Mass Times | Mary Mother of Martyrs

Dear Parishioners After a deeply renewing sabbatical filled with prayer, reflection, and pilgrimage through Colombia, Mexico, and especially the Holy Land, I return with a heart full of gratitude and joy. This sacred journey allowed me to give thanks for 30 years of priesthood and to lift each of you in prayer. I am deeply thankful for the support you offered Fr. Gerald O’Reilly in my absence, which made it possible for me to return refreshed and ready to serve. Now, I invite you to join me in two special parish events—the Corpus Christi Procession on June 22 and our Parish Picnic on July 27—as we continue walking together in faith as one parish family...

Father David reviews parish goals based on over 1,000 survey responses, identifying liturgy and community as top priorities. He invites parishioners to join the Corpus Christi celebration on June 2, 2024, with Mass at St. Mary, a Eucharistic procession to St. Stephen, and a concluding Mass in Spanish. Transportation will be provided. He also announces the third annual parish picnic on July 28 with food, music, dances, and raffles. Additionally, he shares that Sister Revelina Santiago has returned to the Philippines after six years of service, highlighting her many contributions. The parish hopes another sister will join them soon. Father David expresses gratitude for her ministry and encourages parishioners to continue building fellowship and deepening their discipleship.

At the start of the year, Father David invites parishioners to prepare spiritually for Lent with conversion and renewal. He shares that parish renewal requires time, collaboration, and creativity, and reflects on the Divine Renovation model guiding their mission and vision. Two core teams (English and Spanish) have been formed to support parish leadership and summarize goals for presentation at a parish assembly. Updates include completed capital projects—the replacement of St. Stephen’s school and church roofs—and the next urgent project: installing $100,000 boilers at St. Mary after separating the heating system from the school. He appeals for increased support in the monthly capital collection to raise the $70,000 balance. He reminds parishioners that Mary, Mother of Martyrs is their spiritual home.

Father David writes during Lent, inviting parishioners to open their hearts to God for spiritual renewal. He introduces the “Leading in a Renewed Church” (LRC) initiative, part of the Archdiocese’s effort to support priests and parishes. As part of this, a parish-wide survey is conducted to assess discipleship, evangelization, leadership, and parish life. Parishioners are encouraged to participate, with results to be shared later in the year. He also updates on capital projects: the $471,875 replacement of St. Stephen’s school roof and the planned $78,000 repaving and $32,500 lighting of St. Mary’s parking lot. Funding comes from capital collections and legacies. Father David concludes with a blessing, reminding everyone that Lent is a journey of deeper faith and salvation.

Written at Thanksgiving, Father David highlights gratitude for God’s blessings and calls the new parish to develop a culture of evangelization with a long-term pastoral plan. A leadership team will begin formation to shape the parish vision. He informs parishioners that Cardinal Cupich lifted the Sunday Mass obligation dispensation, encouraging everyone to return to Mass. Beginning in 2023, parishioners will receive monthly offering envelopes, including a second collection for capital projects and one for youth ministry. Electronic giving is also available. He reminds parishioners of Advent reconciliation opportunities, with daily confession times and a special parish-wide service. Father David prays the Advent season will renew their hearts as they await Christ’s coming in joy and hope.

Father David announces the new parish name chosen by Cardinal Cupich: Mary, Mother of Martyrs Parish, honoring the Virgin Mary and St. Stephen Protomartyr. He invites parishioners to pray for the faithful departed on All Souls’ Day with special Masses. Completed capital projects include façade restoration and LED lighting at St. Mary, and new doors at St. Stephen’s school. Upcoming projects are a $370,000 roof replacement for the school and $110,000 parking lot improvements at St. Mary. He encourages monthly donations for capital projects. Fundraising efforts include Culinaires dinners, parish bingo, and a Christmas raffle. Despite challenges, the parish is called to be united in prayer and mission, asking the Holy Spirit to renew the community with hope and faith.

On the Feast of the Assumption, Father David shares the three finalist names for the new parish: Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Sacred Heart of Mary, and Our Lady of All Martyrs, awaiting Cardinal Cupich’s final decision. He outlines important capital projects: LED lighting upgrades, new sound system, replacement of deteriorated doors, refinishing pews, carpet replacement, and adding ramps for accessibility. Exterior projects include façade repairs, garage restoration, roof replacements, and parking lot improvements. Financing involves parish savings and a monthly fundraising appeal from September 2022 to December 2024. Father David encourages parishioners to make generous monthly contributions, reminding them that stewardship ensures the care of parish buildings and supports the faith community’s mission for future generations.

Father David recounts the long histories of St. Mary and St. Stephen, now united into a single parish. He welcomes Father Gerald O’Reilly as Associate Pastor, bringing more opportunities for sacraments and worship. New confession times, Spanish Masses, and Eucharistic adoration are introduced. Parishioners are encouraged to sign up for weekly parish email updates and check the new website. He announces upcoming events: a parish picnic on August 7 and his installation as the first pastor of the unified parish by Bishop Jeffrey Grob. Plans are underway for a new combined bulletin, catechesis enrollment, and building renovations. Father David thanks the unification committees and emphasizes stewardship through Sunday collections. He invites ongoing prayer and support for the parish’s growth.

In this letter, Father David reflects on the meaning of Easter as a time of gratitude and mission. He updates parishioners about the Unification Committee’s progress: choosing a new parish name, opening registration for religious education, and reviewing schedules and ministries. He stresses that renewal is essential for the Church’s future, especially after the challenges of the pandemic. The parish must reimagine its mission, ensuring it welcomes newcomers and remains spiritually vibrant. He also announces a thanksgiving Mass on June 26, 2022, to honor Father Lawrence Collins for 45 years of service and Father Roy Belocura’s final Mass at St. Mary. The letter emphasizes unity, gratitude, and the shared mission of discipleship.

Father David announces the unification of St. Stephen Protomartyr and St. Mary parishes into one community starting July 1, 2022. The new parish will share resources, staff, and ministries to strengthen evangelization and sustainability. St. Stephen will hold the central parish office and sacramental records, while Masses and sacraments continue in both churches. A unification committee will plan the parish mission, recommend names for the new parish, and review religious education programs for children and adults. Father David emphasizes collaboration, prayer, and trust in God during this transition, encouraging parishioners to embrace renewal and unity. He invites everyone to support the process with faith and hope for a vibrant future together.

Messages from Pastor