Although our parish office will remain closed for the duration of the outbreak, we remain accessible via phone. Priests are available for emergency anointings and funerals are still being scheduled. You may reach us at 708-422-8995 or through email.

May 17, 2020 6th Sunday of Easter

Parish Staff Fr. Benedykt Pazdan, Pastor

Fr. Bob Tonelli, Resident Priest

Deacon Kevin O’Donnell, Permanent Deacon kodonnell@stbernadettechurch.org

Anita O’Donnell, Religious Education Administrator aodonnell@stbernadettechurch.org

Ellie Joyce, Admin. Asst. to the Pastor ejoyce@stbernadettechurch.org

Kim Osowiec, Business Manager kosowiec@stbernadettechurch.org

Tom McNamara, Director of Music tmcnamara @stbernadettechurch.org

Kayla Hughes, Children’s Choir Director khughes@stbernadettechurch.org

Rick Gutierrez, Director of Facilities rgutierrez@stbernadettechurch.org

Mark Wilkey, Director of Communication mwilkey@stbernadettechurch.org

ST. BERNADETTE

9343 S. Francisco ● Evergreen Park, IL 60805 2

The Archdiocese of Chicago, in consultation with public health officials and the State of Illinois, has developed a plan for reopening parishes. The plan is gradual; we will not resume normal services and celebrations overnight. As the public health situation changes, so too may our plan for reopening. We will be forming a Reopening Leadership Team of volunteers from non-vulnerable populations to assist in our gradual reopening. The team will be made up of six people, including Fr. Benedykt. The team will undergo training the week of May 18 and then move forward to resume worship services at a pace and timing appropriate for our own situation. Our team will have the following responsibilities: • supervise cleaning, set-up, and greeting. • maintain and operate a plan to acquire necessary safety and cleaning supplies. • communicate any necessary information to our parishioners (which will be done through Flocknote, robocalls, our website, and Facebook page).

Once we have done this, we can be certified to enter Phase 1 of our reopening. Phase 1 allows us to reopen for: • Baptisms • Weddings • Funerals • Confessions All with groups of no more than 10 people. The earliest the Archdiocese will begin certifying parishes to enter Phase 1 is Saturday, May 23. Following a successful implementation of Phase 1, there may be additional changes that need to be made before moving to Phase 1A, based on feedback from parishioners and guidance from public health officials. Once we have implemented any changes that arise and begin Phase 1A, we will be able to open the church for: • private prayer • Adoration Again, only groups of no more than 10 people will be permitted.

The Archdiocese will begin certifying parishes to enter Phase 1A on Saturday, May 30. Neither Phase 1 nor Phase 1A allow for the celebration of public Masses, even those with 10 or fewer attendees. The celebration of Mass is much more complex, and will require further guidance from health officials as well as data from the implementation of Phases 1 and 1A. However, we will continue streaming all Masses online during Phases 1 and 1A. Public Masses will resume in Phase 2. In order to enter Phase 2, we will need to submit an individual plan for safely celebrating Mass to the Archdiocese and public health officials. Much of the plan for safely celebrating Mass is dependent on requirements and guidelines from the state (for instance, what size crowds will be permitted?). The Archdiocese does not have an estimated date for when parishes could begin Phase 2. Following our training and certification approval, at St. Bernadette, we will only enter Phase 1 once the Reopening Leadership Team and I feel confident that we have the right volunteers in place to make it possible to reopen. Again, the need for parishioner assistance cannot be overstated. The guidelines and measures required to reopen are designed to protect our wellbeing and that of the broader community. As Cardinal Cupich has noted, from the first pages of Scripture we learn that we indeed are “our brother’s keeper.” Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed, “that they all may be one” (Jn 17:21) and commanded us “love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (Jn 13:34). Our collective patience, willingness to help and the care we take to reopen is a demonstration of our unity and love for one another. You can read the full Executive Summary of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s plan, along with a letter from the Cardinal, at https://www.archchicago.org/coronavirus/reopening Peace, Fr. Benedykt & the parish staff

Dear Parishioners,

Our Plan to Resume Safe, Public Masses at St. Bernadette

ST. BERNADETTE

708-422-8995 ● stbernadettechurch.org 3

As Jesus prepared the apostles for the time when he would no longer be with them physically, and knowing that they would face hardship, trials, and persecution in the future, he promised them an Advocate, the Holy Spirit. Through baptism that same Spirit dwells within us, always with us to guide us in the truth of God’s love and strengthen us so that we may know Christ and live as Christ’s people. Now, as in every time, God knows it is not always easy to live as a Christian. With the assurance of the Holy Spirit’s presence, we find the grace to love Jesus and to keep the Lord’s commandments. STRENGTHENED TO LIVE AS CHRIST’S OWN We might look at the world around us and conclude that this is the most challenging time in history during which to live as a person of faith. Yet we know this is not so. Throughout the ages, people of faith have faced mockery, persecution, and even death as a result of their commitment to Christ. Still, it is important for us to acknowledge the challenge of living as a Christian today, when faith is viewed with ambivalence at best, and often with antagonism. Some do not understand how faith and reason can sit side by side, even though many of the world’s greatest scientific discoveries have been made by people of faith. Others see the failures of the Church or its leaders and discount faith as a result. We rely on the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit to be with us when we are mocked or simply misunderstood on account of our faith in Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, we will find the grace to live with conviction as Christian people. THE REASON FOR OUR HOPE Saint Peter admonishes us, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” One of the greatest gifts of faith in our lives is our hope in Christ Jesus. Through Christ, we keep our eyes on the wider view of life here on earth and everlasting life with God. We know that the trials and challenges

of today do not have the final word, and do not have power over us. With the presence of the Advocate, we have the help we need to live as God directs and desires, so that the world might come to know Christ through the witness of our lives. This is a hope-filled, meaningful way of life. When so much of our surrounding culture speaks of impermanence and momentary distractions, we have the hope of meaning and purpose today and the promise of eternal life to come. Today’s Readings: Acts 8:5–8, 14–17; Ps 66:1–3, 4–5, 6–7, 16, 20; 1 Peter 3:15–18; John 14:15–21 Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

ST. BERNADETTE

9343 S. Francisco ● Evergreen Park, IL 60805 4

Mass Intentions for the Week

Fr. Benedykt and Fr. Bob continue to say Mass daily and pray for our intentions. You may still request Mass intentions online through our website or by written letter mailed or dropped off to the rectory. Monday, May 18, 2020 8:30 a.m. All Souls Tuesday, May 19, 2020 8:30 a.m. All Souls Wednesday, May 20, 2020 8:30 a.m. John Welcome, Jack Starshak Thursday, May 21, 2020 8:30 a.m. Irene Tobolski, Betty Norris Friday, May 22, 2020 8:30 a.m. All fathers, living and deceased Saturday, May 23, 2020 8:30 a.m. All mothers, living and deceased 4:00 p.m. Betty Norris, Robert “Bob” Stumpe Sunday, May 24, 2020 8:30 a.m. Brian Wehmer, Patricia Hitt, Daniel Curtis 10:30 a.m. Stephanie, Jill, and Mary, for strength and for the ultimate healing of mental illness

Pray for the Sick, Especially...

Village Pantry

If you or someone you know is in need, please know that the Village Pantry is here for Evergreen Park residents. If you are a senior, or a higher risk individual, and worry about going to the grocery story, please know the pantry is here for you as well. The Village Pantry is open every Friday from 9:30am-1:30pm. It is located at 2700 W. 98th Place. They are even offering drive-up service. As Mayor Sexton put it in a recent message to village residents, sent through email and posted on the village’s website, “This is available to every Evergreen Park resident who needs help! … This is a time and situation that is completely out of the ordinary. There is no shame in using the Pantry. This is why it is there!” (The Mayor is delivering occasional messages via email. Visit the village website to sign up: http://www.evergreenpark-ill.com/)

Daniel John Willis

Pray for All of Our First Responders and Front Line Workers, Including...

Frank Albarron Bob Kobel Vince Vizza

John Smith Lois Stumpe

Pray for Our Faithful Departed

Jay Reilly

Call to Pray

The Archdiocese of Chicago is introducing a service for people who would like to pray with someone rather than on their own. Volunteers are staffing a phone line, available from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. everyday (with voicemail) and will accompany anyone who feels the need to pray. https://www.archchicago.org/calltoprayer

Spiritual Communion

While the church remains closed during the shelter in place order, we are nonetheless painfully aware that being cut off from the sacramental life of the church, especially the Eucharist, creates a great hardship for the Church and Her people, most especially now during Holy Week. However, we make this sacrifice for the common good, convinced that we, like all citizens, have a responsibility in preventing the spread of COVID-19. In fact, doing so will ensure that our people can return to the sacraments as soon as possible. We remind everyone to do the best they can to practice spiritual communion and to use this prayer in the absence of the Eucharist: “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.”

Sunday, May 17, 2020SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTERHope is nourishingEspecially in these trying times, we may be tempted to dismisshope as something akin to wishful thinking. Yet hope is atheological virtue, along with faith and love. These three put usinto position for personal union with God. Hope, in particular,orients us perpetually in a Godward direction no matter where lifetakes us. As Cistercian monk Aelred of Rivaulx declared: “Whatis hope but food for the journey to support us in the miseries ofthis life?” Cultivate hope by weeding out habits of negativity andcynicism.

TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21(55). “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asksyou for a reason for your hope.”

Monday, May 18, 2020MEMORIAL OF JOHN I, POPE, MARTYRLean on the LordPope John I was frail when he was elected to the papacy in 523,and he did not survive imprisonment by a heretical king. Frompermanent disabilities to occasional illness, from aging to chronicfatigue to widespread viral infection, we all experience physicalweakness at some point and know that it can feel like a prison.When we hit the limits of our bodies, our inner strength can wanetoo. At that time—and at any time—lean on the Lord to carryyou through.

TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 16:11-15; John 15:26—16:4a (291). “TheSpirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.”

Tuesday, May 19, 2020EASTER WEEKDAYAlways at our side and on our sideWhen Jesus promised his disciples the Holy Spirit, he used aninteresting word. He called their holy helper a “paraclete,” theGreek word for advocate—literally “called to one’s side.” It wasused in courts of law to describe an intercessor or counselor.From the Book of Job, we also know paraclete can mean“comforter.” What a rich, meaningful name to give that Spiritwho guides us still—by our side even when we’re as clueless ascan be.

TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 16:22-34; John 16:5-11 (292). “If I do notgo, the Advocate will not come.”

Wednesday, May 20, 2020MEMORIAL OF BERNARDINE OF SIENA, PRIESTThe best witness is a joyful heartDo you know of someone whose energy and joy attractsfollowers of all kinds? Franciscan priest and theologian SaintBernadine of Siena (1380-1444), whose feast we celebrate today,was one of those people. He was a human dynamo whosepreaching drew thousands of fans throughout Italy even as hechallenged them to practice voluntary poverty and denounced thesins of the day. His joyful eloquence defined his ministry and wasimpossible to ignore. Can you bring others to God through ajoyful spirit?

TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 17:15, 22—18:1; John 16:12-15 (293).“They were to seek God, yes . . . though he is not really far fromany one of us.”

Thursday, May 21, 2020SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORDThis isn’t goodbyeAfter listening to the nightly news, a friend recently (andunderstandably) gasped: “We need Jesus!” Most believers wouldagree. Which is perhaps why the Ascension doesn’t feel like anevent we’re much inclined to celebrate. Jesus departs; thissounds like a terrible idea from every standpoint except the truth—because Jesus promises to send us his Spirit as an indwellingpresence. If we still feel like orphans, remember Jesus’ words: “Iam with you always.” See Jesus all around: in word andsacrament, in the assembly of faith, in the disadvantaged sisterand brother.

TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20 (58). “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of theage.”

Friday, May 22, 2020EASTER WEEKDAYIdentify escape routesDuring stressful times and increased family togetherness, such asglobal "stay-at-home" orders, domestic abuse increases. Specialhotlines and secret havens are set up to assist victims, and abusersare encouraged to seek help as well. Saint Rita of Cascia, whosefeast we celebrate today, was mentally and physically abused byher husband for years. In the Middle Ages, she had littlerecourse. She chose to respond with kindness, patience, andhumility. Her virtues did little to change her husband’s behavior,but she did her best to escape her situation, at least spiritually.With the many resources available today, be aware of the signs ofabuse and encourage loved ones to seek both physical andspiritual refuge.

TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 18:9-18; John 16:20-23 (295). “No one willtake your joy away from you.”

Saturday, May 23, 2020EASTER WEEKDAYHere’s to lifeAs we adjust to new ways of living, the Easter season offersmuch-needed hope. Resurrection changes everything, not only insalvation history but also here and now. Life coming out of death.That is the mystery of our faith, and the mystery of the world welive in. For every story of greed and ineptitude, there are manymore stories of generosity and competence. Celebrate thosevictories. That is the life that comes out of death.

TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 18:23-28; John 16:23b-28 (296). “For theFather himself loves you because you have loved me and have cometo believe that I came from God.”

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time©2020 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; mail@takefiveforfaith.com. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints permittedwith the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible RevisedEdition. For more information about TAKE FIVE and our regular contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com. Free daily email and appavailable online at TakeFiveForFaith.com/subscribe.

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