October 18, 2026
"Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to
God what belongs to God." - Mt 22:21c
Spiritual Resources
The Pope Video is an official global initiative aimed at disseminating the Holy Father’s monthly intentions. It is carried out by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
October Video
From the Pastor's Desk
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This weekend marks the official start of the You Will Be My Witnesses diocesan capital campaign. Our parish goal is $759,008. I invite you to watch the campaign video, available on the campaign website (youwillbemywitnesses.org). Please also read the report I published on the parish website a couple weeks ago, which provides details about this campaign. You Will Be My Witnesses is seeking to provide for evangelization across the diocese for generations to come, as well as offering us here at St. Mary a real opportunity to do something exciting and beautiful for God and our own future, if we respond generously. 40% of every dollar raised by our parish stays here, and if we make our goal, that share flips to 60%. With that, we are planning to do interior renovations to the church: painting in the sanctuary, putting in new pews and carpeting, and installing a new lighting system. Leftover money will be put in a fund established to build a narthex addition, which would provide bathrooms and a larger gathering space in the church. This is totally possible; thanks to the incredible generosity of some parishioners, we already have the money on hand to begin work on Phase I (interior renovations). That means that the majority of our parish share from this campaign will go toward the narthex addition, and if our generosity can continue to match these aspirations after the diocesan campaign concludes, there is no reason to doubt that this addition can be a reality in a few short years. Again, please read the report posted on the parish website under “Recent News” for more information about the campaign and our plans here.
This week you will be receiving a letter from Bishop Malloy; some of you may have already received it. The letter includes a specific amount that I would like you to prayerfully consider. This is a heartfelt invitation, not an expectation, from Bishop Malloy to you and me to live as missionary disciples with our sacrificial giving and I have made a 3-year pledge. Please review the campaign material, pray about your response, and ask yourself: what can I sacrifice for the next three years in order to make a lasting impact on my parish and the Catholic community across northern Illinois?
Also, many of you will soon be receiving a phone call from a campaign volunteer. This fellow parishioner will be setting an appointment to visit with you to answer your questions and complete your pledge card. Be sure to say thanks for his/her dedication and commitment to the You Will Be My Witnesses Campaign. If you are not in a situation to be able to give monetarily right now, please submit a prayer intention, turn in your pledge card, and pray for the success of this campaign; that is a real participation in this campaign and more than the bottom line, I will be proud if we have a high participation rate as a parish.
Below is the link to the campaign video
Campaign Video
Peace,
Fr. Linkenheld
Senior Lunch
Join us for the next senior lunch on Tuesday, October 20, at 12:00 PM. Featuring Spam Musubi & other Hawaiian themed food
Religious Education
“Pray always without becoming weary.” -Luke 18:1
As we continue our Religious Education journey, we are reminded that faith is something we live every day, not just something we learn in the classroom.
This week, encourage your children to take a few quiet moments to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help them recognize God’s presence in their lives.
Continue working on your Family Faith Journal goals as well!
Upcoming Dates:
October 18: Regular class at 9:00/ Sacramental prep group meets in St. Joseph room at 9:00
October 25: NO CLASS
November 1: All Saint’s Day/Regular class/ Catholic Social Teaching topic due for 7th grade.
Other Reminders: Filipino Feast Fundraiser is on November 14. Please consider volunteering to support bringing VBS back next summer. Invite friends and family to purchase tickets and attend this fun-filled event. Tickets may be purchased in the parish office.
Filipino Feast Fundraiser
This fundraiser will support Vacation Bible School!Join us for a buffet style dinner along with entertainment to support bringing Vacation Bible School back to our parish. Experience the Filipino culture with music, dancing and delicious food. Our 8th graders will also have their saint projects on display. Dinner will be served following the 5:00 Mass on November 14. Meal includes chicken strips, stir fry noodles, eggrolls, rice and desserts. Tickets can be purchased in the parish office for $20/adult and $10/ child ages 12 and younger.
Youth Ministry
Enjoy treats from St. Mary's Youth Ministry Pumpkin Fest booth in front of Blue Moon bikes on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 -25. Delicious baked goods, including our legendary pumpkin bread, snacks and beverages. Support our Mission Team on your way to see the Patriotic Pumpkins and while watching the parade!St. Mary School
Preschool celebrated the Feast of St. Francis with a special blessing from Fr. Linkenheld! Each student shared their special craft featuring their beloved pets or their favorite animals. Fr. Linkenheld blessed each child and their furry friend as we prayed for all the wonderful animals God has given us to love and care for.
September Virtue of the Month: Perseverance
During the month of September, our students focused on the virtue of perseverance—the ability to keep trying, even when something is difficult or challenging. We are proud to recognize the students who demonstrated perseverance through their hard work, positive attitude, and determination.
Congratulations September Virtue of the Month winners! Gabriella Hjelmberg, Ted Hoechler, Linden Strissel, and Amelia Ballerini
Congratulations to all of our nominees Jack Nalley, Isabella Renteria, Elizabeth Preston, Hunter Emma, Emilio Mendoza.
During the month of September, our students focused on the virtue of perseverance—the ability to keep trying, even when something is difficult or challenging. We are proud to recognize the students who demonstrated perseverance through their hard work, positive attitude, and determination.
Congratulations September Virtue of the Month winners! Gabriella Hjelmberg, Ted Hoechler, Linden Strissel, and Amelia Ballerini
Congratulations to all of our nominees Jack Nalley, Isabella Renteria, Elizabeth Preston, Hunter Emma, Emilio Mendoza.
Greens Fundraiser
St. Mary’s School has partnered together with Evergreen Industries for a fantastic and fragrant School Fundraiser. Three purchasing options are available with all proceeds directly benefiting St. Mary’s school. These items make wonderful holiday, family, friends or hosting gifts.Option 1 -Find a friendly St. Mary's student or staff member to place an order with.
Option 2 -Visit www.evergreenindustries.com and use Customer Code: STMARY to place an online order and have your items directly delivered to you or friends or family.
Option 3 - Pick up a brochure and order form at the school, parish office, or church.
All orders are due by Thursday, October 22, 2026. Please feel free to reach out to Lindsey Hines with any questions at stmarysgreensfundraiser@gmail.com.
CLOTHING SALE
Clothing Sale Donations can be brought to the PAC:
Monday-Thursday, October 26-29, 8am-4pm
Saturday, October 31, 4:30pm-6pm
Sunday, November 1, 9am-Noon
Monday-Thursday, November 2-5, 8am-4pm
Gently used items of clothing, shoes, coats, boots, hats, gloves, scarves, purse, bags, jewelry and linens
All proceeds will benefit Our Thanksgiving Food Drive!
Knights of Columbus
As you know, the Catholic Church in the United States observes Respect Life Month each October. The protection of human life remains a sustained prayer intention of the Church—and of the Knights of Columbus in particular. We remain firmly committed to defending the right to life of every human being, from the moment of conception to natural death.
To commemorate and strengthen this vital cause, the St. Mary of Sycamore Knights of Columbus, together with the St. Mary Pro-Life Committee, will be participating in the Respect Life Novena from October 22 through October 30. We invite our entire parish family to join us in this novena and storm the gates of Heaven with our prayers.
Please use the link below to register, and feel free to invite family and friends. When you sign up, you can choose to receive the daily novena prayers by email or text message.
https://www.respectlife.org/respect-life-month-novena
God Bless,
St. Mary of Sycamore Knights of Columbus
& St. Mary of Sycamore Pro-Life Committee
Diocese Parish Life Note
October Mental Health Minute
