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Jesus, Light In Our Darkness: We Believe! St. Mary of the Woods Faith Community December 19, 2010— Fourth Sunday of Advent Rev. Patrick G. Cecil, Pastor
Page 1 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010
Jesus, Light In Our Darkness:
We Believe!
St. Mary of the Woods Faith Community December 19, 2010— Fourth Sunday of Advent
Rev. Patrick G. Cecil, Pastor
Page 2 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010
“EXPECTING”
My brother Jim’s son Brian (my nephew) will marry his fiancé Emi next May. Jim and his wife Cheryl are looking forward to the event, but I think they are even looking more forward to hearing on some day after the wedding, the announcement, “We’re expecting!” They have been waiting to be grandparents ever since the engagement was announced. Of course, Brian and Emi are anxious to start a family and the rest of our family look forward to another member. As we conclude our Advent journey, the Gospel today speaks of a couple who are also “expecting.” We hear the story of Joseph who is told by an angel in a dream that Mary is expecting the Messiah and that he should call him Jesus. Certainly Joseph and Mary planned to have children after they were married, but I’m sure this was not how they planned for this to happen. How do you explain this to family and friends? Who would understand it or even believe it? It was probably all that Mary and Joseph could do to obey God and accept their roles in this plan, even if they didn’t completely understand it. They both answered “yes” to what they were asked to do even though they faced many anxieties, ques-tions and concerns. Yet their faith had guided them to that answer. Some of the issues Mary and Joseph faced had to do with the circumstances that surrounded them. Yet they still faced the same issues any couple faces when they are “expecting.” I’m sure that some in our parish are expecting a child into their families and that these days in Advent may hold special meaning. Yet the Gospel isn’t meant only for them just as the Gospel call of Peter, An-drew, James and John isn’t meant only for fishermen. This Gospel is speaking to all of us. It is asking if there is any room in our lives for God to give birth to a new thing, to call us to a new task, to shape our lives in a new way. Are we expecting and if so, what does that expectation look like? I hope our country is “expecting.” We would be in a sad state of affairs if we think our best days are be-hind us, but sometimes that sentiment seems to prevail. But when people work to sustain an energetic and vibrant expectation of the future, they celebrate even when the present is dark. I hope our church is “expecting.” What would an expectant church look like? It is people who come to church believing that they will hear something new and challenging; It is people who come looking for a new face to welcome. An expectant church is like an expectant couple, willing to embrace a change that may bring some temporary discomfort or the need to change priorities. In Advent, Isaiah helped his generation to be hopeful when the future looked anything but hopeful. John the Baptist was looking for the Messiah but had to recalibrate his expectations when Jesus didn’t match his image exactly. Mary and Joseph were willing to change their plans for God’s greater plan they could not imagine. They all said “yes.’ Their stories encourage us to say “yes” to a journey of faith and expec-tations we’ve never imagined. Are we “expecting?” Peace, Fr. Pat
Page 3 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010
2010 ADVENT, CHRISTMAS & RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE
COMMUNAL RECONCILIATION SERVICE
The Advent Season is about waiting: a waiting which is not passive, but an active waiting including change, growth and hopefulness. Advent is the realization of now — now is the time to love, forgive and celebrate God's forgiveness and mercy in our lives. We are all sinners. We all are in need of God's mercy, compassion and forgiveness. God always for-gives - and sometimes we have to be able to forgive ourselves and start over. We await the Son of God coming into our world, into our lives. We celebrate the Lord who is already present. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a wonderful opportunity to "make ready the way of the Lord."
Join us for our Final Advent Communal Reconciliation Celebration.
Monday, December 20th — 7:30 p.m.
THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES — FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24TH 3:00 p.m. — Children’s & Jr. High Youth Choirs—Church 3:00 p.m. — Contemporary Choir —Parish Hall 4:30 p.m. — Cantors 11:45 p.m.—Musical Preludes — Cantors Midnight Mass — Cantors
CHRISTMAS DAY — SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25TH (Please note — NO 7:30 am Mass on Christmas Day), 9:00 a.m.
(Contemporary Choir), 10:30 a.m. (Musical Preludes at 10:15 a.m. — Liturgical Choir), 12:00 noon (Cantor)
Holy Family of Jesus Sunday, December 26th—7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m. and Noon
Epiphany of the Lord Saturday, January 1st — 4:30 p.m. Mass
Sunday, January 2nd — 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m. and Noon
January 2nd—Holiday Concert: 2:00 p.m. — Church
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AMC Theatres Aqua Salon
Barnes & Noble Bed Bath &
Beyond Dick’s Sporting
Goods Dominick’s
Happy Foods
iTunes Jewel
Myron & Phil’s Papa Chris
Riggio’s Shell
Starbucks Visa
Walgreens
PLEASE NOTE EARLY HOLIDAY SUBMISSION DATES FOR BULLETIN MATERIAL
January 2nd bulletin — All copy due no later than 12/19/10
Thank you for your cooperation!
DECEMBER 19 – 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Mary, our Blessed Mother, is the greatest example of someone who placed all her trust in the Lord, despite not comprehending God’s plan for her. Will you place your trust in God, and consider a vocation to the priesthood or religious life? For more informa-tion about the priesthood contact Fr. Brian Welter at 312-534-8298 or at [email protected]. For more information about the religious life contact Sr. Elyse Ramirez, OP at 312-534-5240 or at [email protected].
Scrip Cards now available for sale!!
Visit the Scrip table in the hallway after mass to find out
more about the Scrip program.
STOP and SHOP on all
Sundays thru 12/19 after the 4:30 mass on Saturday; after the 9:00 and 10:30 masses Sunday!
Shop for Christmas with Scrip Cards and help to benefit SMOW!
BUY THEM TODAY!
Sponsored by Altar and Rosary Society
SCRIP CARDS ON SALE THIS WEEKEND!
(while supplies last)
Crisis Pregnancy Hotline — 800-400-4205
Post Abortion Healing — 888-456-HOPE (4673)
Page 5 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010
[email protected] .................. All non-school related A & R Society events
[email protected] .......................... All HNS Society events
[email protected] ......... A & R events related to the school
[email protected] ...................... HNS events related to the school
[email protected] ............ All non-school parish events
[email protected] ................ All Religious Education events
[email protected] ........................... Capital campaign events
MASS TIMES FOR TRAVELERS
FOR NATIONWIDE MASS TIME AND LOCATIONS CALL
MASSTIMES (1 410 676 6000) OR GO TO
www.Masstimes.org.
St. Mary of the Woods Faith Community Communicating Well
Computers have changed the way and speed with which we communicate. In an effort to improve com-munication within our Faith Community, we are asking you to sign up for any of the following distribution lists you feel would serve your needs.
All are offered through our Web Site: www.smow.org
Having one common source for locating the neces-sary tools to e-mail should make it a bit easier to get information out quickly. Simply send an e-mail to the desired list's address, like [email protected]. To subscribe to an email list type the word SUBSCRIBE as the subject. To unsubscribe to an email list type the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject and then send your email to the appropriate list email. You will then be able to receive e-mail with perti-nent information whenever it is sent out.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Page 6 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010
Separate Second Collection today for McHenry Jail Pastoral Care Ministry for Detained Immigrants
PLEASE REMEMBER ST. MARY OF THE WOODS WHEN MAKING OUT YOUR WILL.
Did You Know?
Did you know that during the 1995/1996 school year, the annual cost to educate a child at Saint Mary of the Woods School in grades 1-8 was $1500?
11/14/2010 St. Thomas of Canterbury $ 901.00
11/21/2010 Catholic Campaign for Human Development
$ 6650.00
11/28/2010 Marillac House $ 394.00
12/05/2010 Mill Hill Missions $ 442.00
ALMS
Week Actual Budget Difference 11/14/2010 $ 16,322.00 $ 18,216.00 $ (1894.00) 11/21/2010 $ 15,574.00 $ 18,216.00 $ (2642.00)
11/28/2010 $ 16,085.00 $ 18,216.00 $ (2131.00) 12/05/2010 $ 17,728.00 $ 18,216.00 $ ( 488.00)
SMOW WEEKLY COLLECTION VS. BUDGETED
CHICAGO COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS
As winter temperatures arrive, and we are snug in our warm homes, please think of the more than 80,000 men, women and children who live on the streets and in shelters in and around the city of Chicago. Nearly 45% of today’s homeless are women with children, with another 15% being homeless youth. You can help them next weekend with your Alms donation to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, an organization that helps the homeless and addresses the root causes of homelessness. Please be generous with your contribu-tion. Thank you!
OPŁATEK - CHRISTMAS WAFER Opłatek; taken from the Latin Oblatum (sacred bread), is distinctly Polish in character and is the most significant part of the Christmas Eve supper. Here the Opłatek is broken and shared, first by the host and hostess of the supper, who face one an-other and share each other's Opłatek. They em-brace and express their love for one another and then move on to the other people present at the table with wishes of love, blessing, health, and happi-ness. Opłatek will be available in the foyer after all Masses on Saturday and Sunday during the Advent season. Wouldn't this be a good time to begin this beau-tiful custom?
EUCHARIST MINISTERS NEEDED Any Eucharist Minister desiring to assist at Midnight Mass, please call Fran Molloy at 773-775-7144. THANK YOU!
LONGEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR MEMORIAL SERVICE
Join us in nationwide, prayerful remembrance of those who have died on the streets, homeless and alone. There are things only the weakest and most vulnerable can teach us about life, the Incarnation and the hope Christmas of-fers. The Chicago area service is sponsored by Ignatian Spirituality project and Chicago Coalition for the home-less.
Old St. Pat’s Church 700 W. Adams.
Tuesday, December 21st, 6:00PM 1-773-465-8699
Maryville Academy Thank you for the thoughtful and generous gift of $919.00 to the Maryville Crisis Nursery from the parishioners at St. Mary of the Woods. Your support will truly make a difference in a child’s life.
Rainbow House On behalf of Rainbow House, I would like to convey our sincere thanks for the $500.00 donation from the parishioners of St. Mary of the Woods. We are so appreciative of your long time support of our work helping survivors of domestic violence.
Page 7 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010
6:30 am 12/20——B. Mulcrone 12/21——K. Mundt 12/22——D. McGowan 12/23——E. Moore 8:00 am 12/20,21—R. Serbin & J. Brekke 12/22,23—E. Pergams & E. DiSilverstro
Monday, December 20 6:30——Adreana Riggio/Michael Noble 8:00——Robert Depke Tuesday, December 21 6:30——Dennis Murray 8:00——Robert Depke/Jim & Lois Rochford Wednesday, December 22 6:30——Ginger Gibson 8:00——Robert Depke/Sally Dreher Thursday, December 23 6:30——Razieri Parenti/Cesarina Parenti 8:00——Robert Depke/Matt Hartigan/ Jack & Peg Moriarty Friday, December 24 6:30——Patrick Riggio 8:00——McMorrow & Grohwin Family/ Deacon Jerry Hennig Saturday, December 25—Christmas Day
SACRISTANS TEAM #2 Ann Marie Keenan Anna Lazarich Sue Lazarich Pam McHugh Nancy Nelsen Mary Saffa
Christopher Murner, Nephew of Frann & Ed Molloy.
ALTAR SERVERS
The 10:30am Mass Nursery
The Nursery is available for children three and younger during the 10:30AM Mass in the Gym Meeting Room. Please consider taking ad-vantage of this. It gives the little ones a nice op-portunity to play with friends and listen to stories while the parents can better enjoy mass. Parents volunteer to watch the children so they are in a safe environment. Volunteering counts towards service hours. If you have any questions, please call Lisa Flanagan 773-467-1120.
Volunteers December 19 Diane Duffy December 26 No Nursery—Christmas Holiday
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
December 20, 2010 — December 26, 2010
Monday: Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38 Tuesday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zeph 3:14-18a; Lk 1:39-45 Wednesday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56 Thursday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk 1:57-66 Friday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Lk 1:67-79 Saturday: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-20 Sunday: Sir 3:2-7, 12-14; Col 3:12-21; Mt 2:13-15, 19-23
PRAY THE ROSARY FOR PEACE
Every morning after the 8:00am Mass, the Rosary is prayed. Please consider joining us in this very powerful prayer for peace.
Choose a Catholic High School!
On Saturday Jan. 8, 2011 all Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago will offer an entrance exam for eighth graders interested in attending their schools. Why choose a Catholic high school? Students in Catho-lic high schools reach high levels of academic achieve-ment; they graduate and do well in college and beyond; they are given every opportunity through extracurricular activities and athletic programs to excel as persons; they become oriented toward service and toward building a caring community that is safe and disciplined. But the single most important reason for choosing a Catholic sec-ondary school is that these schools are Catholic - they of-fer young people a sense of purpose, something to be-lieve in.
Page 8 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010
J. Novy J. DiSilvestro E. DiSilvestro M. Byrne H. Zorn G. Forde L. Loftus W. Grillo C. Rafferty C. Cassidy E. Pergams N. Vullmahn
John Galowitch/ John Skelly/ Mil & Bill Murphy/ Felix Strzelecki/ Marty LeBaron/ Mary Lou Novy/ Robert Depke
Joseph Rosenau/ Edward & Florence Biskup/ Bob Corcoran/ John Steidl/ Stanley Nowakowski/ Thomas Cooney McCarthy, Mahoney, and Rosenston Families
J. Padar C. Stucko J. Bransfield M. Rabbitt F. Wagner P. Drott P. Lowe G. Orlita
3:00 p.m. Church Fr. Cecil Homily: Fr. Cecil 3:00p.m. Hall Fr. Headley Homily: Fr. Headley 4:30 p.m. Fr. Cecil Homily: Fr. Cecil Midnight Fr. Cecil Homily Fr. Cecil
T. Connolly V. Hoover P. Lowe P. Marchman* D. O’Malley K. O’Rourke S. Rabbitt* M. Witt B. Alleman A. Downs* P. Drozt T. Guagliardo M. Mitrovic T. Moran M. Newton M. Wambach* P. Adams C. Devyor* T. Devyor* B. Foley M. Killackey P. Maher K.. Regan G. Tabano L. Tabano E. Griffin K. Murray K. Sain* S. Sain*
MINISTERS
Friday, December 24, 2010 — CHRISTMAS EVE
Mass Mass Time Presider Intentions Servers Lectors
Page 9 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010
MINISTERS
Saturday, December 25, 2010 — CHRISTMAS DAY
Mass Mass Time Presider Intentions Servers Lectors
9:00 a.m. Fr. Headley Homily: Fr. Headley 10:30 a.m. Fr. Maher Homily: Fr. Maher Noon Fr. Lynch Homily Fr. Lynch
G. Orlita K. Sain J. Maros S. McGowan E. Schuster R. Seward
L. Durdov J. Fenili D. Goetz P. Gorman M. Howard* M. Howard* F. Kleinhubert T. Martin K. Partipilo T. Reagan J. Thilmany K. Bellinaso J. Fitte J. Kelly* S. Kelly* M. Maddux C. Mateo B. Merck S. Mesa B. Peters S. Peters M. Reid S. Melaniphy M. Sandell M. Strumberger J. Foran M. Gilhooly K. Hack* P. Harris S. Imburgia* C. Kolak
Costanza Family & Dudziak Families/ Frank Murphy and Mike Reddy Families/ Pabisinski, Lutz & Williams Families Gerald Swinkle/ Reagan Family/ Julian Garcia/ Monolo Ascencio/ Richard Arendt Richard & Helen Liston/ Andrew Chodor and Janczura Families/ Walter Surdynski
Z. Montalvo G. Bullock T. Imburgia
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO
7:30 AM MASS ON CHRISTMAS DAY
Page 10 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010
Eucharist Ministers
Sunday, December 26, 2010 Mass Mass Time Presider Intentions Servers Lectors
PLEASE NOTE Submissions for the Parish Bulletin must be delivered to the rectory or e-mailed to
[email protected] no later than Thursday at 4:00 p.m. of the week before publication. (Ten days prior to the weekly publication date.)
Call Bill Mages at the rectory with questions (773-763-0206), or e-mail him at [email protected]. Thank you!
Please note early submission dates for the holidays listed on page 4.
7:30 a.m. Fr. Headley Homily: Fr. Headley 9:00 a.m. Fr. Headley Homily Fr. Headley 10:30 a.m. Fr. Lynch Homily Fr. Lynch Noon: Fr. Maher Homily Fr. Maher
John & Katharina Kuchel/ John & Anna Schwarz/ Ramp & Sexton Families/ Tevenen & Winter Families Barbara Varga/ Mildred Powell/ Jurek, Ziemianin & Larson Families/ Brendan Hartford/ Joanne Blachut Irene Pasek/ Robert Koch/ Michael Duff/ Mary & Julius Lencioni Ben & Madelyn Maestranzi/ Bart Maestranzi/ Lois Rochford/ Gehard Stadler
C. Soto L. Kampwirth J. Hall J. Toohey J. Widelka K. Kosicki M. Killackey T. Tadin
M. Bansfield F. Kleinhubert E. Molloy J. Penzel R. Qaiyum I. Schalke C. Skelly* C. Thompson* B. Topp S. Bomba A. Faxel P. Loftus S. Molloy J. Piechowski J. Reichart P. Reichart T. Riggio* S. Sullivan* B. Bullock E. Estrada P. Hild P. Kenny R. Mundt M. Reyna S. Reyna B. Stanukinos* J. Stanukinos* B. Blank A. Goodwin S. Imburgia* S. Melaniphy M. Sandell* M. Strumberger B. Weber
K. O’Neill E. Pergams K. Mundt Z. Montalvo T. Imburgia N.Vullmahn
Please Note There is no 4:30pm Mass
on Christmas Day
Page 11 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010
BAPTISM PREPARATION PROGRAM The St. Mary of the Woods Baptism Preparation Program is for all parents who wish to have their children baptized. The program consists of one evening meeting with a leader couple and Deacon Bill & Patti Mages. The meeting takes place at 7:15pm.
The dates through April of 2011 are as follows:
No December Meeting Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Tuesday, February 8, 2011 Tuesday, March 8, 2011 Tuesday, April 12, 2011
If you are expecting a child or already have a new addition to your family and have NOT been through the preparation program, please call Bill Mages at home—773-763-7133, or at the Rectory—773-763-0206, in order to sign up for one of the meetings. Please remember that you need to attend a meeting be-fore we can schedule a date for a baptism.
God bless you!
