Coffee Challenge

/

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

UPDATE OR START GIVING TODAY!

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

UPDATE OR START GIVING TODAY!

Help Support Youth Ministry's Wishlist

/
BUY HERE

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.

Give Today to Support Emergency relief

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

View Factsheet

Help Support Religious Education's Wishlist

/
BUY HERE

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! 💛

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

Register & Sponsor HERE

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

ACA REPORT FOR OUR PARISH - JULY 2026

/

ACA REPORT FOR OUR PARISH
JULY 2026 REPORT 

2026
Donor Count           217
2026 Goal           $114,142.40
Amount Pledged   $110,466.12
Amount Paid       $100,107.78
Balance Due       $10,358.34 

2025
Donor Count          358
2026 Goal           $104,221.12
Amount Pledged   $194,953.72
Amount Paid        $158,995.37
Balance Due       $35,958.35

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

ACA REPORT FOR OUR PARISH - JUNE 2026

/

ACA REPORT FOR OUR PARISH
JUNE 2026 REPORT 

June 2026 
Donor Count 201
Goal               $114,142.40
Amount Pledged            $99,586.12
Amount Paid                  $86,686.11
Balance Due                  $12,900.01 

       

June 2025
Donor Count 339
Goal                  $104,221.12
Amount Pledged      $177,496.70
Amount Paid      $143,422.20
Balance Due      $34,074.50 

Help Us Welcome Fr Christian & Fr Gerald!

/

To help our new priests settle into the parish rectory, we are hosting a virtual housewarming! Following some standard routine updates to the house, we want to ensure they have everything they need for a wonderful fresh start.

We are inviting parishioners to contribute financially toward stocking the rectory with new essentials, including towels, bedding, kitchen items, and cleaning tools.

If you would like to contribute to their housewarming, please TEXT “Rectory” and the amount you would like to donate to 847-443-9997. IE: “Rectory 100”. You can also drop a donation in the church baskets or at theMinistry Center - just write "Rectory" on the envelope.

Any questions, please reach out to the parish office.

Thank you for your beautiful spirit of hospitality!

ACA REPORT FOR OUR PARISH - MAY 2026

/

ACA REPORT FOR OUR PARISH
MAY 2026 REPORT 

2026
Donor Count     190
2026 Goal           $114,142.40
Amount Pledged   $96,456.12
Amount Paid        $80,394.44
Balance Due       $16,061.68 

2025
Donor Count        322
2025 Goal            $104,221.12
Amount Pledged   $166,706.70
Amount Paid         $127,327.70
Balance Due           $39,379.00 

ACA REPORT FOR OUR PARISH - MARCH 2026

/

ACA REPORT FOR OUR PARISH
MARCH 2026 REPORT 

2026
Donor Count 144
2026 Goal             $114,142.40
Amount Pledged     $70,801.10
Amount Paid          $51,001.10
Balance Due          $19,800.00 

2025
Donor Count 155
2026 Goal             $104,221.12
Amount Pledged     $66,174.20
Amount Paid           $53,611.20
Balance Due          $21,563.00