Virtual Bulletin
get the scoop on the latest going-ons at our parish
Walking the Camino to Santiago
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Walking the Camino to Santiago
500 Miles Across Spain — What I Carried, What I Left Behind
“Walking 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago was much more than a physical journey for me. Along the way there were beautiful moments, difficult days, unexpected encounters, blisters, and more than a few lessons I never expected to learn. In this talk, I’ll share some of the stories, people, laughter, challenges, and moments of grace I experienced along the Camino - and how somewhere along those 500 miles, I discovered that the journey is not only about what you carry with you, but also what you learn to leave behind.”
What happens when you step out of your everyday comfort zone and walk 500 miles across Spain with just the pack on your back?
Join us for a special one-night presentation as Fr. Gerald Walsh shares his personal pilgrimage along the historic Camino de Santiago. Beyond the breathtaking vistas and rugged trails, the true heart of the Camino unfolded in blistered feet, chance encounters, shared laughter, and quiet moments of divine grace. Fr. Gerald Walsh will reflect on the triumphs and challenges of the journey—and how, somewhere along those 500 miles, he discovered that pilgrimage isn’t just about what you carry with you, but what you learn to leave behind.
Whether you’ve dreamed of walking the Camino yourself or are simply seeking fresh spiritual insight for your own life's journey, come be inspired by an evening of storytelling, humor, and faith.
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, December 9th @ 7pm & Thursday, December 10th @10am
📍 Location: St. Francis de Sales Ministry Center
All are welcome—bring a friend!
Synodal Listening Sessions
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This is a time for the Church to pray, reflect and listen to one another. Synodal listening sessions will take place from:
October 2026 through February 2027, culminating in an ecclesial assembly on June 12, 2027.
For more information, please visit: archchicago.org/synodality
Check back often as listening sessions will be added throughout this process.
All are invited to be part of the Synodal Process in the Archdiocese of Chicago
Discover the Augustinian Third Order
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ROOTED IN TRADITION. Renewed for Today.
Discover the Augustinian Third Order
Are you drawn to the spirituality of St. Augustine and interested in a deeper connection with the Augustinian family?
Join us for an online information gathering to learn about the Secular (Third Order)
Augustinians, the path of formation and discernment, and what it means to live the Augustinian way in everyday life.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
11:00 AM CST • ZOOM
To join us, go to www.midwestaugustinians.org and visit the Event Page.
Presented by the Midwest Augustinians Office of Lay Engagement in collaboration with the Augustinian Sisters.
Seek God together. Live the Augustinian way.
Midwest Augustinians Men’s Augustinian Retreat
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RECEIVE. REMAIN. RETURN.
Living the Life God Has Entrusted to You.
Midwest Augustinians Men’s Augustinian Retreat
NOVEMBER 13-15, 2026
Friday evening - Sunday afternoon
UNIVERSITY OF ST. MARY OF THE LAKE
Mundelein, Illinois
RETREAT FEE: $395
WWW.MIDWESTAUGUSTINIANS. ORG
Contact Maryellen@midwestaugustinians.org or 773-614-5800
7 Things I Love About You: Gifts of the Holy Spirit Series
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Your participation in IPS Scripture School has been the greatest blessing. As Director Kevin Pease makes his professional transition, please consider joining his Farewell course offering. In this 7-week course (including 3 weeks of Advent!), Kevin will guide us through all 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit, expounding upon what they are and how we are called to receive and offer them all the days of our lives. Course runs October 28 –December 18, 2026.
Nothing is needed to participate except for the gift of yourself.Two ONLINE sections available:
Wednesdays • 10:30am –12:00 noon OR Fridays • 6:30pm –8:00pm
TO REGISTER, kindly email director and class facilitator Kevin Pease: kpease@luc.edu
All Classes Recorded for Later Review in Case of Absence.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Where do you find yourself in God's grand story?
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Where do you find yourself in God's grand story? From the beauty of Creation and the tragedy of the Fall, to God’s covenant promises with Abraham, the liberation of the Exodus, and their ultimate fulfillment in the life, Cross, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ—Scripture reveals one continuous, unfolding story of salvation. Join Fr Gerald for an inspiring 5-week study as he helps us trace this epic journey of faith and reflect on how God’s divine rescue plan touches our own lives today. ALL ARE WELCOME! Snacks, water and coffee will be available.
Sessions begin October 21st/22nd and go through November 18th/19th. We will gather in the Ministry Center on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm or Thursdays at 10:00am or you can join on Zoom on Wednesdays at 6:30pm.
Archdiocese of Chicago: Fall 2026 Renewal Workshops
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Answer the call to spiritual renewal! The Archdiocese of Chicago is hosting a series of Renewal Workshops this fall designed for all parish leaders—both lay ministers and clergy.
Facilitated by members of the archdiocesan Spiritual Renewal Team, these online sessions offer a space for prayer, teaching, practical exercises, and discussion. Participants will explore key principles of renewal, gain practical tools for parish transformation, and re-ignite personal missionary discipleship.
Workshop Format & Schedule
All workshops are conducted in English via Zoom, with two convenient time options available for each session: 12:00 – 2:00 PM or 7:00 – 9:00 PM.
First Impressions—Physical Space: Making your space more welcoming for newcomers
🗓️ Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 12 – 2 PM or 7 – 9 PM
Deepening Your Prayer Experience: Understanding the principles of missional prayer
🗓️ Friday, October 23, 2026 | 12 – 2 PM or 7 – 9 PM
Encountering Emmanuel: Communal prayer in Advent
🗓️ Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 12 – 2 PM or 7 – 9 PM
Greeters 2.0: Giving greeting an upgrade
🗓️ Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 12 – 2 PM or 7 – 9 PM
Better Than Bethlehem: Christmas hospitality
🗓️ Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | 12 – 2 PM or 7 – 9 PM
(Note: Earlier sessions on invitation, meeting prayer, faith storytelling, and vision casting took place in September and early October.)
How to Register
Whether you lead a ministry, serve on a council, or want to help strengthen our parish community, you are encouraged to attend!
Register Online: Visit renewmychurch.org/renewal-workshops or scan the QR code on the flyer.
15th Annual McHenry County Catholic Prayer Breakfast
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15th Annual McHenry County Catholic Prayer Breakfast 🕊️🥞
Join fellow Catholics from across the area for a morning of prayer, community, and inspiring speakers at the Fifteenth Annual McHenry County Catholic Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, October 31st, 2026!
Featured Keynote Speakers
Kevin Matthews (Radio Legend, Author, & Speaker): A household name across Chicago airwaves in the '80s and '90s, Kevin saw his life shift dramatically following a debilitating illness. At the height of his trial, encountering a broken statue of the Virgin Mary led to a profound spiritual awakening. Today, self-described as "Mary's Roadie," he shares a powerful witness of inspiration, healing, and hope.
Monsignor Michael J.K. Fuller (General Secretary of the USCCB): A priest of the Diocese of Rockford and an accomplished theologian, Msgr. Fuller serves as the General Secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He brings deep insight, pastoral wisdom, and leadership from the heart of the Church in America.
Event Schedule & Locations
7:30 AM – Holy Mass
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
1023 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL
9:00 AM – Breakfast & Speaker Program
Holiday Inn Chicago NW Crystal Lake
800 S. IL Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL
Ticket & Registration Information
Individual Tickets: $40
Tables of 10: $350
Sponsorships: Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Families Welcome: Complimentary onsite babysitting is available with advance online registration!
Space is limited and seats will sell out, so be sure to reserve your tickets early!
Register Online: Visit McHenryCountyCatholics.org or scan the QR code on the flyer.
Questions / Contact: Call 815-263-5628 or email mccpb2011@gmail.com.
Facebook: Follow along at McHenryCountyCatholicPrayerBreakfast.
Magnificat Prayer Breakfast: "God’s Healing Power"
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Women of the parish and community are warmly invited to gather for an uplifting morning of fellowship, worship, and testimony at the upcoming Magnificat Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Sponsored by the Magnificat, Mary ~ Mother of the Eucharist, McHenry IL Chapter (a ministry to Catholic women), this gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to be renewed in faith and enjoy breakfast with friends.
Event Details
Theme: "God's Healing Power"
When: Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (Seton Hall), 1023 McHenry Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL
Features: Inspiring testimony, shared prayer, breakfast, and live music
Keynote Speaker: Judy Truett
We are blessed to welcome Judy Truett as our keynote speaker. Judy brings an amazing testimony grounded in over 50 years of service across various Catholic ministries. She will share her heartfelt journey as a mother navigating her daughter’s childhood cancer and disabilities, walking through widowhood, witnessing miracles, and encountering God’s deep healing power through it all.
Reservations & Information
Bring a friend, sister, or mother to share in this special morning!
To Reserve Your Spot: Scan the Reservations QR code on the flyer or click https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/SWKLKKJJYYVQ4
All Souls’ Day Mass of Remembrance | Monday, November 2nd - 7PM in the church
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In our Catholic tradition, the month of November is dedicated to praying for our loved ones who have died, especially on November 2nd, the Commemoration of All Souls.
All who grieve the loss of someone special—whether recently or years ago—are invited to gather in prayer and hope in the Resurrection. Together with the St. Francis de Sales Bereavement Ministry we reach out in a particular way to parents, siblings, and families who have lost a child.
Memory Table & Candle Lighting: To remember those we mourn in a tangible way, you are invited to bring a framed photo or small keepsake to place on the Memory Table prior to Mass and candles will also be lit in prayer as part of this Mass.
Fellowship: Following Mass, please join members of the Forever in Our Hearts group and Bereavement Ministers in the Gathering Space for light refreshments, conversation, and mutual support.
All parents, family members, and supportive friends are welcome. If you have any questions, please contact the Parish Office 847-438-6622 parishoffice@stfrancislz.org
Baby Bottle Collection Begins Oct 24/25th
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Pick up your bottle to fill on the weekend of Oct 24/25
Women's Retreat 2027: Register Oct 24th
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Set your reminder to log in Oct 24th @ 2pm to reserve your spot! They go fast!
Youth Ministry: Keep Calm & Billy Chingo On! 🍲🎉
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Get ready for an evening of chili, BINGO cards, and cozy fall vibes!
All middle and high school teens (grades 7–12) are invited to join the St. Francis de Sales Youth Ministry on Sunday, October 25, 2026, for a special night of Bingo and warm chili hosted by local celebrity "Billy Chingo!" Throw on your favorite flannel shirt, bring an appetite, and get ready to compete for prizes.
Event Details
Who: Grades 7–12 welcome!
When: Sunday, October 25, 2026
5:00 PM: Youth Mass
6:00 – 8:00 PM: Chili & Bingo Session
Where: Ministry Center
Attire: Wear your flannel!
Highlights: Hot chili dinner, exciting rounds of bingo, prizes, and lots of laughs.
How to Join
Bring a friend and come hang out after the 5:00 PM Mass!
Please RSVP in advance so we have plenty of chili and bingo cards ready for everyone.
Youth Ministry: Come Paint with "Billy Ross"! 🎨🌲
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Grab your brushes and get ready for a night of happy little trees!
All high school teens (grades 9–12) are invited to join the St. Francis de Sales Youth Ministry on Sunday, October 18th, for a creative evening with the infamous "Billy Ross." We'll take a break from sweating the small stuff, unwind, share dinner, and learn to paint together in good company.
Event Details
Who: All high schoolers (Grades 9–12)
When: Sunday, October 18th
5:00 PM: Youth Mass
6:00 – 8:00 PM: Dinner & Painting Session
Where: Ministry Center
What’s Included: Dinner, canvases, paints, and plenty of laughs!
How to Join
Whether you consider yourself an artist or you've never picked up a paintbrush before, there are no mistakes—just happy accidents! Bring a friend and join us after the 5:00 PM Mass.
Please RSVP in advance so we have enough food and art supplies for everyone.
With Thanksgiving, Make Your Requests Known to God
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27th Sunday of Ordinary Time
With Thanksgiving, Make Your Requests Known to God
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Paul writes his letter to the people of Philippi (modern day Greece) while in prison. At this point, around 62 AD, Paul had completed his three missionary journeys; he had been arrested in Jerusalem and sent to Rome for imprisonment (cf., Acts 28:16; 30). While living under arrest, Paul continues to make the kerygmatic proclamation. He speaks to the Philippians passionately about having humility and a spirit of thanksgiving; he also spends a great deal of time talking about joy. (Paul mentions “joy” about 16 times in the four short chapters that comprise the Letter to the Philippians.) And while in prison! You may think one would be downtrodden and discouraged, sad and sulky. Not Paul: why? Paul has surrendered himself to the Lordship of Christ. Paul understands that true joy comes from justification in Christ. To be justified in Christ means to not just be forgiven of all our sins, but rather it means to claim the title of adoption, to become an adopted child of God whereby his Divine Life is infused within us. To have everlasting friendship with God, and to know that I am a result of God’s friendship, as Paul did, is to experience spiritual joy. It is within this framework that we pray, calling God “Abba”. I’m always fascinated with Philippians 4:6, because this particular verse is bold and exudes a calm, collected confidence. Have no anxiety – even when you’ve hit rock bottom (like Paul) – but rather pray, turn to prayer – make your petitions known to God, already with thanksgiving. But why with thanksgiving? Paul is taking a proactive stance. Even before knowing what will happen in the future or how God will answer prayer, you can count on God, you can trust that He will make a way, and you can be assured that the way God will answer prayer is truly the way we need it answered. Therefore, even before the final result is in, as we make our prayer requests known to God, be thankful, be grateful. God will provide!
Speaking of trusting in God’s provision as beloved children of God, I have been in contact with Pastor Dave Mudd of The Hope Collective Church in Lake Zurich. As you may know, they recently sustained a fire in their lobby that caused a great amount of damage, including destroying most of their food pantry. Sincerely yours in Christ, hile renovation and repairs continue to be underway, the congregation has been able to return to in-person worship in their gymnasium. Hopefully, thanks to the support and aid of many, Hope Collective will be able to return to normal operations in just a few weeks. I have assured Pastor Mudd, on behalf of St. Francis de Sales, of our prayers and support. Please continue to keep them in your prayers; they are a community steadfast in their faith! In a recent sermon preached by Pastor Mudd on “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3a), he emphasized the importance of radical trust in God. When you are feeling poor, let your requests be known to God, with thanksgiving, for the Lord will make a way out of no way. In other words, thank God now for what He will do! To that extent, Pastor Mudd highlighted the spiritual principle that when you are poor in spirit, in fact, try to give more of yourself in service to another, and you will not be disappointed.
Make your requests known: The Jubilee Garden! As you know, our wonderful Jubilee Garden ministry, led by Sharon Fredrickson, is currently located in the area of Route 22 and Quentin Road. We have been blessed to be able to use that land to house this parish ministry over the years. However, the landowners will be selling that property. Therefore, a request was made to relocate the Jubilee Garden to our very own backyard, here at St. Francis de Sales! In consultation with others, I have accepted that proposal and I am pleased to announce that the Jubilee Garden will be established adjacent to (north of) the school playground. Currently, we are in the process of moving equipment to the parish grounds. More details will be provided in the future. This is an exciting moment for us to have this garden ministry on-site, which will provide for formative educational experiences for our school and religious education children as well as Christian service opportunities.
With thanksgiving, I remain –
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Christian Shiu
Administrator
2026 Season Jubilee Garden Team
Hallow Parish Week: "Rebuild My Church" Prayer Challenge
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Over 800 years ago, St. Francis of Assisi knelt in a crumbling chapel and heard Jesus say, "Rebuild My Church."
In this 800th anniversary year of his passing into eternal life, St. Francis de Sales invites our entire community to unite in prayer for Hallow Parish Week. Starting October 5, 2026, our parish is joining hundreds of Catholic parishes across the country for the 7-day "Rebuild My Church" challenge on the Hallow app!
Discover How Jesus Rebuilds His Church
These seven days invite us to reflect on how Jesus transforms the world—not through massive programs or grand strategies, but through the ordinary, holy lives of everyday people.
Each day journeys through the inspiring story of a saint who answered that call in their own time and circumstance:
St. Francis of Assisi
Mother Teresa
Carlo Acutis
Elizabeth Ann Seton
Jan Tyranowski
Pier Giorgio Frassati
Anna Maria Taigi
An Invitation for Everyone
Join Fr. Christian Shiu as he guides our parish family through this shared week of reflection.
Whether you sit in the pews every Sunday or haven’t walked through the church doors in years, this challenge will help you discover that Jesus is still actively building His Church—and He invites each of us to become part of His story.
How to Participate
Download or open the Hallow app on your phone or tablet.
Search for the "Rebuild My Church" Parish Challenge.
Select St. Francis de Sales Parish and pray along with us each day!
Pray with us on Hallow today!
St. Francis of Assisi Pet Blessing 🐾✨
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Calling all pet parents! In celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology, St. Francis de Sales invites you and your beloved pets to our annual Pet Blessing.
Bring your dogs, cats, and companion animals for a special prayer and individual blessing as we celebrate God’s creatures and the unconditional love, comfort, and joy they bring into our lives.
Event Details
Event: St. Francis of Assisi Pet Blessing
Date & Time: Sunday, October 4th at 1:00 PM
Location: West Parking Lot
Who: All pets and their human companions are welcome!
A Few Helpful Reminders
Please ensure all dogs are securely leashed and cats or small critters are in carriers or harnesses for everyone's safety and comfort.
Feel free to bring a lawn chair or water bowl for your pet if needed.
Bring a friend, neighbor, and fellow animal lover along!
We look forward to seeing our parking lot filled with wagging tails, happy faces, and abundant blessings!