St. Louis de Montfort. Oak Lawn, Illinois

Transcription

1 St. Louis de Montfort Oak Lawn, Illinois November 20, 2016

2 Page 2 The Paradox of Christ's Kingship. We are gazing at the pivotal moment of human history: Jesus Christ being crucified on the hill of Calvary. From one perspective, it is a disastrous event. It shows mankind rejecting and destroying its Creator, Savior and God. In theology, this is called Deicide. Today is the day when the whole Church, throughout the entire world, celebrates Christ's universal Kingship. Aren't kings supposed to be powerful? Aren't kings supposed to be successful? Aren't kings supposed to be victorious? So why are we staring at a dying, helpless man hanging from a cross? Because the cross is our King's throne. Christ reigns not from velvet covered, diamond encrusted, gold plated seats, like passing earthly kings, rather, He reigns from the cross. How does this work? How can this sign of utter defeat also be the sign of our King's everlasting victory? This is what Pope John Paul II called the "paradox" of Christ's Kingship. Christ's Kingdom begins in this world, but it is not of this world. It begins in the hearts of Christians like us, His followers, who believe in Him and obey Him till the end of our lives. The Church and the saints are living signs of this Kingdom, as buds in springtime are signs of summer. Therefore, since His Kingdom transcends this world, it makes sense that Christ's throne is different from earthly thrones. Christ's Kingdom is built on the unconquerable power of God's unconditional love for each one of us. On the cross Jesus reveals that love by suffering and dying for our salvation, even while we were still sinners. In the Resurrection he will reveal that unconquerable power and that's why our King reigns from such a throne. In the words of Saint Pope John Paul II the Great: If it is assessed according to the criteria of this world, Jesus' kingship can appear 'paradoxical'. Indeed, the power He exercises does not fit into earthly logic. On the contrary, His is the power of love and service that requires the gratuitous gift of self and the consistent witness to the truth (Angelus on Christ the King Sunday, 2001). In St Peter's Square, in Rome, there stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk; a single block of marble almost 100 feet high, in the shape of the Washington monument, and weighing three hundred and thirty tons. The obelisk was originally erected around the year 1850 B.C. as a monument to the Pharaoh of Egypt. At the time of Christ, after Rome had conquered Egypt, the Roman Emperor Caligula brought the obelisk to Rome as a sign of Rome's superiority to Egypt. Centuries later, when the barbarians invaded Rome and the city fell into disrepair, the obelisk fell. Ivy grew around it. It was half-buried near the old Basilica of St Peter. The Church converted the barbarians, and when a new Christian culture emerged and flourished, and St. Peter's Basilica was rebuilt and expanded, Pope Sixtus V had the obelisk erected in the center of St. Peter's plaza, where it still stands today. No longer is it a reminder of the long-perished empires of Egypt and Rome and the barbarian hoards. Now it has been put at the service of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. It is topped with a bronze cross, and inside that bronze cross is mounted a small fragment of the true cross, the cross on which Christ was crucified, His throne. An inscription has been carved on the base of that obelisk, to remind us that this throne is different than Pharaoh's throne or Caesar's throne. The part of the inscription facing out, facing the rest of the world, reads: Ecce crux domini, fugite partes adversae, vincit leo de tribu Judae; meaning, Behold the cross of the Lord, let His enemies flee, the lion of the Tribe of Judah has conquered! The part of the inscription facing the Basilica reads: Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat! This means, Christ conquers! Christ rules! Christ reigns! Christ the King has conquered indeed, and his Kingdom will last forever. So, what does Christ the King mean for us today? Christ rules from the cross, He conquers hearts through the power of His love and forgiveness, but He doesn't do it all by himself. We are his ambassadors, his soldiers. We are the ones called to carry His cross into every corner of society, so that His love can bring light and hope to those living in darkness and hopelessness. To do this, each of us must carry our own cross with faith. We must not expect perfect happiness in this life. The cross is anchored to the earth, but it stretches up into heaven - just so, our happiness begins on this earth, when we discover the depth of God's love for us, but it will never be complete until, with God's grace, we reach heaven. In this life we are called to work and to fight, resisting the tug of our selfish nature day after day. We are called to reach out to our neighbors who don't know Christ, who have no purpose in the midst of their sufferings, and introduce them to Jesus. We are called to defend courageously Christian values, even if society attacks us because of it. Above all, we must never limit our faith to our private lives. No, our faith must affect everything we do and all that we are. Why? Because we are followers of Christ the King! We say and believe today what the repentant thief said as he was crucified with Jesus, known as St. Dismas, Jesus, remember me, when you come into your Kingdom. I continue to thank all of you for your continued hospitality and warmth you are showing me and each other. Please spread the good word of our wonderful parish and it is very nice to see more and more people coming back to worship God. Many of us are still saying how great it is to see our parishioner families returning back. St Louis de Montfort, pray for us! Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us! Have a great week and enjoy life with a great smile! Pray always!

3 Page 3 Dear Parishioners, FROM THE PRINCIPAL S DESK!! On November 11, Dr. Jim Rigg, superintendent of the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools, visited St. Louis de Montfort. When he took the position of superintendent last October, he made a promise to take one day each week to visit Chicago s Catholic Schools. He visited each classroom and talked to the students. He saw our 1st grade class writing poems that focused on the 5 senses, listened to a 6th grade discussion about historical dynasties; he listened as 4th grade reviewed their weekly Spelling words; he watched 5th grade as they worked in Math centers and finally, he saw 3rd grade apply the definition of solids, liquids and gases to items in their room. He was impressed with the use of technology by teachers and students, how polite our students were and how willing they were to answer his questions. I am very proud of our students and teachers! I hope you all are, too! Hard to believe that first trimester is over, report cards were sent home on Friday. This Tuesday, 22nd, Parent Teacher conferences are scheduled. Students will be dismissed at 12:45. This also marks the beginning of our Thanksgiving break. Our Preschool (pictured) students wanted to thank our service men and women for all they do for our country. They spearheaded a collection of Halloween candy and sent it to troops overseas. Thank you to the preschoolers and their teacher, Mrs. Vanessa Jauregui & Mrs. Maria Alvarez, their teacher aide! Thank you to all who have supported our Blackhawks Raffle fundraiser! I appreciate your support of our efforts. We will continue to have people available after Mass with the raffle tickets and they are also available at the parish home during the week. Tell your family and friends! School families get credit for each ticket they sell toward their fundraising commitment. With Thanksgiving approaching, I have much to be thankful for this year. I am truly thankful for the warm welcome that I have received from so many of you over the past few months. You have helped make my move here to St. Louis de Montfort more comfortable. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. As always, thank you for your continued support, Mrs. Wilson During this season of Thanksgiving, we pause to count our numerous blessings; our family, friends, and most importantly our faith. We invite you to join us on Thanksgiving at 8:30 for celebration of the Mass. What better way to begin your Thanksgiving celebration? On behalf of the staff of St. Louis de Montfort we want to wish you a memorable, peaceful and Happy Thanksgiving. Congratulations to Week 10 Winners Fred Tomasek ~~ $25 Kate Schmidt ~~ $400 ***************************************** Please save boxtops and labels for education for our school. There is a mailbox located in the church and school vestibule where you can conveniently drop off your labels.

4 Page 4 ST. JOHN PAUL II EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ASSOCIATION ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Every Saturday St. Louis de Montfort Chapel 9:00 10:00 AM Please join us Knights of Columbus Council KRUSE S KREW This weekend, before or after mass please stop at the Kruse s Krew table in the vestibule. Kruse s Krew sends care packages to our troops in harms way. Today you can stop and sign a Christmas card that will be sent to the troops. There is no cost, but be assured your card will brighten the day of one of our service men and women spending their holiday far from their home and loved ones. Pray for Peace CHRISTMAS FOR VETS The Knights of Columbus Council is sponsoring a drive to collect gifts for the military men & women serving our country. A box will be located in the vestibule for you to drop off your donations. Some suggested items include: Socks ~ Underwear ~ Toiletries During the Christmas season it s a nice way to thank them, let them know we are thinking of them and appreciate their sacrifices. Please, always, keep them and their families in your prayers.

5 We pray for those among us who are suffering from illnesses Jackie Adomovicz Jesse Anderer George Badke Jim Ball Richard Bania Erik Baranowski Irene Baranowski Lillian Berenis Sr. Bernardine Mikey Bevan Joyce Bitinas Jesselyn Brucki Donna Chlebek Diane Chrapkiewicz Pat Chudy Betty Connolly Donna Dong Mary Dragozetic Rita Duchowicz John Furmaniak Sr. Dave Gallagher Sandra Gilbert Lorraine Grams Dorothy Hayden Janis Hayden Mary Hinchey Theresa Iser Marilyn Jones Mary Jane Kirchner Doris Konieczka Daniel Kosiek Kurt Kutschke REST IN PEACE We pray for our family and friends that have recently died. Elizabeth Zarack Please keep them and their families in your prayers. Page 5 Nov. 26 5:00PM Nov. 27 7:30 AM Nov. 27 9:30 AM Nov :30 AM M. Murphy K. Delmagori C. Beyer C. Karnoski M. Navedo M. Kocher J. LaSalvia D. Ott T. Lechert H. Niemiec D. Gajda D. Sichelski Extraordinary J. Miller I. Ramirez K. Tarczon N. Rodl Ministers of Communion J. Kocher J. Sibick J. Mitchell G. Pierzynski J. Chmielewski M. Uryasz D. Widmer C. Gotto C. Sorensen R. Staros A. Weiss M. Farrell Commenator L. Trail G. Senese D. Widmer J. Hurckes Lector M. Leffers E. Tierney P. Weiss D. Sichelski We pray for God s blessings on recently Baptized children and their families Katelyn Elizabeth McKay Daughter of William and Jamie McKay Sean Matthew Smith Son of Frank and Amanda Smith Quinn Avery Jenicek Daughter of Justin and Corey Jenicek VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! On Friday, November 25th, at 1:00 pm, we will be decorating the church for Advent. If you have a couple of hours to spare and would like to help, please call the parish home and leave your name and number. All help is greatly appreciated. Our Parish Pantry is stocking up for the busiest time of year! Please help families less fortunate enjoy holiday & daily meals by donating a couple of food items. There is a cart located in the vestibule. All donations are appreciated! Most needed items include: Canned goods ~ especially: Vegetables: baked beans, beans, tomato, corn, etc. Canned fruit ~~ Soups ~~ Pasta sauce ~~ Peanut butter ~~Baby food ~~ Personal care items (male & female) All other non perishable items of daily living Thank you for your generosity! Joyce Lenzi Josie Maracic Agnes Mark Rita Mazur Mary Ann & Bill Meskowski Rosemary Mihelic Barbara Minster Judy Mitchell Vencia Munis Christopher Murphy Teresa Myczek Michael Nolan Sr. Therese O Donnell Debbie Ornat Kari Raspanti Kelly Robertson Frances Schmidt Joan Schramm Bridget Schroeder Ruth Ann Smith Jim Staros Mercedita Suclan Terry Swierk Jay Tarczon Dorothy Tinman Diane Uryasz Jerry Wantroba II Mary Wantuck Cathy Jo Werner Robert & Carol Zucas

6 Page 6 Weekly Mass Intentions Saturday, November 19 5:00 PM +Benedict & Agnes Dreher +Anne & Mike Polacek +Thomas & Anna Dillon Sunday, November 20, Christ the King 7:30 AM Jozef Dabrowski +Raymond Uryasz +Anthony Mischke +Stanisaw Babinski 9:30 AM +Deceased members of Lenzi Family +Peter & Anna Kusnerak +Thelma LaSalvia 11:30 AM Maria & Jan Podczerwinski Mary Dragozetic for Health Monday, November 21 8:30 AM People of the Parish Tuesday, November 22 8:30 AM +Delores Cook Wednesday, November 23 8:30 AM Communion Service Thursday, November 24 Thanksgiving Day 8:30 AM Lorraine Szydolwski Dolores Ferrini +Mike Karnoski Friday, November 25 8:30 AM People of the Parish Saturday, November 26 8:30 AM Communion Service 5:00 PM +Vidinich Families +Frank Bilo +Carl Lemmler Sunday, November 27, First Sunday of Advent 7:30 AM +Bruno Uryasz +Stanislaw Babinski +The Hynes Family 9:30 AM +Diane & Wolter Skupien +Clem Hojnacki +Leopold & Anna Ciezczak 11:30 AM +Matthew Dragozetic CORRECTED! NEWS FROM MOTHER McAULEY Congratulations to St. Louis de Montfort 1st Quarter Honor Roll Students Angelia Munoz Juliana Rehnquist Gabriela Smith A FRIENDLY REMINDER Please be sure to indicate the amount of your offering on your weekly envelopes. If nothing is noted, your donations cannot be documented for your annual statement that we send for tax purposes. Weekly Activities at St. Louis Saturday, November 19 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) 9:00 10:00 AM Adoration 5:30 PM - BINGO Sunday, November 20 Monday, November 21 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM Minister of Care meeting (CH) Tuesday, November 22 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM Needle workers (QH) Wednesday, November 23 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Parish Pantry Thursday, November 24 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) Friday, November 25 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Parish Pantry 1:00 PM Decorating Church for Advent (all are welcome to help!) Saturday, November 26 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) 9:00 10:00 AM Adoration 11:30 1:00 PM Sandwich Ministry Sunday, November 27 Sunday Readings for November 20 First reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Second reading: Colossians 1:12-20 Gospel: Luke 23:35-43 Sunday Readings for November 27 First reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 Second reading: Romans 13:11-14 Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44 WEEKLY OFFERING Week of November 12/13 $5, Give Central $ Goal $9, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

7 Welcome to St. Louis de Montfort Parish Fr. Stanley Stuglik, Pastor Mr. Bill Sullivan: Deacon Fr. Mark Canavan: Pastor Emeritus Ms. Jan Podolak: Parish Secretary Mrs. Karen Deegan: Director of Music Parish Home: 8808 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn IL Phone: Fax: Parish Website: Parish Home Office Hours: 9:00 AM 2:30 PM Monday Friday MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM Weekdays 8:30 AM (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri) 8:30 AM Communion Service (Wed) Saturday 8:30 AM Communion Service Confessions: Saturday 4:00 to 4:30 PM Baptisms: 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month Pre-Baptismal Program: The 1st Tuesday every other month. Arrangements can be made by calling the Rectory. Mrs. Melissa Wilson: School Principal Mrs. Cheryl Plesha: Director of Religious Education School Address: 8840 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn IL School Phone: Weddings: Couples should contact the parish priest at least six months in advance of wedding date.

8 CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Louis De Montfort Church # S. Ridgeland Avenue Oak Lawn, IL TELEPHONE CONTACT PERSON Jan Podolak SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2013 Adobe Acrobat XI Windows 8 TRANSMISSION TIME Wednesday 11:00 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION November 20, 2016 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Please change your records to reflect our new address indicated above.