Welcome Fr Gerald Walsh!

Please join our parish family in giving a joyful and heartfelt welcome to Fr. Gerald, our new Associate Pastor at St. Francis de Sales!

We are so blessed to have him join our pastoral team alongside Fr. Christian, and we look forward to all the gifts, wisdom, and pastoral care he will bring to our community, school, and ministries.

Be sure to say hello and introduce yourself after Mass this week. Let’s keep Fr. Gerald in our prayers as he settles in and begins his ministry here in Lake Zurich!

Here are some pictures from our Staff Luncheon the other week to welcome Fr Gerald to the team and bless Emily Moorman as she heads off to college after a summer of helping cover the front desk!

Fore! A Great Cause Swing and a Prayer Golf Outing

Fore! A Great Cause

Swing and a Prayer Golf Outing

Monday, September 21st, 2026

Join the Little Sisters of the Poor at The Club at Wynstone, North Barrington, IL

Golf Registration Includes:

Golf, Cart, Grilled Lunch, Cocktails, Appetizers & Dinner

The Little Sisters of the Poor arrived in Chicago 150 years ago to care for the elderly poor. With your help, we hope to continue our mission for the next 150 years and beyond! The money raised from our ‘Swing and a Prayer’ will help us to provide a loving home with quality care to our residents at St. Joseph’s Home.

Register, Sponsor, or Place an Advertisement Online at:

LittleSistersofthePoorPalatine.org

Or call: 847-358-5700

Coffee Challenge

Any questions or troubleshooting on updating your giving reach out to Karin Jurczak 847-726-4711 kjurczak@stfrancislz.org

The Condition of Discipleship | The Coffee Challenge! ☕️

22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

The Condition of Discipleship

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Jesus explains that the primary condition of discipleship entails giving up control, letting go, and surrendering to the Lord in a way that allows God’s will to be done in us. Mary is the perfect example and therefore first true disciple of this paradigm. Think back to the scene of the Annunciation. Mary proclaims: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). In letting go of worldly goods and living life as a “holy sacrifice” unto God, we are then able to follow – to find deep union with Christ. I’d like to focus on the understanding of taking up one’s cross. While the obvious implication is having to navigate the trials or hardships of life with faith and trust in God, another more subtle connotation is the concept of duty and sacrifice. Stewardship comes to mind. As we have concluded the 2025-2026 fiscal year on 30 June, just prior to my arrival, I have been reviewing our parish’s financial health with the Finance Council. At this time, I would like to offer a preview of our findings. A more detailed report will be forthcoming. The Net Operating Loss accelerated this past year and will no longer be sustainable for the parish. Unfortunately, the income decline since the time of Covid and the multiple instances we suffered without a Pastor, has not allowed our Parish to resume normal operations. As you may recognize, inflation also continues to be a considerable factor in rising expenses and remains a significant contributor to our annual Net Operating Loss of approximately $700K this past fiscal year. We are grateful to have been awarded two, one-time financial infusions in a PPP (Payroll Protection Program) grant and more recently an ERC (Employee Retention Credit) refund that has helped to absorb the impact of our Net Operating Losses. However, these additional funds are being depleted, and our forecast indicates that they will only get us through FY2027, at best. The Finance Council and I will undergo an analysis of parish operations to work towards a viable and sustainable future. We remain committed to being good stewards of the gifts God has given us as we, together, participate in shaping the future of our parish.

Currently, how might you help to shape the future of our parish so that we can meet future needs: so that we can be the best missionary disciples possible, so that we can boldly witness to Mission and evangelization, so that we can “Go and Make Disciples”? I’d like to suggest, for your consideration, the Coffee Challenge!

Perhaps during the week, you spend about $10 buying coffee. I’d like to invite you to make a small sacrifice along the broader theological concept of taking up one’s cross. Would you be willing to sacrifice that expense of buying coffee and instead, increase your Sunday weekly giving by $10.00? If everyone increased Sunday giving by $10.00, the impact would be considerable. If you have not given in a while, perhaps bring to prayer this opportunity to start giving again – a gentle invitation to “take up one’s cross” in that sense of the condition of discipleship, because of love and care for our parish family and the mission it serves: being a “universal sacrament of salvation” (Ad Gentes 1).

I hope you will give some thought to joining this Coffee Challenge. It is a way to respond to the blessings we have received from Almighty God. Stewardship is a spiritual discipline that lends us to living out the condition of discipleship. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

Grateful and inspired, I remain –

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Christian Shiu
Administrator

Emmaus House needs Grocery Bags!

Who Do You Say That I Am?

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Who Do You Say That I Am?

“But who do you say that I am” (Matthew 16:15).  Jesus poses this question to his disciples.  And Peter enthusiastically exclaims: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).  Indeed, Peter answers correctly as he is illuminated by the Holy Spirit.  In faith, that, too, is our response.  I’ll always remember what a former spiritual director said to me when I was a seminarian studying for the priesthood at Mundelein Seminary.  While in the Gospel Jesus poses the question – and of course it is important for us to take ownership as a follower of Christ and be able to profess faith in him – it is also equally beneficial to pose Jesus’s own question back to him, he explained.  In other words, that spiritual director invited me to ask Jesus in the silent prayer of my heart: Lord, who do you say that I am to you?  That is a powerful question, and one worth bringing to your personal prayer.  Lord, who am I to you?  As you rest in the presence of God this week, may the Holy Spirit enlighten “the eyes of your heart that you may know what is the hope that belongs to your call” (Ephesians 1:18).  May the answer you hear from the Lord affirm you deeply – to know that you belong here; you belong to God; you belong to the Light – you are a beloved child of God, beautifully and wonderfully made, in His image and likeness. 

Seminarians at Mundelein Seminary focus on both aspects of that question.  As they undergo formation in the spiritual, human, pastoral and intellectual dimensions, they must continue to respond to Jesus’s question once posed to the disciples.  Who do you say that I am?  The first office or duty of the ministerial priest is to preach the Gospel to all people.  And so like Peter, they must have the right answer: you Lord Jesus are the Christ, the Son of the living God!  In addition, the seminarian must be grounded and centered in his identity or relationship with the Lord.  Therefore, he also must ask Jesus: who am I to you, Lord?  Here at St. Francis de Sales, we will be blessed to accompany 3 seminarians this Fall, helping to form them as they prepare to become priests.  We are also going to be so fortunate to learn from them, too, as they bring with them a heart for ministry and service and a willingness to share their spiritual gifts with our community.  Last weekend, I announced the names of the 3 seminarians assigned to us: William Jordan, from SS. Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette, Archdiocese of Chicago, entering into Discipleship I (first year of Philosophy); Benjamin Wemhoff, from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Diocese of Wichita, entering into Configuration I (First Theology); Alex Klein, from St. Jude Parish, Diocese of Wichita, entering in Configuration II (Second Theology).  Please join me in praying for our seminarians, and together, may we pause to ponder and reflect on that deeply reciprocal question: who do you say that I am?

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Thank You! 

Principal Mary Keller and I are pleased to announce the installation of brand new concrete steps adjacent to the school’s main entrance as well as new mulch for the school’s playground.  We are confident that these improvement projects will promote safety and enjoyment for our students.  I want to take this opportunity to thank Dcn. John Sfire and Fidelity Construction for their excellent work and a job well done with both of these projects!

Wishing you God’s peace and everything good, I remain – 
Yours in Christ,

KoC Oktoberfest

Fall Scripture Study! Biblical Call Stories with Fr Christian Shiu

Biblical Call Stories presented by Fr Christian Shiu

September 16th/17th through October 14th/15th.

Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:15pm (Ministry Center) 

Thursdays 10:00am - 11:15am (Ministry Center)

Zoom - Wednesdays 6:30pm 

How is God calling you today? From Abraham stepping into the unknown and Samuel listening in the quiet of the night, to Andrew, Peter, James, and John leaving their nets by the sea—Scripture is filled with moments where God calls ordinary people to follow Him. Join us for an inspiring study as we explore these powerful stories of faith and reflect on how God is speaking to each of us right now in our daily lives.

ALL ARE WELCOME! Snacks, water and coffee will be available.

Help Support Youth Ministry's Wishlist

Our Youth Ministry program is starting up again, and we need YOU! Whether you can donate an item from our Amazon Wishlist or volunteer your time and talents, your support helps us create meaningful, faith-filled experiences for our youth!

More importantly, please pray for the youth of our parish and an exciting year ahead!

Contact Diana Arizmendi if you would like to volunteer or have any questions at darizmendi@stfrancislz.org

Help Families After the Colombia Earthquake

Following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia, Catholic Relief Services is supporting Caritas Colombia and its nationwide diocesan and parish network as they respond to widespread damage. Many families urgently need shelter, clean water, food, medical care, protection and other essential support. Our prayers are with all who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods. Through its trusted network of dioceses and parishes, Caritas Colombia is often among the first to respond— accompanying families, offering care, identifying immediate needs and mobilizing assistance through trusted relationships. Your gift today can provide emergency relief to families affected by this disaster—helping bring shelter, food, clean water, protection and other urgent support to our sisters and brothers in Colombia. Your gift today can provide emergency relief to families affected by this disaster. Scan the QR code to help bring urgent support to our sisters and brothers in Colombia.

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A Prayer for Colombia

Lord Jesus, draw near to the people of Colombia in this time of fear and sorrow. Hold close all who are suffering, strengthen all who are bringing help, and let your peace be felt in the heart of every person in need of comfort. Our Lady of Chiquinquirá, patroness of Colombia, wrap your mantle around your people. Pray for the grieving, the injured and the weary, and welcome all who have died into your Son’s loving home. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

A House of Prayer for All Peoples

20th Sunday of Ordinary Time

A House of Prayer for All Peoples

“For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56:7b).  In a time of restoration, when the Israelites were able to return home to Judah after the Babylonian exile, it was an opportunity to reestablish themselves.  It was also a moment to reclaim their identity as a covenantal people with God, to have high expectations for what God was going to do for them.  Within this framework came a reminder to the Israelites that they are to be “a light to the nations, that [God’s] salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6b).  This is what is meant by “a house of prayer for all peoples.”  Through the Israelites who were first called, they are to help all the ends of the earth come to know the knowledge and friendship of God, thus making the whole world “called” and therefore creating true community in the household of God.

A house of prayer for all peoples.  Indeed, today the New Testament Church is a house of prayer for all peoples – as Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and prophecies of the Old Testament.  Through Christ, the new and eternal covenant, there is fulfillment and extension of the original covenant.  In the words of Jesus, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself” (John 12:32).  Or in another place, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10).  St. Francis de Sales boldly witnesses to the Gospel and we as a parish community remain committed to being a house of prayer for all –  to remain centered on Christ, mission and evangelization, to go and make disciples!  

Our seminarians studying at Mundelein Seminary undergo specialized formation and training so they can do just that in response to their call to the ministerial priesthood (as ordained priests).  As I announced this past weekend at our Masses, St. Francis de Sales has been named a teaching parish by Mundelein Seminary!  This means, in the Fall, we will be blessed to have up to 3 seminarians join our community to experience mission and ministry within our ranks.  The seminary’s Tolton Teaching Parish Program enables seminarians “to spend time each week at their teaching parishes—learning practical and pastoral skills from experienced mentor pastors, participating in Masses and parish events, getting to know parishioners personally, and gaining a better understanding of what it takes to shepherd a community of faith.”  In addition, the parish is enriched by the spiritual gifts a young seminarian brings: his prayers and witness to faith, his service in giving talks to various groups or teaching in the youth or religious education program, as well as a sense of renewal and hope for the future of our Church.  This is a momentous occasion and a very exciting time, and this is a testament to our parish’s history and legacy – the Archdiocese and Seminary recognizes that St. Francis de Sales is a leader, and now we will be able to help form and shape future priests of the Catholic Church.  

While we do not yet know who will be assigned to our parish, I ask that you please join me in praying for our seminarians and more vocations to the priesthood.  Once I have more information, I will share that with you.  I know seminarians always look forward to getting out to parishes – to be on the front lines with the people of God they feel called to love and serve.  I look forward to how we will walk together with them. 

In Christ the Teacher, 

Fr. Christian Shiu
Administrator

Church Background: Loft

The church is designed so that as you enter near the baptismal font, you go through a “portal” with a low ceiling, then you can’t help but look up at our ceiling and feel some awe as you approach the baptismal font. (It’s fun to watch someone who is new to our church experience this.) Because we have the “portal” entrance, we have a space above it. This is our loft. It is used by our Tech Team who display the slides during Mass and stream the 9 am Mass. The loft area also provides storage for the banners, hangings and other items used by our Environment and Art team.

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Finding Comfort in Troubled Waters | Fr. Christian Shiu (Homily)

"Like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind..."

If you missed Mass this past weekend (or just want to hear it again!), Fr. Christian’s 11:00 AM homily is now available on our YouTube channel! Opening with a soulful performance of a classic song, Fr. Christian reflects on how God meets us right in the middle of our storms. From Elijah’s quiet whisper on Mount Sinai to Peter sinking in the waves, we are reminded that Jesus doesn't ask us to climb up to Him—He reaches down to grab our hand and pull us into safety. Take 12 minutes out of your day to watch, reflect, and find a little peace.

Watch the full homily here: https://youtu.be/GoJv8_bEIdg?si=0Uph2Hmpm2OifyrI

#SFdSLZ #StFrancisDeSales #LakeZurich #CatholicLife #Homily #BridgeOverTroubledWater #FaithInAction #FrChristianShiu

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SFdS is Officially a Teaching Parish

Starting this Fall, we will be blessed to welcome up to three seminarians into our community through the seminary’s Tolton Teaching Parish Program. This program allows seminarians to spend time each week at SFdS—learning practical and pastoral skills, serving alongside our group leaders, and getting to know our parish family personally as they discern the ministerial priesthood.

This is a momentous milestone and a true testament to our parish’s legacy. The Archdiocese and Mundelein Seminary recognize St. Francis de Sales as a leader, and now our community gets to play an active role in forming and shaping the future priests of our Church!

In return, our parish will be enriched by their witness, prayers, and service in our ministries, youth programs, and Religious Education.

While we do not yet know who will be assigned to us, please join Fr. Christian in praying for our incoming seminarians and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood. We can't wait to walk alongside them on this journey!

Help Support Religious Education's Wishlist

As we prepare for another wonderful year of Religious Education, we are getting our classrooms ready to welcome our children and young people!

We’ve set up an Amazon RE Wishlist with supplies and resources that will support our catechists and help bring faith formation to life for our students. If you’d like to purchase an item to bless our program, your support would mean theworld to us!

Every item—big or small—makes a real difference in creating a warm, engaging environment for our kids to grow in their faith. Thank you for your continued generosity and prayers! 💛

High Expectations!

19th Sunday of Ordinary Time

High Expectations!

From working in the field of education, I know the word “expectation” carries great importance. Teachers and coaches use that term quite often. There are expectations for the classroom or athletic field; there are expectations a student must observe in a particular course of study or sport; there are expectations that we hold ourselves to. In the spiritual life, we have expectations that point to our capacity to have hope in a new opportunity or future. What do you expect from God? I hope it is the impossible, the incredible, the inconceivable. When it comes to God, the invitation is to always have high expectations.

Peter, as he responded to Jesus’s imperative to “Come” seemed to have solidified his belief in the expectation that he could actually walk on water. And Peter did – as we learn from today’s Gospel passage – at least until Peter turned away from Christ and got caught up with hope’s antithesis: fear. Indeed, fear has a crippling effect on our spiritual senses. Fear clouds and mars the inner capacity to trust in God. Fear distorts and distracts us from keeping our eyes focused and attuned to Christ. Fear can be scary, just as that tempest was for Peter. What are we afraid of: perhaps it is the future, illness, suffering or the greatest unknown which is death. But in the midst of the storm and strong winds, Christ beckons us to “come”, to keep our hopes and high expectations on him – and even when we fall short, to try again and again, for the Lord is near; he always stretches out his hand to catch us.

That is why we gather each Sunday as a worshiping community to celebrate the Lord’s Day – to renew the sacrifice of human redemption. It is in the Eucharist that the Lord renews his covenant with us and we renew our covenant with the Lord.

This strengthens Christian hope, whereby we are once again able to reorient and recenter our lives on Christ. We fix our gaze on the one who is “the Way, the Truth and the Life.” In the words of theologian and spiritual master Henri Nouwen, “we do this [as people] who can support each other in patient expectation until we see him again. And then our hearts will be full of joy, a joy that no one can take away from us.” Have high expectations in Christ, in whom your joy will be made complete.

Wishing you God’s peace and everything good, I remain – 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Christian Shiu
Administrator

P.S. As I announced at all the Masses last weekend, I am pleased to report that brand new concrete steps have been installed at the east entrance to the Church. Dcn. John Sfire will share more about this important improvement in the adjacent column.

St Francis de Sales Golf Invitational

UPDATE: Our Golf Outing registration has closed!  And that's great news because that means we have filled our capacity of 120 golfers!   In addition, our gross income thus far is about $60,000!  I am deeply moved by the generous supporters and sponsors of our important golf outing fundraiser.  Thank You! - Fr Christian Shiu

St. Francis de Sales Invitational Golf Outing

All Donations Benefit SFdS School & Youth Ministry!

Monday, August 31, 2026

The Grove Country Club | 3217 IL-53, Long Grove, IL 60047

Golfers - $300 | Dinner Only - $100

AGENDA

• 9:00 AM Check-In and practice

• 11:00 AM Shotgun Start for all Golfers

• 12:30 PM Lunch and Beverages provided on course 

• 4:00 PM Happy Hour

• 5:00 PM Buffet Dinner and Auction.
  Spouses, Teachers, and Non-Golfers are encouraged to attend the dinner and auction!

FABULOUS AUCTION ITEMS

• Reserved Seats for Premier Masses

• Oktoberfest Private Seating

• Premier Parking Reservations for Church or School

• Golf Foursomes Gift Certifcates

• and Prizes From Your Favorite Local Establishments!

SPONSORSHIPS:

• Hole Sponsor 

• Beverage Cart 

• Cigar Roller 

• Foursomes 

• Bloody Mary 

• Boozy Putt 

For Inquiries, Contact Mike Muir: mike@muirinsurancegroup.com

New Concrete Steps!

Just a short note about the new concrete stairs that we just installed at the East Entrance to the Church.

When Fr. Christian came on board, we spoke about some maintenance items that should be considered. I immediately thought about the stairs. Over the many years since their installation, they have begun to sink causing a challenge to enter/exit. We looked at some possibilities such as mud-jacking or partial replacement and came to the conclusion that a complete removal and re-installation was the best solution.

We began the removal, put in a new base and poured new concrete and re-installed the railings. I am very pleased with the work of my construction company, Fidelity Construction, and know the new stairs will be in service for many years to come.

Blessings and love,

Deacon John Sfire

Eucharistic Adoration 8/11/26

Join us at the church for some holy time in adaoration.