Carpenter. The. Our Vision

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1 The Carpenter December 6, nd Sunday of Advent Our Vision Through our Baptism and Eucharist, we are called to love as Christ loves and serve as Christ serves. Our Mission In Jesus Christ, we will grow and flourish through Engaging, welcoming and building community Lifelong faith formation Social justice and service to others in need Engaging and understanding the energy and interests of our youth Prayer and worship that deepens our spiritual life Accountability in using our resources wisely so that we may live life abundantly! St. Joseph Catholic Church Libertyville, Illinois 1

2 An Invitation: Is God Calling You? The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius have been referred to as the most amazing prayer you ve never heard of Many who embrace and practice the Exercises find that the meditation and reflection provide a sense of peace that leads to stronger personal relationships, better decision-making, and a closer connection to God. We are offering Lightworks this Advent to introduce the Spiritual Exercises. Each session will include a speaker on a principle of the Exercises and small group sessions to help learn how to pray in the Ignatian style. The first session was on November 22 with Father Trout describing his own experience with Ignatian Spirituality. Also we will have: December 6 Fr. Brian Welter Nuts and Bolts of Ignatian Prayer December 13 Fr. John Kartje Our Relationship with the Divine December 20 Deacon Jerry Nora God s Love and the Incarnation All sessions will be held in the Loughry Room beginning at 3:00 p.m. and ending by 4:30. To learn more, please us at Runzim@yahoo.com. Please be generous next week. Photo Event Volunteers Needed We are excited to offer our parishioners and school families a Photo Directory with Lifetouch Photography. Your time is needed to help this event be a success for the parish and school. We are in need of volunteers to help families with paperwork and the photographers with organization. Please sign up for a time slot to help on December 22, 23, 29, 30 and January 5-9 by going to this link: All volunteers will receive simple instructions as to how to complete their tasks. Thank you for sharing your time. Parish-Wide Photo Directory Update! To commemorate our milestone of the celebration of the Jubilee Year of our Church Building we are asking every member of the parish to participate in a Photo Directory. There is no cost to participate and you will receive a free 8 x 10 inch portrait and a parish directory. We will continue taking appointments on December 22, 23, 29 & 30 and from January 5-9. We ask that each parishioner select an appointment time with the photographer by going to the link on our website home page. You are welcome to bring your pets as well. All the pictures will be taken in the Koenig Center except on January 8 & 9 when they will be taken in the Parish Office. Call the Parish Office at if you have any questions. Please participate in connecting our families through this Parish Directory as we continue creating our next 50- year legacy. 2

3 Parish Advent Calendar 2015 St. Joseph Catholic Church Also accessible at December 6 2nd Sunday of Advent Children s Liturgy of the Word at 9:00 a.m. Mass At 10:45 a.m. Mass, choir and soloist selections from Handel s Messiah. Monday, December 7 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass of Anticipation 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation. Masses at 6:30, 8:30 (School), Noon and 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 10 Holy Hour for Vocations, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Church Saturday, December 12 Reconciliation 11:00 a.m.-noon, Church Christmas Giving Tree Distribution Weekend in the school gym. Return Gifts to gym foyer between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. December 13 3rd Sunday of Advent Children s Liturgy of the Word at 9:00 a.m. Mass Christmas Giving Tree Distribution weekend in the school gym. Return gifts to the gym foyer before 12:00 Noon. Sunday evening Advent Organ Recital, 7:30 p.m., Church Wednesday, December 16 Advent Organ Recital, 12:15-12:45 p.m., Church Thursday, December 17 Holy Hour for Vocations, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Church School Christmas Program, 7:00 p.m., Church Friday, December 18 School Christmas Mass, 12:30 p.m. Saturday, December 19 Advent Reconciliation, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and 6:00-7:00 p.m., Church December 20 4th Sunday of Advent Children s Liturgy of the Word at 9:00 a.m. Mass 3rd Annual Christmas Sing, 7:30 p.m., Church Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve Liturgies 4:00 p.m. in Church (Contemporary Choir), 4:00 p.m. in Koenig Center (Family Mass/Children s Choir), 4:15 p.m. in Gym (Cantor with Traditional Music), 6:30 p.m. in Church (Teen Choir/Contemporary Music), 10:30 p.m. in Church (Traditional Choir). Carols for the City presented in Church at 4:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. Friday, December 25 Solemnity of Christmas 7:15 a.m. (Traditional), 9:00 a.m. (Contemporary), 10:45 a.m. (Traditional), 12:30 p.m. (Traditional), Caroling in Church at 7:00 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. (No 10:45 a.m. Koenig Center Family Mass and no 5:00 p.m. Mass) Sunday, December 27 Feast of the Holy Family, normal Saturday-Sunday Mass times. Food Drive after Masses. Thursday, December 31 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God - 5:00 p.m. Mass of Anticipation Friday, January 1 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a holy day of obligation, 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. Mass Sunday, January 3 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lordnormal Saturday-Sunday Mass times Sunday, January 10 Feast of the Baptism of the Lord-normal Saturday-Sunday Mass times 3

4 Faith Formation Religious Education and Family Faith Weaving Next Religious Education classes are on December 6 and 8. Next Faith Weaving classes are on December 6 and 11. We are in need of substitute Catechists for our Sunday and Tuesday sessions. Please contact Cheryl: or chaluczak@stjosephlibertyville.org. Are you in high school and seeking Confirmation or another sacrament? Please call the RE office to join us in classes beginning now: Parents, please check your child s folder weekly for updates and class reviews. Thank you to all who donated items for the food pantry's Turkey Baskets for Thanksgiving! Religious Education 5th graders participated in a service project during class. The food was gathered to one location, the expiration dates were checked on each item, and then the food was sorted by meal. Religious Education students in 7th grade attended Mass to pledge their commitment to their Confirmation journey. Afterwards, class was held as a large group, where they learned more about their commitment, and the story of Saul becoming Paul. They later opened up their Bibles and completed a crossword puzzle by finding the answers in the passage. On November 20, St. Joseph Catholic School welcomed members of the K-9 Unit of the Lake County Sheriff s Department. Two of the three new German Shepherds were named by our students in a contest sponsored by the Lake County Sheriff s Department. After the dogs demonstrated some of their training skills, Anna S. and Andrew F. met their K-9 friends. At the end of the assembly, students and faculty said a special blessing for the dogs and their handlers. It was an amazing event! St. Joseph Catholic School Annual Fund The Knight Fund is the annual fundraising initiative that raises money to support each year s operating budget at St. Joseph Catholic School. The Knight Fund enables us to make critical investments in people, programs, facilities and technology, thus ensuring excellence in education while also keeping tuition rates accessible for more families. Gifts are 100% tax deductible and eligible for corporate matching. To learn more or to make a donation, please visit or stop by the school office to pick up a pledge form. We thank the parishioners of St. Joseph Parish for considering a gift of any size to support the education of the students of St. Joseph Catholic School. 4

5 Faith Formation Jubilee Year of Mercy It is not just about receiving Divine Mercy it is also about showing mercy being merciful like the Father. Let us consider the ways we can show mercy each day. Share the Light /Women s Council Upcoming Events for Married Couples in Winter/Spring 2016: January 16 Couple Date Night stjoseph-libertyville.org February 13 & 14 World Marriage Day Event Marriages will be blessed during stone year marriages. If you are celebrat- 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 years and above, please contact Dave and Glen- da Braun at or dgbraun75@ March 5-6 Living in Love Married Couple Workshop. Falling in raise the bar in any marriage. Space is limited. For more informa- Save the Date for the St. Joseph Parish Lenten Mission Sunday, Monday, Tuesday February 28-March1, :00-8:30 p.m. Open Your Hearts to the Lord parishioners on a 3-night Lenten Mission to help us grow closer to Jesus by recognizing the love He shows to each of us and how we can use prayer and simple steps to lead More details coming soon. Marriage Tip of the Week: St. Nicholas, whose feast is celebrated Surprise your spouse and children gether the story of this inspiring saint. Sponsored by the St. Joseph Marriage Enrichment Ministry Pray for Priestly Vocations Thursday Afternoons The Archdiocese recommends that parishes provide for a holy hour to pray for priestly vocations. In support of this, the St. Joseph Vocation Committee and our Spiritual Formation Committee has scheduled a holy hour, with Eucharistic Adoration, to be held every Thursday from 3:00-4:00 p.m. in the church to offer prayers for priestly vocations. Thursdays have been chosen as an ideal day for having the prayer hour as it coincides with Holy Thursday and the institution of the priesthood at the Last Supper. If you are looking for a special action this year, what better way than a short visit on Thursday to pray for an increase in priestly vocations? If you are unable to join us, please keep vocations in your prayers. 5

6 Faith Formation Men s Ministry Annual Men s Tend-the-Fire Mass, January 30, 5:00 p.m. ALL MEN OF THE PARISH ARE INVITED More details to follow Sponsored by The Men s Ministry of St. Joseph Parish Living Laudato Si Mission Trip 2016 Peruvian Amazon Please respond to Pope Francis' call for "unified global action" by serving communities in the Peruvian Amazon from June 28 to July 13, They have requested young adults (18+) to help to build libraries for their youth, deliver food, clothing and medicine, and assist with other essential projects. For more information visit or yamlakecounty@gmail.com. Prayer & Worship Please Pray for the Sick Beverly Dybel Gabrielle Scaccia Clyde & Irene Canovi Arlene Genell Maddy McInerney Livia Rosenberg Bill Schmidt John Czaplicki Jack Mitchell Christopher Carnes Maureen Skinner Jeanette Kaiser Aileen Leidecker Jeanne Huenke Kevin Scanlan James Patrick Genell Ann Kent Crystal Sullivan Ralph Rossi Cliff Young Peter Sylvester Aidan Kirkpatrick Jose Luis Aguilar Diane LaCrosse Megan Behnke Bridget Shiel Micah Peckels Quirk After 4 weeks, please notify the parish office if your loved one is still in need of our prayers. Banns of Marriage Caitlin Monaghan & Kyle Lees Evening for New Eucharistic Ministers If you attended any of the recent Theological workshops to become an EOM, the Practicum training session for our parish will be on Monday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Kolber at or Limmycat1@gmail.com Children s Liturgy of the Word on Each Sunday of Advent Children in grades 1-5 are invited to join us for Children s Liturgy of the Word every Sunday during Advent at the 9:00 a.m. Mass. CLW is an opportunity to experience the Gospel using age-appropriate readings, songs, skits, and activities. Father dismisses the children during the Mass, and we proceed to the Koenig Center for our session. Parents are welcome and invited to come along with their child(ren). Please join us in preparing for Jesus birth during the Advent Season. We look forward to your participation! Please contact Janet Ritter at for more information. The Memory of Loved Ones to Create our Gift Garden Central to the Christmas Season is the giving and receiving of gifts. Gifts speak to the love that we have for one another. We are gift to others. Others are or have been gift to us. This Christmas Season, as a way to remember those who have been gift to us, you are invited to contribute towards the flowers that will grace our worship space during the Christmas Season. This might be in memory of a deceased loved one, someone who encouraged you in faith, or a friend or relative who gifted you with their guidance or their encouragement. Through these memorials the Christmas flowers will not just be decoration but a true garden of gifts representing those who have blessed our lives. Envelopes for this can be found on the tables in the back of church and are in your envelope packets. Simply fill one out with your contribution and drop it in the collection basket or send it to the parish office. During the Christmas Season the names of those remembered in our Gift Garden will be published in the Carpenter. May the beauty of our worship space this Christmas Season truly reflect the beauty of those lives that have touched our hearts and blessed our lives! 6

7 Prayer & Worship Mass Intentions Monday December 7 6:30 Helen Monahan and Well-being of the Ministers of Care 8:30 Edward J. Oginski, anniversary of death and Barbara Nield Tuesday December 8 6:30 Michael Schostok and Janice Schulien 8:30 Alice Kaiser and John Joseph Gannon Wednesday December 9 6:30 Barney Loeb 8:30 Allen McCormick and Bill Curtis Thursday December 10 6:30 Parishioners 8:30 Edward Bontkowski and Theresa Kepic Friday December 11 6:30 Mary & Anton Seifert and Richard McCaffrey 8:30 Otto Bruggenthies and Marie Minarek Saturday December 12 8:30 Beverly J. Martino and Joseph & Janet Higgins Sunday All parishioners Advent Music at St. Joseph Catholic Church During the liturgical season of Advent the parish music ministry will offer: Sunday, December 6, choir and soloists present selections from G.F. Handel s Messiah during the 10:45 a.m. Mass as we prepare to welcome the Year of Mercy on December 8 with Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates from the timeless oratorio. Sunday, December 13, 7:30 p.m., Advent Concert with Anna Ausmann, flute. Wednesday, December 16, 12:15 p.m., Advent Organ Recital offers an opportunity for reflection and prayer during the busy preparation season. Sunday, December 20, 7:30 p.m., Christmas Sing as parish music ministers present music of Advent and Christmas. We hope you will join us in Church on these dates. 7 In Memory Please pray for the souls of: Suzanne Cummins Jim Rogers Katie Johanni

8 Prayer & Worship Presiders Saturday, December 12 5:00 Fr. Trout Deacon Kashmar Sunday, December 13 7:15 Fr. Trout Deacon Mudd 9:00 Fr. Bozovsky Deacon Mudd 10:45 Fr. Bozovsky Deacon Tiemeier 10:45 KC Fr. Le 12:30 Fr. Hennessey Deacon Tiemeier 5:00 p.m. Fr. Kartje Baptisms Nicholas Anthony Savino, son of Emily (Wessman) and Dominic Savino Brianna Marie Lobrillo, daughter of Rina Rodriguez) and Steven Lobrillo, Jr. Christian Patrick Morici, son of Angelica (Wozniczka) and Patrick Morici Reagan Catherine Resetich, daughter of Shannon (Murray) and Richard Resetich Schedules Sunday Masses 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 7:15, 9:00, 10:45 a.m. (10:45 in Church and in Koenig Center), 12:30, 5:00 p.m. Prearranged Baptisms at 1:45 p.m. Saturday Masses 8:30 a.m. (Second Saturdays-Sacrament of Healing at Mass) Weekday Masses 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. or as scheduled. Holy Day Masses: 6:30, 8:30 a.m., Noon, 7:00 p.m. Reconciliation Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon or by appointment. Social Justice & Service Word of Life Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gift of life. Help us to cherish and protect this gift, even in the midst of fear, pain, and suffering. Give us love for all people, especially the most vulnerable, and help us bear witness to the truth that every life is worth living. Grant us the humility to accept help when we are in need, and teach us to be merciful to all. Through our words and actions, may others encounter the outstretched hands of your mercy. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. USCCB Respect Life Program Prayer Card: Every Life is Worth Living St. Joseph Bed Drive Donate a bed to help a child or family through a tough time. We recently learned that there is a long waiting list for beds for children and families in Lake County. The recipients of these beds include children entering foster care, families struggling to set up housing while transitioning from homelessness, 18 year olds coming out of foster care into independent living, or families starting over after a tragedy such as a house fire. A St. Joseph parishioner who is a CASA volunteer learned that one of the foster children he advocates for has been sleeping on the floor for the past month. Can you help ease the burden for people in need? Beds, frames, mattresses and bedding will be donated to the St. Mary of Vernon Sharing Hands Furniture Ministry. Call to schedule a Saturday morning pickup. Employment Ministry to Meet December 16 Loss of a job and the challenge of finding new employment is one of the most difficult transitions many of us will face. At times of high stress, whatever the cause, we have an extra need to find and draw strength from our relationships with others to restore our spiritual strength. To help us with this challenge, Deacon Dave Tiemeier will present Networking with God at the next meeting of the Employment Ministry. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from and connect with people who are here to help you! The meeting will take place from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Formation Center (112 N. Milwaukee, Libertyville 60048), Room D. Please enter from the rear of the building. All are welcome! The St. Joseph Employment Ministry assists the unemployed and under-employed in the pursuit of personally and professionally fulfilling work, at any level or type of work. Anyone with a job to fill or an interest in assisting job-seekers is also invited to attend. Meetings are usually held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. If you have questions, please contact John Jennings at jfjennings@ comcast.net. Employers are invited to post open positions with us by sending an to: StJosephEmploymentMinistry@yahoogroups.com. 8

9 Social Justice & Service Boys and Girls ages 9-14 on Sunday, January 10 at the St. Joseph Gymnasium and contest begins at 1:30 p.m. and is expected to conclude at 4:30 p.m or John Shute at *Note: Age eligibility is determined by the age of the child as of January 1, Thank You to Knights of Columbus! The Knights of Columbus donated 18 Turkey Baskets to the families we serve at the food pantry! Thank you for your time and energy in service to our parish community! Buy a Tree and Feed a Family during the Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. Your Knights of Columbus Council 3674 are selling Christmas Trees to raise money to feed those families in need during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Please visit us at Marytown s east parking lot and buy your tree. (1600 W Park Avenue) We are open beginning Friday, November 27 th thru Saturday, December 19 th. Weekday hours are from 4pm to 8pm Weekend hours are from 8am to 8pm Green Tip of the Week RECYCLING MADE EASY PART 1 Recycling is Job One when it comes to keeping Earth s environment going for the next generation and the six after that. It s why we dutifully trot our newspapers, magazines, bottles, cans, and plastic milk jugs out to the curb each week. But what about all the other stuff? The fact is, the trash that s traditionally filled our blue bins is the low-hanging household-waste fruit, and much of what we discard is still a can-i-or-can t-i question mark when it comes to recycling. Thanks to For more useful earth-friendly tips: earth_stewardship. Beautiful, Fresh Christmas Trees Every year our parish's Knights of Columbus Council 3674 sells Christmas trees at Marytown's east parking lot to raise money to purchase over 100 food baskets that are given to those in need. These trees are fresh-cut from Wisconsin and delivered right before Thanksgiving. We believe it is really important that a family has the ability to enjoy healthy meals during the holidays like we can. So we hope you can support us by purchasing a nice green Christmas tree and enjoy its fresh pine scent during your holiday. God Bless to all and we look forward to helping you select a great tree for Christmas. 9

10 Social Justice & Service 2015 Christmas Giving Tree GIFT TAGS ARE AVAILABLE: The spirit of giving and sharing through St. Joseph Christmas Giving Tree Project is underway. Please look for the colored ribbons containing ornament tags (gift tags) on the walls of the Church. GIFT GUIDELINES: It is recommended that gifts not exceed $25. Please gift wrap or use gift bags (unless tag specifies unwrapped) and securely tape the gift tag to the item. Gifts need to be returned to the gym foyer between 3-5 p.m. on Saturday December 12 or before 12:00 noon on Sunday, December RECIPIENT GROUPS Aid for Women Assists Northern Lake County pregnant and parenting women and their children with services such as free pregnancy testing, maternity lending closet, assistance in securing prenatal care, referrals for housing, adoption, and other assistance. Beacon Place strives to feed, educate, activate, train, and empower children and families through food and technology resources that will enable them to develop as stronger individuals and communities. Located in Waukegan. Boys and Girls Club of Lake County programs promote the positive development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, and belonging. Catholic Charities Meals on Wheels includes Meals on Wheels delivered to homes and senior dining sites. Gift Baskets will be delivered to seniors with their meals. Catholic Charities Families in Need supports Catholic Charities Christmas program. Kindred Life Ministries empowers teen mothers and their children to become independent, contributing members in their communities. LoveInc: Helping Churches Help People Move Out of Distribution Volunteers Needed Please sign up to volunteer for the Giving Tree Distribution Day on December 13! Please go to the St. Joseph s home page and click on Get Involved-volunteer and ministry opportunities. Next, click on Giving Tree Distribution Thank you. Social Media Handles for PROJECT JOSEPH Facebook: Project Joseph St. Joseph Youth Ministry St. Joe projectjoelib Instagram: projectjoelib 10 Debt, Off Support, and On with Life in Christ Maristella Ministry offers services to homeless women and mothers with children in Lake County, Most Blessed Trinity/Community Social Services of Waukegan assists those who are unable to meet their daily living needs of food, clothing, and shelter, while focusing on programs to help each of them to become self-sufficient and live in society with dignity. Mary and Joseph Shelter is an overnight shelter that provides a safe place to sleep for men and women. The shelter provides supper and breakfast, visits by medical and mental health personnel, showers and links to case management services. Neighbor to Neighbor supplies gifts for children of Libertyville Township families who are served at the St. Joseph Food Pantry. Operation Support Our Troops: cash donations will be used for mailing care packages to our active troops. Orphans of Moshi School: Cash donations will be used for school supplies for kindergarten students and special meals for the children s pilau days. Peru Jesuit Project: Cash donations will be used to feed the hungry children at the Jesuit site in Huaro, Peru. PADS Public Action to Deliver Shelter provides shelter and outreach services for the homeless in our community. Prison Ministry: Cash donations to be used for supplies for retreats and follow-up prayer sessions with women who are imprisoned and lonely. Seminarians: Gift cards are requested for seminarians to be used for personal items. Sister House provides interim housing and supportive services to women seeking to overcome chemical dependency. Waukegan Soup Kitchen: Cash donations for Saturday Night soup kitchen to purchase special holiday meal. The Haven provides transitional shelter in Libertyville for homeless women and children. Youth 2016 Appalachian Mission Trip Attention teens, young adults and adults wishing to go on the 2016 Appalachian Mission Trip (AMT): Please get your applications in! The order in which these are received is a factor being used when filling spots for the trip, so don t delay! If you have any questions, please contact Megan Pavelske at mpavelske@sbcglobal.net or Ron Nickel at nickelr4@gmail.com.

11 Community Building St. Joe s is February 6, 2016 Registration begins Monday, December 21 If you want fun and a lot of laughs on a cold winter evening, then St. Joe s annual Trivia Night is for you! Thinking about coming? Here s what you need to know Registration opens Monday, December 21. Specific information regarding registration will be available in the December 20 and 27 Carpenters. Please note: due to space constraints, capacity is limited. To reserve your spot, please register early. Trivia Night details: St. Joseph Gym doors open at 6:00 p.m., play begins at 7:00 p.m. We play in teams of 10 players. When you register, you can register for your entire team. If you don t have 10 players, we can match you up with others to complete your team of 10. Cost is $100 per team or $10 per individual player. There will be cash prizes! Must be 21 years or older to attend. Other fun facts: Each team picks a theme. Decorate your table and yourselves (costumes) as much or as little as you want. Bring Your Own Party you bring your own food and beverages to enjoy throughout the evening. Questions? Contact Vicki Foster at or via at avfoster6@icloud.com. Playgroup on Thursday Afternoon Drop-In Playgroup: Baby, it s cold outside! Please join us for our next drop-in playgroup on Thursday, December 10 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. at the Formation Center. MYC bi-monthly meetings will reconvene after the first of the year. Stay tuned for what s in store for 2016! If you or someone you know would like to join Mothers with Young Children, please contact us at stjoesmyc@gmail.com. Membership is free and you can be as involved as you like. We d love to have you! Do You Enjoy the Hospitality of Java with Joe after Mass? The Java team is looking to grow our membership. We could use your help. If being around people puts a smile on your face or maybe you just really like coffee, the Java with Joe team could be just what you re looking for. It s an easy and fun way to serve your community. Contact Java Don Rentsch for more information at Javadonrentsch@gmail.com or Are You Looking for a Ministry That Is Fun and Rewarding? Consider becoming a Greeter, and help us welcome people as they enter the church for Liturgical services. All you need is a pleasant disposition and a smile to extend the kind of greeting that everyone appreciates. For more information about the Greeter Ministry, call John Jurecko at Senior Corner: Community & Parish Activities ST. JOSEPH PARISH SPONSORED Dec Advent Organ Recital Dec Organ Recital Parish Wide Photo Directory See the Carpenter article for details. LIBERTYVILLE SENIOR COUNCIL SPONSORED EVENTS Dec Birthday Bash Dec Jenny Riddle: Christmas at the White House LIBERTYVILLE SENIOR CENTER SPONSORED EVENTS Dec Bingo Dec Christmas Luncheon See the Senior Update on tables in Narthex for more information. The Library has afternoon movies on Thursday (Cook) or Friday (Aspen).

12 Community Building Welcome Ministry Needs You! He who receives you receives Me, and He who receives me receives Him who sent me (Matthew 10:40) Have you recently had the opportunity to say Welcome to St. Joe s! and extend a warm handshake? That s all it takes and the reward of adding to our parish family is great. Look at the comments from those already on the Welcome Team: I will contact them this week! Thanks! I love this ministry! This is a cool ministry. More importantly, what have the new parishioners said about our Welcome approach? They were honestly moved by the gesture We have never had a welcome like this before. They were delighted with the basket and the welcome from the parish. Feels very good about Libertyville and the St. Joseph Community. If anyone is interested in helping, please contact Gerry Salzman at gesint49@gmail.com or call Please join us in welcoming the following new parish members: Edmond Van Guyse, William Karmik, Patrick & Bridget Miner and Frank & Julie Serrecchia. Welcome to our community of faith! Accountability Stay Connected with your St. Joseph Family! We have options for everyone! Website: Facebook: facebook.com/stjosephlibertyville Newsletter: sign up here Sign up to receive occasional s from St. Joe s. We currently send an out twice a month. OneParish App: Download the app onto your smartphone and sign your family up in the parish directory. Includes faith formation opportunities and links to our parish calendar. Stewardship of Treasure Weekly Offering for November 15, 2015 Current Year Last Year Week Year to Date Week Year to Date Weekend Offering $24,516 $469,619 $24,774 $485,837 Electronic Giving $31,433 $298,194 $2,755 $263,649 Total Collection $55,949 $767,813 $27,529 $749,486 Budget for Collection $41,000 $820,000 Difference $14,949 $(52,187) St. Joseph Parish is grateful to those who give generously on the weekends and monthly through our automatic contribution program. Thank you to those who regularly and generously give of their treasure as well as those who give of their time and talent to support the work our parish does in the name of Jesus Christ. Learn more at Thoughts on Giving And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value (Philippians 1:9-10) Glittery holiday ads can blind us to our stewardship values and distort our needs and wants. It is important that during this season of endless buying we remember that each of us also has the need to give back to God and to those that are in need. Early Deadlines for Carpenter Our printing company, J.S. Paluch, has early deadlines coming up. Taking their deadlines into consideration, the following are parish deadlines. Submissions must be in to Marie Tuohy (marietuohy@sbcglobal.net, ) by 12:00 Noon on the following dates: December 27 Carpenter submissions due on Wednesday, December 16 January 3 Carpenter submissions due on Monday, December 21 CATHOLIC WOMEN'S CLUB OF LAKE COUNTY All women of faith are invited to join us at our meeting on Thursday, December 10 at St. Dismas Church, Sunset and McAree in Waukegan. Rosary begins at 11:30 with lunch; program and business meeting to follow. Ernie Gardner, a favorite with Catholic Women's Club, will entertain us. Our service project this month is Winter Warmth and we will collect gloves, scarves, hats, tube socks and whatever protects from the cold. Items are to be given to local parish PADS facilities. Questions? Call Pat 12Smuck at or Debbie Szot at

13 St. Joseph Catholic Church 121 E. Maple Avenue, Libertyville, Illinois Phone Fax Parish Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Saturday - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. info@stjoseph-libertyville.org Website Rev. John Trout, Pastor Rev. Nhat Le, Associate Pastor Rev. Matthew Bozovsky, Associate Pastor Rev. John Hennessey, Pastor Emeritus George Kashmar, Dennis Mudd, David Tiemeier, Deacons Pastoral Staff Mrs. Mary Causey - Director of Social Justice and Service , mcausey@stjoseph-libertyville.org Mrs. Ann Harmon - Parish Office Manager , aharmon@stjoseph-libertyville.org Mr. Dan Harris, Facilities Manager , dharris@stjoseph-libertyville.org Deacon George Kashmar, Pastoral Director of Ministries , gkashmar@stjoseph-libertyville.org Mrs. Chris Keffer, Director of Catechesis , ckeffer@stjoseph-libertyville.org Mr. Gary Martin, Director of Parish Operations , gmartin@stjoseph-libertyville.org Mrs. Kelly McMahon, Director of Technology , kmcmahon@stjoseph-libertyville.org Mrs. Anne Phoenix - Principal, St. Joseph School , aphoenix@stjoseph-libertyville.org Mr. Ron Vanasdlen, MAM, Director of Music , rvanasdlen@stjoseph-libertyville.org Parish Pastoral Council the PPC at info@stjoseph-libertyville.org. Your questions and suggestions are welcome. Members of the Parish Pastoral Council: Fr. John Trout Dan Coughlin Eileen Glynn-Tucker Michael Knight Mike Mulligan Kathleen O Connor (Chair) Gerry Salzman Janine Wilson Parish Finance Council Fr. John Trout Jim Groth Ryan Kasten Bob Killackey Brian Savage Tom Sear (Chair) Bulletin Submissions Submit Carpenter articles to Marie Tuohy (marietuohy@sbcglobal.net) after approval by your Pastoral Staff liaison. Articles must be received by Noon on the Monday before issue date. New Parishioners Welcome! Please stop or call the parish office weekdays from 9:00 to 4:00 p.m. or download registration form on-line at Announcements at Mass Due to Anna Roeser by Noon on Mondays, aroeser@stjoseph-libertyville.org. Guideline: brief 2-3 sentences. Accessibility If you have a disability and require special accommodations at a parish event, please call the parish office. Ministry of Care, Sacrament of the Sick The Sacrament of the Sick is celebrated at 8:30 a.m. Mass on the 2nd Saturday of each month, or by arrangement. Contact the parish office if seriously ill, hospitalized, or homebound. A Minister of Care is available to bring Communion. Guide to Funeral Planning Please call the parish office for assistance from a Bereavement Minister and a funeral planning guide. Stay Connected Website: Facebook: facebook.com/stjosephlibertyville Matrimony Congratulations! Please contact the parish office as soon as you are engaged. 6 months is usually required for marriage preparation. Infant Baptism As an expectant parent, you are invited to the Pre-Baptismal Session three months prior to birth; 7:30 the 2nd Monday of the month. Baptism for School-Aged Children Preparation classes for parents and children begin in September. Call for information and registration. Sacrament of Penance Celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings or by arrangement. Office Hours & Evening Access The Parish Office and Ministry Center at 121 E. Maple Avenue is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m.-noon on Saturday. The front door of the P.O.M. Center has a keypad for entry into its vestibule area. Anyone hosting a scheduled meeting in the evening or on a weekend is asked to pick up the key for the space they need before 4:30 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.) or by 12:00 Noon on Saturday (for weekend meetings) if you cannot make it by 4:30 (M-F) or by Noon Saturday, please call the office, , before 4:30 (M-F) or Noon Saturday to reserve your key and to get the access code for the vestibule, where the key will be kept. You must return the key immediately after your event by putting it in the same box you obtained it from, NOT in the slot to the left of the door. 13

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16 Breaking Open the Word A Journey to Discipleship Jesus Companions Us Through Scripture 1. Proclaim God s Word. Choose someone to read the Scripture. After reading, there is silence from the group in reverence. 2. Invite Response. Invite individuals to respond to a word, phrase or passage that strikes them in some way. 3. Praise God. After a period of response, close by leading the group in praise of God by praying together the Glory Be. Next Sunday s Gospel Luke 3: Leader: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke Response: Glory to You, O Lord The crowds asked John the Baptist, What should we do? He said to them in reply, Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise. Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, Teacher, what should we do? He answered them, Stop collecting more than what is prescribed. Soldiers also asked him, And what is it that we should do? He told them, Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages. Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were Reflection This Sunday s Gospel focuses our attention on the mission of John the Baptist. It can be easy to form the impression that John was a hermit who wandered around in the wilderness but whose message went unheeded, just a voice crying out in the desert. However, in next Sunday s Gospel we are reminded that John s message was not falling on deaf ears. He was drawing crowds of people from all walks of life who were moved by his preaching. We also find a hint of what was so new and exciting for the Jewish people to hear. In response to their question What should we do?, John reinforced that they should follow the Law, but he also introduced the element of justice and loving their neighbor. His baptism of repentance and forgiveness heralds the way for the New Covenant, where love and compassion are to replace the Law which had come to bind so many through legalism. John thereby tapped into every person s innermost desire to love and be loved, which is placed in the human heart by God. His message and preaching also sparked their longing for the Messiah by promising them that the One to come would fill their hearts and souls with the Holy Spirit and fire of love. As we move closer toward Christmas, let us prepare to receive Jesus into our own hearts with the same spirit of love and compassion He has for us. Let us pray that we can open ourselves up to being loved by God and to help us to grow in our ability to love our neighbors as ourselves. For further reflection on Jesus, the Messiah, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 410, , 453, and 547. Reflection Questions 1. God is love and He placed in us the holy longing to love and be loved. He sent us His Son to show how to love and we are baptized in the Holy Spirit of love. Am I open to receiving God s unconditional love and letting it shape my life and my relationships with Him and others? 2. As Catholics, the Sacraments are continuous signs of God s love and compassion. How can I take advantage of these fountains of God s grace to better receive the gift of the Christ Child? 3. John the Baptist highlighted the requirement of loving our neighbor by calling us to share with the less fortunate. What do I have that I might more generously share with my family this Advent and Christmas season? With the poor? With my parish family? Readings for the Week asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Monday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5:17-26 St. Ambrose Tuesday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 St. Juan Diego Thursday: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 St. Damasus I Saturday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47 Our Lady of Guadalupe Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3: