Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent. In the Gospel from St. Luke, John the Baptist makes his appearance at the Jordan. John comes baptizing with water and sees his baptism as a baptism of forgiveness. He invites people to join him in making straight the way of the Lord. John believes that through repentance all mankind will see God’s salvation. Repentance calls each of us to change. This change is both external and internal. We change our actions and thoughts to be in line with our God, and we change our hearts and attitudes as well. Change is the hardest thing any of us do, but it is the change for the better that makes straight our Lord’s coming. Today I would like to thank everyone who was involved with our Living Nativity here at St. Agnes. Planning and organization for the event fell on Mrs. Ashby. The Martello family once again built our stable. Carl worked with our student participants and singers to prepare them and keep them on task and Fr. Tom once again read the story for us at the 7:00 and 7:30 performance. Down in Isaiah Hall we had Mrs. Rangel, Mrs. Bravo-Gutierrez, Mrs. Vargas, Mr. Cuin, Paul Kapocious, the Home and School plus volunteers from the school and (Continued on page 3) Fr. John’s Column Advent is not primarily a time to get ready for Christmas (that might be news to the marketers!) or for celebrating Jesus’ birth 2,000 years ago. It is a time to deepen our participation in the presence of the divine being born into the world right now. Today’s readings offer hope — hope grounded in the history of God with the people and hope for a way forward in difficult times. In the first reading, we see Jerusalem as a mother, mourning the loss of her children who have been exiled to Babylon. We understand the sorrow of a mother who waits, powerless to relieve the suffering of her children so far away. Photos of immigrant mothers whose children were taken from them at the U.S.- Mexico border give us a modern image of this agony. Yet this reading is one of hope. The prophet announces the exile is coming to an end. The cloak of God’s shining presence replaces the mother’s sackcloth. She waits on the mountaintop to see her children making their way home from east and west. God hasn’t forgotten them. No. They will return as royalty along rough roads made smooth. God is leading them, not because they were good at keeping rules. They were not. But because God is faithful and full of mercy. The Gospel uses similar words of straightening roads to introduce the mission of John the Baptist. But first, Luke makes sure we know that John’s call came in the midst of messy human history. He names the political “Who’s Who,” starting at the top with Tiberius Caesar then Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas and his brother, sons of Herod the Great. The high priests Annas and Caiaphas are included in the list. Politics right down to religious leaders. Both John and Jesus would suffer at their hands. The powerful and wealthy were not friends of the poor and marginalized then just as they are not now. We wait in a messy world ruled by power and money. Not a lot has changed ... that is, on the outside. (Continued on page 3) Advent Evening Prayer, Wednesday 7 pm Blue Christmas Service, Sun. December 16 1-2 pm WELCOME TO ST. AGNES! On the Inside... Be People of Justice Mary van Balen Sunday, December 9, 2018—Second Sunday of Advent Calendar ....................Page 2 In Sympathy ..............Page 3 Advent Food Drive....Page 4 Liturgy & More .…...Page 5 School ………….…...Page 6 This & That ...............Page 7
Transcript
Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent. In the Gospel from St. Luke, John the Baptist makes his appearance at the Jordan. John comes baptizing with water and sees his baptism as a baptism of forgiveness. He invites people to join
him in making straight the way of the Lord. John believes that through repentance all mankind will see God’s salvation. Repentance calls each of us to change. This change is both external and internal. We change our actions and thoughts to be in line with our God, and we change our hearts and attitudes as well. Change is the hardest thing any of us do, but it is the change for the better that makes straight our Lord’s coming. Today I would like to thank everyone who was involved with our Living Nativity here at St. Agnes. Planning and organization for the event fell on Mrs. Ashby. The Martello family once again built our stable. Carl worked with our student participants and singers to prepare them and keep them on task and Fr. Tom once again read the story for us at the 7:00 and 7:30 performance. Down in Isaiah Hall we had Mrs. Rangel, Mrs. Bravo-Gutierrez, Mrs. Vargas, Mr. Cuin, Paul Kapocious, the Home and School plus volunteers from the school and
(Continued on page 3)
Fr. John’s Column
Advent is not primarily a time to get ready for Christmas (that might be news to the marketers!) or for celebrating Jesus’ birth 2,000 years ago. It is a time to deepen our participation in the presence of the divine being born into the world right now. Today’s readings offer hope — hope grounded in the history of God with the people and hope for a way forward in difficult times. In the first reading, we see Jerusalem as a mother, mourning the loss of her children who have been exiled to Babylon. We understand the sorrow of a
mother who waits, powerless to relieve the suffering of her children so far away. Photos of immigrant mothers whose children were taken from them at the U.S.-Mexico border give us a modern image of this agony. Yet this reading is one of hope. The prophet announces the exile is coming to an end. The cloak of God’s shining presence replaces the mother’s sackcloth. She waits on the mountaintop to see her children making their way home from east and west. God hasn’t forgotten them. No. They will return as royalty along rough roads made smooth. God is leading them, not because they were good at keeping rules. They were not. But because God is faithful and full of mercy. The Gospel uses similar words of straightening roads to introduce the mission of John the Baptist. But first, Luke makes sure we know that John’s call came in the midst of messy human history. He names the political “Who’s Who,” starting at the top with Tiberius Caesar then Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas and his brother, sons of Herod the Great. The high priests Annas and Caiaphas are included in the list. Politics right down to religious leaders. Both John and Jesus would suffer at their hands. The powerful and wealthy were not friends of the poor and marginalized then just as they are not now. We wait in a messy world ruled by power and money. Not a lot has changed ... that is, on the outside.
(Continued on page 3)
Advent Evening Prayer, Wednesday 7 pm Blue Christmas Service, Sun. December 16 1-2 pm
WELCOME TO ST. AGNES!
On the Inside...
Be People of Justice Mary van Balen
Sunday, December 9, 2018—Second Sunday of Advent
Calendar .................... Page 2 In Sympathy .............. Page 3 Advent Food Drive .... Page 4 Liturgy & More .…...Page 5 School ………….…...Page 6 This & That ............... Page 7
This Week at St. Agnes Masses for the Week
Saint Agnes Parish and Catholic School Mission...to welcome, nurture, and serve the people and children of God— generation to generation, guiding souls and growing minds.
St. Agnes Parish Information
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 8:15 AM Betty Reed by Dorothy Glogowski SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 5:00 PM Anna Murzyn by Dorothy Glogowski 5:00 PM Gilbert Morgan by Rosemary & Family 5:00 PM Socorro Angel by Rosa Bermudez & Family 5:00 PM Rene Gonzales by George Gonzales, Sr. & Family SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 7:30 AM Dr. John & Winnie Goncher by Family 7:30 AM Dave Zerante by Bohlen Family 9:00 AM Old Man Kremer 11:00 AM David Balderas III by Family 11:00 AM Olive Smith by Cady Family
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 Nothing Scheduled TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 3:00-3:45 PM Kid’s Choir 6:30-8:00 PM Religious Ed, 1-8 7:00 PM Ensemble WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 6:30-7:30 PM Religious Ed, High 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM RCIA 7:00 PM Advent Evening Prayer THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 Nothing Scheduled FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 Nothing Scheduled SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 Nothing Scheduled SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 8:30 AM Respect Life Rosary 1:00-2:00 PM Blue Christmas Service
BAPTISMS: 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month. Please call the Parish Office at least one month before the date of the Baptism to make arrangements. Must register to attend class which is held the first Wednesday of the month. MARRIAGES: Engaged couples should make arrangements with the pastor at least six months before the wedding date. No arrangements should be made before the desired date has been confirmed after an initial interview has taken place. ADORATION CHAPEL: The Adoration Chapel is opened seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please call Cecelia Leal-Camacho 254-3755 or Juan Rangel (Spanish) 362-4161 to sign up or for info.
PARISH: 1501Chicago Road Chicago Heights, IL 60411 Rev. John Siemianowski, Pastor Rev. Tom Kasputis, Associate Pastor Rev. William T. O’Mara, Resident Assistant PARISH OFFICE: Kay Ashby ……………...708-709-2694 Web Site……...www.saintagnes.us Email…………[email protected] DEACON: Dave & Carol Brothers….708-755-7252 DIRECTOR OF MUSIC & LITURGY: Carl R. Opat……………..708-709-2696 DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT: Karen Zerante…………... 708-709-2092
RCIA/MARRIAGE PREP: Carol Brothers ..................... 708-709-2699 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Teri Klopp…………………708-754-0713 MINISTRY OF CARE COORDINATOR: Call Parish Office ................ 708-709-2694 SCHOOL OFFICE: Matthew Lungaro, Principal Karen Hamilton ................... 708-756-2333 SCHEDULE OF MASSES: Sundays:………...7:30, 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. Saturdays ...................................5:00 p.m. Holy Days………As scheduled CONFESSIONS: Saturday ............................ 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Page 2 Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2018
Fr. John’s Column Continued Continued
parish taking care of a dinner of tamales and pizza…setting up and taking down the hall. The Living Nativity and Posada has become a tradition at St. Agnes that gets us in the mood for our Christmas celebration and we hope everyone had a great time. This weekend we asked that all of the gifts be returned for our Giving Trees. The Giving Trees, along with our food collections help make the season more joyful for those in need. Thanks to everyone who participated in these events. Today at our 9:00 AM liturgy we will be celebrating our Rite of Acceptance for those who are participating in our RCIA program. Each year people join the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults because they want to become Catholic, or receive a sacrament they missed as a child. The classes run from September until Easter. During the classes the participants learn about the Catholic faith and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. On this Sunday they make a commitment to continue the process that will lead them to the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist and Penance. For our part we accept their commitment and promise to pray and encourage them as they make this journey. Please keep the RCIA participants and the team in your prayers. Next Sunday we will have our Blue Christmas at St. Agnes. For many people the holidays are not a time of joy. We may be feeling the loss of a loved one, family brokenness, job loss, or illness may make us feel sad. Next Sunday St. Agnes will be open from 1:00-2:00 PM for quite prayer and reflection. We hope that through this time of prayer Christs peace will fill those who come. At 2:00 PM there will be a prayer offered for all those present. This weekend we have a collection for the Religious Retirement Fund. This collection is to help fund the retirement of the men and women who were there for us over the years. I was shocked when I was told the story of a group of teachers who taught in my home parish. They were trained teachers and were paid $30 a month. They were told to save it for when they needed new shoes. I knew those sisters well, and they deserved better than that. You can’t save up for retirement on $30 dollars a month! Please be as generous as you are able.
(Continued from page 1)
But real change happens on the inside. Hope resides in the heart. When John the Baptist called for repentance, he was not telling people to be sorry for breaking rules. The Greek word translated here as “repentance” is metanoia, and its biblical sense is broad and deep. It is a turning, an inner transformation, a radical change in lifestyle. (The verses following today’s Gospel give good examples.) Isaiah’s words describe John as a voice crying out from the margins. The desert was not exactly where people hung out. His message was to prepare the way for God’s coming by filling in the valleys and leveling the mountains. But not on the outside. It is the geography of the heart he calls us to change. Clear the path to welcome Christ who is born into our hearts as truly as Jesus was born in Bethlehem. This inner change is not about personal salvation. It is for all people. All creation. Luke makes sure we know that, too. Jesus was not born to make a “holy family” with Mary and Joseph, or even to make his hometown of Nazareth a better place (though surely he did). Following Jesus is a community thing. Paul’s letter testifies to that. His affection for the community at Philippi is obvious. The word used for his longing referred to heart, lungs and liver: the inner organs. Paul loved them with his gut. He knew he did not labor alone. He was part of a growing community, supporting one another, trying to live as Jesus did, and giving witness to the risen Christ. We are called to do the same: to live with the tender love and mercy that God showed to the Israelites; and to be people of justice, called to inner transformation so we can participate in Christ’s ongoing transformation of the world.
Stewardship of Treasure
Week of December 2, 2018 Budget: $10,000.00 Actual: 8,759.27 - 1,240.73
December 9, 2018 Second Sunday of Advent Page 3
Discipleship
In Sympathy
Fr. Tom’s Thoughts
God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low. — Baruch 5:7
...hmmmm
Fr. Tom thought it might be important for us to be aware of our Bishop’s and sometimes, other’s statements regarding some of our nation’s current issues. Look to this space in upcoming bulletins. Justice will never be fully attained unless people see in the poor person, who is asking for help in order to survive, not an annoyance or a burden, but an opportunity for showing kindness and a chance for greater enrichment. John Paul II, Centesimus Annus: On the Hundreth Anniversary of Rerum Novarum, no. 58
Please pray for the repose of the soul of: Michael Cristelli Ted Jostes May they rest in peace.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10ac, 11-13; Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39- 47, or any readings from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, nos. 707-712 Thursday: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80: 2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18
With thanks for the little acts of kindness that make the days fly by… to John and John Martello (am I repeating myself? no they’re father and son!) for putting up the barn for the live nativity...to Mark Martin for bringing in hay for the ani-mals...once again to school students, high school students and our wonderful school and parish parents for helping with all aspects of the Live Nativity...to Fr. Tom our gracious narrator... to Mr. Opat for leading our posada...always to Fr. John...and the list continues...
With Kind Thoughts
Are you homebound because of illness, disability, or age? Are you residing in a nursing home? We would like to keep you connected to the parish family by visiting you and bringing you the Eucharist. We are the Ministers of Care of St. Agnes parish, prepared and commissioned through an Archdiocesan program to serve you in these situations, be they temporary or long-term. But we cannot respond to your need un-less you make us aware of it. Hospitals and nursing homes do not noti-fy us about your admission or discharge. Privacy laws restrict them from doing so. So please let us know of your need, or the need of a family member, by calling the parish office.
Sick or Homebound?
Advent/Christmas Food Drive
Blue Christmas-December 16th
BLUE CHRISTMAS, LONGEST NIGHT
For some people the idea of a ‘merry’
Christmas is beyond imagining. The death
of a loved one, brokenness in family rela-
tionships, coping with the loss of a job,
living with a limiting disease – all these
human situations make holiday gatherings
painful and not an easy occasion for cele-
bration. Sunday, December 16th , marks
the Winter Solstice - the longest time of darkness during the
year. In some ways, the struggle with darkness and grief
faced by those living with loss is also a struggle to find a
reason to have hope that God can truly be ‘Emmanuel’ and
with us still.
It is because of this very human truth and reality that our
Church will be open and available for prayer in the presence
of the Blessed Sacrament that Sunday, December 16th, be-
ginning at 1 p.m. and ending at 2 p.m. with a simple
prayer service of comfort and consolation. If this will be
an especially ‘blue’ Christmas for you, consider stopping by
and creating a time of peace for yourself in the silence, re-
called memories, and shared prayer of this community. Let
it be an act of faith on your part that release, renewal and
hope can be your Christmas miracle, and that with God all
things are possible. Our neighbors of all denominations are
welcome.
Father Tom K. Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work or watch or weep this night; and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. - from Book of Common Prayer
Thank you for your generous donations to our Thanksgiving Food Drive. Now you'll notice that the food bin is still out...and will remain out until December 23. We ask that you con-tinue to help the needy in our community. Your generous food gifts are very much ap-preciated, especially at Christmas time. The items collected will be given to Respond Now. Please remember to check expiration
dates! Suggested donations: Canned meats, tuna, rice, cereal, canned fruits and vegetable, toilette paper, pasta, noodles and sauces. Thank you for your generosity!
Liturgy Corner & More
December 9, 2018 Second Sunday in Advent Page 5
Advent Evening Prayer
We invite you attend Advent Evening Prayer on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM on December 12 & 19. Advent Evening Prayer is a peaceful, reflective way to end a busy day. It is also a wonderful way to slow down in this (sometime) hectic season and put into focus what this time of year is real-ly about! The service takes about 20 minutes...let’s all take a deep breath and enjoy the season and Advent Evening Prayer.
Family Ornament We invite you to continue the tradition of the St. Agnes Fami-ly Ornament. Each year families and individuals are invited to make an ornament for our family trees in church. In ten, twen-ty, or thirty years from now, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren can look at the ornaments made by their family members at St. Agnes! The ornament may be as simple or fancy as you wish—please include your family name and the year on your ornament. Please place in basket in the church entrance no later than December 23rd...time to trim the trees! Also, when Christmas comes, please note how our col-lection has grown over the years—our tree looks as pretty as the one in the Walnut Room!
2018 Christmas Mass Schedule
Monday, December 24 4:30 PM & 10:00 PM
Caroling will start at 9:30 PM
Tuesday, December 25 7:30 & 11:00 AM
Please note that we will have only two Masses on Christmas Day.
Tuesday, January 1 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
9:00 AM Please note there is not a mass on New Year’s Eve.
Christmas Choir
Do you like to sing but cannot make a weekly commit-ment to attend rehearsals year ‘round? Please consider joining the Christmas Choir! We will sing at the Christmas Eve Mass (10:00 PM—THIS IS IN PLACE OF THE MIDNIGHT MASS) and ask that you prac-tice at only two Wednesday re-hearsals before Christmas...December 12 and 19. Check your calendars! If you have questions call Carl at 709-2696. Maybe your entire family (high school age and older) could join in. Help us make a joyful noise to the Lord on Christmas!
Oplatky—Christmas Wafer
All set for your family gatherings, Oplatky, the Christmas wafer is now available in the parish office. The suggested donation is $1.00 for a
4-pack of wafers. Get yours today!
REMEMBER THAT ALL GIVING TREES PRE-SENTS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE PARISH OFFICE NO LATER THAN 8 AM ON MONDAY (TOMORROW) MORNING! The Womeh’s Center
and Respond Now will be making their pick up Monday morning. Thank you!
PREPARE YE THE WAY
OF THE LORD!
Page 6 Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2018
SCHOOL NEWS …..
ST. AGNES KID’S CHOIR CITY OF CHICAGO HEIGHTS CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
DECEMBER CALENDAR 12-14 Santa’s Secret Shoppe 13 Popcorn Pick-Up 3-5 pm 20 All School Lessons & Carols 7pm 21 Christmas Vacation starts @ 11:30 am
DON’T FORGET TO SAVE YOUR DUNKIN’ RECEIPTS,
BOXTOPS FOR EDUCATION AND SHIELDS FROM AURELIO’S BOXES.
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL AND RELIGIOUS ED!!
IT’S THE WEEKLY MATH-OFF 3RD GRADE VS. 4TH GRADE!
Your host, Ms. Lewandowski
December 9, 2018 Second Sunday in Advent Page 7
Special Collection December 8 & 9 (today!)
RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS
Please give generously.
ST. JOSEPH PARISH, HOMEWOOD Gavin Coyle In Concert
Tuesday, December 18 7 pm
Gavin Coyle is known throughout the area as a superb Irish tenor and has performed at many venues. All are invited— a free
will offering may be made.
All set for your family gatherings, Oplatky, the Christmas wafer is now available in the parish office. The suggested donation is $1.00 for a
4-pack of wafers. Get yours today!
Oplatky—Christmas Wafer
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