« To Our Photo / Video Gallery

March 13-14, 2023

Thank you to Fr. Britto Berchmans, Pastor Emeritus of St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge, for the Parish Mission on Monday and Tuesday, March 13 and 14, 2023. Father Britto’s stories and inspirational talks are always helpful and entertaining.

Our SMTG Parish offered a Lenten Mission on March 13-14, 2023 with Fr. Britto Berchmans as the Speaker – The theme for our Lenten Mission chosen by Fr. Britto was “Growing to be Intentional Disciples.” As Catholics, it is so easy to move from one sacrament to another and feel that we are fulfilling the call of Jesus in our lives. We have to be intentional about being His followers. For that to happen we need to form a personal relationship with Jesus. The two talks that were part of this mission address two important steps in this task: knowing, loving and following Jesus on the one hand, and carrying our Crosses after Jesus on the other.

Monday, March 13, 2023 – Who do you say that I am?

Towards the middle of His public ministry, Jesus asked His disciples a poignant question: Who do you say I am? In other words, he asked them: What am I to you? Am I real to you? In this talk, Fr. Britto offered some concrete steps we can take so that we can forge a personal relationship with Him. Reading: Mathew 16:12-20

Tuesday, March 14, 2023 – Take up your Cross and follow Me!

If Jesus were a politician, hardly anyone would vote for Him. While the politicians today vying for our votes promise the moon, Jesus challenges us to carry our Crosses and follow Him. How do we encounter the Crosses that come our way? Do we grumble under their crushing weight? Or, do we use them to draw closer to Him? Reading: Mathew 16:21-26

About Fr. Britto Berchmans

Born in India, Fr. Britto Berchmans has served the Church in India, Italy, and the US, and is now a Chicago diocesan priest. He speaks extensively to groups on spirituality, relationships, and personal growth, and conducts parish missions. He holds multiple Master’s degrees in physics, journalism, and theology, and a Doctorate in mass communications. He was the pastor of St. Paul of the Cross Parish in Park Ridge. Fr. Britto laces humor into all his presentations, and recently he has been doing a comedy routine known as “Holy Smokes!” for audiences around Chicago. Fr. Britto hosts on Catholic Radio a monthly talk show entitled “Built on the Rock” which focuses on Christ-centered marriages and relationships.

PARISH LENTEN MISSION HOMILY
From Fr. Britto Berchmans
March 11-12, 2023 at All Masses