Our buildings may be temporarily closed, but the Church is alive and well during this pandemic! Here’s a snapshot of some of the things going on:
- Masses are live-streamed daily at 8:30am and on Sundays at 9:00am. You can view the Masses at anytime by clicking on the link above or visiting our Facebook page.
- Our priests and deacons are continuing to write daily reflections to help enhance your spiritual journey during this time apart. Click on the Daily Reflections link above to read/ listen to them.
- We are filming “Church Chats” on Facebook – short videos by staff and parishioners about a variety of topics from personal stories to special teachings. Click here to go directly to our “Church Chats” video playlist.
- Mass Intentions are still able to be booked. Contact Lois at ltyznik@st-raphael.com. She can give you a firm date for the Mass and mail the memorial card.
- The Service Commission has been making face masks for parishioners in need, please contact Barry if you need one. We are in need of elastic and elastic bands to make more masks. Please contact Barry if you have some to donate.
- We are collecting food for Hesed House and the West Suburban Food Pantry in Woodridge. Hesed House needs single serve non-perishable microwaveable food, water bottles and single serve pop top foods that do not need can openers (chunky soups, tuna, Dinty More Stews). West Suburban would take any contributions like Loaves and Fishes. Loaves and Fishes is still receiving our envelope financial contributions. Any food contributions can be left outside the church doors on the right side between the hours of 8am-2pm. Any questions please email Barry.
- The leaders of the Monday Rosary are praying together via Zoom. Join them at https://us04web.zoom.us/j/
73275681473?pwd= ZHJlYkFIM2sreFgvSmQyNXFIdFNyUT 09. CODE: 732 7568 1473 Password: 3FWLLC - While music groups will probably not gather until the Fall , Julie and Robert are Zooming with them to stay connected, pray and sing a bit. They will be learning some new music pieces over the summer. Anyone interested in joining a choir or liturgical ministry, please email Julie or Robert respectively.
- Teen groups are meeting virtually every week for RPM, small group discussions and Lectio Divina.
Resources for Teen Ministries at St. Raphael
Students in our 7th, 8th, and 9th Grade Small Christian Communities can access prayer resources, videos, and more at https://saintraphaelteenministries.wordpress.com. The site will be updated regularly, and major announcements will be posted on the homepage.
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- RPM teens can access prayer resources and the RPM Spotify playlist here: https://saintraphaelteenministries.wordpress.com/rpm/. This site will also include the link to join our live RPM video chats on Thursday nights.
- Teen girls are invited to view the prayer and activity resources for the Arise teen girls’ group: https://saintraphaelteenministries.wordpress.com/arise/.
- Everyone is welcome to read blog posts from our youth minister, Chris, our Echo apprentice, Sydney, and several of the RPM teens. These will feature the ways that they are praying and living their faith at home. Blog site: https://saintraphaelteenministries.wordpress.com/peer-ministry-blog/
Mental Health Tips During the Pandemic
We have all been dealing with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. These are difficult times and everyone experiences the pandemic differently. The following are tips for strengthening your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic:
1. Set a routine. Plan a daily routine, including the time you will wake up, what you will do during the day, and the time you will go to sleep.
2. Pray. Schedule some time to read the Bible or other spiritual books. There are abundance of resources available at the FORMED link at the top of the page. Watch Mass virtually with your family. Pray the rosary together.
3. Find time to exercise. Prioritize exercise because there are so many benefits for the mind and body, including reducing stress.
4. Connect with friends and family virtually. While we are practicing social distancing, it is still important to connect with family and friends through a phone call, text message, or Zoom.
5. Practice gratitude. Start your day by creating a positive mindset by writing down three things you’re grateful for.
6. Take a break from the news. Limit your exposure to the media especially stories about the pandemic that predict what’s going to happen in the future. Do your best to stay in the moment.
Spiritual Communion Prayer (with Anima Christi)
Jesus, I desire to receive you into the poor dwelling that my heart offers. While waiting for the happiness of sacramental Communion, I wish to possess you in spirit. Come to me, O my Jesus, since I for my part, am coming to you. May your love embrace my whole being in life and in death. I believe in you, I hope in you, I love you. Amen.
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from Christ’s side, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto Thee
That I may praise Thee
With Thy saints and with Thy angels
Forever and ever.
Amen