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2 Page Two The Epiphany of the Lord` January 3, 2010 MONDAY, January 4, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 8:30am Magda & Martin Anaya (Health) TUESDAY, January 5, St. John Neumann 8:30am Veronica Lisowski WEDNESDAY, January 6, St. Andre Bessette 8:30am Joseph Koziarz, Ann Nowak THURSDAY, January 7, St. Raymond of Penafort 8:30am Dean Grabowski, Sue Swope FRIDAY, January 8, Christmas Weekday 8:30am Sr. Cornelia Harrison SATURDAY, January 9, Christmas Weekday 8:30am The U.S. Military 5:00pm Patricia Brugger, Wanda Placek Sr. Cornelia Harrison, Artrude Rhine SUNDAY, January 10, The Baptism of the Lord 7:30am Frank Mashechko 9:00am The People of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish 10:30am Casimer & Dennis Okrzesik & Family Rose Santos 12:00pm Paul Venetico, Stella Slusarczyk Umberto Ingargiola (21st Anniversary) FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP December 19/20 Offertory $7, Christmas Flowers $2, Sharing Ascension/St. Susanna $ Thank you for your generosity! II Joseph Gurgul & Constance Kacheris Please remember in your prayers those who have died recently especially, John Felter Jr. Feast of the Epiphany The word Epiphany means manifestation or appearance. Today s feast celebrates the appearance of the star that guided the Magi (Wise Men) on their journey and finally came to rest over the manger in Bethlehem. The Magi were the first non-hebrew people to receive the message of salvation, indicating that God s message of salvation is universal and open to all people. The story actually takes place two years after the birth of Christ, about the time it would take the Magi to journey from the East. Based on the Magi s visit, King Herod had all the male children under two years old murdered (Feats of the Holy Innocent s on December 28th) because he was afraid he would lose his throne. Epiphany is also called the Fest of the Three Kings since the Magi are depicted as royalty. One of the most beloved Christmas carols is We Three Kings of Orient Are commemorating the visit of the Magi bringing their gifts to the infant Jesus. The Christmas season traditionally ran for twelve days from Christmas night to the Vigil of the Epiphany, hence the other name for this feast, Twelfth Night. The carol The Twelve Days of Christmas celebrates the joy of giving gifts each day in imitation of the Magi. Epiphany calls us to keep the joy of Christmas alive in our hearts, and to share this joy by giving our treasures to others. In the reading from the Book of Isaiah the prophet tells Jerusalem to rejoice because she will shine in the splendor of God. All nations will walk in her light, bringing their wealth in great caravans, carrying gold and frankincense and singing the praises if the Lord. Isaiah is deliberately reminding his listeners of the Queen of Sheba s visit two hundred years earlier, bringing fabulous wealth, just to hear the wisdom of King Solomon. St. Paul tells the Ephesians that this great mystery of salvation, made known through the prophets, is also open to the Gentiles, whom he calls co-heirs of the promise of Christ. The gospel tells us the story of the first Gentile heirs to the kingdom, the Three Kings coming from distant nations, bringing their gold, frankincense and myrrh to give praise to the new-born king. Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12 Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in the church this Wednesday, January 6th immediately following the morning mass. The church will be open during the day for Adoration and quiet prayer, concluding with Benediction at 5 p.m. Please call the rectory to sign up for an adoration time slot.

3 January 3, 2010 The Epiphany of the Lord Page Three Today we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, also called the Feast of the Three Kings. The glory of Christmas is celebrated as the three wise men bring their gifts to the baby Jesus, having been guided to Jerusalem by the light of a star. (Details of the story are on page two). Epiphany, which translates as Manifestation, simply means that God has become visible, entering into the world as a human being in the person of the Christ child. Simply, but still truly amazing. And it is not at all obvious except to those who have been given the gift to be able to see with the eyes of faith. Both Mary and Joseph were given their own special revelations by the Archangel Gabriel at the Annunciation. In the Christmas story the shepherds heard the good news, the glad tidings of salvation, through the message of an angel. This message is confirmed to them as the angelic host proclaims the glory of God. In our gospel today, it is the star that is the messenger of God s revelation. The Holy Spirit revealed to those Wise Men that the birth of the new-born King of the Jews would be heralded by a rising star. What is unsaid in the story is why this should matter to them, or to anyone not of the people of Israel. But we are told that they followed the star, and that when they saw it stop over the house where Jesus was, they were overjoyed, they did him homage, laying their gifts at his feet. In the star that led the Magi to Christ we see the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah that all nations will come to Jerusalem to walk in the light of the Lord. Jesus is, of course, the light of God who brings salvation to the nations. We hear the story over and over again. It never grows old. We hear of the angels revealing the mystery and see the star guiding us to Christ. The great joy of the Epiphany and the entire Christmas season is the revelation of God s love for us. This feeling fills us with hope and gratitude. The Christmas season is a time to be caught up in the presence of God, wrapped in the mystery of his love. We don t need to know why he has chosen to share his life with us, we need only believe. As we begin a new year, we put away the Christmas decorations and clean up the house. In the dreariness of winter let us not forget the warmth and joy that Christmas has brought us. Keep alive the spirit of Christmas and let it guide our relationships with one another, just as the star guided the Magi to see the salvation of God. I hope that everyone enjoyed the Christmas vacation and that you were able to spend some time with family and friends. School begins tomorrow and we will all be getting back to our normal routines. The next Religious Education class day is this Saturday, January 9th. A reminder for families preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of First Holy Communion that the Enrollment Mass will be next Sunday, January 10th at 10:30 a.m. The Parish Pastoral Council will be hosting Coffee and Hospitality after all the masses January 10th is also the Feats of the Baptism of the Lord, officially ending the Christmas season. The Bible Timeline series resumes this Tuesday, January 5th at 7:30 in Kernaghan Hall. All are welcome. The Liturgy Board will also be meeting this Tuesday to begin planning for Lent. We are always looking for newcomers and fresh ideas. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the basement of the hall. For those who like to look ahead, Ash Wednesday is only six weeks away, February 17th this year. Have a great week. Sincerely, Fr. Neil

4 Page Four The Epiphany of the Lord` January 3, 2010 A Restless Life Hopefully the following will help those who have never left the church understand why we are making a special effort to Call Catholics Home. At the same time those who have for whatever reason left the church, may see themselves in the following, may see us standing with our arms outstretched, may hear us saying Welcome Home. Daily life is noisy and complex. And in the quiet moments, we may allow ourselves to listen to the deeper questions of our heart. Where do we anchor our hope in the middle of this troubled and unstable world? What gives us peace that enables us to move forward without fear? How can we discover not a quick-fix happiness but a deeply rooted joy in our lives? A long time ago, Saint Augustine spoke to God words that find an echo is us: our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Something may stir within us. Something may stir within us. We begin to link the faith we received early on with the aspirations of our lives today. We begin to understand that God is calling us to rediscover the gift of faith n Jesus Christ lived out in the Catholic Church. And here we can find the hope, peace, and joy for which our restless hearts yearn. It s time to take another look at our beginnings in the Church. It s time to look ahead to the future that God wants to give us. It s time to come home to the Catholic Church. In the Catholic Church you will find or re-discover Jesus victory over sin and death and our freedom from fear God s gift of forgiveness Hope in this confusing world Values that give real direction and purpose in life The Bible as God s word speaking to us today The Sacraments -- where we meet the Lord, where the Lord meets us The church as a visible and organized community of faith The church that embraces saints and sinners The church that walks with us on our journey to God -- together Upon returning, one couple said Our initial motivation to return to the Catholic church was based on our desire to give our children a religious foundation, but we have found so much more. The faith formation that has taken place with our entire family has been such a wonderful experience. We couldn t imagine our lives now without the Church, Eucharist, our Faith, and the wonderful community of which we have become a part. Did we strike your interest? Check it out!

5 January 3, 2010 The Epiphany of the Lord Page Five Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Although Latin America is home to the largest number of Catholics in the world, the Church is experiencing an alarming decline in membership, for a variety of complex reasons. The unstable global economy has played a part, as has a low priest-to-parishioner ratio that makes it difficult to teach the faith and make the sacraments available in a consistent matter. Additionally, migration across the region has ruptured the bonds of family and community in which the Catholic faith is supported and passed down from generation to generation. This year s Collection for the Church in Latin America will be directed towards a comprehensive evangelization effort, as well as towards the formation of seminarians, catechists, and lay ministers in more than 200 dioceses in the southern hemisphere. So many are attuned to alleviating material poverty, which is of course necessary and a part of the Church s efforts anywhere she is present. However, as Mother Teresa once pointed out, life without God is a much greater poverty than any material deprivation. Through your generous support of this collection, you will help the Church to rebuild her strong presence in Latin America. Your contribution will ensure that millions of people can come to experience the Lord s love in the sacraments and in strong local parish communities. I am grateful for all you do to support your local parish, as well as the Church in others parts of the world. May God, who is never outdone in generosity, bless you and your loved ones in this New Year. Sincerely yours in Christ, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. Archbishop of Chicago MUSIC NOTES As we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, we ll sing several hymns that mention the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. We Three Kings is probably the first one that comes to mind when we think of Epiphany hymns. Both words and music were written by the Rev. John Henry Hopkins, Jr, for a Christmas program at General Theological Seminary in New York, and first published in Hopkins arrangement was for three male voices, with the SATB refrain to be sung by all in attendance. Verse one announces the arrival of the kings, while verses 2, 3, and 4 are in the voice of each king in turn. Verse five reminds us of the resurrection and the reason why we rejoice at news of the birth. The First Nowell spans the Christmas and Epiphany celebrations. Based on an old English folk melody, the first published version appeared in Some Ancient Christmas Carols in It was later revised, with the lyrics we know today written by William Sandys in The first two verses mention the angels and the shepherds. It is in verse three that the kings make their appearance, and verse five mentions the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The final verse brings us into the story, as we are invited to join our voices in songs of praise for the newborn king. Prayer for the Journey Blessed are you, O Lord our God, who has made your glory shine through the birth of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Your angels brought shepherds from their flocks. Your star brought wise men from the East. The whole world suddenly hushed at the wonder of this child who has come to redeem us from our sin and bring us back to your. Open our eyes to see your shining radiance in the face of a child. And give us strength to make our journey, step by step to your glory. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen Religious Education families be sure to mark your News calendar for Religious Education Family Night, Friday evening, January 15 th. More details will be in next week s bulletin and in your . It was wonderful to see so many families at the Christmas Eve Family Mass! Enjoy having some extra time together during winter break and continue to celebrate the birth of Christ. Our Religious Education classes in January are Saturday the 9th and the 23rd. Wondering how you ll file your taxes this winter? Let the dedicated volunteers of Ladder Up s Tax Assistance Program prepare you income taxes for FREE! Visit one of 22 Tax Assistance program community sites to have your taxes electronically prepared and e filed for free by a volunteer professional. Sites are open on Saturday mornings (8:30-11:30 a.m.) from January 23 to April 10, Select sites will also be open on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (5:30-8:30 p.m.) from January19 to April 13. For a full site list and more information, please visit or call

6 Page Six The Epiphany of the Lord` January 3, 2010 Remember to Pray for the protection & safety of all our family and friends serving in the Armed Forces. Edward Bell (Army) Staff Sergeant Timothy R. Hogan (Marines) Captain Patrick J. Collins (Army) Raymond Weernink (Navy) 2nd Lieutenant Christopher Engelhardt (Air Force) Captain Kevin P. O Grady (Air Force) Captain Dan Allen (Army) Brigadier General Tau aika Uta atu (Tongan Defense) Sergeant Joseph Konieczny (Army) Mike Janson (Navy) Lance Corporal Kurt Williams (Marines) Specialist Sean Cheker (Army) Bernard Brennan, (Marines) Lance Corporal Michael Zuba (Marines) First Lieutenant Brian G. Lutz (Army) Private James A. Gaudio (Army) CM Sergeant Bruce Heinzen (Air Force) CPL Jason R. Reyna (Marines) Sergeant Scott Pekar (Marines) CM Sergeant Diane Foote (Air Force) Private Colleen McDonald (Army) Micha Barcus (Coastguard) 1st Lieutenant Albert Eiffes (Air Force) Private 2 Michael Rosenthal (Army) EM3 Abraham Ubi (Navy) 1st Lieutenant Lauren Eiffes (Air Force) Ewa Dabrowski (Navy) Martin Durcan (Navy) Monday, January 4 Children s Choir, 3-4 p.m. (C) School Board Mtg., 7 p.m. (MR) Tuesday, January 5 Bible Study, 7:30-9 p.m. (KH) Liturgy Board Mtg., 7 p.m. (MR) Novena, 7 p.m. (C) Wednesday, January 6 Adoration, 9 a.m.-5 pm. (C) Benediction, 5 p.m. (C) SPRED Preparation, 7-10 p.m. (KH) Contemporary Ensemble, 7 p.m. (C) Thursday, January 7 Choir, 7-9 p.m. (C) RCIA, 7:30 p.m. (R) Saturday, January 9 Religious Education, 9:30-12 Noon (S) Sunday, January 10 Coffee and After All Masses (C) Family Mass & Winter Sports Blessing, 10:30 a.m. (C) 2nd Collection-Latin America Readings for the Week Monday: 1 Jn 3:22 4:6;, Mt 4:12-17, Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10; Mk 6:34-44 Wednesday: 1 Jn4:11-18; Mk 6:45-52 Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19 5:4; Lk 4:14-22A Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Lk 5:12-16 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Jn 3:22-30 Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11: Acts 10:34-38 Lk 3:15-16, Mass Intentions 2010 MASS INTENTIONS We are now taking Mass Intentions for They may be offered for the deceased or for a special intention (e.g. healing, safety for military, etc.). To accommodate as many requests as possible, we are limiting intentions to one person per weekend per month and one per weekday per week. We will continue to limit the weekday masses to two requests per mass and four requests for the weekend masses. All intentions are listed in the bulletin unless otherwise specified. A two week minimum advance notice is necessary. Since the mass intention book fills up quickly, please make your intentions known as soon as possible. Reminder - Mass intentions are not permitted on Holy Day or Holidays. MASS SCHEDULE JANUARY 9/10 MASS SERVERS LECTORS AUXILIARY MINISTERS 5:00pm 7:30am 9:00am 10:30am 12:00pm Kelly Calcagno, William Calcagno Siobhan Walsh Zachary Stefanski, Elizabeth Porretta Abbey Porretta Eric Wilson, Nathan Wilson, James Brosnan Micah Zaker, Esteban Ortega, Evelyn Zaker Pamela Cave, Juliana Conway, Sean Conway Mary Rose San Juan Michael Brennan Matt Loudon Family Mass Ed Stecker Jim Ryan, Mary Ryan, Jim Kuczma Sr. Ann, Sr. Mary Lou, Madeline Garofalo Janet Gorgius, Marlene Heinlein, Sherri Fitte, Donna Kehoe Nancy Kriesch, Carol McManus, Walter Monaco Rebecca Borghi, Nicole Connelly, Erin Radcliffe, Daniel Gandor Pastora Gandor, Pat & Mary Ellen McGrath Pat Mullane, Eileen Mullane, Maureen Blake

7 Rev. Neil E. Fackler, Pastor Rev. Frank Burek, Associate Pastor Rev. Scott Donahue, Resident Rev. Michael A. Goergen, Pastor Emeritus James Schiltz, Deacon Mrs. Carrie Mijal, School Principal Alan Schmitt, Coordinator of Religious Education Jean Tuohy, Music Director PARISH OFFICE AND RECTORY 4646 North Austin Avenue Chicago, Illinois Tel. 773/ Fax 773/ Website: Virginia Underwood, Secretary RECTORY OFFICE HOURS M-F - 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sat. - 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sun. - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE Alan Schmitt, Coordinator Joyce Schoenecker, Admin. Asst West Eastwood Avenue Tel. 773/ ST. ROBERT BELLARMINE SCHOOL Mrs. Carrie Mijal, Principal 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel. 773/ OFFICE OF MUSIC DIRECTOR Jean Tuohy 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel. 773/ BULLETIN Beverly O Connor, Editor 773/ BULLETIN DEADLINE Saturday by 12 Noon in the rectory for the following Sunday (8 days in advance). PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT DEADLINE Friday by 6:00 p.m. in the rectory. MASS SCHEDULE Weekdays - Monday through Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Weekends - Saturday Evening at 5:00 p.m. Sundays at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon Holy Days - 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. WEDDINGS Arrangements should be made with a priest or deacon at least six months in advance. Please contact the rectory for date and time availability before making other arrangements. BAPTISMS Celebrated the second and fourth Sundays of each month at 1:15 p.m. Parents need to contact the rectory to register for a baptism. Please note: there are no baptisms scheduled during the season of Lent. Preparation Class is on the last Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the rectory. CONFESSIONS/RECONCILIATION Saturday afternoons from 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. or by appointment. ANOINTING OF THE SICK First Saturday of the month after the 8:30 a.m. mass. NEW PARISHIONERS Welcome to Saint Robert s! Please register at the parish rectory office. NOVENA Mother of Perpetual Help Novena is offered on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the church. RECITATION OF THE ROSARY Monday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m.