Pastor's Announcements
August 22, 2022
Congratulations to our 2022 Parish Raffle Winners!
1st Prize: Traeger Grill - Beverly Stewart
$500.00 - Delores Halbert
2nd Prize: Fire Pit & Grill - Veda Stroud
$250.00 - Jackie Smith
3rd Prize: $200.00 - Michelle Rhymes
4th Prize: $100.00 - Pamela Jefferson
5th Prize: $50.00 - Jack Kingsbury
Thank you for your support!
May 28, 2022
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
In a few weeks, the faith communities of St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Thaddeus and St. Kilian will come together to form a new united parish. Our mission is clear: Build Community, Inspire Witness and Make Disciples. I’m excited about our future together.
Essential to our new community and the related ministries is our worship and sacramental life. We have lived through a global pandemic and experienced changes in the way we worship. We will experience more changes as we come together in an effort to create a new unified vibrant parish community.
Our unification is about more than structure and operations. As St. Paul wrote, “You are strangers and aliens no longer. No, you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God. You form a building which rises on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is fitted together and takes shape as a holy temple in the Lord; in him you are being built into this temple, to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22).
I wanted to share the Mass schedule that will go into effect the weekend of June 18-19, 2022. The schedule has been discerned in prayer after receiving input from parish leadership and parishioners.
St. Kilian will celebrate its last regularly scheduled Mass on Sunday, June 12, 2022. This will provide the parishioners and friends of St. Kilian the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful history of the parish as it embarks on its new journey.
I share this information knowing that change is difficult, but change is necessary to maintain a vibrant Catholic presence on the Far Southside of Chicago.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Donald Eruaga,
Pastor
St. Kilian, St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Thaddeus
Phases of Unification to One Worship Site
Sunday Worship at St. Kilian ceases after Mass on Sunday, June 12, 2022.
Regular Mass schedule is as follows (for the next 6-12 months):
Weekday Mass schedule Tuesday-Friday
8:30 AM at the St. Margaret of Scotland Church Site
Weekend Masses at St. Margaret of Scotland Church Site:
4:30pm on Saturday (beginning June18th)
8:30 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday (beginning June 19th)
Special celebrations (not Sunday masses) including funerals, baptisms and weddings may continue at the St. Kilian Church site until the Christ the King weekend 2022.
All sacramental celebrations will be celebrated at the St. Margaret of Scotland Church Site effective the 1st Sunday of Advent 2022.
January 24, 2022 -
Far Southside Renew My Church Update: January 2022 Discernment Process Holy Name of Mary, SS. Peter and Paul, St. Anthony, St. John De La Salle, St. Kilian, St. Margaret of Scotland and St. Sabina Parishes and Sacred Heart Mission engaged in the Renew My Church (RMC) review and discernment process over the past few months. The Grouping Feedback and Discernment team (GFDT), which was made up of members from each community, met to review and discern the future parish structure for the area. Our deepest appreciation goes to the GFDT who prayerfully discerned the parish structure during this challenging time of the pandemic. Based on their meetings and feedback gathered from the larger parish community, they submitted feedback to the archdiocese. The Archdiocesan Standards and Recommendations Commission, which includes representatives from across the Archdiocese of Chicago, reviewed the feedback and other information, including financial summaries and parish trends. Cardinal Cupich and Bishop Perry are grateful to Fr. Gilbert, Fr. Mwageni, Fr. Krylowicz, Fr. Kiiguta, Fr. Eruaga, Fr. Pfleger and the Grouping Team who gathered together, and all who offered feedback through the recent discernment process. Outcome In the past few weeks, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, the archdiocese’s auxiliary bishops, and the archdiocese’s Presbyteral Council met to discuss the Commission’s recommendation. Based upon those discussions and prayerful consideration, Cardinal Cupich made the following decisions regarding the parish structure in this grouping. Holy Name of Mary, SS. Peter and Paul and St. John De La Salle will unite as a new parish, with a new name, one pastor and one pastoral team, effective July 1, 2022. o Holy Name of Mary will serve as the parish church and the sole location for the parish’s regular schedule of Masses. The specific timeline to fully transition Masses to Holy Name of Mary will be determined by parish leadership in the coming months. o The local community will discern possibilities for the new permanent name of the parish, within guidelines provided by the archdiocese, and submit three to five options to Cardinal Cupich. Each church will retain its dedicated name while the newly united parish receives a new name. o The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Priest Placement Board will continue its discernment of a candidate to recommend as pastor of the newly unified parish. More information will be shared when it is available. St. Margaret of Scotland and St. Kilian will unite as a new parish, with a new name, one pastor and one pastoral team, effective July 1, 2022. o St. Margaret of Scotland will serve as the parish church and the sole location for the parish’s regular schedule of Masses. o The specific timeline to fully transition Masses to St. Margaret of Scotland will be determined by parish leadership in the coming months. o The local community will discern possibilities for the new permanent name of the parish, within guidelines provided by the archdiocese, and submit three to five options to Cardinal Cupich. Each church will retain its dedicated name while the newly united parish receives a new name. o The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Priest Placement Board will continue its discernment of a candidate to recommend as pastor of the newly unified parish. More information will be shared when it is available. St. Anthony Parish will continue in its current structure. St. Sabina Parish will continue in its current structure. Sacred Heart Mission’s future structure will have continued discernment. There are no changes to the schools (St. Ethelreda, St. John De La Salle, St. Margaret of Scotland, and St. Sabina) in the grouping. Each school’s pastoral connection to a parish will be confirmed in the coming weeks now that the parish structure has been decided. 2 Rationale Based on the grouping team’s feedback and other data available, the archdiocesan RMC Commission proposed the four parishes as the best future structure to support vibrant Black Catholic ministry, Spanish language ministry and honor history within the grouping. In each of the uniting parishes, the grouping team concluded that the community in each united parish will best be served by worshipping together at one site. o The grouping team had consensus on St. Margaret of Scotland serving as the worship site for the united parish of St. Margaret of Scotland and St. Kilian. o Various considerations were evaluated to determine the best worship site in the uniting parish of Holy Name of Mary, St. John De La Salle, and Saints Peter & Paul. In reviewing the grouping team’s feedback and all data available, the archdiocesan RMC Commission proposed Holy Name of Mary would meet the ministry space needs of the united parish and best honor the Black Catholic identity and history of the uniting communities. Next steps The renewal process calls us to become a stronger, more sustainable presence for the future capable of reaching more people in their work of making disciples of Jesus Christ, building communities with one another and inspiring witness in the world around us. The newly united parish communities will embark upon the next phase of renewal, focusing on strong evangelization to the world around us. We know that this structural change is just the beginning of our journey of renewal. Renewal of our Church means that every Catholic, every searcher, and everyone who loves Jesus and his Church, will have to look anew at what it means to be Jesus’ disciple and to live out that discipleship. Profound gratitude to all involved in the process to date, and prayers for all those who will take up the next phase of renewal, sharing faith and evangelizing those searching to know Jesus more deeply
January 10, 2022
Dear Parishioners,
We are pleased that Bishop Joseph Perry, our regional bishop and Cardinal Cupich’s representative to our region of the archdiocese, will be with us on Monday, January 24, at 6:30pm, to join us in prayer and share an important update on the future of our parishes. This will be held online. Please go to www.renewmychurch.org/announcements for details about how to access the meeting from your computer or smartphone.
In Christ’s Love, Fr. Donald Eruaga, MSP Pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish
June 2021 - Church Re-Opening
Dear Parishioners of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish,
It is with great joy that I write you today. I am delighted to inform you that St. Margaret of Scotland is continuing with the reopening process. On Friday, June 11, 2021, the State of Illinois entered Phase 5 of the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan and the Archdiocese of Chicago has updated its COVID 19 mitigation protocols. This new phase lifts all capacity restrictions on our attendance.
St. Margaret of Scotland will no longer restrict the number of people at our liturgical Masses and other services. All pews will be available for your use.
Registration for our Masses is no longer required. In addition, masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated persons. Proof of vaccination is not required. I ask that those of you that are not vaccinated wear a mask. It is recommended by public health authorities that unvaccinated people wear a mask indoors.
Our Mass schedule: Saturday’s 4:30pm
Sunday’s 8:30am and 11:30am
For those of you who are not able to return to Mass or are not yet comfortable joining us in person, know of our prayers for you. If you wish to receive Communion in your car during our Masses, please inform the greeter at the side door entrance and you will be given further instructions. We are continuing to record Masses and put them on this website, visit our website at smosparish.com
Please update your contact information so that we can stay in touch with you. We have not been able to call or email you because we do not have your information. Please help us by filling out and returning the enclosed card or simply calling Debra in our office at773-779-5151.
I am grateful for your support during this pandemic, it has been a true blessing! Thank you for your sacrifice and your willingness to financially support your Church. I ask God to bless you in the ways you have blessed us.
In Christ’s Love, Fr. Donald Eruaga, MSP Pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish
March 5, 2021
PASTOR’S 2021 EASTER MESSAGE
Dear Parishioners, St. Theresa of Calcutta used to say “When I look at the crucifix I see how much God loved me then, and when I look at the Sacred Host I see how much He loves me now.” Christ lifted our sufferings up on the cross and gave it new meaning. In these days of uncertainty and unpredictability due to COVID-19, followers of Christ approach the cross and suffering not as a curse, but as a blessing. The cross has become the throne of Christ, and the resurrection is our anchor. Indeed, without the resurrection the cross would be an embarrassment and a curse.
For more than a year now it has been nearly impossible for all of us to come together around the altar to celebrate the Eucharist because of the pandemic. The staff and I miss you all and pray for the end of this health crisis. As we look forward to the Easter celebration, let us not give up hope. The end of the pandemic will surely come. A wise person said, “When life throws you down, do not land on your belly, land on your back and keep your eyes up. As long as you keep looking up and not downcast your eyes there is hope.” Life will bounce back again but will likely be somewhat different for many people.
When we look at the crucifix, let us keep looking upward and never allow our defeat to define us. I humbly ask that you prayerfully consider making a one-time Easter gift to ensure that our parish ministries and operations can continue. You can send your gift to our parish office or online at www.archchicago.org/offertory. And if you are able to resume or increase your weekly contribution, please do so. We are an Easter people. We will celebrate Easter virtually and in-person this year, for those who will not be physically in church, know that you are in our thoughts and in our prayers. We invite you to join us for the Stations of the Cross, for the Triduum, and the Easter liturgies on our website. They will be live-streamed on the Church’s website, www.smosparish.com. We pray for your health and ask God to grant us the patience we need as we look forward to the end of the pandemic.
I wish you a joyful Easter celebration with those you love.
The Lord has indeed risen, Hallelujah!
Rev. Donald Eruaga, M.S.P
June 10, 2020
Hello St. Margaret of Scotland family,
I pray that you and your loved ones are healthy. I’m writing to inform you of the Archdiocese multi-phase reopening plan, our St. Margaret of Scotland Reopening Plan, and to outline the new procedures for participation in Mass.
As you may have seen, Cardinal Cupich recently shared our multi-phased plan for reopening churches in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Specifically:
· Phase I allows for parishes to reopen for Baptism, Reconciliation, Weddings and Funerals with a limit of 10 attendees.
· Phase IA allows for parishes to reopen for private prayer and adoration with a limit of 10 attendees.
· Phase II allows for reopening for weekday and weekend Masses for larger groups depending on the guidelines from the state and the capacity of the church building.
Our St. Margaret of Scotland Reopening Plan:
First and foremost, it is important for everyone to understand that our efforts will prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all while maintaining due respect and reverence for the sacraments and liturgical norms of our faith.
Please note that we will continue to celebrate Mass via teleconferencing at 11:00 a.m. every Sunday. Please call 1-708-381-1120 to join.
We have been assembling a Parish Reopening Leadership Team with parishioner co-captains to lead our efforts. All volunteers receive required training from the Archdiocese to ensure that our parish reopening plan conforms to the guidelines developed by the Archdiocese in collaboration with civil and healthcare authorities. We have received a starter kit of protective wear and cleaning supplies for our volunteers.
Timing for Our Reopening
Upon review of the recent guidance issued by Governor Pritzker for the reopening of churches, the bishops of the Chicago Archdiocese are moving toward Phase 2 of the reopening plan. Cardinal Cupich has accepted the recommendation of our Archdiocesan task force and we have received our
certification for Phase 2, our Masses will resume on Saturday, June 13th at 4:30p.m., and continue thru the weekend with 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses on Sunday. We will resume daily Masses on
Monday June 15th at 8:30 a.m. on a trial basis to see if we have the volunteers needed etc. to continue.
New Procedures from the Archdiocese in order to participate in Mass:
1. Reservations will be required for ALL Masses. We have set up an online reservation system with SignUpGenius.com, you will not need to have an account with this website to register for Mass. However, you will be asked for your name, phone number, email address and the number of people from your household who will be attending together. You make a reservation on our Church Website, www.smoschicago.org and click on the link corresponding to the date/time you wish to attend Mass or call the Parish Office: 773-779-5151. We will have greeters at the parking lot door to check you in, walk-ins are welcome, if there are available seats. 2. If you have a fever or feel ill, please do not come to church. 3. Strict social distancing will be observed for these Masses. 4. Entry will only be permitted on the East side of the Church at the Parking Lot doors. 5. Entry will be granted to those registered, if space is available, registration at the door may be possible. 6. Throughout your time in the Church you must wear a mask that you provide. 7. Parishioners will be greeted and hand sanitizer provided. 8. You will be directed to specific seating in the Church. We ask that you do not move. (Our apologies to those who have favorite seats, we have very specific guidelines to follow that include First In, First Out.) 9. Hymnals will not be provided. We ask you to take home any worship aids you bring. 10. Collection baskets will not be passed. Offerings may be placed in provided basket in the Church. 11. You will be directed for the reception of Communion. 12. At the end of Mass, ushers will dismiss all pew by pew. Please exit the church immediately following Mass. No congregating inside or outside the church is allowed.
As we see what works and obtain the required number of volunteers needed, we will determine our readiness to continue the same number of Masses and the number of parishioners we can accommodate in our Church in accordance with safety guidelines. Our collective patience, willingness to help and the care we take to reopen is a demonstration of our unity and love for one another.
May God grant you His peace during this difficult time and may He manifest His love and presence to you in abundant ways. If you have any questions, please contact the parish office at 773-779-5151.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Donald Eruaga, Pastor
March 25, 2020 Letter from our Pastor, Fr. Donald:
Dear Family and Friends,
I pray that you and your loved ones are healthy and have the resources you need amidst the current restrictions. We know these measures are designed to protect our well being and that of our broader community and world.
For many of us, particularly when we’re now told to stay home for weeks at a time, our initial reaction is to gather all we can and hunker down to weather the storm. As a Christian family of faith, this is also a time – perhaps the most important time – to consider our need for spiritual unity and the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Praying Together:
Though our family of families at St. Margaret of Scotland may be physically separated from one another right now, we are blessed with several ways we can unite in prayer and devotion. I encourage you to consider the following:
Teleconference Sunday Service with our Pastor, Fr. Donald: Please join Fr. Donald and other parishioners for a 45-minute Sunday service at 11:00a.m. By calling 605-313-4819 and using access code 586-093. Livestream Masses: Weekend Masses from Holy Name Cathedral, Daily Masses from St. James Chapel, https://radiotv.archchicago.org/television/broadcast-masses.
Giving Together:
Please consider giving online at www.archchicago.org/offertory where you can make an offertory donation to our St. Margaret of Scotland family and keep the vital ministries and services we provide going. Please make sure to select St. Margaret of Scotland from the drop-down menu on the form.
Updating our Parish Directory:
At this important time we have discovered that our Parish Directory is incomplete and out of date. We would like to have your current contact information, including your email and phone number so that we can contact you with important information.
The fact that this pandemic is occurring during our Lenten journey offers each of us important reminders about the role of faith, hope and charity in our daily lives and in whom we place our trust. I believe we are being called by Jesus Christ to a renewed sense of solidarity. This is a time for unity in prayer, not for isolation; it is a time for hope, not despair; it is a time for generosity, not self-focus. “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35).
May God grant you peace during this difficult time and may He manifest His love and presence to you in abundant ways. If you have any concerns, please contact our Parish Office at 773-779-5151.
Thank you for your continued support of St. Margaret of Scotland.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Donald Eruaga
Pastor
March 24, 2020 Posting:
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT from Fr. Donald:
Dear St. Margaret of Scotland Parish Family,
The news about the COVID-19 pandemic gets bleaker and bleaker each day. The number of confirmed cases and deaths continue to rise. In light of this growing pandemic, there is some unprecedented news that I must share with you.
Cardinal Cupich has mandated the suspension, until further notice, of all liturgical services. This includes both weekend and weekday Masses. I have received further notice that Palm (Passion) Sunday and all Holy Week liturgies (including Easter Sunday) will not be celebrated publicly in our parishes.
This is the first time in recent memory that the beautiful liturgies of Holy Week and Easter will not be publicly celebrated at St. Margaret of Scotland. I am heartbroken over this news. There is a great joy in celebrating the Pascal Mystery together.
In light of the Cardinal's decision to suspend the celebration of all public liturgies, it is understood that all Catholics within the Archdiocese of Chicago are dispensed from the obligation of attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (per canons 85 and 87 in the Code of Canon Law of 1983) and this includes Easter Sunday.
I have also been notified that there is not to be any distribution of blessed palms until a later date determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops or the Archdiocese of Chicago. There are to be no Communion Services now, nor during Holy Week, until we are cleared to return to public liturgies.
I look forward to the day that we can gather around the Lord's table and share the Bread of Life. If you have any prayer requests, please call our office line and leave a message with the request at 773-779-5151.
In Christ's Compassionate Love,
Fr. Donald Eruaga
Pastor
March 20, 2020 Posting:
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
Dear Parishioners & Friends of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish&School
The spread of COVID-19 has dominated the news and our thoughts and prayers. Let us continue to pray for those whose lives have been affected by this pandemic.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) informed us this evening that a student at St. Margaret of Scotland School has tested positive for Coronavirus/COVID-19. The affected student also attended the school Mass at St. Margaret of Scotland Church on March 12, 2020. We are adhering to guidelines from the Archdiocese of Chicago, the CDPH, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Governor's Office's guidelines, which recommend the cancellation of public gatherings involving 250 or more people. We have closed St. Margaret of Scotland school effective immediately and will not re-open until March 23 at the earliest. Additionally, there will be no daily Mass on Friday, March 13.
Cardinal Cupich mandated the suspension until further notice of all liturgical services effective the evening of Saturday March 14, 2020. Thus, all Masses beginning with the 4:30 PM Mass on Saturday March 14 are cancelled until further notice. This includes both weekday and weekend Masses.
Beginning Friday, March 13, 2020:
- St. Margaret of Scotland Church and School will be closed until further notice
- Religious Education Classes are cancelled until further notice
- All meetings and activities are cancelled
Mercy Home offers a Sunday morning broadcast of the Mass at 9:30AM on WGN. Broadcasts of the Sunday Mass are also available on EWTN.
Beginning Friday, March 13, school and parish leadership will facilitate extensive cleaning and disinfecting of the school and church. Please note that the school already has a scheduled Spring Break from March 16-20.
Per guidance from CDPH it is not necessary that other students, staff or parishioners of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish and School be tested for Coronavirus/COVID-19 at this time, nor is it necessary for anyone to self-quarantine, unless you begin exhibiting Coronavirus/COVID-19 symptoms. Please continue to monitor your own health, those within your care and continue to practice proper hygiene at home. We remain in close contact with the CDPH and will keep all parishioners, school families and staff apprised of any new or additional guidance from CDPH or the Archdiocese of Chicago. (If you have any questions, please direct them to the Chicago Department of Public Health.)
Cardinal Cupich stated, "This was not a decision I made lightly. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our life as Catholics. And our schools and agencies provide essential services to many thousands across Cook and Lake Counties. But in consultation with leaders from across the archdiocese, for the sake of the safety of our students, parishioners, and, all the women and men who serve the people of the archdiocese, it is clear that we must take the better part of caution in order to slow the spread of the pandemic."
Cardinal Cupich also stated, "in this time of legitimate concern for the safety of ourselves, our loved ones and those at the margins of society, we must hold fast to the knowledge that the impulses that come from God bring courage, consolation, generosity and solidarity. Instead of allowing this moment to trap us in fear, we must find unity in advancing all that is good in our common humanity. This means staying spiritually and emotionally close to one another, in our families, our friendships and our communities. It means helping where possible and safe. It means checking on the vulnerable. It means being responsible about hygiene."
Because this situation is evolving rapidly, please check this website for further information. I know that this will bring anxiety to some and confusion or anger to others. I am saddened that we will not be able to pray together at Mass this weekend. This is a moment that we are called in Christian charity to look beyond ourselves and to care for each other. Let us pray together that in this moment of brokenness - Jesus will give us Living Water so that we may be healed.
Sincerely Yours in Christ's Love,
Fr. Donald Eruaga, Pastor
Shauntae Davis, Principal
Congratulations to our 2022 Parish Raffle Winners!
1st Prize: Traeger Grill - Beverly Stewart
$500.00 - Delores Halbert
2nd Prize: Fire Pit & Grill - Veda Stroud
$250.00 - Jackie Smith
3rd Prize: $200.00 - Michelle Rhymes
4th Prize: $100.00 - Pamela Jefferson
5th Prize: $50.00 - Jack Kingsbury
Thank you for your support!
May 28, 2022
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
In a few weeks, the faith communities of St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Thaddeus and St. Kilian will come together to form a new united parish. Our mission is clear: Build Community, Inspire Witness and Make Disciples. I’m excited about our future together.
Essential to our new community and the related ministries is our worship and sacramental life. We have lived through a global pandemic and experienced changes in the way we worship. We will experience more changes as we come together in an effort to create a new unified vibrant parish community.
Our unification is about more than structure and operations. As St. Paul wrote, “You are strangers and aliens no longer. No, you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God. You form a building which rises on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is fitted together and takes shape as a holy temple in the Lord; in him you are being built into this temple, to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22).
I wanted to share the Mass schedule that will go into effect the weekend of June 18-19, 2022. The schedule has been discerned in prayer after receiving input from parish leadership and parishioners.
St. Kilian will celebrate its last regularly scheduled Mass on Sunday, June 12, 2022. This will provide the parishioners and friends of St. Kilian the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful history of the parish as it embarks on its new journey.
I share this information knowing that change is difficult, but change is necessary to maintain a vibrant Catholic presence on the Far Southside of Chicago.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Donald Eruaga,
Pastor
St. Kilian, St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Thaddeus
Phases of Unification to One Worship Site
Sunday Worship at St. Kilian ceases after Mass on Sunday, June 12, 2022.
Regular Mass schedule is as follows (for the next 6-12 months):
Weekday Mass schedule Tuesday-Friday
8:30 AM at the St. Margaret of Scotland Church Site
Weekend Masses at St. Margaret of Scotland Church Site:
4:30pm on Saturday (beginning June18th)
8:30 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday (beginning June 19th)
Special celebrations (not Sunday masses) including funerals, baptisms and weddings may continue at the St. Kilian Church site until the Christ the King weekend 2022.
All sacramental celebrations will be celebrated at the St. Margaret of Scotland Church Site effective the 1st Sunday of Advent 2022.
January 24, 2022 -
Far Southside Renew My Church Update: January 2022 Discernment Process Holy Name of Mary, SS. Peter and Paul, St. Anthony, St. John De La Salle, St. Kilian, St. Margaret of Scotland and St. Sabina Parishes and Sacred Heart Mission engaged in the Renew My Church (RMC) review and discernment process over the past few months. The Grouping Feedback and Discernment team (GFDT), which was made up of members from each community, met to review and discern the future parish structure for the area. Our deepest appreciation goes to the GFDT who prayerfully discerned the parish structure during this challenging time of the pandemic. Based on their meetings and feedback gathered from the larger parish community, they submitted feedback to the archdiocese. The Archdiocesan Standards and Recommendations Commission, which includes representatives from across the Archdiocese of Chicago, reviewed the feedback and other information, including financial summaries and parish trends. Cardinal Cupich and Bishop Perry are grateful to Fr. Gilbert, Fr. Mwageni, Fr. Krylowicz, Fr. Kiiguta, Fr. Eruaga, Fr. Pfleger and the Grouping Team who gathered together, and all who offered feedback through the recent discernment process. Outcome In the past few weeks, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, the archdiocese’s auxiliary bishops, and the archdiocese’s Presbyteral Council met to discuss the Commission’s recommendation. Based upon those discussions and prayerful consideration, Cardinal Cupich made the following decisions regarding the parish structure in this grouping. Holy Name of Mary, SS. Peter and Paul and St. John De La Salle will unite as a new parish, with a new name, one pastor and one pastoral team, effective July 1, 2022. o Holy Name of Mary will serve as the parish church and the sole location for the parish’s regular schedule of Masses. The specific timeline to fully transition Masses to Holy Name of Mary will be determined by parish leadership in the coming months. o The local community will discern possibilities for the new permanent name of the parish, within guidelines provided by the archdiocese, and submit three to five options to Cardinal Cupich. Each church will retain its dedicated name while the newly united parish receives a new name. o The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Priest Placement Board will continue its discernment of a candidate to recommend as pastor of the newly unified parish. More information will be shared when it is available. St. Margaret of Scotland and St. Kilian will unite as a new parish, with a new name, one pastor and one pastoral team, effective July 1, 2022. o St. Margaret of Scotland will serve as the parish church and the sole location for the parish’s regular schedule of Masses. o The specific timeline to fully transition Masses to St. Margaret of Scotland will be determined by parish leadership in the coming months. o The local community will discern possibilities for the new permanent name of the parish, within guidelines provided by the archdiocese, and submit three to five options to Cardinal Cupich. Each church will retain its dedicated name while the newly united parish receives a new name. o The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Priest Placement Board will continue its discernment of a candidate to recommend as pastor of the newly unified parish. More information will be shared when it is available. St. Anthony Parish will continue in its current structure. St. Sabina Parish will continue in its current structure. Sacred Heart Mission’s future structure will have continued discernment. There are no changes to the schools (St. Ethelreda, St. John De La Salle, St. Margaret of Scotland, and St. Sabina) in the grouping. Each school’s pastoral connection to a parish will be confirmed in the coming weeks now that the parish structure has been decided. 2 Rationale Based on the grouping team’s feedback and other data available, the archdiocesan RMC Commission proposed the four parishes as the best future structure to support vibrant Black Catholic ministry, Spanish language ministry and honor history within the grouping. In each of the uniting parishes, the grouping team concluded that the community in each united parish will best be served by worshipping together at one site. o The grouping team had consensus on St. Margaret of Scotland serving as the worship site for the united parish of St. Margaret of Scotland and St. Kilian. o Various considerations were evaluated to determine the best worship site in the uniting parish of Holy Name of Mary, St. John De La Salle, and Saints Peter & Paul. In reviewing the grouping team’s feedback and all data available, the archdiocesan RMC Commission proposed Holy Name of Mary would meet the ministry space needs of the united parish and best honor the Black Catholic identity and history of the uniting communities. Next steps The renewal process calls us to become a stronger, more sustainable presence for the future capable of reaching more people in their work of making disciples of Jesus Christ, building communities with one another and inspiring witness in the world around us. The newly united parish communities will embark upon the next phase of renewal, focusing on strong evangelization to the world around us. We know that this structural change is just the beginning of our journey of renewal. Renewal of our Church means that every Catholic, every searcher, and everyone who loves Jesus and his Church, will have to look anew at what it means to be Jesus’ disciple and to live out that discipleship. Profound gratitude to all involved in the process to date, and prayers for all those who will take up the next phase of renewal, sharing faith and evangelizing those searching to know Jesus more deeply
January 10, 2022
Dear Parishioners,
We are pleased that Bishop Joseph Perry, our regional bishop and Cardinal Cupich’s representative to our region of the archdiocese, will be with us on Monday, January 24, at 6:30pm, to join us in prayer and share an important update on the future of our parishes. This will be held online. Please go to www.renewmychurch.org/announcements for details about how to access the meeting from your computer or smartphone.
In Christ’s Love, Fr. Donald Eruaga, MSP Pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish
June 2021 - Church Re-Opening
Dear Parishioners of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish,
It is with great joy that I write you today. I am delighted to inform you that St. Margaret of Scotland is continuing with the reopening process. On Friday, June 11, 2021, the State of Illinois entered Phase 5 of the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan and the Archdiocese of Chicago has updated its COVID 19 mitigation protocols. This new phase lifts all capacity restrictions on our attendance.
St. Margaret of Scotland will no longer restrict the number of people at our liturgical Masses and other services. All pews will be available for your use.
Registration for our Masses is no longer required. In addition, masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated persons. Proof of vaccination is not required. I ask that those of you that are not vaccinated wear a mask. It is recommended by public health authorities that unvaccinated people wear a mask indoors.
Our Mass schedule: Saturday’s 4:30pm
Sunday’s 8:30am and 11:30am
For those of you who are not able to return to Mass or are not yet comfortable joining us in person, know of our prayers for you. If you wish to receive Communion in your car during our Masses, please inform the greeter at the side door entrance and you will be given further instructions. We are continuing to record Masses and put them on this website, visit our website at smosparish.com
Please update your contact information so that we can stay in touch with you. We have not been able to call or email you because we do not have your information. Please help us by filling out and returning the enclosed card or simply calling Debra in our office at773-779-5151.
I am grateful for your support during this pandemic, it has been a true blessing! Thank you for your sacrifice and your willingness to financially support your Church. I ask God to bless you in the ways you have blessed us.
In Christ’s Love, Fr. Donald Eruaga, MSP Pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish
March 5, 2021
PASTOR’S 2021 EASTER MESSAGE
Dear Parishioners, St. Theresa of Calcutta used to say “When I look at the crucifix I see how much God loved me then, and when I look at the Sacred Host I see how much He loves me now.” Christ lifted our sufferings up on the cross and gave it new meaning. In these days of uncertainty and unpredictability due to COVID-19, followers of Christ approach the cross and suffering not as a curse, but as a blessing. The cross has become the throne of Christ, and the resurrection is our anchor. Indeed, without the resurrection the cross would be an embarrassment and a curse.
For more than a year now it has been nearly impossible for all of us to come together around the altar to celebrate the Eucharist because of the pandemic. The staff and I miss you all and pray for the end of this health crisis. As we look forward to the Easter celebration, let us not give up hope. The end of the pandemic will surely come. A wise person said, “When life throws you down, do not land on your belly, land on your back and keep your eyes up. As long as you keep looking up and not downcast your eyes there is hope.” Life will bounce back again but will likely be somewhat different for many people.
When we look at the crucifix, let us keep looking upward and never allow our defeat to define us. I humbly ask that you prayerfully consider making a one-time Easter gift to ensure that our parish ministries and operations can continue. You can send your gift to our parish office or online at www.archchicago.org/offertory. And if you are able to resume or increase your weekly contribution, please do so. We are an Easter people. We will celebrate Easter virtually and in-person this year, for those who will not be physically in church, know that you are in our thoughts and in our prayers. We invite you to join us for the Stations of the Cross, for the Triduum, and the Easter liturgies on our website. They will be live-streamed on the Church’s website, www.smosparish.com. We pray for your health and ask God to grant us the patience we need as we look forward to the end of the pandemic.
I wish you a joyful Easter celebration with those you love.
The Lord has indeed risen, Hallelujah!
Rev. Donald Eruaga, M.S.P
June 10, 2020
Hello St. Margaret of Scotland family,
I pray that you and your loved ones are healthy. I’m writing to inform you of the Archdiocese multi-phase reopening plan, our St. Margaret of Scotland Reopening Plan, and to outline the new procedures for participation in Mass.
As you may have seen, Cardinal Cupich recently shared our multi-phased plan for reopening churches in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Specifically:
· Phase I allows for parishes to reopen for Baptism, Reconciliation, Weddings and Funerals with a limit of 10 attendees.
· Phase IA allows for parishes to reopen for private prayer and adoration with a limit of 10 attendees.
· Phase II allows for reopening for weekday and weekend Masses for larger groups depending on the guidelines from the state and the capacity of the church building.
Our St. Margaret of Scotland Reopening Plan:
First and foremost, it is important for everyone to understand that our efforts will prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all while maintaining due respect and reverence for the sacraments and liturgical norms of our faith.
Please note that we will continue to celebrate Mass via teleconferencing at 11:00 a.m. every Sunday. Please call 1-708-381-1120 to join.
We have been assembling a Parish Reopening Leadership Team with parishioner co-captains to lead our efforts. All volunteers receive required training from the Archdiocese to ensure that our parish reopening plan conforms to the guidelines developed by the Archdiocese in collaboration with civil and healthcare authorities. We have received a starter kit of protective wear and cleaning supplies for our volunteers.
Timing for Our Reopening
Upon review of the recent guidance issued by Governor Pritzker for the reopening of churches, the bishops of the Chicago Archdiocese are moving toward Phase 2 of the reopening plan. Cardinal Cupich has accepted the recommendation of our Archdiocesan task force and we have received our
certification for Phase 2, our Masses will resume on Saturday, June 13th at 4:30p.m., and continue thru the weekend with 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses on Sunday. We will resume daily Masses on
Monday June 15th at 8:30 a.m. on a trial basis to see if we have the volunteers needed etc. to continue.
New Procedures from the Archdiocese in order to participate in Mass:
1. Reservations will be required for ALL Masses. We have set up an online reservation system with SignUpGenius.com, you will not need to have an account with this website to register for Mass. However, you will be asked for your name, phone number, email address and the number of people from your household who will be attending together. You make a reservation on our Church Website, www.smoschicago.org and click on the link corresponding to the date/time you wish to attend Mass or call the Parish Office: 773-779-5151. We will have greeters at the parking lot door to check you in, walk-ins are welcome, if there are available seats. 2. If you have a fever or feel ill, please do not come to church. 3. Strict social distancing will be observed for these Masses. 4. Entry will only be permitted on the East side of the Church at the Parking Lot doors. 5. Entry will be granted to those registered, if space is available, registration at the door may be possible. 6. Throughout your time in the Church you must wear a mask that you provide. 7. Parishioners will be greeted and hand sanitizer provided. 8. You will be directed to specific seating in the Church. We ask that you do not move. (Our apologies to those who have favorite seats, we have very specific guidelines to follow that include First In, First Out.) 9. Hymnals will not be provided. We ask you to take home any worship aids you bring. 10. Collection baskets will not be passed. Offerings may be placed in provided basket in the Church. 11. You will be directed for the reception of Communion. 12. At the end of Mass, ushers will dismiss all pew by pew. Please exit the church immediately following Mass. No congregating inside or outside the church is allowed.
As we see what works and obtain the required number of volunteers needed, we will determine our readiness to continue the same number of Masses and the number of parishioners we can accommodate in our Church in accordance with safety guidelines. Our collective patience, willingness to help and the care we take to reopen is a demonstration of our unity and love for one another.
May God grant you His peace during this difficult time and may He manifest His love and presence to you in abundant ways. If you have any questions, please contact the parish office at 773-779-5151.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Donald Eruaga, Pastor
March 25, 2020 Letter from our Pastor, Fr. Donald:
Dear Family and Friends,
I pray that you and your loved ones are healthy and have the resources you need amidst the current restrictions. We know these measures are designed to protect our well being and that of our broader community and world.
For many of us, particularly when we’re now told to stay home for weeks at a time, our initial reaction is to gather all we can and hunker down to weather the storm. As a Christian family of faith, this is also a time – perhaps the most important time – to consider our need for spiritual unity and the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Praying Together:
Though our family of families at St. Margaret of Scotland may be physically separated from one another right now, we are blessed with several ways we can unite in prayer and devotion. I encourage you to consider the following:
Teleconference Sunday Service with our Pastor, Fr. Donald: Please join Fr. Donald and other parishioners for a 45-minute Sunday service at 11:00a.m. By calling 605-313-4819 and using access code 586-093. Livestream Masses: Weekend Masses from Holy Name Cathedral, Daily Masses from St. James Chapel, https://radiotv.archchicago.org/television/broadcast-masses.
Giving Together:
Please consider giving online at www.archchicago.org/offertory where you can make an offertory donation to our St. Margaret of Scotland family and keep the vital ministries and services we provide going. Please make sure to select St. Margaret of Scotland from the drop-down menu on the form.
Updating our Parish Directory:
At this important time we have discovered that our Parish Directory is incomplete and out of date. We would like to have your current contact information, including your email and phone number so that we can contact you with important information.
The fact that this pandemic is occurring during our Lenten journey offers each of us important reminders about the role of faith, hope and charity in our daily lives and in whom we place our trust. I believe we are being called by Jesus Christ to a renewed sense of solidarity. This is a time for unity in prayer, not for isolation; it is a time for hope, not despair; it is a time for generosity, not self-focus. “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35).
May God grant you peace during this difficult time and may He manifest His love and presence to you in abundant ways. If you have any concerns, please contact our Parish Office at 773-779-5151.
Thank you for your continued support of St. Margaret of Scotland.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Donald Eruaga
Pastor
March 24, 2020 Posting:
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT from Fr. Donald:
Dear St. Margaret of Scotland Parish Family,
The news about the COVID-19 pandemic gets bleaker and bleaker each day. The number of confirmed cases and deaths continue to rise. In light of this growing pandemic, there is some unprecedented news that I must share with you.
Cardinal Cupich has mandated the suspension, until further notice, of all liturgical services. This includes both weekend and weekday Masses. I have received further notice that Palm (Passion) Sunday and all Holy Week liturgies (including Easter Sunday) will not be celebrated publicly in our parishes.
This is the first time in recent memory that the beautiful liturgies of Holy Week and Easter will not be publicly celebrated at St. Margaret of Scotland. I am heartbroken over this news. There is a great joy in celebrating the Pascal Mystery together.
In light of the Cardinal's decision to suspend the celebration of all public liturgies, it is understood that all Catholics within the Archdiocese of Chicago are dispensed from the obligation of attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (per canons 85 and 87 in the Code of Canon Law of 1983) and this includes Easter Sunday.
I have also been notified that there is not to be any distribution of blessed palms until a later date determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops or the Archdiocese of Chicago. There are to be no Communion Services now, nor during Holy Week, until we are cleared to return to public liturgies.
I look forward to the day that we can gather around the Lord's table and share the Bread of Life. If you have any prayer requests, please call our office line and leave a message with the request at 773-779-5151.
In Christ's Compassionate Love,
Fr. Donald Eruaga
Pastor
March 20, 2020 Posting:
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
Dear Parishioners & Friends of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish&School
The spread of COVID-19 has dominated the news and our thoughts and prayers. Let us continue to pray for those whose lives have been affected by this pandemic.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) informed us this evening that a student at St. Margaret of Scotland School has tested positive for Coronavirus/COVID-19. The affected student also attended the school Mass at St. Margaret of Scotland Church on March 12, 2020. We are adhering to guidelines from the Archdiocese of Chicago, the CDPH, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Governor's Office's guidelines, which recommend the cancellation of public gatherings involving 250 or more people. We have closed St. Margaret of Scotland school effective immediately and will not re-open until March 23 at the earliest. Additionally, there will be no daily Mass on Friday, March 13.
Cardinal Cupich mandated the suspension until further notice of all liturgical services effective the evening of Saturday March 14, 2020. Thus, all Masses beginning with the 4:30 PM Mass on Saturday March 14 are cancelled until further notice. This includes both weekday and weekend Masses.
Beginning Friday, March 13, 2020:
- St. Margaret of Scotland Church and School will be closed until further notice
- Religious Education Classes are cancelled until further notice
- All meetings and activities are cancelled
Mercy Home offers a Sunday morning broadcast of the Mass at 9:30AM on WGN. Broadcasts of the Sunday Mass are also available on EWTN.
Beginning Friday, March 13, school and parish leadership will facilitate extensive cleaning and disinfecting of the school and church. Please note that the school already has a scheduled Spring Break from March 16-20.
Per guidance from CDPH it is not necessary that other students, staff or parishioners of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish and School be tested for Coronavirus/COVID-19 at this time, nor is it necessary for anyone to self-quarantine, unless you begin exhibiting Coronavirus/COVID-19 symptoms. Please continue to monitor your own health, those within your care and continue to practice proper hygiene at home. We remain in close contact with the CDPH and will keep all parishioners, school families and staff apprised of any new or additional guidance from CDPH or the Archdiocese of Chicago. (If you have any questions, please direct them to the Chicago Department of Public Health.)
Cardinal Cupich stated, "This was not a decision I made lightly. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our life as Catholics. And our schools and agencies provide essential services to many thousands across Cook and Lake Counties. But in consultation with leaders from across the archdiocese, for the sake of the safety of our students, parishioners, and, all the women and men who serve the people of the archdiocese, it is clear that we must take the better part of caution in order to slow the spread of the pandemic."
Cardinal Cupich also stated, "in this time of legitimate concern for the safety of ourselves, our loved ones and those at the margins of society, we must hold fast to the knowledge that the impulses that come from God bring courage, consolation, generosity and solidarity. Instead of allowing this moment to trap us in fear, we must find unity in advancing all that is good in our common humanity. This means staying spiritually and emotionally close to one another, in our families, our friendships and our communities. It means helping where possible and safe. It means checking on the vulnerable. It means being responsible about hygiene."
Because this situation is evolving rapidly, please check this website for further information. I know that this will bring anxiety to some and confusion or anger to others. I am saddened that we will not be able to pray together at Mass this weekend. This is a moment that we are called in Christian charity to look beyond ourselves and to care for each other. Let us pray together that in this moment of brokenness - Jesus will give us Living Water so that we may be healed.
Sincerely Yours in Christ's Love,
Fr. Donald Eruaga, Pastor
Shauntae Davis, Principal
|
|
|
|
