Generating Kindness
I have been inspired by the positive response to our 40 Days of Kindness initiative. So many of you have reiterated that it is something we all need these days.
Don’t forget that we are encouraging you to DO acts of kindness AND to engage others, even others far away from Holy Family, to do the same. Please encourage as many others as possible to visit our website and record their acts of kindness.
Kindness to Our Archdiocese
This weekend, we begin the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Annual Catholic Appeal. The Annual Appeal is a way for you to extend kindness to agencies and ministries in Cook and Lake counties that provide service, outreach and education, but have no regular means of funding.
This year’s funds are based on anticipated need and are subject to change, but are currently earmarked as follows:
• Low-income parishes and schools – support for parishes and schools serving financially challenged communities – 27%
• Parish-based incentives – after a parish reaches goal, donated funds return to the parish for local use – 24%
• Archdiocesan ministries – outreach initiatives for young adults, families, children and others – 23%
• Spiritual renewal efforts – transforming parishes to share our faith in new and creative ways – 9%
• Priest formation – education and development for seminarians and priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago – 6%
• Catholic Relief Services – support for those suffering from natural disasters around the world – 4%
• Cost of the Appeal – printing, postage and processing costs for the Appeal – 7%
Kindness to Immaculate Conception Church in Puerto Rico
This year’s Lenten Social Justice Project invites us to put our faith into action through prayer, sacrifice, and generosity. Our communal Act of Kindness extends beyond our own walls to Immaculate Conception Church and School in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico—a faith community working courageously to rebuild after the devastating earthquakes in 2020. (Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, and Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.)
For generations, the church and school have been the heart of this town — a place of worship, learning, safety, and hope. But both buildings sustained significant structural damage. Walls cracked, roofs weakened, and classrooms were lost. Even today, families gather, and children learn in spaces that are only partially restored. There is hope. Holy Family’s Goal is to raise at least $75,000. Your gift will help fund this essential first phase of restoration, including:
• Strengthening walls, foundations, and support beams
• Repairing roofs and improving drainage to prevent water damage
• Adding earthquake-resistant reinforcements
• Preserving historic architectural features and stained glass
• Employing local contractors to support the Puerto Rican economy.
You will hear much more in the next few weeks.
Parish Mission –
March 16, 17 & 18 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Join internationally acclaimed liturgical artist ValLimar Jansen for three nights of music and dramatic storytelling. Topics include: Emptied – Making Room for More; Filled – Receiving the Spirit’s Power; Transformed – Living as People who are MORE. Come and do the transformative work of Lent and leave each night with practical tools to enhance your spiritual life. No registration necessary.
Congratulations to our
Golden Rose Recipients
Congratulations to Caylin Sgroi and Diyanka Paul on receiving a Golden Rose Award from the Archdiocese Council of Catholic Women. They were nominated for their leadership, spirituality, and service to Holy Family. Dawn Mayer and I, along with Christopher & Kelley Sgroi, and Randhip & Malathi Paul, attended the award ceremony.
Caylin and Diyanka are both high school juniors and are very involved at Holy Family. Caylin is an usher at Mass, participates in the Passion Play, leads as a peer minister for a Confirmation prep class, helps at Spirit Camp, and helps with other Family and Teen Faith events, such as A Sunday in Bethlehem. Most recently, she co-wrote and directed the Children’s play at Christmas Mass.
Diyanka is a proclaimer and Eucharistic Minister at Mass, participates in the Passion Play, leads as a peer minister for a Confirmation prep class, helps at Spirit Camp, and helps with other Family and Teen Faith events, such as A Sunday in Bethlehem. She co-wrote and directed the Children’s play at Christmas Mass with Caylin.
We thank both Caylin and Diyanka for their leadership in the Holy Family community and beyond.