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

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!

Formation and Training for NEW EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

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 Formation and Training for NEW EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

 Presenter: Deacon Allen Tatara

When: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Where: St. Anne Church, 120 Ela Street Barrington, IL 60010

Time: Check in at 8:30 a.m. - Training 9 – Noon

Register at: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/sHq3skaBqj

A follow up session will take place in your parish that will include any particular practices for your parish.

The workshop will include:

  • The ministry of Eucharist: our baptismal call to ministry

  • A theology of Eucharist as celebrated in the Roman Catholic tradition

  • The roots of our ministry in Scripture, the early Church, and on through the Second Vatican Council

  • Historical aspects of our celebration of Eucharist in practice and devotion

  • A review of the Liturgy of the Eucharist and how our ministry as EMs “fits” in the larger picture

  • Questions and Answers

This training meets the archdiocesan requirements for mandation and remandation.

Questions? Contact Marie Paul at mariep@sttheresachurch.org.

Register here

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

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"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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Our Weekend Mass Schedule

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The Eucharist is the source and summit of our parish life. It is where we gather as the Body of Christ, are nourished by His Word and Sacrament, and sent forth in mission. For many years, St. Francis de Sales has offered seven weekend Masses to ensure accessibility for all. While this has been a wonderful response to the needs of our parish family, it is not necessarily a viable option for the future. Our Priests, Deacons, and Ministries are stretched thin and Mass attendance levels have decreased.

The time has come to take an honest look at where we currently are as a parish community and reevaluate our Mass schedule to provide the best weekend experience possible. Seven Masses each weekend places significant demands on priests, deacons, musicians, and liturgical ministers. A more sustainable schedule would allow for more prayerful and energetic celebrations.

What happens next:

In the coming weeks, the staff, deacons, and liturgical ministry leads will discuss the Mass schedule.

Please respond to this survey before May 31st.

We ask you to pray for our parish and our priests as we chart a new course. Please have an open mind and heart as we navigate forward. No matter when we gather for Mass, Christ is present, body, blood, soul, and divinity, just as He always is.

Paper surveys are also available in the Church if you prefer.

Take Survey Here

Godparents' Day 2026

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St. Francis de Sales Parish would like to celebrate, honor, encourage and bless this special relationship between godparents and godchildren. Godparents can be wonderful Catholic role models and can journey alongside their godchildren. Godchildren can look to their godparents for wisdom on the importance that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit can have in their lives.

If you are a godparent, please invite your godchildren. If you are a godchild, please invite your godparents. If your godparent(s) or godchild(ren) have passed away into the light, you can still honor them by bringing their prayer card or a picture. After each Mass, we will offer refreshments in the Gathering Space. You won’t want to miss the famous blueberry pancakes at the Pancake Breakfast in Valker Hall, too! What a wonderful way to say ‘thank you,’ rekindle your relationship and highlight the spiritual importance of godparents.

Please call with any questions.

Divine Mercy Sunday Prayer Service // Sunday, April 12th, 2026 | 3pm

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The Divine Mercy Sunday Prayer Service will be Sunday, April 12th and begin at 3pm at St. Francis de Sales Parish Church. Confessions will be available before the 3pm prayer service, 1:30pm-3pm. All are welcome.

Why is there Divine Mercy Sunday?

Jesus appeared to St. Faustina Kowalska for the first time on Feb. 22, 1931 and gave her His first revelation about His Divine Mercy. Jesus’ message is that He desires mankind to avail itself to the infinite mercy of God on earth. That is why he wanted the first Sunday after Easter to be Divine Mercy Sunday. This is not a feast day invented in the Middle Ages or thought up by the Vatican. This is a special feast because it is one asked for by Jesus Himself!

How do we avail ourselves to this Divine Mercy?

Jesus will give us complete forgiveness of sins and punishments if we do a few simple tasks. We are asked to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday. We also should say the Divine Mercy Chaplet and venerate the Divine Mercy Image on Divine Mercy Sunday. A good confession must be made 20 days before or after Divine Mercy Sunday. Not much to ask for when you consider that you receive forgiveness of sins and remission of punishment!

Why did God give us the Feast of Divine Mercy?

Jesus said to St. Faustina, “I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender Mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My Mercy. The soul that goes to Confession and receives Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the Divine blood gates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near Me, even though its sins be scarlet. My Mercy is so great that no mind, be it man or angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it is solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the fount of My Mercy.” (St. Faustina Diary 699)

Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday Easter is the day that we celebrate the triumphant Jesus Christ who sacrificed His life for us and then rose from the dead. On Divine Mercy Sunday, we again are given a view of Jesus as the loving Savior. The Divine Mercy Image Painting hangs in our church on the south wall. Jesus told St. Faustina to have this image painted. It shows the red and white rays of His blood and water. He also told her to have the words, “Jesus I trust in you” written across the bottom. If you want God’s Mercy, trust in Jesus’ message and join us for more information on the Divine Mercy Revelations, you can visit the website of the Association of Marian Helpers, www.marian.org, or you can read the “Diary of St. Faustina.”

Holy Week Schedule 2026

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Reconciliation Schedule

9-11am & 5-7pm

Monday, March 30th

Tuesday, March 31st

Wednesday, April 1st

Holy Thursday

No Reconciliations

7pm Holy Thursday Mass

11pm Night Prayer

Good Friday

No Reconciliations

Noon Stations of the Cross [Bilingual]

12:30-2:25pm Tre Ore/Seven Last Words

3pm Service of the Passion

7pm Tenebrae

Holy Saturday

No Reconciliations

Noon & 1pm Blessing of Easter Baskets

7pm Easter Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday Masses

6:30am, 8am, 9:30am [streamed], 11am [broadcasted], & 12:30pm