Historic St. James at Sag Bridge Church

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Historic St. James at Sag Bridge Church"

Brice Jones
6 years ago
Views:

Historic St. James at Sag Bridge Church 10600 S. Archer Avenue Lemont, Illinois 60439-9344 (Ph) 630.257.7000 (Fx) 630.257.7912 E-mail: stjames1833@att.net Website: www.historicstjames.

com Register on Flocknotes to receive important text messages and emails. Text: jamesatsag to 84576 4th Ordinary Sunday January 31, 2016 Founded in 1833, St.

traditional devotional activities within truly unique and beautiful surroundings.

1 Historic St. James at Sag Bridge Church S. Archer Avenue Lemont, Illinois (Ph) (Fx) Website: Listen to The Winds of Change 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm on WNDZ AM 750. Fr. substitutes every other Wednesday. Visit: windsofchangeshow.com, Fr. Register on Flocknotes to receive important text messages and s. Text: jamesatsag to th Ordinary Sunday January 31, 2016 Founded in 1833, St. James at Sag Bridge is the sole country parish of the Archdiocese of Chicago, serving a growing community of Catholics who come together to worship God through the celebration of the Eucharist and traditional devotional activities within truly unique and beautiful surroundings. Our faith-filled community strives to bear witness to Jesus Christ by loving and serving one another to bring about the Kingdom of God. Mass Schedule: Weekends: Saturdays: 5:00pm Sundays: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:30am Holy Days: 8:15am & 7:00pm Weekdays: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays 8:15am, Fridays: 8:15am & 6:00pm Wednesdays: 7:00pm Confession Schedule: Saturdays: 9:30-10:00am Wednesdays: 6:30pm Baptisms: Sundays after the 11:30am Mass by appointment. At least one parent must be a registered parishioner. Weddings: Minimum eight months in advance. At least one spouse must be a registered parishioner. Marriage preparation by appointment only. Funerals: For families of registered parishioners, or for non-parishioners to be buried in our own cemetery. Sick & Homebound Pastoral Care: Please notify rectory Rectory Office Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri: 9:30am to 1:00pm Apostolic Disciples: Fr. Thomas, M.A.,S.T.L., Pastor Fr. Ed Gleeson, Pastor Emeritus Deacon John M.Wilkinson, CKM, Minister of Care/RCIA Mike Dillenburg Parish Council Chair Mike Wall, Finance Council Chair Mrs. Pamela Stafford, Cantor Mrs. Pamela Mikrut, Organist Rodney Poynter, Holy Name Society, President JoAnn Starha, Altar & Rosary Mrs. Giovanna Imbarrato, CCD Teacher Mr. Seamus Coughlin CCD Teacher Mrs. Mary Coughlin Lenzen CCD Teacher Mr. Steve Hagen CCD Teacher Mrs. Joyce McNamara-Coughlin, CCD Director.

January 31, 2016 Page Two From the Desk of the Deacon John Over Looking the Des Plaines Valley Over the last few months several discussions have taken place about the future of St. James.

One of the interesting topics of our parish history has always been our cemetery. When it was founded and who were the first interned. This has been a subject of much conjecture. St.

He was rather reluctant to hand over control of the cemetery. He took pride in the upkeep the maintenance and of the burial records.

High School boys earned a small sum keeping the grass cut. The whole idea of financing perpetual care was much different then as it is now.

As the clock ticked the last of the burial easements were sold though the parish itself.

2 January 31, 2016 Page Two From the Desk of the Deacon John Over Looking the Des Plaines Valley Over the last few months several discussions have taken place about the future of St. James. Our mission and our vision. How can we better meet the needs of our parishioners? The physical and more importantly their Spiritual needs. One of the interesting topics of our parish history has always been our cemetery. When it was founded and who were the first interned. This has been a subject of much conjecture. St. James Sag Bridge is the oldest cemetery in the diocese. When Fr. George Aschenbrenner arrived a young man in his 50 s he saw the parish cemetery as a history book in time. He was rather reluctant to hand over control of the cemetery. He took pride in the upkeep the maintenance and of the burial records. There is one story of how he kept a map of the burials rolled up in a shade on the rectory window. Many of the parishioners at the time participated in the general up keep. High School boys earned a small sum keeping the grass cut. The whole idea of financing perpetual care was much different then as it is now. Often as a reward for service to the parish he would give grave sites to those who helped the most. Many of those same people are buried here today. As the clock ticked the last of the burial easements were sold though the parish itself. Today under Archdiocese Catholic Cemetery burials, maintenance and record keeping of our parish is under the auspices of Good Shepherd in Orland Park. Currently there are 44 cemeteries and several golf courses under Catholic Cemeteries. You ask golf courses? Yes, future cemeteries. Now many of the oldest cemeteries in the diocese have reached capacity such as is our case. The family of St. James is connected in many different ways. Certainly we have our current roster of active parishioners, nonregistered and those who ancestors lie peacefully in our parish. When first I arrived here I had the privilege of meeting many descendants of some of our earliest pioneer families. Now time has reclaimed those souls to memory in our cemetery. With each new generation that arrives a resurgence of being part of that same history stirs interest. I recall several years ago an elderly woman, whose husband we had just buried, was distressed because the only cemetery plots left for them were along the back fence. Most of her ancestors are buried at the top of the hill near the church. Her grandfather she said, claimed all of her family would be buried near the church. All of those easements were taken long ago. With a smirk and a smile I said her problem was she has been around too long. If she had died fifty years ago she would be on the hill today with the rest of them. With this same desire many are disappointed when they can no-longer purchase an easement here. After all we are the oldest cemetery in the diocese. This is the parish where our own family histories are contained. Old or new. It made me think of woman I had met long ago, now deceased who had made all of her sacraments here. Baptized, confirmed, married and now buried here. She lived her whole life here. What a privilege. In the same respect it is a privilege for all of us to lay claim in any way here. As we prepare to embark on the Archdiocese Campaign To Teach who Christ Is what capital campaign would benefit our parish the most? What would have a lasting effect in perpetuity? In thinking about this an idea a future mausoleum came to mind. It would contain and columbarium and entombments. Reflecting the same Lemont limestone of our church and rectory. This would be built into the hillside adjoining our grotto. Into this plan would include new handicap washrooms, enclosed stairway from parking lot, possibly a meeting space and a new parking lot. This project would correct a multitude of erosion, runoff and hillside prob- lems already existing. For several months now Fr. and myself, have been in discussion with Catholic Cemeteries to promote this idea. One of the concerns of the Catholic Cemeteries has been, to always have enough burial space to meet the needs of the Catholics in the Archdiocese. Good Shepherd, for example was the first new cemetery opened in this diocese in over thirty years. If we don t provide for Catholic burials then all that is left are secular cemeteries. Historically Catholic Cemeteries has always been in the forefront to meeting the needs of the faithful. Lastly taken from the words of Catholic Cemeteries. A Catholic cemetery is a sacred place of honor and respect for those who have died. It is a memorial to all who are interred there. It is a sacred place where Catholics come to express their grief and hope in the resurrection for their loved ones who have preceded them in death. It is blessed ground, fitting for someone whose body was a temple of the Holy Spirit on earth and now awaits the resurrection from the dead. In the weeks ahead I am preparing other topics on the physical needs of our modern/historic parish. Many things you may not be aware of concerning the makeup of this landmark. Other issues from top to bottom that need to be addressed. Just like our own homes we try to keep them in good repair. We try to introduce the latest technology to help make our lives better. So true is it for our Spiritual Home we call the church. We are the Historic Landmark overlooking the Des Plaines Valley. Could one of the early Pottawatomie Indians, Fr. Jacques Marquette or Fr. Jean Marie Ireneaus St. Cyr ever conceive of a 2016 at St. James at St. Bridge church? Yours In Christ, Deacon John M. Wilkinson C.K.M.

4th Ordinary Sunday Page Three Holy Order Banns DOUG SZARZYNSKI, a parishioner of ST.

This is a public announcement of the upcoming ordination and fulfills the canonical requirement.

as soon as possible if there is a serious question about the candidate s suitability for ordained ministry. THE VIEW FROM THE BACK By Sandy Schading I ve been sitting in the front pews all my life.

I sat in the front with my primary students throughout the many decades I taught at a Catholic school. As a retired person, I still chose the front seats, until my asthma started kicking up.

I was convinced it wouldn t be a good fit for me, but if it helped my cough, I d try it. I felt removed from the altar, until several things happened to change my mind.

3 4th Ordinary Sunday Page Three Holy Order Banns DOUG SZARZYNSKI, a parishioner of ST. JAMES AT SAG BRIDGE parish is scheduled to be ordained to the Order of Deacon on June 4, 2016 at Holy Name Cathedral by Archbishop Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago. This is a public announcement of the upcoming ordination and fulfills the canonical requirement. Catholics are obliged to reveal any impediments or circumstances that would prevent DOUG SZARZYNSKI from receiving Sacred Orders and should contact the pastor or the archbishop with such information as soon as possible if there is a serious question about the candidate s suitability for ordained ministry. THE VIEW FROM THE BACK By Sandy Schading I ve been sitting in the front pews all my life. I love being close to the altar and the action of the Mass. I sat in the front as a child with my parents. I sat in the front as a parent so my sons could see what was going on. I sat in the front with my primary students throughout the many decades I taught at a Catholic school. As a retired person, I still chose the front seats, until my asthma started kicking up. I decided to move myself around the church building to move away from things that might set off my cough. On Christmas morning I found myself in one of the back pews with my next door neighbor. I was convinced it wouldn t be a good fit for me, but if it helped my cough, I d try it. I felt removed from the altar, until several things happened to change my mind. First of all, our pastor is also my high school classmate. As he was about to process down the aisle with another high school classmate who was to be the lector, Father tapped me on the shoulder to ask if I wanted to walk down with the both of them. This was a touching, but joking, comment about the number of people from our Catholic high school, Class of 1967, who are still extremely active in the parish. Sitting in the back allowed me to look forward and see so many former classmates with their families. This is a true testament to our excellent Catholic Education at De Sales High School. Our class seems to have the highest number of people still participat- ing and holding strong our Faith. Shortly after the Mass began, I felt another tap on the shoulder. The men were short an usher, so I was asked to participate, as I had before at several School Masses. This was an enjoyable way for me to be part of the Mass. I was able to see so many families together, and so many children ready to toss in their folded up dollars. It was a way for me to say thank you to each donor for loving our parish. Being one of only two women in the parish who have this occasional honor, I was tickled to be able to help out. I found myself in the back, reflecting on the beauty of the community. It s something I don t see when I sit up front. Sitting in the back gave me a sense of the way we all join together to praise our God, to embrace our families in God s loving grace, and to see neighbor greeting neighbor all with one accord. It squelched that feeling I had that those in the back seats are not participating as strongly as those in the front. It was beautiful to see my fellow worshippers united in the love of Christ, wishing and hoping for peace, healing, and grace. All of this is happening in a magnificent building that reflects a cathedral style architecture. The best part was that I found I could breathe better in the back. My asthma symptoms were greatly reduced. I was able to get up and go to the foyer for more air, and still not miss a beat of the Mass. Perhaps this will be a change for me as I enter A new view. A new perspective. A new way to participate. As a senior citizen, it s refreshing to have a page turn as I embrace my life of Faith. KEEP THE DATE OPEN: Feb 1, Mon, 6pm First Penance practice Feb 6, Sat 11am First Penance service Feb 6, Sat, 6pm Chesterton Academy banquet Feb 6, Sat, 6pm Waterleaf CPC Aurora Holy Name s Big Feb 7, Sun, 3pm Super Bowl Party Feb 10, Ash Wed Masses: 6:30am, 8:15am 7pm Feb 13, Sat, 10am Women s Guild meeting In church In church (CCD & Cath sch) for rsvp Last Chance to purchase tickets from HN members Sag hall

The Sunday collection for the weekend of January 24th was $3,811.00. The number of envelopes was 112.

Our CHURCH CLEANERS FOR FRIDAY, 01/05//16 Are Diane, Sandy, Bronislawa & Volunteer.

James Ladies Guild Special int. for the Golom Family Special int. Anne & Baby Slowik Special int.

of Estela Casiple. THANK YOU! Please keep Nick Imgrund in your prayers as he continues his service in the United States Navy.

4 The Sunday collection for the weekend of January 24th was $3, The number of envelopes was 112. OUR MANY THANKS TO OUR REGISTERED FAMILIES USING ENVELOPES AND THE CASH-AND-CARRY FOLKS. Our CHURCH CLEANERS FOR FRIDAY, 01/05//16 Are Diane, Sandy, Bronislawa & Volunteer. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the rectory office VOTIVE OFFERINGS FOR THE WEEK OF 01/31/16 St. James Ladies Guild Special int. for the Golom Family Special int. Anne & Baby Slowik Special int. for Sabrina Slowik Our two beautiful bouquets of flowers surrounding our altar were made available for the special int. of Estela Casiple. THANK YOU! Please keep Nick Imgrund in your prayers as he continues his service in the United States Navy. Please keep Lucas Gough in your prayers as he continues his service in the United States Air Force. Please keep Kelsey Smith in your prayers as she continues her service in the Peace Corps in Africa. Please keep Stephanie Remar in your prayers as she continues her service in the Diplomatic Corps in Africa.

Monday February 1st 8:15 AM Birthday Blessings for Joseph Dziurdzik Tuesday February 2nd 8:15 AM For All the Deceased of the Parish Wednesday February 3rd 7:00 PM Speedy Recovery for Julie

SUNDAY Saturday February 6th 5:00 PM Michael & Nancy O Shea Sunday Febuary 7th 8:00 AM Diane & Pat Walsh Family 9:30 AM Helen Kane & Mary Frantz 11:30 AM Lorriane Sabick LAST CHANCE FOR Super

5 Monday February 1st 8:15 AM Birthday Blessings for Joseph Dziurdzik Tuesday February 2nd 8:15 AM For All the Deceased of the Parish Wednesday February 3rd 7:00 PM Speedy Recovery for Julie Jacobek Thursday February 4th 8:15 AM Julianne Kalata Friday February 5th 8:15AM Christopher Sheerin (father of Josephine Regan) 6:00 PM For all the Lost Souls in Purgatory FIFTH ORDINARY SUNDAY Saturday February 6th 5:00 PM Michael & Nancy O Shea Sunday Febuary 7th 8:00 AM Diane & Pat Walsh Family 9:30 AM Helen Kane & Mary Frantz 11:30 AM Lorriane Sabick LAST CHANCE FOR Super Bowl Sunday Tickets Sunday February 7th The Game will be on 4 -Big Screen HD T.V.s. A catered buffet dinner w/raffle & Prizes Donation is $20.00/per person. Family Plan (2 adults & 2 children) at $ Signup sheet will be in back of Church. For more information see or call Deacon th Ordinary Sunday 2/6 & 2/7/2016 Celebrant Altar Servers Lectors 5:00 PM E. Dooley M. Dooley T. Szarzynski L. Pieprzyca 8:00 AM Fr. Ed Gleeson S. Carver F. Casiple L. Mikrut Beecher 9:30 AM N. Akroush A. Bertucci J. LaSota P. Brunk 11:30 AM A. Fugiel M. May D. Wall J. DeRoche

Historic St. James at Sag Bridge Church

Historic St. James at Sag Bridge Church 10600 S. Archer Avenue Lemont, Illinois 60439-9344 (Ph) 630.257.7000 (Fx) 630.257.7912 E-mail: stjames1833@att.net Website: www.historicstjames.org Listen to The