Historic St. James at Sag Bridge Church Founded 1833 A Parish of the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago 10600 South Archer Avenue, Lemont, IL 60439-9344 Phone (630) 257-7000 FAX (630) 257-7912 Website: historicstjames.org E-Mail: stjames1833@att.net Founded in 1833, St. James at Sag Bridge is the sole country parish of the Archdiocese of Chicago serving a growing community of Catholics who come together to worship God through the celebration of the Eucharist and traditional devotional activities within truly unique and beautiful surroundings. Our faith filled community strives to bear witness to Jesus Christ by loving and serving one another to bring about the Kingdom of God. April 5, 2009 PALM SUNDAY Rev. Edward D. Gleeson, Pastor Mr. John M. Wilkinson, Permanent Deacon Parish Boundaries The Village of Willow Springs Unincorporated Lemont Township Along Archer Avenue and Bell Road, Village of Burr Ridge (Cook County) Mass Schedule Weekends: Saturdays, 5:30 PM. Sundays, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30 AM Holy Days: 8:15 AM and 7:00 PM Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 8:15 AM Wednesdays: 7:00 PM Confession Schedule Saturdays: 4:30 to 5:15 PM By appointment. Baptisms First Sundays of every month by appointment. Parents must be registered parishioners. Weddings Minimum eight months in advance. At least one partner must be a registered parishioner. Religious Education Classes 1st through 8th Grade Tuesday evenings, September through May Parents must be registered parishioners. Registration In Rectory Office Hours Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Thursdays: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Parish Ministerial Staff Father Edward Gleeson, Pastor Deacon John Wilkinson, Minister of Care Brian Tishuk, RE Director Pamela Stafford, Music Coordinator Pamela Mikrut, Organist JoAnn Starha, Altar and Rosary President Rodney Poynter, Holy Name President Barbara Tishuk, Our Lady of the Forest President Rectory Support Staff Donna Slosowski, Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper Bernice Raj, Housekeeper/Cook Donald Lasica, Sacristan
Page Two April 5, 2009 FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR WE CANNOT BE FICKLE FANS OF JESUS Palm Sunday is an odd sort of celebration. We recall that time when Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. It was a procession, a ticker tape parade with palms, a welcoming event for a hero, like Michael Phelps. But what happened to Jesus did not happen to Michael. Five days after the big parade, those same citizens of Jerusalem were yelling for the blood of their hero. They were fickle fans, indeed. This inconsistent behavior is why the Passion is read today. The reading of the Passion on Palm Sunday prepares us for Holy Week. It is now up to us to participate in the Holy Week liturgies. During that week after the procession of palms a series of actions took place which God the Father had planned in order to accomplish our salvation. In the center of this drama stood, not a celebrity like Michael Phelps, but God the Son, the Messiah, the Savior, the Christ, the Anointed One of God, the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Holy Week reaches a climax during the three days of the Triduum, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, the high holy days of our Catholic Faith. St. John, Holy Week eyewitness, apostle, and Gospel writer offered an explanation for these events. Jesus realized that the hour had come for Him to pass from this world to His Father. He had loved His own in this world, and would show His love for them to the end. The Greek word used by St. John for end means not only until His life is over but also to the fullest extent. The Christ was about to demonstrate the fullest love by sacrificing His life for us. Holy Thursday is the anniversary of the Last Supper. Jesus was thinking about His final act of love on this earth, His death on the cross. In order that His followers might be able to share in His sacrifice throughout all ages, He instituted the sacrament of His Paschal Mystery, His death and resurrection. At the Last Supper under the appearances of bread and wine, Jesus offered His Body and Blood, gave them to His apostles to eat and drink, and then commanded them to carry on this mystery. The Church explains the connection between Holy Thursday and Good Friday this way: The sacrifice of the cross and its sacramental renewal in the Mass, which Jesus instituted at the Last Supper and commanded His apostles to do in His memory, are one and the same, differing only in the manner of offering, and that consequently the Mass is at once a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, of reconciliation and expiation. Good Friday is the anniversary of the Cross. On that Friday afternoon Our Savior offered the sacrifice of Himself which He had instituted as a sacrament on the previous night. And so in the daylight hours of Good Friday, especially around 3:00pm, we call to mind the details of the suffering and death of the Christ. Holy Saturday is the Day of the Tomb. The burial of Jesus indicated that His death was real, not a fiction, not a pretense. It is the day of supreme quiet, the great silence. We refer to Holy Saturday evening as the Easter Vigil because it begins the third and greatest day of the Triduum, Easter Sunday. On Easter Jesus the Christ broke the bond of death. By dying He destroyed our death; by rising He restored our life. In the Eucharistic celebration His resurrection cannot be separated from His death. Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free; you are the Savior of the world. Today we bless our palms and take them home. This action shows that we are fans of Jesus. We pray that we will not be as fickle as those original fans of Jesus back in Jerusalem. The reading of St. Mark s Passion should inspire us to return to this wee bit of a church on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. God Bless Our Parish, FATHER ED GLEESON, PASTOR
PALM SUNDAY Page Three The collection for St. James on the weekend of March 29, 2009 was $3,208.19 The number of March 29th Offertory Envelopes handed in the weekend of March 28th and 29th was 129. The amount of money coming out of those envelopes was $2,834.40 which averages out to $21.97 per envelope. Our many thanks to the 129 contributing families. BLESS YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED AND VALUED SUPPORT. THANK YOU FROM CCHD The continuing generosity you offer to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development collection is very deeply appreciated. St. James donations amounted to $1,195.25. Through your donations you participate in projects with issues of affordable housing, safer neighborhoods, economic development and the improvement of life for the elderly, immigrants and disabled in Cook and Lake counties. On behalf of all those whose lives are touched by your kind support may our God of justice bless you abundantly. Elena Segura CCHD Director SOUTH SUBURBAN PADS NEEDS HELP Volunteers at the homeless Shelton on Monday night and Tuesday mornings are needed at St. Luke, 10700 So. Kean Ave in Palos Hills. There are three shifts 6-11pm, 10:45pm to 3am, 2:45 to 7am. If you are interested in taking a shift please contact Tom Kosbiel at 708-687-1129. CHARISMATIC MASS AND HEALING SERVICE The Aylesford Prayer Group invites you to a charismatic mass and healing service on April 6th at the St. Paul Hall of the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien beginning at 7:30pm. Father Bob Sears, a highly renowned counselor in the areas of family and intergenerational healing, will be the celebrant. Please call 708-246-7570. LENTEN PARISH MISSION Take a spiritual journey with your family this Lent. On Monday and Tuesday, April 6th & 7th, Preaching at 7:00pm followed by Confessions at 8:00pm. Ending on Wednesday, April 8th with Mass at 7:00pm and Confessions at 8:00pm. It just isn t Lent without it! Holy Thursday Bus Visiting Local Churches Again this year we have hired a bus to take us visiting local churches on Holy Thursday. The churches are: St. Stanislaus Kostka, St. Mary of the Angels, Holy Trinity Polish Mission, St. John Cantius and Holy Innocents. There is no cost to go. However, the seating is very limited. There is a Bus Trip sign-up sheet in back of church. You must sign up in order to go. You can still attend Holy Thursday Mass at our own St. James parish and the bus will leave our parking lot promptly at 8:15pm. BLESSING OF EASTER FOOD BASKETS HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH in the church at 1:00pm Everyone is welcome to join us for the traditional Eastern European blessing of baskets of Easter foods called Swieconka (sh-vee-en-soon-kah). Swieconka celebrates the joy of the Resurrection and the Easter meal breaks the six weeks of Lenten fasting and the foods represent foods abstained from during Lent. Those who wish to participate in the basket blessing are invited to bring samplings of foods (such as: breads, baked goods, colored eggs, ham, etc.) in a basket that they will eat on Easter Day. The Blessing of the Food is a festive tradition which finds its roots in older or rural communities where the priest visits the home to bless the foods. Now many Eastern Europeans carry on this tradition by bringing their food to church on Holy Saturday. The three part blessing addresses the various contents of the basket with special prayers for the meats, eggs, cakes and breads. Then, the priest sprinkles the individual baskets with Holy Water.
Page Four April 5, 2009 THE ROBE OF CHRIST At the foot of the Cross on Calvary Three soldiers sat and diced, And one of them was the Devil And he won the Robe of Christ. When the Devil comes in his proper form To the chamber where I dwell, I know him and make the Sign of the Cross Which drives him back to Hell. And when he comes like a friendly man And puts his hand in mine, The fervor in his voice is not From love or joy or wine. And when he comes like a woman, With lovely, smiling eyes, Black dreams float over his golden head Like a swarm of carrion flies. Now many a million tortured souls In his red halls there be: Why does he spend his subtle craft In hunting after me? Kings, queens and crested warriors Whose memory rings through time, These are his prey, and what to him Is this poor man of rhyme, He comes, and his face is sad and mild, With thorns his head is crowned; There are great bleeding wounds in his feet, And in each hand a wound. How can I tell, who am a fool, If this be Christ or no? Those bleeding hands outstretched to me! Those eyes that love me so! I see the Robe I look I hope I fear but there is one Who will direct my troubled mind; Christ's Mother knows her Son. O Mother of Good Counsel, lend Intelligence to me! Encompass me with wisdom, Thou Tower of Ivory! "This is the Man of Lies," she says, "Disguised with fearful art: He has the wounded hands and feet, But not the wounded heart." Beside the Cross on Calvary She watched them as they diced. She saw the Devil join the game And win the Robe of Christ. Poetry by Joyce Kilmer That he, with such laborious skill, Should change from role to role, Should daily act so many a part To get my little soul? Oh, he can be the forest, And he can be the sun, Or a buttercup, or an hour of rest When the weary day is done. I saw him through a thousand veils, And has not this sufficed? Now, must I look on the Devil robed In the radiant Robe of Christ? VOTIVE CANDLES Votive offering for the week of April 5th: St. James Altar & Rosary Sodality In honor of Jeffrey P. Golom Special intention of the Brady Family
PALM SUNDAY Page Five THE GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION On Good Friday, all Christians are united in a special way to the land that was made holy by the presence of Jesus and Mary and the Apostles. This year, more than ever, it is important that you give aid to the work in the land that Jesus made holy. The Good Friday special collection, as directed by Pope Benedict XVI, supports programs and services in the Holy Land. The Franciscans, who have had custody of the Holy Land for 800 years, are proud to serve the people and places of the Holy Land in the following way: MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF THE HOLY LAND The Custody maintains and repairs all for the Holy Land parishes, shrines, chapels and oratories assigned to its care. Major renovations have been done at the Chapel of St. Helen and the ancient Milk Grotto in Bethlehem. More restoration has been completed at the Flagellation and Gethsemane in Jerusalem, and at Cana and the Sanctuary of St. Peter in Jaffa. CHARITY AND ASSISTANCE FOR THE POOR The Custody cares for all of the poorest social classes, both Christian and non-christian. In its housing program, the Custody provides hundreds of rental apartments to families who pay only a sum proportionate of their incomes. Other housing is made available, rent free, to the least fortunate. Restorations of current uninhabitable dwellings in the Old City of Bethlehem will allow 300 more families to remain there. Needy families also receive help with medical treatment and pharmaceutical costs. PASTORAL MINISTRY The Custody provides pastoral ministry in 29 parishes, three of which Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth are the largest in the Holy Land. Pastoral ministries are also present in shrines, chapels, and oratories. In addition, the Custody provides spiritual direction and counseling to residents and pilgrims and assists the Secular Franciscans, as well as religious communities and diocesan clergy. EDUCATION AND SCHOLARSHIPS The Custody operates schools open to everyone, regardless of religion or nationality in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Nazareth, Jaffa, Lebanon, and other places throughout the Holy Land. In its formation program, the Custody provides education to young men who enter the Franciscan Order. Scholarships are made awarded to young Christians for their continued study. The Custody also runs a printing press; receives and educates pilgrims; and sustains the Magnificat Institute which brings together students and teachers from all backgrounds, including Jewish, Muslim and Christian, for their bond and love for music.
Page Six April 5, 2009 HOLYWEEKOLYWEEK AND EASTERASTER SCHEDULECHEDULE OF DEVOTIONAL AND SPIRITUALPIRITUAL ACTIVITIESCTIVITIES LENTEN PARISH MISSION Monday, April 6th Preaching 7:00pm Confessions 8:00pm Tuesday, April 7th Preaching 7:00pm Confessions 8:00pm Wednesday, April 8th Mass 7:00pm Confessions 8:00pm Friday, April 10th GOOD FRIDAY Outdoor Stations of the Cross 3:00pm Good Friday Liturgical Service 7:00pm Sunday, April 12th EASTER SUNDAY Masses with the Sprinkling of the Holy Waters 8:30, 10:00, 11:30am Thursday, April 9th HOLY THURSDAY Mass of the Last Supper 7:00pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 8:30pm to 12:00 Midnight Bus Leaves to Visit Churches 8:30pm Saturday, April 11th EASTER VIGIL Blessing of Food Baskets 1:00pm Mass of the Easter Vigil 7:00pm Sunday, April 19th DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY Adoration 1:00 to 3:00pm Divine Mercy Chaplet 3:00pm Benediction 3:30pm TRIDUUM RITUALS Lent comes to an end before the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. That liturgy begins the Triduum, the great Three Days that celebrate the central mystery of our faith. Triduum rituals invite us all to baptismal renewal, par excellence. Here are some examples: Washing of Feet: After the homily on Holy Thursday, we imitate our master in the washing of feet. This ritual reminds us that our baptismal commitment means we are to be servants of one another. In the time of St. Ambrose in Milan, those who were baptized also had their feet washed, because of Jesus' words to Peter: "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed" (Jn 13:10). Many scholars have seen a baptismal reference in those words. Veneration of the Cross: As part of our observance of Good Friday, we venerate the cross on which Christ died. The veneration challenges us to be willing to accept the cross, too, for it is the only way to resurrection. Through Baptism, we shared in Christ's death that we might come to new life. Every year we are called to deepen our identification with his cross and resurrection. Waters of Baptism: The core of our celebration of the Easter Vigil is the Baptism of the elect. As we share in their joy on this holy night, we are all called to renew our own baptismal promises, to live in the joy of life in the Risen One. Lent comes to its fulfillment around the waters of the font.
PALM SUNDAY Page Seven Thursday 8:15-Midnight April 9 HOLY THURSDAY MASS OF THE LAST SUPPER ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Monday April 6 Holy Week Monday 8:15 AM Marie C. Murphy 7:00-8:00PM Parish Mission 8:00PM Confessions Tuesday April 7 Holy Week Tuesday 8:15 AM Living & Deceased Parishioners 7:00-8:00PM Parish Mission 8:00PM Confessions Wednesday 7:00-8:00PM 8:00PM April 8 Holy Week Wednesday Purgatorial Society Parish Mission Mass Confessions Friday 3:00PM Saturday 1:00PM 5:30PM Sunday 8:30AM 10:00AM 11:30AM April 10 GOOD FRIDAY Outdoor Stations of the Cross GOOD FRIDAY LITURGICAL SERVICE April 11 EASTER VIGIL Blessing of Food Baskets EASTER VIGIL MASS Marie C. Murphy April 12 EASTER SUNDAY Betty Eby Obrochta & Slosowski Deceased Family Members Robert Diamond HOLY WEEK HOLY THURSDAY GOOD FRIDAY GOOD FRIDAY HOLY SATURDAY Outdoor Stations 3pm Celebrant Father Gleeson Father Gleeson Fr. Gleeson Father Gleeson Altar Servers D. Lawler P. Lawler T. Lawler B. Lawler T & B Lawler A & R Podkowski JH & AM Dillenburg T. Wall & D. LaSota J. Beecher W. Tishuk F. Zabilka D. Lawler P. Lawler F. Zabilka Z. Reitz J. Retiz J. Zabilka J. Reitz Lector P. Tishuk -------------- S. Zabilka Augustyn/Zabilka LEM Deacon John --------------- Deacon John Deacon John Ushers R. Lawler C. Hughes M. Fleckenstein --------------- C. Hughes Fleckenstein J. Starha F. Zabilka J. Starha C. Hughes E. Liczwek EASTER SUNDAY 8:30 AM 10:00 AM 11:30 AM Celebrant Father Fahey Father Gleeson Father Gleeson Altar Servers D. Lawler P. Lawler D. LaSota T. Lawler B. Lawler R. Podkowski T. Wall J. Beecher A. Podkowski M. May K. Smuda E. Witter W. Tishuk A. Gorniak K. Janociak Lector Gorski/Pearman Tishuk/Zarzycki Lasica/Fleckenstein LEM Deacon John D. Lasica D. Lasica Ushers M. Hally T. Lang F. Pearman H. Grutza M. Wall D. Butalla M. Lavery J. Pajkos B. Czaja J. Neadly R. Poynter M. Fleckenstein