Saint Mary Parish. Third Sunday of Advent Established 1865 December 11, Saint Mary Parish 1012 Lake Street Evanston, Illinois stmaryevanston.

Transcription

1 Saint Mary Parish Third Sunday of Advent Established 1865 December 11, 2016 Saint Mary Parish 1012 Lake Street Evanston, Illinois stmaryevanston.org

2 WORSHIP, FAITH, WITNESS REV. ANTONY JOSEPH, ASSOCIATE PASTOR The Messianic Expectations Jesus began his public ministry in Galilee when He heard of the arrest and imprisonment of John the Baptist. While in prison, John heard about the works of Christ and sent two of his disciples to inquire whether He might be the Messiah, the Rev. Antony A. Joseph Anointed One whom they were waiting for or they should look for another. The word Messiah is the translation of the Hebrew word for Anointed, and Christ is the translation of the Greek word for Anointed. Now the puzzling question is why did John send his disciples for such an inquiry? John knew very well who Jesus is. For example, It was John, who introduced Jesus to the people of Israel just before his baptism in the river Jordan saying, Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world (Jn. 1:29). Again when Jesus presented himself for baptism, John protested, I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me? (Mt. 3:14). After these and other testimonies, how could John doubt whether Jesus might be the One, who is to come? The answer lies behind the messianic expectations of the people of Israel and that of John. The people of Israel looked at the Messiah as their Redeemer, who would deliver them from their present miseries. Therefore, they thought of the Messiah as a great warrior king like David, who would destroy their enemies and restore Israel to its former glory. This was the concept of the people of Israel about their expected Messiah. However, John s expectation of the messiah was quite different from that of the people. As we know from the Scriptures, John s mission was to prepare a people, who lived in darkness of sin in order to receive the Messiah. Therefore, he preached a baptism of repentance, which led to the forgiveness of sins. When John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, you brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance (Mt. 3:7-8). Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn t bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire (Mt. 3:10). He warned that the One, who was to come would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and He will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff He will burn up with unquenchable fire (Mt. 3:12). This was John s expectation of the Messiah, a Messiah, who would bring fire and brimstone. However, Jesus had not lived up to that expectation. Instead, He pronounced blessing on the poor in spirit, the meek, and peacemakers. He called his disciples to love their enemies. He warned them not to judge others. These teachings seem weak by comparison with the actions anticipated by John s fire and brimstone preaching. Furthermore, Jesus did not start his ministry in Jerusalem, the home of the Temple and the center of religious authority, but in Galilee, a place of no significance. Jesus worked a series of healing ministries, and they were of tremendous importance to those who were healed, but not very significant to the nation as a whole that was looking for a leader, who will restore Israel s former glory. John kept watching Jesus hoping to see the fireworks, but nothing happened, just disappointments. However, John must be admired. He had a problem with Jesus, so he approached Jesus as directly as his imprisonment allowed. There was no behind- the-back criticism. He sent his disciples to Jesus to inquire whether He is the One or they should look for another. The answer Jesus gave the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news preached to them -satisfied John that Jesus is truly the expected Messiah. However, the doom that John expected will go into fulfillment not now, but at the Second coming of Christ. Jesus could have rebuked John for his doubts, instead offered him a blessing. Jesus had not lived up to John s expectations, but John did not allow that to be a stumbling block. The blessing, which Jesus offered to john, is not just for him alone, but to all who do not take offense, all who do not stumble, all who are not scandalized. It is always the miracles that Jesus does not perform for us that easily form a stumbling block for faith. Jesus blesses us when we remain faithful in the face of prayers that seem not to be answered or hopes that go unfulfilled.

3 Third Sunday of Advent Saint Mary Parish Evanston, Illinois 3 Advent The Advent of the Savior A Bible Study for Adults Tuesdays: December 13 & 20 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Center Wednesdays, December 14 & to 11:30 a.m. in the Parish Center 1012 Lake Street Evanston, Illinois fax stmaryevanston.org office@stmaryevanston.org Third Sunday of Advent December 11 Masses Saturday at 5 p.m. Sunday at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Guided by Mary, A Family Celebration 10:45 a.m. to Noon in the Children s Center Teen Mass & Cookie Party 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Church Lessons & Carols 4 p.m. in the Church Holiday Open House after Lessons & Carols Approximately 5 p.m. in the Gathering Space Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18 Masses Saturday at 5 p.m. Sunday at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Advent Reconciliation Service Monday, December 19 7 p.m. in the Church Saint Vincent de Paul Society Dear Parish brothers and sisters in Christ, Thank you for your Gracious and Generous financial gifts to the Saint Mary chapter of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Thank you, God, for touching hearts! VOLUNTEERS are needed for food basket deliveries on Saturday, December 17, Meet at 9 a.m. at the Parish Center. Let us know you are planning to come. Contact stvincentdepaul@stmaryevanston.org with your name and telephone number, and the number of volunteers in your party. Questions? Call MASS SCHEDULE Saturday (vigil) 5 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. Holy Days 8 a.m. noon and 7 p.m. Pastor Reverend Kevin McCray, ext. 204 kmccray@stmaryevanston.org Associate Pastor Reverend Antony A. Joseph, ext. 212 Deacon Deacon Dennis Robak, ext. 209 drobak@archchicago.org Business Manager Patricia Palacios, ext. 202 ppalacios@stmaryevanston.org Director of Religious Education Karie Ferrell, ext. 203 kferrell@stmaryevanston.org Director of Music & Liturgy Dianne Fox, ext. 210 dfox@stmaryevanston.org Pastoral Associate Sister Katie Mitchell, ext. 211 sisterkatie@stmaryevanston.org Bulletin Editor Linda O Dwyer, ext. 231 bulletin@stmaryevanston.org Content submission deadline is Friday at noon ten days before the Sunday of publication. Pope John XXIII School Principal, Gail Hulse Development Director, Christina Lampa 1120 Washington Street Evanston, Illinois Saint Vincent de Paul Society Hotline: Saint Mary Young Adult Catholics (SMYAC) groups/ /

4 4 Saint Mary Parish Evanston, Illinois December 11, 2016 LITURGICAL MINISTERS Saturday-Sunday, December Fourth Sunday of Advent 5 p.m. 8 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11 a.m. Presider Homilist Fr. Tony Deacon Dennis Fr. Tony Deacon Dennis Fr. Kevin Deacon Dennis Fr. Kevin Deacon Dennis Greeters North East Delores Rosemond Christi Miller John Fuller Nancy Fuller Theresa Cameron Ladies & Gentlemen of Misericordia Lectors Ernest Irons Janet Irons Patrick Walsh Maura Canavan Peggy Loriaux Barbara Keeley Cliff Barber George de los Reyes Eucharistic Ministers Dee King Ann Murray Dan Tomas Jane Torres Steve Torres Cheryl Davis Mary DuCharme Donald Michelin Jerre Michelin Ed Zulkey Claudette Bergeron Jay Bergeron Giselle Bernadel Jane Colleton Chris Thomas Jan Wilson Nancy Bailey Katrina de los Reyes Lea Filipek Tanya Noble Kathy Stohrer Altar Servers Ella LeRoy Madeline Rodriguez Ben LeRoy Harvey Newcomb Emma Joy Wall/Cody Sophia Borman Marie Barber Isabella de los Reyes Christie Lamothe Confession Saturday 4-4:30 p.m. Confessions Fr. Tony Please remember in your prayers those who are sick, especially Ted Rychalski; Ducanor Cadet; Mary Beth Egner; Yolande Vilsaint; Edovia Bernadel; Joan Sowinski; Dean Mitchell; Harry Hansen; Jackie Salmeron; Theresa Champagne; Janet MacNaughton; Henry Rach; Patrick Hinkamp; Joan Brannigan; and Jerry Miles. Also please remember in your prayers all those who have recently died, especially Rosemary Barry-Nola; Rev. Pat Cecil; and Ethel Abernathy. Pray for our military, pray for peace... LCDR Edward Carlton, U.S. Navy, son of Frank & Caroline Carlton Airman Lindsey Foley, U.S. Air Force, Scott AFB, niece of Chris Foley Airman Richard J. Hamilton, U.S. Air Force, nephew of John & Patti Szarnych LCDR Richard Kazmarek, U.S. Navy, friend of Charles Luczak Lt. Daniel Kozicki, U.S. Navy, nephew of Linda O Dwyer. Have a name to add or remove? Leave a voice message at ext. 231 or to bulletin@stmaryevanston.org. PARISH LIFE To arrange for the following, please call the Parish Office at MASS SCHEDULE. Saturday (vigil) 5 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Monday - Saturday: 8 a.m. Holy Days: 8 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. RECONCILIATION. Saturday from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month from 8:30-9 a.m. Reconciliation also available by appointment BAPTISM. Infant baptisms are celebrated on the third Sunday of the month, except during Lent. Parish membership is a prerequisite. Parents of infants are invited to participate in a one-time baptism preparation session prior to scheduling the baptism. These sessions are held on the second Monday of every other month. Please call the parish office to register. Next session: February 13, REGISTRATION. Saint Mary Parish welcomes new parishioners. Please make an appointment with the pastor. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION. Every Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. or as announced in the bulletin. MARRIAGE. Arrangements should be made with the parish at least four months in advance. RCIA - RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS. For adults or teenagers interested in becoming a Catholic and receiving the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist or Confirmation). MINISTERS OF CARE. Ministers of care are available to bring Holy Communion to those who are home-bound, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

5 Saint Mary Parish Parish Data Update 2017 Opt out of Parish Directory 2017 Do not publish my phone number Do not include my household iin the directory Member ID Parish Office Use Only Envelope Preference Monthly Weekly Faith Direct Yes No Registration Date Parish Office Use Only Family Name: Home Phone (Landline) Address: Home Phone (Cell) City, State, Zip for Parish E-News Adult Adult Child Child Child Title & First Name Last Name & Suffix Cell Phone Marital Status Sex Birthdate Religion Occupation

6 Education School Attending Grade in School Religious Ed or Catholic School Languages Spoken Baptism First Eucharist Confirmation Matrimony Notes: Adult Adult Child Child Child

7 Third Sunday of Advent Saint Mary Parish Evanston, Illinois 7 RESPECT LIFE Our Need For Good Sight Today s Scriptures speak of sight and the need to see correctly. In them, Isaiah yearns for the day we shall see the glory of the Lord, Is 1:4; the psalmist praises God who gives sight to those once blind, Ps 145:12, and Matthew recounts how Jesus helps the crowds realize who John the Baptizer really is. Matt 11:2-11 We have sight issues today and we too need help to see rightly. John Paul spoke often of good and bad sight and of the urgency to improve our sight. In his seminal 1995 encyclical, Evangelium Vitae, he warned that conscience, connected to the eyes of the soul, has become darkened... by... widespread conditioning so as to make it increasingly difficult to distinguish between good and evil in what concerns the basic value of human life. EV 4 This darkening, he observed, has gained powerful support from a broad consensus in society, has produced laws justifying the destruction of innocent life, and has morally corrupted practitioners in the healthcare sector. Put differently, because they have been so effectively promoted as reasonable and even as protected rights, practices which harm innocent human life are now seen by millions as legitimate and normative. We might reflexively think of Nazi Germany as a best modern exemplar of John Paul s concerns about what happens when conscience goes dark. It s not. In many countries today, nearing a century after Hitler s rise, it s legal to take the lives of the unborn, to experiment on human beings in their early stages of development and then destroy them, to assist in suicide, to be the immediate agent in taking certain lives not thought to be worthy, to redefine marriage, to penalize the exercise of conscientious objection and to indoctrinate young people that Biblical teachings seen for millennia as sacred and foundational should instead now be viewed as prescriptions for bigotry and hateful discrimination. Think this isn t happening here? Grandparents, ask your grown children. Parents, ask your teen and college age children or just check the curriculum in your local public school. Better yet, let each of us ask ourselves, honestly. What we desperately need is light. John Paul calls it the splendor of truth. Nothing short of a cultural transformation is required and the first and Readings for the Week Monday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, or any readings from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, nos Tuesday: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23; Mt 21:28-32 Wednesday: Is 45: 6b-8, 18, 21b-25; Ps 85:9ab, 10-14; Lk 7:18b-23 Thursday: Is 54:1-10; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b; Lk 7:24-30 Friday: Is 56:1-3a, 6-8; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 7-8; Jn 5:33-36 Saturday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Sunday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24 RESPECT LIFE, continued fundamental step for this consists in forming right consciences. EV 96 For some this will mean reformation of a badly formed conscience. For those who already see clearly enough this will mean learning how to explain the splendor of truth and then seeking and choosing to accept the courage needed to share it with others.

8 8 Saint Mary Parish Evanston, Illinois December 11, 2016 Teen Mass For Advent Sunday, December 11 12:30 p.m. Each month we host a Mass, ministered by teens for teens and their families. and invite teens from the Evanston parishes. This month we ll have Christmas cookies after Mass. Bring friends and join us! The snow certainly arrived last Sunday. As the weather gets colder and more wintery, it can be harder for some of our parishioners to get to church on Sunday. If you could share a ride with someone, please call the parish office and talk with Father Kevin. He ll keep a list and contact you if someone calls in need of a ride. Saints and Special Observances Sunday: Third Sunday of Advent Monday: Our Lady of Guadalupe Tuesday: St. Lucy Wednesday: St. John of the Cross Friday: Las Posadas begins MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, December 10 5:00 Devin Simon Sunday, December 11 8:00 Betty Szarnych 9:30 For Our Parishioners 11:00 Dennis Kelly Monday, December 12 8:00 Paul & Estelle Merle Tuesday, December 13 8:00 Deceased members of the Michael Albanese family Wednesday, December 14 8:00 Helen Ciebien Thursday, December 15 8:00 TBA Friday, December 16 8:00 Deceased members of the Michael Albanese family Saturday, December 17 8:00 Irene Luczak 5:00 William E. O Neil, Jr. Sunday, December 18 8:00 Denise Philpot 9:30 Joseph Keely 11:00 For Our Parishioners Star of Bethlehem Olive Wood Sales December After all the Masses Looking for a unique religious gift for a friend or loved one? Nativity sets, rosaries, crucifixes, ornaments statues and other items carved from olive wood from the Holy Land are on sale in the Gathering Space after all the Masses this weekend. NOTIFICATION OF DIRECTORY PUBLICATION We will be publishing a parish directory in January 2017 with the names of the adults in the household, address and the designated home phone number. When you fill out your membership data form, please let us know if you do NOT want your phone number to be included in the directory or if you do NOT want to be included at all.

9 Third Sunday of Advent Saint Mary Parish Evanston, Illinois 9 Membership Matters Is Saint Mary your parish home? Then it s important that you are registered as a member and that your membership data is current. Membership is one way to say that you are committed to this community of faith. Membership gives you the option to receive envelopes or to make contributions online through Faith Direct so that you can request a record of your contributions for tax purposes. Membership gives you the option to receive parish news via E-News. Membership data gives us a clearer picture of who we are as a community and helps the pastoral staff and the advisory councils to the pastor (the Parish Pastoral Council, the Finance Council and the PJXXIII School Board) to plan more effectively for the needs of our parish If you re already a member use the form in this bulletin to update your record; drop it into the collection basket any Sunday in December. If you re not officially registered, please call the Parish Office to make an appointment to meet with Fr. Kevin. Eucharistic Adoration Sundays During Advent and on Christmas December p.m. December p.m. December p.m. Evanston Catholic Womans Club Their Christmas meeting will be on December 14 at noon at Zhivago s Restaurant, 9925 Gross Point Road with entertainment by the Heart Zingers choral group from Misericordia. Bring new or gently used hats, gloves and/or scarves for Saint Mary s warming center. Their charity for the month will be the Well of Mercy, supporting mothers and children in crisis. For reservations call Rita at All welcome. Rides to the Airport for NU Students at Winter Break Our friends at Sheil Catholic Center passed along the following request. Many Northwestern students need help getting to and from the airports during winter break. If you are in a position to drive to O'Hare or Midway airport during the days leading up to and following the holiday, please contact Carol Finnegan at or carolafinnegan@comcast.net with your preferred date(s) and times(s) of availability. NU winter break runs December 10 - January 3. Our Children Tell the Story 11 th Annual Posada Seeking Immigration Reform Friday, December 16, a.m W. Congress Contact: Arturo Gonzalez All children are invited to take part in the Nativity story on Christmas Eve at the 5pm mass. We need angels and shepherds and animals. There s only one practice: Sunday, 12/18 at 12:15 Contact Karie Ferrell, kferrell@stmaryevanston.org Director of Religious Education to register