Author: Jackson Brunsting

2^nd Collection on May 3^rd & 4^th

Our parish is participating in the 2025 Waterleaf Baby Bottles for Life Campaign to benefit, support, and educate pregnant women facing crisis or unintended pregnancies.

Our annual campaign is switching to the month of May. We will have a 2^nd collection at all Masses on May 3 & 4. The funds collected support the life-affirming programs and services of the Waterleaf Medical Clinic and their Aspire Education and Resource Center located in Aurora.

If you prefer to make an online donation, please go to Waterleaf Baby Bottles for Life Campaign. Your support helps to continue the gift of life, love and hope!

For more information about Waterleaf, call at 630-701-6270 or visit them on the web at www.onechoiceonelife.org.

May 3 & 4

There’s still time to get some of your favorite cookies!  SMI Girl Scout Troop 75912 will be selling Girl Scout Cookies in the Commons on Saturday, May 3, after 4:00 & 5:30 Mass and on Sunday, May 4, after 10:45 and 12:15 Mass, while supplies last.

The cost is $6.00 per box.  Cash, credit cards and Zelle are accepted.

Honor your mother or a mother figure in your life with a Mother’s Day Remembrance Card. A card may be purchased for mothers who are living or deceased. For each card ordered, your mother will be included in prayer for 12 Masses throughout the year (one each month).

Cards can be delivered directly to the mother through an e-card, sent in printable form to the purchaser, or picked up from the Commons Desk.  Cards picked up at the parish will be printed on cardstock.  

Order online at www.smip.org/mothersday through May 7th or purchase at the Commons Desk through May 11^th.

Remembrance Cards are $10 each.  All proceeds will benefit the parish cemetery.

This year’s Woman of the Year, Debbie Shimek, is well known around SMI. A long-time member of the parish, a volunteer in many capacities and a beloved retired member of the teaching staff. Some accolades from fellow CCW members were leader, organized, joyful, kind, dedicated, humble, responsible, enthusiastic, respectful, encouraging and displays her love of God in all she does.

Debbie married George in May of 1977. They have two children, Terra and Jeff and have resided in the Joliet/Shorewood area their entire marriage. Debbie decided that teaching was her calling. She taught 41 years, 31 of them at SMI, 5 in Music and 26 years helping over 800 second graders prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion.
Debbie has been involved in Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Band Boosters, VBS, Eucharistic Minister, Bereavement, Catechist, Alpha, Parish Council, Catholic Book Discussion and Vice President of CCW – just to name a few!

When asked what some of her favorite things to do were, Saturday lunch with Mom and sisters ranked high. Time spent with George, Terra (Tim), Amelia, Henry, Jeff (Kalissa), and Raegan is very important to her, whether it’s an activity or family gathering. She especially appreciates her book discussions with her two granddaughters. She enjoys reading, working crossword puzzles and knitting.

Debbie was thrilled and very excited about being selected and said she is honored to represent SMI. She has a great love for the staff and community of this wonderful parish.

She will be honored at a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Raymond on Saturday, April 26th.