Link to
​Archdiocese of Chicago - What is Renew My Church

St. Bernardine Parish has been activated to begin the Renew My Church discernment process. Although we were originally scheduled for the last wave of this initiative, (2022 – 2023), the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the process throughout the Archdiocese. St. Bernardine will be in a grouping with St. Luke parish in River Forest. 
Keep checking this website for further updates.

Renew My Church St. Bernardine Parish Discernment Group Members

• Father Stan Kuca
• Della DeSonia
• Julia Doloszycki
• Deb Michalak
• Michael O'Brien
• Mary Ritchie

Upcoming Activity

• December 1 Zoom meeting with Discernment groups from both parishes.

Recent Activity

• November 17  Zoom meeting with Discernment groups from both parishes.

• On Saturday, November 6, teams from both parishes attended a Zoom retreat, connecting Renew My Church to the Pascal mysteries.
• A meeting is currently scheduled in Fearon Hall on October 27, 2020 with the staff members of the two parishes.
• Our Archdiocesan Renew my church facilitator was identified as LeRoy Chalmers.

       5 Phases of Renew My Church grouping process based on lessons from other dioceses and AOC history
                                                                                             
                                                                                              FOCUS
Preparation                                                                        Ensuring parish leaders can begin a planning phase
                                                                                              spiritually prepared and confident in their abilities to
                                                                                              shepherd their people through a difficult change 
                                                                                              management process.

Discernment &                                                                 Ensuring significant local input and ownership exists
   Decisions                                                                        in a process that faces realities and reaches
**(we are here)**                                                              appropriate decisions.

Transitions -                                                                    Supporting parishes through a difficult transition in a 
Accompaniment                                                             way that respects and values the past while instilling
                                                                                            a spirit of hopefulness about the future.

Transitions -                                                                    Providing on-the-ground operating support for
Operations                                                                       parishes and groupings transitioning to new models.

Building the                                                                     Support the grouping in developing collaborative
New Reality                                                                     pastoral plans to form vital parishes and make   
                                                                                            missionary disciples. 

​A Prayer For “Renew My Church”

Lord Jesus, you speak to us today, as you spoke to holy men and women who have gone before us. 
In every age and in our own time, you call to us and say: Renew My Church. Pour out the gift of your Holy Spirit upon us, and so enable us 
      to hear you clearly 
      to listen to each other attentively 
      to imagine our future boldly 
      to discern your direction wisely 
      to persevere in your holy will courageously 
      to stay together in charity 
      to surrender our own plans readily 
      to embrace the greater good 
      to hand on your gifts to future generations. 
May we remain in the holy company of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the apostles and all the saints.  May their example and presence inspire us with patient confidence in the work of your grace. 
We ask this of you who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 

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