St. Paul Chong Hasang Bulletin

Counting the Cost of Discipleship

The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that following Jesus is not always easy. He asks for more than quick prayers or kind words. He calls us to put him first, even before family or friends. That can be hard to hear. But Jesus wants us to know what we’re saying yes to. He wants us to think carefully and choose with open eyes.

In the Gospel for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jesus says we must carry our cross. He uses examples like building a tower or planning a battle. These things take thought and care. Faith is like that too. It takes real commitment. It asks for trust and strength.

The other readings help us understand why we need God’s help. Wisdom says we can’t know God’s ways on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to guide us. Psalm 90 reminds us that life is short. We should use our days wisely. Paul’s letter shows us what love looks like in action. He doesn’t just talk about Christ. He lives it by sending Onesimus back in love.

• First Reading – Wisdom 9:13-18B: Understanding God’s intentions is beyond human capacity without divine wisdom and the Holy Spirit, as earthly concerns often cloud our judgment.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 90: God, timeless and eternal, teaches us to value our days and seeks our return to righteousness, offering mercy and favor throughout our fleeting lives.
• Second Reading – Philemon 9-10, 12-17: Paul, imprisoned, sends Onesimus back to Philemon, not as a slave but as a beloved brother, urging Philemon to welcome him as he would Paul himself.
• Gospel – Luke 14:25-33: Jesus teaches that following him requires prioritizing him above all personal relationships and possessions, emphasizing the need to consider the sacrifices involved, much like planning a construction or a battle.

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

(1 Corinthians 3:16)

Welcome back!
I hope you all had a fun and relaxing summer.
Now it’s time to dive into another awesome year of CCD and YG!
Our first day back will be Sunday, September 7th.
We will start with Mass at 10:30 AM, followed by CCD and YG from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM.

All CCD parents should have received important information, together with attachments, from our CCD Director, Caritas Yoon. For your convenience, the 2025–2026 CCD Calendar, class maps, chapel seating charts, and the CCD catechist directory are also included below.

We look forward to seeing everyone and sharing another year of faith and fellowship together!

If you missed the regular registration period, late registration is now open!
The registration fee is $140.

CCD: https://forms.gle/599LgJ9nfWkizEk76
YG: https://forms.gle/4MEF2YmmFsMyu4Zn6

We’re excited to celebrate our Parish Feast Day with a Korean/English Joint Mass and fun festivities on Sunday, September 21. More details will be shared soon!

In the meantime, we need your help to make this celebration a success:

• Setup Crew: PTO dads are needed on Saturday, September 20 to help with setup.

• Event Volunteers: PTO dads are also needed on Sunday, September 21 during the festivities.

If you’re able to help, please sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA9AD23A5FEC70-58243068-parish
Thank you so much for your support. We couldn’t do it without you!

Last Sunday, eight 9th graders graduated from their service as altar servers.
We sincerely thank them for their dedication and commitment:

Michelle Cho, Joseph Jo, Chloe Kim, Ethan Kwon, Alyson Lee, Zion Lee, Brigid Park, Katie Park

We are also delighted to welcome three new altar servers who have joined:

Sophia Bae, Jane Kim, Philip Lee

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for our altar server ministry!

<CCD & YG> First Day of CCD & YG

Date: Sunday, September 7

<CCD > First CCD PTO Meeting

Date: Sunday, September 7, following the 10:30 AM English Mass in the Cafeteria.

<YG > First YG PTO Meeting

Date: Sunday, September 14, following the 10:30 AM English Mass in the Cafeteria.

To keep things running smoothly during Mass, please try to sit toward the inside of the pews. This will make it easier for latecomers to find their seats. We really appreciate your help!

<2025 Retreat for the Sick and Their Families>

Theme: “Prayer and Communication – Suffering, Hope, and Peace”

Date: Sunday, September 14 1PM ~ 5PM

Location: St. Paul Chong Ha Sang (Small Chapel)
Presenter: Father Michael

Registration: September 7 (church lobby after Sunday Mass)

For Inquiries / Contact: Maxima Lee 630.991.7096), Sabina Park 847.924.3392

<Portrait Session for Seniors>
All senior parishioners are invited to register for this special photoshoot. The exact date will be announced in early October.

Cost: $10

Registration Dates: Sunday, September 7 and Sunday, September 14

Organized by: 홍보부/시니어 사목부

For inquiries, please contact: 시니어 사목부 (Senior Ministry) 224.636.2516, 551.265.7145

<Parish Friendship Golf Tournament>

Date & Time: Sunday, September 7 / 2PM Tee-Off

Location: Foss Park Golf Course (847. 689.7490)

3124 Argonne Dr., North Chicago

Fee: $60 (includes green fee, lunch, and dinner)

Award Ceremony: Parish Cafeteria

*All participants will receive a special gift from Korea, prepared by Fr. Michael.

<Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass>

Married in 1975? Have you registered for the Annual Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass?

Couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary from across the Archdiocese of Chicago are invited to gather together for the Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass that will be celebrated by Cardinal Cupich on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM. The Mass will be held at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois. Register by September 7th at the parish office.