There will be an evening of reflection at in Manito at the parish hall including a Lenten meal, talk and recitation of the holy rosary after Mass on April 6th
Please join us in watching Season 1 of this TV drama series on the life of Jesus on Sundays, March 20th at 2pm, March 27 th at 5:30pm, and April 3rd and 10th at 2pm. “The Chosen” will be shown at Immaculate Conception hall followed by a brief discussion.
Dear Friends in Christ,
Just over two years ago, the world entered an unprecedented time as the coronavirus pandemic began. No aspect of our lives went untouched, including the practice of our faith. From the onset, the Diocese of Peoria, in consort with the other diocese in the State of Illinois, implemented protocols intended to protect the health and wellbeing of our brothers and sisters – especially the most vulnerable among us. I take this opportunity to acknowledge and honor all the sacrifices that were made, and to thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Now, having reached a point where many of the safety protocols are able to be lifted, the time has come to rescind the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. This will occur on Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022. Each year on this occasion, we mark Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem as we begin Holy Week. This year, it will also mark our Church’s triumphant renewal of Sunday worship. Having borne the cross of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Holy Week is a most fitting time to enter anew into the death and resurrection of Jesus and experience the renewed life of the Church as we celebrate the source and summit of our lives as Catholic Christians – the Most Holy Eucharist.
During the past couple of years, many of our parishes began the praiseworthy practice of streaming their Masses and other liturgical events. I am glad to know that a number of our churches will continue this practice for the benefit of our sick and homebound. However, it must be noted that watching Mass on TV or via the Internet – even when it is live-streamed, does not fulfill the Sunday obligation. As has always been the case, those who are ill or homebound, along with those who care for them, are not obliged to attend Mass. Furthermore, charity indicates that if you are contagious, you should stay home.
We have all suffered through this pandemic together; therefore, it will be a great blessing to fully welcome back all our brothers and sisters to Mass, particularly for our beautiful and deeply significant liturgies of Holy Week and Easter!
My dear friends, let us continue to pray for one another as many still struggle with matters related to the coronavirus pandemic. We pray that Jesus’ healing touch may come upon those who continue to suffer. Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us
~ Bishop Louis Tylka
After two years of waiting due to Covid, we are now reinstituting the special Seder Meal (adapted Jewish Passover Meal) before the Holy Thursday evening Mass on April 14th at Immaculate Conception. We need to know how much food to prepare so if you would like to attend please sign up in the narthex of the church. Thank you!
Next Friday, March 25th, the Feast of the Annunciation, Pope Francis and all the bishops around the world will be consecrating Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This is very significant because Our Lady requested such a consecration when she appeared in Fatima in 1917 in order to bring about peace and the conversion of the world. Bishop Tylka has requested that we gather in groups that day to pray the rosary in union with the Pope and the bishops making the consecration. Fr. David will be sending out a Flocknote letting you know the time when the rosary will be prayed in each of our three parishes that day. If you are unable to attend, please consider praying a rosary for this intention on your own. Our Lady and Our Lord are counting on us. Thank you!
“Let us immerse ourselves into the ocean of love which the rosary allows us to drink in richly, and let the glowing love of Christ and his Mother inflame our weak sacrificial spirit.”
Lent begins this Wednesday, March 2nd. During the season of Lent the universal Church enters into a time of more intense conversion of heart to the Lord through prayer, fasting and works of charity. Please take some time to reflect on how you might incorporate these three spiritual disciplines into your Lenten journey this year. To assist you in your Lenten observance I suggest you incorporate the devotional helps listed below ~ Fr. David
Lenten Flyer: Each week there will be an attachment to the bulletin offering reflections and tips on how to make your Lenten Journey more meaningful.
Daily Mass: In addition to the weekend, please consider coming to a weekday Mass each week of Lent. FYI: there will be a Tuesday 5:15pm Mass in Manito added to the schedule.
Stations of the Cross: This beautiful meditation on the Passion of our Lord will be prayed after the Mass on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week of Lent.
Rosary Novena: Please consider praying the 54 Day Rosary Novena (beginning on Ash Wednesday) for Catholics in both Mason and Fulton Counties to come back to Mass.
Soup & Reflection: There will be an evening of reflection at Immaculate Conception parish hall including a Lenten meal, talk and recitation of the holy rosary.
The Chosen Series: On Sundays, March 20, 27, and April 3, episodes of Season 1 of “The Chosen” will be shown at Immaculate Conception hall followed by a brief discussion.
“Go to the Madonna. Love her! Always say the Rosary. Say it well. Say it as often as you can! Be souls of prayer. Never tire of praying, it is what is essential. Prayer shakes the Heart of God, it obtains necessary graces!”
Go to the Madonna. Love her! Always say the Rosary. Say it well. Say it as often as you can! Be souls of prayer. Never tire of praying, it is what is essential. Prayer shakes the Heart of God, it obtains necessary graces!