DECEMBER 3, 2017 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

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1 DECEMBER 3, 2017 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT St. Mary Moms Monthly Meeting Wednesday, December 6, :30 am - 11:00 am Meeting Rooms 1 & 2 (off narthex in main church) Please join us and share the holiday spirit with ornament decorating! All moms and children welcome. Questions? Please stmarysmoms1@gmail.com or visit us at (under Parish LIfe) Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament December 12 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in the Eucharistic chapel on Tuesday, December 12, from 8:30 AM until 8:30 PM. The sign-up book is in the narthex. Readings for the Week Monday: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, Friday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85:9-14; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8 Christmas Oplatek Wafers Authentic, traditional, blessed Christmas wafers, oplatki, are available at the parish office. Each wafer has embossed Nativity scenes. Polish, Slovak and Lithuanian families observe this Christmas tradition. Family members and friends break off a piece of oplatki and give it to one another to eat, expressing best wishes and blessing upon them and asking for forgiveness. Have your family participate in this tender, touching family celebration of love and forgiveness. The floral bouquet placed in front of the altar this weekend is given in memory of Jennifer Trisilla by her parents, Fred and Lottie Cnota. Weekend Mass Times: Sat. 5:00pm Sun. 7:30, 9:30,11:30am

2 Mass Times 5:00PM 7:30AM 9:30AM 11:30AM Presiders Fr. Alexander Baptism during Mass Fr. Alexander Fr. Jacob Fr. Pelrine Deacons Deacon Howard Deacon Mike Deacon Gary Deacon Bob Lectors Eucharistic Ministers J. Koch P. Koch LITURGICAL MINISTERS DECEMBER 9 & 10, 2017 Deacon, J. Schwartz, C. Kasamis,T. Kennedy, C. Marciniak, M. Marciniak, G. McQuillan, J. Sinkovec D. Prezell K. Lenzen MA Butchenbach Deacon, A. RaffertyIII D. Fuller, D. Igielski, E. Tauscher, P. Tekampe M. Tekampe, L. Zucco R. Peterson M. Ori M. Grady Deacon, LM Davis R. Fisher, J. Fisher K. Pieniazkiewicz, T. Gawne, K. Schmitt, L. Kuderna, C. Kuderna S. Kajohn, A. Capulong R. Melnick D. Wittgen Deacon, M. Job, K. Job Z. Dela Cruz, L. Dela Cruz K. Crotty, S. Poletto O. Santos Trinidad A. Thompson Mass Intentions Monday, December 4 8:00AM Rita Schmidt req. Husband Gene & Family Dr. Robert Keough req. Carol Hansen Family Chester F. Biel, Jr. req. Robert & Carolyn Holst Tuesday, December 5 8:00AM Living Duane & Fran Schmidt Family Living Mike & Sherry Schmidt req. Gene Schmidt Family Brad Hansen, Sr. req. Wife Carol & Family Wednesday, December 6 8:00AM Living Patricia Gross req. Shirley Monahan Jim & Sophia Kirn req. Their Children Dorothy Hatton req. Husband Harry Thursday, December 7 8:00AM Donald McNamee req. Daughter Kathie Lackie Friday, December 8, The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 6:30AM For the Parishioners of St. Mary of the Annunciation 8:00AM For the Parishioners of St. Mary of the Annunciation 9:30AM For the Parishioners of St. Mary of the Annunciation 7:00PM For the Parishioners of St. Mary of the Annunciation Saturday, December 9 5:00PM Living 50th Wedding Anniversary Nick & Mary Molsen req. The Family Roy Hertel req. Wife Lillian Jim Scott req. Wife Anna & Family Martin Lavin req. Bill & Bernice Jordan Agnes Poehler req. RoseMarie Marsh Harry Quidzinski req. Michael & Claudia Fisher Family Sunday, December 10 7:30AM Sharon Gattis req. Sister Della Sweeney & Family Elizabeth Krzyzowski req. Daughter Pam Riedel & Family Chester F. Biel, Jr. req. Dick & Judy Hegerle Bradley Hansen, Sr. req. Ray & Muriel Graham Betty Montgomery req. Family Millie Cimpl req. Debord Family 9:30AM Richard Free, Sr. req. Rich & Fran Free Danny & Brad Hansen, Sr. req. Carol Hansen Family Amy Heinzinger req. Husband Russell & Family For Parents of Casano & Curto Families Sr. Grace Panettieri req. The Family Josephine Panettieri req. The Family Ron Bartoli req. The Family Irene Sullivan req. Granddaughter Loretta Marceki 11:30AM For the Parishioners of St. Mary of the Annunciation The Week Ahead Sunday, December 3 Catholic Relief Service Trade Market 9:30AM Childcare 9:30AM Liturgy of the Word for Children 10:45AM Family Catechesis 12:30PM Simbang Gabi Ministry Meeting Monday, December 4 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 6:30PM Women s Advent Mass with Reception Tuesday, December 5 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 9:00AM Book of Revelation 5:30PM Religious Education Program 6:30PM St. Vincent de Paul Meeting 7:00PM Book of Revelations Wednesday, December 6 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 6:00PM P.A.D.S. 7:00PM Parish Choir Rehearsal 7:00PM Parish Life Commission Meeting Thursday, December 7 8:00AM Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 7:30PM Contemporary Choir Rehearsal Friday, December 8 Immaculate Conception 6:30AM Mass 8:00AM Mass 9:30AM Mass 7:00PM Mass Saturday, December 9 Hospitality 8:00AM Book of Revelation 5:00PM Liturgy of the Word for Children 7:00PM Cor Ad Cor Sunday, December 10 Hospitality 9:30AM Childcare 9:30AM Liturgy of the Word for Children 12:30PM Simbang Gabi Ministry Meeting

3 from J acob s W ell Dear Parishioners, A new liturgical year begins on this First Sunday of Advent with a reading from the Prophet Isaiah, the most frequently quoted and liturgically proclaimed scripture passage. The prophet speaks to the whole community, calling on the God who performed awesome deeds in the past to do so once again. There is in this passage an acknowledgement that each of us in some way has fallen short of the good of which we are capable. The Gospel of Mark challenges us to be awake. The Latin root of the word Advent is adventus, a verb which means to come to or to come toward, to turn to or to turn towards. And the questions we must ask from our faith are: What is it that we are to turn towards? And what is it that we are to turn away from? It is a very personal question. Of course, the call given to each of us is to turn away from the things that keep us from God and to turn towards those things that draw us closer to him. I find the Franciscan Blessing, printed below, very challenging as we strive to become more faithful disciples of Jesus. Let us pray for one another, Fr. Jerry A FRANCISCAN BLESSING May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, halftruths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with outrage over injustice, oppression, and the exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from abuse, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen. Early Bulletin Submission Dates Date of Bulletin Submission Date December 10, 2017 December 4, 2017 December 17, 2017 December 12, 2017 December 24, 2017 December 15, 2017 January 1, 2018 December 19, 2017 You may have noticed that work is being done on the hillside along our main drive. Lino and Donna Cordoba and their crew are creating a memorial in honor of Fr. Ron Lewinski. It was from a bench on the hillside that Fr. Ron would regularly pray and monitor the construction of our church. The white cross was carried over from the little church when ground was broken for our new church. It is a most fitting place to honor the service and vision of Fr. Ron during his 18 years as pastor of St. Mary. Work on the memorial will completed in the Spring, when we will have a blessing and dedication. We are very grateful to Lino and Donna for their generosity and commitment! Advent Reconciliation Service A short prayer service followed by an extended period for examination and individual confession. Tuesday December 19 7:00 PM

4 Be a Part of St. Mary s Youth Ministry Catholic Heart Work Camp ATTENTION! Those who missed the mission meeting, you still have the opportunity to join us in Knoxville this next summer! Applications are available in the office. But HURRY, spots are filling up quickly. Ignite Youth Group IGNITE is our high school youth group that typically meets on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Our next few youth nights will focus on the Sacraments of Initiation and where they are rooted in both the old and the new testaments. Our upcoming nights will be on December 3 and 17. We hope to see you there for a fun time with lots of games and snacks! Winter Xtreme St. Mary Youth Ministry is looking for any teens who would be interested in going up to Camp Timberlee in Wisconsin for a retreat from January 26 to 28, The retreat is filled with fun winter events like tubing, tobogganing, and broom ball. There will also be a speaker, a band, and small group sessions. Please contact Grant if gbright@stmota.org Pray for all who suffer illness, pain and grief: and for the repose of all who have recently died: Robert Luhr Stewardship Report Advent Mass for Women Monday, December 4, at 6:30 pm A special Mass for women to help put hearts and minds in the right place this busy Advent season. Sunday Collection November 19, 2017 $ 20, Budgeted Weekly Collection $ 21, Difference $ (1,081.72) Current Fiscal Year-to-Date* $ 448, Budgeted Sunday Collections To-Date $ 456, Difference $ (7,703.21) Difference vs. Last Year $ (5,841.59) Catholic Campaign for Human Development $ 5, Cath. Camp gn for Hum. Devel. Prior Year $ 5, Difference $ (175.75) Sunday Collection November 26, 2017 $ 20, Budgeted Weekly Collection $ 21, Difference $ (1,362.42) Current Fiscal Year-to-Date* $ 469, Budgeted Sunday Collections To-Date $ 478, Difference $ (9,065.63) Difference vs. Last Year $ (7,317.59) Thanksgiving 11/23/17 $ 2, Thanksgiving Prior Year $ 3, Difference $ (1,219.00) *Note: YTD amount reflects updates by bank to postings and adjustments. Pray the Daily Rosary Please join other parishioners in the Eucharistic Chapel following the 8:00 AM Mass Monday through Thursday. Pray the Divine Mercy Novena & Chaplet The Divine Mercy Novena & Chaplet is prayed in the Eucharistic Chapel on Fridays immediately following the 8:00 AM Mass.and 3:00 PM during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The Family Rosary Join us for Family Rosary Saturday Devotion, requested by Our Lady of Fatima, every First Saturday of the month at 4:30 PM. Featured CD for December 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. Feature CDs can be found at the wooden kiosk in the narthex. Please remember a $3 donation per CD is suggested to allow the parish to continue the program and offer new material.

5 Deacon Deliberations by Deacon Gary Kupsak The Most Important Woman Who Ever Lived From time to time the Sunday newspapers and periodicals such as Time and People magazines run lists of the world s most important women of all time. They often include figures like Joan of Arc, Marie Curie, Rosa Parks and St. Teresa of Calcutta, to mention a few. But they never include the most import woman who ever lived Mary, the Mother of Jesus. This ordinary woman, born in obscurity in Palestine more than 2,000 years ago, has changed the course of human history like no other woman before or after her. And of all the women who have ever lived, she has been the most venerated and honored. She is held in such high esteem because it was through her faith that the second person of the Trinity was able to become a human being and achieve for us eternal salvation. But her feast, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary has at times been referred to as the Immaculate Misconception, in that some Catholics don t know what the feast celebrates. This solemnity does not celebrate the conception of Jesus Christ in the Virgin Mary s womb. This is MARY S feast, and at least in its literal meaning, has little to do with her son, Jesus Christ. The Immaculate Conception was defined by Pius IX on December 8, 1854 as, the Virgin Mary, at the moment of her conception [remember that although never mentioned in Sacred Scripture, Mary s biological parents were Joachim and Anne], was preserved from all the defilement of original sin by a unique privilege of grace, from which was born Jesus the Christ. Don t feel bad if you can t fully wrap your mind around the Immaculate Conception, it is one of the more complex teachings of our faith. It s really deep stuff. Picture it like this: you re walking down a path in the forest and you fall into a deep, dark pit. That pit represents original sin. Someone reaches in the pit to pull you out they are now your savior. In Mary s case, before she fell into the pit, God intervened and lifted her over the pit. He preserved her from the pain (and the stain) of original sin. This coming Friday, December 8th, we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of the United States of America. We believe that Mary, from the first moment of her conception, was preserved from sin. This unique privilege was hers because God in his wisdom could see that she would be the one to say Yes to his plan for our salvation. Mary s whole life was one of complete response to God s grace. On Friday, and every day thereafter, let s honor the most important woman who ever existed, who was hand picked by God to bring his only Son into this world and ask Mary to intercede with her son Jesus Christ and with God the Father so that we may be able to more easily learn from her and open ourselves to the will of God. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, Alleluia; For He whom thou did deserve to bear, Alleluia; Is risen again as he foretold, Alleluia. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God, Alleluia. Childcare at 9:30 Mass Childcare is available during the 9:30 Sunday morning Mass in Meeting Room 3. questions: Kitty.white.kw@gmail.com Holy Day of Obligation Friday, December 8th - The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary Masses: 6:30, 8:00, & 9:30 AM 7:00 PM in the big church Feast Days of Mary December 8: Immaculate Conception of the BVM December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe Please join us in the Eucharistic Chapel after the 8:00 AM Mass for the recitation of Rosary. All are Welcome. St. Mary Seniors Meeting, December 11 Our next scheduled meeting will be on Monday, December 11 at Marvella s. For information please call Jeanne Cooper at Stay informed with the great things happening at St. Mary by joining the parish lists. To add your to the list: Go to the parish website at and click on the image shown above which will take you to the registration form Enter your address, name and click continue After confirming your address, enter your first and last name in the indicated boxes then select the parish lists you would like to join: St. Mary News and Announcements to receive parish newsletter and special announcements. Adult Formation to receive the Adult Formation newsletter and information about learning opportunities at the parish. Youth Ministry or Junior High Ministry to receive information from our parish youth ministry groups. Click join It s that easy! You can easily update your preferences or unsubscribe at any time. Call the parish office if you need assistance. (847)

6 Elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests need your help. Many served for years in Catholic schools, hospitals, and parishes often for little to no pay. Now there is a shortage in retirement savings. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious provides funding for medications, nursing care, and more. Please give to those who have given a lifetime. Donations to the Retirement Fund for Religious support more than 32,000 senior religious and their communities. Most older sisters, brothers, and religious order priests worked for small stipends, leaving a large deficit in retirement funding. Each year, proceeds from the annual collection help hundreds of religious communities furnish medications, nursing care, and other necessities. A portion also underwrites assistance for retirement planning and education. This support helps communities address funding challenges so they can care for elder members while continuing important ministries to the People of God. Second collection on December 9 & 10 Simbang Gabi at St Mary of the Annunciation Prior to a recent parishioner preparation meeting for Simbang Gabi after 11:30 Mass, this year s St Mary Simbang Gabil coordinator, Evelyn Martin, spent a few minutes reflecting on the meaning and the roots for the Filipino celebration of Simbang Gabi. I recall making parols (Christmas stars) with my father for years! It was such a joyous time and became a bonding opportunity for us! The celebration showcases the Filipino culture and traditions so well. Serving others, showing friendship and sharing our beautiful faith are the most precious values. This year s Simbang Gabi celebration at St Mary of the Annunciation is scheduled for Friday, December 15th at 7:00 PM. St Mary s has been a host parish for many years. The celebration draws families of various ethnic backgrounds from all over Lake County. In 2016, more than 750 adults, teens and children attended the celebration at St Mary of the Annunciation. Historically, Simbang Gabi begins nine days prior to Christmas, and is celebrated each morning at 5:00 AM in the Philippines. Here in Lake County, nine different parishes collaborate and host the celebration each evening leading up to Christmas. Our hope is to have as many people as possible join us and partake in the joyous Mass and the festive and bountiful reception. I enjoy sharing my culture with all my brothers and sisters here at St Mary, and, of course, passing the tradition down to my own children! For more information about Simbang Gabi, please visit the Asian Culture Initiative at the Archdiocese of Chicago website, Maligayang Pasko Sa Inyong Lahat (Merry Christmas to Everyone) DATE TIME PARISH PARISH PHONE PASTOR Fri. Dec. 15 7:00PM St. Mary of the Annunciation West Erhart Road, Mundelein Rev. Jerome Jacob Sat. Dec. 16 5:00PM St. Paul the Apostle 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee Rev. Greg Houck Sun. Dec. 17 3:00PM St. Dismas 2500 Sunset Avenue, Waukegan Rev. Patrick Rugen Sun. Dec. 17 5:00PM St. Anastasia 624 Douglas Avenue, Waukegan Rev. Dennis Zalecki Mon. Dec. 18 7:00PM St. Gilbert 301 East Belevidere, Grayslake Rev. John Chrzan Tues. Dec. 19 7:00PM Our Lady of Humility Wadsworth Road, Zion Rev. Paul Stemn Wed. Dec. 20 7:00PM Prince of Peace 135 South Milwaukee, Lake Villa Rev. Gerald Walsh Thurs. Dec. 21 7:00PM St. Mary of Vernon 236 US Hwy 45, Indian Creek Rev. Joe Curtis Fri. Dec. 22 7:00PM St. Joseph 114 North Lincoln Ave. Round Lake Rev. Michael Zoufal Sat. Dec. 23 7:30PM Most Blessed Trinity 508 Grand Avenue, Waukegan Rev. Jacque Beltran

7 F isch ing Lines by Deacon Howard Fischer Every year it seems that the celebration of Christmas gets farther away from its very reason for existence: celebrating the great love of a God who cared so much for his wayward creatures that he became one of them in order to save them! On this event all of human history hinges and all human existence is transformed. Yet every year we lament how commercial Christmas has become while we rush around making sure that we have purchased enough presents for all of our family and friends. We are not helpless victims in this process. We can control our destiny and return our own observance of Advent and Christmas to its spiritual roots. So instead of bemoaning the commercialization, let s take back our spirituality through small, decisive choices! During the season of Advent we need to remember that we are doing more than preparing to celebrate Jesus coming into human history 2000 years ago. Advent and Christmas are also celebrations of his presence among us here and now, and so we must create some room for him to enter more fully into our daily lives. And we do all this while at the same time looking forward to Christ s coming in glory at the end of time. Advent is a season of yesterday, today and tomorrow. We are missing the boat if we see this season as simply a grand celebration of Jesus birthday. The today and tomorrow dimensions of Advent mean that this time is to be spent in active waiting and preparation. Ours is not a culture that encourages patient waiting. We want no lines, quick service, immediate gratification. The invitation of Advent, however, is to practice waiting faithfully. In the movie Mrs. Brown, Queen Victoria has fallen into a deep depression after the death of her husband Albert when her advisers come up with an idea. They send for her pony to be brought to Balmoral, accompanied by a handsome Scot named John Brown. She is not interested in being cheered up and is infuriated when she looks out on the courtyard to see John Brown standing at attention beside her saddled pony. Day after day Victoria refuses to go down. Day after day he returns. Finally she sends someone to tell him that she is not now and may never be interested in riding. John Brown is unmoved. When Her Majesty does wish to ride, he says, I shall be ready. John Brown shows the attitude Jesus is looking from us in our faith life. Can we say, When His Majesty, God, does come, I shall be ready? To be ready, you and I must practice active waiting for the Lord s coming. This sounds like a contradiction, but our waiting for Jesus is not meant to be a time of standing around idle while gazing off to heaven. I am reminded of the old saying, Some people are so heavenly-minded they re no earthly good. The concepts of heaven and earth don t clash if we stop seeing them as two distinct places. Jesus wants us to have heaven here on earth by seeing him in the poorest, the lowliest, the most overlooked. In helping our sisters and brothers in need, we spend our time in anticipation of the Lord s arrival by doing his work. During Advent (and beyond) let us devote the same passion that we pour into holiday shopping into some true, heavenly preparation by visiting the lonely neighbor grieving the loss of a loved one, by stocking the local food pantry, by toning down the violence and rhetoric of our society, by defending the oppressed, by supporting the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services and other charities who provide aid to those experiencing hardship. In this way you and I will not be caught napping when the moment of the Lord s arrival comes. Let us be ready. If you wish to contact me, please leave a note in the parish office or send an to deaconhwf99@yahoo.com. Cor Ad Cor Heart to Heart Lord, teach us to pray... When you pray, say: Father. Luke 11:1-2) Date: Saturday, December 9, 2017 Time: 7:00 P.M. 8:15 P.M. Place: New Church at St. Mary s Prayer is sharing in intimacy with the Father. But, how are we to pray? When our hearts are joined with the Heart of Jesus, we learn how to share in intimacy with the Father. If you have a desire to grow deeper in your prayer life and encounter the Lord s living Heart, come on out and give this a try. Fr. Matt Alexander is hosting a simple evening of prayer with the Word and adoration of the Word. Praying the Rosary as Did Pope St. John Paul II Deacon Auld offers an 11-week initiative to develop a close relationship with Christ through the recitation of the Rosary using John Paul II s Apostolic Letter, On the Most Holy Rosary, as a guide. Santa Maria del Popolo Parish, Mundelein Begins December 17, after the 10:30 AM Mass Room 110, under the main church dauld@aol.com TIS (almost) THE SEASON We prepare for everything we consider to be important in life. And that include Christmas. Join our parish for Best Advent Ever, a free program that will help you prepare for Christmas in a unique way. Each day you ll receive an with Short inspira onal videos from Ma hew Kelly and Dr. Allen Hunt Prac cal ps for your everyday life Real-life stories of hope TO SIGN UP, VISIT BestAdventEver.com/Beau fulhope

8 Advent & Christmas Advent Mass for Women Monday, December 4, 6:30 pm A special Mass for women to help put hearts and minds in the right place this busy Advent season. Reconciliation Service Tuesday, December 19, 7:00 PM Communal Reconciliation Service with individual confessions Simbang Gabi Mass Friday, December 15, 7:00 pm One of the novena Masses celebrated in preparation for Christmas. Organized by the Filipino community of Lake County. Reception follows after Mass. Christmas Masses Sunday, December 24 Christmas Eve 3:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass Contemporary Choir, incense-free 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass 10:30 PM Christmas Eve Mass Parish Choir Monday, December 25 Christmas Day 8:00 AM Christmas Day Mass Incense-free 11:00 AM Christmas Day Mass Brass Quintet Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Saturday and Sunday, December 30 & 31 5:00 PM Saturday; 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 Sunday Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God Monday, January 1 9:00 AM New Year s Day

9 Jesus said to his disciples: Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. REFLECT WITH A STORY Join Don Rojelio on his daily journey: First, walk 1 hour up a treacherous dirt road to a forest at the top of a mountain in El Salvador. Then, follow a steep, winding, 3,000- foot path. (Watch out for roots and vines!) Once you ve made it to the coffee bushes, grab a sack and start picking the coffee fruit from the trees. Fill the 100-pound bags. Toss a full bag over your shoulder and carry it back down the mountain. Don Rojelio is well prepared for this daily journey, but there are other, unexpected challenges to which he must be watchful and alert. Rainstorms can flood the farm and a fungus called coffee leaf rust can attack healthy leaves. Catholic Relief Services and partners help coffee-farming families like Don Rojelio s prepare for unexpected disasters by providing assistance to plant additional coffee tree seedlings. For Don Rojelio, being watchful, alert and prepared is a necessary part of his daily journey but it is also a part of his faith. If you walk with him to the back of his land, he ll show you an old, leaky, colorful church that the coffee farmers built themselves. Though the families have many other things to worry about, they gather at the simple church for Mass each week to prepare their hearts for the journey ahead. PRAY Jesus, help us prepare our hearts to meet you. We don t know when you will come again, but we do know that we see you daily in the face of every person we meet, especially in the faces of those in need. Amen REFLECT How can you be more alert to the needs of others each day? ACT This week, choose some articles of clothing to donate to your local homeless shelter to help those most in need. GIVE Make a family commitment to support farmers like Don Rojelio by drinking ethically produced hot chocolate and coffee. Join us in the narthex this weekend for our annual CRS Ethical Trade Sale before and after all Masses! Ministers of Care bring Communion and prayers to those who are homebound. If you or someone you know would like to receive a visit, please call the office. May I live gratefully and simply today. HUMAN CONCERNS COMMISSION: The mission of the Human Concerns Commission is to promote the word and manifest the love of Jesus Christ by helping those who are in need, following the principle that whatever you do to the least of my people, you do unto me. Consumerism: Personal Needs and Wants Consumerism is defined as a social and economic order which encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. It is exemplified at the personal level by individuals who purchase goods and consume materials in excess of their basic needs. Consumerism can mean high levels of consumption and/or selfish, frivolous collecting of products, leading to unnecessary surplus and waste. For example, advertising encourages us to want the biggest, latest and best, the most luxurious, comfortable and convenient products. Ideas about luxuries and a growing importance of fashion may also be an arbiter for purchasing rather than a necessity to living. Prosperity and social mobility can often provide more disposable income for consumption and may cause ego satisfaction and social stratification of the haves and have nots. Reflection Questions: Do I, in any way, live in undue comfort and excess even though I am aware of the plight of the poor and vulnerable? In what ways can I release things I no longer need or use and refrain from acquiring more? SHOP THE CRS FAIR TRADE MARKET AFTER ALL MASSES THIS WEEKEND! Human Concern Commission Members: Carey Marciniak, Chairperson; Deacon Gary Kupsak, Kathleen DeCaire- Aden, Linda Green, Tom Hanley, Veronica Hertel, Mary Lou Loomis, Sue Poletto, Dan Prezell, Jan Swanson; Diane Mulroe, Staff Liaison Join us for meetings 4th Wednesdays 3:30pm

10 HUMAN CONCERNS ADVENT RESOURCES Make a Reverse Advent Calendar: The traditional Advent Calendar is a 25-day calendar that counts down the days until Christmas by opening a paper flap and seeing short prayer or having a small candy treat. A Reverse Advent Calendar is more an act of kindness for those struggling during the holiday season. First you ll need to find something to gather all the donations. Two empty wine boxes work very well from the local liquor store. You will need 24 spots, 12 in each box. Each day, put one item in one of the sections of the box. You can call your local food bank to find out items that are most needed. Involve your children, by having them help decorate the boxes. After gathering helpful items all month, you can take everything you ve saved to your local food bank or charity on Christmas Eve and know that you ve given a Christmas present to someone that really needed it. 1st week of Advent FOR FAMILIES: 1. Light 1 purple candle on the Advent wreath. 2. Say the Advent prayer below. 3. Choose 1 toy that you can give to children in need. Dear God, Your world is a wonderful and beautiful place. Teach us to love and respect it. Help us learn to care for our common home. As we wait for Jesus to come at Christmas, help us prepare our hearts so we can live wisely, think deeply, and love generously. Amen We can respond to Pope Francis Call to Action by following suggested ways to make a difference. This week s tip to Care for our Common Home is: Be energy efficient. During the summer months, close your curtains to block heat from the sun. During the winter months, open your curtains during the day to allow the sun to warm your home. These simple steps can significantly reduce the need for air conditioning and heating, which are likely the most energyintensive aspects of your home. **DID YOU KNOW? ComEd will come to your home for free and do an energy efficiency assessment. They will replace your lightbulbs along with other free and discounted energy-saving products with installation. Free products may include: Programmable Thermostats, Energy Star Certified LEDs, Advanced Power Strips, WaterSense Certified Showerheads, Faucet Aerators for Bathrooms and Kitchens, and Pipe Insulation. Call to schedule your appointment. ST. MARY OF THE ANNUNCIATION PRAYER ANGELS This ministry is for anyone who has regular access to their and agrees to pray for the intentions and needs of our parish community as they arise. How it works: If you are in need of urgent prayers for yourself or a family member, you simply your request to Diane Mulroe dmulroe@stmota.org and then your request will be added to the next outgoing Prayer Angels . If you would like to be a praying member of the Prayer Angels Ministry, you subscribe to receive s. Once you are subscribed, you will periodically receive an with the names of those who are in need of urgent prayers as well as the names of our beloved deceased. As a member of the ministry, you agree to pray for those in need of our love and support. To join/subscribe via or dmulroe@stmota.org NEED A RIDE? CAN YOU OFFER A RIDE? Requests are often made by St. Mary parishioners who would like to get to mass but are in need of a ride. If you are coming to mass anyway and are willing to pick up and drive someone to and from church, please contact Diane Mulroe in the parish office. Those seeking rides will be connected with those willing to provide rides.

11 Mass Parish Staff Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:30 AM Weekday Monday Friday 8:00 AM PARISH NUMBER Parish Emergency Parish Fax Rev. Jerome Jacob Ext. 213 Pastor Rev. Matthew Alexander, STL Ext. 212 Associate Pastor Deacons Mike Alandy, Gary Kupsak, Robert Poletto, Alan Sedivy Mr. Fred Vipond Ext. 234 Director of Music & Liturgy Ms. Sue Matousek Ext. 218 Director of Religious Education Ms. Diane Mulroe Ext. 216 Director of Human Concerns Mr. Grant Bright Ext. 230 Coordinator of Youth Ministry Dcn. Howard Fischer Ext. 215 Director of Parish Operations Ms. Tammy Kleckner Ext. 310 Principal, FCA Ms. Penny Elwood Ext. 217 Bookkeeper/Accountant Ms. Victoria Hansen Ext. 200 Administrative Assistant Mr. Richard Plage Ext. 304 Site Manager Mr. James Shaffer Maintenance Mr. William Tangney Maintenance Rev. Ken Kiepura Rev. Ed Pelrine Weekend Associates W. Erhart Road Mundelein, Illinois Frassati Catholic Academy: Mundelein Campus: Wauconda Campus: Religious Education Program (REP) Emergency Number Parish Office Hours Monday Friday 8:30AM 4:00PM Pastoral Council Mary Lou Loomis Joaquin Valdes Cassandra Dye Kathy Lenzen Pete Coughlin Gina Debord Dan Prezell Sheila Dalton Carey Marciniak Marivie Alandy Sandra Fioretti-Frank* Linda Green Jon Matousek Finance Council Larry Molloy Denise Fuller Joe Tylka Tom Zengeler Roger Fisher Patrick Tracy John Malone* *ex-officio, secretary Sacrament of Penance Baptisms Adult Initiation Marriage Ministry of Care New parishioners Saturdays 4:00 4:40 PM, and by appointment Ordinarily during the Mass on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month and after the Mass on the other Sundays, outside of Lent. Parents are required to participate in a Baptismal Preparation class before scheduling a Baptism. Adults who wish to become Roman Catholics are enrolled in a formation process that includes prayer, dialogue, instruction, and introduction to the Church s life and values, rituals and tradition. Call the parish office for more information. St. Mary Parish rejoices with parishioners who are preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony. The Church requires at least four months time before the marriage for adequate preparation. A parish wedding information packet is available at the parish office. Ministers of Care visit the homes of the sick, homebound, or hospitalized and bring Holy Communion to them. Call the parish office when a pastoral visit is desired. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered by the parish priest upon request. We welcome new members who wish to worship with us and support the parish s work and mission. New Parishioner Welcome session is offered on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Time of registration is 10:45AM 11:25AM. If you are unable to make the Welcoming Session, please call the parish office to schedule time to register.