Parish Mission Statement We are a diverse Catholic community of genera ons, experiencing the living God and reflec ng our faith in ac on with one

Transcription

1 Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Mission Statement We are a diverse Catholic community of genera ons, experiencing the living God and reflec ng our faith in ac on with one another. 1st Sunday in Advent December 1, 2013

2 Page 2 Mass Intentions MON. December 2, Advent Weekday 8:30 am Paul Calandrino, Theodore Nowacki TUES. December 3, St. Francis Xavier 8:30 am Special Intention, Eugene Panatttoni WED. December 4, St. John Damascene 8:30 am Francis A. Grieashamer THURS. December 5, Advent Weekday 8:30 am Deceased Bakalich family members, Patricia L. Mion FRI. December 6, St. Nicholas 8:30 am Nicholas Sadofsky (26 th Birthday) SAT. December 7, St. Ambrose 8:30 am Mel J. Billicana 5:00 pm Angela Verlinghire, Edward J. Luby, Special Intention SUN. December 8. Second Sunday in Advent 8:00 am Esther Cabais, Bienvenido Cabais, Nida Danao 10:00 am Daniel Pearson, Herman Johnson, Adolf Karas 12:00 pm The People of St. Robert Bellarmine Weekly Collections November 17, 2013 Sunday Offertory $7,596 Sharing $ 154 Our average weekly donations for the month of October was $7,891 of which $2,827 came from electronic donations. Thank you for your generosity! Second Collection December 7/8 PLEASE GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN A LIFETIME The Season of Advent begins the new liturgical church year and starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Advent signifies arrival and is a time of preparation, longing and expectancy. The Season is penitential in its spirit, but also reflects the joy of anticipation. During Advent we feel a spiritual hunger that Isaiah the Prophet helps fill through his progressive prophesies during the season regarding the coming of our Redeemer. Today, Isaiah says that, In days to come...he shall judge between the nations,...one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. Advent is a time of conversion and repentance in preparation for God s coming. St. Paul tells us today that we must change: our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed...let us throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. During Advent we prepare for intimacy with God in Christ s first appearance, but also share the expectation of his second coming. Our Lord today tells the disciples what to expect at the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus says, Two...will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left...therefore, stay awake! You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. Isaiah 2:1-5 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:37-44 TWO GOOD REASONS TO TRY OUR CONTEMPORARY MASS! If you have been meaning to bring some family members and friends to check it out, now you have TWO good reasons to join us at SRB for the Sunday evening Contemporary Mass on December 8, 2013 at 5:30 pm! The Contemporary Mass is a tri-parish collaboration of St. Robert, St. Pascal and Our Lady of Victory. SRB s SPRED group will be having a special family mass during the contemporary mass on Dec. 8 followed by refreshments and fellowship down in Kernaghan Hall. SPRED s focus is to provide individuals with cognitive and/or developmental disabilities with a community of faith. At SRB, our SPRED group friends range from ages The SPRED family mass is an opportunity for the members of our SPRED group to participate more directly in the liturgy and to share their faith. It is also an opportunity for parishioners to become more familiar with SPRED and to show SPRED friends and their family members the love and support of their larger church family. So join the 125 or so people that already love the contemporary mass at the same time you experience a SPRED family mass! If you have any questions, contact Beth Pfeiffer at

3 December 1, 2013 Page 3 From the Pastor s Desk During the Season of Advent we prepare for the coming of Christ. Advent means coming or arrival. During this time of new beginnings we anticipate and prepare for the coming of Christ. In many ways Advent is a time of transition. We move from last week s Feast of Christ the King, anticipating Jesus return at the end of time to the Feast of Christmas when Christ will come to us in his humanity at the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Our scriptures today forecast the coming of the end of time. Weeks two and three of Advent this year have John the Baptist proclaiming the coming of the Messiah to establish his kingdom on earth (Jesus public ministry). Finally, the fourth week of Advent foretells the birth of Jesus at Christmas, the story of God entering into our human history. Our scriptures invite us to reflect on our awareness of the presence of God in our lives. We light the candles on the Advent wreath, counting down the days until Christmas. This is a time of great joy for Christians because we celebrate the love of God joining our human condition to bring us salvation. We prepare our hearts and homes to celebrate with great wonder and awe this miracle of our faith. Advent, like Lent, calls for an examination of our lives. When Christ calls us home, will we be ready? Have we responded to John the Baptist s cry to make straight the ways of the Lord? Do we truly believe that the child to be born of the Virgin Mary truly is the Lord of our life? When we can answer yes to all of these questions we can truly experience the joy of Christmas and the wonder of God s love. As we write our Christmas cards we can take the time to hold each person in our hearts and appreciate our relationship to them. In buying gifts we can try to find something truly meaningful that the recipient will appreciate. As we bake, clean and decorate, we can try to make it a family endeavor, sharing the work and the time with one another. We can put on some Christmas music and truly get into the spirit. I don t agree that the liturgically correct practice of no carols until Christmas Eve is the right way to celebrate the joy of the season. I like them for at least a couple weeks ahead. Many of our Christmas parties can become obligations that are a burden rather than a time of friendship. In order to avoid holiday burnout I schedule some social events with friends after Christmas (and sometimes after the New Year) so that we can truly enjoy our time together and our friendship. Many people are lonely this time of year. Perhaps we can make some time for a lonely relative or neighbor to brighten their holiday. Many people are struggling financially and are working extra hours in order to make Christmas happen. While it is important not to disappoint the children, and we do need some festivity in our lives, please try to find some balance. After all, it is not how much money we spend, but rather the time and the love we spend with those near and dear to us. For those of us who are doing okay financially, we can share some of our blessings with those who are in need. All of us can do something to brighten this Christmas for others who might otherwise do without. Most of all, don t let Advent be a build up that ends on Christmas Day. Anticipate the joy of the season rather than rushing toward Christmas. I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends. While the Church begins the Advent season, our culture begins its preparation for Christmas which is often more consumer driven than faith-filled. I invite everyone to take advantage of our Advent services as an oasis of quiet and prayer. See page five for the Advent schedule. In recent years we have had occasional troubles with the sound system in the church. Last month we replaced the portable microphones. However, there are still some quality issues and some of the original equipment is no longer functioning. We have decided to upgrade the current sound system in the church by replacing the original system. Dennis has researched the issue and obtained several bids. Because good music is so important in our celebrations, we have decided to move forward and expect the work to be completed within the next two weeks. Total cost for the project should come in just under $20,000. We will celebrate the sacrament of 1st Reconciliation this coming Saturday morning. Reconciliation is the sacrament of grace that heals our souls as we experience the joy of God s love and mercy in being reunited with him. Please keep the children and their families in your prayers. Next weekend there will be a second collection for the Fund for Retired Religious. The Sisters will be speaking at all the masses this weekend. This is a great way to thank them for all their service to our parish for the past 80 years. Have a great week and a blessed Advent. Sincerely, Fr. Neil

4 Page 4 SRB Men s Club & Parents Assoc. Christmas Party w/roxy Kernaghan Hall Tuesday, December 10, :00 Cocktails, 7:00 Dinner, Cash Bar $25 Italian Dinner & Show Tickets on sale this weekend and next after all masses in the vestibule ADVENT SCRIPTURE STUDY Thursday Mornings 9:00am 10:30am Now through December 19 th Meeting Room in Kernaghan Hall All are welcome We will explore the scriptures for each Sunday of Advent. This is a great way to prepare our hearts for Christ. Hope to see you there! Please pray for the repose of the soul of Lottie Wicke and for her family and friends. Fr. Robert Barron s Global Media Ministry presents the website you have been waiting for... CUTTING-EDGE - COUNTER- CULTURAL - CONNECTED THE ADVENT GIVING TREE IN THE VESTIBULE Every Advent Season the Giving Tree in our vestibule reminds us as we prepare for Christmas to be mindful of those who are poor. Christ's humble birth and his message of hope for the poor are important to reflect on throughout Advent as we prepare our hearts for Christ's birth. If you would like to help out families in need during the Advent season there are several ways the Giving Tree could use your help. 1) Ornaments - On the tree you will find ornaments that represent a child from our Sharing Parish - Ascension-St. Susanna in Harvey. Each person who takes one of those ornaments is asked to buy one warm item of clothing and a little toy for the child. Please follow the directions on the ornament all gifts should be brought to the rectory by December 14 th. Gifts should either be left unwrapped or placed in gift bags. Please do not use wrapping paper and tape to wrap the gifts. 2) Gifts Under the Tree - You can place items under the tree of warm clothing, warm bedding, and items for babies and young children such as toys or blankets. These items are distributed to members of our own parish as well as to agencies like Marillac House and Catholic Charities who distribute them to the needy of Chicago. 3) One of the agencies we support is Marillac House. They offer an opportunity for parents in need to select toys for their children. This event takes place on December 14 th. You are welcome to place unwrapped toys under the Giving Tree for Marillac House and we will deliver them on December 9 th. Thank you and God Bless You!

5 December 1, 2013 Page 5 Advent begins today. We will be blessing the Advent Wreath and lighting the candles each week. Dec. 01 Dec. 03 Dec. 04 Dec. 05 Dec. 08 Dec. 09 SPRED Mass 12 noon Advent Prayer Service 7 p.m. Conversations on Faith 7 p.m. Scripture Study 9 a.m. Retired Religious Collection All Masses Feast of the Immaculate Conception Masses Mon 8:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 7 p.m. Holy Name Christmas Party 6 p.m. Scripture Study 9 a.m. Reconciliation Service 7 p.m. Dec. 10 Dec. 12 Dec. 17 Dec. 18 Adoration/Benediction 5 p.m. Dec. 19 Scripture Study 9 a.m. During the busy preparations for the holidays, all are invited to share some of the above times of quiet prayer and reflection. Advent Reconciliation Service Reconciliation prayer service with individual confession Tuesday, December 17 at 7 p.m. Additional Reconciliation Opportunities Saturdays: 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm HOLIDAY BULLETIN DEADLINES Please be aware that bulletin deadlines are different during the Holidays. They are as follows: for the Dec. 15th bulletin, the deadline is Dec 5th, for the Dec 22nd bulletin, the deadline is Dec 9th, for the Dec 29th bulletin, the deadline is Dec 13th, and for the Jan 5th bulletin, the deadline is Dec 19th Mercy Home Sunday Mass Has New Channel and Time The weekly Sunday Mass broadcast from Mercy Home for Boys and Girls has moved to a new sta- on and me. The Mass is now broadcast Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. on WGN-TV Channel 9, Chicago. Visit sunday-mass-mercy-home to: Receive a Mass Guide, attend a taping or view the celebrant schedule

6 Page 6 PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY GySgt Timothy R. Hogan (Marines) CPT Patrick J. Collins (Army) Raymond Weernink (Navy) Sgt Scott Pekar (Marines) CPT Dan Allen (Army) LCpl Kurt Williams (Marines) SGT Joseph Konieczny (Army) Mike Janson (Navy) 1LT Brian G. Lutz (Army) SPC Sean Cheker (Army) Bernard Brennan (Marines) PV2 Michael Rosenthal (Army) Cpl Joseph VonMoser (Marines) Martin Durcan (Navy) PVT Colleen McDonald (Army) Cpl Armando Bolivar (Marines) Luke Bulanda (Navy) Capt Kevin P. O Grady (Air Force) Capt Albert Eiffes (Air Force) Capt Daniel C. Ouper (Air Force) E3 John J. Schmidt III (Navy) SPC Samuel Stanciel (Army) EM3 Abraham Ubi (Navy) PVT Michael Barry (Army) SPC David A. Torres (Army) Capt John N Naelgas CALLING ALL ALUMNI As part of the Parish Inspiration Plan, the St. Robert Bellarmine alumni committee is open to all alums, family of alumni or those in the school and parish community looking to help keep graduates up-to-date on the wonderful things going on in our school. For more information on our alumni committee please can contact Jeff Mezydlo at (773) or at jmezydlo@hotmail.com. HE S BACK! FREE TICKETS FOR SENIORS! Called Series Tuesday, December 10 MAESTRO RICCARDO MUTI and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will once again open 3 rehearsals for seniors! Thursday, January 30, am - 12:30 pm Thursday, March 20, am - 12:30pm Wednesday, Jun 18, noon - 2:30pm Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. Doors will open to the concert 45 minutes before the start of the rehearsal. They suggest that you arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes prior to the start of each rehearsal as there is no admittance once the rehearsal begins. If interested, please call the rectory and reserve your ticket. Catholic young adults desiring to listen closely to God's call, please join us for a Called Series evening on Tuesday, December 10, :30 PM, at the Cenacle Retreat Center, 513 W. Fullerton Pkwy., Chicago, Topics for discussion and prayer are taken from the book Tuning In to God's Call by Fr. A. C. Wisdom, OP and Sr. C. Kiley, ASCJ. Sponsored by CAVA and the Archdiocese of Chicago Office for Religious. For more information contact Sr. Elyse at cava@archchicago.org (312)

7 December 1, 2013 Page 7 SCHOOL SAFETY We recently held the annual bus evacuation drill so children will be safe if they are involved in an accident when traveling in a school bus. St. Patrick High School was kind enough to loan us one of their school busses. Each class had a safety lesson, led by Mrs. Mijal, which involved knowing where the emergency exits are located and how to safely "sit and slide" out the back door of the bus. We hope that we will never experience an emergency, but know that we are more prepared as a result of this safety drill. Christmas gifts for you and for your loved ones from the place of Jesus birth, from the city of Bethlehem. Rosaries, crucifixes, nativities, figurines, last supper, and more handmade gifts from the olive trees of Bethlehem and Jerusalem in the Holy Land, are available for sale after all masses this weekend. The Christians of the Holy Land are the descendants of the early Christians. Their presence around the Holy Sites ensures these places remain living communities of faith rather than bare, stony ruins. They look especially to Catholics in the United States to support them in their time of trial. Let them not be disappointed. Your purchase helps them not to flee the Holy Land and supports their continued presence in the place of the birth of Christianity. TYPHOON HAIYAN PHILIPPINES EMERGENCY APPEAL Typhoon Haiyan has passed over the Philippines, killing nearly 10,000 of our Filipino brothers and sisters and with more than 600,000 displaced. Unfortunately, the region is barely recovering from a 7.2 magnitude earthquake just three weeks ago and there is a shortage of supplies. Typhoon Haiyan is the equivalent to a category 5 hurricane and the impact from the storm has le the Philippines and nearby islands with no water, shelter, or electricity. CRS will priori ze emergency shelter, water and sanita on, household relief items (blankets, kitchen items, cookware), potable water, and toilets in this me of emergency. Catholic Relief Services is working with the local government, Caritas and local parishes to maximize response and recovery efforts to reach those most affected by this destruc ve storm. To support CRS respond to this emergency in the Philippines, please make a dona on which can be sent to: ATTN: Typhoon Haiyan Philippines Emergency Appeal Catholic Relief Services 3525 S. Lake Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60653

8 Page 8 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 7TH AND 8TH GRADE MATHEMATICIANS! Some of our 7th & 8th grade students participated in the Guerin Prep Math Competition on November 19th. The SRB 8th grade boys were awarded 1st Place for the team competition and Katie Griggs won 3rd place for the 7th grade individual math competition. There were over 200 students represented from more than 10 area schools. We are very proud of our students!

9 December 1, 2013 Page 9 The second session of the St. Robert Bellarmine Tiny Tots program will run a.m., Thursdays from Jan. 23-April 10. There will be no class Feb. 13 and March 20. Cost is $60. Open to the community at large, this program is designed for the 2-year-old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, with a focus on social development, motor skills, coordination, basic concepts and group activities. For more information please contact the school at (773) or visit srbschoolchicago.wordpress.com and click on the "About Our School" tab. CONGRATULATIONS! Kelly Calcagno and Caroline Limbo who were named to the honor roll at Trinity High School and Nicole Connelly who received honors for the first quarter at Regina Dominican High School. The Holly Fair which is Thursday, December 12th is a fun way for our school children to be able to purchase Christmas gifts for their family members. The Hobby Fair, on Friday, December 13th, 8 am to 11:30 am, is where the older children at St. Robert Bellarmine make craft items and sell them. This day is open to the public. The Holidays are fast approaching and we are in need of donated items that would make a suitable gift for Granny s Attic, new or gently used items, plant clippings, ceramic items, also holiday gift bags, bows and tissue paper. We ask that all donations of new or like new items be brought to the Junior building office on or before Monday, December 9th THANK YOU!

10 Page 10 Weekly Schedule Monday, December 2 7:30 pm Sports Association Meeting (KH) Tuesday, December 3 6:30 pm 9 pm Catechist Christmas Party (KH) 6:30 pm Novena (C) 7 pm Advent Prayer Service (C) 7 pm PA Closed Board Meeting (SMR) Wednesday, December 4 8 am 11 am 8 th Grade Graduation Pictures (KH) 9:15 am 10:30 am School Reconciliation (C) 3 pm 4:30 pm Children s Choir Practice (MR) 7 pm 9 pm Conversations on Faith (C) Thursday, December 5 9 am 10:30 am Bible Study (MR) 9:15 am 10:30 am School Reconciliation 11:30 am School Dismissal 12:30 pm 7 pm Parent Teacher Conferences (G) 7 pm 9 pm Adult Choir Practice (KH) Friday, December 6 No School 7 pm 9 pm Santa (KH, MR) Saturday, December 7 9:30 12 noon Religious Education (S) 11 am Second Grade Eucharist Class 11 am First Grade Reconciliation (C) 12:30 pm 1:30 pm Market Day (LR) Holy Name Christmas Dinner TKT Sale after 5 pm Mass Sunday, December 8 Holy Name Christmas Dinner TKT Sale after all Masses 10 am Mass Rite of Acceptance 4 pm Contemporary Mass Choir Practice (C) 5:30 pm SPRED Mass (C) Daily Scripture Readings Monday Is 4:2-6 / Mt. 8:5-11 Tuesday Is 11:1-10 / Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday Is 25:6-10a / Mt 15:29-37 Thursday Is 26:1-6 / Mt 7:21, Friday Is 29:17-24 / Mt 9:27-31 Saturday Is 30:19-21, / Mt 9:35 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday Is 11:1-10 / Rom 15:4-9 / Mt 3:1-12 Food for Thought Jesus said, Love one another as I have loved you, it is by this that all men will know that you are my disciples. It is this love that gives us our identity as Christians. Have you lost your identity as a Christian in the middle of the world? Do you need to rediscover your identity as a Christian? December 7-9, 2013 Mass Presider Servers Lectors Auxiliary Ministers 5:00 PM Fr Scott Donahue 8:00 AM Visitor 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 5:30 PM Dec. 9 7:00 PM Fr. Neil Fackler Fr. Neil Fackler Fr. Neil Fackler Fr. Neil Fackler C. Bell, H. Heidkamp, M. Semtner K. Griggs, J. Griggs, A. Gibula D. Loch, D. Loch, J. O Brien K. Cummens, B. Greifelt, N. Keathley, G. Soriano L. Camacho, M. Camacho, M. Soto M. Gallardo, A. Jablonski, J. Zaker T. Psioda- Moskal C. Bell, K. Caminiti, W. Felckowski, D. Ahearn, D Kehoe, D. Nowak, L. Samansky B. Meyering J. Bogusz, M. Furphy, N. Hester M. Loudon M. Glowacz, L. Loudon, D. Mancuso K. Nigro B. Davis, G. Ignarski, Y. Simonsis, D. Czech, C. McManus, J. Pandocchi, S. Spooner J. Persangi R. Borghi, J. Conway, M. Lindahl M. Plaska J. Hearrin, A. Ouper, J. Ouper, T. Calcagno, M. Calcagno, S. Calcagno, M. Delgado

11 Saint Robert Bellarmine Church Parish Office & Rectory 4646 North Austin Avenue Chicago, Illinois Tel Fax Website: Rev. Neil E. Fackler, Pastor Rev. Scott Donahue, Resident Tony Delgado, Deacon Kathy Goetz, Business Manager Virginia Underwood, Adm. Assist/Office Mgr Dr. Christina Zaker, Adult Education Beth Farias, Youth Minister Religious Education Office 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel Debi DeMario, Director St. Robert Bellarmine School 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel Carrie Mijal, Principal Chris Wilson, Secretary Office of Music Director 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel Dennis Costanzo, Music Director Bulletin Deadline: See page 5 for Holiday deadlines Submit articles via SRBBulletinEditor@gmail.com in person at the rectory or fax Pulpit Announcement Deadline Friday by 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. Mass Schedule Weekdays - Monday - Friday at 8:30 a.m. Weekends - Saturday Morning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday Evening at 5:00 p.m., Sundays at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Holy Days - 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Rectory Office Hours Monday - Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Closed 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for lunch) Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday - 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Weddings Arrangements to be made with a priest at least six months in advance. Please contact the rectory for date and time availability before making other arrangements. Baptisms Celebrated the second and fourth Sunday at 1:15 p.m. Parents need to register at the rectory office. Baptismal preparation class for first time Parents and Godparents is offered on the last Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the rectory. Please note: there are no baptisms scheduled during the season of Lent. Confessions/Reconciliations Saturdays 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. or by appointment. Anointing of the Sick 1st Saturday of the month after the 8:30 a.m. mass. Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction Third Wednesday of every month. Adoration begins after 8:30 a.m. mass. Benediction at 5 p.m. Please sign up at the rectory office. Novena Mother of Perpetual Help Novena is offered on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the church. Recitation of the Rosary Monday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m. New Parishioners Welcome to Saint Robert s! Please register at the rectory office.