Christmas Letter 2024

​

​

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Our Lady, the Mystical Rose,

​

Merry Christmas!

​

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the immense love God has for each of us. The encyclical “Dilexit Nos” from Pope Francis; beautifully reflects this mystery, proclaiming that “the incarnation of the Word is the ultimate declaration of God’s love, inviting us to live as witnesses of His mercy and instruments of His peace. ” It is this call to be witnesses of His love that inspires our work as a parish community.

​

This year, thanks to your continued prayers and generosity, we have made significant progress in enhancing both the spiritual and physical life of our parish. Over $150,000 has been invested in capital improvements at Our Lady the Mount and Mary Queen of Heaven Churches to ensure that our parish continues to be a welcoming and vibrant home for all.

​

At Our Lady of the Mount Church, significant restoration work has been undertaken. Late last winter and into early spring, tuck-pointing was completed to maintain the structural integrity and appearance of the church. Later in the year, digital bells were added, bringing a renewed sense of beauty and tradition to our parish community. These bells now call us to prayer, marking the sacred rhythm of our days and reminding us of God’s constant presence in our lives. Recently we installed new flooring, enhancing safety and the overall beauty of our worship space.

​

At Mary Queen of Heaven, we replaced the cement stairs at the offices and school, providing a safer and more accessible environment for staff, students, and visitors. Additionally, new doors were purchased for Mary Queen of Heaven School, enhancing security and creating a more welcoming entrance for students and families. To support our catechetical programs, we upgraded the internet wiring at the parish offices, ensuring reliable access to digital tools essential for teaching the faith effectively in today’s world. Critical roof repairs have also been completed to preserve our beloved parish buildings for generations to come.

​

Beyond these physical improvements, we have made great strides in fostering pastoral growth and formation. This year, we focused on forming disciples, especially among our teenagers. We hosted retreats for our first- and second-year confirmation candidates, providing opportunities for deeper spiritual growth, and we took them to the Archdiocese’s Holy Fire event, a transformative experience designed to inspire their faith. We are also investing in leadership development, forming parish leaders equipped to guide others with compassion and wisdom as we continue to build a community rooted in Christ’s love. These efforts reflect our commitment to the mission of the Church: to transmit the faith to the next generation in a world filled with challenges. We are striving to ensure that Our Lady the Mystical Rose Parish remains a place where all can encounter Christ, grow in faith, and experience the warmth of our parish family.

​

As we close this year and look forward to 2025, I humbly ask for your support in our Christmas Appeal. We encourage each family to consider making a one-time gift of $150 or whatever amount is within your possibilities. You can send your gift to our parish office, or simply by going to https://give.archchicago.org click or by clicking here DONATE and go to the give to a parish section and find us on parish selection.Your generosity enables us to meet the spiritual and physical needs of our parish while laying a strong foundation for the future. Together, we can ensure that our parish continues to be a vibrant place of worship, formation, and service to our community.

​

May the joy and peace of this holy season fill your hearts and homes. Thank you for your unwavering support and for being an integral part of our parish family. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with God’s abundant grace.

 

In Christ’s love,

Rev. Sergio de la Torre - Carrillo