VISITATION CATHOLIC CHURCH ELMHURST, IL

Transcription

1 VISITATION CATHOLIC CHURCH ELMHURST, IL DECEMBER 30, 2018

2 Page Two December 30, 2018 Visitation Catholic Church Ring in the New Year with Joy! The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy. PSALM 126:3 Father Greg Skowron, Father Michael Kearney and the Visitation Pastoral and Parish Staff wish all a safe and blessed New Year! New Year's Eve Mass Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God Monday, Dec. 31, 5:00 pm New Year's Day Mass Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God Tuesday, Jan. 1, 9:00 am The Rectory office is closed Monday, Dec. 31 through Wednesday, Jan. 2. (Rectory office hours resume on Thursday, January 3) DATE DAY CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS LOCATION TIME 2 Jan WED Prayer Quilt Ministry Parish Center 1:00 PM 2 Jan WED MANNA Parish Center 7:30 PM 3 Jan THUR Prayer for Priests Church 8:45 AM 3 Jan THUR Rosary Makers Parish Center 12 NOON 4 Jan FRI MANNA Parish Center 2:30 PM 5 Jan SAT First Saturday Devotions Church After 8:15 AM Mass 5 Jan SAT Biblical Institute Parish Center 9:00 AM 6 Jan SUN RCIA Parish Center 10:00 AM 6 Jan SUN Children s Liturgy of the Word Parish Center 10:00 AM 6 Jan SUN Cub Scout Pack 14 Meeting Podesta Hall 11:00 AM

3 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph NEWS FROM THE P.I.T. PRIEST IN TRAINING December 30, 2018 Page Three A NOTE FROM OUR PASTOR FATHER GREG SKOWRON By Father Michael Kearney Even though Dec 25th marks the official day for Christmas on our calendars, the Church continues to celebrate Christmas for eight days, and the Christmas season continues to January 6. n those eight days, the Church asks us to continue to celebrate each day like it was December 25. So, as we are still in the octave of Christ, I would encourage you to continue to reflect on the important question: Why was it so important that God not only became man, but entered the world as an infant?! t seems as though my childhood memories and movies can never escape me. After already one remake, The Grinch is making a return to the big screen. And with that it brought about a reflection in prayer that I was even surprised by. The normal perspective of the Grinch was that he didn t like Christmas, but the real reason was he disliked people! As I reflect on how we are becoming more a tech savvy society and separate ourselves from normal communications, we constantly remove ourselves from relationship and communion. I don t know about you, but I did most of my shopping online, and avoided the craziness of the malls, [AKA-I removed myself from people]; I prefer to order my food online; Let s not talk about the increased frustration as I face traffic while in my car; and to top it all off, I find myself to preferring texts over phone calls even with family, friends, and priests, because it s simpler than drawn out conversations! What does that show you about my life? (And I don't think I am alone in this.) We are becoming more impatient, more bitter, more GRINCHY! How do we solve this problem? he movie helps us with a solution: a child! In the movie, the child character of Cindy Lou enters the picture. A child pierces through the hardness of heart of the Grinch and reveals to the him the longing of relationship and communion, even with the people he disliked! What does God do? He comes into the world as an infant, to once again pierce through our hardness of hearts, break through our sin and selfishness. Jesus Christ, as an infant opens up our desires once again for communion and relationship; a life in which we were always called to. I hope this Christmas season is a time to put away our Grinchy selves and open ourselves to God and others! I I T Dear Visitation Parishioners, On January 1, 2019, I will begin a three-month sabbatical. This will be my first sabbatical in nearly 30 years of priesthood. I will be using this time for the purpose of rest, study, reflection and renewal. In my absence, Fr. Michael and Fr. Milota will be responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of Visitation. Please pray for me during this time and be assured that I will be praying for you all as well. Yours in Christ, Father Greg Skowron, Pastor SABBATICALS According to diocesan policy, all diocesan priests ordained at least 15 years (with 7 years of diocesan service) are eligible for sabbatical. Priests are eligible for another sabbatical 10 years after the first. DEFINITION OF SABBATICAL LEAVE FOR DIOCESAN PRIESTS For a priest in parish ministry (or in any other diocesan ministry), the sabbatical is a period of time away from his regular assignment for the purpose of ministerial, personal, spiritual and theological development and enrichment. A sabbatical IS NOT the same as a Leave of Absence. Scams The rectory has received several calls asking if Fr. Greg sent s requesting money. These s are scams. Every day phishing s are sent to unsuspecting victims, especially during the holidays. How do you tell the difference between a scam and a legitimate message? These are suggestions on how to recognize a phishing the message contains poor spelling or grammar; the message asks for personal information; you are asked to send money to cover expenses; something just doesn t look right. If you receive a message that seems suspicious, it is usually in your best interest to avoid acting on the message. DO NOT click on any links contained in the message as users are forwarded to a site that downloads malware.

4 Page Four December 30, 2018 Visitation Catholic Church Scripture Reflections for HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH LIVING the WORD December 30, 2018 THIS WEEK S FOCUS: FAMILY THE SCHOOL OF FAITH We think of church, or perhaps religious education classes, or a parish school as the places we learn about faith. But none of these is more central to learning to live our faith than the household and family. FIRST READING Hannah conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28). This First Reading for this feast records the blessing the LORD gave to Moses that he was to invoke over the people of Israel. It is the presence of God in our lives that is the true definition of blessing. Our lives, in fact, only have meaning inasmuch as we make God the center. This blessing is also called the blessing of St. Francis, for he recommends this greeting to his followers. SECOND READING See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God (1 John 3:1-2, 21-24). There are two words for time in Greek. One word simply means the passing of one minute to the next. The other, that which St. Paul uses here, signifies time that is sacred time. This is the first reference in Scripture to the birth of Jesus (written over a decade before the first Gospel). God sends the Holy Spirit into our hearts so that we can know how much God loves us: he loves us to death. GOSPEL READING They found him in the temple, in the midst of the teachers (Luke 2:41-52). This passage from the Gospel of Luke recounts some of the wondrous events that accompanied the birth of Jesus. Note especially that Mary pondered all of these things in her heart. In Biblical symbolism, the heart is where one thinks. Thus, Mary is pictured as wondering what the meaning of all these things could be. It is also important to remember that shepherds were not considered to be reputable people. They were social outcasts, thieves, and worse. The message of salvation was given first of all to those who most needed it. Mary and Joseph, being good Jews, fulfill all of the prescriptions of the law by circumcising Jesus eight days after he was born and giving him the name that had been revealed to them by the archangel Gabriel. REFLECTION The family is our first school of faith. Parents are our first catechists. These readings affirm this reality. Hannah and Elkanah wanted a child, but Hannah was barren (to use the biblical word for being childless). Her prayer for a child was answered with the birth of Samuel. Not all parents are so lucky. Remember them today. Grateful, she dedicates Samuel to the Lord. Hannah and Elkanah taught Samuel about the power of prayer and the need to be faith-filled. Jesus is wise. His gifts for learning is affirmed by teachers in the temple, a gift most likely fostered by Mary and Joseph. Because Jesus is missing, his parents are anxious. When they retrace their steps they find him in the temple. He is surprised by their anxiety, but honors their wish to go home with them. We can imagine that they all learned something about how to grow in wisdom, faith, and understanding that day. We belong to God s family of faith. One day we will see God as God is because we believed in Jesus name and lived his command to love one another. Our Big Brother teaches us how to love as God loves and how to recognize the dignity of all. Our families teach us as much, for good and for ill. Thank God for the good things. Ask for courage to seek healing for the bad. Learn how to grow in wisdom from those who show us the face of God, the love of Jesus, the faithfulness of Hannah, and the trust of Mary, even in the face of anxiety. No matter what, believe in the name of Jesus Christ and love one another. READINGS FOR THE WEEK [December 31-January 6] Monday 1 Jn 2:18-21 Jn 1:1-18 Tuesday Nm 6:22-27 Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Wednesday 1 Jn 2:22-28 Jn 1:19-28 Thursday 1 Jn 2:29 3:6 Jn 1:29-34 Friday 1 Jn 3:7-10 Jn 1:35-42 Saturday 1 Jn 3:11-21 Jn 1:43-51 Sunday Is 60:1-6 Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 Mt 2:1-12

5 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 30, 2018 Page Five MASS INTENTIONS PLEASE NOTE: 2019 MASS INTENTION OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 [ NEW YEAR S EVE] 8:15 AM SOLEMNITY OF MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD 5:00 PM [NEW YEAR S EVE] Intentions for Elizabeth Gory TUESDAY, JANUARY 1 [NEW YEAR S DAY] SOLEMNITY OF MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD 9:00 AM WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2 6:15 AM 8:15 AM Kevin D Agostino THURSDAY, JANUARY 3 6:15 AM 8:15 AM Violet Janousek Pasquale Calcagno Intentions of Beattie Wedding Anniversary FRIDAY, JANUARY 4 6:15 AM Forgotten Souls in Purgatory 8:15 AM Mary McCann SATURDAY, JANUARY 5 8:15 AM 5:00 PM James Carter SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 7:00 AM 8:15 AM 10:00 AM Intentions of Allison Bertany People of the Parish Robert Kazanecki 11:30 AM Jim and Lois O Connell Salvatore Napurano 6:00 PM To take the gifts up at Mass, please see an Usher VISITATION CHURCH CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS (Additions to 12-23/25-18 bulletin) Paula Calabrese PRAYERS FOR OUR FAMILY For the Sick Please pray for all the sick and their families: Elizabeth Gory Susan Reetz Pauline Palgen John Rossi Due to privacy issues we only honor prayer list requests by you or a family member. Names remain on list for two weeks. Please call the office to add a name or to have the name continued for two additional weeks. WEDDING BANNS I Samantha Ostling and Brendan VonderHeide CHURCH VIGIL CANDLE INTENTIONS Vigil candles burn for requested intentions before our church statues of Our Lady and St. Joseph, To have a candle lit, please call the Parish Office at For Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. ARMED FORCES PRAYER LIST We remember in prayer our military as they serve in our Armed Forces and pray for God s protection. U.S. Air Force MSGT Kevin James (Ramstein AFB, Germany) AMN Natalee Arbino (Wright Paterson, OH) AMN E2 Jacob Neimanas (Travis AFB, CA) AMN Eric E. James (DYESS AFB, Abilene, TX)) SSGT Christopher Lenz (Tinker AFB, OK) U.S. Army CPT Joseph Doyle (ID) MAJ Patrick Leen (IL) 1LT Timothy Drahokoupil (Ft. Campbell, KY) LT Joseph D. Frost (Kandahar, Afghanistan) CPT Nicholas Keller (Ft. Knox, KY 2 LT Thomas J. Diwisch (Fort Bragg, NC) PVT Stephen J. Taylor (Ft. Eustis, VA) U.S. Coast Guard CPO Patrick Kirby (TX) U.S. Marine Corps PVT Nicholas Acevedo (CA) 1 LT Kurt P. James (Darwin, Australia) SGT David Byrne (Japan) CPL Conor Croci (MCAS Miramar, CA) LCPL Eric E. Gibas (Camp Pendleton, CA) United States Navy LCDR Robert Aranha (United States) To add a name to this list, please call

6 Page Six December 30, 2018 Visitation Catholic Church PRAY AND FAST FOR OUR PRIESTS FOR WHEN THERE IS NO PRIEST, THERE IS NO SACRIFICE, AND WHEN THERE IS NO SACRIFICE, THERE IS NO RELIGION. St. John Vianney (Patron Saint of Priests) WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR PRIESTS Mondays at 7:00 pm Thursdays at 8:45 am in the Church God would love to see you there! If you are unable to make it, here are things you can do from home: Offer up any sufferings; Pray a decade of the rosary or a chaplet; Make a visit to the Adoration Chapel; Offer your Mass and your Holy Communion for priests; Fast; Give Alms; Attend daily Mass. CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE STUDY PRESENTS HEBREWS Sessions for this 16-week DVD study will be held in the Hospitality Room of the Parish Center Wednesdays, beginning January 9, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Hebrews is a masterfully written biblical work with a fascinating premise: the New Covenant of Jesus Christ perfectly fulfills the Old Covenant. Even more impressive, however, is the fact that only the New Covenant can free us from sin. The news was so shocking, so radical, that it literally shook the world, beginning with the earthquake at Calvary and thundering down to us, 2,000 years later. This DVD study with Scott Hahn, Mark Shea and Fr. Mitch Pacwa takes us through this theological piercing letter. In 16 powerful lessons, you will learn: Why the New Covenant fulfills, without destroying, the Old. How Jesus relates to and far surpasses the angels. What it means to be a priest in the line of Melchizedek. How the first Christians made crushing sacrifices to guard and preserve our Faith. Study Guides (although not required) enhance the understanding of each session are available for $30. For information/to register and order a Study Guide, contact Pauline Scharres at pmscharres@att.net or SOLEMNITY OF MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD/ NEW YEAR S EVE/NEW YEAR S DAY LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE Monday, December 31, :00 PM Lector: Bob Kaminski Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers: Dianne C. Carter, NOT FILLED-4 Altar Servers: Clara Lawrence, Jenny Fromelt, NOT FILLED-1 Music: Lesley Sharkey, Megan Drahos Tuesday, January 1, :00 AM Lector: Kevin Fowler Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers: NOT FILLED-5 Altar Servers: NOT FILLED-3 Music: Lesley Sharkey, Regina Gibbons

7 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph First Saturday Devotions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Next Saturday, Jan. 5, 8:15 am, in the Church We extend a warm invitation to all to join us once a month for the Five First Saturdays Devotion in honor of Mary s Immaculate Heart, beginning with 8:15 am Mass. Devotion follows with 45 minutes of prayer, reflection, and meditation. Why five Saturdays? The number five is significant because Jesus told Sister Lucia (a Fatima seer) that there are five kinds of offenses and blasphemies against the Immaculate Heart of Mary: Blasphemies against her Immaculate Conception. Blasphemies against her Virginity. Blasphemies against her Divine Maternity. Blasphemies of those who openly seek to foster in the hearts of children, indifference or contempt and even hatred for Mary Immaculate. Blasphemies of those who directly insult her and her sacred statues and images. Our Lady s words to Sister Lucia: I promise at the hour of death to help with the graces needed for their salvation, whoever on the first Saturdays of five consecutive months, shall confess and receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary and keep me company for 15 minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the rosary with the intention of making reparation to me. It is a great way to start your Saturday! December 30, 2018 Page Seven VISITATION ROSARY MAKERS DID YOU KNOW? Did you know the Visitation Rosary Makers Ministry is a non-profit ministry? ALL proceeds go to Pro-Life via Knights of Columbus, as well as rosary donations to those who cannot afford one. Did you know how many different kinds of rosaries we make? Our rosaries include ladder, single chain, rear view mirror, bracelets, key chains, baptism, saints, Irish St. Patrick, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Knights of Columbus, Christmas, and Divine Mercy. Did you know we carry for sale: a pyx, burse, Advent calendars, prayer cards, medals, rosary cases and holders, as well as single decade chaplets? Did you know we make rosaries in school colors and use beads such as Czech crystal, tiger eye, hematite, mother of pearl, and heart shaped beads? Did you know the Rosary Makers collect broken rosaries, and any unwanted rosaries for repair and redistribution as part of our Rosary Rescue Mission? We also carry brochures on "How to Pray the Rosary for Children" and another one for teens! Starting January 2019, Rosary Makers will be available before and after every Mass for FREE rosary repair and purchases the first weekend of every month! Special orders are welcome! YOUNG ADULT RETREAT A Door Into the World of Man Discovering God in Literature Retreat led by Fr. Andy Davy, MIC and Fr. Michael Kearney Friday, Jan. 11 (beginning at 5pm) To Sunday, Jan. 13 (concluding at 12 Noon) Dickson Valley Retreat Center 8250 Finnie Road, Newark, IL Cost: $125 To register or for more information please contact Fr. Michael Kearney: frmike@visitationcc.org Space is limited. Financial Assistance is available.

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9 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 30, 2018 Page Nine PRAYER QUILT MINISTRY Win at the 2019 Visitation Gala Raffle $10,000 CASH PRIZE Drawing January 26, 2019, at 7 pm $20 per ticket Only 5,000 sold! Ask a Vis student, buy a ticket after any of the Sunday Masses, visit biddingforgood.com/visitation, or contact Lindsay Cibelli at lnzcibelli@gmail.com for raffle tickets! Visitation CCW is hosting GRACE CAFÉ on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, and Needs Your Help! The Prayer Quilt Ministry would like to encourage all parishioners to let us know about those who are going through a significant difficulty and who may benefit from the prayers of our congregation and the tangible evidence of those prayers in the form of prayer quilts. The recipients of the prayer quilts may be going through a health issue, facing surgery, be in the military (or just returned from military duty), dealing with grief, emotional concerns, etc. They do not have to be a member of Visitation Parish or Catholic. Anyone may offer a prayer quilt to anyone you feel might benefit and appreciate being covered by our prayers. The recipient MUST agree to accept the prayer quilt. If you would like to request a prayer quilt for someone, please complete the form below, place it in the collection basket or drop it off at the Parish Office and someone from the Prayer Quilt Ministry will get in touch with you to obtain additional information. It is almost here! If you would still like to sign up to help, the online signup can be found at: go/805054eacad2da13-grace4 For information contact Paula Ciccarone at or pciccarone@gmail.com. If you signed up to donate items Please drop off your donation in the Parish Center hallway on your way into any Mass next Sunday, Jan. 6 (except the hot dishes). Hot dishes should be delivered to: Podesta Hall on Monday, Jan. 7, between 4-4:30 pm. REQUEST FOR A PRAYER QUILT Contact Person Contact Phone Recipient Name Recipient Phone Number

10 Page Ten December 30, 2018 Diocese of Joliet We Are Marching!! MARCH FOR LIFE CHICAGO Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019 Bus Trip from Immaculate Conception Church, 134 Arthur St., Elmhurst, Federal Plaza, 2-4pm. $15 pp/$40 family [Ideal Charter Bus Round-Trip Service to Chicago]. All are welcome! 11:30 am: Mass and Blessing 12:50 pm: Depart from IC Church 1:30 pm: Arrive in Chicago 2-4 pm: March (beginning at Federal Plaza) 4 pm: Board Bus to return to Elmhurst 5 pm: Arrive at Immaculate Conception Church For tickets please visit: Eventbrite.com [Search March for Life Elmhurst] or mail your registration to 134 Arthur St., Elmhurst, IL, Questions: Contact Tess Hill , t.hill@lwreedy.com or call the Immaculate Conception Parish Office at Speak with your FEET! Let Your Voice be Heard! Choose Life! CCW GRATEFUL THANKS Visitation Catholic Church Our thanks to Monica Spatafore for a hugely successful Sharing Tree project. Additional thanks to the many people who contributed their time and talent by generously giving gifts, creating and labeling ornaments, setting up the Parish Center, hosting donuts and coffee, and sorting Sharing Tree gifts for pick up. Through your generosity, over 725 gifts were distributed to I families in need. Thank you, Visitation Parish community, for your kindness and sharing spirit. THE DATING PROJECT A Movie for Every SINGLE Person Thursday, Jan. 10, 7 pm St. Isaac Jogues Parish Center 304 W. Fourth St., Hinsdale You are invited to a viewing of the film, THE DATING PROJECT on Thursday, Jan. 10, in the St. Isaac Jogues Parish Center. This movie is for every SINGLE person (high school, college, young adult and their parents/ grandparents). 50% of America is single. The way people seek and find love has radically changed. The trends of hanging out, hooking up, texting and social media have created a dating deficit. Dating is now outdated. Follow five single people, ages 18-40, as they navigate this new landscape. You can also purchase the DVD at Target, Walmart and on Amazon. To view the movie trailer, please visit their website Friday, Jan. 11, 6:30 pm (7 pm start) Visitation Gym, $10 person Teams are max of 8 people B.Y.O. Nibbles and Drinks Send your team name for this fun and challenging night to courtney@braafhart.net. Money is due Wednesday, Jan. 9 (Drop off at the Frost home, 875 S. Chatham) or if you have a student at Vis (Send to Brandy Frost via Peter Frost, Room #126). For more information contact Courtney, courtney@braafhart.net or Brandy, bfrost0616@yahoo.com.

11 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 9th Annual Bags for Wags" Bean Bag Tournament Saturday, February 2, 2019 Cost: $100 per team (two players per team) cash and checks only Location: Visitation Valentino Center, 851 S. York Rd., Elmhurst Time: 6:00 PM (on site registration & sign-in: 4:45 PM to 5:45 PM) Participant Age: 16 and up Winners: Cash prizes for the top teams. Prize amounts announced on the day of the tournament. For rules and registration visit: Junior High and High School Students are Encouraged to Volunteer Contact and provide your name, phone and available hours for Saturday, Feb. 2, Complimentary refreshments for all registered teams: Mama Maria s Pizza and Soft Drinks General Admission for Spectators (covers cost of food/drink for whole evening): Age 16 and older: $10; Under Age 16: $5 The BEWSF is a 501 c3 non-for profit organization registered with the State of IL. All proceeds from this event including but not limited to: admission fees, registration costs, raffle prizes and monetary donations benefit the multiple scholarships which are awarded annually to recipients each spring. BEWSF * PO Box 1036 * Elmhurst, IL PARISH DIRECTORY Adoration Chapel Mary Lewis Men s Bowling Sev Delabar Joan Taylor Men s Small Groups Altar Servers Rev. Michael Kearney Jim Herrmann... PADS Catholic Light House Media Tom and Mary Parpan Elizabeth Kosowski Parish Pastoral Council wrigleyfield@yahoo.com Casserole Ministry Anne Montgomery Prayer Quilt Ministry Kathy Best Karen Verner Council of Catholic Women Mary Beth Lucas RCIA... Rosary Maker Ministry mbblucas@gmail.com Lorene Bryan CRHP School Board President SACRAMENT OF PENANCE Mary McCann Lea Smirniotis Saturday, Dec. 15, 9:00-4:00 pm lea636@gmail.com Confessions offered at all Mass times, Dec. 8/9 mmccann3@me.com Crypt of the Saints Richard Montalbano Elizabeth Ministry Clarita Iozzo Fathers Club Craig Heiss... Finance Committee Chairperson Rob Bennett robertjbennett@comcast.net Knights of Columbus Kevin O Reilly Don Lamonica John Kwit Ladies Bowling Sharon Bresnahan Ladies and Couples Bridge Peg Majewski Ladies Golf League Lynn DeFilippis MANNA Tuition Assistance David James craigheiss@gmail.com elizabethgk@att.net Scouting Melanie Schneider Dave Stevenson Social Service Outreach Deacon Tony Spatafore aspatafore1@comcast.net SPRED Melanie Schneider Ushers George Klein. gpkcdc@juno.com Valentino Activity Center Linda Roberts Vis Seniors Mary Ann Kramer Vocation Committee Pam Gaudio Joan Taylor Women s Volleyball Tracy Nelson December 30, 2018 Page Eleven mtnelson95@yahoo.com BULLETIN DEADLINE: Thurs, 12 NOON to Suzanne Noonan, , bulletin@visitationcc.org

12 Page Twelve December 30, 2018 CRHP News I had reached a point in life where I saw major changes coming quickly. To be honest, I was not ready for them. I had always been a prayerful person but even my relationship with God was beginning to suffer. I was losing my grip on prayer and life and it was scary. I was wondering how to survive it all. To help myself, I decided to attend the CRHP Weekend. That weekend turned out to be a huge blessing! I was able to rekindle my prayer life and develop meaningful relationships with other women here at Visitation. For me, the CRHP experience continues to grow my faith and my friendships with these women. We have a shared trust in each other and in God. Come to our CRHP Renewal Weekend on January and see what you have been missing. ACA CRHP POTBELLY FUNDRAISER On November 13, 2018, Potbelly Sandwich Shop hosted a fundraising event for CRHP. Many Visitation parishioners came for dinner and in just three short hours, we raised $188! Thank you to all those who supported CRHP and our Potbelly fundraising event. We really appreciate it! CRHP RAFFLE THANK YOU Congratulations to Tina Kearney for being the lucky winner of the CRHP raffle! A special thank you to those who donated to make the raffle possible: Carol Luurs of Luurs Garden Center for the beautiful Christmas wreath;. Mary McCann for the lovely scented candle; Kathy Falcone for the wreath stand; Samantha DeBernardis of Sweetly Grace Custom Cookies for the delicious sugar cookies. These kind donations helped raise over $500 which will help fund the Christ Renews His Parish Women s Retreat Weekend on January Part of the funds raised were due to the adorable Visitation Parish magnets too! (Susan Hemmersmeier designed the magnets and they sold for $5 a piece.) Thank you to all who participated. Wills and Trusts: Which is better for you? Tuesday, Jan. 29, 6:30pm, Hospitality Room Anyone interested in protecting their family from the confusion, complications and legal fees of an incomplete estate plan should attend the educational program, Wills and Trusts Which is better for you? on Tuesday, Jan. 29, guest speaker, Ted Kuczek, of the Law Firm of Kuczek and Associates. Visitation Catholic Church Visitation Women s Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) January 26-27, 2019 Wine and Cheese Information Event Thursday, Jan. 17, 7-9 p.m. Parish Center Fireside Room WHAT IS CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH? In the words of our Savior, we too invite you, Come and you will see. John 1:39 For more information please contact Mary McCann do not be afraid John 14:27 VISITATION PARISH Feeding the hungry CASSEROLE MINISTRY TIN DISTRIBUTION: DECEMBER 29/30 CASSEROLE COLLECTION: JANUARY 12/13

13 MONDAY Daniel O Shaughnessy Kate O Shaughnessy DAILY 8:15 AM MASS ALTAR SERVER ASSIGNMENT (DEC 31-JAN 5) TUESDAY [9:00 AM] SEE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Welcome to Visitation Catholic Church 779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL Daily Mass: Monday-Friday, 6:15 am, 8:15 am Saturday Reconciliation: 4:00-4:45 pm Saturday Mass Hours: 8:15 am, 5:00 pm Sunday Mass Hours: 7:00 am, 8:15 am, 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 6:00 pm VISITATION PARISH MISSION STATEMENT Visitation Parish, a Roman Catholic Community in the Diocese of Joliet-in-Illinois, seeks to draw all to Jesus Christ, revelation of the Father and font of the Holy Spirit, by celebrating the Sacraments, educating people of all ages in the Truths of the Catholic Faith, and reaching out to those who are physically, emotionally, or spiritually in need. PARISH AND PASTORAL STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION PARISH OFFICE HOURS: [MON-THUR] 8:30 am-4:30 pm [FRI] 8:30 am-12 Noon Phone: Fax: welcome@visitationcc.org Parish Website: Deanery Website: easterndupagedeanery.org PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Greg Skowron, Pastor, Frgreg@visitationcc.org Rev. Michael Kearney, Parochial Vicar, Frmike@visitationcc.org Deacon Anthony Spatafore, Pastoral Associate, aspatafore1@comcast.net Deacon Jay Janousek, Deacon James Eaker, Deacon Mike Iozzo, , mike.iozzo@outlook.com Deacon Michael O Ryan, VisDeaconMikeO@gmail.com Marek Latocha, Business Manager, , x202 marek@visitationcc.org PARISH FAITH FORMATION/RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Matthew Pozen, , x502 WEDNESDAY Patrick Berigan Clare Lopatka Love and Service to Others YOUTH MINISTRY Jake Barkley, Youth Minister, youthministry@visitationcc.org VISITATION PARISH LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE JAN 5/6 5:00 PM 7:00 AM 8:15 AM 10:00 AM 11:30 AM 6:00 PM LECTORS Bob Kaminski Gerry Weaver James Hoffman Kati Potaczek Rose Krajewski Lauren Hoffman EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS ALTAR SERVERS MUSIC Sabrina Ruff Mary K. Pakos Mary Beth Ryan Dianne C. Carter Will Bryk Payton Bryk Luke Dolsen Barb Masters Elaine Latz and Family Marianne Stanke Paul Morris Mary Ann Arazan NOT FILLED-1 Aniela Gaudio Giovanna Gaudio NOT FILLED-1 Barb Masters Kevin O Reilly Clarita Iozzo Daniel Fogarty, Sr. Pamela Clink Jenny Fromelt Sam Hemmersmeier Luke Hemmersmeier Jim Brown Suzy Salgado Theresa Koenigsberger Al Potaczek Robert Bennett Joyce Bennett Lawton Natalie Alysa Lawton Daniela Ayala ADULT CHOIR THURSDAY Scott Zaragoza Nick Zanoni Elizabeth Fisette Ray Hill Karen Stuefen Susan Stanisz Kode Imburgia Adrian Schafer Emily Carling Jim Brown Jack Miuccio Krystyna Miuccio FRIDAY Jack Beckman Luke Beckman Susan Haibeck Rita McGreal Elizabeth Quinn Tom Lawless Peter Frost AJ Torres Mikey Curtin SATURDAY Brendan Bassing Cecilia Passarelli MUSIC Barbara Masters, Parish Music Director, b.masters@visitationparish.org OFFICE STAFF Suzanne Noonan, Secretary, Teodora Kulikowska, Admin. Asst , x206 VISTATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Website: Phone: /Fax: Carrie Mijal, School Principal, cmijal@visitationelmhurst.org Katie McVey, School Assistant Principal kmcvey@visitationelmhurst.org BISHOP OF JOLIET Most Rev. R. Daniel Conlon, J.C.D.