St. Paul Chong Hasang Bulletin
Sunday February 23, 2025
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The readings for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C prompt reflection on the themes of mercy, justice, and our attitudes towards others. They invite us to emulate God’s mercy, refrain from judgment, and extend forgiveness. The readings highlight the examples of David sparing Saul’s life, the call to bear the image of Christ, and Jesus’ teachings on loving enemies and showing mercy.
- First Reading – 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23: David, finding Saul asleep, refuses to harm him, saying it’s wrong to strike the LORD’s anointed. He takes Saul’s spear and jug, proving his mercy and faithfulness from afar.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103: I praise the Lord and remember His kindness: forgiving sins, healing ailments, and saving from despair, showing endless mercy and love, far surpassing our shortcomings.
- Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:45-49: The first Adam was earthly, the last Adam (Christ) a life-giving spirit. We, once earthly, will transform to bear the likeness of the heavenly man.
- Gospel – Luke 6:27-38: Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies, do good to those who hate them, and bless those who curse them. He emphasized non-retaliation, treating others as you wish to be treated, and loving unconditionally like God. He urged forgiveness and generosity, promising reciprocal blessings.
Pastoral Direction for 2025
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
(1 Corinthians 3:16)
Ash Wednesday Mass
We will have Ash Wednesday Mass on March 5th at 10 AM and 8 PM.
2025 Joint Youth Group Retreat
Join us for the 2025 Joint Youth Group Retreat with St. Andrew Kim, a transformative weekend filled with faith and fellowship!
Date: Friday, February 28 – Sunday, March 2
Location: Loyola University Retreat Ecology, 2710 S. Country Club Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098
Contact Information:
St. Paul: Peter Kim – ymad_yg@stpaulchong.org | 217.721.7179
St. Andrew: Elizabeth – oh.elizabeth1@gmail.com | 847.738.3344
*A bus will depart from St. Paul at 5:30 PM on Friday and return around 3 PM on Sunday. Alternatively, you may choose to drive directly to the retreat center.
Totus Tuus Summer Camp Registration
We invite 1st-12th grade students to join Totus Tuus, a week-long summer retreat, organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Program Details:
Dates: July 13-18, 2025
Location: St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church
Morning Program: 9AM ~ 2:30 PM
Grades: 1st - 6th
Fee: $50 - Includes: Snacks & T-shirt (Please bring your own lunch)
Evening Program: 6:30 PM ~ 8:30 PM
Grades: 7th - 12th (Including current 12th graders)
Fee: $40 - Includes: Dinner & T-shirt
*50 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration:
Deadline: June 15, 2025
Please use the link to register or scan the QR code.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_o-C5NofSTQ-z9Cjbw9pKHA2ZtwFlLPXX5Flf7F_i4ptUYg/viewform?pli=1
For inquiries:
Agnes Yoo 847.452-5944, Estelle Lee 240.357.8406
<CCD & YG> Important Dates to Remember
<YG> 2025 Joint Youth Group Retreat
Date: Friday, February 28 ~ Sunday, March 2
Location: Loyola University Retreat Ecology, 2710 S. Country Club Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098
<CCD> 7th Grade Works of Mercy at Bernie’s Book Bank
Date: Friday, March 14
<CCD&YG> Spring Break
Date: Sunday, March 23
Volunteer Sign-Up Link
Reading Volunteer Sign-Up
Seating Reminder for Mass
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!
Parish Announcements
Sister Agatha Han Returning to Korea
On March 4, Sister Agatha Han will be returning to Korea. We thank her for her service during her time with us. Sister Anna Choi will be joining us from Korea. Please keep both Sisters in your prayers for a smooth transition.
Blessed Palm Branch Collection
Please bring the blessed palm branches from your home and place them in the collection box located in the church lobby.
Deadline: Sunday, March 2
Ash Wednesday Mass
Date: March 5 at 10 AM and 8 PM.
2025 Annual Catholic Appeal
Theme: Together, We Bring Hope
Parish Goal: $13,918
Promotional Weekend: February 15-16
Pledge Weekend: February 22-23
Follow-up Weekend: March 1-2
Devotion Mass
Every month, on the first Saturday, the Devotion Mass will be held at 10 AM. The March Mass will be on March 1 at 10 AM.
Communion for the Sick
Date: Wednesday, March 5, after Mass
To register, please contact the Sisters or the church office.
March Holy Hour Schedule
Date: Friday, March 7, after Mass
Infant Baptism
An infant baptism ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 8, at 3 PM. Parents with children under the age of 7 who have not yet been baptized are encouraged to register at the parish office. Please choose a godparent and a baptismal name in advance. If the parents are not Catholic or not registered with the parish, a meeting with Father Michael will be required.
For more information or to register, please contact the parish office.
Date: Saturday, March 8 at 3PM
St Paul Chong Hasang Social Service Group (사회 봉사회): Weekly activity / Donation
1. We made 140 sandwiches & delivered them to Cornerstone Community Outreach
Center (homeless shelter in Chicago) on Feb 16, 2025.
2. We received a donation of $50 from Mrs. Regina Lee. Thank you for your
support!!
3. Social service group is open to ALL parish members at St Paul Chong Hasang. We
especially need more involvement from young family members. If you are interested,
you may contact one of the officers below or you can just come and join our sandwich
making on every 3rd Sunday of each month.
Officers: Dafrosa Lee 847.212.6875 / Stella Han 224.241.0267 / Francesca Cha 224.607.7268
Self-Serve Kimbap and Cup Noodle
Self-serve kimbap and cup noodles are available in the cafeteria.
- Kimbap: $5
- Cup Noodles: $2
Please drop your cash or check in the sales box.
Thank you for your support!
Rev. Sungjae Hwang
Sr. Insook Han and Sr. Migyeong Kim