FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR OWN FOR YOUR

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2 Page Two November 6, 2005 Jesus relished invitations to dinner, especially wedding banquets. Our Lord was very fond of weddings and wedding parties. He worked His first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana. And throughout the Gospels the Christ enjoyed referring to weddings and wedding banquets as symbols of heaven. We have had several weddings here at St. James during the past year. My experience is that more often than not someone in the wedding party is late, either one of the bridesmaids or one of the groomsmen. Sometimes the bride or the groom plays it kind of close. In this parish by percentages one of the women are more likely to be late than one of the men. In today s parable one of the partners was late, very late. Was it the bride or the groom? The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. So there you have it! It was the groom and not the bride who was late. All ten of the bridesmaids, including the five foolish ones, were on time. The groom was so late that all ten of the bridesmaids, including the five wise ones, fell into a state of slumber. There is at least one obvious lesson to the parable. Never be late for your own wedding. The parable is, however, a little bit more complicated than FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR NEVER BE LATE FOR YOUR OWN WEDDING that. There is a much deeper meaning than the obvious. As we approach the end of this Church year, which will conclude in two weeks, the liturgy favors the interpretation that today s parable is about the end of the world when the Christ will come again in glory. No one knows the day when this is going to happen. Each generation of Catholics have waited in anticipation, beginning with the Thessalonians in the second reading. St. Paul instructed them: We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. Like the Thessalonians we have hope because the Christ will come again. Unlike the five foolish bridesmaids we cannot fall asleep on the job. After the Lord s Prayer of every Mass we profess that we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Just before Holy Communion the celebrant says: Happy are those who are called to His supper. This does not refer to the Last Supper which is in the past but to the heavenly supper which is in the future. The quotation is taken from the Book of Revelation (19:9). Apparently St. John liked weddings too. The apostle had a vision of the great wedding banquet in heaven. An angel said to him: Write this down. Happy are those who have been invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb. We imitate the five wise bridesmaids by waiting patiently for that supper. Likewise we are all called to be wise, to wait in readiness for the coming of the Christ who is the Lamb. The end of the world is probably a lot further off than the moment of our own deaths. It is a moment which we should actually look forward to in joyful hope. But life is extremely precious to us. It should be. We naturally fear death and cling to life. Unlike the bridesmaids we are in no hurry for the groom to arrive. And yet we must be aware of the real lesson of the parable. Be alert. Stay awake. Be prepared to meet the Lord when He comes. Receiving Holy Communion is a preparation for death. A gravely ill Catholic is entitled to and directed to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist as well as the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This spiritual food is for our journey from this life to the next. Even when we receive Holy Communion at Mass we should be mindful of death, but always with faith in our resurrection from the dead. Standing in line to receive the Eucharist is a sure sign of that faith. Be aware of this: Keep your eyes open, for you know not the day nor the hour. God Bless Our Parish FATHER ED GLEESON, PASTOR

3 Thirty-Second Ordinary Sunday Page Three FLOWERS The two large bouquets adorning the main altar were made available through the kindness of JOSEPHINE O CONNOR and KAREN CUPP. The collection for St. James on the weekend of October 30th was $3, The number of October 30th Offertory Envelopes handed in last weekend October 29 and 30 was 157. The amount of money coming out of those envelopes was $2, which averages out to $15.96 per envelope. Our many thanks to the 157 contributing families. BLESS YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED AND VALUED SUPPORT. What does it mean to have a Mass "offered" for someone? A Mass intention is offered for several reasons: for example, in thanksgiving, for the intentions of another person (such as on a birthday), or, as is most common, for the repose of the soul of someone who has died. One must never forget the infinite graces that flow from the Sacrifice of the Mass which benefit one s soul. "We have loved them during life; let us not abandon them in death, until we have conducted them by our prayers into the house of the Lord." The more times a Mass is offered, the more benefit is conferred. For example, 10 Masses offered for the repose of a soul confer 10 times the benefit of one Mass. When we face the death of someone, even a person who is not Catholic, to have a Mass offered for the repose of his soul and to offer our prayers are more beneficial and comforting than any other sympathy card or bouquet of flowers. To have a Mass offered on the occasion of a birthday, anniversary or special need is appropriate, beneficial and appreciated. There are still weekday Masses available in Please call the rectory ALTAR & ROSARY SODALITY MEETING: Wednesday, November 9 at 7:45pm in rectory basement. Prior to the meeting we will meet in church at 6:30pm to recite the Rosary then attend Mass. REMINDER: On Wednesday, November 16th the Altar & Rosary members will be serving food at St. Blasé from 5 to 7pm. Put CHRIST Back Into Christmas and help THE WOMEN S CENTER Buy and display a Nativity Scene Auto Magnet For a donation of $5.00 each Available here at St. James Church after all Weekend Masses on November 12 & 13 For every magnet sold $1.00 is given to The Women s Center in Chicago & $2.00 is given to Priests for Life

4 Page Four November 6, 2005 ST. ANDREW AVELLINO FEASTDAY: NOVEMBER 10 St. Andrew Avellino is a 16th century saint. He was born in Castronuova in the Kingdom of Naples in His given name was Lancelot Avellino. As a young man he was ordained a priest and sent to the University of Naples to study civil and canon law. While practicing law in an ecclesiastical court one day he caught himself in a lie. That evening while reading Scripture he came upon the words "The mouth that lieth killeth the soul". He decided to abandon the practice of law and devote himself entirely to the spiritual care of souls. At thirty-five years of age he decided to join the Theatines, a religious congregation of priests, and he took the name "Andrew" because of the apostle s devotion to the Cross. He eventually became the superior of the congregation and was instrumental in establishing a number of Theatine religious houses in Italy. Through his relationship with St. Charles Borromeo Andrew Avellino became a significant force in the reform and restoration of genuine religious life in many religious communities in Italy. This was the time of the Protestant Reformation and church life was very much in need of its own reform. In the later years of his life Andrew suffered from apoplectic attacks. On November 10, 1608, at the age of 87, as he began Mass at St. Paul's Church in Naples he suffered an apoplectic attack that resulted in his death that afternoon. He was buried in St. Paul s Church. Beaitifed in 1625 by Pope Urban VIII and Canonized in 1712 by Pope Clement XI. After his canonization in 1712 he was invoked as the patron saint against sudden death and coronary disease. St. Andrew Avellino's fame had not spread very much outside Italy and so he is not well known. MARCH FOR LIFE TRIP START PLANNING NOW! Registration forms for the Archdiocese of Chicago's pilgrimage to the MARCH FOR LIFE will be forthcoming! This is open to all ages, with a special emphasis on teens. We'll also have our first-ever intercollegiate pilgrimage this year, with separate activities for college students. Are you a college student who wants to meet other like-minded students from across the Archdiocese and have the experience of a lifetime at the MARCH FOR LIFE? Call Alicia Torres at DA VINCI CODE: HOAX OR REALITY? One of the more intriguing novels of our age is the best selling The Da Vinci Code which purports to reveal secrets long suppressed by the Catholic Church. The novel has it all intrigue, mystery, secret societies, conundrums, and supposed shocking revelations about Mary Magdalene and Jesus. But how much is based in reality and how much is simply a fanciful hoax? Join Father Kevin Shanley, O. Carm., a respected book reviewer and historian, for an exploration of this phenomenon. The date is Monday, November 14th from 7:00 to 9:00pm at the Carmelite Spiritual Center located at 8433 Bailey Road in Darien. For more information call A Salute to Franz on the Hill! Franz Benteler & the Royal Strings will perform on Sunday, December 4th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Mount Assisi Academy Gym located at Main St. in Lemont. Admission is $ For more information contact Alvernia Manor at FOSTER CARE INFORMATION MEETING If you d consider opening your home and your heart to someone in need of a home, plan on attending a foster parenting class sponsored by Catholic Charities. Everyone is welcome, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or economic circumstances. The next meeting is November 10 at 7:00pm at the Catholic Charities West Suburban office located at 1400 S. Austin in Cicero. Please call

5 Thirty-Second Ordinary Sunday Page Five When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, while thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories from the time that they were young, but the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed, and unsung. Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land some jerk who breaks his promise and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow who in times of war and strife, goes off to serve his country and offers up his life? Just a Simple Soldier He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast and he sat around the Legion telling stories of the past, of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done in his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, everyone. And tho sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, all his buddies listened, for they knew where of he spoke. But we ll hear his tales no longer, for old Bob has passed away and the worlds a little poorer, for a soldier died today. No he won t be mourned by many, just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, quietly going on his way. And the world won t note his passing; tho a soldier died today. The politicians stipend and the style in which he lives, are sometimes disproportionate to the services he gives. While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all, is paid off with a medal, and perhaps a pension small. It s so easy to forget them, for it was so long ago, That our Bobs and Jims and Johnny s went to battle, but we know it was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys, who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger with your enemies at hand, would you really want some copout with his ever-waffling stand? Or would you want a soldier who has sworn to defend his home, his kin, and country, and would fight until the end? He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin but his presence should remind us, we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier s part is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor while he s here to hear the praise, then at least let s give him homage at the ending of his days. Perhaps a simple headline in the paper that might say: OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, FOR A SOLDIER DIED TODAY.

6 Page Six November 6, 2005 Congratulations Fr. Ed E This year s recipient of the Bishop Joseph Perry Award is our pastor, Fr. Edward Gleeson. The Bishop Perry award is given to those who over the past year have supported the work of Zacchaeus House. Zacchaeus house is a ministry of archdiocesan Deacons helping men move from old ways of being to new ways of being by the grace of God. May the Lord bless the parish and people of St. James for their continued support. Deacon Abrom Salley Way to Go Ed!!! Our Lady of the Angels On Saturday October 29 th eight men from our parish began the work of opening an Adoration Chapel in the decaying rectory of a closed west side parish. Under the direction of Fr. Bob Lombardo of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, the project has begun to take shape. Giving of their time and talents the men of our parish are helping to bring the Real Presence to a people who may not know our Lord. May our Lord Bless their work and families. OUR SAINTS AND ANGELS: Packey A hearn Dan Czyzcewicz Marty Fleckenstein Mike Halley Charles Hughes Shawn Ryan Wally Toldness Deacon John We would also like to thank our Holy Name Society and the David Romaine family for their support. Anyone interested in giving of their time or support of this worthy project can contact Deacon John.

7 Thirty-Second Ordinary Sunday Page Seven VOTIVE CANDLES Votive offering for the week of November 6th Arra family special intention Arra family special intention Souls of Mary & Terry Hanson and Kate & Jimmy Tsao who were senselessly murdered Monday November 7 Weekday 8:15 AM Living & Deceased Parishioners ST. RITA OF CASCIA 100TH ANNIVERSARY MASS & BANQUET ON NOVEMBER 19 St. Rita of Cascia Parish invites former parishioners and grade school students to the solemn Mass of Thanksgiving to be celebrated by Francis Cardinal George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago, in honor of the parish s 100th Anniversary of St. Rita Church, 63rd and Fairfield Ave. (one block east of California) on Chicago s Southwest Side at 5pm on Saturday, November 19. A banquet will follow at the Oak Lawn Hilton at 7pm. St. Rita Parish was one of Chicago s largest. St. Rita Grade School was the largest in the Archdiocese of Chicago for many decades, educating as many as 1,200 1,500 children each year. St. Rita Parish was founded in 1905 by the Augustinian Fathers. St. Rita Grade School was opened by the Adrian Dominican Sisters in The parish school closed in 1994, re-opening the same year as Fairfield Academy, a Chicago public school. Augustinian priests continue to serve the parish. St. Rita tee-shirts and sweatshirts are for sale at the St. Rita parish rectory: 6243 S. Fairfield Ave. For further information, visit the St. Rita Parish website: Tuesday November 8 Weekday 8:15 AM Nancy Witter Wednesday 7:00PM Thursday 8:15AM Friday 8:15AM November 9 Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Purgatorial Society November 10 St. Leo the Great int. of Vance & Kristin Violante Wedding Anniversary November 11 St. Martin of Tours Hyman Mogy Saturday November 12 Vigil: 33rd Ordinary Sunday 4:30 to 5:15PM CONFESSIONS 5:30PM Lillian Jaburek Sunday October November 13 THIRTY-THIRD ORDINARY SUNDAY 8:30AM James J. Brizzolara 10:00AM Angeline & Wally Wojciechowski 11:30am Jack Morgan November 12 & 13 5:30 PM 8:30AM 10:00 AM 11:30 AM Celebrant Father Fenili Father Gleeson Father Gleeson Father Gleeson Altar Servers K. Nicholson T.J. Nicholson K. Janociak S. Dillenburg J. Dillenburg J.H. Dillenburg B. Ahern P. Lawler D. Lawler M. Rubinelli R. Rubinelli L. Romaine Lector N. Konieczny C. Zarzycki R. Lawler M. Fleckenstein LEM Deacon John M. Dillenburg D. Lasica Deacon John Ushers C. Hughes P. Walsh E. Liczwek N. Nowaczyk M. Witter T. Lang F. Pearman H. Grutza D. Butalla J. Newcomer M. Lavery J. Pajkos R. Poynter M. Fleckenstein R. Poynter B. Czaja