Dear Friends in Christ,
I wanted to take a moment to share some upcoming events that will temporarily take me away from the parish.

October 23-30, I will be on my annual retreat. This will be a time for spiritual rejuvenation and guidance. This sacred time is crucial for my ministry, and I will carry your intentions with me during these days of retreat.

I will be visiting the Mundelein seminarians from November 7-10,
followed by a visit to the SJV seminarians from November 27-December 1. These visits are opportunities to check in on our young men, offer them encouragement, and engage with the formation faculty. Your prayers for their discernment and formation are deeply appreciated.

Lastly, from November 16-19, I will accompany a group of high school aged young men (16 years and older) on the Vianney Visit to the college seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. This is a vital step in their discernment
process, and I trust they will benefit greatly from the experience. The Vianney Visit allows for these men to take a closer look at the priesthood by experiencing a few days in the life of a seminarian on the campus of St. John Vianney College Seminary at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Transportation, accommodations, and meals are provided at no cost. Register by November 3 by emailing
preynolds@grdiocese.org. If any from the parish are interested in attending, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

During the weekdays when I am away, there will be communion services instead of Mass. I know that its not ideal for me to be away so many days in such a short period of time. Unfortunately, this is what is required of me as I continue to fill two roles for the diocese as pastor of St. Pius X and Director of Priestly Vocations.

I am also grateful for the support of our fellow priests during these times. Fr. Tom Simons will be covering weekend Masses on October 28- 29, and Fr. Len Sudlik will take the reins on November 18-19.

In Christ’s love and friendship.