Church Background: Baptismal Font

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Many years ago you were baptized and that baptism was your entrance to the church community. Our design committee decided to place our baptismal font at the entrance of the church so we can be reminded of our baptism and our entering the Christian faith. Our font has a high portion that we use to baptize infants. We have the lower part where we baptize adults who enter the faith at the Easter Vigil. The water in our font flows constantly to remind us of the River Jordan where John the Baptist did his baptizing. The font is close to the ambry, the cabinet holding the holy oils that are used at baptism.

Disciple, Shepherd, Steward

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15th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Disciple, Shepherd, Steward

Having completed my first full week at St. Francis de Sales, including a weekend, I am grateful for the warm welcome and hospitality, and I am elated to be a part of your parish.  From my conversations and encounters with people, it is clear to me that there is a strong sense of community here.  Last week, I spoke of walking together; it has already become evident to me that you are disciples of Christ who walk together with each other.  I have witnessed this from the incredible synergy and spirit of collaboration among the staff, I have witnessed this from the dedicated liturgical ministers who ensure that we can all belong, believe and become here in our spiritual home, I have witnessed this from those who serve in the food pantry ministry; I have witnessed this from our committed Ministers of Care, leaving church after Daily Mass to bring Holy Communion to those who cannot join the worshipping community in-person, and I have witnessed this from the assembly in the celebration of Eucharist – as you walk together with each other in worship, exercising your common priesthood, uniting the story and substance of your lives to the one sacrifice of Christ on the Cross for the salvation of the world. 

As I have been spending time praying about my new role as pastor of a parish, a thought comes to mind: disciple, shepherd and steward.  In the Archdiocese of Chicago, an important model of priesthood entails these three categories, and they each speak to the three-fold duty of the priest.  As a Disciple, I am entrusted with providing spiritual vision and ensuring that we stay grounded on the Mission.  In the words of the Risen Lord Jesus: to go and make disciples (cf. Matthew 28:19).  As a Shepherd, I am entrusted with teaching and preaching the Gospel and providing pastoral care.  And as a Steward, I am entrusted with the great gift which is the holy People of God – to help you to “shine like lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15b) as I celebrate the Sacraments and ensure the life of grace.  

The Priest as disciple, shepherd and steward is the one who walks together with the people – praying, listening and discerning so that true co-responsibility can occur.  Remember a moment ago I spoke of the common priesthood: this is the priesthood of the Baptized!  And therein is the reality that every single member of the Body of Christ is co-responsible for the Mission of Christ.  Simply put, co-responsibility means that every baptized member of the Body has a unique call or vocation, ministry and lifestyle that enables her to participate in mission and evangelization – building up the Body of Christ and proclaiming the Gospel.  

The ministerial priesthood – that of the ordained – is called to be at the service of the common priesthood.  And I couldn’t be more excited than to do that here at St. Francis de Sales.  As I mentioned in my weekend homily, always remember that you have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in you, you are a beloved child of God, and God loves you – never let anyone tell you otherwise.  Because of that truth, you are being equipped and enabled daily by Christ to also be disciples, shepherds and stewards of the faith, “to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1b).  While the priest consecrates the Eucharist, You consecrate the world! 

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

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Christian Shiu
Administrator

Watch Fr Christian’s Homily from last week below!

Church Background: Managing our Sound

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Our church is built with quite a few “hard” surfaces, the brick, wood ceilings, and the pews. We learned that we needed to manage the sound in the space so it wouldn’t have too many echoes and sound like a shower room. Look around and you’ll see vertical wood boards on many walls. Behind the boards you can see, and feel, the sound absorbing material that helps to manage the sound in the space. Recently we had sound experts do a major tune-up of the microphones and speakers in church to improve the sound. We hope you hear the words and the music even better after this tune-up.

Totus Tuus 2026 Thank You!

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To our totus tuus missionaries - Andrew Kowalski, Isa Schuch, Joe McCoy, Logan Killelea, Luca Cangelosi, & Natalia Morales, our teen volunteers - Abby Vinnes, Addison Eklund, Violet Geiger, Charlotte Miodonski, Jackie Bernardo, Brooklyn Doyle, Ciana Monte, Cami Deignan, Elise Reczek, Eli Turner, Emilia Stec, Emily Smithe, Ellie Homuth, Haley George, Nick Wolter, Kate Mollohan, Layla Geiger, Luke Dodds, Elise Fabsik, Eryk Szcygiel, Lyla Wheeler, Maddie Doyle, Molly Smithe, Kylie O'Neill, Sarah Sprau, Sam Miller, & Zoey Gonzalez , our college volunteers - Christina Santello & Ashley Ribordy & the adult volunteers who helped make our week so much fun!

Thank you to Pam Lynch & the Virgilio Family for hosting the missionaries in their homes!! Thank you to Deacons Bob, John, & Tom for celebrating Communion service each day. Thank you to Deacons Bob & Tom and Jonathan Kim for Adoration & to Deacon Bob for church tours.

Thank you to Rosati's of Lake Zurich, Culver's of Lake Zurich, the Koffee Kup restaurant, Tacos el Norte of Lake Zurich, Sorelle Italian Market, the Knights of Columbus, the Platas family, the Hupperich family, the Virgilio family, the Clery family, the Epstein family, the Angelini family & the Ananevic family for donating meals for our missionaries or providing a meal for our evening program.

Magnifica Humanitas Resources

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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!

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REGISTER HERE

RE Registration 2026-2027

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REGISTER HERE

First Staff Day with Fr Christian

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On his first day, July 1st, Ministry Center and School staff joined together with Fr Christian for lunch and prayer. We read Matthew 8:23-27 together and prayed and reflected on Christ’s presence in the storm.

Fr Christian brought his print of Rembrandt’s “Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee”. We shared ways we are reminded to turn to Jesus and trust that He is with us always.

Church Background: Day Chapel & Tabernacle

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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.