Queen of All Saints Basilica December 11th, 2011 Third Sunday of Advent

Transcription

1 December 11th, 2011 Third Sunday of Advent THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE Simbang Gabi Saturday, December 17th at 7:00pm

2 From the Pastor Since I became pastor of Queen of All Saints, many aspects of parish life have deeply impressed me. I have written about several of them on this page. But one I have not addressed yet is my admiration for the parents of the young children of this parish. Last Sunday morning I witnessed a typical scene. I was standing at the side entrance of the Basilica welcoming the people when a mother and father of four young children hustled them in from the cold wind. The parents looked a bit frazzled when they found no room in the Mother s Chapel, but the children were very nicely dressed, had some soft toys in their little hands to distract them from the boring times and even had some Cheerios to keep them somewhat satisfied. Right away the dad said, I hope they don t make too much of a racket in church today, Father. Then I watched the parents find a pew way at the back of the Basilica and prod their children into it, being careful to keep one tearful toddler particularly close to them. Having no little ones of my own to feed and dress and get ready for Mass, I could not help but marvel at the combination of skills it must take to do that. I also felt badly, however, because these wonderful parents, after all their struggling to prepare themselves and their children for Mass, apologized to me in advance for any possible episodes or outbursts. Then they kind of hid themselves away in a back pew from where the children could not possibly see the action of the Mass and from where they could make a quick retreat if one of the children started fussing. Young children squeak and squirm. They make all kinds of noises. They will distract the people around them from time to time. That s all there is to it. Some are going to cry. Others will wiggle out of their parents arms and dart out into the aisle of the church. They will occasionally even throw something. Little children are often unpredictable and hard to manage. But the little children of Queen of All Saints Parish are very important for the life and vitality of the parish. Our little children are not just the future of our parish; they are the present as well. And so I would like all the people of Queen of All Saints Parish to know how delighted I am that we have so many young families with so many young children who come to the Basilica. I would like the parents and the young children of our parish not just to feel welcome and at home in the Basilica. I want them to know and feel that they are treasures of inestimable value. Parents of young children don t have to apologize for their children s presence in the church nor hide in the back. I especially want the parents of the young children of our parish to know how much I respect and admire them. I don t know first hand all the obstacles they must overcome to mobilize their children for the trip to church. But I can guess. Over the next few weeks, the children of the parish will be participating in Christmas pageants; they will be presenting Christmas programs in their school and religious education classes; they will be singing in the parish choirs; they will be serving the Masses and they will be having their pictures taken with Santa in the gym. As I look over my calendar for the next few weeks, I see many events that are occasioned by gatherings of children. I look forward to every one. God bless them. Monsignor John Pollard 2 Chicago, IL

3 Advent Prayer Monday Evening Holy Hour Each Monday during Advent, the weekly Novena and Rosary to the Blessed Mother will be followed by a Holy Hour with Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. Prepare your heart for Christ with an hour of prayer each week before the Body of Christ. Priests will be in the confessionals during the Holy Hour each week for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Mondays 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Advent Schedule Spiritual Preparation The Roman Missal, Third Edition The new translation of the Roman Missal will bring a change in the texts and prayers that we use at Mass. The heightened poetry and greater connection to Scripture of the translation offer an opportunity for us all to rediscover the meaning of the Mass. Third Week of Advent December 11, Sunday Share Christmas and Toy Drive, Gifts collected at all of the weekend Masses December 11, Sunday Second collection to support the Retired Religious December 13, Tuesday Holiday Social, in the Rectory after the morning Masses December 15, Thursday Candles and Carols A program of Lessons and Carols celebrating the Advent and Christmas seasons offered by the School Children; Attendance is limited to school parents December 17, Saturday Simbang Gabi, Traditional Filipino Advent Liturgy 7:00 p.m. in the Basilica, Reception follows in the gym Fourth Week of Advent December 18, Sunday Second collection to support our monthly sharing with the needy December 18, Sunday Religious Education Students Christmas Program ~Christmas Mass Schedule~ Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 4:00 p.m. Family Liturgy - Children s Choir Program of Lessons and Carols at 3:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Traditional Carols led by Cantor with Organ and Basilica Chamber Choir 12 Midnight Basilica Choir and Soloists with Organ, Harp, Brass and Percussion Program of Carols begins at 11:00 p.m. Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 6:45 a.m. 8:00 a.m. Traditional Carols led by Cantor with Organ and Brass 9:30, 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Basilica Choir and Soloists with Organ, Harp, Brass and Percussion Third Sunday of Advent December 11,

4 Children s Christmas Choir Ken and Paul invite all parishioners in grades 3rd through 8th to sing in the Queen of All Saints Children s Christmas Choir. On Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24th, the Christmas Choir will sing a prelude service of Lessons and Carols beginning at 3:30pm and then provide service music at the 4:00pm Christmas Family Liturgy Rehearsals Wednesday, December 21st at 3:15-4:45pm Thursday, December 22nd at 3:15-4:45pm Service Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th (Call time of 3:00pm) Service of Lessons and Carols at 3:30pm Mass at 4:00pm Religious Education News All of our classes are preparing for the annual Christmas Pageant which will be held on Sunday, December 18th. The fifth graders will mime the No Room in the Inn story while our 8th graders will read the story. All grades are learning Christmas carols that they will sing during the pageant. This annual event is always a good reminder of the true meaning of Christmas - finding room in our hearts for the presence of our Messiah who is Emmanuel. On December 11th, our fifth grade families will be present for their Family Mass, and the following week it will be our fifth grade families turn to lead us at the 9:30am Mass. Join us in sharing holiday caring and sharing Christmas blessings to everyone at this holiday season. 4 Chicago, IL

5 Simbang Gabi Saturday, December 17th at 7:00pm We all belong to one family, the family of God lahat tayo ay bahagi ng isang pamilya, ang pamilya ng Diyos. Meaning Mass of the Night because the liturgy takes place in the evening, the Simbang Gabi has been a long standing tradition in the Filipinos culture since 1587 an attempt to strengthen the faith, Homes, and hearts of the Filipino culture. For further information, please contact Mena Darlak at (847) or mena_darlak@sbcglobal.net. Ricky Necor (773) or ricky.necor@gmail.com Reception in the gymnasium immediately after the Mass. LET THEIR LIGHT SHINE The Elizabeth Ministry along with Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care would like to invite you to a prayer service Sunday, December 11 7:00pm To honor and remember children who have died at any age from any cause (miscarriages, infant death, illness, suicide, accidents, murder, combat) If you wish to bring a photo or keepsake for a Memorial Table Questions: Elizabeth Ministry Co-Chair, Jule - elizabethministry. qas@gmail.com (773) Third Sunday of Advent December 11,

6 IRA Charitable Gifts are STILL AN OPTION (But only until December 31, 2011) Last year, Congress re-authorized legislation that allows you to make charitable gifts from your IRA accounts during 2011 without incurring income tax on the withdrawal. That provision is set to expire on December 31, 2011 and it might now be renewed. The IRA Charitable Rollover provides you with an excellent opportunity to make a gift during your lifetime from an asset that would be subject to multiple levels of taxation if it remained in your taxable estate. Here are some important rules to keep in mind if you are considering a 2011 IRA gift to Queen of All Saints: You must be age 70 1/2 or older at the time of gift. Transfers must be made directly from a traditional IRA account by your plan provider to the parish. Funds that are withdrawn by you and then contributed do NOT qualify. Gifts from 401k, 403b, SEP and other plans do not qualify. Your plan administrator may make the check out to the parish and mail the check to you. But you must postmark the check to us by December 31, Gifts must be outright, Distributions to donor-advised funds, certain supporting organizations, or life-income arrangements such as a charitable remained trusts and charitable gift annuities are not allowed. Benefits - qualified charitable distributions: Can total up to $100,000 Are not included in your gross income for federal income tax purposes on your IRS Form 1040 (no charitable deduction is available, however) Example: Suppose John has $5000,000 in an IRA and he also wants to contribute $25,000 to his parish. He can authorize the administrator of his IRA to transfer $25,000 to the parish. The $25,000 distribution to his parish will not be subject to tax and will be counted towards his annual minimum required distribution. For more information on IRA giving to Queen of All Saints, call Rich Goode at the Office of Planned Giving at REMEMBER, Charitable IRA distribution can be made Until December 31, 2011 (after that who knows?) 6 Chicago, IL

7 The Word Feeding Justice Reflections on the Sunday Lectionary December 11th, 2011: 3 rd Sunday of Advent Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibilities First Reading: Isaiah 61: 1-2, Psalm: Luke 1 Second Reading: 1st Thessalonians 5:16-24 Gospel: John 1:6-8, In faith, we experience the messianic jubilee. Glad tidings imparted to the poor in spirit, liberty proclaimed to captives of sin and release from the imprisonment of fear all come from the God of peace. The Lord, who call us, is faithful to accomplish the grace filled transformation if we hunger for his help. If we are rich in pride, we will be sent away with empty yearnings. This Advent, how will you joyfully give the blessing of jubilee to someone for justice and peace to spring forth in their lives? Forgive a debt or a grudge, return a memento, stop hording and start sharing to initiate the spirit of jubilee. Let this be an occurrence to rejoice, not quench the Spirit, and an opportunity to learn to give thanks in all circumstances. For this is the will of God, when we follow the footsteps Jesus sandals left in the sand 2000 years ago. Individual Reflection: 1st Thessalonians 5:16-24 On this Gaudete Sunday, make an effort to radiate joy -- by having a smile, showing enthusiasm and being hopeful. Family Reflection: Isaiah 61:1-2, Visit the website of Heavenly Treasures to learn about their programs, in the spirit of jubilee, and see their handicrafts offered for sale: Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church 112. Man and woman are in relationship with others above all as those to whom the lives of others have been entrusted. For your lifeblood I will surely require a reckoning,... I will require it... of man [and] of every man's brother (Genesis 9:5), God tells Noah after the flood. In this perspective, the relationship with God requires that the life of man be considered sacred and inviolable. The fifth commandment, Thou shalt not kill (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17), has validity because God alone is Lord of life and death. The respect owed to the inviolability and integrity of physical life finds its climax in the positive commandment: You shall love your neighbour as yourself (Leviticus 19:18), by which Jesus enjoins the obligation to tend to the needs of one's neighbour (cf. Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:29-31; Luke 10:27-28). Third Sunday of Advent December 11,

8 Mass Intentions Sunday, December 11th (Third Sunday of Advent) - All Sunday Masses will be offered for the People of Queen of All Saints and the Benefactors of our Endowments for the School and the Parish. Monday, December 12th (Our Lady of Guadalupe) - School Endowment Fund Benefactors, QAS Homebound, QAS Ministry of Praise, Deceased Members of Kissel & Sendor Families, Corazon Marcelino, Margaret Sullivan, Eugene L. Ebrom, Dr. Rigoberto Rodriguez, In Honor of Our Blessed Mother - Ben & Sara Testa Readings: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, or any readings from the Common of The Blessed Virgin Mary, nos Tuesday, December 13th (St. Lucy) - Deceased Members of QAS Widowed Groups, George B. Stegmaier, Adriano Aziyu, John T. Kelly, Lino Acciari, Ricardo Velasquez, Melinda Miller, Hector Diaz, Vincie J. Lentino Readings: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Mt 21:28-32 Wednesday, December 14th (St. John of the Cross) - Basilica Fund Members, Salvy Monastero, Ruth G. Stegmaier, Matthew Brown, Joab P. Merza Readings: Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21b-25; Lk 7:18b-23 Thursday, December 15th Eileen B. Stegmaier, Madeleine Grant, Clement C. Stegmaier Family, Francis & Margaret McCormick, Robert P. Butler-Special Intention, Patrick A. Kessler Readings: Is 54: 1-10; Lk 7:24-30 Friday, December 16th Helen & Jerry Martin, Joy Elliott, John E. Hoenig, Elise-Alex Manalac Readings: Is 56: 1-3a, 6-8; Jn 5:33-36 Saturday, December 17th - Gerard & Emily Huitink, Marion McGuire Finn, Mary Lou Schmidt, James Schmidt, Dorthy Cerny, Fine Molendi, Caponigri, Minelli & Parrillo Families, Simon R. Pahati, Vincent May, Rudy Sinsky, Cecilia Jara, Edward Holowicki, Bill Moose Skowron Readings: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Mt 1:1-17 We pray for our recently deceased: Charles Roberts Robert Warner 8 Chicago, IL

9 Queen of All Saints Information 6280 N. Sauganash Avenue Chicago, Illinois (773) Pastoral Staff Pastor..Rev. Msgr. John E. Pollard Pastor Emeritus Rev. Msgr. Wayne F. Prist Associate Pastor..Rev. Simon Braganza Associate Pastor....Rev. Thomas J. Campana Resident.Rev. Edward D. Grace Resident....Rev. Richard Conyers, CSC Deacon..Rev. Mr. Michael Monnelly Deacon....Rev. Mr. Bill Malloy Pastoral Associate...Sr. Ann Kathleen McDonnell, BVM Director of Religious Education..Mrs. Aline Reynolds Director of Music......Dr. Kenneth Sotak Assistant Director of Music...Paul Scavone Rectory Hours Monday-Friday...8:30 am-4:00 pm Telephone Numbers Rectory School/Preschool Parish FAX Religious Education Office Accounting Office Business Manager...Gerald Farrell Accounting Assistant...Kate Dombrowski Rectory Office Staff Parish Secretary...Pam Hautzinger Parish Secretary...Michael Jolls Parish Secretary....Jan Praznowski Building and Grounds Ralph Meschewski, Bobby Brooks, Victor Miranda, Mike Farina, Jason Kessler Queen of All Saints School Early Childhood through Grade 8 Principal.. Ms. Stephanie M. DiPrima Administrative Assistant...Mrs. Segreti School Secretary.... Mrs. Santicola Visit Our Website... Queen of All Saints School... Click on School Sunday Masses Saturday Vigil.. 5:00 pm Sunday....6:45, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm Daily Mass and Rosary Monday-Friday.... 6:30, 7:30, 8:45 am Saturday.....8:00 am Rosary......Daily after the 8:45 am Mass Devotions and Holy Day Masses Perpetual Novena..Monday, 7:00 pm Benediction First Mondays at 7:30 pm Please consult the parish bulletin or website for the holy day Mass schedule. The Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday...8:30-9:15 am To Register in the Parish Please contact the Rectory Office The Sacrament of Baptism Queen of All Saints rejoices in the incorporation of new members into the Body of Christ. The Sacrament of Baptism for infants is celebrated on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sunday of each month at 1:30 PM. Please call one of the priests at the rectory to schedule the baptism for your child. Prior to the baptism, the parents are invited to attend a baptismal preparation session. If an adult or a school age child seeks baptism, special arrangements should be made with one of the priests. The Sacrament of Matrimony Queen of All Saints helps couples prepare not only for their wedding day, but the lifelong commitment of living a Christian marriage. Parishioners of Queen of All Saints Basilica who are baptized and free to marry in the Catholic Church may celebrate their marriage in Queen of All Saints Basilica. Couples from Queen of All Saints seeking marriage in should contact one of the parish priests at least six months prior to their intended date of marriage. The couple must meet with one of the priests before the date for the marriage can be confirmed. Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick If a member of your family would like to receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please contact the Rectory. Third Sunday of Advent December 11,

10 Celebrant Schedule Sunday, December 18th 5:00pm - Fr. Thomas Campana 7:00pm (Simbang Gabi) - Msgr. John Pollard 6:45am - Msgr. Wayne Prist 8:00am - Fr. Rich Conyers 9:30am - Fr. Ed Grace 11:00am - Fr. Simon Braganza 12:30pm - Msgr. John Pollard Today s Readings First Reading As a garden makes its growth spring up, so will GOD make justice spring up before all the nations (Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11). Psalm My soul rejoices in my God (Luke 1:46-50, 53-54). Second Reading Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24). Gospel I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord (John 1:6-8, 19-28). Parish Financials for November 27th, 2011 Actual to Prior Year YTD Week $29,696 $572,595 Last Year $26,889 $594,960 Difference $2,807 ($22,365) Actual to Budget YTD Week $29,696 $572,595 Weekly Budget $28,000 $616,000 Difference $1,696 ($43,405) 10 Chicago, IL