Catholic Church. December 20, 2015 Fourth Sunday of Advent 207 VANDALIA STREET COLLINSVILLE, IL Staff. Contacts. Masses.

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1 Staff Rev. John P. Beveridge, Pastor Ext. 300 Deacon Jim Hill Ext. 395 Mr. Michael Palmer, School Principal Ext. 331 Mrs. Maggie Brennan, Pastoral Care Ext. 311 Mrs. Teri Lesicko Ext. 315 Director of Finances & Development Mrs. Kimberly Zagorski Ext. 302 Faith Formation Coordinator Mrs. Ariel Martin Annulments & Counseling Contacts Parish Office 207 Vandalia St. Phone Fax Office Hours Monday thru Thursday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM Friday 8:30AM-3:30PM Parish Center 301 Vandalia School 210 N. Morrison Parish Prayer Line Masses Weekend Saturday 4:30 PM Sunday 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM Weekday Monday Communion Service, 8:15am Tuesday thru Friday. 8:15 AM First Friday Masses 8:15 AM Holy Day Masses Eve of Holyday 5:30 PM Holyday 8:15 AM, 7:00 PM Sacraments Confessions Saturday 3:00-4:00 PM Thursday before First Friday 4:00PM till all are heard Marriage Contact the parish office at least one year beforehand. Baptism During the liturgy on the Third Sunday at the 10:30 AM Mass or on the Fourth Weekend of the month. Call the Parish Office for registration forms and scheduling. Baptismal Preparation Classes Baptismal preparation consists of 2 sessions for parents held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Parish Office and the Thursday before the Baptism in Church. Please call for a reservation. Visit ourwebsite saintspeter-paul.org & SS. Peter Paul Catholic Church 207 VANDALIA STREET COLLINSVILLE, IL December 20, 2015 Fourth Sunday of Advent

2 From the Desk Of Fr. John Merry Christmas! May the Lord shower His blessings upon each of us and our families during this Holy Season! Yes it is a few days away and it is the Fourth Sunday of Advent but this bulletin comes as a preparation for the great feast! We have been preparing all throughout Advent trying to be vigilant and watchful for the Lord s coming (He has come will come in Glory and comes now into our lives). The lessons of Holy Scripture have brought us the voice of John the Baptist as he prepared the people to welcome Christ when he came. Now we hear the voice of Elizabeth filled with faith, joy, and excitement at the closeness of the Messiah in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The hope and promise of redemption and salvation echoed over the many centuries through the word of God delivered by the Prophets. Now we are able to see God s Word made flesh Jesus Christ is the face of the Father s Mercy Pope Francis writes. Jesus is real flesh and blood and speaks clearly the truth and reveals the will of our Father for us & the world. No politics, no manipulation or deception He reveals God s plan for all of mankind! With all the fear of these days which was generated through horrendous acts of violence perpetrated on innocent people we can be tempted to turn to our own solutions or turn to the way of the Lord Shine your face on us and we shall be saved. Let us be ever more determined and committed in living and sharing our faith with others. Christ comes to save us all and he wants us to be his face in the world the face of compassion & mercy! Last Sunday we heard the voice of John the Baptist that called us all to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Lord. He brought a word of comfort that all was not lost. He brought a word of invitation that the Lord was holding out hope for forgiveness and restoration. He brought a word of challenge to turn away from certain patterns of life that were contrary to God s love and mercy and put goodness into action toward our fellow human beings. God has shown us his gentle and never ending mercy even in the invitation John the Baptist offered. The people wondered if he then was the Messiah. But John was very clear that there was one greater than he that was coming after him. John admitted that his baptism was just with water a preparation for the coming one. The one coming after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit and Fire (our thoughts go immediately to Pentecost and the disciples who were filled with that indwelling of God s love and life). How can we be as generous and faithful to God s call and share our faith and lives with others? Christmas Masses Christmas Eve- 4PM & 7 PM Christmas Day 8 AM & 10:30 AM (New Years Eve 4:00 PM New Years Day 9:00 AM.) (Parish Office closed Christmas Eve day) Christmas 2 nd Collection is for the Alton Children s Home. Since the 19 th century our Catholic Children s Home has provided shelter, food, clothing, education, safety & a place to call home for thousands of children from non-existent or dysfunctional families here is the face of mercy! Special Visitor from the Diocesan Office came last week to review our plans for the new Gathering Space, Fellowship Hall & Parish Offices. Mr. Greg Fleck heads the Office for Property, Buildings and Cemeteries and calls the Diocesan Commission for Buildings and Property to review plans etc. and make recommendations to Bishop Paprocki about their implementation. Mr. Fleck was very impressed with the plans, the detail, the preparation, the forethought that has gone into them. He will help us prepare to present them to the Diocesan Commission at their next meeting in January. Today is the Red Bag Collection Angel Fund Tuition Assistance for our SSPP School. Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, Mass Intentions MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 8:15AM Communion Service TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22 8:15AM Diodoro Yanvario WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23 8:15AM Richard Horton THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 Collection for Alton Children s Home 4:00PM Richard and Mary Vojas 7:00PM Fr. John s Intention FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 Collection for Alton Children s Home 8:00AM Maria Sova 10:30AM Mary Ann Italiano SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26 4:30PM Jean Butterfield SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 8:00AM Bob Fournie 10:30AM Tom Dufford, Sr. Collection for December 13 Envelopes/Loose $ 17, Capital Campaign , Parish Improvements Diocese Holy Cross-Guatemala Annual Fund 1, Angel Fund/Red Bag 1, Christmas Flower Fund Catholic Children Home Retired Religious Fund 1, Immaculate conception 2, $ 29, ANGEL FUND RED BAG TUITION ASSISTANCE Through your generous support to the Angel Fund/Red Bag Collection you are helping provide financial assistance to a number of school families. These funds enable parents to send their children to SSPP School, where they receive a quality Catholic education and have access to an academic program that has excelled at preparing children for their years of education beyond SSPP. During the last fiscal year, July 1, 2014 June 30, 2015, the Angel Fund/Red Bag Collection received $17, in donations and in October of 2015 the fund received a donation of $3, from the Diocese. Be an angel & give generously to the Angel Fund / Red Bag Collection that will be taken up this weekend

3 SS. Peter and Paul School News Our Nursery is located in the Church basement and is open during the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays. Today, Sunday, December 20 Kathy and Emilee Williams will be taking care of our little ones in the Nursery. Next Sunday, December 27 Melinda Pendall & daughters will be in charge of the Nursery. If you would like to volunteer to take care of the small children during the 10:30am Mass or have any questions please call Betty Greer at Christmas Break is from December 18, 2015 to January 4, 2016 when classes resume. Principal s Notes: We are fast approaching the halfway point in the Advent season. Although we can t help looking forward to Christmas, our students have become aware of the importance of Advent. Twice a day, we announce the Jesse tree ornament over the intercom. We add the name to the ornament displayed on the main bulletin board. We have also begun the extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. Before the Angelus at noon, we do a short reflection on mercy and then the Mercy prayer. You can download an app for your smartphone from Our Sunday Visitor that has daily reflections, readings, and prayers. The year lasts until the next Feast of the Immaculate Conception. CHILDREN S LITURGY OF THE WORD Sunday, December 27: 10:30AM Laura Tosi K and 1st 10:30AM Becky Bone and 2nd & 3rd Emily Bone Mr. Winterbottom s 4th grade P.E. class learning how to square dance Tutoring/Homework Club Contact Mrs. Wepking via Fast Direct if you are interested in Tutoring or Homework Club for your student at SSPP School. Price for Homework is $10 per child per session and the price for tutoring is $25 a session. RECYCLING NEWS SSPP School recycles paper, aluminum and clothing (SSPP School is paid for every pound collected) Please place your recyclable items in the containers found on the lower parking lot. We also collect aluminum tabs, eyeglasses, old keys and Boxtops, please bring these items to the school or parish office. Thank you, we appreciate your support! ADOPT-A-CLASS If you or your company would like to adopt a Class or give a donation to the Library, Art, Chorus, Band Program, or the Computer Lab at SS. Peter & Paul School. Please contact the school office at You can donate any amount to any teacher. The donation is used specifically by that class or teacher. Shop with Scrip The school office carries a variety of scrip cards and can order almost anything. Go to or for the complete list. The school receives different percentages back on each card purchased. If you know you ll be shopping at a specific store (ie Shop N Save, Home Depot, Wal-Mart etc.) or dining at a specific restaurant (ie Starbucks, Olive Garden, Panera, etc) or paying your store charge (ie KOHL S etc) please think about purchasing them from school. Thanks for your support! HOLIDAY NUTS ARE HERE!!! Pecan Halves, Pecan Pieces, Mixed Nuts & English Walnuts $10 each for 1 pound bag Fresh Crop from Georgia s Thames Pecan Company. Contact LouAnne Howard at Fourth Sunday of Advent To Trina Rauk and Kelly SSPP School Gaither for chairing a suckudos cessful Santa s Kottage for the students. Thanks also to the many parents who helped our students with their Christmas shopping. Our 5th, 6th, & 7th grade students who have volunteered to begin altar serving. The 4th graders will be starting soon. P.S.R. The next PSR Classes will be on Wednesday, January 6 starting at 6:30pm in Church with dismissal at 7:45pm from the School. December 20,

4 Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 4:00pm Lector: Mike and Michael McMahon Music: Glory Choir Gifts: The Family of Richard and Mary Vojas Servers: Ryan McMahon, Katie Jo and Elena Martz Comm. Minsts: Leslie Duff, Ed Welle, Barb & Mike Hasamear, Terri & Jim Odorizzi, Debbie McAllister, Amy Ferguson, Sue Popov. MaryAnn Silhavy, Madeleine & Herman Wenos, Kelly & Dave Stelmach, Judi Schutzenhofer Intention: Richard and Mary Vojas Christmas Eve, Thursday December 24, 7:00pm Lector: Liz Dalton and Augie Lohmann Music: Mixed Choir Gifts: Ray Muniz and Liz Dalton Servers: Elizabeth Campbell, Christopher Van de Riet and Seth Verstraete Comm. Minsts: Ray Muniz, Ruth Lohmann, Eva Giovando, Sheir Verstraete, Debbie & Bob Sanders, Liz Dalton, Betty Eberle, Augie Lohmann Intention Father John s Intention Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 8:00AM Lector: Mary Kay Ogle and Mark Kennedy Music: Megan and Bob Gifts: Maria Clark and Carolyn Weil Servers: April Kupinski, Katie Jackson and Seth Brusewitz Comm. Minsts: Steve Molitor, Robet Alavardo, Maria Clark, Carolyn Weil, Trudy & Joe Strieker, Mary Kay Ogle Intention Maria Sova Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 10:30AM Lector: Felicitas Kluck and Jean Buchana Music: Mixed Choir Gifts: The Family of Mary Ann Italian Servers: Matthew Wilde, Caitlyn, Gwen, and Zena Pendall Comm. Minsts: Carol & Barry Moore, Beverly McDonald, Tess Haines, Eileen Welle, Felicitas Kluck, Jean Buchana Intention: Mary Ann Italiano Saturday, December 26, 4:30PM Lector: Michael and Ryan McMahon Music: Glory Choir Gifts: The Family of Jean Butterfield Servers: Melody Pacewic, Loghan Phetsadasack, Dakota Shaver Comm. Minsts. Matt Popov, Sandy & Mike Phillips, Judy Dunne, Rita Heimann Sofiya Knebel, Dennis Craft, MaryAnn Silhavy, Joy Rick Intention: Jean Butterfield AUDITORS FOR SUNDAY December 27: Team # 10: Liz Dalton, Helen Lebeau, Kay Miskell, Leslie Duff Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, Sunday, December 27 8:00AM Lector: Diane Wepking and Joseph Zagorski Music: Jeanne, Marty and Bob Gifts: The Family of Bob Fournie Servers: Jenna Scheller, Devon Silhavy and Darci Mertzger Comm. Minsts: Judy Dunne, Pat Ellis, Darrol Gasawski, Ray Muniz, Eileen Welle, Steven Molitor, Mary Louise Rauh Intention: Bob Fournie Sunday, December 20, 10:30AM Lectors: Trudy Strieker and Augie Lohmann Music: Spirit Choir Gifts: The Family of Tom Dufford, Sr. Servers: Jonah Mitan, Jack Barnish and Matt Vojas Comm. Minsts: Sarah & Terry Lanter, Joe Strieker, Ruth Lohmann, Jean Buchana, Mary & Mike Benker, Maria Juarez, Chip Awalt Intention: Tom Dufford, Sr.. SERVERS SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK 8:15am Tues., Dec. 22 and Wed., Dec. 23 Seth Brusewitz and Paul Falbe Thank You from Retired Religious Religious give thanks. We cannot begin to repay all who contribute, Writes a Catholic sister. so we pray to God, who is never outdone in generosity, to reward you. Heartfelt thanks for your donation to last week s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. May God bless you for your goodness! Word of Life Every Life is a good and perfect gift. A Perfect Gift, Respect Life Program, USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life

5 Divine Mercy Study Write this for the benefit of distressed souls; when a soul sees and realizes the gravity of its sins, when the whole abyss of the misery into which it immersed itself is displayed before its eyes, let it not despair, but with trust let it throw itself into the arms of My mercy, as a child into the arms of its beloved mother. These souls have a right of priority to My compassionate Heart, they have first access to My mercy. Tell them that no soul that has called upon My mercy has been disappointed or brought to shame. I delight particularly in a soul which has placed its trust in MY goodness (Diary, 1541). Join the Divine Mercy Group as they examine the Diary of St. Faustina and pray the Chaplet every first and third Wednesday of each month at 1:00pm in Morris Hall. For more information call Mary Helen at GIFT A BRICK at the SSPP Cemetery Our Cemetery Committee is offering paved bricks as a necessary fundraiser with your words of remembrance (3 lines) to be displayed in the new Columbaria area. This Christmas you can Gift A Brick for $100. each. If you would like to do this please fill out a form, available in Church or the parish office. Make this Christmas one to remember, always! PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS Lord Jesus, Fill the hearts and minds of your young people with the power of the Holy Spirit, so that with courage and generosity they might answer your call to serve the church in the priesthood and religious life. Give parents the faith, love and spirit of sacrifice which will inspire them to rejoice when a child of theirs is called to a church vocation. May the intercession of the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, your Holy Family, help us to pray: Let not my will, but yours be done. Amen BE A MAN of the EUCHARIST! If you are interested in joining the Seminarians of the Diocese of Springfield in Il in their journey to become men of the Eucharist call the Office for Vocations at , Ext. 182 or jtitus@dio.org ZIGGY S WISDOM: To discover how my failings and sins can actually be a benefit to me, please meditate on today s SHARING. ZIGGY S SHARING: We can learn much, considering that we are truly sorry for them. First we see that comparing ourselves to others is only an act of pride. We are all weak, and subject to sinful acts. This knowledge brings us to forgiveness and compassion for others, true qualities of a follower of Christ! Fourth Week of Advent God s mercy is full of grace. God s mercy is grace. This is God s very life. Let us then, turn to face God all this Week. We do it when we to turn to those who are near, to those in our home, to those in our home, to those in our home to those at work or school, to those in the street and behave like Gabriel (announce God s favor), behave like Mary : How? then say Yes!. CURSILLO Enrich Your Spirituality Spend a weekend engaged with the Holy Spirit! Think about it When was the last time you took three days for just you? No Clock, No Cell Phone, No Interruptions. Call Deacon Jim , Sue , Melba or Bob Next Chapter Separated/Divorced Support Group Next Meeting is Tuesday, January 12 Starting at 7:00pm At Corpus Christi Parish 305 Rasp Shiloh, Il. Call: Theresa or Rich Next Chapter is a support group dedicated to individual recovery and rebuilding following a separation or a divorce. Painful though it is this experience is a gift from God which may be used to come to a more perfect understanding of oneself, a greater Maturity, and a closer union with the Giver. Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Belleville/Springfield Encounter As we continue to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ-child at Christmas let us live in his love in all we do, especially in our marriage relationship. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is on February 5 th to 7 th. To register or for more information call or go online to New Year s Eve Retreat From Cave to Stable And from Stable to Table With Fr. Mark Dean, OMI December 31, January 1, 2016 Check in time is 4:00pm on December 31 with a light dinner at 5:00pm,. Departure is after dinner at 5:30pm on January 1. For more information or to register call King s Retreat House in Belleville at Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20,

6 Donations were made to the Christmas Flowering Fund in Memory of the Following Caroline Tarjany Randy Tarjany Mr. and Mrs. Emil Vacca Dorothy Esicar Mr. and Mrs. George Hoehn Mrs. Judy Benecke Bob and Ilene Duff Pam Pressnall Fred Pressnall Joseph and Victoria Grobarcik Joseph and Agnes Heyden Leonard Randant Christopher Delaney The Miller, Fussner, Freeman, Skittino and Gould Families George and Virginia Bertlesmann Larry Kolo Emil & Agnes Becherer The Miranda and Popov Families Jerry Sampson Jacob and Robert Kopinski Bill Graham Charlene Romanitis Ben and Ella Loyet Louis Calvetti Elsie and Harry Milner Lawrence Loyet Lena, Nod, and Bob Catalpa Michael Passmore Alyce Passmore Vance Kazlowski Ardula Kazlowski George F. Freddy Passmore Robert W. (Bob) Sanders Olive White Bill Thorpe, SR. Kevin Thorpe, Sr. Dianna Thorpe Grace and Martin Hrabusicky Charles Giovando Frank and Theresa Nico Angela Nico Regina Nico Alfred and Agnes Johnson Anthony and Bertha Kopcych Andrew Langenstein Kenneth McAllister, Sr. Betty McAllister Connie Rae McAllister John L. Bozzello, Jr. Laura J. Helmkamp Brenden Weir Fred Dalton Rudy Kanturek Viola Kanturek Hank Mahat Michael and Frances Kucinick Irwin and Cornelia Parrill Mary Skundrich Scott D. McClary Robert and Lydia Sheffield Leo Kerkemeyer Brad Kolo Joe and Victoria Kolo William Stephens Jerry Grant Nancy Schapp The Fischer Family The Silhavy Family Rosalie Furfaro and Angelo Furfaro, Jr. The Hosto and Palmer Families Frank and Margherita Defilippi Herbert Defilippi Michael Wobbe Lil and Earl Blair Richard Horton Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20,

7 Alton Deanery Advent Penance Services 2015 Sun., Dec. 20 2:00pm St. Boniface Church in Edwardsville Mon., Dec. 21 7:00pm SSPP School Students, Past and Present In our effort to archive the history of SSPP, we are looking for pictures taken by parents and students of events that were held at SSPP. We would like to have pictures of May Crowning, school plays, class trips, the school picnic & team pictures. Please consider donating old year books. We would like to make copies of your pictures & then return them to you asap. If you have pictures you can drop them off at the parish office or you could copies to Annual Catholic Servicers Appeal (ACSA) The programs, servicers and ministries supported by the Annual Catholic Services Appeal (ACSA) meet the larger diocesan needs of Catholics and others in need in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. The diocese serves each of us, and our financial support is needed to continue God s work in the diocese. This year our assessed amount is $88,750 and as of Nov. 23 a total of 165 parishioners have given $29,870 toward this assessed amount. We can meet this assessed amount if we all, once again, give our fair share this year as we did last year. Last week a letter was sent to all who have not yet had time to respond to the ACSA. If you are among this group, please prayerfully consider how you can help your diocesan Church family. PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISER Allan and Ciuferi Funeral Home 314 West Main Street Collinsville, IL St. Lawrence Church in Greenville March for Life Registration is now open for the diocesan pilgrimage! Buses will leave from all over the diocese on Wednesday, January 20 to arrive in Washington DC on Thursday to participate in vigil activities. Friday includes Mass as a diocese and the March for Life event itself to the Supreme Court. Saturday includes a trip to Gettysburg National Battlefield on the way back to the diocese. Details are on line at including all registration information and forms. The diocesan March for Life pilgrimage is sponsored by the Office for Catechesis~Ministry to Youth and Young Adults. Contact Kyle Holtgrave at , Ext. 154 or go online to Pastoral Care Department Counseling and/or Support Group Joyce Singleton Reyes will be facilitating the sessions individually or group. She is a behavioral health therapist with 30 years of experience. Her experience includes working in East St. Louis for many years, doing art, play, music, and drama therapy. Her master s degree is in art therapy and her doctorate in psychology. She graduated from the University of Colorado and Southern Illinois University. These sessions will be held in the parish office on the 2 nd and 4 th Tuesdays of the month at 9:30am. These are free. Anyone who needs help with coping or dealing with everyday stress issues is welcome to attend. Contact the parish office ext.311 or Maggie Brennan at to set up an appointment. We are here to help and serve you! Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, Ann Van Dyke Rachel Voss Margaret Norwood James Schneider Doris Griness Derek Duval Louise Nepute Michael Garner Debbie Corrigan Patricia Hungate Regina Lange Gail Felis Peggy & Dennis Diaz Jean & Terry Stinnett Bonnie Keen Leroy Peanuts Benvenuto Joseph Varda Nancy Smith Bill Cooley Krissy Luth Dave Naderhoff Denise Thibault Sherry Arbas Charmaine More Bernard Scaturro Susie Lingle Wayne & Shannon Moore Roger Pense Carol McKeon Tammy Whitman Joseph Schraut Jimmy Hoef Ben Kaiser Janet Pensoneau Andrea Giescking Judy Bouse Gerry McDowell Marilyn Mottin Robyn Nagel Katie Rembish Sandy Ditzler Jon Howard Angela Wingo Rust Terry Nevilla Mallie Royer Ann Boutch Joan Kotarba Scott Silverwood Debbie Wendt Susan Jones John Ban, Jr. Josie Schmidt Doris Crowell Tom & Carol McDonald Yucco Conwey &Family Eleanor Colombara Elizabeth Denis Kris Bell Shannon Moore Dorothy Chapman Mattie Garber Norma Stirnaman Novella Peyla Connie Pine George Gregurec Jeannie Egan Mary Sue Holmes Linda & Gary Harvell Anna Kussmann Joseph Giacoletto Kevin Cooley Irene Barattini Patricia Clark Albert Hunter Renee White Bob Horvath Bobby Heatherly Larry & Becky Stanton Ariel Ann Probst Shirley Greer Johnny Kelley Mark Parker Rick Suria Ron Rampold Roseann & Frank Lahue John Asbury Diane Caputo Mary Kupinski Japheth Boyce Mary Jane Fries Joyce Carney Dianne Loyet Arlene Lecce Mary Geno Scott Jokerst Mary Ann Ellis Dick Smith Adam Hohn Pray For the Sick If a member of your family is seriously ill, in the hospital, convalescing in a Nursing Home, or Homebound let the parish office know ( ) and we will include their name in our prayer list (If you would like someone to be on the prayer list but not in the bulletin call our Parish Prayer Line at )

8 KNIGHTS KNEWS: Mon., Dec. 21: Regular KC Mtg., Rosary at 6:30pm, Meeting starting at 7:00pm. Tues., Dec. 22: Wing Ding Night, serving 4:00pm-7:30pm. The K.C. Hall will be closed from December 23 to January 2. No Scheduled Activities. The Knights of Columbus wish to thank all who participated in their Trivia Knight for Mission of Moms. Thanks to your generous support they raised $3,300. This year a special thanks to all or our sponsors who made the evening such a success. See you next year Men s Retreat at King s House Get away from it all for a weekend. Experience the beautiful surroundings, prayerful environment, delicious food, comfortable rooms, and insightful presenters at King s House in Belleville. Make a retreat with other men from our parish on January 15-17, 2016 Join us for a time of rest, renewal, and spiritual nourishment, just 15 minutes from St. Louis. Contact our Parish Captain Mr. Jerry Jesse at or Mr. Dominic Giovando at for further information or to register. Change for Parish Change There are ENVELOPES for your weekly change by the entrances to the Church. Please take them home, fill them & return them to church. Tammy & Mackenzie Waligorski & Diana Trexler standing in front of the empty shelves in the SVDPFB before the delivery of food from the Boy Scouts Food Drive Attention High School Youth Group The next meeting/service project is Sunday, Dec. 20 After 10:30 a.m. Mass Help decorate the Church for Christmas Refreshments will be served Lisa Reynolds and her son John in front of SVDPFP shelves after the boy Scouts delivered the food from their Food Drive THANK YOU FROM SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Society of St. Vincent de Paul members salute Boy Scouts for collecting food for our pantry and CAMA food pantry during the annual Thanksgiving Scouting for Food Program. Because of this drive and food donations from our parishioners, the pantry shelves are overflowing. This food will feed our clients for many months. Special thanks to those parishioners who came to the rescue to help Boy Scouts distribute bags and collect food. In addition to the generous food donations, parishioners contributed approximately $5,800 to SSVDP during the Thanksgiving collection. With monetary funds, members will purchase meats and frozen foods and perishable foods when supplies run low. Besides, SSVDP uses funds to match pledges made by CAMA to help pay power and water bills of clients in danger of shut offs. God bless our parish family! Victim Assistance Contact Information To report Child Sexual Abuse by Church or School Personnel or to inquire about the Safe Environment Program in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois contact: Patricia Kornfeld, at or at After Care / Summer Camp Director Wanted St. John Neumann Catholic School in Maryville, Il.. Is seeking a highly qualified and enthusiastic individual to supervise their After Care program and Director of their Summer Camp. Responsibilities would be scheduling and supervision of employees, planning and directing activities and field trips, and supervision of students. Approximate hours would be Monday Friday from 1-6pm with longer hours available on days school is not in session. For more information, please visit our website at or laura.kretzer@sjncrusaders.org. Position to start immediately Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20,

9 Pope Francis Calls Us to a Year of Mercy December 8, 2015 November 20, 2016 Why a Year of Mercy? The Year of Mercy calls us to look at things the way God does with a heart of mercy. Pope Francis hope is that people will learn more about God s mercy, what mercy truly is, become more merciful in their own lives, and share that mercy with others. Mercy is a Common Theme Mercy is not something new. The theme of mercy is found everywhere in our Catholic teachings and prayers. It is a common theme in the Old and New Testaments. How many times is mercy mentioned in our Liturgy? We have the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Joining in the Year of Mercy Plans are under way for the parish to participate in the Year of Mercy through prayer, hospitality, formation and service. Prayer for Jubilee of Mercy Prayer cards are in the pews and at Church entrances. Please take one home to join the world in prayer to grow in the understanding of God s mercy. Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, Please pray for the following men and women who are serving in our armed forces: Capt. Matthew Derfler US Army MSGT. Glen Davis US AF Cpl Larry Tyler USMC MSgt Adam Mercer USAF S/Sgt Britt M. Sherman US Army Capt Michael A. Shah US Army Capt. Jacob Lewis USMC LCPL Juan A. Gonzales USMC Pvt. Monica Gonzalez US Army Fc3 Matthew Wehmeyer US Navy LCPL Michael I. Guide USMC S.Sgt. Daniel Husbands USAF MSgt. Hugh Weise USMC Lt. Joshua A. Reeder US Navy Pfc. Gary Voegtle US Army Maj. Michael W. Meyer, Jr. CW04 Jerry Hunter US Army SSgt. Ben Bohnenstiehl USAF AOM Ed Clark US Navy SrA Mark Kimball USAF 2nd Lt. Adam Fischer USMC SrA David Bednara USAF Col Chuck Heimann US Army 2nd Lt. Scott Heimann US Army AOM Jack Matthews US Navy Col. Ed Hulten US Army CPO Edward Mahoney US Navy SrA Kelly Mahoney USAF Maj. Natalie Walker USMC Sec. Let. Nathen Walker US Navy Pvt. Sam Asbury US Army Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. Amen If you have a family member in the armed forces and would like to add them to the prayer list please call the Parish Office, and leave their name & branch of service. If you have a family member in the hospital and they want Father to visit them call the parish office at The hospitals no longer notify us when members of our parish are in the hospital or Rehab.

10 Way of Lights The Journey to Bethlehem The Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows presents their Way of Lights starting November 20, 2015 through January 1, This breathtaking display of over one million lights focuses on the birth of Christ, the one, true light of the world. Through sparkling lights, scriptural scenes and creative displays, the Shrine celebrates the birth of our Savior. Way of lights Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 4-9pm, Fri., Sat., & Sun. 5-10pm. In the Visitors Center you will find the Shrine Restaurant (Way of Lights Buffet 4-9pm) Christmas Tree Display, Wreath Display & Auction, Puppet Shows, Shrine Gift Shop (10am-9pm), & Community Performance. On the Church Parking Lot there will be Camel Rides ($6.00), Donkey & Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Carriage Rides, Kettle Corn & Refreshments. In the Guild Center is the Lego Display( Life-size Nativity built with Lego Blocks) Adult $7.00, Children $5.00, 4 & under FREE & the Free Children s Play Area. Tuesday Nights are Family Night with discounts on the Lego Display and some of the rides. For more info go to WayofLights.org A Prayer Pope Francis Prays Every Day Give me a good digestion, Lord, And also something to digest. Give me a healthy body, Lord With sense to keep it at its best. Give me a healthy mind, O Lord, To keep the good and pure in sight; Which seeing sin is not appalled, But finds a way to set it right. Give me a mind that is not bored, That does not whimper, whine, or sigh Don t let me worry over much About the fussy thing called I. Give me a sense of humor, Lord; Give me the grace to see a joke; To get some happiness from life And pass it on to other folk. Amen A Prayer found in Chester Cathedral, England that Pope Francis calls a prayer of St. Thomas More. Up Coming Events Fish Fry Collinsville KC Friday Fish Fry features: Fried & Baked Cod, Catfish, Shrimp, Slaw, Fries, Spaghetti, Hush Puppies & Pies at the KC Hall. Serving from 4:00-7:30pm. Pork Christmas Cantata As a celebration of Christ s coming at Christmas, the musicians of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church are presenting a special Christmas cantata featuring John Leavitt s What Child What Child is This. The GSLS Choir will be accompanied by member and guest professional instrumentalists. This worshipful service features the carols: Arise, Shine; Jesus Christ the Apple Tree; Magnificat; What Child is This; Infant Holy, Infant Lowly; Gloria Deo; and A Stable Lamp is Lighted. Please join them on Sunday, January 3 at 4:00pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran First Reconciliation Congratulations to those who received their First Reconciliation on Wednesday, December 9, Kaylee Cook Nicholas DeLuca Tyler DeMange Alex Ferguson Lilly Forneris Gabriel Freeman Griffin Gutjahr August Kent Jackson Kiefner Virginia Lowe Natalia Mossa Joanne Palmes PRAYER BLANKET If you would like to give a Prayer Blanket to someone, volunteer to make the Blankets or just want some more information about them call the parish office at Fourth Sunday of Advent Matthew Reynolds Gisele Rodriguez Lucas Roedl Miley Sanchez Ty Starko William Swip Emily Taphorn Lucy Tylka Emily Vojas Kolin Waligorski Gracie Warner Isaac Wendler A Seamless Garment Commitment to the sacredness of life is a seamless garment : opposition to abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, with concern for peace and social justice, and helping the poor and the most helpless in society. In for one; IN FOR ALL! December 20,