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In Path To Sunday

11th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Mark 4:30

"To what shall we compare the kingdom of God?"

Readings for Sunday: Ezekiel, Second Corinthians, Mark

Reflection:

In Sunday’s readings, we explore the Kingdom of God, a term often used but not always fully understood. Many people equate the Kingdom of God with heaven or an eternal life with God, but often miss its broader implications. Historically, during Jesus’ time, the phrase ‘Kingdom of God’ evoked varied responses. The Sadducees saw it as a shadowy existence, while the Pharisees anticipated a revived Kingdom of Israel led by a messianic descendant of King David.

Jesus, however, presented a different understanding. As King, not merely through earthly descent but as God incarnate, He spoke of a heavenly kingdom that transcends physical space.

It is a state of existence with God, akin to an alternate reality or parallel dimension. This kingdom is also made up of people, described as living stones built into a spiritual house.

Jesus’ teachings indicate that the Kingdom of God is both present and future—it is growing now, through the Church, and will be fully realized in the end times. Our entry into this kingdom is through grace and requires our cooperation. We must live as true citizens of this kingdom, reflecting Jesus’ reign in all aspects of our lives.

Reflection Questions

  • How are you living as a citizen of the Kingdom of God in your daily actions?
  • Is Jesus truly the King over your life, influencing your choices and behaviors?
  • How do you cooperate with God’s grace to grow spiritually?
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In Path To Sunday

10th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Mark 3:28

"All sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin"

Readings for Sunday: Genisis, Second Corinthians, Mark

Reflection:

Many people have wondered what Jesus meant, in the Sunday Gospel reading, when he said: “all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” God wants our salvation; thus he forgives our sins. The prerequisite for receiving that forgiveness, however, is repentance. Without acknowledging our sins, how can we recognize that we need God’s mercy? Once we have recognized our need, it is then the act of repentance in which we open our hearts to receive that mercy.

If we understand this, then we can understand what Jesus meant. According to Augustine, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the refusal to repent. In refusing to repent, one is not only rejecting God’s mercy, and hence will forever be stuck in sin, but also profaning God’s name by making God out to be a liar. It is effectively asserting that I am right, and God is wrong; it is effectively asserting that what he calls sin, I decide to be good (at least for me).

Reflection Questions

  • Where is there still sin in your life? Are you willing to repent, or are you obstinate, justifying yourself?
  • Do you engage in an examination of conscience at the end of every day, recognizing your sins in order to ask for God’s mercy and change your life the next day?
  • Do you seek the illumination of the Holy Spirit to show you the areas of sin in your life that, perhaps, you do not sufficiently recognize?
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In St. James Jobs

St. James School Principal

ST. JAMES PARISH – ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL
ST. JAMES SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

If you are interested in this position and want to learn more contact Kelly Busa: [email protected]

The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools serve more than 40,000 students in 150+ elementary and high schools in Cook and Lake counties. It is one of the largest private school systems in the United States. Its schools have received 96 Blue Ribbon awards from the U.S. Department of Education over the past 10 years.

The elementary school principal is hired by and is accountable to the pastor or the Jurisic person for the operation of the school. The principal is expected to abide by the established policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Office of Catholic Schools, and the directives of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools. The principal participates in the annual performance review outlined by the Office of Catholic Schools.

Catholic Identity

  • Promotes and facilitates an environment which fosters the Catholic identity of the school
  • Ensures that the faculty is current in the areas of theology, religious education and catechetical skills
  • Promulgates and periodically revises the school mission statement and philosophy in collaboration with the school community
  • Encourages and educates students, school families and faculty member to celebrate liturgies, including Sunday Mass, and the season/feasts of the liturgical year
  • Promotes parent/guardian partnerships in advancing the mission of the school and the ministry of the Catholic education

Academic Excellence

  • Ensures all students learn to their fullest potential, using data to inform decision-making
  • Supervises implementation of the Office of Catholic Schools curricula in a rigorous, relevant, and age-appropriate manner that develops students’ ability to continually succeed
  • Assists faculty in utilizing effective learning strategies that integrate technology
  • Acts as the instructional leader of the school by recruiting, hiring, supervising, evaluating, and providing quality professional development for highly qualified, certified staff members to improve student learning

School Viability

  • Serves as the executive officer to the board, helping to prepare for meetings, informing them of policy, and leading their continual professional development and goal setting
  • Collaboratively develops and successfully implements strategic planning that involves representatives of all stakeholders of the school and wider community
  • Prepares the annual school budget in cooperation with the board and parish
  • Monitors the budget and finances to ensure proper cash flow with diverse funding sources to support the financial stability of the school
  • Provides for regular review of financial statements by the pastor/Jurisic person and board to ensure awareness of the financial position of the school and makes necessary adjustments for financial viability
  • Promulgates written local financial policies and procedures for collection and disbursement of all school funds based on Archdiocesan best practices and ensures their proper implementation
  • Stabilizes and/or grows enrollment to reach full capacity of the school by implementing an enrollment management plan, overseeing an enrollment management team, and conducting an annual appeal to provide for scholarships/programs
  • Ensures the maintenance and safety of the school plant according to local, state, Archdiocesan and the Office of Catholic Schools policies, procedures, and directives

General Administration

  • Designs and implements communication strategies to ensure that the pastor /Jurisic, staff, parish school families, prospective families, and the community are informed about school matters and engaged in the school
  • Develops appropriate handbooks for school families and school staff
  • Works with the board to successfully complete school and system goals
  • Utilizes teacher teams and shared leadership to delegate responsibilities
  • Develops an organized work environment and adheres to deadlines and requests
  • Oversees discipline in a respectful, proactive way according to Archdiocesan policy
  • Maintains professional, working relationships with all members of the school community and involves them in the decision-making process of the school where appropriate
  • Identifies, encourages, and mentors future school leaders
  • Maintains accurate local files and records for each student and employee
  • Attends required Archdiocesan, Office of Catholic Schools and local meetings
  • Implements conflict management procedures as necessary
  • Promotes a culture of respect for each member of the community
  • Oversees co-curricular activities (extended school day, sports, activity clubs) ensuring that the programs are in compliance with local and Archdiocesan policies
  • The principal is expected to supervise and evaluate staff and student progress and school safety through regular site visits to the classrooms and all other areas of the school plant.

Dates of employment: July 1st through June 30th of the school year, with attendance of all July meetings a requirement.

Qualifications

Education

Required
Masters or better in Education/Administration or related field.

Experience

Required
Must be Catholic

Preferred
3 years: Professional experience in a Catholic School

Licenses & Certifications
Required
Administrator License

If you are interested in this position and want to learn more contact Kelly Busa: [email protected]

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In Path To Sunday

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday Readings: Acts, Colossians, John

Reflection:

Easter greetings to all on this happy and blessed day! We rejoice with the Church at our liberation from the bondage of sin. Jesus has won the victory for us.

One of the most dramatic and awesome moments in the reading of the Passion happens at the moment of Jesus’ death: Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed His last. The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51-53).

In this powerful symbolic event the separation between God (whose holiness dwelt behind the veil in the Jerusalem temple) and His people was breached and healed. God and His people are now restored to communion through the saving death of Jesus which repaired the fracture caused by original sin. Within days, Jesus is raised from the tomb in the final conquest of Satan, sin and death. May we joyfully embrace the salvation He has won for us!

Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen!

- Fr. Ed
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In Path To Sunday

Palm Sunday

Philippians 2:7-8

He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Full Palm Sunday Readings: Isaiah, Philippians, Mark

Reflection:

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. – Philippians 2:6-7

St. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, chapter 2, presents the “Philippians Hymn.” This scripture is a moving description of Jesus’ humility in willingly sacrificing his own life out of great love. The concept of “emptying” (in Greek: kenosis) is understood as Jesus willingly laying aside his divine power. Dr. David Campbell wrote, “Jesus, the god-man, was fully divine, but veiled his glory to accomplish his mission – and prove humans could fulfill the Law of God with the help of the Holy Spirit and a commitment to faithfulness.”

This is the mystery we walk through this Holy Week, beginning with the reading of the Passion today.

Meditating on the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary – the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion – can help us to be united with Jesus as he endures his Passion. But his seemingly humiliating death is not the end.

The Philippians Hymn concludes with: Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:8-11

The one who was brutally executed has conquered death itself in his glorious Resurrection. God bless you this Holy Week.

- Fr. Ed

Reflection

  • How does Jesus’ willingness to undergo suffering and death out of love for you deepen your understanding of God’s love?
  • In what areas of your life do you struggle to “empty yourself” and let go of control, trusting in God’s plan for you?
  • As we enter Holy Week, how can you make more time for prayer and reflection to be united with Jesus in his Passion?
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In St. James Jobs

Director of Evangelization and Formation

ST. JAMES PARISH – ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL
DIRECTOR OF EVANGELIZATION AND FORMATION

Position Type: Full Time

Department: Formation + Evangelization

Under the direction of the pastor, the Director of Evangelization and Formation provides leadership and oversight for Religious Education, Youth Discipleship and Evangelization, FOCUS Parish Outreach, and other efforts associated with evangelization and faith formation. This includes pastoral planning and needs assessment regarding evangelization and faith formation for the parish and school. The Director supports, accompanies, and equips the leaders in parish ministerial areas to focus their attention beyond parishioners and into the community at large.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Collaborates with the Pastor and other Pastoral Team members on discerning the vision that best enables the parish to offer ways for all parishioners to practice missionary discipleship.
  • Develops strategies and methods to help integrate new members into parish ministries and parish life overall.
  • Provides direct management and leadership for staff who direct Religious Education, Youth Discipleship and Evangelization, FOCUS Parish Outreach, as well as lay leaders who coordinate faith formation programs, such as RCIA.
  • Assists those who coordinate the parish ministries to help them align the vision of their specific ministries to the parish vision and develop teamwork that will support these efforts.
  • Develops an annual budget for the pastoral ministries that provide for parish vitality and evangelization in collaboration with the Controller.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Seven to ten years of experience in evangelization and/or faith formation working within a parish or religious organization.
  • Bachelors or Masters’ degree in Theology; religious education or related field and/or experience in parish catechetical ministry; Archdiocesan Catechist Certification; Protecting God’s Children trained.
  • Demonstrated success in leading and managing teams with a strong commitment to collaboration and teamwork among the clergy, staff, volunteers, groupings, and the Archdiocese of Chicago.
  • Technology, social media, and computer literacy.
  • Practicing Catholic with a solid grounding in Catholic identity and the faith tradition.
  • An evangelizer, yourself, who can share experiences of “being a disciple, and making disciples” in line with our parish mission statement.
  • Able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a reasonable balance among the legitimate claims of family, community, personal relationships, and ministry, and possess the ability to be sensitive to the realities of parish life as it is lived in our community.
  • A change maker, who can ascertain the future needs of ministries, develop plans, match resources to the needs, and implement.
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    In Path To Sunday

    4th Sunday of Advent & Christmas

    John 1:23

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

    Full Gospel Passage: John 1:1-18

    For Christmas Day

    Isn’t it a little crazy: Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, and yet we are busy giving gifts to everyone else but the birthday boy. Did you ever wonder what Jesus wants for his birthday? I think he may want Time. It is a special gift that, in a way, can only be given once. At the same time – no pun intended – that is the gift he has already given to us.

    In the Gospel reading for Christmas day, we read: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be.”

    Not only did God create time itself, but God gave us his own personal time. When God the Son took on our human nature and was born in Bethlehem, he was giving us 33 years of his presence on earth. Are we willing to give to Jesus our time? Are we willing to volunteer, pray, worship, and spend time at St. James? Are willing to give Jesus a unique gift of Time for his birthday?

    - Fr. Paul Stein

    Reflection

    • What does Jesus truly desire for His birthday? Consider if you’re ready to present Him with the precious gift of your time.
    • Besides time, what is Jesus’ silent wish for you to give for His birthday? Sit with Him and contemplate how you can gift Him more through prayer, worship, and service.

    Reminder:

    We get to go to mass twice this Sunday! About every six or seven years (a leap year might extend the interval) the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve fall on the same day. As Catholics, we are obligated to attend and participate in the mass on Sundays and other days designated as holy days of obligation, like Christmas. So this Sunday, like our regular obligations, we must attend mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve. A lot is happening but lets make sure to remember why we prepare, gather, and celebrate: the birth of our lord Jesus Christ.

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    In Path To Sunday

    Third Sunday of Advent

    John 1:23

    I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
    ‘make straight the way of the Lord

    Full Gospel Passage: John 1:6-8, 19-28

    In today’s gospel reading, the “Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites” to ask John the Baptist, “Who are you?” Didn’t they know he was John the Baptist?

    They knew his name but wanted to know if he was one of the three persons whose arrival they were anticipating. In the first century AD, the Jewish people expected:

    • A Davidic messiah figure, the Christos, to fulfill God’s promise to King David that one of his descendants would always sit on the throne (2 Sam 7:11-13): (2 Sam 7:11-13): “Moreover, the LORD also declares to you that the LORD will make a house for you: when your days have been completed and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, sprung from your loins, and I will establish his kingdom. He it is who shall build a house for my name, and I will establish his royal throne forever.”
    • That Elijah (who never died but was taken up into heaven in a chariot of fire – 2 Kings 2:11) would come back and prepare the way for the Messiah (Malakai 4:5): “See, I am sending you Elijah the prophet before the day of the Lord comes, that great day, greatly to be feared.”
    • There will be a prophet like Moses who will explain and clarify the law (Deuteronomy 18:15-18): “A prophet like me will the LORD, your God, raise up for you from among your own kindred; that is the one to whom you shall listen… I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their kindred, and will put my words into the mouth of the prophet; the prophet shall tell them all that I command.”

    While John was not the messiah/Christ, Elijah, or the prophet, Jesus identified him as a figure like Elijah (Matt 11:14), preparing the way of the Lord.

    - Fr. Paul Stein

    Reflection

    • Amidst Advent’s anticipation, do you approach prayer with openness to the unexpected ways God acts? How can this expectancy deepen your connection with Him?
    • Reflecting on John’s preparation, how might your Advent prayer create space for Christ’s presence, shaping a welcoming heart for His arrival?
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    In Path To Sunday

    Second Sunday of Advent

    2 PETER 3:9

    The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance

    Full Gospel Passage: Mark 1:1-8

    “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9).

    Peter reminds us of the important meaning of this time of repentance and preparation, the season of Advent; firstly, the Lord’s desire for us, and secondly, our interior disposition as we prepare.

    The Prophet Isaiah uses very earthy language which can be applied to our hearts: “In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley.”  (Isaiah 40:3).

    Confession is a fruitful way to prepare for both Christmas and the Second Coming of the Lord. There is a necessary humility in confessing our sins in the sacrament, but a powerful grace comes in a good confession. It is the opportunity to make a fresh start and receive the Lord’s abundant forgiveness. There’s a scene in John Powers’ delightful novel about growing up Catholic in the 1950s Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect up? in which the author leaves church and returns home after going to confession. In his head, he hears these joyful words – Free from sin! Free from sin! Free from sin!

    - Fr. Ed Pelrine

    Reflection

    • How will you actively align your Advent with the Lord’s patience and desire for repentance (2 Peter 3:9)? Take a specific step, like praying in adoration, today to foster repentance and preparation recognizing it as a key aspect of this season.
    • What concrete action can you commit to experiencing the grace of confession? Consider going to confession at St. James on Thursdays and Saturdays, or scheduling a confession as a tangible step towards a renewed spiritual journey this Advent.
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    In Path To Sunday

    First Sunday of Advent

    MARK 13:33

    Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.

    Full Gospel Passage: Mark 13:33-37

    Can you believe it? It is only 21 days until Christmas; so much to do, so little time. Thank God Amazon delivers. While Advent is a busy time in which we prepare for Christmas by cleaning, decorating, and shopping, perhaps we should also prepare… just in case Jesus comes back. Can you imagine Christmas morning, Jesus knocking on your door and saying: “I heard you are having a party for my birthday, mind if I join you?” While it may seem far-fetched, we truly don’t know when Jesus is coming back.

    He tells us in today’s gospel: “You do not know when the time will come.” If Jesus did come, would we wish that we had more time to prepare? More time to volunteer, more time to help our neighbor, more time to pray, read the bible… anything to prepare for his coming? I doubt we would wish that we had watched more episodes of our favorite TV show or YouTube and TikTok videos. I bet we would wish that we had given Jesus more of our time. We can start by giving our time here at St. James.

    - Fr. Paul Stein

    Reflection

    • In the midst of the Christmas bustle, what specific actions or changes can you incorporate into your daily routine to ensure that you are allocating meaningful time to volunteer, help your neighbor, and engage in prayer or scripture to grow your relationship with Jesus?
    • Reflecting on Jesus’ return, what adjustments can you make in your priorities to align more closely with what you would value if Jesus were to arrive unexpectedly, such as dedicating more time to prayer, reading the Bible, and serving your community?
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