December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 1

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1 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 1 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE CHURCH: Saturday: 5:00 & 6:30PM Sunday: 6:30, 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00AM; 12:30, 5:30 (Tridentine), & 8:00PM HOLY FAMILY CHAPEL: Sunday: 9:30 & 11:00AM Childcare is offered during these Masses. Call WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE: Monday - Saturday: 6:45 & 8:00AM Monday - Thursday: 5:15PM First Friday: 12:00PM in the Adoration Chapel HOLY DAY MASS SCHEDULE: Consult the parish bulletin or website, or call the Parish Office at RECITATION OF THE ROSARY: Tuesdays at 7:30PM in the Church MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP NOVENA: Wednesdays at 7:45AM RESPECT LIFE ROSARY: Wednesdays following the 8:00AM Mass VESPERS & BENEDICTION: Thursdays at 6:00PM (Adoration Chapel) RECONCILIATION: Tuesdays: 11:00AM (Holy Family Chapel) and 7:00PM (Church) No 11:00AM Confessions on 2nd Tuesday of the month. Thursdays: 7:15 AM & 4:30PM (Church) Saturdays: 4:00PM (Holy Family Chapel) Sundays: 7:00PM (Church) (Confessions are also heard at 10:30AM on the 4th Saturday of the month in the Holy Family Chapel.) 36 North Ellsworth Street Naperville, Illinois Facebook: SS Peter and Paul New Evangelization Visit Ss. Peter and Paul s New Website

2 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 2 Readings For The Week Saturday, December 9 6:45 AM The Gerdes and Mrozinski families 8:00 AM Barbara Bertille Zwers (A) Vigil Masses for Second Sunday of Advent 5:00 PM Honey Zwers (A) 6:30 PM Toni Cooper Sunday, December 10 Second Sunday of Advent 6:30 AM Saints Peter and Paul parishioners 8:00 AM Joseph Gerten II 9:30 AM Patricia Rogg 11:00 AM Bill O Dea (A) 12:30 PM Peter and Maria Diem Nhan 5:30 PM Johnny Sy, Rudy Lim and Avito Limm (LATIN MASS) 8:00 PM Janet Hallam Holy Family Chapel 9:30 AM Saints Peter and Paul Parishioners 11:00 AM Saints Peter and Paul Parishioners Monday, December 11 6:45 AM Dick Locher 8:00 AM Martha Loughman (A) 5:15 PM David Young (A) Tuesday, December 12 (Our Lady of Guadalupe) 6:45 AM Protection of the unborn 8:00 AM Frank Kolinski (A) 5:15 PM Albert Cacini (B) Wednesday, December 13 (Saint Lucy) 6:45 AM Charlene Wilson 8:00 AM Intentions of all souls 5:15 PM Adnan Matar Thursday, December 14 (Saint John of the Cross) 6:45 AM Joe Cherskou 8:00 AM Toni Cooper 5:15 PM Genevieve A. Jedd (A) Friday, December 15 6:30 AM June and Anthony Mrozinski 8:00 AM Lawrence B. Krippel (A) Saturday, December 16 6:45 AM Saints Peter and Paul parishioners 8:00 AM Harry Ivans (B) Vigil Masses for Third Sunday of Advent 5:00 PM James Benning Wiedner (A) 6:30 PM Saints Peter and Paul parishioners Sunday, December 17 Third Sunday of Advent 6:30 AM Ellen Behrends 8:00 AM Patrick J. and Evelyn M. Egan, deceased members of the Egan & McMahon families 9:30 AM Mark and Kathy Herbers 11:00 AM Jim and Joan Rixie (A) 12:30 PM Marcella Dion 5:30 PM Paul Tan, Kim Chong, Rosario Lim, and Samuel, Anita, & Roque Tan (LATIN MASS) 8:00 PM Saints Peter and Paul parishioners Monday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9ab, 10-14; Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, or any readings from the Common of The Blessed Virgin Mary, nos Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, Sunday: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11; Lk 1:46-50, 53-54; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, Please Note A copy of the 2017 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal Closing Report can be found inside each bulletin this weekend. Please join us in saying goodbye to Father Milota as he concludes his pastorate at Saints Peter and Paul. Father Milota s Farewell Reception January 14th - following the 11:00a.m. Mass Ministry Center Social Hall Handel Messiah tickets will be sold after all Masses this weekend at the Church and Chapel. Cash or check only. Saints Peter and Paul School Reminder All School Mass - December 12th - 10:00am in the Church Holy Family Chapel 9:30 AM Deceased members of Nagel & Whitt families 11:00 AM Adnan Matar

3 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 3 Christmas / New Year s Mass and Confession Schedule Confessions Mass Schedule Tuesday, December 12 7:00pm Christmas Eve - Sunday, December 24 Thursday, December 14 7:15am & 4:30pm To fulfill Sunday obligation: 6:30am, 8:00am, 9:30am, Saturday, December 16 4:00pm * 11:00am, 12:30pm Sunday, December 17 7:00pm Tuesday, December 19 7:00pm To fulfill Christmas obligation: 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm Thursday, December 21 7:15am & 4:30pm (Tridentine), 12:00 Midnight (Adult Choir and Orchestra - Saturday, December 23 3:30pm * music begins at 11:00pm) Sunday, December 24 No Confessions Tuesday, December 26 7:00pm Christmas Day - Monday, December 25 Thursday, December 28 7:15am & 4:30pm Church: 6:30am, 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm Saturday, December 30 4:00pm * (There will be no Tridentine Mass) Sunday, December 31 7:00pm New Year s Eve - Sunday, December 31 *In the Holy Family Chapel in the Ministry Center To fulfill Sunday obligation: 6:30am, 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm, 5:30pm (Tridentine), 8:00pm New Year s Day - Monday, January 1 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God - obligation abrogated Church: 6:30am, 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm (There will be no Tridentine Mass) Volunteers Needed to Clean the Church Tuesday, December 19th at 9:00am We are looking for help to do a thorough cleaning of the Church for the celebration of Christmas. If you would like to give a few hours of your time, please call Susan at: Thank you. Volunteers Needed to Decorate the Church The church will be decorated for Christmas on Friday, December 22nd, starting after the 8:00am Mass and continuing until finished. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. No RSVP is necessary. Please join us to help make our church beautiful!

4 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 4 WISH SAINTS PETER & PAUL SCHOOL A MERRY CHRISTMAS and SAVE ON TAXES Beginning with Thanksgiving and running through Christmas, we are in a wonderful time of year when our focus is on family, our blessings, and a desire to make those we love happy. However, before we even take our tree and outdoor lights down, our mail box is filled with reminders that tax season is soon upon us. What if you could have the best of both worlds? Share your gifts with those institutions and ministries which are important to you and also save on taxes. Now you can and here are two ways to do so. IRA Charitable Rollover First, you can take advantage of the opportunity to make a difference with a tax-free gift from your IRA to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School by December 31. If you re 70½ years or older, you can contribute up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School without including the amount in gross income. Appreciated Stocks A second option is donating appreciated stocks. If you have held stocks for more than one year that have increased in value, you ll avoid capital gains taxes by gifting all, or a portion, of the stock to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School. Should you be seriously considering a gift of stock, please reach out to your tax professional regarding the tax savings prior to contacting Tom Boler, our parish Finance Manager, for transfer instructions. All stock transfers must go through the diocesan broker and be completed prior to December 31, PARISH SACRIFICIAL GIVING We sincerely thank everyone for their generosity and support. For the new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, the weekly Sunday collection budget is $45,877 (based on 51 Sundays) NOVEMBER 2017 Sunday Collections Year-to-Date compared to Budget - Surplus / (Deficit) $ (32,256) Actual Fiscal Year-to-Date Average Sunday Collections (22 Sundays) $ 44,411 About Contributions. Did you know you could set up automatic donations? The enrollment and set up process is straightforward. Just visit the parish website main page ( and select online giving. When using a plain white or a temporary envelope (like the one pictured below), please remember to include your envelope number on either your check or somewhere on the envelope. This will help us give you proper credit for your donation. Thank you for your continued support. Please Remember... We need your help in order to keep our Parish Registry up-to-date. When you move, please let us know if you plan on staying as a parishioner. Thank you.

5 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 5 Give Fathers Milota, Marek, Maciej, and McGeean the greatest Christmas gift of all your prayers! Join the parish for a Holy Hour with Benediction on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Tuesday, December 12th at 7:30pm in the Holy Family Chapel in the Ministry Center to pray that God will give great graces to the priests of our parish. Bring the whole family to pray and sign a Christmas card for our priests! Join Bishop Conlon on a Pilgrimage to Ireland from September 17-25, Register by February 15 th, Contact Penny Borello at or PBorello@gmail.com. Join us for our annual Christmas Buffet Luncheon and Party Tuesday, Dec. 12th at 11:00am Ministry Center Social Hall Cost: $10.00 Everyone is welcome to attend. Please write your checks to: Ss Peter and Paul Church and send to Sister Sandra Zorko in the Parish Office by December 5th. Questions? Call Sister Sandra at: (630)

6 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 6 State of Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Receive up to 100% of Catholic School Tuition The State of Illinois has created a new way to fund scholarships for children who choose to attend Catholic schools through the Invest in Kids Act. Scholarships offered through this program have the potential to cover up to 100 percent of tuition and eligible charges for next school year. The Empower Illinois Scholarship Granting Organization will be operational and will have application information around December 15, 2017, and anticipates accepting applications January 2, These dates are subject to change. Visit for up-to-date details. State of Illinois Invest in Kids Act Support Catholic Education and Receive a 75% Tax Credit The State of Illinois has created a new way to fund scholarships for children who choose to attend Catholic schools through the Invest in Kids Act. Scholarships offered through this program have the potential to cover up to 100 percent of tuition and eligible charges for next school year. Under the Tax Credit Scholarship Program in the Invest in Kids Act, individuals and corporations will make donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO) that will distribute scholarships to qualified students. Tax credits will be available on a first come, first serve basis beginning January 2, Benefit to Donors Individual or corporate donors will receive a 75 percent tax credit, up to $1 million, for donations made to a SGO on their 2018 State of Illinois tax return. Example: a scholarship donation of $1,000 will provide a $750 tax credit to a corporate or individual Illinois taxpayer. Individual (non-corporate) donors may designate their parish school or all Joliet diocesan schools to receive their scholarship donation. Visit for details.

7 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 7 We Teach More Parents who enroll their children at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School are not only looking for them to reach their highest academic potential, we believe that parents enroll their children because we are a child-centered school that teaches values and morals based on the Catholic religion. Our highly skilled educators incorporate faith into their lessons no matter the subject. In Fr. Milota s words, We form children in the Catholic Faith loving God and neighbor. Our students come to know and love Jesus Christ in His Church through daily prayer, celebration of the Mass weekly, prayer time before the Blessed Sacrament, daily catechesis, and praying the Stations of the Cross. Our students also have the opportunity to attend weekly prayer services in preparation for Advent and Lent. If you are interested in learning more about Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School, please contact Meg Olsen, Marketing and Enrollment Director, at: molsen@sspeterandpaulschool.com or Preschool Pals Program Come join the fun! Nearly every Wednesday of the school year from 9:00am to 10:00am we gather preschool children for an enjoyable hour of crafts, games, stories, sing-a-longs and a treat. Preschoolers (along with a parent) are invited to join us in the lower level of the Ministry Center to meet friends and have a great time. Upcoming dates for Preschool Pals are December 13th, January 10th, 17th, and 24th. Kindly RSVP to Meg Olsen at molsen@sspeterandpaulschool.com for one or more of the events at least two days prior to the event.

8 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 8 Holy Matrimony Policy of Saints Peter and Paul Parish We will begin scheduling 2019 wedding dates on Tuesday, January 2, Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church rejoices with you as you prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Because of the large number of weddings at Saints Peter & Paul and, in order to accommodate our parishioners, there are some guidelines which must be followed as you prepare for your wedding. The parish will set a date when contacted by only the bride or groom themselves. We are not able to set a wedding date with parents, grandparents, relatives or friends unless the bride and groom are both serving in the military service abroad. All arrangements are also made only with the bride and groom. Either the bride or groom themselves, or either set of parents, must be registered parishioners for a minimum of three months before the parish will check the calendar for a wedding date. The parish will also permit any individual who has been confirmed in the parish or graduated from our parish school or graduated from North Central College to be married at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church following all other requirements and given the permission of their proper pastor. The Diocese of Joliet requires a minimum preparation period of 6 months. This means that your wedding date cannot be sooner than six months from the time that the parish confirms your date with you. (If you phone the parish and your date is set on February 1st, the earliest that you can get married is August 1st.) To clarify, if you are newly registered here, there will be a 9 month period before your wedding can take place. Stipends for weddings are as follows: Registered active parishioners of one year or longer $ Inactive parishioners (non-contributing at the time the wedding is booked) $1, New parishioners (registered less than one year at the time the wedding is booked) $1, Note: Fees for parish stipend, parish organist and cantors are included in the above offering amounts; however fees for brass and violins are not included in this fee. For those couples who are not registered parishioners but whose parents are, the above guidelines apply to the relevant registered parishioners. The stipend check should be made out Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, listing the wedding date and time on the memo line. Please insure that your check is submitted to the parish office no later than one month after booking your wedding. (Wedding stipends will be refunded for any cancellation if the parish is notified no later than one month prior to your originally scheduled wedding date.) Couples must be engaged prior to setting a wedding date. A date will not be scheduled if Holy Matrimony is only a possibility. Participation in a Pre-Cana workshop and two dates of God s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage is required for those preparing for Holy Matrimony at Saints Peter & Paul. Classes are offered quarterly at Saints Peter & Paul. Please check the parish website for a list of upcoming sessions: There is no fee for your participation at our Parish if you are being married here; however if your Holy Matrimony is at another Parish, the fee for these class is $ Participation in one instructional class on Natural Family Planning is required for those preparing for Holy Matrimony at Saints Peter & Paul. Classes are offered online for a fee of $49. Please login at Make sure to obtain a certificate verifying your participation and submit to the parish office so that it may be included in your marriage file. Please be aware, that when a Catholic is marrying a non-catholic, your Sacrament of Holy Matrimony will be celebrated with a ceremony that does not include the reception of Holy Communion. In these cases, one of our deacons may be assigned to prepare you for and to celebrate your Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony may not be scheduled if either party has been previously married without first speaking to one of the priests. The secretary will ask this question when taking the initial information. The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is scheduled here on Fridays at 4:00 PM and on Saturdays at noon and 2:30 PM. Rehearsals for Friday Holy Matrimony are at 6:00 PM on the Thursday before; rehearsals for Saturday noon Holy Matrimony are at 6:00 PM on the Friday before; and rehearsals for Saturday 2:30 PM Holy Matrimony are at 7:00 PM on the Friday before. Holy Matrimony and rehearsal times are not negotiable. Due to the large number of Masses (11 Masses) on Sundays, the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is not celebrated on Sundays. To schedule a wedding date, call the Parish office during regular office hours, or stop by the Parish Office during regular office hours.

9 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 9 Saints Peter and Paul Young Adults Find us on Facebook at Sts. Peter and Paul Young Adults Want to be included on the Young Adult s? Contact Tiffany Pyle at tpyle@sspeterandpaul.net. Thank you! Thanks to everyone who donated to our March for Life fundraiser! We are so grateful for your support as we travel to Washington D.C. and proclaim the value of human life from conception. White Elephant Advent Party December 22nd, 7-9pm in the Teen Zone What s a White Elephant Party? Bring the most random gift from your house to give to another teen. It could be an old snow globe, halfused coloring book, or that weird hoodie you never wear! Contact Jared Rutnicki at with questions. The Immaculate Conception Father, You prepared the Virgin Mary to be the worthy mother of your Son. You let her share beforehand in the salvation Christ would bring by his death, and kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception. Help us by her prayers to live in your presence without sin. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen Prepare the Way of the King by Dr. Scott Hahn Dr. Scott Hahn - one of the most eminent Catholic theologians in our country today - reveals what scholars now know about the shepherds, the mysterious Magi, and King Herod. Your Advent journey will take on new meaning as you prepare your heart for the birth of our Lord. This illuminating presentation is sure to help you grow in appreciation of the greatest gift ever given to mankind Jesus Christ. I love the historical aspects of this CD. The speaker has done his homework and has a vast knowledge of the life and times of the ancient Jewish people. He was also so witty and funny, making it easy to listen to. Natalie ON I am grateful for the sharing of the perception of different people then, and the significance of the events, and how we should prepare ourselves for Advent. Koh Ting Ting This revealing look into the culture of Jesus' day and the principal characters surrounding His birth gives an even deeper understanding of the miracle of Christmas! Judith - Essex, VT Caring for Caregivers Nourish for Caregivers Informational Workshop The SSPP pastoral ministry will be presenting a workshop on Thursday evening, January 18th at 6pm, about the program created in our diocese called Nourish - a Christ centered ministry, a group designed for caregivers. Virtually every one of us will care for a loved one at some time in our life. Though rewarding, it is not always easy. Nourish provides caregivers a faith perspective, as well as practical and emotional support, useful tools, and shared experience. The purpose of the workshop is to see if there is an interest in our parish for such a group. We will be interested in finding participants as well as one or two people who might want to facilitate the monthly Nourish meetings. If there is sufficient interest in such a group, we will begin meeting in February on Thursday evenings on a monthly basis. If interested in learning more, please join us Thursday, Jan 18th, at 6pm in the upper level of the Ministry Center. Contact Paulette Shea, parish nurse or Deacon Joe Verdico for more information.

10 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 10 Saint Vincent de Paul When we keep our focus on God and serve one another, God exalts us! Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and its patron, Saint Vincent de Paul. Would you like to learn more or are you in need of assistance? If so, call Saint Vincent de Paul reminder... The Christmas season is a season of giving as our Lord gives of Himself. This season you can help others less fortunate when purchasing your gifts on Amazon Smile by designating Saint Vincent de Paul as your charity. Amazon will make a contribution to the society for every purchase made. Thank you. NEWS FROM THE KNIGHTS Knights of Columbus Council No E. Ogden Ave., Naperville, IL Saturday, 12/16: St. Raphael Blood Drive - 7:00am-12:30pm - Donors Needed Saturday, 12/16: Rosary at Planned Parenthood - 9:00am (Alex Rechenmacher) - Prayers Needed Saturday, 12/16: Caroling at St. Patrick s Residence - 1:15-2:30pm (Al Knoeck) - Carolers Needed Sunday, 12/31: Fifth Sunday Rosary - 10:30am - Location tba The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Men s Fraternal Service Organization founded by Father McGivney. All of the good works we do are informed by our four core principles: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The Knights also have an insurance program that has a top notch rating. For more information, please contact our Grand Knight, John Zabinski at or our Membership Director, Nick Thompson at The Kaycee Cub Hall is available for parties and meetings. The Naperville Knights of Columbus meets there on the first Tuesday every month. Contact Al Knoeck at for more information. Our aluminum can collection has been a great success. It has provided us the funding we need to support our priests and seminarians. Please continue to drop off your aluminum cans next to the trailer behind the Kaycee Club Hall. Transitional Housing Ministry Just a reminder We will be meeting on Wednesday, December 13th at 10:00am in the St. Paul Center for a little Christmas cheer. We will also be making gift bags with prayer shawls and scarves, which will be brought to nearby nursing homes and memory care facilities. Please plan to join us, and as always, your time and talent is truly appreciated. Advent is a time of reflection and preparation. Please consider a gift to the Transitional Housing Ministry in your plans. The offerings in the pink envelopes not only provide funds for rent, but also empower families to become self-sufficient. What a gift that is! For more information on the Transitional Housing Ministry, call Jack Flowers at For more information, call Paulette at:

11 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 11 Mark s Gospel Corner Today, on the Second Sunday of Advent, the reason for our watchfulness, urgently repeatedly in last Sunday s Gospel, is revealed in the first lines of Mark s Gospel: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus בּ ר אשׁ ית, Genesis, Christ the Son of God. Intentionally using the same opening word from the Book of meaning beginning, Mark heralds a new beginning, a new advent, a new creation in Christ. 1 The Greek word for Gospel, εὐαγγελίου, meaning good news or glad tidings, is an ancient literary device used to announce the birth of a great king or to proclaim a military victory. Here Mark applies it to Jesus Christ. He is the great King who accomplishes victory over sin and death our greatest enemy. The name Jesus, ) Yeshuaי שׁוּע in Hebrew), is a derivative of the verb meaning "to rescue or deliver." 2 In the Old Testament book of Nehemiah 8:17, the name refers to Joshua son of Nun, the successor of Moses, as leader of the Israelites. 3 In the book of Deuteronomy 18:18, God promised to raise up a prophet like Moses to deliver His people. Jesus is that prophet, like Moses but He is much more than a prophet. The word Christ (in Greek, Χριστοῦ or Christou, and in Hebrew, מ שׁ יח or Messiah), means the Anointed One. Just as David was chosen by God and anointed king of Israel, Jesus is the Anointed One, the Son of David and Son of God. Only three times in Mark s Gospeldoes a mere human refer to Jesus as the Son of God. It occurs at the beggining of the Gospel, at the trial of Jesus by the high priest, and at the end of the Gospel: And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, Surely this man was the Son of God! (Mk 15:39). Mark s use of this title at the beginning and end of his Gospel is intended to shed light on all that takes place within the Gospel. Inclusion, or sandwiching material, between a title or a phase is a common literary devise used by Mark. 4 Mark continues with as it has been written (a typical formula used when citing the Scriptures) as he wants to emphasize that what took place through Jesus was intended by God and foretold by the prophets. The passage from Isaiah is actually an amalgamation of three Old Testament passages: Exodus 23:20, Malachi 3:1, and Isaiah 40:1. (This process of attributing a collection of passages to one source was commonly done in first century Judaism and Christianity either for ease of quotation or to emphasis a particular point.) 5 Mark purposely quotes Exodus: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way, which refers to Yahweh s deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt. It is God in Mark s Gospel who speaks and acts first it is He who takes the initiative. The prophet Malachi (his name means messenger) has a similar passage: Now I am sending my messenger he will prepare the way before me; and the lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple. Malachi speaks of one who will judge the Jewish priests and leaders for their abuses and call for true worship. Clearly, Mark has in mind Jesus s cleansing of the Temple. Finally, Mark modifies a passage from Isaiah 40:1-3 (today s first reading) which recalls the second exodus when God delivered His people from captivity in Babylon: A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. God Himself will clear a path for all to people to see. 6 Mark utilizes this passage from Isaiah to announce that God is revealing the glory of the Lord through Jesus, His Son, to comfort and redeem all His children. Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; indeed, she has received from the hand of the Lord double for all her sins (Is 40:1-2). The tenderness of God comes out through these words of Isaiah and we are led to understand that God has not punished for punishment sake, but to draw Israel back to Himself, the source of life and happiness. These quotations prepare us for the final prophetic messenger John the Baptist who will prepare the way of the Lord. John announces the final Exodus when God, in the Person of Jesus, will deliver us from death by laying down His life. Just as John pointed the way to Christ, we too must do. Jesus must increase and we must decrease. Our focus must be on Christ and His kingdom rather than on ourselves or passing treasures. Advent is a time to ponder what God has done for us and what He has prepared for us when we see Him face to face. It is a time for repentance and preparation for His final coming. 1Joel Marcus, Mark 1-8, The Anchor Bible, pp Brown Driver Briggs, Hebrew and English Lexicon; Hendrickson Publishers Michael D. Coogan, A Brief Introduction to the Old Testament, pages , Oxford University Press, See Mark 14:10 27 The Last Supper, the institution of Eucharist is sandwiched between Judas betrayal and Peter s denial, reminding us that even though we receive Him, we are still capable of betraying or denying Him. 5Marcus, p Carroll Stuhlmueller, The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 40-66, Old Testament Reading Guide, pp For more information about Mark s Gospel Corner, Robert.J.Schuhriemen@gmail.com

12 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 12 THE SICK Please remember in your prayers, the following people who are seriously ill and others who are suffering with long-term or terminal illnesses: Kristine Agnich Loretta Agnich Kelsey Allen Manuel O. Alonzo Marlene Annerino Thomas Arra Barnabas Barretto Alli Bayer Lorraine Blackburn Matt Bloodgood Luciana Bodero Dona Bootz Patricia Botello Sam Brewster Rose Briceno Ceal Brown Evelyn Brown Charles Bruce Mary Bruce Catherine Bruck Chris Bruni D Arcy Bruni Rachel Bryan Ruth Burnes Jonathan Calero JoAnn Cannizzaro Don Cassa Colette Cerulla Gloria Cervany Mary Beth Cesare Steve Chalupnik Casey Cherry Dan Condon Kathy Condon Joe Condon Michael Condon Catherine Corn Susan David Mary Davis Scott Dawson Anthony Dean Edward Dean Paul DeMuro Teogenes Diores Mary Dorn Inez Dreger Donald Drever Erica Drew Kevin Drew Louise Dubnik Karen Eggen Robert Eigenbauer Maria Fairman Charles Farrell Thomas Farrell Don Feldott Theresa Feranec Bill Ferguson Sam Filicicchia George Franicevic Mary Ann Freitag Trish Gannon Rafael Garcia Charlie Gard Susan Gardner Maria Gargol Pat Geary Lucas Gerber Mary Gerten Mr. Gladwin Joe Gorman Ronald Grassi Marynell Greer Eleanor Grimes Roberta Grimes Nikki Gudall Don Haas Dennis Habbley Sue Hall Ann Hamilton Mark Hansen Don Hargis Wayne Harrison Mary Beth Harmon Wayne Harrison Katherine Hayes Judy Healy Sami Henderson Gloria Hermes John Hermes Mark Herwaldt Scott Hichew Penny Holtz Fr. Slawomir Ignasik Charlie Ingrassia Paul Ingrassia Frank Iori Abraham Isaac Carol Jablonsky Margaret Jablonsky Michael Jacobs Stanley Jagiello Jan Janczak Laurie Karuhn Georgianne Katek John Kennedy Erminia Kieback Marion Kinney Paul Knigge, Sr. Laura Kochel Kevin Konvalinka Janet Kopacz Suzanne Krauss Thomas Krauss Rose Kupsche Ed Kurazawa Father Roger Kutzner Rosemary Krystek Jeanine LaBelle Robert Laing Beverly Leannais Michele Letizia Ken Lietz Mary Lietz Michael Lietz Mary Ellen Ligas Noah Lindsay Rita Lisson Vi Livernash Marge Loehrke Grayson Scott Long Tom Lubecki Maria Macedo Monica Macedo Lillian Magiera Joan Marchaterre Rose Marks Michael Marra Sam Marra Jr. Luisa Matta Benjamin Mauloff Lori Maxwell Aurora Bredith Mayor Jeanette P. McCann Scott McNally Fr. Vytas Memenas Patti Menconi James Mikolay Mikel Mikolay Fr. Elias Mills Betty Lou Milota Ted Minassian Roy Mitchell Barb Moceri Rosa Montoya Kathy Moran Avila V. Moreno Marie Morgan Diane Mrizek Armando Navar Maria Suong Nguyen Eugene Niziolek Mercedes Niziolek Ryan Novak Ann Nowak Fr. James Nowak Kathleen O Brien Nicole O Brien Nancy O Hara James O. Olimpiada We wish to offer our sympathy and a promise of our prayers to family and friends on the deaths of: Carole Ann Nootens, Margaret O Malley, baby Evans Prayer Intentions Margaret O Malley Vaclovas Opolskas Vidas Opolskas Alissa Osslund Matthew Ousterout Susan Pankow Jos Panny Maricar Penamante Kathleen Pervan Dorothy Pfeuffer John Pfeuffer Carolyn Preston Kate Preston Shiela Prue Deacon Ed Ptacek Carson Pytell Sharon Pworek Bella Raffin Ray Ragusa Charles Rankin Laverne Rasmussen Mary Rauch Al Rechenmacher Max Reitzel Sylvia Richter Laura Rott Harrison Ruzicka Cindy Ryan Mary Sagen Maria San Juan Catherine Sawner Roger Schmith Dr. Patty Schupfer Chuck Schweiger Mary Anna Shackleford Mary Grace Shane Brian Shaughnessey Debra Shea Terry Shoup Ella Siears Ysabelle Simbol Joan Skapy Irene Slowik Edward Slowik Caryl Steimel Paul Steiner John Stewart Tom Stone Jim G. Super Joel Super Mary Switt Mark Szachnitowski Nancy Tarulis Frances Tavernaro Jeannie Thorpe John Thorpe Burt Toepp Bernice Tokarski Akiko Toyohara Roz Turner Sharon Tworek Christopher Vacek Edwin Valle Diane Varner David Velez Charles Villaseñor Martha Vinson Nello Vitorinelli Marge Weiss Michael Weller Marie Williams Janice Wilson Andrew Winckler John Winckler Sylvia Wolfe Armando Yparraguirre Ricardo Yparraguirre Geri Yudchitz Deacon Kevin Zeeb Roberta Zielinski Jayne Zenker Helen Zgoda Mary Elizabeth Zink PRAYING FOR THE SICK AND DECEASED If you wish to have the name of a family member or friend included in the Petition for the Sick, which is read at weekend Masses, you must call the Parish Office by 9:00a.m. on the Friday before. Your loved one s name will automatically be added onto the sick list in the bulletin the following weekend. If you add a loved one s name to the petition when you come to Mass, please follow up with a phone call to the Parish Office on the following Monday, so the name may be included with the sick list in the bulletin. Call the Parish Office at to add, remove or keep a name on the sick list. Any names received after 9:00a.m. on the Friday will be included in the following weekend s prayers. Deceased loved ones who are buried by Saints Peter and Paul Parish are automatically named in the bulletin and in the petition read at weekend Masses. Other recently deceased loved ones may be added to the petitions by calling the Parish Office by 9:00a.m. on Friday. U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joseph Burns 2nd Lt. Daniel Caddigan Captain Nick DuPre Major Frank Girdwain Sgt. Mike McDonnell Sr. Airman Steve McDonnell Lt. Theodore M. Jackson Sgt. Zachary McKenty Captain Scott Paeth Sr. Airman Daniel Shea Senior Airma n Amanda Shea Sgt. Dan Steenstra U.S. Army PVT Justin Bielefeld Captain Michael Caddigan Captain John J. Case Major Mary Cassidy Lt. Col. Richard Collage Major Tom Crane SPC Nick Gedvilas Major Thomas E. Goerling Sgt. Anthony Gorup SPC Jarred Hampton Lt. Col. Sean Hermick Sgt. Kellen Jones 1 Lt. Josh Laz Captain Stephen Laz Captain Aimee Laz Park 2 Lt. Connor Mulhere SPC Steven Powell Major Michael Predny Captain Andrew J. Prunty Captain Daniel Rickert 1st Lt. David Rickert Harrison Ruzicka, SPEC. 4 Sgt. 1st Class Pamela Schmecht Please Remember in Prayer our Men and Women Serving in the Military U.S. Army (cont d) SPC Robert Surran Sgt. Craig Vladika Major Eileen Cassidy U.S. Navy LCDR Thomas Bock LCDR Tom Kuhrt Captain Anthony Giglio Commander Michael Jelinek Commander Chris Kurgan Lieutenant JG Patrick Marsh Lt. Dustin Flaum Lt. Kaleb Moore Lt. Kasey Scheel Lt. Matthew Scheel Ensign Michael Schmitz U.S. Marine Corps Major Kevin Bowler Captain Donald J. Carlsen CWO2 John Crites Sgt. Richard DiBiaso PFC Jonathon Dragovan Sgt. Luke Focer LCPL Ryan Goralski 2nd Lt. Eric Hovey Sgt. Ivan Karamysev Major Pete Keough Gy Sgt. Conor Mahoney LCPL Matthew Prasse Corporal Joseph Taylor Staff Sgt. Marcin Tutaj U.S. Coast Guard P.D. John McNellis B.M.3 Andrew Parent If you would like to have a serviceman or woman included in the military remembrance list in the bulletin, please call the Parish Office at To arrange a welcome home for your soldier or marine, contact Donna Morsovillo of Operation Welcome You Home at or donna@welcomeyouhome.org.

13 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 13 Pray With Us COME AND ADORE HIM IN THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT... Visit our Saint Francis Adoration Chapel - Open 24/7 Please consider visiting with our Lord at these times. Call Barb at or blandiak@gmail.com. St. Francis Chapel of Eucharistic Adoration Flame of Faith Candles Six candles burn perpetually around the Blessed Sacrament in our St. Francis Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. The burning candles serve as a constant prayer before the Lord, present in the Blessed Sacrament. Envelopes for you to have your intention remembered with one of these candles and prayed for ONE WEEK (Sunday to Sunday) are available in the Adoration Chapel. The intentions will be published in the bulletin. Flame of Faith Intentions for This Week The seven-day Devotional Candles, at the altar of our Lord, in the Saint Francis Adoration Chapel, are being offered for the following intentions: 1. For complete healing of all troubled marriages. 2. For the Holy souls in Purgatory. 3. For the repose of the soul of deceased members of the Telega and Walsh families. 4. For three children to find good holy spouses. 5. For special intention. 6. For the repose of the soul of Terry Shoup. PRAYER NETWORK Sunday 11AM Saturday 2AM Monday 10AM Saturday 7PM Saturday 10PM Sit quietly and just be in the presence of God. Think of a visit to the Blessed Sacrament as coming to see your best friend. Instead of talking to the Lord, try listening to what He wants to tell you. EVENING PRAYER AND BENEDICTION Please join us for Evening Prayer (Vespers) and Benediction, held every Thursday at 6:00p.m. in the St. Francis Adoration Chapel. December VOCATION PRAYER CALENDAR Remember these men and women in your daily prayers Priests, Deacons, Seminarians and Women & Men Religious in the Diocese of Joliet 10 Frs. Jose Cilia, Robert Colaresi, David Dillon, Jeffery Smialek O.Carm 11 Srs. Mary Brian Costello, Mary Jo Keane, Teresa Maltby RSM Dolores Blahaus, Teresa Victoria DiBrizzi, Mary Paul Metivier SH (HHS) 12 Art Martinez (Deacon Candidate) 13 Srs. Catherine Tighe SH(HHS) Joan Shields, Adrienne Weseman SNDdeN 14 Srs. Rosa Pan, Rosemary Rafter, Sharon Richards, Rosemary Ward SP 15 Frs. Albert Heidecke & Hugh Fullmer 16 Frs. Michael O Keefe, Glenn Snow, Jose Luis Torres, Edward Ward, John Welch O.Carm Rosary Come pray with us on Tuesday evenings in the Church beginning at 7:30 PM. With our Rosaries, we will ask Our Lady to intercede for our Holy Father s special intention of the month, as well as for our own intentions and for world peace without the threat of terrorism. If there is a special intention that you would like to have remembered during the weekly Rosary, please sspprosary@gmail.com or come to the Tuesday Rosary to add your intention. Legion of Mary at Saints Peter & Paul You are invited to join us in praying the rosary and devotional prayers in the spirit of faith and in union with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Meetings are Tuesdays at 6:00pm in the Ministry Center. Contact Judy Vissepo at or Toni Napolitano at Please call Jay Albarran at

14 December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 14 SAINTS PETER AND PAUL CHURCH 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville, IL (Fax) Office Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5:00PM Website: Facebook: SS Peter and Paul PRIESTS Father Thomas Milota, Pastor Father Maciej Stelmach, Parochial Vicar Father Marek Herbut, Parochial Vicar Father John McGeean, In Residence PERMANENT DEACONS Deacon Ron Brown Deacon Michael Crowell Deacon Will Marrero Deacon Kevin Neis Deacon Roger Novak Deacon Thomas Rehak Deacon Joe Verdico PARISH OFFICE Pastor s Administrative Asst: Jessica Payne Office Administrator: Annmarie Baughman Bulletin Editor: Cynthia Kennedy BUSINESS OFFICE Finance Manager: Tom Boler Accountant: Christine LaMourie Accounting Assistant: Rhonda Mucerino Facilities Manager: Louis Pozek SCHOOL OFFICE... (PHONE) Principal: Karen Meskill... (FAX) NEW EVANGELIZATION Director: Tiffany Pyle Administrative Asst/Webmaster: Denise Stephen RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE ATTENDANCE (FAX) Director of Religious Education & Children s Ministry: Theresa Pratt Parish Staff Directory Associate Director of Religious Education & Youth Ministry: Jared Rutnicki Office Manager: Peggy Partipilo RE Administrative Assistant: Debbie Mulay SACRED WORSHIP Director of Sacred Music: Matthew S. Sprinkle Administrative Assistant: Pam Vose Liturgical Ministries Coordinator: Deacon Michael Crowell SERVICE MINISTRY Director: Deacon Joe Verdico PARISH NURSE / PASTORAL MINISTRY Paulette Shea SENIOR SERVICES Deacon Joe Verdico, Communion Call Coordinator Paulette Shea, Parish Nurse Sr. Sandra Zorko, OSF, Young at Heart Director NURSERY COORDINATOR Donna Widmann WEDDING COORDINATOR Pam Adamski PERPETUAL ADORATION VOIC x2442 PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS: Kelly Heffron, President / Parish Life Commission Terry McHugh, Vice President / Worship Commission Dick Pugliese, Secretary / Christian Service Commission Thomas Gavin, Administration Commission Cheri Obendorf, Religious Education Commission Steve Obendorf, New Evangelization Commission Tobias Schlueter, School Board Representative Sarah Bogusz, Member at Large Barb Hoyt, Member at Large Scott Jenkins, Member at Large Stewart Mattson, Member at Large Charles Millington, Member at Large John Moravecek, Member at Large