The Park Ridge Garden Club has cordially invited SPC’s Centennial Vegetable Garden to be featured in this year’s Garden Walk! We are truly honored to be included among the gardens highlighted for their beauty, education, and service to the community.

Hosted by the Knights of Columbus Maria Council #4836.

I’ve noticed when I give out communion at Mass that when I say “The Body of Christ” I whisper it. I’m not sure if this simply developed out of a habit of manners–trying to keep a low voice when inside, especially inside a church–or for some other unintentional reason, but the more I think about it, the more I find whispering appropriate (if I may humbly say so myself). Why?

Members of the Welcome Ministry will be available to register new parishioners, answer questions, and provide welcome packets. Stop by and get connected to parish life.

Congratulations to the SPC Class of 2026!

On what became a beautiful sunny morning after a light rain earlier, parishioners and community members gathered at St. Paul of the Cross’ Centennial Garden to begin our 16th season of planting.

Last Sunday on Pentecost I gave another “history of the Catholic Church” homily, this time focusing on the split of western and eastern Christianity (Catholic and Orthodox).

Beginning in June, revised Adoration hours on Friday–Sunday will be: 5:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Chapel closes at 7:00 p.m.

Last week at the opening of the parish garden I was instructed on the box planting method used by our volunteer gardeners for each of the plots. Each garden bed is divided into a grid of 12X12 squares.

We warmly invite you to join us for a Serving Our Seniors (SOS) Ministry presentation by parishioner Susan Dolan, following the 8:30AM Mass on Friday, June 12th at the Holy Family Chapel (HFC). A light brunch will follow.

Heartfelt thanks to the Faith, Hope & Charity Guild for generously volunteering to partner with SSM to host, sponsor, and serve at the annual Mother’s Day Luncheon at Mission of Our Lady of the Angels (OLA).

We have classes for incoming PK 4’s through 8th grade! Catechesis begins formally in 1st grade and goes through 8th

ongratulations to all students who are graduating grammar school, high school, and college these days. Blessings to you in your next adventure. Our own SPC School will have its graduation this Wednesday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m. We are proud of you, 8th graders. Continue to be a light to the world.

Join the parish community for our annual May Crowning on Wednesday, May 20, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass in the Upper Church.

Join current and past Crux members on July 11 for a fun evening of bowling, food, raffles, and fellowship while supporting future retreats and young adult ministry opportunities. $20 per bowler For sponsorship or donation information, contact Daniela Romano at dromano@mswparish.org

SPC Women's Club Outing

The scene of the Ascension as recounted in Acts of the Apostles (our first reading) has a few interesting details. We hear that, among the group of apostles looking up at the sky, “suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.” These two men are presumably angels–the same two inside the empty tomb on Easter Sunday. But Luke doesn’t call them angels. He calls them “men.” Likewise, Mark’s Gospel refers to a “young man” inside the tomb after the resurrection.

JOIN US FOR A FINE ARTS SHOW Sunday, May 17th 11:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Our 5th event for young adults is back by popular demand. Tuesday, January 13 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Each May, our hearts turn with gratitude to the mothers and mother figures whose love has shaped our lives. It is a moment to pause, to remember, and to honor the steadfast witness of those who have nurtured us in faith and in hope.

Dear Parishioners, I mentioned in a recent homily that my favorite prayer over the last few years has become the simple, short prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit.” That’s it. Just those three words. Yes, that counts as a prayer. I have a lot of favorite prayers–the Memorare, the Suscipe, the Anima Christi, to name a few–but "Come, Holy Spirit" cuts the deepest to my heart. Let me explain. First, I like its brevity. I think you know that about me by now. I’m pretty economical. There’

I think it’s safe to say that Jesus’ words from today’s Gospel are consoling: “In my father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.”

Please join us for our next book club meeting where we will discuss Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry. All are welcome!

I was recently interviewed about the Anointing of the Sick for a series being done on the sacraments.

Over 60,000 moms in need come to us each year. At Catholic Charities we provide vital services like food, housing, and diapers for families throughout Cook and Lake counties. Offering support at a critical moment often changes the course of a mom’s life. Your gift this Mother’s Day gives hope to moms who need it most. Join us!

We celebrate the first of our First Communion liturgies as more than 200 children receive the Eucharist this year. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers as they take this important step in their faith journey.

Support the annual Misericordia Candy Days as volunteers collect donations after Mass. Your generosity helps provide care and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Altar Server Training will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in the St. Paul of the Cross Upper Church.

We invite you to join us as we gather to pray the Rosary in a beautiful, 30-minute service accompanied by music & candlelight.

Sponsor A Raised Bed in our Vegetable Garden to Feed the Hungry! Sponsoring our parish vegetable garden means planting, watering, and harvesting your own 4’x4’ raised bed throughout the growing season.

Thomas certainly had some audacity in asking–no, demanding–to see the nail marks of the risen Christ. It would have been like Peter wanting to see the rooster again that had crowed. The nail marks should not have been something Thomas, or any of the other apostles, would have wanted to see.