News - November 2023

By now, you have heard the very unfortunate news that the Illinois legislature decided that the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program will terminate on December 31, 2023. For 83 years, Queen of All Saints School has provided students a high-quality, faith-based education that prepares them to lead, not just in our local communities but in the broader national and global communities in which our graduates contribute their talents...

With Christmas on a Monday this year, our Advent season of preparation is the shortest it can be. Looking ahead, since the fourth Sunday of Advent is on Christmas eve, we have made some adjustments to our usual schedule. On the fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24, we will have only three Masses in the morning, at 7, 9 and 11am, so that we will have time for the last-minute decorations in the sanctuary. 

This weekend is the end of our Thanksgiving holiday, an American tradition with a distinctly religious foundation, one with a special focus on our obligation of stewardship and generosity to each other, in grateful remembrance of all the blessings God has bestowed upon us. Gratitude lies at the very heart of stewardship.

This edition of the bulletin had to go to press almost a week before the usual deadline. I am writing this on the Friday before the winter clothing drive for the migrants and the homeless. I want to thank you all for your generosity to clothe those who are naked and exposed to the elements of a Chicago winter. Some of you dug deep into your closets to share with others in need; some of you have gone out and bought something in a spirit of concern, giving and sharing...

Thanksgiving is an American holiday with a distinctly religious foundation. Thanksgiving focuses on our obligation of stewardship and generosity to each other, in grateful remembrance of all the blessings God has bestowed upon us. Gratitude lies at the very heart of stewardship.

The boys and girls of Scout Troop 626 based at Queen of All Saints parish will be taking orders for Danish Kringles and frozen cookie dough from Wisconsin’s famous Lehmann’s Bakery. Order now until the deadline on December 9. Kringles are 28 ounces of pastry joy and come in eleven flavors. The cookie dough is frozen, easy to scoop and bake, and comes in three varieties...

A few days from now will be Thanksgiving Day, the beginning of the holiday season. For most of us, the first step in making the holidays magical is dressing our homes for the season, from trimming a tree to decking the mantel to setting a table for parties and feasts. This time of  year is centered around family gatherings...

Regular readers of this page in our weekly bulletin know that we always present an honest assessment of our parish finances and our goals for our shared future. We ask that everyone carefully consider what we have read and heard. Then, take an honest look at how our lives have been blessed by God and how we might repay those blessings with generosity to our parish and the many ministries through which we help and assist each other.

Good and gracious God, you do not condone war. Help us to understand the cause of war and work toward alleviating it from the face of the earth you created. We ask you to bless the veterans of our country, as we thank them for their sacrifice and service. Remember our brothers and sisters who have given their lives in order to save others. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Click the heading for names of our veterans related to QAS.

Stewardship involves our gifts of time, talent and treasure. Let’s talk about time. COVID restrictions are mostly an increasingly distant memory. Vaccinations are routine, school is in full session, work routines have become more flexible to adapt to people’s desires for more work from home. New experiences are planned and yet we remember the traditional need to return as a community to our basilica for worship, for prayer and for spiritual comfort...

One of the ongoing ministries of the Elizabeth Ministry is the Meal Train. Volunteers sign up to bring a meal to a family during a time of need (new baby, illness, death in the family, etc.) to bring a little comfort. The ministry is also proud to work with Partners in Prayer, a group providing spiritual and social support to persons with developmental and/or physical challenges. Participants celebrate Mass and share a potluck lunch every month from September through May...

If Christ’s words stir you, the food pantry and soup kitchen at St. Thomas of Canterbury (4827 N. Kenmore in Uptown) are a great way to put your faith into action. St. Thomas of Canterbury has been a QAS sharing parish for decades, with a rich legacy of QAS’ funding and volunteers serving at the soup kitchen and food pantry. The pantry needs a few more volunteers...

Last week I mentioned that November is a month to remember: to remember our loved ones who have been called to our eternal home; to remember those who defend our freedom; and to remember with gratitude the many blessings from God. When we remember, we bring to mind someone or something, drawing on our memories. Memories may feel warm and comforting, filling us with joy...