The Family of Our Lady of Loretto A Roman Catholic community embracing the gospel of Christ, as a welcoming, caring, family of faith. WEEKEND MASSES: 5pm Saturday - 8:30 and 11:15am Sunday WEEKDAY MASSES: 8:15am - Monday thru Saturday RECONCILIATION: 4-4:45pm Saturday
OUR LADY OF LORETTO HOMETOWN - OAK LAWN Page 2 Dear Parish Family, How far back can you trace your family tree, that is, your genealogy? There are all sorts of internet programs available for this, and even programs to trace your DNA. Maybe we might be better off not knowing your ancestry. Are there any famous or infamous family members that are a part of your family tree? Can you boast and brag that you are a direct descendent of royalty, to a president, a famous artist, singer, writer, poet or scientist? If not, say there is some question that you are a descendent of someone famous, who will ever know? In today s world of media, internet, etc, everyone will know the truth of your genealogy and take you to task. But no one can take us to task for proclaiming to be a part of the Holy Family, unless our behavior and actions contradict this claim of lineage. We all are descendants of the Holy Family, whose feast we celebrate today. Not directly by blood, but by the blood of Christ, as he died on the Cross for us that we might be restored into God s family as his children, as brothers and sisters in Christ. Even as we continue to celebrate the birth of Christ, our Savior, we are reminded that his birth took place that he might sacrifice his life for us on the Cross that we might live. Family life demands great sacrifices of us, no matter the size, makeup or our definition of family. In our families we find security, we are able to be ourselves, we are nourished in mind, body, and spirit, we are loved and love in return. As we listen to the readings about the Holy Family, we begin to see Jesus grow and mature in wisdom and grace through the love of Mary and Joseph guided by the Spirit of the Lord. As we begin this New Year of 2018, may we too be guided by the Holy Spirit that where there is anxiety, we may find peace, where there is pain and hurt, we may find healing. And, especially through our families, weather we are born into them, adopted into them as we are adopted into Christ s family, through the waters of Baptism, and also welcomed into and being a part of many other families, we may find and share the love of God. Sincerely, Fr. Tom
SUNDAY DECEMBER 31, 2017 Page 3 Department of Parish Vitality and Mission Cardinal Meyer Center 3525 South Lake Park Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60653 tel. 312.534.8039 pvm.archchicago.org November 22, 2017 Our Lady of Loretto 8925 S. Kostner Avenue Hometown, IL 60456 Dear Friends in Christ, On behalf of the Archdiocese of Chicago and our brothers and sisters who have been severely affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, I want to sincerely thank you for the tremendous outpouring of support you have shown them during this challenging time. Banding together to answer the cry of those in need and bringing financial, physical, and spiritual aid to those who have lost so much is a reflection of how God s love lives in all of us. As a donor to the Hurricane Relief Appeal, your tremendous generosity has gone towards Catholic Charities USA s emergency relief and support efforts to those affected by these devastating natural disasters. You helped us raise over $800,000 during this appeal, a true testament to the compassion of the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago. May God bless you and your family during this holiday season! My sincerest thanks, Fr. Peter Wojcik Director, Parish Vitality and Mission
Page 4 THOSE TO SERVE AT LITURGY ON January 6 and January 7 5 PM SAT. 8:30 AM SUN. 11:15 AM SUN. Lector J. Coffelt A. Ditzler T. Aldworth EM J. Ceh G. Kapjon M. Dwyer J. Watt B. Kapjon G. DiBenedetto T. Kramer D. Grochowski D. Mercer G. Slade B. Pacourek J. Johnson God s Word Has Been Fulfilled In this joyous Christmas time, it is fitting that we turn our attention from all the angels and shepherds and kings to take a look at the more intimate picture of the Holy Family in their ordinary life. They come with Jesus to consecrate him to the Lord, as is written in the law, and they come upon Simeon and Anna, prophets of the Lord, who have amazing things to say about this child and Mary, his mother. One can wonder what Mary must have thought when Simeon told her that "you yourself a sword will pierce." We interpret that in hindsight she would suffer greatly at the crucifixion of her beloved son. But what must she have thought at the possible literal interpretation of this prophecy? And yet she was, as always, obedient to God and accepting of God's word for her. Sunday Readings for January 7, 2018 First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 Ann Contorno Debbie Heitz Keith Slansky Frank Roti Kayla Smyth Dean Ojeda Kim Lewis Patsy Galecki Myriam Florez Betty Dunne Pray for our Sick Jericho Jeffrey DeVivo Bob Bridgeman, Sr. Karen Javorski Helen Morong Mary Kenny Jim Cooney Bill Showtis Raul Osornio Gina Jakelski Elaine Bridgeman Drew Enselman Sunday, December 31, 2017 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 8:30 - Mary Bridgeman Edward Polak 11:15 - Johanna Reardon New Year s Eve Mass 4:00pm People of the Parish Monday, January 1, 2018 The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God 9:00 - Alfredo Florez People of the Parish Tuesday, January 2, 2018 Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen 8:15 - Purgatorial Society Wednesday, January 3, 2018 The Most Holy Name of Jesus 8:15 - Sister Juanita Gutierrez Thursday, January 4, 2018 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 8:15 - Anna Kolena Ronald Mahon Sherry Mahon First Friday, January 5, 2018 St. John Neumann, Bishop 8:15 - Jim Knight and Four Children Saturday, January 6, 2018 St. Andre Bessette 8:15 - Phillis, Joe and Katie Melichar 5PM - Margaret and Joseph Cepek Edward Benbenek Howard Smyth Sunday, January 7, 2018 The Epiphany of the Lord 8:30 - Loretta Connelly 11:15 - John and Muriel Wagner Paula Donnelly
Page 5 Week of December 24, 2017 Received: $2616.00 +Direct Deposits: 275.00 $2891.00 Christmas Offering (Week 1) $30,264.00 Year-to-Date Collected: $114,091.00 Thank you for your generous support! Sun. Dec. 31st The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph No RE Classes New Year s Eve Mass 4pm Mon. Jan. 1, 2018 New Year s Day Mass 9am WG Bingo Doors Open at 1pm Tues. Jan. 2nd Bible Study after the Morning Mass Fri. Jan. 5th Men s Club Meeting Rm 115 7pm OLL Women s Guild New Year s Day Bingo 15 Games With 2 $500 Games All for $30 Doors open at 1pm. Games begin at 3pm Lunch and Snacks Available <> Pull Tabs <> FOR YOUR INFORMATION: WEEKEND MASSES: WEEKDAY MASSES: 5 p.m. Saturday - 8:30 and 11:15 a.m. Sunday 8:15 a.m. - Monday thru Saturday RECONCILIATION: 4-4:45 p.m. on Saturday BAPTISMS and WEDDINGS: Please call the rectory office for information at 708-424-7471 (8:30 am to 4 pm) RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Classes for Kindergarten thru 8th grade are Sundays, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Reconciliation is received in 2nd grade, First Communion is received in 3rd grade and Confirmation is received in 8th grade. Call the RE office for more information at 708-499-0832. PARISH ORGANIZATIONS Parish Transformation Committee Ministers of Care Women s Guild Bereavement Committee Men s Club PARISH STAFF Rev. Thomas S. Cabala, Pastor Jackie Watt, Parish Office Marianne Powers, Catechetical Leader Patti Washkevich, Bulletin Editor Steve Kittler, Music Director, Parish Office OUR LADY OF LORETTO PARISH Phone: 708-424-7471 8925 South Kostner Ave. - Hometown, Illinois, 60456 www.ourladyloretto.com A Roman Catholic community, embracing the gospel of Christ, as a welcoming, caring, family of faith.