November 1, 2026
"When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them." - Matthew 5:1-2
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, we celebrate the wonderful solemnity of All Saints Day. Throughout the year, we celebrate many specific saints, whom the Church recognizes and holds up to us as examples of virtue and holiness. But they are not the only ones in Heaven! On this great solemnity, it is not only the heroes of our faith – Peter, Paul, Thomas Aquinas, Therese, John Paul II, etc. – who are celebrated, but ALL of our brothers in sisters throughout history who remained faithful to the crucified and risen Christ. This solemnity celebrates and honors all those parents and grandparents who quietly and humbly raised their families to know Jesus; all those next door neighbors who saw Christ in each other and so honored Him through kind smiles and words; all those spouses who chose to be faithful over and over despite struggle and difficulty; all those single persons who devoted their time, treasure, and talent to build up the Church by volunteering and serving their local parish. These beautiful people may appear to have lived “ordinary lives”, but this solemnity and these witnesses show us that ordinary, daily activities can become an authentic path to holiness when done with awareness and love for the Lord. Becoming a saint is really possible for you and me!
Mother Teresa (one of my favorites) said, “Holiness is not a luxury of the few, it is a simple duty for each one of us, and through this love [for Christ and one another] we can become holy”. We don’t have to do extraordinary things to become saints. If we can choose to embrace our daily life, to live with a great awareness, an intensity, a love for Christ in those ordinary moments, this weekend could be your and my future feast day – and our friends in Heaven can really help us get there.
Peace,
Fr. Linkenheld
Fall Faith Formation Series
"The Grandeur of Humanity"
A Four-Week Parish Course with Fr. Twenty
What does it mean to be human in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence?
Join Fr. Twenty for a four-week exploration of Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.
Together, we'll explore human dignity, Catholic social teaching, the challenges facing humanity, and how our faith guides us in building a "civilization of love."
The same weekly session will be offered on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings:
Thursdays at 6:30pm in Memorial Hall: November 12, 19; December 3, 10
Saturdays at 10:30am in the St. Mary Room: Nov 14, 21; December 5, 12
"The Grandeur of Humanity"
A Four-Week Parish Course with Fr. Twenty
What does it mean to be human in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence?
Join Fr. Twenty for a four-week exploration of Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.
Together, we'll explore human dignity, Catholic social teaching, the challenges facing humanity, and how our faith guides us in building a "civilization of love."
The same weekly session will be offered on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings:
Thursdays at 6:30pm in Memorial Hall: November 12, 19; December 3, 10
Saturdays at 10:30am in the St. Mary Room: Nov 14, 21; December 5, 12
Religious Education
Happy All Saints’ Day!
Today, our Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints, honoring all the saints who have lived holy lives and are now with God in heaven. Saints are wonderful examples of faith, courage, kindness, and love. They remind us that each of us is called to become holy by following Jeus and loving others.
The Beatitudes are one example of how Jesus shows us how we can become saints ourselves. This week, encourage your family to practice one Beatitude each day. You might help a neighbor, forgive a family member, share with someone in need, or offer a prayer for someone who is struggling.
Upcoming Dates:
November 1: Regular class at 9:00
November 8: RE Mass at 8:00/Sacramental Prep class meets in St. Joseph Room/8th grade saint reports are due
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.
St. Mary School
We were really excited to recieve the 1st Place trophy for School Participation, and our preschool friends earned 2nd Place in the Youth Group category for their Star Spangles Express Trian!
We had great participation in the parade by students, parents and teachers. There were also parishioners and school families spectating from the lawn by the school. It was a great time and I cannot wait for next year. We have a wonderful HSA team this year and they are doing a great job getting us out there and involved in the community. Thank you, Randi, Michele, Jessica and Anna for all you have done so far and everything you will continue to do for us. We appreciate you.
🍕 St. Mary’s Dine Out Night at Sam’s Pizza! 🍕
Mark your calendars for Monday, November 9, and join us at Sam’s Pizza for a delicious way to support St. Mary’s Catholic School!
From 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 10% of sales will be donated back to St. Mary’s School! Bring the family, grab dinner, and enjoy a night out while giving back to our school community.
Whether you choose to dine in, carry out, or order delivery, you can help support our school!
📣 Be sure to mention St. Mary’s when ordering so our school receives credit for your purchase!
📍 Sam’s Pizza
526 E. State St., Sycamore
Thank you for supporting St. Mary’s!
CLOTHING SALE THIS WEEK
Friday, November 6, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, November 7, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Last chance to donate for the Clothing Sale! If anyone has a clothing rack(s) we can borrow, please put your name on it and bring it Wednesday, November 4 and pick it up on Saturday, November 7 at 12:00 PM.
Volunteers are needed to help sort on Wednesday, November 4, 3 PM - 8 PM and Thursday, November 5 from 9 AM - 6 PM.
Remember all proceeds will benefit Our Thanksgiving Food Drive!
Baked Goods could be brought Thursday November 5, 6 PM -8 PM or Friday, November 6 by 8:30 AM to benefit the “Respect Life Committee” Bake Sale.
Diocese Parish Life Note
November Mental Health Minute
