NEW OUTDOOR CRECHE. After muddy clothes and shoes and anxiety about providing a stable, you might say it was a photo finish.

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1 December 30, 2007

2 Page Two Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2007 NEW OUTDOOR CRECHE Several months ago, we ordered figures for a new outdoor Nativity Scene. Most of the figures are a little over two feet. While they have the look of handcarved wood, they are actually crafted in fiberglass with a weather-resistant finish. Designed by the Demetz Studio in Italy, the figures are traditional in style and beautifully rendered. Since they were not inexpensive, we decided to begin with a "basic" Christmas tableau the Holy Family, an angel, one shepherd, two sheep, the Magi, the ox and the donkey. We are especially grateful to Pat Zygmunt for the Holy Family, the angel, and the ox and the donkey. An anonymous donor offered to pay for the shepherd and the sheep. Most of the money for the Magi was taken from the Fr. Roman Zbieranski Memorial Fund. When you see them displayed on Epiphany Sunday, I am sure you will agree that the Magi statues are most impressive and a fitting memorial to Fr. Roman. Unfortunately, the delivery of our outdoor Nativity figures was delayed. I can tell you that it almost drove me back to first grade nail bitting. When most of the figures finally arrived at O'Hare Airport on December 17, a computer malfunction kept them overnight in Customs. Upon delivery, we discovered that the shepherd statue had a broken arm. That is why our shepherd is conspicuously absent from the outdoor creche this year. Another problem surfaced as we were about to display the Nativity Scene in front of the Church's northern facade. We had two stables, but neither was the right size. While he was pressed for time, our Maintenance Engineer, Jerzy Sokolowski, built a proper stable in a matter of hours. Bob Kerls, the parish Business Manager, bought and decorated three pine trees. This was no small feat considering the size of his car and the mud and sharp shrubbery surrounding the chosen creche site. After muddy clothes and shoes and anxiety about providing a stable, you might say it was a photo finish. I sincerely hope you will pause and pray before the new outdoor creche. Should you wish to donate another figure for next year, please contact the Rectory. Remember, the Christmas Season will continue officially until The Solemnity of the Lord s Baptism (January 13). Enjoy the spirituality and beauty of Christmastide. Explore its many customs and traditions! That's what makes our Catholic heritage so great a blessing! Fr. Luczak

3 December 30, 2007 Feast of the Holy Family Page Three Stewardship Joseph's obedience to God was not a one-time thing. His attention to the angel's warning kept Jesus from being murdered by Herod and led to the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would be a Nazorean. Fidelity to God's will assures the best use of my talents, too. SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF GOD SPIRITUAL LIFE Masses to celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, a Holy Day of Obligation, will be at 5:00 p.m. Monday, December 31 st, and 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 1 st. SPIRITUAL LIFE COMMISSION The Spiritual Life Commission will meet at 6:45 p.m. in the RE Office this Wednesday, January 2 nd, to work on Parish Mission Please contact Dee Stanton if you are unable to attend. EPIPHANY HOME BLESSING Next Saturday at the 5:00 p.m. Mass, chalk will be blessed and the chalk and a blessing will be available for parishioners to take home to bless their homes. Kindly take one packet per household. READINGS FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (white) Isaiah 60: 1-6 Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12 LITURGY BOARD AND PLANNERS The Liturgy Board and Planning Teams will meet on Monday, January 7 th, at 8:00 p.m. in the Holy Family Room. We will evaluate the Advent/ Christmas season and plan for Lent/ Triduum/ Easter. Please contact Julie Higgins or Dee Stanton if you cannot come. 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. ABOUT NEXT WEEK'S READINGS Isaiah: The last part of the book of Isaiah contains the words of a prophet who lived after the Jews returned from exile in Babylon, which is modern-day Iraq. They found their temple destroyed and the city leveled. But with great faith the prophet envisions a wonderful future for Jerusalem. Ephesians: "The Ephesians were a community in which Jewish and Gentile converts lived side-by-side. The author of this letter confirms that God's saving grace is available to everyone, whatever their ethnic or religious background."

4 December 30, 2007 Feast of the Holy Family Page Four TABLE GRACE: FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY Leader: All: Our Savior, the dayspring from the east, has visited us from on high. Alleluia! And we who were in darkness and shadow have found the truth, for the Lord is born of a virgin. Alleluia! Blessed be you, O God, for through the mystery of the Incarnation Christ was born into a human family who gives to the world the beautiful example of a family united in respect and love. Teach us the dignity and sanctity of human love, deepen in us our appreciation of the value of family life, and help us to live in peace with all people. Give us the grace to share this meal together as a symbol of our thanksgiving to you. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. THE CHRISTMAS SERMON OF ST. AUGUSTINE Hodie When the maker of time, the Word of the Father became flesh, He gave us His day of birth in time. Hodie Christus natus est! (Today Christ is born!) Et Incarnatus Est And He without whose bidding no day runs its course, In His incarnation reserved one day for Himself. Et incarnates est, (God became man.) For He, Himself, with the Father, precedes all spans of time, But on this day, issuing from His mother, He stepped into the tide of the years. Glorificamus Te Glorificamus te! (Glory to God!) Man's Maker was made man, that He, Ruler of the stars, Might nurse at His mother's breast... That the Bread might be hungry, the Fountain thirst, The Light sleep, the Way be tired from the journey, Glorificamus te! Resmiranda. (Glory to God! Wonderful circumstance.) The Word was made flesh that the Truth might be accused by false witnesses, the Judge of the living and the dead be judged by a mortal judge... Justice be sentenced by the unjust, the Teacher beaten with whips, The Vine be crowed with thorns, the Foundation be suspended on wood!... That strength may be made weak, that He who was well might be wounded, That Life might die. Alleluia! Gloria in excelsis Deo! (Alleluia! Glory be to God in the highest!)

5 Page Five Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2007 HUMAN CONCERNS I Wish You Peace! Long before the Food Channel, HG-TV, Emeril Lagasse and Rachel Ray, there were PBS (in the form of Channel 11/ WTTW) and the Frugal Gourmet. At the conclusion of each of his culinary broadcasts, Jeff Smith offered a similar sentiment (as the above title) to his audience. As 2007 draws to a close and 2008 waits in the wings, I present to you a ritual which, practiced regularly, might bring you that peace. May the coming twelve months do just that! The Still Point Stress is a fact of life. Despite any pluses it may offer, we are more than familiar with its dark side high blood pressure, heart attacks, gastric ulcers, anxiety, depression, short tempers, etc. It is unlikely that we ever will live in a stress-free world, but we may be able to reduce its negative consequences. This simple ritual I offer of finding your still point, that place of centeredness and calm that contributes to your physical, emotional and spiritual wellness, may help you find peace in the midst of the chaos of the day. Identified by Dr. Herbert Benson at Harvard Medical School and practiced by many religious disciplines, its repetition may provide a welcome break from the pressures of dally life. Taken from The Counseling Center of Lutheran General Hospital publicity, I present the ritual: + Pick a word, phrase or short prayer that's comforting or reassuring... + Sit quietly with your back firmly supported and feet comfortably positioned. + Close your eyes. + Recognize any tension in your body. Intensify the tension, then let it go and relax. + Gradually slow and deepen your breathing. As you do, repeat your word, phrase, or prayer. + If thoughts interrupt, don't resist them. Passively observe them and return to the repetition. + Whenever you are ready, slowly open your eyes and savor the restful state a few minutes more. To achieve the maximum benefit that can be derived from finding and enjoying your still point, the Center recommends repeating the ritual once or twice a day for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. When at work or under pressure, they suggest practice for one to two minutes as often as needed. May you find peace! Happy New Year! Pat Kellen, RN, BSN, FCN Parish Nurse Advocate Health Care/ St. Isaac Jogues THANKS AGAIN On behalf of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, we wish to thank all the parishioners and Religious Education families for their generous support of our annual food drive for the homeless and hungry. STRUGGLING WITH FEELINGS ABOUT PREGNANCY? We can help. We respect your confidence. Call HOPELINE (847) 823-HOPE.

6 December 30, 2007 Feast of the Holy Family Page Six Giving Tree Thanks from the St. Vincent De Paul Society How To Tell If You Or Someone You Know Is Abused Physical Abuse is when an intimate partner has... pushed or shoved you held you to keep you from leaving slapped or bitten you kicked or choked you hit or punched you thrown objects at you locked you out of the house abandoned you in dangerous places refused to help you when you were sick, injured or pregnant forced you off the road or driven recklessly threatened or hurt you with a weapon Need help? Call Life or Evanston All the members of the St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Isaac s wish to thank our parishioners for their Giving Tree donations. Without your generous outpouring of financial support, it would not have been possible for us to make the Giving Tree possible. The monies you provided allowed us to donate two sets of outdoor furniture with two gazebos at the Glenbridge Nursing Home, a spinet piano at Hampton Nursing Home as well as large print reading materials for both places. The large gifts are intended to help improve the quality of life for many of the residents. We also donated a Sony Bravio video projector to the Golfview Developmental Center. At the request of their directors, we changed our gift list to the Golfview at the last minute. Their original video projector had just become broken and needed to be replaced immediately, because it served as a primary mode of entertainment for its mentally challenged residents. Our Society was happy to be able to accommodate them in their pressing need. We also wish to thank all the volunteers who helped us spread the Christmas cheer with their singing as well as their delivering of the small individual gifts. We also wish to thank Pat Finnegan and Betsy Garcia for providing the music entertainment. Thank you all for your gifts of time, talent and financial support. Thank you for bringing the spirit of Christ to our needy neighbors. Peace be with you, The St. Vincent De Paul Society PARISH LIFE Please Save the Date! Tuesday, January 29 th St. Isaac Jogues Women s Club is having their Second Annual Snowflake Card and Bunco Party. 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.

7 Page Seven Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2007 EDUCATION RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS * Grades 1-Confirmation Year II will not meet on December 31 st. They will gather again on January 7 th at 6:45 p.m. * Kindergarten RE class will resume Sunday, January 6 th, at 10:30 a.m. * First Communion Families have a meeting on Monday, January 14 th, at 6:45 p.m. in the Holy Family Room to discuss preparation for the sacrament. It is very important that at least one parent/guardian attend for each student. Members of the Jr. St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. John Brebeuf School worked on various projects during the months of November and December to help the less fortunate. The students were encouraged to become aware of the less fortunate people living outside of their community. During the month of November, students from kindergarten through eighth grade collected food for various families. Food was distributed during Thanksgiving to families in need. During the month of December, students collected money to buy clothing for the residents of Grace House, a women's shelter. In return, the students received a sense of accomplishment knowing that they made a difference by helping others. BIBLE STUDY Bible Study will begin again on Wednesday, January 9 th, at 9:30 a.m. in the Holy Family Room. The new study will be on St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. This is a combination bible study and faith-sharing group. No previous Bible Study experience is necessary. Cost for materials is $10, but all are welcome regardless of ability to pay. For further information or to register, please call the RE Office, 847/ PONDERING OVER PIZZA Our next pizza dinner and adult enrichment discussion will be on Saturday, January 12 th, after the 5:00 p.m. Mass downstairs in the Hall. We will conclude our discussion of the Our Father. Cost is $5 per person for dinner. If finances are tight but you want to come, you're welcome (but do RSVP). RSVP to the RE Office by January 10 th, 847/ Recently third grade teachers accompanied by students in grades K-4 gathered in Niles to help decorate and light the trees for the Niles Park District. To prepare for this festive event students at St. John's made ornaments for the tree. Some of the ornaments included glittered snowflakes, mittens, and different shaped ornaments with manger pictures drawn by 4th grade students. The Park District provided juice, donuts and a raffle for students. The highlight of the tree decorating was Santa counting down to the lighting of the trees. Students, teachers and parents were excited as all joined in, counted down and the trees were lit! It was a spectacular display of holiday cheer as the Niles community came together to ring in the Christmas season. Teachers and students at St. John Brebeuf couldn t wait to hear of where their tree will be on display in the community.

8 Page Eight Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2007 RESURRECTION HIGH SCHOOL Resurrection High School will offer the High School Entrance Exam for the Class of 2012 on Saturday, January 12, Girls should arrive at Resurrection High School, 7500 West Talcott, by 7:45 a.m. and will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. Questions or requests for additional information may be directed to Debbie Gillespie at Resurrection High School (773) ext 129 or Resurrection High School is a Catholic, College Preparatory High School for girls. For more information about Resurrection High School, call (773) Ext. 129 or Kathleen Heneghan Grant and Communications Coordinator Resurrection High School 773/ Ext. 125 LOYOLA ACADEMY All eighth grade students who are interested in attending Loyola Academy must take Loyola's Entrance Exam on Saturday, January 12, 2008 from 8:15 a.m. - Noon. No advanced registration is necessary. Calculators and language translators are not allowed. Students should bring two #2 pencils and a $25 testing fee. Parents are also invited to come to Loyola that morning for a presentation on Loyola's academic program and placement for freshman year starting at 8:30 a.m. Any questions, call Loyola's Admissions Office at REGINA DOMINICAN SAINT PATRICK HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2012 Placement Exam Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. Bring the Following: Two #2 pencils, pen &calculator Social Security Number & $25.00 Test Fee Please enter through the Theater (East entrance off the Belmont Ave. lot) Join us for a Continental Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Presentation for parents - "Preparing for High School" at 8:30 a.m. Dan Galante, Director ofadmissions ext. 256 dgalante@stpatrick.org The entrance exam for incoming freshman is January 12, 2008 at 7:30a.m. Bring $25 cash or a check made out to Regina Dominican, two #2 pencils and a calculator. Parents please join us for coffee and a light breakfast. Please let me know if you have any questions. Have a wonderful Holiday! Thank you, Beth Davoren, Communications Coordinator Regina Dominican High School 701 Locust Rd Wilmette,IL (847) ext 268 bdavoren@rdhs.org

9 December 30, 2007 Feast of the Holy family Page Nine GENERAL INTEREST Want to Give Back, But Don't Have Time? You could make a huge difference by donating money or items to Catholic Charities' New Hope Apartments program, which houses homeless families in the north and northwest suburbs. It also provides utilities, food, transportation, and job and educational opportunities, all geared to helping the families grow in self-sufficiency. There are several ways to contribute to the program; the main one being through the Hearts for Homeless Families Benefit Dinner/Auction. The event will be held on March 15 th at the Stonegate Conference Center in Hoffman Estates. Individuals or companies may donate: *Auction items or services *Be a sponsor for $1,000 or $10,000 - Deadline January 15, 2008 *Place a program ad for $50-$500 - Deadline January 15, 2008 *Buy tickets to the event ($100 each) For more information contact Mary Beth Hartmann at Catholic Charities,

10 Page ten Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2007 Sunday, December 30 7:30 am Marge DiPrima 9:00 am Mae Fautsch 10:30 am Fortunata Estanislaw 12:00 pm For The Living & Deceased Members Of St. Isaac Jogues & Their Families; Caridad Mikulec Monday, December 31 8:00 am Eusebio & Maria Alonso, Sr. 5:00 pm Connie Martocci Tuesday, January 1 - Solemnity of mary 9:00 am Esperanza Cobarrubias- Special Intention 10:30 am Elenor Rutowitz Wednesday, January 2 8:00 am Terry Dyja Thursday, January 3 8:00 am Stephen J. Lis Friday, January 4 8:00 am Helen Polinski Saturday, January 5 8:00 am Communion Service - No Intentions 5:00 pm Virginia Pascua - Special Intention Sunday, January 6 7:30 am For The Living & Deceased Members Of St. Isaac Jogues & Their Families; Nunzio Ottolino 9:00 am Steven Zourkas 10:30 am Elaine DeMeo 12:00 pm Lacardo Montesinos & Giuseppe Marsico Sacristy Committee Diane Bauer, Janet Grant Reconciliation Fr. Luczak Liturgies next weekend January 5-6 Presider 5:00 pm Fr. Kalas/ Deacon Ranola 7:30 am Fr. McGlynn/ Deacon Stanton 9:00 am Fr. Stagaman/ Deacon Stanton 10:30 am Fr. Stagaman/ Deacon O Keefe 12:00 pm Fr. Luczak/ Deacon O Keefe Solemnity of Mary 5:00 pm Fr. Luczak/ Deacon Ranola 9:00 am Fr. Janowski/ Deacon Stanton 10:30 am Fr. Kalas/ Deacon O Keefe Altar Servers 5:00 pm Jessica Joseph, Fiona Vachachira, Anissa Vachachira, Jennifer Joseph - 8 7:30 am David Perez, James Herrera, Kathy Janik, Cassie Baloue 9:00 am Adam Ratner, Chrystal Mattappillil, Max Mattappillil, Jasmine Herrera 10:30 am Pamela Lerias, Christian Manaois, Christy Manaois, Samantha Lopez 12:00 pm Nilakshi Fernando, Kathleen DeLeon, Thomas Malitz, Ian DeLeon Solemnity of Mary 5:00 pm Melliza Malabanan, Justin Malabanan, Christina Jimmychan 9:00 am Alexander Kniazuk, David Perez, Matthew Kniazuk 10:30 am Roshan Muringothu, Jasmine Herrera, Rino Muringothu 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, 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: Richard Mac Donald, husband of Pat. Over all other virtues put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. Clossians 3:14

11 December 30, 2007 Feast of the Holy Family 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.