Traditionally, Christmas Day in the Philippines (and other countries – ie. U.S.A. – Canada) is preceded by the nine-day dawn Masses that start on December 16th. Originally, it came to be known as Misa Aguinaldo or also known as the Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass) in the traditional Spanish, and these Masses are also more popularly known in Tagalog as Simbang Gabi, or “Dawn Mass.”
Click here for the Diocese of Joliet Simbang Gabi 2025 Mass Schedule
Please see our Christmas Eve Mass Schedule including Christmas Day and the The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God.
We’re excited to announce another opportunity to spread holiday blessings this season by donating toys for children in need! Your participation helps ensure that every child experiences the joy of Christmas morning! We will be accepting new, unwrapped toys in the designated collection boxes located in the Narthex and near the main office. Some suggested toy items would be hand-held electronics, jewelry sets, arts and crafts kits, models, creative/educational items and athletic equipment.
Bulletin Details: Collection will begin November 24 and will run through December 10, 2025. This timing is necessary to allow all the collected toys to be distributed to deserving children by Christmas day!
Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable for children in our community! Thank you for your incredible generosity.
Experience hope, peace, love, and joy at St. Raphael.
As we prepare for Advent we wanted to share with you our events. We look forward to seeing you and your family during this upcoming new liturgical year.
Advent is a four-week season, Advent, begins on the Sunday closest to November 30th and concludes on Christmas Eve, December 24th. It marks the beginning of the new liturgical year in the Catholic Church. So for the 2026 Liturgical Year, Advent begins on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
In essence, this season is a bridge between the past, present, and future. It allows us to look back on the hope for the Savior of the World, experience anew the joy of his arrival and also his reign in the present through his Church, and to prepare ourselves for his glorious return at his Second Coming.
*Please note that our postcards that went out to all of our parishoners noted the Simbang Gabi Mass was at 7:00pm. It is correct on this image and Mass begins at 7:30pm.
On December 16 at 7:00pm our Parish will have a Advent Penance Service.
Join us on December 12 with Fr. Alex for Advent Praise & Worship!
Join us on Friday December 7 at 6:30pm for Carols of the Season.
Please see below message from Deacon Jerry
I invite all of you to join us in Morning prayer in the chapel, Monday through Friday at 8:15am, before mass.
Morning prayer lasts 15 minutes and is pretty easy to learn.
The Liturgy of the Hours is a daily prayer cycle in Christianity, consisting of specific prayers, psalms, readings, and hymns that are prayed at set times throughout the day, such as morning, midday, and evening. Also known as the Divine Office, it is considered the official prayer of the Church and aims to sanctify the hours of the day by immersing the faithful in the mysteries of Christ and the liturgical year. While traditionally prayed by clergy and religious, it is open to all the laity as a way to deepen their spiritual connection with God and the wider Church.
Key components of the Liturgy of the Hours
If this is something that you might like to participate in and feel a bit reluctant, please contact me Deacon Jerry at 630-615-7609
Join us on Saturday, December 6 from 7:30am-11:00am for delicious food, festive game and crafts and the best of all a photo with Santa!
Interested in decorating an Advent Wreath? Join the Community of Catholic Moms on November 18. Please fill out this form to RSVP and note what supplies you will need. RSVP Form
