PARISH MISSIONS

The PARISH MISSION is a special moment of grace in the life of a parish. It might be a time to celebrate a parish milestone or anniversary. It might be a yearly event to prepare for the feasts of Christmas or Easter. Or it might be a special event to start off another academic year or a parish renewal program.

The Parish Mission begins with the homily at all the weekend Masses. The preacher shares the theme of the Mission with the congregation and invites them to attend. The Mission continues over 3 consecutive nights. Depending upon the type of liturgical service chosen for a specific night, the Parish Mission can last between 60 to 90 minutes. We are pleased to have 3 excellent Parish Mission preachers available: Dr. Mary Amore and Deacon Ron Yurcus and J. Philip Horrigan. Dr. Amore is a published author and an engaging speaker, well-versed in preaching missions in the areas of liturgy and Eucharist. She holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Liturgy and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union, is married and the mother of two young adults. Dr. Amore offers a wide variety of topics, including her new Stewardship Mission, which culminates in a parish ministry fair. this past lent Dr. Mary Amore Conducted parish missions at the following locations:  St. Andrew’s Parish        Romeoville         March 13-15, 2011 Christ the King Parish    Lombard             March 21-23, 2011 St. Peter’s Parish            Skokie                 March 27-29, 2011 Deacon Ron Yurcus was ordained as a permanent deacon for the Joliet diocese in 1989 and is presently assigned to St. Petronille Parish in Glen Ellyn. A graduate of Benedictine University, Deacon Ron is gifted in preaching, and has worked extensively in the area of bereavement. Ron shares his experience as a Christian husband, father, teacher and businessman.

J. Philip (Phil) Horrigan is a presbyter of the Archdiocese of Kingston, Ontario Canada. His academic background includes a Bachelor in Theology (S.T.B.) from St. Paul University, Ottawa; a Masters in Education (M.Ed.) from Queen’s University, Kingston: a Masters in Theology (M.Th.) from The Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley CA and a Doctorate in Ministry (D. Min., liturgical studies) from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Phil has over 30 years of pastoral experience both as associate pastor, and as pastor. . From 1997 until 2009 he was the Director of the Department of Art and Architecture at the Office for Divine Worship, Archdiocese of Chicago. In this capacity he acted as a consultant and resource person for all the parishes involved in a building or renovation project. He is the director of the Institute of Liturgical Consultants at CTU, Chicago, and was an adjunct faculty member of the Word and Worship department, also at CTU.

Here is a sample of the parish missions available from Fr. Phil Horrigan:

                THE PASCHAL MYSTERY:  Word, Cross, Resurrection.

LENTEN SCRIPTURES:  A SPIRITUAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL JOURNEY

FROM FONT TO TABLE AND BACK AGAIN:  THE SPIRITUAL PATHWAY OF DISCIPLESHIP

If you are interested in booking a Parish Mission, or would like to request references of parishes, contact Mayslake Ministries at 630-268-9000.