+ All Categories
Home > Documents > NOVEMBER 27, 2016 1ST SUNDAY IN ADVENT · NOVEMBER 27, 2016 1ST SUNDAY IN ADVENT Light of All Being...

NOVEMBER 27, 2016 1ST SUNDAY IN ADVENT · NOVEMBER 27, 2016 1ST SUNDAY IN ADVENT Light of All Being...

Date post: 07-Feb-2020
Category:
Upload: others
View: 2 times
Download: 0 times
Share this document with a friend
11
NOVEMBER 27, 2016 1ST SUNDAY IN ADVENT Light of All Being Creator God, author of all life and light, in this season of anticipation you call us to recognize your light in our midst, your love in our darkness. Lead us from the darkness of despair into a light of hope and peace. Wake us from the shadows of our troubled lives into a light that dispels our fears and concerns. May your presence maintain our wakefulness, as we prepare for your coming more deeply into our hearts. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. © 2016 Liturgy Training Publications. 1-800-933-1800. Written by Anne C. McGuire. Permission to publish granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago on March 1, 2016. Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the Lord! Today’s Readings: Isaiah 2:1–5; Psalm 122:1–2, 3–4, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9; Romans 13:11–14; Mahew 24:37–44. The day of salvation is near, and the darkness in which we often nd ourselves does not need to govern our lives. The readings on the First Sunday of Advent are a call to be alert. They urge us to shake oour drowsiness, nd a way through the darkness, and follow the light. From Isaiah, in the First Reading, we are called to “stream” to- gether to the house of the Lord, where all nations will lay down their weapons of destruction. That vision is our call to live in the light of God’s Kingdom. On this opening day of Advent, we can take that rst step in our homes by seing up an Advent prayer area, with a purple cloth and an Advent wreath. The purple is the dark background in which the light, growing through the season, is both a reminder and a call to move forward together to work to establish God’s Kingdom of peace. All three readings today summon us to wake up and to discard some kind of darkness, turning it into a life -giving light. In his Leer to the Romans, St. Paul speaks of a darkness brought about by our conduct, a reminder that when we put on Christ, when we clothe ourselves in conduct guided by the Lord, we wear the light of Christ as armor. In this dark season of the year, when our day- light hours are never enough, it can be too easy to let the darkness and the night be our guide. Wrien by Anne C. McGuire. © 2016 Liturgy Training Publications. 1-800-933-1800. Permission to publish granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago on March 1, 2016. Weekend Mass Times: Sat. 5:00pm Sun. 7:30, 9:30,11:30am www.stmaryfc.org
Transcript

NOVEMBER 27, 2016 ● 1ST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Light of All Being Creator God, author of all life and light, in this season of anticipation you call us to recognize your light in our midst, your love in our darkness. Lead us from the darkness of despair into a light of hope and peace. Wake us from the shadows of our troubled lives into a light that dispels our fears and concerns. May your presence maintain our wakefulness, as we prepare for your coming more deeply into our hearts. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. © 2016 Liturgy Training Publications. 1-800-933-1800. Written by Anne C. McGuire. Permission to publish granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago on March 1, 2016.

Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the Lord! Today’s Readings: Isaiah 2:1–5; Psalm 122:1–2, 3–4, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9;

Romans 13:11–14; Matthew 24:37–44.

The day of salvation is near, and the darkness in which we often find ourselves does not need to govern our lives. The readings on the First Sunday of Advent are a call to be alert. They urge us to shake off our drowsiness, find a way through the darkness, and follow the light. From Isaiah, in the First Reading, we are called to “stream” to-gether to the house of the Lord, where all nations will lay down their weapons of destruction. That vision is our call to live in the light of God’s Kingdom. On this opening day of Advent, we can take that first step in our homes by setting up an Advent prayer area, with a purple cloth and an Advent wreath. The purple is the dark background in which the light, growing through the season, is both a reminder and a call to move forward together to work to establish God’s Kingdom of peace. All three readings today summon us to wake up and to discard some kind of darkness, turning it into a life-giving light. In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul speaks of a darkness brought about by our conduct, a reminder that when we put on Christ, when we clothe ourselves in conduct guided by the Lord, we wear the light of Christ as armor. In this dark season of the year, when our day-light hours are never enough, it can be too easy to let the darkness and the night be our guide.

Written by Anne C. McGuire. © 2016 Liturgy Training Publications. 1-800-933-1800.

Permission to publish granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago on March 1, 2016.

Weekend Mass Times:

Sat. 5:00pm Sun. 7:30, 9:30,11:30am

www.stmaryfc.org

Mass Intentions Monday, November 28 8:00AM †Dennis Lackie req. His Wife Kathie †Dorothy Hatton req. Her Husband Harry & Family Tuesday, November 29 8:00AM †Nick Petroucelli req. His Wife Angie †Robert Earl Jones req. Victoria Hansen Wednesday, November 30 8:00AM Living Carolyn A. †Rita Schmidt req. Dick & Judy Hegerle †Raymond Beyer req. Anna Scott Thursday, December 1 8:00AM Living Mike & Sherry Schmidt req. Gene Schmidt Family †Lina Fruscione req. Her Husband Salvatore 9:00AM Living Matthew Ryan Friday, December 2 8:00AM Living Maria Ryan †Raymond Beyer req. Sophie Pasciak Saturday, December 3 5:00PM †Gisela Salas req. Her Brother Mario & Olga Leiseca Family †Judy Valancius †Mary Jean Ter Horst req. Kathie Lackie Penny Sheppard †Mary Soder req. Rita Nabasny †Ken Gauger req. Family & Friends †Antoinina (Tess) Meiners req. Victoria Hansen †Connie Murden req. Her Daughter MaryLou Loomis & Family Sunday, December 4 7:30AM For the Parishioners of St. Mary of the Annunciation 9:30AM †Dorothy Hatton req. Her Husband Harry & Family †Rita Schmidt req. Jan Sinkovec †Ron Bartoli req. The Family 11:30AM †Mary Mooney req. Moira Canniff †Paul Beauvais req. Beauvais Family †Jim Gorman req. His Sisters Marce & Pat †Jennifer Trisilla req. Fred & Lottie Cnota Parents & Family †Donna Novack req. Barbara Long

Mass Times 5:00PM 7:30AM 9:30AM 11:30AM

Presiders Fr. Jacob Fr. Alexander Fr. Jacob Baptism during Mass

Fr. Alexander

Deacons Deacon Jeff Deacon Gary Deacon Mike Deacon Bob

Lectors M. Ori J. Schwartz

S. Bosshart M.A. Buntenbach

M. Arata A. Samano

R. Melnick K. Crotty

LITURGICAL MINISTERS DECEMBER 3 & 4, 2016

Eucharistic Ministers

Deacon D. Prezell J. Steiner T. Powell & J. Powell B. Steiner T. Kennedy L. Green E. Boyd

Deacon C. Cline L. Zucco E. Tauscher A. Rafferty III M. Sikorski L. Bosshart P. Tekampe & M. Tekampe

Deacon H. Grady & Grady L. Buckman L. M. Davis K. Pannhausen R. Fisher & J. Fisher J. Rutledge J. Gawne

Deacon M. Crutcher J. Ranchero & M. Ranchero Z. Dela Cruz & L. Dela Cruz E. McPherson D. Ceglarek J. Ferrigan

The Week Ahead Sunday, November 27 9:30AM Childcare 9:30AM Liturgy of the Word for Children Monday, November 28 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 8:30AM Eucharistic Adoration Ministry Meeting 6:00PM Feed My Starving Children Parish Wide Tuesday, November 29 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 9:00AM Mary’s Circle Meeting 5:30PM Religious Education Program K-8 6:00PM Women’s Advent Mass 7:30PM Lectio Divina Bible Study Wednesday, November 30 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 5:00PM PADS Thursday, December 1 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 9:00AM Mass 9:00AM Lectio Divina Bible Study Friday, December 2 8:00AM Mass in Little Church 8:30AM Divine Mercy Chaplet Saturday, December 3 9:00AM Baptismal Preparation for First Time Parents 9:30AM Religious Education Program 5:00PM Children Liturgy of the Word 7:00PM Sing Me Home Concert Sunday, December 4 9:30AM Childcare 9:30AM Liturgy of the Word for Children 10:30AM High School Confirmation Sessions 10:45AM Family Catechesis 12:30PM Simbang Gabi Meeting 1:00PM Baptismal Preparation for 2nd & 3rd Time Parents

From the time of its creation in 2010, Frassati Catholic Academy (Frassati), the common middle school shared by the elementary schools of Santa Maria del Popolo, St. Mary of the Annunciation and Transfiguration parishes has been a model of innovation in Catholic education. Recently, two new Catholic institutions, Northside Cath-olic Academy and Pope Francis Global Academy, opened in Chicago under the direction of the Office of Catholic Schools (OCS) of the Archdiocese of Chicago. In creating these new schools, both born out of the merger of several struggling parish-based schools, the OCS con-sciously drew inspiration from Frassati Catholic Acade-my and its success.

The goal of these recent mergers has been to ensure long-term viability of Catholic education at a time in which the historic parochial school model has been struggling. The Catholic Consortium of Lake Coun-ty (CCLC) was created in 2014 to foster greater coopera-tion among St. Mary of the Annunciation, Transfigura-tion and Santa Maria del Popolo elementary schools and Frassati Catholic Academy. The idea was simple: we are stronger together than we are separately. Drawing on a wealth of shared experience, the CCLC allowed for a greater unification of curriculum, creation of a common administration and school board, and greater spirit of cooperation among our three parish communities. Though the intent was to create one school out of the three parochial institutions and shared middle school, it has become evident this goal could never be fully realized under the somewhat confusing and awkward CCLC brand.

Therefore, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, the Catholic Consortium of Lake County brand along with the St. Mary of the Annunciation and Transfiguration elementary school names will be re-placed with one name: Frassati Catholic Academy – elementary and middle school. This momentous step is being taken to underscore we are truly one school with two locations. The Mundelein and Wauconda cam-puses, on the grounds of St. Mary of the Annunciation and Transfiguration Parishes, respectively will continue to exist unchanged. The unification of our schools un-der one name will enable us to market our school much more effectively and to tout our brand and our success-es.

We are very excited to share this news with our par-ish communities! Our school is by no means unique; parish schools nationwide are experiencing the same challenges. The ones emerging the strongest are those unifying as inde-pendent, regional schools with the support of their founding parishes. Recognizing the parochial school model simply is no longer sustainable in the long run, our school board and administration, in consultation with the OCS, as well as the pastors of Santa Maria, St. Mary and Transfiguration have chosen to make this change because it best positions our school for long term success. It is important to stress that the school is most definitely not losing its connection to our par-ishes, our alumni or our history. Students will continue to attend weekly mass at their respective parishes and continue to participate in sacramental preparation and altar serving at their own parishes. More exciting news is to come in the com-ing months as we unveil the new Frassati Catholic Academy uniforms, sports logo, spirit wear and campus signage. Mem-bers of our parish communities are always welcome to tour our campuses and we will continue to post regular school updates in the parish bulletins.

Change is never easy and we understand for genera-tions, our schools have been rooted in their parish communi-ties. As a result many have deep loyalties and affection for these identities. In taking this bold step, we are demonstrat-ing we are unafraid to embrace change when it is necessary, to ensure the continued survival of Catholic education for our children and grandchildren. Strong, viable and robust Catho-lic schools have never been needed more in our society. We will need engagement, support and dedication of our parishes and broader communities alike to ensure we succeed in our mission to be such a school.

It is important to note the change we are undertak-ing within our school community is very much aligned with the multi-year, Archdiocesan-wide Renew My Church initia-tive announced by Archbishop Blase Cupich. As the Archbish-op declared, “if we stay together and work together, we can bring about the renewal that Christ is asking of us in this pro-cess.” He reminds us we are merely stewards of Christ’s church and its institutions. He calls all of us to be open to the Holy Spirit in our midst and look for ways to work together across traditional parish, school and geographic boundaries. Responding to this call, we are fully unifying our parish schools into one regional Catholic institution so we might hand this precious inheritance to the next generation strong-er than we received it. The unification of our school under the patronage and charism of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is, above all, an exercise in stewardship and will enable us to truly work together as one community. This will ensure our children and future generations will continue to receive the most spiritually and academically rigorous Catholic education possible. As we embark on this exciting journey, we invite all of you to walk with us as we reach for the heights. We cannot do this without your help, your support and your prayers.

VERSO L’ALTO

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Pray for all who suffer illness, pain and grief:

and for the repose of all who have recently died:

Reflecting on God’s Word “O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel!” So begins the familiar chant that will be heard in churches throughout the world this Ad-vent. It is based on the O Antiphons, which are the verses for the Gospel acclamation at Mass on the last seven days of Advent. Each of those antiphons prays for the coming of Christ, and each one seems to capture the spirit of a different Sunday of Advent. The verse that harmonizes with this Sunday’s scriptures expresses our longing for the “Radiant Dawn” of the Lord’s coming at the end of time when the “sun of justice” will “shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” In the readings we hear Isaiah describe the peaceful “days to come,” when all will “walk in the light of the Lord!” (Isaiah 2:2, 5). Paul tells us it is time “to awake from sleep” and “put on the armor of light” for “the day is at hand” (Romans 13:11, 13, 12). Jesus, too, cautions us to “stay awake” to be ready for the “day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42). All around us we seem to be getting a similar message: “No time to waste! Only thirty shop-ping days left till Christmas! Don’t be caught unprepared!” What’s the difference between the two messages? One tells us to anticipate a day of giving and getting and eating and drinking. We might prepare for that day by rushing and buying and wrapping and baking. The other tells us to anticipate a day, not of avarice and jealousy, but of justice for the op-pressed and peace on earth. We will prepare for that day when we “throw off the works of darkness” and “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

—Virginia Stillwell Copyright © 2013, World Library Publications.

All rights reserved.

Pray the Daily Rosary Please join other parishioners in the Eucharistic Chapel following the 8:00 AM Mass Monday through Thursday.

Pray the Divine Mercy Novena & Chaplet The Divine Mercy Novena & Chaplet is prayed in the Eucharistic Chapel on Fridays immediately following the 8:00 AM Mass .and 3:00 PM during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Family Rosary Join us for Family Rosary Saturday Devotion, requested by Our Lady of Fatima, every First Saturday of the month at 4:30 PM.

Featured CD for November

The Logic of Being Catholic: My Reasons for Returning

by Dr. Ray Guarendi

Dr. Ray Guarendi shares his story of how logic led him home to the Catholic Church. He found out that, contrary to his Protestant misun-derstandings, the Church is coherent and never contradicts herself. Dr. Ray explains how the answers to his objections to Catholicism were both Biblical and believed by the earliest Christians. Explore the logic that led him to the fullness of truth.

Feature CDs can be found at the wooden kiosk in the narthex. Please remember a $3 donation per CD is suggested to allow the parish to

continue the program and offer new material.

Advent Mass for Women Tuesday, November 29, 6:30 pm A special Mass for women to help put hearts and minds in the right place this busy Advent season.

Need a ride? Can you offer a ride? Requests are often made by St. Mary parishioners who would like to get to Mass but are in need of a

ride. If you are coming to Mass anyway and are willing to pick up and drive someone to and from church, please contact Diane Mulroe in the parish office. Those seeking rides will be connected with those willing to provide rides. More information: [email protected]

From the Saint Vincent de Paul Society... Thanks for Giving There is a beautiful prayer used in the Vincentian Serving in Hope series where we learn about the vo-cation of St. Vincent and Blessed Frederic Ozanam. It

is by Cardinal Newman, called, “The Mission of My Life.”

God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told in the next. I have a part in a great work; I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments and serve him in my calling.”

This Thanksgiving we distributed plentiful food baskets to 19 families helped by the Society in the past year—35 adults and 33 children, as well as delivered a truckload of food to Holy Family Food Pantry in Waukegan to serve those families in need. From all of us at the Society of St. Vincet de Paul, Bthank you for serving others in the mission of your life. It is a great work that we feed the poor. Profound gratitude to our donors, volunteers, drivers, and the Kinghts of Columbus–Cardinal Stritch Council.

Advent & Christmas

Advent Mass for Women Tuesday, November 29, 6:30 pm Come join us for a special Mass for women to help put hearts and minds in the right place this busy Advent sea-son.

Reconciliation Service Tuesday, December 13, 7:00 PM Communal Reconciliation Service with individual confessions

Simbang Gabi Mass Friday, December 23, 7:00 pm One of the novena Masses celebrated in preparation for Christmas. Organized by the Filipino community of Lake County. Reception follows after Mass.

Christmas Masses

Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve 3:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass

Contemporary Choir, incense-free 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass 10:30 PM Christmas Eve Mass Parish Choir

Sunday, December 25 Christmas Day 8:00 AM Christmas Day Mass Incense-free 11:00 AM Christmas Day Mass Brass Quintet

Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God

Saturday, December 31 New Year’s Eve 5:00 PM Vigil Mass

Sunday, January 1 Mary, the Mother of God 8:00 AM New Year’s Day Mass 11:00 AM New Year’s Day Mass

‘Sing Me Home’ Concert featuring Tony Alonso and Jeanne Cotter

December 3rd, 7:00 PM here at St. Mary

Renowned artists Tony Alonso and Jeanne Cotter will share an evening of joyful commu-nal celebration, weaving the music of two great artists with prayer and storytelling. There is no charge for this event. A free will offering will be taken.

EXCLUSIVE CHICAGOLAND

LOCATION

NEXT

SATURDAY

Holy Day of Obligation Thursday, December 8th - The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary Masses: 6:30, 8:00, and 9:30 AM 7:00 PM in the big church Recitation of the Rosary… Immediately after the 8:00 AM Mass and at 6:30 PM before the 7:00 PM Mass.

Living God’s Word What will it mean for you to “walk in the light of the Lord” this Advent? Will it mean changing an aspect of your life that is darkened by sin, or noticing and alleviating some of the suffering in our world?

Copyright © 2013, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

CRS Fair Trade Market

Saturday, December 10, 3:00 to 7:00 Sunday, December 11, 7:00 to 1:30

in the Narthex

Who is CRS? Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official interna-tional humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. They ease suffering and provide assistance to people in 93 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. What is Fair Trade? Fair Trade is about building respectful, enduring relationships. CRS believes that Fair Trade embodies a comprehen-sive set of criteria, including, at minimum, the following commitments: • Paying a fair wage in the local context • Offering employees opportunities for advancement • Providing equal employment opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged • Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices • Being open to public accountability • Building long-term trade relationships • Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local con-text • Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible How can I help? By purchasing handcrafts, coffee, chocolate, and other food items from artisans and farmers made and grown in unde-veloped countries around the world. By purchasing these products you help our international sisters and brothers step out of poverty and provide to their families and communities shelter, food, education, and health care.

FMSC – Parish Service Project All parishioners are encouraged to attend our parish-wide service project at Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville on November 28 from 6 – 7:30 PM, orga-nized by our Human Concerns & Parish Life Commis-sions. This is a great way for our parish to kick-off the Christmas season and give back to those in

need. Our parish has reserved 140 spots, which fills and entire time slot for FMSC. All volunteers for FMSC must be at least five years old and must register online at volunteer.fmsc.org. Click on ‘Permanent Site Events’ then click on ‘Join A Group’. Our parish Join Code is 946896.

Waukegan event --Celebrate the Good Samaritans! FUNDRAISER for Soup kitchen, House of Peace, Graf Center and Food Pantry. Thank you for volun-teering and for your donations, overall for being a Good Samaritan and helping

out as a SHARING PARISH with Most Blessed Trinity in Waukegan. SAVE THE DATE: February 25, 2017, 6 -10 PM fundraising event at Milan Banquet Hall, Waukegan. Many parishioners have been serving those in need at the Waukegan soup kitchen 30+years, Food pantry 20+ years, Graf Center 10 yrs. and House of Peace 5yrs. Your parish has helped make this possible. Thank you! Now Most Blessed Trinity parish invites you, our partners, to help us raise funds to continue this important outreach to those in need. Mark your calendar!

Soup Kitchen

Food Pantry

Graf Center

House of Peace

New Parish Website Our Saint Mary’s website, stmaryfc.org, has a new look! As you look around our new website, please note that some areas of the website may still be ‘under construction’. If you cannot find a particular piece of information, please do not hesitate to contact our parish office at 847-223-0010 and we can share that information with you.

F isch–ing Lines by Deacon Howard Fischer

During the season of Advent we need to remember that we are doing more than preparing to celebrate Jesus’ coming into

human history 2000 years ago. Advent and Christmas are also celebrations of his presence among us here and now, and so we must create some room for him to enter more fully into our daily lives. And we do all this while at the same time looking forward to Christ’s coming in glory at the end of time. Advent is a season of

“yesterday, today and tomorrow.” If we look at this season as merely a grand celebration of Jesus’ birthday, if we look at this time as a walk down nostalgia lane, we are missing the boat! Here is an extended excerpt from a wonderful reflection written by scripture scholar and author Alice Camille: One step into Advent, and we’re suffused with memories. It’s nearly impossible to separate the run-up to Christmas 2016 with holi-day seasons of long ago. At the first appearance of evergreens and colored lights, after a few bars of a traditional carol or the delivery of the inaugural Christmas card, we’re plunged into nostalgia for child pleasures and wonder, reindeer and Charles Dickens, long-lost rela-tives arriving at the door, mysterious packages piling up, sledding or ice skating or snowball fights, cookies, pies…that only seem to exist for this special time of year… The magnificent weight of Decembers past draws us backward into longing for what was, the way things used to be, and perhaps even for who we once were. For people of faith, of course, there’s also the religious angle to this season. We’ve got angels zipping in and out of view, bringing good cheer of a higher order. Births are predicted and prophets from centuries past add words of anticipation and caution. Foreign wise men wander against a far horizon, while unprepared parents-to-be scramble to make space in their expectations for a child of destiny. Advent, to be honest, isn’t about any of that. It’s not about the nostalgia we legitimately feel…Nor is it about events that hap-pened 2,000 years ago, presaged by prophets 800 years before that. Advent is the beginning of the church year. As such, it looks forward, not back. Advent is about the future, not the past. While memory tugs us backward to yesteryear, Advent prods us onward toward revela-tions of future astonishments. This is a happy sort of tension. We might embrace it rather than seeing it as a contest to be resolved. Nostalgia prompts us to consider that the world’s salvation is a done deal: A child was born for us, Amen… But as scripture commentator Sister Pamela Smith notes, we can’t “recite the poetry and the bombast of the prophets” without suspecting there’s more to come than what already was. “There is still some mysterious appointed time, some coming…that promises to startle us and turn our lives topsy-turvy.” Advent is not our annual invitation to winter slumber and daydreams about white Christmases and chestnuts roasting on open fires. There are “days to come,” Isaiah reveals, when peace will re-place the violence of our churning, restless world. “Stay awake!” Jesus reminds us, so that we don’t miss the signature of those days. Nor the vital decisions each of us has yet to make. We need to remember that the Savior we celebrate was born homeless in a stable. He came to serve the poor and the op-pressed, the sick and the lonely, the homeless and the refugee. When Jesus comes again, may he find us doing likewise. May Christ find us cultivating seeds of harmony rather than roiling the waters of animosity and discord. These are the vital decisions we are called to make. “Keep Christ in Christmas” must be more than a magnet we affix to our vehicles. If you wish to contact me, just leave a note in the parish of-fice or send an email to [email protected].

To Teach Who Christ Is Commitment Weekend

December 3-4 Our Archdiocesan capital campaign, To Teach Who Christ Is, reaches a crescendo next weekend, December 3-4. Our pastor, Fr. Jerry, will discuss the campaign at all of the Masses next weekend. He will invite everyone to participate so that we can meet our goal. Those who have not submitted a pledge card or response will be asked to do so at Mass. Those who have already pledged will submit a cards representative of their pledge. We are extremely grateful for all of the gifts we have received from our parishioners. Every gift of every size is deeply appreciated. Together, the combined sac-rifices of each household in our parish will help St. Mary extend our efforts to serve Christ and his Gospel. The To Teach Who Christ Is capital campaign approaches its conclusion with great momentum. We have already received pledges totaling $2,001,050, which is 85% of our goal! With the pledges coming in now and on Commitment Weekend, our goal of $2.35 million is surely within reach! Attaining our campaign goal will enable us to accomplish several critical objectives. Our main parish campaign priority is retiring the construction debt that remains from building our beautiful church, meeting rooms and offices. To help St. Mary achieve this result, the Archdiocese will match $1.2 million in parish cam-paign payments on an extraordinary 3-to-1 basis to completely eliminate our $4.8 million capital debt! Then, once the payments needed to retire our debt have been received, campaign proceeds will be used to repave our crumbling parking lots and renovate the kitchen and basement of the little church for use by PADS and other parish meetings and functions. More information about To Teach Who Christ Is can be found on the Stewardship page of our parish web site. Please prayerfully consider how you can join your fellow parishioners in supporting this effort to ad-dress critical needs of St. Mary of the Annunciation and of the Archdiocese of Chicago. We hope your reflection now and Fr. Jerry’s words next week will inspire you to make a gift to To Teach Who Christ Is. Together there is so much we can accomplish for our parish community and the mission of Christ on earth. We are grateful for your sacrifices that will enable us to reach our goal.

Feast Days of Mary - Our Lady of Guadalupe Please join us Monday, December 12th. after the 8:00 AM Mass as we recite the Rosary in the Eucharistic Chapel, all are welcome.

So that the volunteers may spend the holiday with their families, the Childcare Room will be closed on the following dates:

Thanksgiving weekend, 11/26 & 27 Christmas Day, 12/25

and New Years Day, 1/1

St. Mary Moms Monthly meeting: Wednesday, December 14 9:30 am - 11:00 am Meeting Rooms 1 & 2 (off narthex in main church)

Holiday Ornaments & Cocoa Mugs All moms and children welcome. Please join us! Questions? Please email [email protected] or visit us at www.stmaryfc.org (under REP/Youth/Family)

Please join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago for our Inaugu-ral Jingle Bell Walk on Saturday, December 3, 2016. In its first year, we are expecting over 1,000 walkers to join in the holiday cheer. The Jingle Bell Walk will feature a 3K through Lincoln Park with choirs caroling along the way, hot chocolate and fresh cookies, kid's crafts, a special visit from Santa, and view of the zoo and city holiday lights. Net proceeds will go to alleviating poverty among the poor, cold and hungry during the holiday season. Sign up today at www.jinglebellwalk.com

CORRECTION The December 4,prayer service in thanksgiving for the elevation of Archbishop Cupich as listed in last week’s bulletin is a private event for the priests of the Archdiocese. Tickets are not available for laity.

Readings for the Week Monday: Is 4:2-6; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 4:18-22 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35 — 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Rom 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12

Be Prepared Be prepared. It’s that simple. As this Advent season opens before us, the Lord Jesus summons us to stand ready for his coming. At this time of year much of our attention is focused on being prepared for the details that accompany the holiday season. We purchase gifts; we decorate our homes, inside and out; we prepare foods that we eat only during the holidays; we write and send Christmas cards; we attend holiday concerts; we prepare either to welcome family and friends into our homes or arrange for visits to their homes. We really can’t escape the details that make up the season. Perhaps this Advent is a time to attend to all those details with a different spin. As we prepare to cele-brate the feast of Christmas, why not be deliberate about acknowledg-ing the presence of the Lord as we go about these tasks? The Lord often comes to us in wonderfully surprising ways. Let us be prepared.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

DomesticViolenceMinistryThe weekend of November 12 & 13 we heard from Fr. Chuck Dahm (or Deacon Peery D. at the 5:00pm mass) about domestic vio-lence. They both referred to the USCCB letter entitled, “When I Call For Help: A Pastoral Response To Domestic Violence Against Women.” Below are some excerpts from that letter.

In the beginning, I was young . . . he was handsome. He said I was beautiful, smart, worthy of love . . . made me feel that way. And so we were married, walking joyfully together down a church aisle, our union blessed by God. Then came the angry words . . . the verbal tearing apart. . . . Now I was made to feel ugly, unintelligent, unworthy of any love, God's or man's. Next came the beatings . . . unrelenting violence . . . unceasing pain. I shouldn't stay, but this is my husband . . . promised forever. He says I deserve it . . . maybe I do . . . if I could just be good. I feel so alone . . . doesn't God hear me when I cry out silently as I lie in bed each night? Finally came the release, the realization. It's not me . . . it's him. . . . I am worthy of love, God's and man's. One spring morning, my heart was filled with hope and with fear now only of starting over on my own. And so again I walked . . . down the hallway of our apartment building . . . never again to be silent . . . never again to live with that kind of violence, to suffer that kind of pain. —A battered wife1

As pastors of the Catholic Church in the United States, we state as clearly and strongly as we can that violence against women, inside or out-side the home, is never justified. Violence in any form"—physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal"—is sinful; often, it is a crime as well. We have called for a moral revolution to replace a culture of violence. We acknowledge that violence has many forms, many causes, and many victims—men as well as women.2 The Catholic Church teaches that violence against another person in any form fails to treat that person as someone worthy of love. Instead, it treats the person as an object to be used. When violence occurs within a sacramental marriage, the abused spouse may question, "How do these violent acts relate to my promise to take my spouse for better or for worse?" The person being assaulted needs to know that acting to end the abuse does not violate the marriage promises. While violence can be directed towards men, it tends to harm women and children more. Violence against women in the home has serious repercussions for children. Over 50 percent of men who abuse their wives also beat their children.6 Children who grow up in violent homes are more likely to develop alcohol and drug addictions and to become abusers them-selves.7 The stage is set for a cycle of violence that may continue from generation to generation. The Church can help break this cycle. Many abused women seek help first from the Church because they see it as a safe place. Even if their abusers isolate them from other social contacts, they may still allow them to go to church. Recognizing the critical role that the Church can play, we address this statement to several audiences: The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides crisis intervention and referrals to local service providers. Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224 (TTY). For more information, go to www.thehotline.org. Hotline Advocates are available to chat online, Monday to Friday, 9AM-7PM CST. For more information and the complete letter go to http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/marriage/domestic-violence/when-i-call-for-help.cfm St. Mary’s has formed a Domestic Violence Ministry. If you would like more info, please contact Diane Mulroe in the parish office.

Sacrament of Penance Saturdays 4:00—4:40 PM, and by appointment

Baptisms Ordinarily during the Mass on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month and after the Mass on the other Sundays, outside of Lent. Parents are required to participate in a Baptismal Preparation class before scheduling a Baptism.

Adult Initiation Adults who wish to become Roman Catholics are enrolled in a formation process that includes prayer, dialogue, instruction, and introduction to the Church’s life and values, rituals and tradition. Call the parish office for more information.

Marriage St. Mary Parish rejoices with parishioners who are preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony. The Church requires at least four months’ time before the marriage for adequate preparation. A parish wedding information packet is available at the parish office.

Ministry of Care Ministers of Care visit the homes of the sick, homebound, or hospitalized and bring Holy Communion to them. Call the parish office when a pastoral visit is desired. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered by the parish priest upon request.

New parishioners We welcome new members who wish to worship with us and support the parish’s work and mission. Please call the parish office to schedule a time to register. A complete listing of parish services and organizations is available at the parish office.

Mass

Saturday 5:00 PM

Sunday 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:30 AM

Weekday Monday—Friday

8:00 AM

PARISH NUMBER 847-223-0010

Parish Emergency

224-358-3210

22333 W. Erhart Road •Mundelein, Illinois 60060 •WWW.STMARYFC.ORG Email: [email protected] Parish Fax number 847-223-5960 Pre K–5 School: 847-223-4021 Frassati Catholic Academy (Grades 6–8) 847-487-5600

Religious Education Program (REP) Emergency Number 847-239-2725 Parish Office Hours Monday–Friday 8:30AM–4:00PM

Parish Staff Rev. Jerome Jacob Ext. 213

Pastor [email protected]

Rev. Matthew Alexander Ext. 212 Associate Pastor [email protected]

Deacons Mike O’Malley, Gary Kupsak, Robert Poletto, Mike Alandy

Mr. Fred Vipond Ext. 234 Director of Music & Liturgy [email protected]

Ms. Sue Matousek Ext. 218 Director of Religious Education [email protected]

Ms. Diane Mulroe Ext. 216 Director of Human Concerns [email protected]

Mr. Benjamin Valle Ext. 230 Coordinator of Youth Ministry [email protected]

Dcn. Howard Fischer Ext. 215 Director of Parish Operations [email protected]

Ms. Tammy Kleckner Ext. 310 Principal, CCLC [email protected] Ms. Penny Elwood Ext. 217 Bookkeeper/Accountant [email protected] Ms. Victoria Hansen Ext. 200 Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Mr. Richard Plage Ext. 304 Site Manager [email protected] Mr. James Shaffer Mr. William Tangney Maintenance

Pastoral Council

Jon Matousek Mary Lou Loomis Joaquin Valdes Cassandra Dye Kathy Lenzen Pete Coughlin Gina Debord

Jill Stowe Roni Hertel Dan Prezell

Sheila Dalton Carey Marciniak Marivie Alandy

Will Roberts Danielle LoMastro

Bob Lyman Sara Gunther


Recommended