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Parish Events

Here at St. Mary's, we are passionate and committed disciples. A movement of willing hearts dedicated to sharing the Word of Christ through the Sacraments and service to others in need. We are companions on the journey, accompanying one another with a spirit of charity and hope. There are a number of areas where we need help from our church family -- opportunities for you to get involved, to engage with faith family members, and to grow in your relationship with Christ.

IGNITE  High School Youth Group - Sundays 6 pm - 7:30 pm

Next Meeting: September 27 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at St. Patrick's of Merna. Dinner will be provided!  Please see the bulletin for more information. ​​

St. Mary's Youth Group - Sunday 6 pm

Next Meeting: Sunday, September 27, 6—7:30pm St. Mary’s Youth Group is open to any parish youth in 6th—8th grade. They will meet every other week throughout the school year. If you have any questions, please email youthgroup@stmarysschool.net

Confirmation Parent/Candidate Meeting - September 29, 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall

The first of two parent and candidate meetings for those students enrolled in Family Faith Formation second-year Confirmation and the eighth grade students of St. Mary’s School preparing for Confirmation 2027 will be held on Tuesday, September 29, at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall.  Please see the bulletin for more information.

Eucharistic Minister Training - Saturday, October 3, 10:00 am in the church

Whether you are new to this ministry or would like a refresher, please join us for training: Saturday, October 3, 10:00 am, in the Church.  Come learn, ask questions, and prepare to serve our parish community with reverence and joy. For more information, please see the bulletin or email parishlife@stmarysschool.net for more information.

Uncoupled Catholics - October 3

On Saturday, October 3 we will meet for 4:30 pm Mass at St Mary’s in Downs, IL. Afterwards we will head over to Rader Family Farms located at 1312 Ropp Road in Normal for dinner and the annual Flashlight Night Maze at 6:30 pm. Feel free to attend one event or the entire night of activities.

Look for the Uncoupled Catholics sign. For more information contact us at uncoupledcatholics@gmail.com.

Free Flu Clinic - October 3 & 4 in the Parish Hall

St. Mary's Church, in collaboration with Walgreens, is hosting a free flu clinic on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, after all Masses.  Protect yourself. Protect our community. Get your flu shot!  Click here to access the Flu Shot Flyer!

Football - Food - Fellowship - Sunday, October 11, 2:30 pm in the Parish Hall

Calling all football fans, families, and parish friends!  Come join us for an afternoon of football, food, fun and fellowship as the Chicago Bears take on the Green Bay Packers!  Sunday, October 11, 2026  Drop off begins at noon.  Doors open at 2:30 pm.  Kick-off at 3:25 pm in the Parish Hall.

Bring a dish to Share! Please sign up through SignUpGenius https://www.signupgenius.com/ go/70A0E49ADAA29A7FC1-65653587-game, or email parishlife@stmarysschool.net to let us know what you’ll be bringing. Whether you’re cheering for the Bears, the Packers, or just coming for the food – there’s a place for you! Bring the family. Bring your appetite. Bring your team spirit!                                             LET’S PACK THE PARISH HALL!!

Young at Heart - Play at ISU : ‘Alice By Heart’ - Sunday, October 25, 2:00 pm 

Sunday, October 25, 2026 Show Time: 2:00pm—Arrival: 1:45pm in the Westhoff Theatre, Centennial East Building,
353 School Street, Normal. Free parking is available in the South School Street Garage. Cost for ticket: $14.00 per person

Please see the bulletin for details on the play and payment information.  

GriefShare Support Group

GriefShare in English

Tuesdays, September 15 to December 15, 6 pm to 8 pm

St. Mary's Church Grotto

527 W. Jackson Street

Bloomington, IL 61701

For more information, please email parishlife@stmarysschool.net

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GriefShare en español

Miércoles, 2 de septiembre, de 6:00 p. m. a 8:00 p. m.

Gruta de la Iglesia de Santa María (St. Mary's Church)

527 W. Jackson Street

Bloomington, IL 61701

Para más información, consulte el boletín o comuníquese con la oficina parroquial al 309-827-8526.

Adult Bible Study - Monday Morning

Fr. John Horton will be hosting a bible study on the Gospel of John on Monday mornings beginning September 14 through November 2, 10:30 am to Noon.  Please see more information in Adult Faith Ministries. 

OCIA - Order of Christian Initiaion of Adults

OCIA  classes begin on September 16.  Classes are available in English and Spanish.  For more information or to request a registration form, please contact the parish office at 309-827-8526.  

Kermes - Religious Bazaar 

A Kermes is a what a Catholic religious bazaar is called in Spanish. It's usually a fundraiser held at the church where activities, games, music, dancing, and food are available.  This year's Kermes was held on September 13.  

Dia De Los Muertos (Annual - Fall)

“The Mexican Day of the Dead” ceremony emerged from the popular Catholic practice of memorializing the dead in the Catholic Feast.

Las Posadas (Annual December 16th-24th)

Las Posadas is a religious festival that takes place in Mexico and some parts of the United States. A tradition that originated in Spain and was brought to Mexico by Catholic missionaries in the 1500s commemorates Joseph and Mary's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter for Mary to give birth to Jesus.  The name posadas translates to "lodgings" or "shelter" and the nine-day event symbolizes Mary's nine-month pregnancy.

Gum Drop Shop (Annual - December)

A Gumdrop Shop allows all parish children aged Pre-K through 5th grade to shop for gifts for their household members. The shopping experience is a safe and fun event hosted by our St. Mary’s Youth Group and supervised by parish members. Child shoppers will be paired with personal shopping assistants (youth group members) and escorted from the grotto to the magical Gumdrop Shop in the parish hall. Children will go home with wrapped/bagged gifts for their family members to put under the Christmas tree. We even wrap fishing poles…true story. 

Three Kings Day / Día de los Reyes Magos (Annual - January 6th)

Three Kings Day, also known as Dia de los Reyes Magos in many Spanish-speaking countries, this holiday honors the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem to worship the newborn Christ child.

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