Third Sunday of Advent December 16, Website

Transcription

1 Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2007 Website

2 Page Two Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2007 cherished family traditions the ones you know and love please share them! Pass them on to the young. But we have more than what is already familiar and loved in the broad spectrum of Catholic traditions and customs. We are so blessed to have a multicultural Catholic parish. Two weeks ago I wrote about the beautiful German custom of the Advent Wreath. Last week I wrote about the Polish custom of Roraty and Oplatki This week I will offer you some background on the Christmas Novena the final nine days of prayer before Christ's Nativity. There are three popular celebrations of the Christmas Novena CHRISTMAS NOVENA Rejoice in the Lord always... The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all. Philippians 4: 4-5 Time is running out! Just eight more shopping days until that secularly unmentionable feast... and nine more days of joyful preparation for the Lord. While many of our fellow Americans don't have a choice, WE STILL DO! It is sad, if not diabolical, that the media has chosen a still recognizable holy season to celebrate materialism and atheism with a ton of sale papers and a seductive promotion of The Golden Compass, a mega-million dollar fairy tale from hell. Interviews with its creator, Philip Pullman, show him to be a talespinner with a malevolent agenda. His target is nothing less than innocent minds that are drawn to fantasy and adventure. His avowed goal realized in a later tale is to use his child heroes to kill God! Yes, it's a fantasy, but the God's name happens to be Yahweh the Biblical name that was so sacred to the Jews that they wouldn't say it. When I think of all the politically correct gymnastics believers are forced to endure in the public forum, I am astonished and offended that no one seems to challenge Pullman. I suppose the only effective choice of weapons here is to boycott the film and especially Pullman's books. I have had very few issues with Harry Potter... just a gentle caveat here and there! If The Golden Compass is a big box-office hit, we can be sure of more Pullman tales from Psuedo-Narnia, attacks on religion, and his own milk-fed, but real, blasphemy. My advice: CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THE COMPASS. FOLLOW THE STAR! Now, let's say something positive. Even though our American Catholic ethos is under sniper fire, we still have much for which to be grateful. The The O Antiphons, Simbang Gabi, and Las Posadas. O Antiphons are verses sung at Evening Prayer in monasteries, convents or wherever the Divine Office is chanted. Roughly speaking, the hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel closely paraphrases the Antiphons. The impact of the O Antiphons is to recall the attributes of the long-awaited Messiah and joyfully anticipate His arrival. Simbang Gabi is a Filipino celebration of the Christmas Novena. Originally scheduled before dawn (4:00 a.m.), in the United States it is celebrated in the evening. Simbang Gabi literally means Night Mass. The joyful Filipino novena of Masses is characterized by colorful pageantry and the parol a star-shaped lantern carried in procession and displayed in Filipino homes. While still in Advent, Simbang Gabi calls for white vestments and a Gloria. Here at St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Simbang Gabi is a well-accepted tradition and beautiful way for all to share faith and culture with our Filipino neighbors. All are invited to Simbang Gabi here on Thursday, December 20, at 7:00 p.m. A reception with refreshments will follow. The Mexican custom of LAS POSADAS completes our overview of the Christmas Novena. It is customary in Mexico to process through the streets carrying figures of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary. Posadas or Inns are carefully selected and the innkeepers are well rehearsed. Each night a little drama is enacted. An example of dialogue shows an interesting twist on a familiar story

3 December 16, 2007 Third Sunday of Advent Page Three Who knocks at my door so late? We are pilgrims without shelter and we want a place to rest. Go somewhere else. Don't disturb me again! But the night is very cold. We have come from afar and are very tired. But who are you? I am Joseph of Nazareth, a carpenter. With me is Mary, my wife, who will be the Mother of the Son of God. Then, come into my humble home, and welcome! May the Lord give shelter to my soul when I leave this world! Stewardship Sunday Collections Weekly (This Year) 12/9/07 - $9, (Last year) 12/12/06 - $11, Each of us has his or her own role in the coming of the Kingdom of God. John the Baptist was called to be the herald of the Messiah, preparing the way of the Lord. To what is the Lord calling me? SPIRITUAL LIFE Note how the innkeeper " at the Posada is charitable not like those in Bethlehem. Of course, he is a Christian... a believer. The figures of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary are then placed in the family creche. On the last night, the image of Jesus is placed in the manger. As part of each celebration, there is a fiesta with singing, dancing, and a pinata for the children. The Christmas Novena among our Filipino and Mexican neighbors can add spiritual depth to the final days before Our Lord's Nativity. I highly recommend sharing more ethnic traditions with one another. If we haven't tried doing so this year, there's always next year. In the balance, an authentic preparation for the Birth of Christ has infinitely greater weight than hollow fantasies even if they are fun! Fr. Luczak PRAYER WHEN LIGHTING YOUR ADVENT WREATH (Light two purple candles and one pink on your Advent Wreath or just a candle and pray--) "God of hope, we rejoice in your presence and live in hope because you are with us. We thank you because you gave Mary the courage to accept the mystery of her vision. Often we do not understand how can we understand the mystery of Jesus, the Messiah? Give us courage to live in the light of hope. Let us share the joy of the mystery of God with us. Amen." SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered from 11:00 a.m. - Noon on Saturday, December 22 nd, in the Reconciliation Room. There will be no Reconciliation on Saturday, December 29 th. HELP DECORATE THE HOLY FAMILY ROOM TREE Blessed Oplatki is available in the Rectory Office. Discover or restore a beautiful Christmas custom! Keep a tradition vibrant in your home... A Blessed Christmas! If you forgot to bring your ornament for our Parish Christmas Tree in the Holy Family Room, please drop it off at the RE Office by Thursday, December 20 th. Since parishioners are not to climb up on chairs, ladders, etc., the maintenance staff will hang them up. If you have a question, please contact the RE Office, 847/

4 December 16, 2007 Third Sunday of Advent Page Four PREPARING THE WAY OF THE LORD Advent good works are quietly lining the floor of the stable in preparation for Christmas in the form of pieces of straw! How about you? There is still more than a week to give evidence of our preparation for the Lord's coming by our works of charity and mercy, by our witness to hope and joy in Christ. When you come to church next weekend, stop by the stable (over by the baptismal font) and share in a tradition for many peoples by placing hay in the stable and thus preparing a soft place for the Holy Child. A basket of straw will be near the stable. Take a piece or two, say a quiet prayer offering the Lord your witness and your good works of the week and then put the straw in the stable. Thank you! RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS If you are interested in a spiritual process of prayer, study, discussion and involvement in the life of the faith community, which could lead one to being baptized, received into the full communion of the Catholic Church, or completing their Catholic initiation, please contact Dee Stanton or Joyce Mills at 847/ They will be happy to talk to you about the RCIA. EPIPHANY PETITIONS IN LANGUAGES We would like to offer some of the petitions at the Epiphany Masses in English and other languages of our parishioners. If you would like to pray one of the petitions in a language other than English, please sign up in the Holy Family Room this weekend or call the RE Office at 847/ this week. The petitions will be given to you for translation. Thank you! READINGS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (purple) Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalm 24:1-6 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-24 ABOUT NEXT WEEK'S READINGS Isaiah: "In today's passage, the prophet Isaiah speaks to the Jewish King Ahaz, who is more interested in politics than religion. Isaiah announces that the wife of Ahaz will soon have a son who will be a better king than his father. Christians have seen in this passage a deeper meaning, namely, Mary giving birth to Jesus." Romans: "The opening words of the letter to the Romans are an example of the classical style of letter writing at that time: Paul first identifies himself, extends a greeting, gives some helpful information about himself, and personalizes his letter by naming the community to whom he is writing. Paul high lights the fact that Jesus was descended from the Royal House of David. Early Christians (many of them from the lower class) were particularly proud of this." Dear Fr. Luczak, St. Isaac Jogues Parish collected a total of $3, in this year's Baby Bottle Project! This is an incredible blessing to The Women's Centers and the women and babies that we serve. These funds allow us to provide real, practical assistance to women in crisis pregnancies, helping them to choose life for their babies, and assisting them in coming to a place of confidence and self respect. Due to your repeated support, and that of numerous other churches in the area, we will be able to offer free ultrasounds to our clients at two of our locations starting in the next couple of weeks! We want to express to you and all of the parishioners at St. Isaac Jogues our sincere appreciation special thanks to the students of Religious Ed., and the staff. I have provided a few posters for display to extend our gratitude and recognize your great accomplishment. Congratulations and thanks again! Mary Strom Executive Director Sincerely, In Christ, Tim Truckenbrod Director of Development

5 Page Five Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2007 The Celebration of Mass During Cold and Flu Season The following is a memo generated in December 2004 by the Office for Divine Worship of the Archdiocese of Chicago. In the spirit of positive regard for one another, please read this and follow the recommended practices. Hopefully, then, all of us will enjoy a healthy Christmas and New Year. "While it has not reached epidemic proportions here in the Archdiocese of Chicago, the cold and flu season has begun. Many of us have already experienced a bout with this virus or we know someone of our family or friends who has had the seasonal cold or flu. "At this time, as well as any other, it is important to remember good hygiene and to remember good common sense. All of us would do well to remember that frequent cleansing of the hands, either with soap and water or with an alcohol based anti-bacterial solution, combats the spread or contraction of the cold or flu. This need is especially important for those who minister Holy Communion during the celebration of the Eucharist. "Those who are sick with the cold or flu should especially act responsibly. Refraining from taking Holy Communion from the Chalice, sharing the sign of peace with a simple nod of the head and verbal exchange of Christ's peace instead of shaking hands, and avoiding close contact with others will go a long way in helping prevent others from catching the same illness. To my friends at S.I.J., May the joy and peace of Jesus birth be yours now and always. I pray that the Infant Savior will bestow His abundant graces upon you. I think of you very often and miss you. I spent Thanksgiving with my sister in Cincinnati, and will spend Advent and Christmas with her also. She celebrated her 92 nd birthday in October. Her short term memory is not good, and she is in a wheel chair all the time. I like my new home at Notre Dame University, but it is different from what I am used to. I enjoy reading the bulletins that are sent to me, but when I read the page where the weekend presiders are listed, I wish I could see my name there. I will always be there in spirit. All of you will be remembered in my Mass on Christmas especially and throughout the year. Have a Blessed and Happy Christmas and New Year. And remember to keep up the good work! Fr. Bill (Brinker) While there are no plans...in the Archdiocese of Chicago to suspend or change either the Rite of Peace or Holy Communion from the Chalice, all Catholics should exercise prudence while participating in the celebration of the Eucharist." - Office for Divine Worship

6 December 16, 2007 Third Sunday of Advent Page Six HUMAN CONCERNS The Christmas Pledge Last week I offered suggestions from author Lettie J. Kirkpatrick on ways to reclaim Christmas. How have you been doing? Nine-plus days remain. There s still time to make this season different. Today, I give you the Christmas Pledge. I don t know the source or when I received it, but the person who penned it has some wise thoughts to share. Believing in the beauty and simplicity of Christmas, I commit myself to the following: 1. To remember those people who truly need my gifts 2. To express my love for family and friends in more direct ways than presents 3. To rededicate myself to the spiritual growth of my family 4. To examine my holiday activities in the light of the true spirit of Christmas 5. To initiate one act of peacemaking within my circle of family and friends. Dear Fr. Luczak and St. Isaac Jogues Parishioners, Maine Township helps people in crisis everyday. The Emergency Food Pantry is our most basic area of compassion. Your donation brings hope and comfort to people in need within our community. All donations to our food pantry remain in our township and you can be assured that our pantry's food stays local. Your generosity to help our neighbors in need has been overwhelming to me as a new Supervisor. On behalf of your Township Board and the staff of Maine Township, we offer a very sincere thank you. Warm holiday wishes, Carol A. Teschky Supervisor NEWS FROM THE OLPH PHOENIX GROUP The OLPH Phoenix Group is a group of Catholic singles age 50+, who share a social life by attending events of common interest together. Each first Friday we get together for snacks and planning. Members bring activity ideas, and those interested work out the details. We plan movie nights, day trips in the Chicago area. These events supplement our monthly bridge group, restaurant group, and book group. If you would like to meet new people and make new friends, why not join us at 7:30 p.m. on January 4. We meet in the Francis Room of the Lafayette Building of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Glenview. For more info call Mary Jane at All members take turns driving. If each of us were to make and keep this pledge, our families, parish, and the world would be transformed. Not a bad outcome! Peace, Pat Kellen, RN, Parish Nurse Advocate Health Care/ St. Isaac Jogues ARE YOU PREGNANT AND IN NEED? We are there and we care. Call confidential HOPELINE (847) 823-HOPE.

7 Page Seven Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2007 EDUCATION RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS * Confirmation Year I Candidates needing to retake their test are to come to Rm. 7 at 5:30 p.m. this Monday night. * Confirmation Year II Candidates who have not turned in Part I of the Gifts of the Spirit Journal should do so this Monday, December 17 th. When you turn in Part I, you will receive Part II, which is due in February. * The Men's Club Elves will be joining Jolly 'Ole St. Nick in visiting the RE classes Monday night. We are grateful to the Men's Club for their continued kindness, treats and sharing of the Christmas spirit with our young people! Thank you, Men's Club!! * The RE Faculty will have a celebration after class Monday in the Holy Family Room. * The Kindergarten RE Class will not meet on December 23 or 30. They will meet again on January 6 at 10:30 a.m. Grades 1-Confirmation Year II will not meet on December 24 or 31. They will gather again on January 7 at 6:45 p.m. Advent at St. John Brebeuf Students at St. John Brebeuf School are using the theme, Peace on Earth for Advent this year. Each morning a class representative will read a Bible devotion on the school PA system for the children to reflect about. Also, every classroom received a delightful activity that reminds the students of God's Christmas blessing. The activity refers to John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. The four weeks of Advent are represented by symbols of a star, a donkey, a cow and, of course, the Christ Child, protected by a sheep and a duck, near the manger. Santa Visits St. John Brebeuf Parish Santa Claus made a special trip all the way from the North Pole to visit the parishioners at St. John Brebeuf Parish! Attendees enjoyed a pancake breakfast, Christmas crafts, a toy raffle. Parishioners were also entertained by the singing of the Children's Choir lead by Carol Zalinski and a Christmas story delivered by Father Tom May. In the spirit of the season, parishioners donated over 50 toys to be donated to St. Vincent DePaul Society which will be distributed to needy families in the area. The Parish School Association hosted the event and wishes all a very Merry Christmas.

8 Page Eight Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2007 PARISH LIFE S.I.J RAFFLE A big Thank you to the committee for organizing the Raffle and especially to everyone who participated in the St. Isaac Jogues Raffle. Because of your continued generosity, $16, has been donated to the Parish. Congratulations to the Winners!! Patricia Meyer - $5000 Wanda Smizinski - $1000 Peter Bombicino - $500 Christine Dzierzak - $500 Audrey Pampel - $500 Monika Chrzaszcz - $100 Loretta Falco - $100 Thomas Kochuveettil - $100 Corrine Paganucci - $100 Edwin Smith - $100

9 December 16, 2007 Third Sunday of Advent Page Nine Our St. Isaac Jogues Simbang Gabi celebration is Thursday, December 20, All parishioners and friends are welcome to this once-a-year holiday event at St. Isaac Jogues. Mass starts at 7:00 p.m. in church and a reception will follow in the Church Hall. NOVEMBER ANYA AUGUSTYNSKI daughter of Michael & Dorota (Aniol) Augustynski JOHN DONINIC BALTAZAR son of Jerwin & Maricel (DeJesus) Baltazar FRANCO SANTO ANTONIO CANDIR son of Frank & Filippa (Alfano) Candir ADRIAN MARK MANALO son of Adel & Diana (Farolan) Manalo ZAKARY HALE MATTHEW MC AVOY son of Thomas R. Mc Avoy & Victoria La Guidice CHIAGOZIEM JOSEPHINE MARIA NDUKA daughter of Joseph & Ngoz (Ukaegbu) Nduka SEAN SESPENE PATEL son of Hiren & Susannie (Sespene) Patel ST. ISAAC JOGUES MEN S CLUB ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS ST. ISAAC JOGUES BINGO Friday Nights - Church Hall 8101 Golf Road Niles, IL Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Games start at 7:00 p.m. Time is running out. Christmas is just a few weeks away. Entertainment books make a great Christmas Gift. There are savings on Restaurants Movie Tickets Travel Retail Services Dominicks and many more items. Books may be purchased at the Rectory or from any St. Isaac Jogues Men s Club member or you can call me, Bob Klein at The cost of the book is $20.00.

10 Page ten Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2007 Sunday, December 16 7:30 am Sister Mary Ellen Luczak, BVM 9:00 am For The Living & Deceased Members of St. Isaac Jogues & Their Families; Marge DiPrima 10:30 am Joseph Kopp & Family 12:00 pm Pascual & Julia Pimentel Monday, December 17 8:00 am Purgatorial Society; Caridad Mikulec Tuesday, December 18 8:00 am Bob Paraskijevic Wednesday, December19 8:00 am Lynn Vogel Thursday, December 20 8:00 am Kurian Nellamattam Simbang Gabi 7:00 pm Fr. Roman Zbieranski Friday, December 21 8:00 am Mary Esthappan Saturday, December 22 8:00 am Communion Service - No Intentions 5:00 pm Lynn Vogel Sunday, December 23 7:30 am Charlotte Baron 9:00 am Vandigo & Targosz Families 10:30 am For The Living & Deceased Members of St. Isaac Jogues & Their Families 12:00 pm Walter Gall Reconciliation Fr. McGlynn Sacristy Committee Wanda Kennedy, Marguerite Smoczynski Liturgies next weekend December Presider 5:00 pm Fr. Stagaman 7:30 am Fr. McGlynn 9:00 am Fr. Luczak/ Deacon O Keefe 10:30 am Fr. Kennedy 12:00 pm Fr. Kalas Simbang Gabi, December 20 7:00 pm Fr. Luczak/ Deacon Stanton Altar Servers 5:00 pm Melliza Malabanan, Justin Malabanan, Kathleen Vega 7:30 am Celina Antony, Oskar Bednarek, Avery Simmons 9:00 am Tiffany Joseph, Elizabeth Stanton, Tiffin Joseph 10:30 am Matthew and Caroline Jaroslawski, Paul-Bernard Jaroslawski 12:00 pm Katherine Lenart, David Cirrincione, Carlo Lasco Simbang Gabi, December 20 7:00 pm Nilakshi Fernando, Edrienne Yap, Aisha Fernando, Althea Yap Relatives & Friends Please remember the sick and hospitalized: Glori Anderson, Bob Arns, Lisa Danielle, Margaret Dietz, Steve Farago, Philip Godfrey, Fr. Bernard Kennedy, Mark Koz, Maria Ladd, Megan Lawler, Richard MacDonald, Norbert Martin, Lillian McCloud, Bob Meyers, Marilyn Michaels, Dana Michelle, Tammy Heffernan Propst, Mary Lou Romano, Tony Romito, Joseph Sclafani, Paul Sitkowski, Pat Terzakis, Joseph Vasile, Chuck Watson, Joe Wleklinski, Mary Zimniewicz, Megan Zimniewicz Upshaw. Also please pray for the faithful departed: Norbert J. Martin, father of Barbara Kaczynski. WATCHING AND WAITING In His love, Christ has filled us with joy, as we prepare to celebrate His birth, so that when He comes at the end of time, He may find us watching in prayer, our hearts filled with wonder and praise.

11 December 16, 2007 Third Sunday of Advent Page eleven PASTOR: Rev. Andrew Luczak PASTORAL STAFF: Mr. Bob Kerls, Parish Business Administrator Mrs. Dolores Stanton,Director of Religious Education Mrs. Patricia Kellen, Parish Nurse Mrs. Lisa Hall, Music Director DEACON COMMUNITY: Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. O Keefe Mr. Rod Ranola Mr. & Mrs. Paul M. Stanton WEEKEND LITURGY PRESIDERS: Rev. Ron Kalas Rev. Larry Janowski, O.F.M. Rev. Bernard Kennedy, O.F.M. Rev. Philip McGlynn, O.S.M. Eucharistic Celebrations: Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, & 12:00 Noon Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM & 5:00 PM Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday, 11:00-12:00 Noon or anytime by request. Sacrament of Matrimony: Must be registered for six months prior to setting the wedding date with an additional six months for necessary preparation. Note: The following wedding times can be scheduled: Friday at 5:00 p.m.; Saturday at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.; Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (Ceremony only) Sacrament of Baptism: Second and fourth Sunday of each month at 1:30 PM. Baptism Preparation Session must be completed before Baptism. Contact the Parish Office as soon as possible for details. Parish Office Website: office@sij-parish.com 8149 Golf Road, Niles, IL Mrs. Janet Piovosi (Parish Secretary) Mrs. Emilie Casacchia (Data Processor) Mrs. Marlene Garber (Data Processor) Religious Education Staff Secretary Parish Nurse Music Ministry Parish Hall Ministry Center Parish School: St. John Brebeuf School Principal: Mrs. Margaret Whitman ADDING NAMES TO THE PARISH SICK LIST It has always been the policy of St. Isaac Jogues to offer our parish community an opportunity to pray for those parishioners who are ill and in need of our prayers. We have tried to keep close track of these names for our Bulletin as they are made available to us. However, now we face an important privacy issue, very much like the issues faced by hospitals, health institutions, and certainly by other parishes. We cannot (by law) publicly let our parish community know the health status of any of our members without their permission. We appreciate the fact that often friends, neighbors, and acquaintances wish to do something special for a person who is ill, and ask to place their name on the list to be prayed for. While their intentions are surely good, we simply can no longer accept names in this manner. We will institute a new process regarding calling in names for the Bulletin list. Names for the sick list placed in the Bulletin have to be called in by the person who is ill, or by a member of their family. At the time they call in the name, they will be asked whether they are the sick person him/ herself, or a member of their family, and if they give permission for the name to be placed on the list. They will be asked for the correct spelling of the sick person's name. If a family member, they will be required to give their name for our records. Thank you for your patience regarding this new process. We wish to do all we can to offer our parish community the opportunity to offer prayers for those who are ill but we must also be cognizant of the fact that all members of our congregation are entitled to their privacy in this regard.