participate at Mass and step up! Contact the parish office if you feel called to serve in a ministry.
 
 
  

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Remember Your Parish...

Just like for your family, it is important that the parish continue paying its bills. Please continue your Sunday contributions to the parish, by mail to: St. Mary Church, PO Box 70, Maple Park, IL 60151, or use our Online Giving service. Thanks and may God bless you!

Please also remember St. Mary’s with a gift in your will or estate plan.

Church Stained Glass Window Work (Update)

The latest phase of work installing vented clear protective glass over our beautiful sacred stained-glass windows is now complete. That being said, we will continue to raise funds for rebuilding the actual interior of our 100+ year-old stained-glass windows as this becomes necessary.

The Diocese has granted us permission that donations we receive for “Stained-Glass” will be exempt from the diocesan assessment (used as a basis of setting our Annual Diocesan Appeal goal) until December 31, 2024.  Therefore, we ask that you use the “stained-glass” offering envelope, online giving selection, or write “stained-glass” on your checks for contributions for the window work. We sincerely thank you for your past donations and ask for your continued generous support in this endeavor to help properly maintain our beautiful church building.