St. Francis Xavier Parish

06/04/2026

05/31/2026

The Catholic Services Appeal helps support future priests, outreach efforts such as Catholic Charities, and formational opportunities throughout Northwest Indiana.
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Make your gift today at csa.dcgary.org

05/31/2026

One of the most significant passages centered on Mary is in Chapter 1 of the Gospel of Luke, in which the birth of Jesus is foretold. She was a young, faithful woman whose world radically changed when the angel Gabriel appeared to her saying: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" (Lk 1:28).
First, the angel says, "Hail, full of grace." No one else in the Bible has ever been honored by an angel with such an exalted title.
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Second, the angel says, "The Lord is with you!" Often in the Old Testament the words "the Lord is with you" signal that someone is being called to a daunting task, such as when God calls Moses at the burning bush to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
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When Mary hears the angel say to her, "The Lord is with you," she realizes that God is asking something important and difficult, but he will be with her. Mary's "yes" -- her "fiat" -- allowed God's plan for our salvation to unfold. We recall this marvelous moment recalled each time we recite a Hail Mary.

05/31/2026

This week, consider how you can strengthen the bonds of friendship you have with your fellow Christians, so that united together in love and peace, you can bear witness to the God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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Consider participating in a fellowship (social) event at our parish or invite someone you see regularly at Church out for coffee or brunch after Mass.

05/29/2026

Better knowing and honoring our Mother Mary draws us closer to her and her son, Jesus. The Catholic Church has dedicated numerous feast days throughout the year to events in the life of Mary and her various titles. The following are some of the feasts of Mary in the month of May:
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-- Feast of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament (May 13): Mary was called Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament by St. Peter Julian Eymard in 1868.
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-- Feast of Our Lady of Fatima (also May 13): This feast commemorates the first of six apparitions of Mary to three shepherd children at Fatima in Portugal on May 13, 1917.
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-- Feast of Mary, Help of Christians (May 24): After praying to Mary for his safe release from captivity when taken prisoner by the French, Pope Pius VII instituted this feast day in 1815.
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-- Feast of the Visitation (May 31): Originally celebrated in July, the feast of the Visitation marks Luke's Gospel account of Mary, having been told by the Angel Gabriel that she would bear the son of God, visiting her cousin Elizabeth.

05/29/2026

Sojourner Truth House has opened two new transitional housing options for single females who are homeless after aging out of foster care thanks to a donation by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.
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Learn more in this story from the Northwest Indiana Catholic: https://dcgary.org/NWIC

05/28/2026

In the heart of Haiti’s most dangerous slum, Cité Soleil, one religious sister is quietly changing thousands of lives.
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Inspired by Mother Teresa, Sister Paesie left the Missionaries of Charity to found the Kizito Family, a community dedicated to protecting the poorest children, giving them safety, education, and the chance to know Jesus. Today they run homes, schools, and catechism centers where kids who once wandered the streets now learn, play, and pray together.
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Amid brutal gang violence, hunger, and deep poverty, these children still find joy in the Eucharist, in the classroom, and in a loving community that refuses to abandon them.
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Sister Paesie says what they need most is our prayers.
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Full story at ewtnnews.com

05/28/2026

Major events for Catholics in Northwest Indiana often take place at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary, from confirmations and wedding anniversary celebrations to ordinations and steps toward becoming Catholic.
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Learn more about the art and architecture in the cathedral at https://dcgary.org/holy-angels-cathedral