With the amount of traffic that passes by our church every day (as many as 4,000 cars on some days), it seems wise to try and reach more people and share what is happening at St. Raphael. With that in mind, our parish council has discussed investing in a new sign that would be in the middle of our driveway and visible to people in passing cars. Imagine a sign that has messages such as: the Christmas schedule, special events, our website address and more. Northbound drivers would have about seven seconds to read whatever message is displayed. Southbound drivers would have less time due to visibility issues.

Deacon Peter LeTourneau, our Operations Director, has reviewed signs from different parishes such asSt. Gilbert in Grayslake. We have also contacted the Village of Old Mill Creek about the use of an electronic sign board with soft, white lights. This would allow us to display multiple messages throughout the day. All of this would take into consideration how the sign would match the architecture of our beautiful church building. The cost of such a sign is approximately $40,000. This would be a wonderful way to introduce thousands of motorists to St. Raphael. Please let me know if you have any feedback or wish to donate toward this project.
 

October 10 and every second Thursday of the month we will be having a fundraiser at Panera Bread in Gurnee. Simply Present this Flyer (also in this past week's Parish Bulletin) and Panera Bread Will Donate a Portion of the Proceeds from Your Purchase to our Parish.  - Each participant must present this flyer (either hard copy or electronic image on smart phone / tablet) to the cashier at the time of purchase

Bundle-up Sunday October 19-20, 2019 


 

Before and after all Masses on the weekend of October 19-20, a St. Vincent DePaul trailer will be parked outside for your convenience to drop off small household items, clothing, etc.
Keep in mind the need for winter clothing as you are bringing out last winter’s clothing and storing the summer’s away.

Your donations help St. Vincent DePaul serve many people in need.

Our parish will once again offer a Family Mass on Sunday, October 20 at 11:00 am. The liturgy will involve the youth of our parish in several roles and the preaching will focus on the youth and our families. Please spread the word and plan to join us on October 20.

Several dozen people from the parish turned out for our conversation about the life of the Church today that was held in our Fellowship Hall on July 31. I appreciated the honest comments, questions and concerns about some of the scandals and issues we are facing as a community of faith. I do believe that many, many people (clergy and laity alike) are committed to a spirit of conversion and turning toward the Lord that will be a source of renewal for the Church.
We are making available copies of Bishop Robert Barron's book "Letter to a Suffering Church" and hope that it will be helpful.

Watch the bulletin & Web Site for information about other events that will help our conversation continue. Thank you. Father Mike

If you are aware of an adult in our area who has expressed an interest in learning more about the Catholic Faith, or what is required to be baptized or become a Catholic, please encourage that person to contact me or Deacon Greg Webster.

In September we will begin a series of conversations for those who are seeking baptism or reception in the Church. Your personal invitation to a family member, neighbor, or friend can encourage people to make inquiry. Thank you!

For more information, please contact Deacon Greg Webster at (847) 395-3474.

PURCHASING CLUB

If you love to do your personal or gift shopping online using Amazon.com, please sign up and use Smile.Amazon.com instead https://smile.amazon.com— and designate St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church as your preferred charity! OR - Simply Click on the Amazon Smile Box Above and Enjoy Your Shopping knowing that you are supporting your Parish.

AmazonSmile.com | Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice

It works just the same as regular Amazon.com — same shipping, same Prime, same everything — but you provide a gift to St. Raphael Catholic Church in the process.
 

Every Sunday at 10:20 am in church, we pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary for the intentions of our parish, in particular for those written in the Intention Book located at the statue of St. Raphael the Archangel. Please add your intentions to the book so we can lift up your needs and be united in prayer. We read the intentions that have been put in the book the previous Sunday or during the week. This can be anonymous if you want. Let us prayerfully accompany you on your journey, in imitation of Our Patron, St. Raphael the Archangel.