DECEMBER 18, 2016 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

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2 DECEMBER 18, 2016 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT St. Luke Parish Rev. Danilo Soriano Pastor Religious Education Tel: 630/ Parish Office Tel: 630/ Parish Office Website: TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION By now, the first Christmas carols are heard in the home, but usually not yet in church. What is a carol anyway? Originally, a carol was any kind of communal song sung at a festival such as a harvest. By the thirteenth century or so, carols were associated with household celebrations. Carol comes from the Old French carula, meaning a circular dance. Carols weren t for church, since the language of liturgy was Latin and the carols were in the common language. Their characteristic sound comes from medieval chord patterns, and they often have strong refrains for everyone to sing. Even in the churches of the Reformation, carols didn t make it into church services until the 1870s or so, since there was a preference for psalms. Anglicans resisted popular carols; most of our beloved carols came via the Methodists, an offshoot of the Church of England. The Catholic Church generally didn t admit carols to liturgy either, but we didn t make laws against them. written the words in 1816, but offered them to his music director, Franz Gruber, when the church s organ broke. Mohr asked him to write a melody that could be played on guitar as a prelude to Mass. Gruber finished the tune just hours before midnight Mass in The people were shocked to hear a guitar in church, but were charmed by the sweet lullaby. The church was swept away by a flood in the 1990s and the village later relocated, but the townspeople have set up the Silent Night Memorial Chapel at the site. Today the carol is in print in some three hundred languages. How wonderful that the pipe organ broke on that night! Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. SUMMONED BY GOD As Christmas draws near, Advent s scriptures lure us into a world of dreams, signs, wonders, and the miracle of the virgin birth. Too often we allow the great stories of our faith, the ones that are most familiar, simply to wash over us. Today s Gospel account of the events leading up to the birth of the Lord reads like a present-day soap opera. Yet Joseph s courage, even in the midst of what must have been an incredibly confusing time, provides a model for us. Each week, we are summoned by God to embrace the way of goodness and truth through the proclamation of God s holy word. Like Joseph, we are called to do as the Lord commands us. As we stand at the threshold of Christmas, let us have the courage to be open to whatever it is that the Lord will require of us as we celebrate the miracle of Bethlehem. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. We are told that the beloved carol Silent Night comes from Catholic Austria and a harried parish music director. Joseph Mohr, the priest of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf, had

3 MASSES CELEBRATED DURING THE WEEK ARE HELD IN THE CHURCH SATURDAY DECEMBER 17 4:15 4:45pm Confessions 5:00 Rita Lewek req. by her family and for the St. Luke Parish Memorial Society 7:00 Simbang Gabi SUNDAY DECEMBER 18 8:30am The People of St. Luke Parish 11:00 The Intentions of the Celebrant Please pray for the sick in our parish especially, Pat Angelo, Bill Clift, Disabled Vets, Liz & Katherine Delaney, Brian Donahoe, Angel Faulkner, Emily Giovingo and Jim Wright Please remember our beloved dead, especially James Delaney and the men and women who have given their lives for our country. MONDAY DECEMBER 19 TUESDAY DECEMBER 20 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 21 THURSDAY DECEMBER 22 FRIDAY DECEMBER 23 SATURDAY DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 4:00pm Sally Hunter req. by Tom & Debbie Templin and for the Neff & Breinig families req. by Mary Breinig 6:00 The People of St. Luke Parish December 11, 2016 REG. CHURCH SUPPORT 120 SUN. ENVELOPE CONTRIBUTIONS =$3, LOOSE CONTRIBUTIONS =$ TOTAL COLLECTION =$3, AVERAGE CONTRIBUTION =$ EXPENSES =$10, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION =$ FAITH COMMITMENT =$ RETIRED RELIGIOUS =$ SUNDAY DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS DAY 8:30am Father Tom Schutter req. by Sister Barbara Rowan 11:00 William Denton req. by his family Thank you so much for your on-going generous financial support of St. Luke Parish! Every amount contributed helps, so we respectfully ask that you continue to regularly use your church support envelopes. It is your generosity that allows us to do what we do. Please give as your financial needs allow.

4 TODAY S READINGS First Reading You will be given this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:10-14). Second Reading God has called us to belong to Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1-7). Gospel The son born of Mary shall be called Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. He shall be Emmanuel, God is with us (Matthew 1:18-24). ST. LUKE PARISH MISSION STATEMENT We, the Family of St. Luke Parish, are called through Baptism to celebrate the presence of Christ in our Lives and Sacraments. We were chosen and sent by Christ to live gratefully the life God has given us and to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. In the Spirit of Faith, Service, and Community, we bring people closer to God and to each other. The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Tuesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Wednesday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, Thursday: 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1: Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Friday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Saturday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Sunday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14;Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7;Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS Thank you for supporting senior religious. A sister from Indiana writes, Because of your kindness, our elderly sisters will have the comfort, security, and joy of living out their remaining years here in their home. You truly honor them and their many years of service by your generosity. Religious across the United States offer sincere thanks for your generosity to last week s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. CHRISTMAS MASSES Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 Masses...4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 Masses...8:30 & 11:00 a.m. NEW YEAR S MASSES New Year s Eve, Saturday, December 31 Mass 5:00 p.m. New Year s Day, Sunday, January 1 Mass.. 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

5 Use these readings and symbols to add to your Jesse Tree as you continue to follow the story leading to the birth of Jesus. Look under the Jesse Tree in the back of church for ornament samples. Taken from CRI/Voice, Institute, Dennis Bratcher, Copyright 2016 CRI/Voice, Institute LUMINARIA KITS The Luminaria tradition is anything but local. It dates at least to early 17th-century Spain. In one version, people burned cedar boughs along town paths, symbolically lighting the way to Bethlehem for Mary and Joseph. A slightly different version suggests that luminaria were intended to brighten the way for the Magi. The tradition is a feature of Christmas festivals in the American Southwest. On the weekend of December 17th and 18th. CCW will be selling Luminaria Kits after all masses. Each kit will contain 10 luminarias for a price of $5.00. We can celebrate the birth of Jesus by the light shining outside our homes and Church. was wonderful. Approximately 20 people assisted to help wrap gifts! Also, a big "THANK YOU" to all the volunteers who helped out with this event. Everyone's outstanding generosity is very much appreciated." CCW BUNCO CCW invites you to our 2 nd annual Brunch and Bunco on January 8 th. Come in from the cold and join us for this complementary meal of breakfast casseroles, donuts, coffee cakes and more. Plus a lively game of Bunco!! You may even pick up prize. All are welcome so please join us. BOOSTERS CHILI COOK-OFF CCW THANKS YOU St. Luke CCW would like to extend our appreciation for everyone's support and donations for the 2016 Annual Children to Children's Toy Drive. We collected $20 in cash donations, $50 in gift cards and 15 LARGE 30 gallon bags of toys to share with children in our local Carol Stream area. The turnout for the wrapping and pizza party Save the date! On January 29th at noon the St. Luke Boosters will be hosting their first chili cook-off. So you make a mean pot of chili, consider cooking some for us. More information will be coming. Hope to see you there. if

6 J8:12 St. Luke youth group for ages of students in 5th to 8th grade. Nicole Chafer, youth leader would like to invite you to a start off meeting with parents and interested parish members January 5th at 7:00pm in Jericho. Ideas and itinerary for the start up of the youth group will be discussed for J8:12. John 8:12: Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. ABBEY FARMS Bring your family out for a fun day at our farm. We have expanded our farm this year in hopes of creating a better experience for families. Choose & Cut trees are $45 (standard) & $60 (premium) each, Fresh Precut Fir Christmas Trees at $9.00per foot, wreaths and roping (prices vary). With each tree purchase receive 1 farm fresh made donut per guest and free hot chocolate. Seasonal store is open daily and full of unique and locally made gifts and crafts and Farm-made donuts. Visit Santa from 11:00-2:00 on select weekends (check website for dates Abbey Farms is located at 2855 Hart Rd. in Aurora. They are open every day thru December 23 from 10:00am 7:00pm. If you would like more information please call 630/ or the farm at SHOP THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL THRIFT STORES! YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING & MORE! * Holiday decorations create your own one-of-a-kind look! * Hostess gifts - Stop at our stores and buy a basket and festive towel and fill it with goodies! Or buy a vase and add a fresh bouquet. * Need a holiday outfit? Going to an Ugly Sweater party? Check our stock! * Say cheese - Pick up a frame and insert a family photo! * Need a White Elephant gift? Be creative and check us out! Last year our stores gave away approximately $240,000 in free clothing housewares and furniture to needy families. Proceeds from the sales at our stores goes into a general assistance fund which helps needy families. You shop with us we help others. By shopping at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shops not only will you be able to purchase items at low prices for your family but you are also helping the needy in the community. Stop by and see us soon!! 90 W. Lake Street, Addison, IL N. Farnsworth, Aurora, IL N. Kennedy, Bradley, IL N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL N. Division Street, Morris, IL Main Street, West Chicago, IL NEW MATTRESSES for sale at our Addison, Bradley & West Chicago Stores! Thank you for helping us help others! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!!

7 PLEASE JOIN ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL Entrance Exam Saturday, January 14th, begins at 8:00am To complete exam registration, the Admissions Office will need: i. Completed and signed registration form ii. $35 fee Iii. Copy of seventh grade report card For a form, visit our website at AMERICAN LEGION St. Daniel the Prophet Council Knights of Columbus are hosting their 22nd Annual Pasta Dinner and Benefit Auction! It will be held on January 14th, 2017 at 6:00pm at the American Legion Post 76, 570 S. Gary Ave. Carol Stream. Full Cash Bar! Raffles! Live auctions! Silent Auctions! The Menu: Chicken Lemon Stuffed Shells Pasta Sausage and Meatballs Vegetable and Salad ALL proceeds will go to help our families in need of Assistance with medical expenses in the greater Wheaton area. Further information is available at our Website at Kofc10575.org. Please join Bishop Conlon to Celebrate his 40th Priesthood Anniversary Jubilee Mass FOR WIDOWED MEN & WOMEN Being widowed is a special loss, and this program is designed especially to help the widowed find hope and joy again. There will be a retreat/workshop on January 21st & 22nd, at Our Lady of the Angels House of Prayer (located in Lemont on the campus of Alvernia Manor). Includes overnight stay and meals. For more information or to register, call the Joyful Again Widowed Ministry at 708/ You can also us at joyfulagain7211@gmail.com or go to our website GETTING EVEN The only ones you should try to get even with are those who have helped you. Anonymous CHRISTMAS CHILDREN It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas. Charles Dickens JESUS IS THE WORD To say that Jesus is the Word is another way of saying he is God speaking to us. While we struggle with our clumsy words, God needs only one Word to perfectly communicate the depth and mystery, the passion and the overwhelming grace of who he is. By that Word, Light became a living being. Manna became man. Wisdom became a person. In him, Life came to life; all that God is came to us in that One Final Word we call Jesus. Michael Card, Immanuel: Reflections on the Life of Christ Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus 604 N. Raynor Ave, Joliet Sunday January 15th at 11:00am Reception to follow in the Commons Copyright 2016 by Communication Resources. All rights reserved The Newsletter Newsletter (ISSN ) is published monthly by Communication Resources, Inc. PO Box 36269, Canton OH 44735, Phone: service@newsletternewsletter.com. Web site: