December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 1

Transcription

1 December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 1 December 17, 2017 THIRD 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) Make straight the way of the Lord -John 1:23 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 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 2 Readings For The Week 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 (A) 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 Holy Family Chapel 9:30 AM Deceased members of Nagel & Whitt families 11:00 AM Adnan Matar Monday, December 18 6:45 AM Lorraine Block 8:00 AM Intentions of Sister Kathleen Hickey 5:15 PM Emma Alegre (A) Tuesday, December 19 6:45 AM Thomas Mathern 8:00 AM Toni Cooper 5:15 PM Adnan Matar (A) Wednesday, December 20 6:45 AM Intentions of Bajaj & Malhotra families 8:00 AM Richard Bobrek 5:15 PM Elizabeth, George and Richard Polick Thursday, December 21 6:45 AM Saints Peter and Paul parishioners 8:00 AM Alma M. Haidu 5:15 PM Thomas Albarran (B) Friday, December 22 6:30 AM Caitlynn Riblet 8:00 AM Joseph Gerten Saturday, December 23 6:45 AM Saints Peter and Paul parishioners 8:00 AM Virginia Tedesco Vigil Masses for Fourth Sunday of Advent 5:00 PM Deceased members of Koretke, Senft, Krass, and Rohmer families 6:30 PM Saints Peter and Paul parishioners Sunday, December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent 6:30 AM Irma Zoller 8:00 AM William Hermann and Morgan Serino 9:30 AM Saints Peter and Paul parishioners 11:00 AM Richard and Margaret Rechenmacher 12:30 PM Vincent Esposito; James & Jen Esposito; Marie and Dom Imburgia 4:00 PM Caroline Dolan 6:00 PM Mark Curtis 8:00 PM Saints Peter and Paul Parishioners (LATIN MASS) 12:00 AM Annunziata Rovai Holy Family Chapel 9:30 AM Saints Peter and Paul parishioners 11:00 AM Joe Kaupsche (B) 4:00 PM Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Kucharczyk Ministry Center Social Hall 4:00 PM Saints Peter and Paul parishioners Monday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Friday: Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1: Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38 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 We will be mailing year-end contribution statements to our parishioners by the end of January. If you have changed your address, please call the Parish Office by January 5th at to update us of any changes so that you can receive your tax deductible statement without delay. The Parish Office will be closed beginning on Monday, December 25th and will re-open on Tuesday, January 2nd at 7:30a.m. Saints Peter and Paul School Reminder All School Mass - December 21st - 8:00am in the Church

3 December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 3 A Message from our Pastor Dear Parishioners, Light the Way Thank You! Thank you to Ray Jones and the Light the Way committee for another successful event. Once again, we achieved our goal and the funds will go to our Christian Service Commission to help those in need. Thank you to Dick Pugliese, Deacon Joe Verdico and our Christian Service Commission for their responsible stewardship of these donations. Bishop Siegel This last Friday, Bishop Siegel was installed as the Bishop of the Diocese of Evansville, Indiana. You may remember Bishop Siegel from the many masses he celebrated with us here. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as he takes on this new responsibility. Rumors Let s Rise Above Them My friends, there have been many wonderful rumors going around since I made the announcement that I would be stepping down as pastor in January to care for my ailing mother. One of the best is that a lay person will be appointed administrator until June, when a new pastor will be appointed. I hate to burst your bubble, but, unfortunately, there is one thing I can tell you, The Administrator will not be a lay person. This is canonically impossible. If anyone has said this to you, you can take them off your list of people who know what is happening. I guess you would call this Fake News. I am just waiting for the next rumor they are often quite interesting and creative even if ridiculous! My friends, I know this is an anxious time for the parish, but let s concentrate on faith and trust as opposed to rumor and innuendo when it comes to the future of our parish. In Christ, Fr. Thomas A. Milota Remember to keep those who have died in your prayers. Thank you to the volunteers who will be helping us clean and decorate the Church. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Pray this beautiful prayer for the Faithful Departed from Novena for the Relief of the Poor Souls in Purgatory, by a missionary of the Sacred Heart. O most compassionate Jesus, have mercy on the souls detained in Purgatory for whose redemption Thou didst take upon Thee our nature and endure a bitter death. Mercifully hear their sighs, look with pity on the tears which they now shed before Thee and, by virtue of Thy Passion, release them from the pains due unto their sins. O most merciful Jesus, let They Precious Blood reach down into Purgatory and refresh and revive the captive souls which suffer there. Stretch forth unto them Thy strong right hand and bring them forth into the place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen. Let us pray a great deal for them and they will pray for us. Venerable Cure d Ars

4 December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 4 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) 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.

5 December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 5 Light the Way 2017 We Would Like To Thank the Following Sponsors For Their Generous Gifts: Dennis and Kathy Abboud Anchor Mechanical, Inc. Brad and Patricia Barenbrugge Michael and Margaret Brennan Jim and Lynn Cannon Cantore Construction The Cleaning Company Jerry and Carol Doll Mark and Janet Erlenborn Esser-Hayes Insurance Group Brent and Jane Fonner Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home Thomas and Elaine Gavin Steven and Julie Hall Bob and Paula Henry Paul and Laurie Hruskoci Tom and Rita Indresano Tom and Shelly Jaros Ray and Marilyn Jones Jeff and Stephanie Kastelic Peter Maggio Michael and Lorey Maszka Chuck and Regina Millington Loretta Quam Jeanne Rechenmacher, Coldwell Banker Patricia Riggs Saints Peter and Paul Home and School Association Frank and Thea Sakelaris Stanislaw and Marta Skaluba Small Smiles, LLC Jim and Melanie Stoffregen Ward Contracting and Building Restoration We Would Like To Thank the Following Individuals and Businesses For Their Support by Donating Items for Either the Live or Silent Auctions: Anderson s Bookshop Angeli's Italian Ristorante Beidelman Furniture Brand and Mary Ann Bobosky Mel and Elaine Brucher Celidan Florist Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants Cress Creek Country Club Jerry and Carol Doll Edie Boutique Bob and Grace Hanrehan Embassy Suites by Hilton John and Wendy Hennessy, River View Ford of Oswego Hugo's Frog Bar and Fish House Ray and Marilyn Jones Patricia Karwatowicz Jeff Kastelic Marianne Lisson Kuhn Little Luxuries J. McLaughlin Karen Meskill Chuck and Regina Millington Fr. Thomas Milota Kevin and Jennifer Nagle North Central College Fine and Performing Arts Oak Park Country Club Orchard Valley Golf Club Oswald s Health Mart Tom and Margaret Mary Powers Quigley s Irish Pub Raymes Steak and Seafood House David Reichle, American Wilbert Vault Rosebud Restaurants Sullivan's Steakhouse Strive Logistics Marty and Susan Szczech Trudy s Flowers The White Chocolate Grill Thank You to all those who supported the dinner by your attendance and donations. Also, Thank You to Ray Jones and his entire team from the parish and St. Patrick s Residence in organizing and executing the Light the Way Dinner.

6 December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 6 The Christian Service Commission and the 2017 Light the Way Dinner (December 7, 2017) Part I The members of the SSPP Christian Service Commission wish to extend to Mr. Ray Jones and his wonderful committee, our sincere gratitude for all of their effort in making this year s, and their twenty-first Light the Way Dinner, so successful. Additionally, we want to extend our thanks to Ray and Fr. Milota for so generously designating the CSC as one of the major recipients of the funds raised at this year s event. The commission is charged with vetting and designating the recipients of the charitable outreach funds from the parish. To date nearly 50 organizations and personnel including parochial, local, domestic, and international organizations are included in the CSC budget for One aspect of the commission s work is becoming more important as time goes by. We know that without priests, we have no Eucharist, and without the Eucharist at its core, our faith becomes very empty. We have been very fortunate at SSPP these past several years to have a consistent staff of three full time priests, and the help of many visiting and retired priests. We thank them sincerely for their service to our large parish. Some have said and written that our country has become somewhat of a mission territory. That may be true as our parish has benefitted from the past help of Fr. Raj from India, Fr. Rosimar from Brazil, and Frs. Mark, Sebastian, Maciej and Marek from Poland. We should mention also, Frs. Valentine and Maggiera from the Fraternity of St. Peter who continue to bring the Extraordinary Latin Mass form to our parish each Sunday evening. This Mass form was originally brought to SSPP by Fr. Scott Haynes from the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius parish in Chicago. We mention this influx of priests from other countries coming to help us because the CSC, among it other designated charities, is focusing on some of those that are working to help overcome the priest shortage that affects our entire country. One of those is the Mater Ecclesiae Fund for Vocations to the priesthood and religious life. This fund helps to reduce aspirants college loan debt which would otherwise prohibit them from following their calling. Over 10,000 people annually work on discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. 42% of them are impeded from pursuing that calling by an average student loan debt of $75,000. Those figures are staggering and a donation from SSPP to that fund can only help an otherwise difficult situation. Last year, and again in this fiscal year, the CSC is budgeting a stipend for each of our parish s eight young men who are in various levels of discernment and study for the priesthood. The commission members strongly felt that those young people should know of our parochial support, both spiritually and with some financial help, as well, for their many expenses. Again, we thank Fr. Milota and our parochial vicars for their efforts in finding and encouraging our young people to seriously consider the priestly needs of Christ s Church. To be continued... Please make sure to read Part II of The Christian Service Commission statement in the December 24th bulletin.

7 December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 7 1 st Annual Day of Service For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. -Mark 10:45 At Saints Peter and Paul school, we pride ourselves on instilling the qualities of Religion, Respect, and Responsibility within our students.throughout the course of the school year, our students are provided opportunities to serve in our local community in addition to the service hours they perform outside of school to meet their yearly service requirement. With the Christmas season upon us, it is a perfect time for our students to serve. On Thursday December 21 st, the Junior High students will be participating in their First Annual Day of Service in celebration of Christmas. The students efforts will include service for 7 different organizations. On that day our 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade students will be assisting with Christmas activities at Little Friends and Kroehler YMCA, Christmas caroling at St. Patrick s Residence and Villa St. Benedict, creating Birthday Party Bags for Loaves and Fishes, constructing paracord survival bracelets for Operation Gratitude and making tie blankets for A.D.O.P.T. pet shelter. 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 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 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 8

9 December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 9 Saints Peter and Paul Young Adults Thanks to all who came out in the cold for Mass and the Christkindlmarket! Cascade Ski Trip Thursday, January 4, 2018 (leave 6:30am and return at 8:00pm) Join the Naperville Catholic Youth Groups for a day of skiing at Cascade Mountain in Wisconsin! We will leave from the St. Thomas parking lot at 6:30am and return at approximately 8:00pm. Cost is $60 for the Ski or Snowboard package, including lift ticket, ski/board rental, safety helmet, and bus fee. An additional $5 charge is added if you want a lesson. Contact Jared Rutnicki at jrutnicki@sspeterandpaul.net or for details and registration forms. For youth in grades 9-12 th. Upcoming Events Sunday, January 14 th 11am Mass - Farewell to Fr. Milota Saturday, February 10 th Theology of the Body Relationships, Dating, and the Single Life - a View from the Cross with Deacon Kevin Neis Mass and Fellowship Dates Sunday, January 28 th Sunday, February 25 th Sunday, March 25 th Palm Sunday Sunday, April 29 th Sunday, May 27 th Sunday, June 24 th Deadline to register is Wednesday, December 27 th. Confession by Fr. Larry Richards 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. Based upon his proven and powerful parish mission presentation, Fr. Larry Richards talk on Confession has become the #1 talk in North America dealing with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He is riveting, honest, humorous, very human, and often touchingly gentle. Fr. Larry provides listeners with hope for a closer, healing relationship with Jesus Christ. I thoroughly enjoyed Fr. Richards' talk. It is easy to listen to and is comforting and reassuring to anyone going to confession. I think it is particularly good for newcomers to the Catholic Church. I will forward this talk to my brother-in-law who is new to the faith as well as to others in my family whom I'm sure will enjoy it also. Cheryl - Grovetown, GA Fr. Larry Richards all at once serious, lighthearted, and funny. Confession is a sacrament and a mercy. He invited people to come back to this sacrament and see it for what it is instead of feeling fearful or seeing it as an invasion of privacy - not necessary. It was convicting and inspiring. We loved it and will share it with others. Leslie - Geneseo, NY Father Larry is no-nonsense and tells it like it is. He gives insights into making a good confession that I haven't thought about before. This talk has inspired me to go to confession and more often. Corey - Kansas City, MO *Please note that the kiosk has been moved to the Ministry Center outside the Holy Family Chapel.*

10 December 17, 2017 THIRD 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 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. LOAVES AND FISHES COLLECTION NEWS FROM THE KNIGHTS Knights of Columbus Council No E. Ogden Ave., Naperville, IL Sunday, 12/31: Fifth Sunday Rosary - 10:30am - Location tba Tuesday, 1/2: Business Meeting - 7:30pm Sunday, 1/14: Chicago March for Life January 17-21: National March for Life Saturday, 1/20: Rosary at Planned Parenthood - 9:00am (Alex Rechenmacher) - Prayers Needed Sunday, 1/21: Free Throw Contest - 7:00-9:00pm at SSPP Gymnasium (Jared Rutnicki) 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 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 Please continue to place your donations on the steps in front of the communion rail in Church, or by the doors outside the Chapel in the Ministry Center. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your generosity!

11 December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 11 Mark s Gospel Corner Today s Gospel from John 1:6-9, begins with the testimony of John the Baptist. Many biblical scholars suggest that John 1:6-9, was the original beginning of John s Gospel before the evangelist later added the Prologue (Jn 1:1-5, 10-18).In the Acts of the Apostles 1:21-22 and in Mark 1:1-18 (last Sunday s Gospel), Jesus ministry begins with the testimony of John the Baptist. Matthew and Luke (written later) begin with the in fancy narratives and in John s Prologue, he goes back even further: In the beginning was the Word; the Word was in God s presence, and the Word was God (Jn 1:1). It is also revealed that the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (Jn 1:14). As the Gospels were written, the depth of God s love and the mystery of Christ s Person, true God and true man, were more fully penetrated and understood. The opening words of the Gospel, There was sent by God, emphasize that it was God who first took the initiative in the work of our salvation. In John s Gospel, John the Baptist was sent by God as a witness, to testify to the Light. The priests and Levites sent by the religious authorities in Jerusalem came to question Him actually, to interrogate Him. Legalistic terms such as witness, testimony, and evidence have already surfaced and continue throughout John s Gospel, culminating in Jesus trial. 1 In John 5:31-40, Jesus tells the Jewish authorities that it is the Father and the works of the Father that He performs that ultimately testify to who He is. Just as the authorities rejected John s testimony, although he had spoken the truth, they will reject Jesus testimony because they did not wish to come to Him to have life (Jn 5:33,40). John the Baptist s testimony takes place over three days and consists of three parts: 1) The Baptist starts by declaring who he, John the Baptist, is not (Jn 1:19-28); 2) He then testifies to who Jesus is (Jn 1:29-34); and 3) Upon hearing John s testimony, those with him leave and follow Jesus (Jn 1:35-42). Scores of people have been coming out to John the Baptist from all of Judea, including Jerusalem. The Temple leaders, threatened by what is occurring, wish to confront him and ask who he is and why he is baptizing with water, a sign of God s final deliverance,as foretold in Ezekiel 36: John, in the midst of the throng many of whom suspect that he is the Messiah, the Anointed, the long awaited one denounces any such claim. He emphatically denies that he is the Messiah: "He declared without qualification, avowing, I am not the Messiah. " In the Greek, the "I" is emphasized as if to say, "I am not but someone else is." John declares he is called solely to testify to the Light, to point others to the Light so that all might believe. 3 The interrogators continue, Who are you then and why are you baptizing and calling for repentance? What is your authority? Are you Elijah or one of the prophets? John denies that he is Elijah, the prophet who was expected to return when God's plan of salvation came to fruition. He denies that he is in the line of the prophets. Then just who are you? they ask. Quoting Isaiah, he answers: "A voice in the desert calling out, Make the Lord's way straight. " John is a voice he does not even refer to himself as a person. He makes no claim to a place of honor. In contrast, the scribes and the Pharisees love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues (Mt 23:6). John regards himself as simply chosen by God to fulfill a mission. John's answer leaves the authorities frustrated. The Jewish leaders wanted John to declare himself the Messiah, Elijah, or a prophet so that they could accuse him of falsehood and put his witness to an end. John the Baptist not only witnessed to Jesus in his testimony, but in his martyrdom as well. The Jewish leaders took the same approach with Jesus. They sought evidence and false witnesses to testify against Him so that they could put him to death, but they could find nothing (Mt 26:59-60). Finally, in frustration, the high priest said to Him, "I charge you under oath by the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God" (Mt 26:63). (The parallels between the Baptist and Jesus are also seen in the announcements by an angel before each was conceived and their births in Luke s Gospel.) As Christ s disciples, we are called, like John, to testify to the light, the Light of Christ. Yet we cannot effectively testify to the Light if we are not in the Light. Advent is a time to eradicate those things within us that remain in the dark. The passage from Isaiah 40:3, Prepare the Lord s road, make straight his path, initially referred to the angels who cleared the path ahead of Yahweh, who was leading His people out of captivity in Babylon. John the Baptist too was called to clear the way for God to come among us. Like a bulldozer, he leveled the mountains and filled the valleys, removing obstacles and hindrances. Like John, we are called this Advent to open our hearts, level our pride, and empty ourselves so that God might lead us out of captivity. 4 The throng who came out to John did so because of a yearning inside, an emptiness that longed to be filled. They repented, desiring the Light. 5 1The Gospel of John, The Anchor Bible, Volume 29A, p Ibid. p Ibid. p Ibid. P ibid. For more information about Mark s Gospel Corner, Robert.J.Schuhriemen@gmail.com

12 December 17, 2017 THIRD 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 George Franicevic Mary Ann Freitag Trish Gannon Rafael Garcia Charlie Gard Susan Gardner 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 Jenny Jones 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 Vaclovas Opolskas We wish to offer our sympathy and a promise of our prayers to family and friends on the deaths of: Carter Carroll, Barbara Schille, Terry Shoup, Sam Filicicchia Prayer Intentions Vidas Opolskas Alissa Osslund Matthew Ousterout Susan Pankow Jos Panny Maricar Penamante Andy Pesce 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 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 17, 2017 THIRD 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 all our Priests, Deacons, Sisters, and Seminarians. 2. For the Holy Souls in Purgatory. 3. For Fr. Milota and his parents 4. For success of grandson s surgery. 5. For the repose of the soul of Mila and Ed. 6. For the protection of the unborn. 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 17 Fr. Burke Masters (Vocation Director) 18 Srs. Mary Elizabeth Clements, Loretta Finn, Elsie Gamez, Martha Harrington, Anne Jaeger, Jerome Lois Nixon SSCM 19 Frs. Martin Gabel & Sebastian Gargol 20 Frs. Louis Antl, Jonathan Foster, Herbert Jones, Venard Kommer, Jesus Ramirez-Tapja OFM 21 Dcns. Lorenzo Chaidez, John Chan, Gerald Christensen, William Ciston, Jerry Clark 22 Frs. Gregor Gorsic & J. Damien Graziano 23 Frs. Terry Deffenbaugh, James Friedel, Jerome Heyman, John Kret OSA 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 17, 2017 THIRD 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