Our Saturday discussions of Pope Leo XIV’s Dilexi Te: On Love for the Poor will be wrapping up soon, but it’s not too late to join the conversation! Each week on Zoom, parishioners explore a chapter, sharing questions and perspectives on what his message means for our lives today. No experience necessary! Give it a try—join us for one Saturday, a few or all that remain—even if you’ve missed earlier sessions. Click here to learn more and register.

Prospective families are invited to a Parent-Led Play Date on Sunday, November 8, from 2:30–4:00 p.m. Enjoy classroom and outdoor play, face painting, and a Thanksgiving craft while meeting current ICSJ parents and learning more about our Early Childhood program. RSVP today and join the fun!

We’re looking for organized, service-oriented volunteers to join our Giving Tree Committee! Members will connect with local organizations and caregivers, help coordinate volunteers for our Santa’s Workshop event, and promote the program to support local families in need this Christmas season. Interested in making a difference? Contact Elly at erodriguez@icsjparish.org for more information or to join the committee!

Beginning November 1, join Catholics in Communion for a Novena for Faithful Citizenship as we pray, discern, and take action rooted in the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching. This virtual gathering brings Catholics together to uphold human dignity, strengthen our communities, and pray for our nation and its leaders. The novena meets nightly through November 9 at 6:30 p.m. Learn more and register to participate.

A Memorial Mass will be held for longtime ICSJ parishioner Sheila McDonnell on Saturday, November 7th, at Immaculate Conception Church at 10:30 a.m. There will be a visitation beforehand beginning at 10:00 a.m. We ask you to hold Sheila’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. Read Sheila’s obituary here.

Our Giving Tree program begins November 21, but we could use a little help getting ready. We’re looking for volunteers to make a few phone calls to participating families, confirm their involvement, and gather details about the children who will receive Christmas gifts. Can you spare a little time? Contact Ministry Coordinator Elly Rodriguez at erodriguez@icsjparish.org or 312-787-7174, ext. 2, to learn more.

Stick around after the 9:30 or 11:00 a.m. Masses this Sunday for coffee, donuts and a chance to catch up with your parish community! Want to host Coffee & Donuts? Grab your family, friends or ministry group and take a turn! Just bring the donuts, help serve and clean up—we’ll provide the coffee. Host at St. Joe's →‍ ‍Host at Immaculate Conception →

This weekend at all Masses, ICSJ joins Catholics around the world in celebrating World Mission Sunday, supporting the Church’s missionary work in more than 1,100 dioceses. Your generosity helps spread the Gospel and serve communities in need across the globe. Make your donation here. Thank you for your prayerful support.

Young adults, join us for Alpha this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception, then head to AfterAlpha at Winnie’s on Wells Street for a drink and a chance to connect. AfterAlpha follows Alpha every Thursday, September 17–October 22, from 8:15–9:15 p.m. Register on our Alpha page.

The Mass of the Resurrection for longtime ICSJ parishioner Russell Iacono will be celebrated Tuesday, October 6, at St. Joseph Church, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. Fr. Larry Lisowski will be the celebrant.

ICSJ School is looking for assistant basketball coaches for teams this year! The season runs from November through early February. Please reach out to Athletic Director Thomas Pack at tpack@icsjschool.org if interested.

Throughout the Church, October is Respect Life Month, a time to remember the dignity of every human life. This weekend’s second collection supports Aid for Women, a local organization providing compassionate support and practical assistance to expectant and new mothers in need. Give at Mass this weekend or online through GiveCentral.

Bring your pets for ICSJ’s Annual Pet Blessing, Friday, October 2, at 3:30 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception parking lot. In anticipation of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Fr. Larry will bless the pets who bring so much joy to our lives. Dogs, cats, birds—or whatever pet is part of your family—are welcome. All ICSJ parish and school families are invited!

The Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive returns September 26–27 at all ICSJ Masses, with donations supporting SPRED at ICSJ. Make a donation and receive a Tootsie Roll as a small thank-you—and help support a ministry serving people with developmental disabilities in our community. Can’t make it to Mass? Give now with Venmo or GiveCentral‍ ‍

Join our SPRED friends and families for a special celebration of Mass and fellowship with our parish community on Sunday, September 27, at the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Church. All are welcome for coffee and refreshments afterward in the St. Joseph Community Room. Learn More About SPRED →

Thank you ICSJ!. Our second collection on October 2 for Aid for Women raised nearly $1,400! Your generosity will help provide compassionate, practical support to expectant and new mothers and their hildren—helping families find the care, resources and support they need. If you’d still like to support Aid for Women, visit our Give Central link or use Venmo.

The Chicago Marathon comes through our neighborhood this Sunday, bringing road closures, traffic and plenty of race-day activity. Please plan ahead!

VIRTUS compliance is an Archdiocesan requirement for all ICSJ volunteers to continue serving in their ministries. Please log in to your VIRTUS account to complete any outstanding requirements before the end of the month—and thank you for helping keep the children and vulnerable adults in our community safe!

We are saddened to share that longtime parishioner Russell Iacono passed away on Monday, August 31, after a long illness. Russ and his wife, Diana, were familiar faces at the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph and generously donated the piano that continues to enrich our worship there. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, October 6 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Please keep Russ, Diana, and their family and friends in your prayers.

You don’t have to be ready or have all the answers—you just have to be willing to take a look. Whether you’re considering becoming Catholic or want to complete your sacraments, OCIA at ICSJ is a welcoming, no-pressure place to learn more, ask honest questions, and see where God may be leading you. Weekly gatherings begin September 17. To learn more, contact Jutta Keenan or visit our OCIA page.

Calling all believers, seekers and the simply curious!!! Our new season of ALPHA kicks off this Thursday, September 17th at 6:30pm at Immaculate Conception. Visit our Alpha page or contact Jutta Keenan for more information and registration. 

At all Masses this weekend, we’ll take up a second collection for the Seminarian Education Fund, supporting the education and formation of men preparing for the priesthood throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago. Support the Seminarian Education Fund →

The next WWW Book Club is on Friday, September 11 at 3:30pm at the St. Joseph Church Parish Center! Our book choice is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. To RSVP or for any questions, please email Colleen at cm.424.svdp@gmail.com or Martha at Martha_60603@yahoo.com.

Today is the deadline to RSVP! ICSJ School parents and staff are invited to kick off the new school year with an adults-only night out—catch up with friends, meet new parents and join the Bags Tournament. Registration is required, so purchase your tickets by the end of the day today. RSVP and purchase tickets here.