We have entered into the three-day period called the Triduum, during which we remember Christ's final meal, suffering, and death as we prepare to celebrate his resurrection. I hope that you will be able to join us for Good Friday services tonight and the Great Vigil of Easter tomorrow, and, of course, for all the wonder of Easter Sunday.
On Sunday, we will hear the resurrection story from the Gospel of John in which Mary Magdalene meets the risen Jesus on the road, but does not recognize him. Too often in my own life, I have had the same kind of encounter with Jesus -- I go looking for him in all the wrong places, before realizing that he has been standing in front of me all along. Easter is a fresh challenge to us to pay attention to the presence of Christ in our own lives, making all things new.
Yours,
Catherine
GOOD FRIDAY | APRIL 19
7:30 pm | Good Friday Service (with full choir)
We commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ in this solemn service.
GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER | APRIL 20
9:00 pm | The Great Vigil of Easter
On this night, we come together to celebrate the mighty acts of creation and the resurrection of Jesus Christ through word, and song.
EASTER DAY | APRIL 21
8:00 am Rite I | Simple Service
9:15 & 11:15 am | Festive Choral Service
Potluck feasts that include champagne after each service.
Help us start our 8th season tomorrow, Saturday, April 20th! Join us in the garden between 9 and 11am. All ages and skill levels welcome, from absolute beginners to expert gardeners. For more information contact George Chlipala, chlige@yahoo.com.
It’s that time of the year! Yes, VBC season is almost here and we want your children to have the opportunity to attend/volunteer. Please save July 29 through August 2 for a week filled with fun (and God)! If there are any questions, you may contact Cynthia Bagrowski at bagrowski@sprchicago.org. Thanks!
Please note that the church office will be closed on Monday April 22.
Please contribute to the SPR Music and Flower Fund to support beautiful music and flowers through Eastertide. Envelopes are available in the seatbacks and in the Narthex to make memorial or thanksgiving contributions. Thank you for your generosity!
A team from SPR is traveling to Haiti, April 27-May1, for our annual Haiti Mission Trip. Each year we have taken items that have allowed the children at St. Patrick’s school to have some play time. This year we plan to take LEGO blocks for the children. Please donate new or used LEGOs and put them in the box labeled LEGOS in the Narthex.
All SPR parishioners are invited to submit their artwork for the annual group show in the Chapel in May and June this year. The theme for the show is “Sacred Spaces.” The theme broadly includes places of worship like churches, synagogues and mosques, or any other place where you encounter God. Only wall art with a wire hanging device on the back can be accepted for display. If you have an image of Notre Dame Cathedral, please consider entering it.Please bring your art piece to the church office by Sunday, April 28. Make sure you attach the title of your art, your name and medium to the piece when you bring it to the church. For more information contact Jim Wright at jimphotoguy1@gmail.com.
So far, 10 SPR adults and 3 children have worked with a Syrian refugee family in their Rogers Park family. Five more adults will visit in the coming months. The weather is now making it possible to go for walks with the four children. Next openings for the Saturday visits: April 27 and May 25. All Saturdays in June and July could use additional volunteers. You can sign up in the narthex or by email to Robert and Sheila Bator (rbator@aol.com).
The Rev. Catherine Healy is eager to get to know all of us! She will be meeting with parishioners in small groups of up to 8 people over the course of her first few months.
HOST A SMALL GROUP: We are looking for individuals to host these gatherings. You can host at the church, in your home, or some other location that would be meaningful, fun, or simply convenient. If you are interested in hosting, please contact us at welcomecatherine@sprchicago.org
JOIN A SMALL GROUP: To join one of the small groups please sign up in the narthex or online at sprchicago.org/small-groups.
Missed the January training at SPR? Or after attending the 1-day training at SPR, do you want to deepen your understanding of systemic racism? Here are two upcoming training opportunities that can support you and our parish-wide racial justice efforts:
INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMIC RACISM FOR CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATIONS: Saturday, May 11, Information and registration: Here
UNDERSTANDING AND ANALYZING SYSTEMIC RACISM: Thursday evening, April 25-Saturday, April 27, Information and registration: Here (Use code EDOC to receive a discount from the Diocese of Chicago)
