JANUARY 17, ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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1 JANUARY 17, ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Living God's Word It does seem that, somewhere along the path of life, the wine runs out for each of us. We get bored with jobs, or relationships, or maybe just the same four old walls. We can lament the loss of old wine, or we can open a new bottle, and carry on God's work perhaps in a new way. Copyright (c) 2012, World Library Publications. All rights reserved. Readings for the Week Monday: 1 Sm 15:16-23; Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mk 2:18-22 Tuesday: 1 Sm 16:1-13; Ps 89:20-22, 27-28; Mk 2:23-28 Wednesday: 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10; Mk 3:1-6 Thursday: 1 Sm 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Ps 56:2-3, 9-13; Mk 3:7-12 Friday: 1 Sm 24:3-21; Ps 57:2-4, 6, 11; Mk 3:13-19, or any of a number of readings for the Day of Prayer Saturday: 2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Ps 80:2-3, 5-7; Mk 3:20-21 Sunday: Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10; Ps 19:8-10, 15; 1 Cor 12:12-30 [12-14, 27]; Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21 Reflecting on God s Word Do whatever he tells you, is what today s Gospel pointedly suggests (John 2:5). Perhaps too pointedly, because it just may turn out that none of what he tells us seems appealing. Be that as it may, life does serve up new wine. Yet as always the question remains, how does anyone know what we re being told to do? How does one read the signs of personal times? A good marker, it would seem, is to pay attention to one s gifts. It may not be the only marker, but certainly one not to be ignored. St. Paul writes to the Corinthians that our strengths and talents come from the Spirit, and that each is given for some benefit. Other translations say they are given for the common good, which seems to be a better way of putting it, because it broadens our view and prevents us from understanding any gift in terms of personal benefit or preference. It may be that the old wine we just drained did quench our personal thirst, but that the new wine is for the common good. So when the old wine runs out and we re offered new wine, it s worth considering whether we re being called to some new role in life. It may be that life is ratcheting up our degree of participation, calling us to make some new contribution we have not even considered. And we may be surprised. It may enrich the taste of life. On this day, then, raise a toast to God s new creation. To new wine. The British say Cheers! The Germans, Prosit! Poles, Na Zdrowie! In Spain, Salud! And Lithuanians, Sveikas! Believers, well, they say Alleluia! Rev. Joseph J. Juknialis Copyright 2012, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

2 Mass Times 5:00PM 7:30AM 9:30AM 11:30AM Presiders Fr. Presta Fr. Jacob Fr. Payne Fr. Alexander Deacons Deacon Tom Deacon Gary Deacon Gary Deacon Mike Lectors Eucharistic Ministers B. Machak J. Schwartz Deacon M. Marciniak J. Steiner C. Fisher C. Kasamis J. Murphy J. Koch P. Koch LITURGICAL MINISTERS JANUARY 23 & 24, 2016 D. Fuller K. Lenzen Deacon M. Manning M. Manning K. Lenzen M. Sikorski C. Cline D. Fuller L. Zucco Heinzinger B. Slack Deacon C. Lutzow S. Gunther L.M. Davis T. Gawne B. Decaire Aden K. Decaire Aden J. Matousek K. Crotty Deacon M. Crutcher W. Roberts S. Scesniak M. Schofield G. Van Cura L. Tooke J. Olvorvida E. McPherson Mass Intentions Monday, January 18 8:00AM Danny Hansen req. Brad & Carol Hansen Family Sam Schembari req. His Wife Tuesday, January 19 8:00AM Wally Panek req. Kim Raasch Wednesday, January 20, St. Fabian, Pope & Martyr; St. Sebastian, Martyr 8:00AM Mike & Sherry Schmidt req. Gene Schmidt Family Thursday, January 21, Saint Agnes, Virgin & Martyr 8:00AM Jim Janek req. Justin Donnellan 9:00AM Siena Genevieve Negretti req. Joe & Jane Nevins Friday, January 22 8:00AM Dorothy Reynolds req. Jack Reynolds Saturday, January 23 5:00PM Roy Hertel req. Lillian Hertel, His Wife Dennis Petrowsky req Rosemary Pryga Family Charletto Morse req. Carol Werling Anna Schmidt req. Vinnie & Helene Dederich Albert Hakala req. His Wife Sophie & Family J im & Sophia Kirn req. Jim & Nancy their Children Sunday, January 24 7:30AM For The Parishioners of St. Mary of the Annunciation 9:30AM Leon Wilkens, III req. His Parents Henry Bochenko req. Rosemary & Maurella Bochenko Salvatore & Michelina Panettieri req. The Family Thomas Schnite req. The Schnite Family Ernie Swanson req. His Wife, Jan & Family Lois Hegerle req. The Knuth Family John Coda req. His Wife Donna & Family 11:30AM Walter Reschke req. Bob & Carol Quid Dorothy Glazier req. Margaret & Katie Parro Please patronize our adver sers, whose generosity provides this bulle n for our parish. The Week Ahead Sunday, January 17 9:30AM Childcare 9:30AM Liturgy of the Word for Children Monday, January 18 Martin Luther King Day Parish Office Closed 8:00AM Daily Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary Tuesday, January 19 8:00AM Daily Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 9:00AM Mary s Circle 9:15AM Lectio Divina Bible Study 5:30PM Junior High Youth Group 7:00PM St Vincent de Paul Meeting 7:00PM A Compassionate Heart Wednesday, January 20 8:00AM Daily Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 1:00PM Finding Hope/Healing Heart 6:00PM PADS 7:00PM Parish Choir Rehearsal 7:00PM Teen Sacramental Preparation Thursday, January 21 8:00AM Daily Mass 8:30AM Pray the Rosary 9:00AM Mass 1:00PM A Compassionate Heart 7:00PM Knights of Columbus Planning Meeting 7:00PM Respect Life Holy Hour Roe vs. Wade Friday, January 22 8:00AM Daily Mass 8:30AM Pray the Divine Mercy Saturday, January 23 9:30AM Religious Education Program 11:00AM Planned Giving Seminar 3:00PM Youth Ministry Three Parish Meeting 5:00PM Liturgy of the Word for Children Sunday, January 24 9:30AM Childcare 9:30AM Liturgy of the Word for Children 4:00PM CHWC Meeting

3 from J acob s W ell Dear Parishioners, Each year every pastor in the Archdiocese, in consultation with parish leaders, may designate one volunteer lay parishioner to receive the Christifideles Award in recognition of extraordinary leadership in the service to the church. We congratulate Kathy Lenzen who received this award last Sunday from Archbishop Blase J. Cupich. Kathy is a life-long member of Saint Mary and has served as Lector Coordinator for more than 20 years. Kathy coordinates the Environment and Arts Ministry and serves as the Worship Commission representative on the Pastoral Council. Kathy generously serves the people of Saint Mary in so many other ways. Also honored was Douglas Stone, who was nominated by Bishop George Rassas to receive the Bishop Quarter Award for his outstanding work with the Young Adult Ministry of Lake County and NW suburbs if Vicariate1. Doug also currently serves as a catechist at Saint Mary. Congratulations to both Doug and Kathy. I also thank all those who have participated in Simbang Gabi this past year. I was very impressed by the devotion, the spirited music and the wonderful hospitality. Thanks to Deacon Mike Alandy and to Evelyn Martin, the Simbang Gabi coordinator. Thanks to Natasha and Hector Campos who managed the entire nativity presentation from costumes to script to rehearsals to stage props, and of course all the children in the play, especially the singers, led by the talented young pianist Anton Escano. Thanks also to all who prepared food and helped with set up and clean up ARCHDIOCESAN ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL BEGINS The Hands of God s Mercy Many parishioners have recently received a mailing from Archbishop Cupich asking that you make a pledge to the 2016 Annual Catholic Appeal. We ask that you please respond generously once again. The Appeal supports both parish and Archdiocesan ministries and services. The Appeal funds services that are of great help to ministries here at St. Mary of the Annunciation. For example, Appeal funds support Religious Education, Lay Formation, Priest Education, Liturgy and Parish Transformation as well as providing services that assist the poor and ight for justice. This year, the theme of the Appeal is The Hand of God s Mercy. We have all received God s mercy. By inancially supporting the ministries and services funded by the ACA, we help to extend God s mercy to many, many others. As you review the mailing from Archbishop Cupich, please note the ministries and services funded by the Appeal, including the ones that directly support the work of our parish. Then please give generously. Note that when our parish reaches its goal of $77,229 in paid pledges, 100% of the additional funds received will be returned to us for use in our parish. In 2015, this rebate provided St. Mary with more than $106,000 to help our parish support our many ministries and activities. If you did not receive an envelope in the mail, the annual pledge weekends will be on January and January Please be as generous as you can. We are deeply grateful for your support and commitment. Let us pray for one another, Fr. Jerry

4 Stewardship Report JUBILEE OF MERCY January 17, nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Mary, whom Catholic tradition names Mother of Mercy, at Cana intercedes with her Son to show mercy toward the bridal couple: Son, they have no wine. But he does more! Jesus transformation of water into wine is a sign (John s term for miracle ) that God s marriage with the whole human race has begun in Jesus person and ministry, a marriage that will be consummated on the cross: It is finished we are saved! But before Jesus acts, Mary instructs the servers to prepare the way for Jesus miracle of mercy: Do whatever he tells you. During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, Mother Church, like Mother Mary, instructs us to share the Spirit s manifold gifts some of which Paul lists in today s second reading in generous service to the human family. Thus we prepare the way for Jesus new miracles of mercy, transforming life s sometimes stagnant water into the refreshing wine of God s mercy. Peter Scagnelli, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. Sunday Collection January 10, 2016 $ 20, Budgeted Weekly Collection $ 22, Difference $ (2,088.76) Current Fiscal Year-to-Date* $ 626, Budgeted Sunday Collections To-Date $ 620, Difference $ 6, *Note: YTD amount reflects updates by bank to postings and adjustments. Christmas Collecton Christmas Collection 12/25/15* $ 71, Christmas Collection 12/25/14 $ 70, Difference $ *Note: Reflects funds collected as of January 10, 2016 REP NEWS The first half of our year seemed to fly by with wonderful moments for the children to grow in their relationship with Jesus. Whether in class, at prayer services, doing outreach activities, or learning to be a good follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit has been active at REP. Children preparing for sacraments have been busy learning more about what the sacraments mean to us. Those preparing for First Reconciliation will celebrate God s grace this month. Our confirmation candidates have been busy doing service projects such as delivering Christmas gifts to Waukegan, babysitting, making lunches for PADS and many other activities in their communities. The launch of our new 7 th & 8 th grade format on Tuesday nights seems to be a big hit with the students and parents. Many thanks to our Youth Minister, Benjamin Valle, our adult team and the high school peer ministers who have worked hard to see this become a reality. Parents, if you have not yet filled out the survey we sent, please help us out by taking a few moments to do this. As we look ahead to next summer and fall, the registration forms will be on the parish web site beginning Monday, February 8. Forms will also be available in the kiosk in the narthex, but they are NOT mailed to families. It is very important that children begin religious education in first grade as two years are needed in preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. If you are new to our parish and have not yet registered, please contact the parish office or attend one of our welcoming sessions to become members of St. Mary. Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. Sue Matousek Director of Religious Education smatous@stmota.org Thank You The Holy Family Food Pantry from Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan is so very grateful to all of you for the many ways you brought such a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to our families. You have given us such an example of how to build the Kingdom of God by uniting as brothers and sisters with us. Your participation as volunteers and donors in our parish community services allows us to live out our parish mission: serving God s people with a preferential option for the poor. We look forward to a fruitful partnership in Pray for all who suffer illness, pain and grief: Nolan King and for the repose of all who have recently died: Lisa McSweeney

5 Deacon Deliberations by Deacon Gary Kupsak What if Last we celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. As I was reflecting on this feast day I began to think about the baptism of my grandchildren (which I had the honor of baptizing myself), that of my children, and I even got around to my own baptism. Do you ever think about your own baptism? My guess is that it we don t think about our own baptism very often. Now you might think, that I think about it quite often (given my role in our faith community), but that s unfortunately not the case. Many, many of us are probably in that category. So many things have happened in our lives since that baptism day. The other day my wife and I were playing the What if game. I wondered out loud (which I must say has at times has proven to be not too prudent), What if we had never met? Where would we be without each other, what would we be like, would our lives have taken radically different paths? Maybe some of you wonder about those things too? Or what about our jobs? How would our lives be different if we didn t do the work we do or did? What if we had chosen different friends or a different town to live in, what if we never smoked or drank alcohol for the first time? We could play that game all day long. What if..? What if we had never been baptized? Maybe you think that s a silly question, or that it matters little. Please, hear me out first. If you had not been baptized would your life have unfolded pretty much as it has? Or have you made certain choices BECAUSE of your baptism, because of your unique relationship and connection to Jesus. Now I don t mean just really big choices (like marrying someone in your own faith, or sending the kids to Catholic school), but the little day to day decision we ve made over our lifetimes that have conformed us more closely to Christ, one baby step at a time. In other words, has your baptism made any concrete difference in who you are or how you live? What if we had never been baptized? There is a certain irony in the fact that we don t necessarily think about our baptism as often as we should. After all, nearly every time we enter our church we dip our fingers in the holy water and make the sign of the cross. The water is there not as some sort of good-luck charm. No it s there to remind us of our own baptism, of the day we were united to Jesus in that most intimate way---and challenges, yes challenges us to remain on board. What if we had never been baptized? Would anything be different? Would our lives have gone exactly the same? If so, maybe we need to take time to look deep within ourselves and hopefully rediscover the profound meaning of our baptisms. Shouldn t we all regularly want to remind ourselves about remaining on board to Jesus and remain connected to God and this faith community. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Bring Your Palms to Church Please bring your dried palms from 2015 to church and place them in the basket in the narthex. These will be burned after the 11:30 mass on Sunday, February 7 in preparation for Ash Wednesday, February 10. ASH WEDNESDAY LITURGIES February 10, :30 AM Liturgy of the Word with Imposition of Ashes 8:00 & 9:30 AM Mass with Imposition of Ashes 4:00 PM Liturgy of the Word with Imposition of Ashes 7:00 PM Mass with Imposition of Ashes All liturgies take place in the big church CRS Fair Trade Market Another Success The CRS Fair Trade Market held in December was again successful. This year we were able to expand our selection and offer more variety and quantity. A really big thank you to volunteers, shoppers, supporters, and staff of St. Mary. We enjoyed being able to present the CRS Fair Trade Market to you that benefits our less fortunate international sisters and brothers. Your purchases help provide support for food, homes, health care, schools, and a better way of life especially for women and children. Thank you, Kathy Pannhausen, Chair Pray the Daily Rosary Please join other parishioners in the Eucharistic Chapel following the 8:00 AM Mass Monday through Thursday. Pray the Divine Mercy Novena & Chaplet The Divine Mercy Novena & Chaplet is prayed in the Eucharistic Chapel on Fridays immediately following the 8:00 AM Mass. The Family Rosary Join us for Family Rosary Saturday Devotion, requested by Our Lady of Fatima, every First Saturday of the month at 4:30 PM.

6 9 Reasons to Join 9 Days for Life by USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities Have you heard that the U.S. Catholic bishops are asking us to pray for life from January 16-24, a special period of prayer, penance and pilgrimage? A novena, easily accessible by computer, phone, or by download, will unite us in the days surrounding the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion throughout pregnancy. An end to abortion is not the only intention. We'll also be praying for people at all stages: those near the end of their lives, children in need of adoptive homes, those mourning the loss of a child through abortion, and many others. Need more reasons to sign up at Prayerfully consider these 9 reasons to participate in #9DaysforLife: 1. It's important. Abortion has been legal for 43 years. Children need life-long families. An increasing number of states are considering legalizing doctor-assisted suicide. Men, women and children are suffering in a variety of ways and need our prayers. 2. It's an age-old tradition. For centuries, Catholics have made the commitment to pray for nine days for special intentions. This is a way to practice perseverance, setting aside time each day to spend with God. 3. It's "unforgettable." You can download and print the prayers for each day or, so that you don't forget to participate, you can sign up to receive them daily through s, text messages, or an app that allows you to customize the time of your reminders! 4. It raises awareness. Does the world know that so many of us value and respect every human life from conception to natural death? You can share the intentions on social media, as well as a number of other eye-catching and relevant graphics, and even download a special Facebook cover photo and profile picture to spread the word. 5. It unites us with other participants. One mark of the Catholic Church is its universality. This is an opportunity to gather in prayer with thousands of people for a united, prayerful purpose. 6. It unites us with those suffering. Prayer is a way to recognize our solidarity with those who are suffering. We are called to support one another in prayer and in action. 7. It is spiritually enriching. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will send out not only prayer intentions for each day, but also short reflections, actions, and articles. Nine days later you'll be more informed about issues related to valuing all human life. 8. It calls us to action. Different actions are suggested each day as a way of offering reparation for the ways our country has not respected God's gift of life. Additionally, the novena may end after 9 days, but the need to protect life never will. Throughout these 9 days you may find a specific aspect or stage of life that you feel called to particularly advocate for. 9. It will bless us! Remember that whatever we give to God, He gives back to us a hundred-fold. By offering nine days of prayer to Him, we are not only allowing Him to work through us in the lives of others, we are opening our hearts to receive His love and grace in our own lives as well. Can you take a few minutes each day to pray for life? Sign up now at and invite others to the same. (Bilingual leader resources are available.) reasons-to-join-9-days-for-life.cfm St. Mary of the Annunciation Support Groups Divorce and Beyond: is a support group for people who are divorced or who have already filed for divorce. It is not intended for people who are uncertain about the future of their marriage. This is a closed selfhelp group which means that there is no leader/teacher/counselor. The facilitator has been trained by the Archdiocese of Chicago. The group is closed to offer stability and an atmosphere that fosters ease and trust. The next group will meet every other Monday night from 7:00-8:30pm beginning January 25 through June 20, Contact Diane Mulroe dmulroe@stmota.org for registration information. Finding Hope/Healing Hearts: is a grief support group for people who have experienced the death of a loved one. It is a closed support group facilitated by the Director of Human Concerns. It is not a therapy group nor is it a self-help group but rather, participants will be offered information as well as support. There is a $30 fee to cover the cost of books and materials. The next group will meet every Wednesday beginning January 13 through March 16. Contact Diane Mulroe dmulroe@stmota.org for registration information. A Compassionate Heart: is a small group faith sharing opportunity for current and discerning Ministers of Care as well as any interested parishioners. It is a 6 week facilitator-led opportunity to share scripture, reflections, and prayer. The program is designed to be used in engaging parishioners to explore their baptismal call of compassionate service to those in need. The group will run either on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm or Thursday afternoons 1:00-2:30pm January 12 th -February 18 th. Contact Diane Mulroe dmulroe@stmota.org for registration information. Respect Life Holy Hour Thursday, January 21, 7:00 PM Big church This is the anniversary of Roe v Wade which legalized abortion in our country. All parishioners are invited. During the adoration of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, prayers for respect for all life and the recitation of the Rosary will be said. Come pray with us on this most important issue. Planned Giving Seminar Make the most of your charitable giving. Learn tax-smart ways to make an impact with less cost from Ken Roman, a planned giving expert from the Archdiocese of Chicago. Ken will help you learn about contribution options customized to fit your interests and tax planning. Join us at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 23 rd in the meeting rooms at St. Mary of the Annunciation.

7 F isch ing Lines by Deacon Howard Fischer A few years ago I was fortunate to be in the church built over what is believed to be the site of the synagogue in Cana. It is in this synagogue where the wedding ceremony would have occurred prior to the feast that is the setting for today s gospel passage. While at the Wedding Church in Cana, I had the honor of leading the renewal of marriage vows by the 15+ couples in our group of pilgrims. It is a memory I will always cherish. However, the focus of today s gospel passage is not so much on marriage as it is about the miracle performed by Jesus as a sign of his transformational mission and the overflowing abundance of God s love. We all know this story about Jesus changing ordinary water into a fine vintage wine. And not just a few bottles worth, but 150+ gallons of fine wine! The operative word in this narrative is change. Just as he changed water into wine, Jesus invites you and me to fundamental change. But unlike the inanimate wine, we need to cooperate and be engaged in the process if that change is going to take place. Change is never easy and we often resist the changes swirling around us. But if we choose to let go of our resistance and cooperate with the Lord, great things can happen. Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, is one example of someone who embraced personal change. When his brother Ludvig died, a newspaper mistakenly published an obituary of Alfred. If that weren t jarring enough, the obituary referred to Alfred as the merchant of death and said that he became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before. Dismayed that this is how he would be remembered, he went about creating the Nobel prizes for peace, medicine, physics, economics and literature that benefit humanity. How will each of us be remembered? What contributions are we making to grow the Kingdom of God proclaimed by Jesus? Will we work with the Lord so that with his help we can be changed from plain water into fine wine? On a personal note, Maryann and I recently returned from a trip to Brazil. You may recall that our son Greg and his wife Kim (along with their children) are Maryknoll Lay Missioners serving the poor in São Paulo. Upon arriving a few days before Christmas, we had the great joy of welcoming our newest grandchild, Laura Olivia, into the world! We had great fun snuggling with our new granddaughter and spoiling her older siblings, Christopher and Elena. In addition to family time, we were also able to spend time with the other Maryknoll missioners we had met on our first trip back in Please keep all of the Maryknollers in Brazil and around the world in your prayers. Ours was a very joyous Christmas and New Year. And we hope that yours was as well! Finally, a reminder that the week of January each year marks The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. (The bookend dates are the traditional feasts of St. Peter and St. Paul.) One of the last prayers that Jesus offered to his Father concerned his followers: I pray that Pacific Garden Mission Opportunity Come with us to the shelter in Chicago Sunday: February 7 th, 2016, from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Future 2016 dates: March 13 th, April 3 rd and May 1 st Pacific Garden Mission has been a refuge for millions of weary people seeking food, shelter, clothing, medical care and dental care. They are also offered an answer to life's struggles: faith in Jesus Christ. Pacific Garden Mission is located at 1458 S. Canal Street, Chicago. Our group meets at the Mission by 12:30pm. You may come individually or as a family. Bring a friend. Our volunteer group name, Saint Mary of the Annunciation, is to be given at check-in. We make beds, fold towels, serve lunch and help in a variety of other ways. A tour of the Mission is offered to first time visitors. Carpooling is available. Carpoolers assemble in our Narthex before the 11:30 mass and leave by 11:15 am. Contact in advance: Jim Robinson jw_robinson@sbcglobal.net (847) or Mary Baker marylbaker319@gmail.com (262) if you would like to participate in mission with us. We answer questions and help with carpooling arrangements. Featured CD for January Living the Gospel with the Heart of Pope Francis by Dr, Edward Sri Dr. Edward Sri is a renowned theologian, author, and professor at the Augustine Institute. In this presentation, Dr. Sri invites all Christians to embrace the call of Pope Francis to be missionary disciples in today's world. With contagious enthusiasm and insightfulness, Dr. Sri makes the Holy Father's message both accessible and actionable for people living in this day and age. Feature CDs can be found at the wooden kiosk in the narthex. Please remember a $3 donation per CD is suggested to allow the parish to continue the program and offer new material. they may be one in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. (John 17:21) Sadly, through human sin the followers of Christ have become splintered, making him less believable to the world. We should be ashamed and fervently praying for the unity of all Christians and working towards that unity, not by minimizing the real differences between us but by engaging in earnest dialogue and sharing in acts of charity. Please make Christian unity a priority in your prayer and in your living of the Gospel, not only this week but every week. It is surely the work that God wants us to do. May we be guided by the words of St. Augustine: In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity. If you wish to contact me, just leave a note in the parish office or send an to deaconhwf99@yahoo.com.

8 Adult Confirmation Classes Vicariate I, Deanery ABC Ministry Commission Adult Confirmation Men & Women 19 years old and above (not in high school) St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church 236 US Highway 45, Indian Creek, IL Tuesdays beginning March 8, :00 to 9:00pm Contact your local parish office for more information or Maureen Evers at or Did you miss Confirmation? Here is your opportunity to be confirmed with other people your age. Sometimes due to circumstances in our lives we miss important sacraments. If you are a baptized Catholic who has received first Communion but was unable to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation this is your chance to participate in catechetical sessions. Candidates must be at least 19 years old and out of high school. At the completion of these sessions there will be an adult Confirmation celebration on May 17, 2016 at 7:00 pm at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Lake Villa. In order to be confirmed on this day you will need to do the following: Obtain a recent copy (within 6 months) of your Baptismal certificate from the parish in which you were baptized. Participate in the preparation classes consisting of prayer, input, discussion and information on the Catholic faith. A $40.00 participation fee will be charged to cover the cost of materials. Contact your parish representative (Pastor, RCIA Coordinator, Pastoral Associate, or Deacon) to establish a connection and receive a registration form. Mail your registration form and fee to Maureen Evers at St. Mary of Vernon by February 25. Classes are held in Room 118 of the John P. Finnegan Parish Center and are handicapped accessible. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month Fact: Human trafficking is the largest human rights violation in the history of humankind. Acton: Join the International Human Rights Movement by becoming a member of United for Human Rights (UHR) at humanrights.com. Prayer from the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth: We raise our voices in anguished prayer for our sisters and brothers who are modern-day slaves. Fill us with your holy anger and sacred passion that those who are trafficked might know healing and justice; that traffickers will come to repentance and conversion; that all of us might live in such a way that others are not made to pay the price of our comfort and convenience. Hasten the coming of the day when all people will be treated not as commodities but as radiant images of your freedom, beauty and truth. Amen. Resources: See if your purchases were made using forced labor by visiting Sharing Parish Ministry The following message was recently received from Sister Kathleen Long, OP, the coordinator of the Fr. Gary Graf Center: Are you interested in helping do free tax preparations at Most Blessed Trinity (St. Mary of the Annunciation Sharing Parish) in Waukegan? We need volunteers from January through April at the Fr. Gary Graf Center, th St., Waukegan, IL to assist us with this ministry. Please contact Sister Kathleen Long at (847) or go directly to and click on Volunteers. Training will be a combination of on line and hands on training at the Fr. Graf Center and is beginning now. Tax work will be done on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 9:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m. We would appreciate your being willing to commit as much or as little time as fits into your schedule. Please join us in serving others. Thank you and God bless you for your generosity, Sister Kathleen Ministry to the Homebound If your loved one or friend is homebound or recovering from a illness and would like a minister of care to visit and bring Holy Communion, please call the parish office at SAVE THE DATE Society of St Vincent de Paul 14th Annual Pasta Party Sunday, March 6, :00 4:00 pm Diantha Hall St Mary of the Annunciation School Join us for our traditional party of fun, food and fellowship, catered by Philly G s Restaurant. Tasty Pasta with Sauce and Meatballs Crisp Garden Salad with Dressing Fresh Italian Bread Scrumptious Dessert Help with set-up Saturday, March 5th! How can you support our Pasta Party? We need our young people and adults of the community to help us at the party! Sign up posters of open jobs and shifts will be by the ticket table in the narthex.

9 St. Mary of the Annunciation Bereavement Ministry 10 Week Grief Support Group: FINDING HOPE/HEALING HEARTS One of North America's leading grief educators, Dr. Alan Wolfelt has written many books about healing in grief. In compassionate, down-to-earth language, Understanding Your Grief describes ten touchstones or trail markers that are essential physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual signs for mourners to look for on their journey through grief. This book is his most comprehensive, covering the essential lessons that mourners have taught him in his three decades of working with the bereaved. The Ten Essential Touchstones: 1. Open to the presence of your loss. 2. Dispel misconceptions about grief. 3. Embrace the uniqueness of your grief. 4. Explore what you might experience. 5. Recognize you are not crazy. 6. Understand the six needs of mourning. 7. Nurture yourself. 8. Reach out for help. 9. Seek reconciliation, not resolution. 10. Appreciate your transformation. Think of your grief as a wilderness a vast, inhospitable forest. You must journey through this wilderness. To find your way out, you must become acquainted with its terrain and learn to follow the sometimes hard-to-find trail that leads to healing. In the wilderness of your grief, the touchstones are your trail markers. They are the signs that let you know you are on the right path. When you learn to identify and rely on the touchstones, you will find your way to hope and healing. Writing can be a very effective form of mourning, or expressing your grief outside yourself. And it is through mourning that you heal in grief. The Understanding Your Grief Journal is a companion workbook and is designed to help mourners explore the many facets of their unique grief through journaling. Specific questions are offered and writing space is provided for the many questions raised. This weekly group will meet at St. Mary of the Annunciation for 10 consecutive Wednesdays January 13-March 16, :00-2:30pm There is a $30.00 registration fee which covers the cost of the two books. To register, contact Diane Mulroe in the St. Mary parish office. The group size is limited so register now! dmulroe@stmota.org or call For Widowed Men & Women There will be a retreat/workshop on Jan. 16 & 17, 2016, and on March 5 & 6, 2016 at Our Lady of the Angels House of Prayer (in Lemont on Alvernia Manor s campus) Includes overnight and meals. Overnight reqd. No commuters. Space limited register early. The holidays are especially hard for those who are widowed. Missing your spouse is a special loss. This program is designed to help the widowed find hope & joy again. Joyful Again Widowed Ministry, Ph: You can also see a short video on their website: joyfulagain7211@gmail

10 Prayer: Beyond the Beginnings or Pray All Ways Finding yourself in a spiritual rut? Desiring to go deeper but not sure how to do it? Fr. Michael will explore a variety of prayer styles to help us deepen our prayer vocabulary. He ll explore Lectio Divina, Contemplative Prayer, The Prayer of Imagination, The Ignatian Examen, and Embodied Prayer. Come and learn! Saturday, February 6, 2016 St. Mary of Vernon Church & Parish Center 236 U.S. Highway 45 Indian Creek, IL :30am optional Mass in the Church with Fr. Michael presiding 9-9:15am Registration and Hospitality in the Parish Center 9:15am-12:30pm Presentations by Fr. Michael This event is presented free of charge. All are welcome. To Register: Maureen Evers at mevers@maryofvernon.org or call Sponsored by Vicariate 1 Deanery ABC Ministry Commission. WHITE HOUSE STYLE A retrospective of first lady fashions A unique and historical look at the fashions of the First Ladies from Eleanor Roosevelt to Michelle Obama. Hosted by Chicago Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, and presented by its creator Elsa De Palma. The models are members of the Council of Catholic Women from many archdiocesan parishes. Your support is welcomed through the cash Grand Raffle or ticket purchase as viewed on the ACCW website below: Fashion Show & Luncheon Saturday, February 27, :00-3:00 p.m. Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore 5300 Touhy Avenue, Skokie $50 per person, Tables of 10 Tickets- Call Rebecca, ACCW office or RSVP by February 12, 2016 Fr Michael Sparough, SJ is a spiritual director, retreat master, writer and storyteller on the staff at the Bellarmine Retreat House in Barrington, Illinois. He taught for twelve years at the Loyola University Institute of Pastoral Studies training Spiritual Directors. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama and a Doctor of Ministry from St Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. A prolific writer and speaker, Fr Michael has published extensively on prayer and the sacraments with Loyola Press, Paulist Press, Franciscan Communications, Paulist Press, Liturgical Training Publications, and Heart to Heart. World Marriage Day Dinner Dance When: Sat, February 13, 2016, 6pm 10pm Where: St Matthew Catholic Church, Glen Ellyn Rd., Glendale Heights, IL Description: All married couples are invited to celebrate World Marriage Day. The event will begin at 6 pm with dinner served at 7 pm. The cost is $40 per couple for catered dinner and dancing, Cash bar. Reservations required and accepted until Feb. 6 th. Please mail to: Matt and Dana Wolze 1409 Center Ave. Wheaton, IL Make Checks payable to WWME. This event is sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Volunteer Program seeks single, Catholic women 21+ years of age to give long-term volunteer service of 3-12 months sharing faith community and serving alongside Sisters in a wide variety of ministries. Contact Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC at connie.ss@att.net or visit phjcvolprogram.org. Carmel Catholic High School Basketball Night for 6 th and 7 th graders Friday, January 29, 2016, 7 PM Salvi Arena Carmel s Boys Varsity vs. Nazareth Academy ALL 6TH AND 7TH GRADE STUDENTS WELCOME! Students in 6th and 7th grade are invited to be a part of the Carmel Catholic community as we compete against Nazareth Academy on Friday, January 29, 2016, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Students who have pre-registered for this event or bring a permission form to the event will receive a complimentary admission at the ticket table. FREE POP- CORN! Wear Carmel gear to the game and you will be given a coupon for free popcorn! Sign up online at

11 Mass Parish Staff Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:30 AM Weekday Monday Friday 8:00 AM PARISH NUMBER Parish Emergency After Hours Rev. Jerome Jacob Ext. 213 Pastor Rev. Nathaniel Payne Ext. 212 Associate Pastor Rev. Matthew Alexander Resident Deacons Mike O Malley, Gary Kupsak, Robert Poletto, Mike Alandy Mr. Fred Vipond Ext. 234 Director of Music & Liturgy FVipond@stmota.org Ms. Sue Matousek Ext. 218 Director of Religious Education SMatous@stmota.org Ms. Diane Mulroe Ext. 216 Director of Human Concerns DMulroe@stmota.org Mr. Benjamin Valle Ext. 230 Coordinator of Youth Ministry BValle@stmota.org Dcn. Howard Fischer Ext. 215 Director of Parish Operations HFischer@stmota.org Ms. Tammy Kleckner Ext. 310 Principal, CCLC cclcprincipal@gmail.com Ms. Penny Elwood Ext. 217 Bookkeeper/Accountant Bookkeeper@stmota.org Ms. Victoria Hansen Ext. 200 Administrative Assistant parish@stmota.org Mr. Richard Plage Ext. 304 Site Manager rplage@stmota.org Mr. William Zerwer Maintenance Rev. James Presta Weekend Associate Pastoral Council Jon Matousek Mary Lou Loomis Jen Pepping Cassandra Dye Kathy Lenzen Pete Coughlin Gina Debord Jill Stowe Roni Hertel Dan Prezell Sheila Dalton Carey Marciniak Marivie Alandy Will Roberts Danielle LoMastro Bob Lyman Sara Gunther W. Erhart Road Mundelein, Illinois parish@stmota.org Parish Fax number Pre K 5 School: Frassati Catholic Academy (Grades 6 8) Religious Education Program (REP) Emergency Number Parish Office Hours Monday Friday 8:30AM 4:00PM Sacrament of Penance Baptisms Adult Initiation Marriage Ministry of Care Saturdays 4:00 4:40 PM, and by appointment Ordinarily during the Mass on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month and after the Mass on the other Sundays, outside of Lent. Parents are required to participate in a Baptismal Preparation class before scheduling a Baptism. Adults who wish to become Roman Catholics are enrolled in a formation process that includes prayer, dialogue, instruction, and introduction to the Church s life and values, rituals and tradition. Call the parish office for more information. St. Mary Parish rejoices with parishioners who are preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony. The Church requires at least four months time before the marriage for adequate preparation. A parish wedding information packet is available at the parish office. Ministers of Care visit the homes of the sick, homebound, or hospitalized and bring Holy Communion to them. Call the parish office when a pastoral visit is desired. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered by the parish priest upon request. New parishioners We welcome new members who wish to worship with us and support the parish s work and mission. Please call the parish office to schedule a time to register. A complete listing of parish services and organizations is available at the parish office.