The CRUX Retreat is a powerful overnight experience designed to help teens grow in faith, friendship, and confidence in who they are as sons and daughters of God.

Thanks to SPC Parishioners for your support of Pack 24’s Popcorn sale and Troop 24’s Wreath Sale. We’ve had another successful year because of your support. Thanks again.

THAT MAN IS YOU (TMIY) brings men together to grow as leaders in our families and communities.

We are looking for volunteers to welcome new parishioners to St. Paul of the Cross Church. New Parishioner registration by volunteers is held typically on the first Sunday of each month at the Parish Life Center. Help us demonstrate the spirit of our vibrant parish. Please call Maria Mehl at 847.823.0930 for more information.

The season of Advent, the sense of anticipation and preparation for the coming arrival of the Christ child took on another dimension this year in my family.

Boys and girls ages 9–14 are invited to compete in this annual Free Throw Championship. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., followed by warm-ups, competition, and an awards ceremony. Questions? Contact Dan Joyce at (773) 320-1157.

Please note: there will be no 6:25 a.m. daily Mass and no 8:00 a.m. daily Confessions on Wednesday, December 24th and Friday, December 26th. There will be the 8:30 a.m. daily Mass both of those days.

Not too long ago I read a beautiful reflection on St. Joseph by a Carmelite sister. She compared Joseph to a pine cone.

Our 4th event for young adults is back by popular demand. Tuesday, January 13 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Our 8th graders are coming to the close of their Catechesis lessons. This year, they have written saint papers, participated in a retreat, and completed many hours of service.

SPC School will dismiss for Christmas break on Friday, December 19. We wish all students a strong finish to the semester and extend a warm welcome home to our college students.

Our 8th graders will spend the afternoon preparing spiritually for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please keep them in your prayers as they deepen their relationship with Christ.

Please join us for our next book meeting where we will discuss The Sympathizer, by Viet Thanh Nguyen. All are welcome

I am delighted to rejoin St. Paul of the Cross, the parish and school that shaped my childhood and remained the standard by which I measured every church throughout my life. Returning in 2024 felt like coming home, and I am grateful to once again be part of this faith community I have always loved.

We will have a Family Mass this Sunday, December 14th, at 10:30 a.m. in the Holy Family Chapel. All are welcome.

Join fellow young adults for a faith-filled day of prayer, great speakers, and more at St. Paul of the Cross. Light breakfast & lunch included.

Join us for the Fun, Faith & Music class in the Kinane Center!

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 – CHRISTMAS EVE 3:00 p.m. — UC — Fr. Britto 3:00 p.m. — Gym — Fr. James 5:00 p.m. — UC — Fr. James THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 - CHRISTMAS 12:00am Midnight Mass — UC (Fr. James) 7:30am — UC (Fr. Britto) 9:00am — UC (Fr. Britto) 10:30am — UC (Fr. James) 12:00pm — UC (Fr. James)

If you’re a former member of the St. Paul of the Cross Children’s Choir, you’re cordially invited to sing with the children’s choir on Wednesday, December 24 at the 3:00 p.m. Christmas Mass in the Upper Church.

Next weekend, we will take up our Retirement Fund for Religious annual second collection which benefits some 25,000 elder sisters, brothers, and religious order priests nationwide.

This year, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception will be held on Monday, December 9, as December 8 falls on a Sunday.

Members of the New Parishioner Welcome Ministry will be available on Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Parish Life Center to register new parishioners, answer any questions and distribute welcome packets.

Students entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for the 2025–2026 school year and interested in joining our Altar Server Ministry are invited to attend our next training session on Monday, December 8.

This Christmas, our Social Service Ministry invites you to help bring joy to the families we serve. Through your generosity, each member of a household will receive a $50 Walmart gift card—a gift that allows parents, children, and grandparents alike to choose something special for themselves.

The rectory will be closed from Wednesday, November 26 at noon through Friday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

SPC School will be closed for the entire week of Thanksgiving. There will be no classes from Monday, November 25 through Friday, November 29. We wish all our students, families, and staff a safe, restful, and blessed Thanksgiving break!

As we celebrate this day of gratitude, we give thanks for you—our parish family. Your faith, generosity, and kindness make St. Paul of the Cross a true spiritual home.

Pick up basketball is held on Sunday nights from 8-10PM. We meet in the St. Paul of the Cross Morello Parish Life Center Gym. Although many players have some basketball experience, all are welcome! Arrive early for a 15-minute warm-up and games go to 100 with halftime at 50. Please bring a white and dark shirt. 

We are pleased to offer our parishioners the opportunity to help the homeless and less fortunate in the Chicagoland area this Christmas season by giving them CARE BAGS filled with warm clothing items.

Advent: A Season of Hope and Joy Friday, December 5th, 2025 Following the 8:30 a.m. Mass Holy Family Chapel – St. Paul of the Cross Parish Light breakfast will be served. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” — Isaiah 9:1 Join us as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming through prayer, song, and fellowship during this sacred season of Advent. We are delighted to welcome parishioners Don an

Annual Second Collection November 23, 2025 Our special collection next week will support the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the national anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, working to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ “… to bring glad tidings to the poor… liberty to captives… sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free.” (Luke 4:18). Learn more at www.usccb.org/cchd.