Page Tools E-mail
Print

News feeds

The sounds from silence
By Mary Breslin
At the first in a weekly series of Lenten speakers in a Chicago church, the presenter was every bit informed, articulate and spiritually motivated. Much of what he said remains with me as I make my way on the journey and attempt to put into motion some of his recommendations to help pave the way for Easter.
: Feb 28, 2008
Melt your heart
By Mary Breslin
From Fannie Mays to Frango Mints, Hershey bars to Hershey’s Kisses, there never seems to be a meltdown where chocolate is concerned. Whether it lifts your spirits, raises your cholesterol or packs on a few pounds, serious fans of the indescribably delicious sweet stuff find chocolate irresistible at every turn.
: Feb 14, 2008
New life from the rubble
By Mary Breslin
When people of faith think of christenings, it usually conjures up an image involving infants, parents, godparents, in a church setting, with a clergyman, sacramental oil and water and more. When the U.S. Navy plans a christening, it’s about celebrating a different kind of new life—a ship fresh out of the yard and ready for launch—complete with a big bottle of bubbly, military brass, dignitaries and the media.
: Feb 11, 2008
Take it to the ballot box
By Mary Breslin
Do you remember the first time you voted? Who was the individual that won your confidence, convincing you that he or she was the ticket to a sound economy and a world at peace? Did you feel an excitement that made you nearly breathless as you stood alone with a ballot and a feeling of empowerment?
: Jan 31, 2008

Calendar of Events

Today is Jul 24, 2008

St. Raphael Parish

St. Raphael Parish in Naperville plans to sponsor a Christian beginnings workshop from 9:15-11:15 a.m. May 19-30 (no class May 26). The cost is $150 per person, which includes materials. For more information 630-355-4545 ext. 112.

St. Raphael Parish

St. Raphael Parish in Naperville plans to hold "Matthew: A Gospel for Times of Transition," a one-day retreat, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 31. The cost is $25 per person. For more information 630-355-4545 ext. 112.

St. Jude Parish

St. Jude Parish in Joliet plans to hold vacation Bible school June 16-20. Registration is scheduled May 17-June 2. For more information 815-725-2209.

The St. Ambrose Home School Association

The St. Ambrose Home School Association plans to co-sponsor a musical performance at 6:30 p.m. June 7 and at 3 p.m. June 8 in the Moser Performing Arts Center Auditorium at University of St. Francis in Joliet. For complete details 708-557-7070.

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Naperville plans to host "EcoMission: Growing Our Souls and Saving Our Planet" May 31-June 12. Complete details, including a schedule of topics, are available at www.stapostle.org.

St. Jude Parish

St. Jude Parish in Joliet plans to hold vacation Bible school June 16-20. Registration is scheduled May 17-June 2. For more information 815-725-2209.

SS. Peter and Paul Parish

SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Naperville is offering the Tridentine Mass. The Latin Mass is celebrated at 5:30 p.m. Sundays. For more information 630-718-2114.

Immaculate Conception High School

The class of 1958 of Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst plans to hold its 50-year class reunion Oct. 3-4 at the Wyndham Drake Oakbrook Hotel. For details or to help locate alumni 630-833-2939.

Mary Queen of Heaven Parish

Mary Queen of Heaven Parish in Elmhurst plans to continue its Women in the Church/Women in the Bible speaker series.
The schedule is as follows:
Franciscan Father Benet Fonck, a renowned presenter, is slated to speak at noon Aug. 10 about St. Clare.
Dominican Sister Barbara Reid, a prominent biblical scholar, is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 about women of the New Testament.
Mary Foley, pastoral life coordinator at the Elmhurst parish, is planned to speak at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 about "Women in Ecclesial Ministry Today."
For complete details 630-279-5700.

See the whole Calendar

Shake on it

Published Jun 14, 2007

For a few decades, it was pretty easy to meet and greet a neighbor or two, whether it was a friendly wave at sunrise while grabbing the newspaper off the driveway or swapping stories with the couple next door in the backyard as dusk crept over the houses on the block; we might have commiserated about bad weather and good kids, or vice versa.

Things are different these days, since my husband and I now live in a vertical neighborhood and we’ve traded the split rail fence for the speedy elevator. We’ve noticed that many folks prefer a measure of anonymity—just a nod and perhaps a terse “hello”—while others retain that neighborly demeanor and are quick to engage in polite conversation.

It reminds me of the way we interface with the people around us during Mass when the priest or deacon invites us to offer a sign of peace to one another. The kiss of peace, according to a Web
site sponsored by the Passionist Missionaries, was a custom described by St. Augustine in the 4th century, who wrote: “After the Lord’s Prayer, say ‘Peace be with you.’ Christians then embrace one another with a holy kiss. This is the sign of peace.” In the Middle Ages the laity were excluded from the ritual and the celebrant simply kissed the altar. After Vatican II, the rite of peace was restored.

Some people are very enthusiastic about participating in this exchange and relish the opportunity to extend a hand and a warm wish for peace; others grudgingly go through the motions and now and then individuals will opt to stare straight ahead and ignore the ritual.

Nevertheless, even from a perfect stranger, a word of encouragement where peace is concerned—especially in a world riddled with disharmony and threats of violence—is most welcome. In order to put ourselves in a state of mind that will carry over into the week as we face obstacles and overcome hurdles at home, school, work, with neighbors and more, a reassuring smile and a wish for a heart filled with peace before we are privileged to receive the Eucharist is a fine thing.