They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him

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1 528 Lathrop Avenue River Forest, Illinois They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ~ Matthew 2:10-11 Ja nuary 7, 2018 The Ep ipha ny of the Lo rd

2 MASS INTENTIONS Monday, January 8 - The Baptism of the Lord 6:30 am Rev. Anthony Olsen 8:00 am The Williams, Karasis and Kurr Families 9:15 am St. Luke School Mass Tuesday, January 9 6:30 am Special Intention 8:00 am David Beacom Wednesday, January 10 6:30 am Robert Chemler 8:15 am Kathy Giunta Thursday, January 11 6:30 am Ronald Nelson 8:00 am John Lennon Friday, January 12 6:30 am Mary Drinan 8:00 am John Lennon Saturday, January 13 - St. Hilary 8:00 am Doris Davia 5:00 pm Lyle and Margaret Schabes Sunday, January 14 7:30 am David Heiss 9:00 am Joseph Organ 11:00 am James Louis Winikates MINISTERS OF THE LITURGY Monday-Friday, January :00 am Servers O Tsitovich, J Wiktor Saturday, January 13 5:00 pm Servers A Delatorre, A Perry, E Perry Lectors L Hogan, K Roche Euch Min J Bresnahan, C Madden, J Megall, M O Donoghue, A Roche, J Sullivan, M Sullivan Ushers J Fisher, M Nelson, R Nixon, J Pizzo Sunday, January 14 7:30 am Servers C Carr, C Hanley, K Hanley Lectors T Smedinghoff, T Roche Euch Min J Flynn, E Maloney, MB Smedinghoff Ushers L Brettman, B Hickman, J Langton, C Maroon, M Oller 9:00 am Servers B Greenberg, M Scelfo, M Scelfo Lectors L Zarate, D Hopkinson Euch Min B Hosty, M Hosty, P Muldoon, V Perera, A Ramirez, S Scelfo, J Slowik Ushers B Aquilino, K Bruscato, P Driscoll, 1 Needed 11:00 am Servers C Carr, M Carr, E Dillon Lectors D Kurtenbach, F Auteri Euch Min B Elwood, B Huerta, J Meek, M Moore, K Slepicka, KJ Slepicka, 1 Needed Ushers D Carey, J McInerney, 2 Needed 2 For one-time gifts or your weekly Sunday contribution, GiveCentral.org makes it fast and convenient for you to support St. Luke Parish with payments from your bank or credit card account. You can use your computer or smartphone 24/7. Try it today! WELCOME TO ST. LUKE River Forest, IL This weekend we are offering families a blessing kit to use to bless your home in the traditional way followed by many Christians around the world. Epiphany, like Christmas, is celebrated in many ways by different nationalities and cultures. In some places, Epiphany is celebrated like a mini-christmas. Gifts are exchanged in memory of the gifts of the wise men and special meals are prepared. In many European countries, Epiphany has long been observed by marking the year on the mantle or door frame of the entrance to a room or house, usually with chalk. Hence, it is often referred to as chalking the door. In the middle of the new year s date, the head of the household writes the initials of the traditional names of the three wise men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, separated by crosses that represent Christ. So this year we write 20+C+M+B+18 on the doorway as we offer our blessing prayer The CMB letters are also said to be abbreviations for the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, May Christ bless this house. This fits with the purpose of this annual ritual, which asks for God s blessing on the home, marking the doorway as though the wise men had come and found the Christ Child therein. It reminds us of the marking of the doorways in Egypt with the blood of the lamb so that the angel of death would pass over. God s blessing comes to each home as a source of protection and grace throughout the new year. The prayers for the Blessing of the Chalk and the Blessing of the Home can also be found at this website (courtesy of the Carmelite Friars).

3 Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What a wonderful example the Magi give us in their visit to the infant Jesus. First of all, they demonstrate profound faith in God s word, spoken through the prophet Micah: And you, Bethlehem... from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel (cf. 5:2). Embarking on a long and difficult journey, they trusted that they would find this newborn king of the Jews in Bethlehem as the prophecy had announced. On their arrival at the Holy Family s dwelling, the Magi also give us an example of profound humility. These important men, to whom kings looked for guidance and advice, did not hesitate to bow down, to prostrate themselves and give homage to a tiny newborn. Putting their own stately position out of their minds, they reverently worshipped the infant babe even as he sat on his mother s lap. The generosity of these three kings is also evident as they open their treasure boxes and give the poor child the richest of gifts. Traditionally, we understand the gold to symbolize the earthly kingship of Christ, the frankincense to represent his divinity, and the myrrh to stand as a symbol of the anointing he will receive upon his death. Finally, the wisdom of these men is evident in their decision to return to their country by another way. Understanding the threat that King Herod posed to Jesus, they followed a plan that would help keep the divine child safe even though it meant inconvenience to themselves. Faith, humility, generosity, and wisdom. These gifts are the real legacy of the Three Kings. Today, let us ask God for the blessing of having these gifts in our lives. My mother-in-law was the best gift-giver I ever knew. One could say my parents spoiled me growing up, but there was something about her gifts to me that made me feel overwhelmed. I guess it was that after several years I still was surprised that she would think enough of me to get me something no one else would. She was able to make me feel special every time. Of course, I believe she honored me in this way because I accepted her greatest gift to me, her daughter. Sadly, my mother-in-law did not live long in this world. She passed away over a decade ago due to an aggressive cancer. Some of her material gifts to me remain, while others are long gone. But the memories and the effect of those gifts remain because it was never all about the gifts themselves. It was about relationship. It was about her and me. It was about love. What we offer Jesus is never about the gift itself. It is about the motivation behind the action and the effect that action has on the body of Christ. Many of the gifts we give today to God and his people will fade away like the mist of the early morning, but the effects of those actions will last forever. It is about relationship. It is about God and us. It is about love. ~Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS, Liturgical Publications Inc. JANUARY 7, 2018 The Epiphany of the Lord 3

4 Andy and Katie Rauh have been active participants of St. Luke Church for nearly 30 years. They have co-chaired two Dinner Dance and Auction events, played important roles in two successful capital campaigns, and welcomed new parishioners to the church and the community. Andy and Katie began their very active relationship with St. Luke Parish School in 1994, and for the next 18 years they referred to the tuition bill as their insurance policy. As parents, they had great comfort knowing that St. Luke School would provide a fantastic education while keeping their children morally grounded and instilling a strong faith for years to come. All five of their children graduated from our parish school. Ryan ( 03) went on to graduate from Marquette University and is currently a third-year medical student at the University of Wisconsin. Matthew ( 04) graduated from Creighton University is an investment banker, living in Denver, Colorado, with his wife Chelsea. Mary ( 08), a graduate of the University of Illinois, works in healthcare consulting in Austin, Texas. Jack ( 09) graduated from Xavier University and is now working for Power Distributers in Chicago. Ellie ( 12) is currently a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin. During the nearly 20 years that the Rauh children attended St. Luke School, Andy and Katie helped anywhere that they were needed. The spirit of volunteering and dedication to Catholic education continued as their daughters went on to Trinity High School and their sons went on to Fenwick High School. They served on the school boards of both high schools. At Fenwick they chaired the Black Friar Dinner Dance and the Fashion Show. At Trinity they co-chaired one successful capital campaign and are currently co-chairing the school s centennial campaign. Andy is a cardiologist with DuPage Medical Group practicing at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. Katie is a nurse working in the student health center at Dominican University. They share a passion for Catholic education, preventative health, and care for the poor. Andy has served on the boards of the American Heart Association, Catholic Charities, and Elmhurst and Loyola hospitals. Katie has volunteered at the Holy Family Surgery Center in Honduras and also has donated time to the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society. The Rauhs say they are very humbled by their selection to be honored at this year s 29th Dinner Dance and Auction and feel blessed to be part of this wonderful parish and school community. For tickets or more info, contact Sheila Price at or sprice@stlukeparish.org Next week we will take up the Collection for the Church in Latin America, a place where the rural terrain and a shortage of ministers are obstacles to many Catholics practicing their faith. Your support provides training for lay leaders, catechesis, priestly and religious formation, and other vital programs to help share our faith with those who long to hear the Good News of Christ. To learn more, visit 4 WELCOME TO ST. LUKE River Forest, IL

5 The Prime Timers Bridge Group will have their first gathering of the New Year tomorrow (Monday) from Noon until 2:30 pm in the Hospitality House. The group meets twice a month, and newcomers are always welcome to any meeting. There will be a special refresher training session for all altar servers combined with a pizza party with games and prizes this afternoon, January 7. This gathering is for all our present servers to thank them for their service to the parish and to prepare them for some changes in the way they serve at Sunday Mass as we launch into the New Year. Please arrive at church promptly at 5:00 pm, so we can cover everything we need to brief you on before the party begins. Thanks! Join the March for Life Chicago 2018 as thousands come together from across the Midwest to demonstrate their commitment to LIFE next Sunday! A host of events, including a Youth for Life Rally in the morning are planned to lead up to the interfaith march through the Loop. Sunday, January 14, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Starting Point: Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams Street, Chicago, where various speakers will address the current status of Right to Life efforts in our nation The goal is a public call upon religious, civic, and community leaders to renew every effort to build a nation and culture dedicated to protecting life at every stage and eliminating the violence of abortion. Learn more about the event at Tickets are required for the youth rally, and St. Luke has a limited number for teens or families. Send your request to Fr. Steven at sbauer@stlukeparish.org. SCRIPTURE READINGS For Masses the week of January 8-14 Mon: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 55:1-11 or Acts 10:34-38 or 1 Jn 5:1-9/Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 [3]/Mk 1:7-11 Tue: 1 Sm 1:9-20/1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd [cf. 1]/Mk 1:21-28 or 1 Sm 1:1-8 and 1:9-20/1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd [cf. 1]/Mk 1:14-20 and 1:21-28 Wed: 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20/Ps 40:2 and 5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10 [8a and 9a]/Mk 1:29-39 Thu: 1 Sm 4:1-11/Ps 44:10-11, 14-15, [27b]/Mk 1:40-45 Fri: 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a/Ps 89:16-17, [2]/Mk 2:1-12 Sat: 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a/Ps 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 [2a]/ Mk 2:13-17 Next Sunday: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19/Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10 [8a, 9a] /1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20/Jn 1:35-42 PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK Monica Affleck, Julie Bak, Evelyn Cademartrie, Bill Darley, Robert Gorman, James Hill, Kathy Ann Howard, Stephen Kehoe, Barry Koster, Frank Kurr, Sr. Colleen Nolan, Kevin Nolan, Paul Novak, Kelly Petersen, Julie Quattrocchi, Geraldine Redmond, Fr. Paul Reicher, Herbert Reusch, Yuri Ryan, Josefina Santos, Jonathan Saucedo, Patti Sheehan, and Tom Trankina AND FOR OUR DECEASED: Walter Cheely and Edward John Shumak STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE they fell down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ~Matthew 2:11 Notice the order of events in the Magi s visit. First, they knelt before Jesus and prayed to Him. Then they presented Him with their gifts. We, too, must take time to pray before we present our gifts to the Lord. We never know what God may be asking us to share! Our Weekly Offerings From the weekend of December 23/24 Weekly Budget... $15,000 Actual In-Church Contributions... $11,422 Actual Online Contributions... $ 1,715 TOTAL Weekly Contributions... $13,137 From the weekend of December 30/31 Actual In-Church Contributions... $10,189 Actual Online Contributions... $ 3,425 TOTAL Weekly Contributions... $13, Fiscal Year to Date (From 7/1/17) Budget to Date... $405,000 Actual Weekly Giving... $334,541 Difference to Date for Year +/(-)... $( 70,459) Christmas Goal... $120,000 Received Through 1/1/18... $ 94,949 We greatly appreciate the sacrifices you make to support the mission and ministry of St. Luke Church. JANUARY 7, 2018 The Epiphany of the Lord 5

6 The St. Luke Athletic Committee congratulates this week s winner of the 500 Club drawing: Patricia Lappe Thank you to all who have purchased memberships in the Club, the proceeds of which go directly to fund St. Luke Parish School s athletic programs. When a woman is facing a difficult pregnancy, the reaction of the first person she tells tends to set the tone for her decision-making. What s the best way to respond in a loving way that is life-affirming for both the mother and her baby? Find out what steps you can take in What to Do When a Friend is Considering Abortion, a free online guide at ~ USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities Help is right around the corner! 24-Hour Crisis Line: Mass Schedule Saturday (Vigil) 5:00 pm, and Sunday 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 am Weekdays: Monday-Friday 6:30 & 8:00 am (except 8:15 am on Wednesdays during school year), Saturday 8:00 am Confessions The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is offered after 6:30 and 8:00 am weekday Masses and by appointment. Call the rectory to schedule a time. Adoration and Benediction Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament occurs every first Saturday after the 8:00 am Mass and rosary. Rectory Office Hours Monday through Friday 9:00 am-12:00 Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm and by appointment (Call ). Interested in Learning More About the Catholic Faith? Anyone wishing to complete their sacraments or learn more about the Catholic faith may inquire about our adult faith formation program (RCIA) by calling the rectory for more information. 6 WELCOME TO ST. LUKE River Forest, IL Rev. John Szmyd, Pastor jszmyd@stlukeparish.org Rev. Steven Bauer, Associate Pastor sbauer@stlukeparish.org Rev. Leroy Wickowski (Retired) lwickowski@stlukeparish.org Rev. Mr. John Baier johnbaier@isp.com Rev. Mr. Terry Norton reneeterrynorton@gmail.com Rev. Mr. Bob Slobig bobslobig@comcast.net Rev. Mr. Paul Faherty (retired) 528 Lathrop Avenue, River Forest stlukeparish@stlukeparish.org Carol Karlowski, Office Assistant ckarlowski@stlukeparish.org Daniel Szymanski, Director of Operations dszymanski@stlukeparish.org Sheila Price, Director of Stewardship & Development sprice@stlukeparish.org Arlene Michna, Music Director amichna@stlukeparish.org Bradley Collins, Communications Coordinator bcollins@stlukeparish.org Ashland Avenue, River Forest jschwarzbeck@stlukeparish.org Timothy Wesley, Principal twesley@stlukeparish.org 519 Ashland Avenue, River Forest religiouseducation@stlukeparish.org Sr. Colleen Nolan, O.P., Director cnolan@stlukeparish.org 533 Ashland Avenue, River Forest Sr. Pat Farrell, O.P. pfarrell@stlukeparish.org New Parishioners If you re new to the community or just new to our church, please stop by the rectory to introduce yourself and register so we can welcome you into the full life of our parish. Communion Visits and Ministry of Care A parish priest or Minister of Care will be happy to visit those who are sick or homebound. Please call the rectory to make arrangements. Baptism Baptisms take place on the first and third Sundays of each month. Preparation meetings are held on the first Monday of every month for the parents of children who will be baptized. Arrangements can be made by calling the rectory. Marriage Couples wishing to be married should call the rectory to set up an appointment with one of the parish priests at least six months in advance of the desired wedding date. Anointing of the Sick Elderly parishioners, those in poor health or who are anticipating surgery can call the rectory to arrange to receive the sacrament of anointing.

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