Catholic Information
Prayer
for the Faithful
by St. Patrick
May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
Against the snares of the evil one.
May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!
May Thy Grace, Lord,
Always be ours, This day, O Lord,
and forevermore. Amen.
Stewardship
- Asks that we help each other recognize the gifts and talents with which God has blessed us and the ways in which we have been blessed through the gifts and talents of others;
- Invites us to help discern, call forth, and continually encourage one another to use the gifts and talents with which God has blessed us according to God’s will; and
- Challenges us to share our time, talent and treasure beyond what we believe we can do or give so we can grow, individually and collectively, as God desires.
Gratitude
To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.
Thomas Merton
Every
thing
in life
is a gift.
The Gift of Time
What time do you give to your relationship with God?
How do you care for your family, friends and community?
How do you care for your physical health?
Do you eat properly, exercise, and allow time for leisure?
Are you an informed citizen?
Do you assume appropriate responsibility for the common good?
How well do you attend to the needs of the earth?
Do you properly use water, air, soil and other natural resources?
Do you support the arts?
Do you read literature?
Do you properly use the gifts of technology, computers and mass media to make the world a healthier and safer place?
Let
your
light
shine!
Treasure ...
Many people are not quite sure about what an appropriate amount is to give to their church or to charity. Traditionally, to tithe (giving 10% to your church) was the guideline. However, each of us must determine what we are able to give. Many people still tithe - they give 10%. For most people who tithe - a percentage is allotted to their church and a percentage is allotted to charity.
The Weekly Pledge Guideline Chart and the Tithing Calculator below are tools to help you determine your level of giving. Being a good steward is using your resources wisely.
If you'd like some assistance in calculating proportional giving,
here are two valuable tools. Either or both may be helpful in considering the
financial commitment you believe is appropriate.
The first calculates
percentages of your total income, making it easy to figure how much to
contribute on a regular basis
The second makes it possible to determine what
proportion/percentage of total income you are currently contributing through the
church.
enter your annual income, your annual giving and your giving goal
and press the 'Calculate' button
Opportunities
There is a place for you to serve and share your gifts at St. Patrick Church. Contact Fr. Kurt Boras at 630-257-6134, if you are interested in serving as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Usher or any other way you can make a contribution of your time or talent.
Eucharistic Minister
- Willingness to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, reflects not only our response to our Baptismal call to serve the people of God, but shows a commitment to Christ as we share in the preaching, teaching and service of the church.
Choir/Liturgical Musician
- The purpose of the Music Ministry is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through song, lead the faithful in worship and provide a way for the faithful to participate fully in the Liturgy.
Lector/Commentator
- Ministers of the Word, commonly known as Lectors, proclaim the Word of God at Mass.Lectors should be practicing Catholics who have the ability to read the Word of God in a clear, articulate voice so that the Word of God is able to be heard and easily understood.
Altar Server
- The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the Liturgy by their actions, singing of hymns, responses of the people, looking alert and sitting or standing at the appropriate times.
Usher
- Willingness to respond to your Baptismal call to serve the people of God, in the capacity of an Usher, reflects a commitment to Christ. Willingness to commit to a monthly schedule; to arrive on time and to be a friendly, welcoming presence to those coming to worship at St. Patrick is a further reflection of your willingness to respond fully to your Baptismal call.
Religious Education Catechist
- If you are interested in becoming a catechist or would like information about St.Patrick's Religious Education Program, contact Ms. Linda O’Connor, our Religious Education Coordinator: Email stpatrep@sbcglobal.net or by phone (630)257-8012.
Hospitality Committee
- The Hospitality Committee at St. Patrick is a remarkable group. They set up for coffee, events and celebrations.
Men's Club
- Through social and educational activities, St. Patrick Men's Club not only offers opportunities to have a good time, but the organization raises money for the parish
Volunteer Opportunities
- Watch the weekly parish bulletin for volunteer opportunities. Don't hestitate to offer your time and talent! "Many hands make light work!"
Social Justice Concerns
- Throughout the year, St. Patrick sponsors programs focusing on Social Justice. From sponsoring food drives to our Christmas program, volunteers are responding to those in need.
Lemont's Knights of Columbus
- For information about the Knights of Columbus, visit the Knights of Columbus website: at www.kofc.org/un/findCouncil.
Stewardship Prayer
Generous God,
I give thanks to you
for the gifts you have given me
my life, my family, my friends,
my time, talents, and possessions.
All that I have comes from you.
Help me to remember this
and rejoice in your goodness.
Walk with me, my God.
Help me on my spiritual journey,
so that I may constantly renew my relationship with you.
Renew in me your Spirit.
Give me the strength
and courage to become
a better follower of Jesus,
to be a disciple.
Help me hear the call to
"Come, Follow Me."
I give glory to you, my God,
as I make stewardship
a way of life. Amen.
When God gives us life,
we don't know how much time
we have to use that life.
But, whatever time we have,
is a gift from God
and we are called to use it wisely
in every activity throughout the day.
Talent ...
God gives all of us potential talents, skills and abilities when we are born. Each of us makes choices whether or not to develop and use these gifts according to God’s plan.
Sharing ourselves in the way God has shared multiple blessings with us builds community and strengthens our relationship with God and each other. In what concrete ways can you witness to God’s love and generosity by sharing of yourself at home, at work, at church, in your community? 
