Join Fr. Dan in Medjugorje and Italy from September 29-October 13, 2023.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) needed at St. Procopius Abbey. Full-time (with benefits) and part-time positions available. Hourly pay $17-20. Assist the older monks, who are mostly independent. This is a unique opportunity, being outside of a nursing home or hospital setting and within a supportive home environment. Contact secretary@procopius.org for more information.

When It Comes To Life, the Best Defense Is a Good Offense

Spring 40 Days For Life Prayer Vigil

The Aurora 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil is part of an international effort to end the tragedy of abortion through prayer, fasting and public witness. Every day and night from February 22 to April 2, 2023, people will gather outside of Planned Parenthood in Aurora to peacefully pray for all who are affected by abortion. St. Raphael and Respect Life Ministry is committed to a day of prayer and peaceful vigil across the grassy knoll from Planned Parenthood, on Waterleaf property, on Friday, March 10, 2023 from 7am to 6 pm.

To sign up for an hour or more, please contact Kathy Ford RN, Parish Nurse Director of Pastoral Care/Service at 630-615-7613 or kford@st-raphael.com.

We are realistically looking for at least 2 prayer warriors per hour from 7 am to 6 pm.

You can sign-up directly for an hour or two on March 10 by going to: Register for 40 Days of Life

Planned Parenthood Location: 3051 E New York St Aurora, IL. Prayer Vigil Location: Waterleaf -3055 E. New York St Aurora, IL.

The Christmas Story reenacted by our 1st Grade Class.

Beholding the Lord as He Beholds Us

November 11, 2022

Fr. Joe Laramie, S.J.

“Behold.” This word calls us to stop what we are doing and watch an event that is beyond words.

In September, the world witnessed the burial of Queen Elizabeth II. In this weeklong pageant of sorrow and gratitude, the world witnessed processions, songs, prayers and speeches. On the streets of London, citizens and tourists craned their necks and lifted their cell phones to catch a glimpse of the funeral of a monarch who reigned for 70 years.

Behold. We behold a glorious sunset. Orange and red fade to purple and blue; it takes our breath away. We marvel at the birth of a child—causing us to stop, to be silent, to thank God for the miracle of life.

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This is Our King

“Behold your King!” Pilate proclaims to the crowds. He points to Jesus, beaten and scourged. Pilate is the unlikeliest prophet in the New Testament. His words are true.

“Behold!” This is the true King of the human race. Jesus is the eternal Son of the Father, born of Mary. But, does Pilate believe his words? We certainly do. On the last Sunday of ordinary time, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. The Gospel passage at this Mass is jarring and unexpected: we see Jesus crucified.

“Behold.” The word from Pilate rings in our ears as we look upon the God of life, dying for us. This is our King. We stop, we watch, and in silence we adore him.“I’m talking to the Body of Christ, the Church, as I behold the Body of Christ, the Eucharist. I’m holding Christ in my hands, lifting Jesus so that all may behold him.”

“Behold.” We hear this word at every Mass. The priest holds up the Eucharist and says, “Behold the Lamb of God.” It is a moment of adoration, prayer, and silence. This moment is always powerful for me as a priest. I’m talking to the Body of Christ, the Church, as I behold the Body of Christ, the Eucharist. I’m holding Christ in my hands, lifting Jesus so that all may behold him. I pause for a moment, just for a moment, so that we all may worship him. Then I cry out with the people, “Lord, I am not worthy!” It’s true! And we continue, “but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

We look at the Eucharist and cry out to him, “Lord!” This is a conversation. We’re not just looking; we are speaking and listening. Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. We behold him as he beholds us. He shares His Body and Blood with us at every Mass.

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Radical Humility

This moment is spiritually demanding. Our eyes tell us that we are only looking at a simple piece of unleavened bread. Yet through the Church, the Holy Spirit tells us that there is something far more powerful here—Someone powerful is here. Pilate and the soldiers see in Jesus only a wounded criminal; accordingly, they go about their grim duties. How wrong they are!

This is the Eternal King, who comes among us as a humble carpenter. The judge of all is judged and condemned. God is so humble! He becomes the Bread of Life; bread and wine are transformed into his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity at every Mass as he offers himself in the Eucharist. For Pilate, Christ’s humility was an indication that he was not God. For us, his humility shows the depth of his divine love for us.

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Oh Come, Let Us Adore Him

Soon we will begin the season of Advent. We celebrate the mystery of God becoming man for us, taking flesh in the womb of our Mother Mary. Here, too, God was often overlooked, ignored, and rejected. The innkeeper offered no room to the Christ Child. Herod tried to kill this newborn king, seeing him as a rival and enemy. But Mary welcomed him with an open heart. Joseph accepted him as his adopted Son. The shepherds honored him. The three kings adored him. Children and beggars rejoiced at his coming.

Behold our King. With Mother Mary, we look upon him with love. We see Jesus truly present in the Eucharist. We behold him and adore him.