Magnifica Humanitas Resources

/

Did you hear that Pope Leo XIV recently released his first Papal letter about the protection of human dignity in the age of Artificial Intelligence?

Links to the Encyclical and other Resources:

Magnifica Humanitas: On the Protection of Human Dignity

in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. encyclical:

https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html?shem=rimspwouoe

Hear about this letter from Pope Leo XIV himself:

In this presentation, Pope Leo XIV delivers his full address at the Vatican launch of his first encyclical. Speaking from the Synod Hall, the pope personally presents this social encyclical highlighting how AI and the digital revolution carry “even greater consequences” than past technological shifts. He situates Magnifica Humanitas in continuity with Catholic social teaching, responding to a growing “culture of power” fueled by emerging technologies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_mUHi2mpIQ

From the Word on Fire Website:

Magnifica Humanitas is Pope Leo XIV’s bold and timely first encyclical, a sweeping meditation on artificial intelligence, human dignity, technology, war, labor, truth, and the future of civilization itself. Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching, Magnifica Humanitas offers a compelling Christian vision of the human person in an age increasingly shaped by machines.

Chris Stefanic

(Real Life Catholic and EWTN)

For the first time in history, a pope has quoted Gandalf in an official Church document—and warned the world about the possibility of AI-driven autonomous weapons. This encyclical isn't just about technology. It's about how to see yourself, your world, and your calling through the lens of the Jesus message—in an AI-saturated age.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPlrXbWuyVI

Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Arthur Brooks

(Ascension Press and Dr. Arthur Brooks)

For a little over an hour, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Arthur Brooks discuss Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, the direction of our culture, and how Christians can prepare for the age of AI.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFFZM6kL3bY

Blood Drive | July 16th, 2026

/

Who benefits from blood donation?

At Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, formerly 
Heartland Blood Centers, we never forget the patients who receive the blood we collect.
Every unit of blood is collected from volunteer donors who meet specific criteria and have been screened according to strict guidelines. Every unit (pint) is collected, transported,
tested and stored according to tightly-controlled procedures.

Examples of transfusion needs are:

  • Cancer: up to 8 units/month

  • Bone Marrow Transplant: up to 2 units/day

  • Liver Transplant: up to 100 units

  • Auto Accident: up to 50 units

  • Cardiovascular Surgery: 2-25 unit

FREE ANTIBODY TEST for every donation

BRING A PHOTO ID & MASK REQUIRED

July 16, 2026 | 2-6pm, Fr Valker Hall

Appointments are encouraged, Walk-ins welcome!

REGISTER HERE

Congratulations Mimi McGlauchlin!

/

She Finished her Masters in Pastoral Studies this Spring!

“Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of participating in the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization while earning a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies at University of Saint Mary of the Lake. This program provided me with

a strong foundation in Catholic theology, evangelization, and pastoral ministry. Through academic study, spiritual formation, and practical ministry experience, I have deepened my understanding of the Catholic faith and developed the skills needed to lead, teach, and accompany others in their relationship with Christ.

This experience has strengthened my commitment to parish leadership, discipleship, and building vibrant faith communities within the Church. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our parish and look forward to applying what I have learned to support our Religious Education Ministry and the broader mission of our parish community. Through this ministry, I hope to help others encounter Christ, grow in faith, and become active disciples in the life of the Church.” -Mimi McGlauchlin

Mimi, we are so proud of all your hard work to help this ministry grow in relationship with Christ. Our community is so blessed to have your heart leading our children and Communicants in their discipleship. May His blessings continue to guide and enrich these programs!

Pray for the Newly Ordained 2026

/

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, ordained candidates from Mundelein Seminary to the Priesthood at Holy Name Cathedral on June 20th, 2026.

“The new priests join a brotherhood which enhances their ability to bring renewal, joy and comfort to those in need of guidance, healing and mercy.” Cardinal Blase J. Cupich

Men become priests through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, a celebration rich in symbolism and tradition. At the center of ordination is the moment when Cardinal Cupich imposes his hands on the candidates’ heads and prays over them, asking that God grant them an outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the ministry that they will undertake as priests. After the new priests are clothed in their vestments, Cardinal Cupich anoints their hands with oil, hand them the chalice and paten for the celebration of the Eucharist, and gives to each one the sign of peace.

By ordination, priests receive a wide variety of responsibilities, particularly celebrating the Mass and granting forgiveness of sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Priests also preach the Gospel, and celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick. Diocesan priests make promises of life-long celibacy, prayer for the People of God, and obedience to their bishop at their ordination.

May the Lord guide them in their faithful service to our local Church.

Back-to-School Backpack Program 2026

/

St Francis de Sales Parish will be collecting backpacks filled with school supplies to benefit underprivileged children in our community. Beginning July 18th & 19th Back-to-School Tags with a list of school supplies for each backpack will be available at the church. All school supplies should be placed in a new backpack and returned to church by Sunday, August 2nd. Your gift means the world to a bright and deserving child eager for a proper education.

Order Supplies Online Here

First Communion Registration!

/
REGISTER HERE

RE Registration 2026-2027

/
REGISTER HERE

Church Background: Day Chapel & Tabernacle

/

An important decision in church design is the location of the tabernacle. We designed the church with a separate area where we can say Mass when there are fewer congregants. We use this for the weekday morning Masses. When we do this, the faithful who are participating aren’t spread out through our large church. With that decision, our liturgical consultant recommended that the tabernacle be placed in the Daily Mass Chapel. This provides a smaller space for those who want to pray before the Eucharist in a more intimate setting. It allows the reserved Eucharist be used for daily Mass and for a communion service. Many of us grew up in churches that had the tabernacle behind the main altar, and it takes some getting used to having the tabernacle placed in this location. But it provides a reverent and beautiful space to pray with Jesus in the Eucharist.

Walking Together

/

Walking Together

St. Francis de Sales would resort to writing notes teaching and explicating the Catholic faith on sheets of paper, slipping them under doors. That was the only way he might hope to re-evangelize in Geneva. The Catholic Revival didn’t come easy for St. Francis, but he had a resolve and resiliency to forge ahead, to walk together with others, in gentleness and love.

Walking together in the spiritual life is pivotal. We find countless examples from Sacred Scripture: Jesus instructs the apostles to walk together in pairs, as he sends them out as those who share in his mission (cf. Mark 6:7); later, Jesus will call forth the seventy-two who will also participate in the mission, they, too, are to walk together in pairs (cf. Luke 10:1); or think of that monumental and momentous Resurrection day, when Cleopas and the other disciple are walking together with the Risen Lord Jesus on the Road to Emmaus (cf. Luke 24:13-35). If we flip back to the Old Testament, we discover equally compelling examples of walking together: Naomi and Ruth in their pact of true friendship, Enoch and Noah, both depicted in the Book of Genesis as righteous ones who walked with God. Even the psalmist who writes “under his wings you may take refuge” absolutely believed that the Lord – in whom refuge is found – was walking together with him (cf. Ps. 91:4).

This past week, I had the opportunity to visit the University of Notre Dame for some rest and reflection. One of my fondest memories was praying at the Grotto. There, I saw people walking together in faith, young and old, parents with their children hand-in-hand, college students, summer camp kids, visitors and tourists. Above all, in the midst of the sacred silence, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, allowing this concept of walking together to become tangible in the unity of the human family – because we are all looking for something, we are all yearning for something; we are all desiring something to settle and satisfy our restless hearts. Indeed, how wonderful that people walk together toward Christ, seeking the aid and intercession of Our Lady who leads us to ever deeper friendship with her Son.

As the new Pastor of St. Francis de Sales, I am deeply honored to have the privilege of walking together with you in your unique human experiences: the worries, challenges and concerns, goals and aspirations, hopes and dreams. That’s all okay! I pledge to walk with you and to point us to Christ so that we may find hope in Him and in each other. At the Corby Hall residence for Holy Cross priests and brothers, right before entering the Holy Spirit Chapel, the seal of the order is stamped on the floor; it reads “Spes Unica”. That means: our only Hope. Indeed, the direction in which we will walk together is Christ – Christ through his saving work of Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension is the only source of our Hope! And it is having hope that enables us to move forward, to take that next step, even when we are uncertain, because we trust that God is with us and God loves us. If we ever need reminding of the love of God, let us gaze upon the Cross: there we see love outstretched and open to all, a new and eternal covenant that our parish continues to share with others through mission and evangelization.

St. Francis de Sales wrote notes and letters; I will, too, in the medium of a new pastor’s column entitled “Eagle’s Landing” that will appear each week in the bulletin. In the days, months, and years to come, I look forward to using this platform as a way to communicate and share faith, news, and ideas. I am also eager to engage in avenues and events that will afford us the opportunity to meet, for you to share your faith, news, and ideas with me, and for me to listen.

As we walk together with Our Lady’s guidance, be assured of my prayers as I remain –

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Christian Shiu
Administrator

Church Background: Pews & Chairs

/

As you know we have both pews and chairs for seating in our church. When we were designing the new church, the design committee wondered what seating would be best for our congregation, so we did a survey. We asked if there should be kneelers in church and 95% said they preferred kneelers. We have installed kneelers at almost every seat. Then we asked if the parish preferred pew or chair seating. The results were 70% preferred pews and 30% liked chairs. So, we decided to put both pews and chair seats in church. We hope you have found your favorite seat in church, whether it is a pew or chair, and are comfortable as you join in prayer with others.

Church Background: Entry Doors

/

Have ever noticed that we have two sets of main doors entering our Gathering Space. We can come into church through the East or the West doors. When we were designing the church, it became apparent that because we seat 900 people, we needed to provide 300 parking spaces. The only way was to have parking on both the East side and the West side of the school. Two parking lots led to two main entrances. It has worked out so we don’t enter church walking alongside others, but instead we see other parishioners coming in the facing set of doors. We see one another and we often stop to visit in our Gathering Space. This greeting of others and joining in conversation builds our faith community. Having two entrance doors has led to more interaction and more fellowship in our parish. It is a reason that we are known as a “welcoming” community.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist FORMATION & TRAINING [June 27th, 2026]

/
SIGN UP HERE

Church Background: Picking Materials

/

Members of the design committee visited many churches and made note of what we liked and what ideas we would not use in our new church. We contracted with Ware and Associates of Rockford to be our architects, and Father John Buscemi to be our liturgical consultant. In our meetings, we decided that the church should look like the homes we lived in. We wanted to use wood, brick, and glass to make the church space beautiful and comfortable. We loved stained glass, but our budget didn’t allow for it. We especially wanted good “sight lines”. So, our church design puts the front pews only 20 feet from the priest during Mass. And the last pews are only 90 feet away from the presider. At this distance, the worshipper can see the facial expressions of the priest and vice versa. This led to our almost semi-circle design of our seating.

Consecration of our Country to the Sacred Heart

/

Our U.S. Bishops will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The consecration is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 11, on the eve of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Friday, June 12).

Watch the Livestream of the Consecration, which will take place in the context of a Votive Mass on June 11, in Orlando, with all the bishops gathered in Plenary Assembly. https://www.youtube.com/@UsccbOrg/streams

  • Read the reflection on why: https://www.usccb.org/reflection-consecration-sacred-heart

  • Watch the video on why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIr884JEjx4

  • Read and reflect upon Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us) https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html, on the human and divine love in the Heart of Jesus Christ, and Delixi Te (I Have Loved You) https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/apost_exhortations/documents/20251004-dilexi-te.html, which follows and continues on love for the poor.