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Sale of St Emeric
On January 19, 2023, the Archdiocese of Chicago issued the decree of the relegation of St Emeric Church. It was published in the bulletin on January 29, 2023. Following the decree, contacts were made with the real state department of the archdiocese to put St Emeric property on the market. Today I come to inform you that another Christian congregation (Divine Word Ministry) bought the property of former St Emeric campus. Part of the proceeds of the sale will benefit our unified parish of St John Neumann and its ministries.
Fr. Edmond
March 8, 2024
“Hour of Reflection”
Sponsored by SJN’s Unification Committee following
each mass the weekend of March 2-3.About 50 parishioners participated in the lively discussions, answering questions about their observations and impressions of how well the merging of our three legacy parishes is evolving. They also offered suggestions for what could be done to help build an even better sense of community in St. John Neumann Parish.
Notes from the discussions will be collated and analyzed for future use by the Unification Committee and the future Parish Pastoral Council.
October 21, 2023
“Give me an increasing love for your people.”
This quote of St. John Neumann was the first one I saw when I looked into more information about our new parish namesake as I contemplated a design for the new logo. I also read that he promoted devotion to the Eucharist for the new immigrants he served. He realized that to grow in love, amidst all the adversities the Catholic immigrants and he himself encountered in their new country, they needed the spiritual nourishment only the Eucharist can provide. These two factors, love and Eucharist, became the central themes of the logo design.
It is St. John Neumann’s devotion to the Eucharist that led to the depiction of the Blessed Sacrament before the cross. The book of sacred scripture is included to emphasize St. John Neumann’s desire to enlighten the minds of the under-educated immigrants to the Word of God. It also serves to complete the illustration of what is central to our faith community, the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist. For it is in gathering together at mass that we increase our love for each other as a parish family and as an outreach to the community. Our prayer becomes that of St. John Neumann, “Give me an increasing love for your people.” That “love” is front and center on the ribbon on the logo to emphasize that while we abide in faith, hope and love, love is the greatest, as St. Paul tells us.
Additional design elements include the three rings inside the outer band referencing the three parishes of St. Anne, St. Emeric and St. Joseph, now joined together as one, St. John Neumann Parish. The background design reflects the stained glass windows of our church.
The logo design may have begun with one person’s idea, but it became a collaborative effort between me and fellow parishioner and graphic designer, Sheila Rinearson. The original concept and design elements did not change but were greatly enhanced and refined by Sheila’s graphic design talent and expertise. An example of how we work so much better when we work together!
Peggy Adducci
On the weekend of October 21/22, we unveiled our new parish logo! The logo design was created by Peggy Adduci and Sheila Rinearson.
July 23, 2023
June 18, 2023
The Logo Committee would like to thank the many individuals who submitted designs for the new St. John Neumann Parish logo.
After careful study of each design, members of the Logo, Communication and the Unification Committee individually voted for the top three designs. These designs where then given to Fr. Edmond for his review and final approval. Fr. Edmond, along with Fr. Ralph have chosen what will be St. John Neumann Parish new logo. The design is going to be modified to make the proper adjustments in making the paper submission into a proper digital format. Once the final touches are made and it is complete, we will then post it in the bulletin.
Thank you, again for sharing your time and creative talent!
June 11, 2023
ST. JOHN NEUMANN PARISH FIRST CORPUS CHRISTI EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION
For the very first time on June 11th, St. John Neumann had it's Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession. As a community of St. John Neumann Parish, we executed a devotion to our most precious gift of our Catholic faith, the holy Eucharist. We prayed at the four different altars. In between each altar, we sang songs of praise, and most importantly, we were unified under our devotion of the Eucharist. We even had some of our First Communicants dressed in their First Communion outfits to participate in the Eucharistic Procession. The Knights of Columbus were present for the procession. The choir lead songs and hymns that were dedicated to the Eucharist. Various ministries came together to decorate the four altars that were dedicated to our legacy parishes for the procession. The three alters were: St. Anne, St. Emeric, and St. Joseph's. The final altar was dedicated to St. John Neumann. It was truly a beautiful celebration and devotion to the Eucharist. Thank you to all who attended and made the devotion more special because of your participation!
May 7, 2023
Vision Statement for St. John Neumann Parish
The Unification Committee is part of the Archdiocesan Renew My Parish process. The task of the Unification Committee is to assist Fr. Edmond in discussing and exploring key decisions that need to be made in establishing our new parish community.
We have been meeting for several months and have worked on a variety of issues, one of which isthe writing of a proposed “Vision Statement.”
According to Fr. James Mallon in his book, Divine Renovation (the basis of the Renew My Church Process), the “Vision Statement” is:
· the compass of the parish.
· the picture of the future that produces passion in us.
· what we dream about doing….what we dream about
becoming.
· the “sign on the bus” which tells the parishioners where we are going as a parish
Here is our proposed Vision Statement:
St. John Neumann Parish is a joy filled, Eucharist centered community of missionary disciples, rooted in Scripture, Sacrament and Prayer, dedicated to encountering Christ in our lives, and creating a culture of belonging, unity and compassion as we reach out in service to others and embrace all people to give witness to the Love and Mercy of God in the greater community.
Before the Vision Statement is finalized, we would like to hear from you!!!
We are asking you, as parishioners of St. John Neumann parish, to read the statement, pray over it, and see if it resonates in your heart. Then, if you wish to share your thoughts, ideas, additions, subtractions, etc. with us, please contact Elaine Bulanda at [email protected] or Mary Paetsch at [email protected].
Thank you!!!
April 30, 2023
Your Opinion Matters!!!
We are almost at our one year anniversary as St. John Neumann Parish!
So much has happened in the last year – thanks to so many people from the 3 legacy parishes who are working as a team to create the New Reality!
One of those teams is the Unification Committee.
This committee has the task of assisting Fr. Edmond in creating a firm foundation for mission and evangelization in the parish.
You are an important part of this formation process.
We need your ideas and your participation.
If you have a concern, an idea, or an issue you would like to have answered or considered by the Unification Committee, we ask you to please contact rectory office and one of the members listed below will call you. Or, if you wish, you can place your idea, concern, etc. in writing into the collection basket or place it in the Parish Office mailbox.
Your question or concern will be carefully considered and we will get back to you!
We are all in this process together!
Thank you and may you have a blessed day!
Caitlin Amescua
Mary Ellen Brabec
Elaine Bulanda
Mike Cap
Jerry Henderson
Serena Hewitt
Andria Holsclaw
Bill O’Brien
Mary Paetsch
Erin Roeper
Toni Rountree
Ginny Williamson
April 16, 2023
Update on Renew My Church
Combined ministries since our three parishes unified.
The naming team did a wonderful job leading the process of finding a new name for our parish that involved everyone. Thanks again for a job well done.
Combined ministries:
· Lectors --------------------------------------------------------------------Tom Brabec
· Choir -----------------------------------------------------------------------Ryan Dillon
· Liturgical Writing Team ------------------------------------------Janet Ormsby
· Prayer Ministry -------------------------------------------------------Julie Orbik
· Extraordinary Ministers of Communion ---------------Jack Hayes/Tom Blaszcyk
· Ministers of Care --------------------------------------------------- Jack Hayes/Tom Blaszcyk
· Ushers/Greeters------------------------------------------------------Patrick Nevins
· Altar Servers-------------------------------------------------------------Mike Cap
· Art & Environment --------------------------------------------------Erin Roeper
· Baptism Prep-----------------------------------------------------------Jama Dowdy
· Bereavement Ministry --------------------------------------------Elaine Bulanda
· Men’s Group -----------------------------------------------------------Oscar Griffin/Frank Casella
· Liturgy Committee ---------------------------------------------------TBA
What we are working on:
Ø The Unification team is working on combining other non-liturgical ministries. The ministry Fair which will be held next week is a great opportunity to recruit and strengthen our parish ministries. I strongly encourage all of you to consider stopping by. We need you. Your gifts and talents are unique. Explore them and use them to help our parish in its work of evangelization. We want to make our parish a place where we form missionary disciples.
Ø The communication team is presenting an opportunity for all creative minds in our parish to create a new logo design for our unified parish of St. John Neumann. Please see the flyer in this week’s bulletin.
Ø We are in the process of forming a parish finance council.
Ø In the coming months, we will work toward unifying our Religious Education program.
Last July, Renew My Church team provided us with a parish unification activities timetable. It was published in the July 3, 2022 bulletin. Thus far, we have made some good progress, more remains to be done. Let’s continue to work together and support each other as we work towards making our parish “ a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a center of constant missionary outreach.”( Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 28)
Fr. Edmond
March 31, 2023
COME ONE, COME ALL!
St. John Neumann Parish
Ministry Fair
April 22 – 23
Are you a new or existing member of St. John Neumann Parish? Would you like to find out about the many existing ministries and how you could contribute to the parish? Would you like to help the parish become more vital to the whole church community? If your answer to one or more of the above questions is “YES,” then we have the answer for you: Attend the MINISTRY FAIR which will be held after all masses on April 22-23 in Sayers Hall. You will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from each of the existing liturgical and non-liturgical ministries and learn more about what they do, what is required of those who are interested in joining, what kind of training – if any – is required, and what your time commitment would be. Parishioners of all ages are encouraged to stop by Sayers Hall after mass to enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, or juice –and some light refreshments -- as you visit the tables, meet representatives from our ministries, and learn about the many opportunities that are available to become involved in our parish life while at the same time making valuable contributions to St. John Neumann Parish. You will also have the opportunity to complete a short survey and share any ideas as to what ministries you would like to see at our parish in the near future.
Mark your calendar: April 22-23…Sayers Hall…Ministry Fair
Sponsored by the Unification Committee
March 30, 2023
Calling all creatives!!!
We are presenting an opportunity for all creative souls in our parish to create a new logo design for our unified parish of St. John Neumann!
The new logo will be printed/displayed on our parish bulletin, letterhead, signage and website. With this in mind, the design should reflect who we are as a parish community, with some of the following concepts in mind: faith-based, unity, open-hearted, family, community, service.
A digital vector file format submission is preferred, however, a freehand design will be accepted as well. We are looking for artwork that is multi-colored yet reproduces well in monochrome, if needed, as in a black and white copy.
A couple of requirements to note in submitting the artwork:- In order to ensure unbiased judging in the selection of the winning logo design, do not put your name or any personal information on the page/paper displaying your design.
- Provide your name, email address and phone number on a separate page or sheet of paper.
- Digitally designed artwork must be emailed to [email protected], with the words “New Logo” in the subject line.
- Hand produced artwork, no larger than 8-1/2 x 11, (do not fold!) may be mailed or dropped off at the rectory with the words “New Logo” printed on the front lower left hand corner of the envelope.
All artwork/designs must be submitted by Monday, May 15, 2023. Judging of the submittals, and a final recommendation of the selected design to our pastor, Fr. Edmond, will be made by our Logo Committee members. Should you have any further questions, email the rectory at [email protected].
The selected, winning logo design will become sole exclusive property of St. John Neumann Parish.
Decree of Relegation for St. Emeric Church
January 29, 2023
St. Emeric Church of St. John Neumann Parish, located at 4330 West 180th Street, Country Club Hills, IL is to be relegated for uses other than divine worship. For the full decree, click:
Installation Mass - Sunday, Nov 27, 2022
Installation Mass of Fr. Edmond Aristilas the First Pastor of
St. John Neumann Parish
Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 10:30am
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November 13, 2022
First Unified Mass of Saint John Neumann
Sunday, November 13, 2022, 10:30am
The name of our new parish is Saint John Neumann Parish.
The name of our new parish is Saint John Neumann Parish.
Saint Joseph Church, the worship site for the new parish, will retain its consecrated name.DECREE
Legacy Mass of St. Emeric, Sunday, November 6, 2022
The Legacy Mass of St. Emeric Parish was celebrated on Sunday,November 6, 2022 at 10:30am at St. Emeric Church in Country Club Hills, IL
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Legacy Mass of St. Anne, Sunday, October 23, 2022
The Legacy Mass of St. Anne Parish was celebrated on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at 9:30am at St. Anne Church in Hazel Crest, IL.
Legacy Mass of St. Joseph Parish, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022
Legacy Mass of St. Joseph Parih, Sunday, October16, 2022
The Legacy Mass of St.Joseph Parish was celebrated on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 10:30am at St. Joseph Church in Homewood, IL.
Legacy Mass of St. Joseph Parish, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022
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Ss. Joseph, Anne and Emeric Parish
October 14, 2022Naming Team Update
Thank you to each of you who submitted a proposal for the name of our new parish. The analyses of the results are included in the survey which is in this week’s bulletin and will also be in next week’s bulletin plus it will also be on our website.
OCTOBER 23rd is the deadline for survey submission.
Please take time to prayerfully review each suggested name entry and complete your survey.
Rank your top 5 preferences in order from 1 – 5 with 1 being your first selection.
Guidelines for returning your survey:
· Emailed to [email protected] “ Naming Survey” in the subject line.
· Placed in the envelope collection basket
· Dropped off at a Parish Office
[Double click on the name survey below to open the pdf file]
Naming Name Survey
September 29, 2022
September 14, 2022
New Parish Naming Form
St Joseph, St Anne and St Emeric
You are cordially invited to participate in an important part of unifying our faith community. Our newly formed parish will be given a new name to mark the beginning of our new congregation.
Nominations must be received by Sunday, October 2, 2022
GUIDELINESNominations can be
1. Emailed to [email protected]
• Please title subject line - NAMING NOMINATION
2. Placed in the envelope collection basket
3. Dropped of at a Parish office
4. Mailed through the US Postal Service
What names are appropriate?- The name of our new parish should be a title of Christ under a title already accepted in the liturgy or that speaks to a mystery in His life.
- Mary under a title already accepted in the liturgy or that speaks to a mystery in her life.
- The Trinity, the Holy Spirit, an angel, or a canonized saint.
- Our new parish name MUST have a feast day to celebrate.
- It CANNOT be the name of a parish, school, mission or shrine in our archdiocese.
- It COULD combine all the existing parishes names.
Cardinal Cupich, after receiving our community’s input, will name the new parish. He will receive 3 – 5 names for consideration from our community. It is possible he may choose a name outside of the names submitted.
Once a church building is dedicated, it keeps its name. Therefore the name chiseled on the front of our new church building will remain St Joseph.
Resource websites:
catholic.org/saints
https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_saints_canonized_by_Pope_Francis
https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_saints_canonized_by_Pope_Benedict_XVI
https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_saints_canonized_by_Pope_John_Paul_II
https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_saints_canonized_by_Pope_Paul_VI
https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_saints_canonized_by_Pope_John_XXIII
https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_saints_canonized_by_Pope_Pius_XII
Naming Form
September 14, 2022
The End of One Era and the Beginning of Another
Reflections by the Unification Committee
On April 25th 2022, His Eminence Blase Cardinal Cupich, Ninth Archbishop of Chicago issued a Canonical Decree which formally extinguished three South Suburban parishes known individually as Saint Joseph (Homewood), Saint Anne (Hazel Crest), and Saint Emeric (Country Club Hills).
From the extinguishing of these three separate parishes, the Cardinal has decreed that one new Parish be created to serve the spiritual needs of the communities of Homewood, Hazel Crest and Country Club Hills. The new parish, which has yet to be issued a name, will in the interim be referred to as ‘Saints Joseph, Anne and Emeric.’
The creation of this new parish will unify the existing parishioners of Saint Joseph, Anne and Emeric along with that of the Pastoral Staff, its newly appointed Clergy and the physical campuses. The Archbishop has designated the former Saint Joseph parish campus, located on South Dixie Highway in Homewood, as the future singular campus of this new parish. In the coming weeks and months, the new parishioners and Pastoral Staff will create a plan to systematically unify and consolidate all parish operations, ministries, and worship into one campus.
While this consolidation of resources and personnel has many of the physical aspects associated with a closing of two churches and continuing of just one, the canonical, symbolic and spiritual aspects are much more significant. Because all three individual parishes are extinguished, each parishioner in some way is a witness to the cessation of their church. Similarly, each parishioner is also a founding member of a new parish whose mission, in accordance with the Renew My Church initiative, is to Make Disciples, Build Communities, and Inspire Witness to the Gospel.
Even though the former Saint Joseph Church and campus will continue to be utilized physically, aspects of its individual identity as a stand-alone parish will cease to exist. Saint Joseph’s mission as a territorial parish established in 1914 by the Most Rev. James E. Quigley, Second Archbishop of Chicago, and the Reverend John Patrick Dorn, founding Pastor, has effectively concluded, just like that of Saint Anne and Saint Emeric.
To commemorate this historic occasion, a series of events centered around worship are scheduled to take place this Fall which consist of the end of regular Sunday worship at each former parish church, including Saint Joseph.
A Final Celebration of Our Lasting Legacy
Everyone connected with Saint Joseph Parish - the Church, School or Religious Education Program - either presently or at one time in their life, is invited to a Concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.at Saint Joseph Church, 17951 S Dixie Highway, Homewood. Fathers Richard Kozak and Robert Kyfes, sixth and seventh Pastors respectively, along with Father Dan Jarosewic and Father Ron Kondziolka will Preside. An Alumni Choir along with the parish Festival Choir and Orchestra will lead us in sung prayer. Several long time legacy parishioners will participate in liturgy. For those unable to attend Mass, a Live Stream of the celebration will be available on the parish website.
This is an important milestone for the catholic church in the south suburbs of Chicago. It is the end of an era and the beginning of another. “You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:48)
*Note – worship (daily and Sunday Mass) will continue to be celebrated indefinitely at the former Saint Joseph Church campus after October 16th. The new parish is expected to receive its name by January 1st.
Tell Us Your Story
The Legacy Mass Committee is seeking submissions of photos, stories and testimonials about your experiences and fond memories of Saint Joseph Parish church and school. Please use this online form to complete your submission. Materials collected will be placed into an online portfolio for all to view. The deadline is October 10th.
Schedule of Masses concluding regular Sunday Worship Location Date & Time *Saint Joseph (Homewood) *Sunday, October 16th ▪ 10:30 a.m. Saint Anne (Hazel Crest) Sunday, October 23rd ▪ 9:30 a.m. Saint Emeric (Country Club Hills) Sunday, November 6th ▪ 10:30 a.m.
The End of One Era and the Beginning of Another
September 4, 2022Update on the Unification Process from the Communications Working Group
The Communications Working Group is responsible for providing updates to the parish as we move through the Renew My Church unification process.
The Unification Committee along with Working Groups, Liturgical, Naming, Building and Communications, met on August 9, 2022. LeRoy Chalmers, our Renew My Church (RMC) Senior Project Manager, led the meeting. Father Edmond and Father Ralph were also in attendance. Father Edmond told us that the process has not been easy, but, if we move through it with love, we will be successful.- Unification Committee - Will assist Father Edmond in bringing the people, ministries, and the goals of the parishes together. They will enable our parishioners to work together in small groups to address significant parish issues and encourage active participation in parish leadership. One or two members from this team will also provide oversight on each of the Working Groups below.
- Liturgical –Will assist the pastor in evaluation and unification of liturgical ministries including music, liturgy, devotional life and Mass times.
- Naming – Will facilitate the naming process, with parishioner input, so that three to five names can be submitted to Cardinal Cupich for review and approval.
- Communications –Will ensure that information regarding Renew My Church activities and updates are disseminated to parishioners on a consistent basis. The group will also work with staff and the larger parish community in the creation of a new parish logo, website and other activities related to communications for the new parish.
- Building – Assessment of the buildings and other assets.
This is only the beginning, and we will keep you informed on a consistent basis.Please watch the bulletin and listen for upcoming announcements on the unification process as we proceed to work to blend our parish families into one.
August 28, 2022The Liturgical Working Group has selected the dates for the end to regular
Sunday worship at St Anne and St Emeric worship site; as well, a special mass to celebrate the legacy of St.Joseph parish. Please make a note of the dates below – more details to follow:- St. Joseph church – Sunday, October 16, 2022, 10:30 Mass
- St. Anne church – Sunday, October 23, 2022, 9:30 Mass
- St. Emeric church – Sunday, November 6, 2022, 10:30 Mass
The first Mass as our unified parish will be held at St. Joseph Church on Sunday, November 13, 2022 (time to be determined)......Read More>
August 21, 2022
Our Naming Committee wishes to alert you to some future developments. We will soon publish a New Name Nomination form asking for suggested names for our united congregation. In anticipation of your participation, we sincerely thank you.
Please pray with us:
Heavenly Father, author and inspirer of all things holy, hear our prayers for our new Parish. Send forth Your Spirit that we may humbly be guided by you as we choose a new name for our new parish. Touch our hearts and deepen our faith. Help us to trust in you as we create a new parish for the inspiration and renewal of all your people. We ask this in Jesus' Name.
August 7, 2022
Ss. Joseph, Anne and Emeric -Liturgical Team, Communication Team & Naming Team
July 31, 2022
Ss. Joseph, Anne, and Emeric - Unification Committee
April 25, 2022
Cardinal Cupich signed a decree on April 25th, 2022 stating that St. Anne, St. Emeric, and St. Joseph will form a new parish on July 1, 2022.
DECREE
February 19, 2022
Announcement regarding the clergy appointments for 294 South Corridor Grouping....Read More>
January 24, 2022
294 South Corridor Grouping
The new structure will be:
- St. Anne, St. Emeric and St. Joseph will unite as a new parish, with a new name, one pastor and one pastoral team, effective July 1, 2022...Read More>
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