CONGRATULATIONS, JODI!
A good and faithful steward is one who generously shares their time, talents and treasures to promote the building of the Kingdom of God. These Christian virtues have been a natural hallmark of Jodi Thyen’s journey of faith for many years. Our parish has been blessed by her dedication, commitment and service.
This is why Jodi has been nominated to be the recipient of the 2026 Christifideles Award that is presented by the Archdiocese of Chicago. The award is bestowed every year to a Catholic layperson in recognition of their generous service to their parish.
Jodi first became connected with our parish back in 1990 when she moved into the neighborhood when she was a young adult. She attended Mass at St. Joseph’s Church and quickly became engaged in the life of the parish.
Jodi was a great help to Fr. Sebastian Lewis (who was the pastor at the time) and Sister Stephanie Schmidts. Together they worked hard to keep the parish open during some very lean times when they had very little resources. A lot of fundraising needed to be done, and Jodi was there to help.
Jodi and her husband, Mark, were married at St. Joseph Church in 1998 by Fr. Sebastian. In 2002, Jodi was a pioneer family in the newly opened IC School and an active and involved Pre-Kindergarten Mom. Jodi and Mark raised their four children here in our parish, and all of their children graduated from our parish school.
Jodi has been involved in many parish projects and ministries. Way back in the 1990’s, she tutored students that were enrolled in the HighSight Tutoring program. Twice a week, for two hours after school, she helped grammar school students develop their learning skills. She has served as a member of the Parish Council. Often, you will see Jodi now at our 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass helping as a Eucharistic Minister, or as a Greeter, and then afterwards getting things ready for coffee and donuts.
Jodi has also recently done a tremendous amount of work marketing and recruiting for our parish school. She has helped to tell the story of what a great experience it is for a child to receive an excellent Catholic education. As a parishioner she has deepened the relationship between our parish and school to reflect that we are a “Family of Families.” Jodi will receive the Christifideles Award on Sunday, October 4th from Cardinal Blasé Cupich at Holy Name Cathedral at 2:30 p.m.
We are so happy and proud of her. She has truly been a good and faithful servant. We are blessed by all the many sacrifices that she so willingly offers to support the life of our parish and school. Congratulations, Jodi!
BEWARE! HERE THEY COME AGAIN!
Note that the Chicago Marathon will take place on next Sunday, October 11th, in the morning. Getting to either one of our two worship sites for Mass will be extremely difficult because of the street closings (on Wells Street and on LaSalle Street) that occur in the neighborhood. Plus, the congestion that comes with thousands of runners and spectators participating in the event will also complicate things.
Our Mass attendance on Marathon Sunday is a real bust because we lose about 80% of our worshipers.
We strongly encouraged folks to attend the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday, so you do not have to deal with the hassle of trying to make it to church on Sunday morning. The good thing is that you get to sleep in the next day. I hope Saturday night is a good option for you and your family.
“YOU GOT THIS!”
Our Parish Staff meets every Monday afternoon. We begin our meeting with a prayer before jumping right into the agenda. This helps to settle our minds down from a busy morning. It also helps us to focus on the loving presence God that is with everyone around the big table.
Prayer has the power to calm our nervous hearts during shaky times. I wanted to share this prayer that we used at our last staff meeting. The words are very uplifting. Enjoy.
Lord, thank You for reminding me that I've got this—because You've got me.
When my own strength is running out or I feel weak or overwhelmed by what is in front of me, Yours takes over.
You have already gone before me into this day, and You have equipped me with everything I need to handle it.
I am reminded that you are holding my hand. I am stepping out in faith, knowing that Your grace is sufficient, Your power is made perfect in my weakness, and Your presence is right beside me.
I trade my anxiety for Your peace, knowing that You are already working this out.
Thank You for whispering 'you got this' into my heart today.
I stop looking at how big my problems are and start looking at how big You are. Because You are with me, I have the courage, the wisdom, and the strength to handle everything on my plate and I am stepping forward in absolute confidence.
Amen.
