February News Brief From The Province
FANA (Federation of Augustinians of North America) took place on February 12 at Villanova Province offices. The three Provincials attended as did the Executive Director, Rev. Kevin Mullins, O.S.A. They met to discuss finances and upcoming budget year. The FANA Commissions are starting to meet. The following are the FANA Commissions, Justice and Peace, Unification Task Force, Communications, Formation, ASEA (Secondary Education). Also, at this meeting there was a conversation regarding the possible development of an MDiv Program sponsored through the Theology Department of Villanova University.
St. Rita High School Annual Dinner Dance, CARITAS, took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on February 8. The Chairpersons of this year’s event were Augustinian Affiliate Ernie Mrozek and his wife, Diane. This year’s Honorees were Joe (Class of ’87), Sue Allen, Ed (Class of ’83), Amy McNicholas, Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. (Class of ’83), and Brandenburg Industrial Service, Co. The goal of this event is to provide scholarships for students. There was a record-breaking attendance bringing in funds that exceeded expectations.
The Prior Provincial, Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A., met with the Contemplative Augustinian Nuns of La Conversión (Soltillo de la Adrada) from Spain and with their foundress, Madre Prado Heras, O.S.A. in mid-February. This meeting was part of a larger conversation between the Monastery in Spain and the Monastery of Our Mother of Good Counsel in New Lenox, IL to discuss how to increase the size of the current community of sisters. There is also another Monastery of the same community of sisters in Lima, Peru called La Encarnación that have provided Sisters in the recent past.
General Counsel of the Orders of St. Augustine in Rome.
The first meeting of the General Councils of the Order of St. Augustine (O.S.A.), Augustinian Recollects (O.A.R.), and Discalced Augustinians (O.A.D.) was held on February 15 at the Augustinian Generalate in Rome. The three Priors General discussed the importance of a closer relationship between the three branches of the Augustinian Family. It was decided that a team will be formed with members from the three General Councils to prepare for the next meeting with specific topics to discuss the possibility of joint projects between the three Augustinian Orders.
During the month of February, Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A. and Fr. Don Lewandowski, O.S.A. participated in the “Re-igniting Catholicism” Lectures sponsored by Providence High School and St. Jude Parish. It is a 10-part series with several speakers addressing topics pertinent to the Catholic Faith and Tradition. Fr. Jim Halstead, O.S.A. will be speaking on Thursday, March 5 at 7:00pm at Providence High School. His topic is “Developing a Catholic Morality”.
Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A. participated in a ZOOM teleconference with the English-speaking circumscriptions of the Augustinian Order that was taking place in Ilo-Ilo, Philippines. Each Provincial and Regional Superior gave a report of the State of their respective Circumscription. The Prior General, Alejandro Moral Anton was present as well as the Vicar General, Joseph Farrell through teleconference. A couple of topics of interest were The Plan of Formation (Ratio) and the Safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults. All conversations were informative, positive, and engaging .
Ramón Riesgo, a novice of the California Province has decided to move on from the Notiviate. We wish him the best and we accompany him with our prayers. David Relstab, the current novice of the Midwest Province, remains and continues to do well in his formation process. Continue to pray for him as well.
Fr. Fred Taggert, O.S.A. who is at Cascia Hall continues to do well in his rehabilitation and recovery.
Fr. Jim Thompson, O.S.A. recently had hip surgery. He is recovering and doing well.
Parish News Updates
In February, St. Turibius had parents’ faith formation sessions for those parents of our First Communion and Confirmation Students.
In March, the Parish is having a four-week parish mission on prayer in both Spanish and English. Also, our Polish-speaking community will have a similar set of workshops over four days.
Lenten Soup Suppers are simple meals comprised of meatless soup of different varieties, bread, butter, and your choice of coffee or tea. This is an opportunity to share a meal before prayer together. This will take place every Friday during Lent starting on February 28 and ending April 3 at 6:00pm and prayer at 7:00pm.
Knights of Columbus is hosting a blood drive on March 8 from 8:00am until 12:00pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments will be seen first.
4th Annual Men’s Clubs Fish Fry taking place on March 6 from 4:30pm until 7:00pm (Adults $12 and Children $5). For more information about the event, please contact John Callaghan at (708) 243-7641 or Ron Pachuta at (708) 528-3600.
Men’s Club is hosting a supply drive for St. Coletta’s of Illinois that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities. The drive is taking place on March 7 and March 8. For more information, please (708) 342-5200.
Liturgical ministers are needed, especially for Holy Week and Easter. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Dcn. Kevin Ryan at (708) 927-5204 or email him at stbdeacon@comcast.net.
St. Jude Parish is hosting Stations of the Cross every Friday throughout Lent starting at 7:00pm. Council of Catholic Women hosted their 1st meeting on February 6 and their guest speaker was Sr. Maria Brizuela who presented on “Labor Trafficking in the Chocolate Industry”.
Ministry of Moms is an informal monthly gathering as an opportunity to share stories, food, and fun to make new friends. Their last meeting took place on February 13 and their next one will be March 19. Please contact Denise Boisvert at (815) 463-4292 for more information.
