Reopening Update

The parish Reopening Leadership Team continues the necessary work to complete the requirements set forth by the Diocese of Joliet so that we may apply for certification to open for Phase I. Phase I permits us to celebrate Baptisms, Funerals and Reconciliations with 10 people or less.

A letter will be mailed by the end of this week from Fr. David outlining the process and requesting much needed help from volunteers in order to move forward.

In the mailing you will also find a brochure from the Bishop’s office explaining what parishioners may expect when the time comes to reopen for celebrations of daily and weekend Mass. Please familiarize yourself with the new guidelines every parish in the Diocese will follow when we are permitted to gather in the church again at limited capacity. Stay posted to your Flocknotes where we will share all updates about reopening.

Congratulations Graduates!

We would like to congratulate all parishioners who are celebrating a graduation from pre-school, kindergarten, middle school, high school or college. Even though we cannot celebrate in the ways we anticipated, be assured of our pride in your accomplishments and our prayers for your future!

Prayer for Graduates

Gracious and loving God, You have guided our students on their journey, and provided the light for their paths to the future. We thank you for your abiding presence with each of our graduates, from the child completing pre-school to those who seek educational opportunities as adults. Continue to bless our graduates with the gifts of your Spirit as they look forward to new and sturdy growth in life.

For those who begin new paths in daily work and living, guide them in your truth. Grace them with the strength and support to carry out their new responsibilities. For those who will move on to high school or college, we ask you to bless them with open hearts and a thirst for knowledge. May they embrace this passage not as an end, but as a beginning. For those who remain in the circle of this loving community, we ask you to help us continue to support their efforts and endeavors, that they may always know your love and continue to grow in wisdom.

May all of our graduates in every stage of life be strengthened in the hope of a new future and give praise for the many gifts and blessings you give them. Amen.

News from the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry

The Glen Ellyn Food Pantry distributed 6,185 bags of food during April, which is an increase of 48% from last year. The food is going out as fast as we receive it. Although a lot of the basic food we distribute is purchased from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, donations are still needed. Donations can be dropped off inside the entrance of Grace Lutheran Church at 493 Forest Ave. Monday-Friday from 9 am-1 pm. A special table has been set up marked for donations. Because of the virus, donated food is held for approximately 72 hours and wiped down before distributed again. The staff has been working hard and doing an extraordinary job in providing food to those in need. All donations are appreciated. Call the Pantry at 630.469.6988 if you need to arrange another drop off time.

Upcoming Food Drive: May 30th Hosted by Village Green Baptist Church

Join us from 9-11 am on Sat 5/30 in the parking lot of Village Green Baptist Church, 200 S. Lambert Road in Glen Ellyn – there will be volunteers helping with a contact-less drop off.

Top Needs List

Below is a specific list of items that are in the highest demand. You’ll notice non-shelf stable items on this list. Due to COVID-19, we’ve had to suspend grocery recovery from local stores so we haven’t been able to get our regular meat, produce, and frozen items. We’re hoping you can help.

Frozen/Refrigerated: ground beef, chicken, pizza, frozen veggies

Produce: potatoes, onions, apples, oranges

Staples: flour, sugar, pancake/syrup, dried/canned beans (pinto, kidney, white), canned peas/mixed veggies, peanut butter/jelly, white/brown/flavored boxed rice, hamburger helper, canned chili, canned pasta ravioli

Personal Care: laundry detergent, shampoo

Prayer for a New Bishop

As the Diocese of Joliet enters into a time of selection and appointment of a new bishop, our Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Pates, invites all parishioners to pray the prayers below: