Joyful Music-Father Alex in Concert!

🎶 An Evening of Faith, Music & Community! 🎶

Join us for a special night of worship, inspiration, and joyful music as our very own Father Alex takes the stage for a live concert at St. Raphael!

Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or neighbors, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy uplifting contemporary Christian music in a welcoming community atmosphere.

📅 Friday, August 21

🕕 6:00 PM

📍 St. Raphael Parish Center (Gym)

🎟️ FREE Admission

Father Alex is an accomplished guitarist and vocalist whose music reflects the joy, hope, and love of Christ. Come experience an evening that celebrates our faith through song and fellowship.

🎵 Listen to Father Alex’s music by scanning the QR code or visiting: ForRealAlexLorang.com

We can’t wait to see you there! Invite a friend and help us fill the gym with joyful hearts and beautiful music.

Come & See! You’re Invited-OCIA

Have you been thinking about becoming Catholic? Are you a baptized Catholic who hasn’t received First Communion or Confirmation? Or have you been away from the Church and are feeling called to come home?

No matter where you are on your faith journey, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a welcoming place to ask questions, meet others exploring the Catholic faith, and discover what God may be calling you to next.

📅 Choose one evening to attend:

• August 12

• August 19

• August 20

*These dates are accurate. The bulletin dated 8/2 had a date error.

🕖 7:00–8:00 PM

📍 St. Raphael Church – Room 167

There is no obligation and no registration required—just come, meet our team, and learn more about the Catholic faith in a warm and welcoming environment.

Whether you’re exploring for yourself or know someone who might be interested, we invite you to share this opportunity. Everyone is welcome!

For questions, contact David Trondsen at dtrondsen@st-raphael.com or 630-615-7617.

We’re Hiring: Parish Accountant & Bookkeeper!

Are you passionate about serving the Church and using your accounting and financial skills to make a meaningful impact?

St. Raphael Catholic Church is seeking a full-time, benefits-eligible Parish Accountant & Bookkeeper to support the financial operations of both our parish and school. This mission-driven role works closely with parish leadership to ensure faithful stewardship of our resources while helping advance our mission of Leading Souls to Heaven.

We’re looking for someone who is:

📊 Detail-oriented and organized

🤝 Collaborative and professional

🔒 Committed to confidentiality and integrity

⛪ Passionate about serving in a Christ-centered workplace

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field

• Minimum of 2 years of bookkeeping or accounting experience

• Payroll and financial reporting experience preferred

• Nonprofit, church, or school accounting experience is a plus

📩 To Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to Stephen Stewart at mailto:sstewart@st-raphael.com. Click here for a full job description.

Join our dedicated team and use your talents to support the mission and ministries of St. Raphael Catholic Church.

Lead Souls to Heaven. Serve with Excellence.

🚗 Urgent Car Donation Needed for a Bridge Communities Family! 🚗

Bridge Communities provides free transitional housing and support to more than 100 DuPage County families each year. St. Raphael is proud to partner with this important organization—and right now, one family urgently needs our help.

A Bridge Communities client who works full time and plans to begin CNA school soon is in need of a reliable vehicle. A donated car would help her get to work and school, advance her career, and continue providing for her children.

Because the vehicle will go directly to a family, the donor may be eligible to deduct the full value of the car.

📞 Have a vehicle you would like to donate? Please call or text Maggie Keshen at 630-400-5780.

Please share this post to help us reach someone who may be able to make a life-changing difference!

Teen & Sponsor Confirmation Retreat

Confirmation is more than a sacrament—it’s an opportunity to deepen your relationship with Christ and grow in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

📣 Teen & Sponsor Confirmation Retreat Update! 🔥🕊️

We are grateful for the incredible response to this year’s Confirmation Retreats!

❤️ The Saturday, August 22 retreat is now FULL and has reached capacity.

There are still spots available for our Saturday, August 29 retreat!

📅 Saturday, August 29

🕧 12:30–6:00 PM

📍 St. Raphael Church

🚨 Registration Deadline: Monday, August 24

During this unforgettable retreat, teens and their sponsors will:

✨ Grow closer to Christ through prayer and the Mass

🤝 Strengthen their relationship with one another

🎉 Enjoy engaging activities, inspiring talks, games, and lunch

🕊️ Discover the gifts of the Holy Spirit as they prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation

📱 Before the retreat, please complete your profile in the Confirmation Holy Wow! App:

https://selflove-club.passion.io/complete-profile

Special thanks to Jenny Krumdrick, Catholic Speaker & Confidence Coach for Teens, for creating the Confirmation Holy Wow! App especially for St. Raphael to help teens, sponsors, and parents continue growing in their faith.

If you haven’t registered yet, don’t wait! We look forward to welcoming you on August 29 for a day filled with faith, fellowship, and fun.

REACH Registration Open-New & Current Students

REACH Ministry at St. Raphael Catholic Church!

REACH (Religious Education Apostolate for Christian Handicapped) is a faith formation program designed to welcome and support children with intellectual, physical, and developmental disABILITIES in a loving Catholic community. ✝️

📅 Registration for both new and returning students must be submitted on or before October 1, 2026.

Our program helps students:
🙏 Pray, work, and worship with others
📖 Explore Bible stories and Catholic teachings
💛 Build friendships and a sense of belonging
🌎 Grow in awe, wonder, gratitude, and respect for God’s creation
⛪ Celebrate their place in God’s family

❤️ We can’t wait to welcome back our current students and meet our new families! ❤️

📌 Please refer to the graphic for more information and how to register.

🌐 Learn more & register today:
https://st-raphael.com/reach-religious-education-for-persons-with-disabilities/

📞 Questions? Contact the Religious Education Office at (630) 615-7614