St. Thecla Catholic Church Upon entering church kindly pick up a bulletin as the first few pages contain all the prayers and songs for Mass. The Church encourages and teaches us to worship with full, active and conscious participation. Take a copy of the bulletin home and bring a copy to a neighbor who is home bound and unable to attend. Thank you.
On Mondays 8:30am Mass at Immaculate Conception or at another nearby parish. Tues. Dec. 20 8:30am + Robert Swenie, +Loretta B. Szymd Wed. Dec. 21 8:30am +Robert J. Blachowiak Thur. Dec. 22 8:30am +Helen Mayer Fri. Sat. Dec. 23 8:30am +John C. Barrett, +Mary Jane Wynne, +Lawrence & Helen Meyer, +John Podgorny Sr. Dec. 24 8:30am For the People The Christmas Mass schedule is on page 6 Processional Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel The Order of Mass 4th Sunday Advent 2 Onelicense A 724996
Sign of the Cross and Greeting V. Brothers and sisters let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries. Penitential Act (Form A) I confess to almighty God and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, (strike breast) through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters to pray for me to the Lord our God. V. May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. R. Amen. V. Lord, have mercy. R. Lord, have mercy. V. Christ, have mercy. R. Christ, have mercy. V. Lord, have mercy. R. Lord, have mercy. Penitential Act (Form C) The Priest or Deacon gives an invocation and all respond...lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. V. May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. R. Amen. Gloria (omitted during Advent) Readings begin on p. 42 Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 24 ʺLet the Lord enter; He is the King of glory.ʺ Gospel Acclamation (Stand) Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Chant Verse, R/. The reproduction of the text and responses for the Mass from the Roman Missal are reprinted with the following permission: The English translation and chants of The Roman Missal 2010, International Commission on English, In the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Used by permission: Onelicense: A-724996 3
Universal Prayer At the conclusion, all recite the Hail Mary. THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST Preparation of the Gifts a The Offertory Psalm: see page 5 Stand V. Pray brothers and sisters R/. May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, and for our good and the good of his holy Church. Prayer over the Gifts At the conclusion, all reply: Amen. The Preface V. The Lord be with you. R. And with your spirit. V. Lift up your hearts. R. We lift them up to the Lord. V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. R. It is right and just. At the end of the Preface, all sing: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest. The Eucharistic Prayer (kneel) Memorial Acclamation V. The mystery of faith R. We proclaim your death, O Lord and profess your resurrection until you come again. The Doxology At the conclusion, all reply: Amen. The Lord s Prayer The Sign of Peace a Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace. V. Behold the Lamb of God... R/. Lord, I am not worthy, that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed. The Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, [All bow, at the following text ] and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. 4
Offertory: O Most Holy One / O Sanctissima (O Du Fröhliche public domain) Communion refrain: Emmanuel, Emmanuel by Bob McGee Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called, Emmanuel. God with us, revealed in us. His name is called, Emmanuel. 1976 C.A. Music used under CCLI License #11234639 Communion Song: Immaculate Mary s Magnificat Trad. Pyrenean Melody public domain Moore 5
Retiring Processional: The Advent of Our King (St. Thomas Williams public domain) License 625470 Students participating in the Christmas Eve Family Mass Pageant Rehearsal Dates and Times in Church Sunday, December 18th, 3 4pm Thursday, December 22nd, 5 6pm (Dress Rehearsal) Saturday, December 24th, 3:15pm Call Time Mass begins at 4:00pm Christmas Eve Family Mass at 4:00pm Christmas Solemn Night Mass at 10:00pm Christmas Day in English 8:00am & 10:00am 25 Grudnia-Boýonarodzeniowa Pasterka o 12:00 am (o pó³nocy- po polsku) Koledowanie zaczyna siê o 11:45pm 25 Grudnia- Msza ªwieta Boýonarodzeniowa o 11:45am (po polsku)
Our Faith SUMMONED BY GOD As Christmas draws near, Advent s scriptures lure us into a world of dreams, signs, wonders, and the miracle of the virgin birth. Too often we allow the great stories of our faith, the ones that are most familiar, simply to wash over us. Today s Gospel account of the events leading up to the birth of the Lord reads like a present day soap opera. Yet Joseph s courage, even in the midst of what must have been an incredibly confusing time, provides a model for us. Each week, we are summoned by God to embrace the way of goodness and truth through the proclamation of God s holy word. Like Joseph, we are called to do as the Lord commands us. As we stand at the threshold of Christmas, let us have the courage to be open to whatever it is that the Lord will require of us as we celebrate the miracle of Bethlehem. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. TODAY S READINGS First Reading You will be given this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:10 14). Psalm Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory (Psalm 24). Second Reading God has called us to belong to Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1 7). Gospel The son born of Mary shall be called Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. He shall be Emmanuel, God is with us (Matthew 1:18 24).The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Advent Tuesday: St. Peter Canisius; Winter Solstice Thursday: St. John of Kanty Friday: The Vigil of Christmas Saturday: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) GETTING EVEN The only ones you should try to get even with are those who have helped you. Anonymous Hail, Holy Queen Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears! Turn, then, O most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. V/: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R/: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Jgs 13:2 7, 24 25a; Ps 71:3 4a, 5 6ab, 16 17; Lk 1:5 25 Tuesday: Is 7:10 14; Ps 24:1 4ab, 5 6; Lk 1:26 38 Wednesday: Sg 2:8 14 or Zep 3:14 18a; Ps 33:2 3, 11 12, 20 21; Lk 1:39 45 Thursday:1 Sm 1:24 28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4 8abcd; Lk 1:46 56 Friday: Mal 3:1 4, 23 34; Ps 25:4 5ab, 8 10, 14; Lk 1:57 66 Saturday: 2 Sm 7:1 5, 8b 12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2 5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67 79 Christmas Night: Is 9:1 6; Ps 96:1 3, 11 13; Ti 2:11 14; Lk 2:1 14 Dawn: Is 62:11 12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11 12; Ti 3:4 7; Lk 2:15 20 Day: Is 52:7 10; Ps 98:1 6; Heb 1:1 6; Jn 1:1 18 [1 5, 9 14] Mary A. Savage Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. 7
Parish Information Pastor: Fr. Gene Dyer Associate Pastor: Fr. Ronald Stake Mass in Polish: Salvatorian Fathers Pastor Emeritus: Fr. Gerald Rogala Deacons: Robert Cnota, Steven Wagner and Michael McManus Principal: Ms. Catherine DeFrancesca Parish & School Development: Ms. Kathy Collins Religious Education: Mr. Ron Mazzoni Music : Mr. Chris Moore, Music Director, Organist Mr. Markeise Russell, Choir Director Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:45 a.m. (Mass in Polish) Tuesday through Saturday: 8:30 a.m. Holy Days: Please see the bulletin Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Tues. Sat. following 8:30a.m. Mass Adoration: Office Chapel Wed. 1:00 to 3:00p.m. followed with Chaplet of Mercy and Benediction Confessions: Saturday: after the 8:30am Mass and 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. Spowiedþ: po polsku Sobota 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. Niedziela 11:15 to 11:40a.m. Office Hours and Addresses: Church: 6725 W. Devon Ave. Chicago, IL 60631 Parish Office: 6333 N. Newcastle Ave. Hours: Mon. Fri. 8:00am 12:00pm Closed 12:00 12:30 12:30pm 5:30pm 8 Saturday 9:00am 12:00pm (773) 792 3077, FAX: (773) 792 3820 e mail: parish@saintthecla.org School: 6323 N. Newcastle Ave., Chicago, IL 60631 (773) 763 3380 Visit us on the web at: www.saintthecla.org Highlights for the coming week TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20 FSA Mtg. 7:00pm Faculty Lounge WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 Adoration & Benediction 1pm 3pm Office Chapel Choir Practice 7pm Church THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 Al Anon Mtg. 9:30am SJW Boy Scout s 7:00pm MPR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve Family Mass 4:00pm Christmas Solemn Night Mass 10:00pm Christmas Mass Polish Midnight SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas Mass (English) 8:00am & 10:00am Christmas Mass (Polish) 11:45am SJW St. Joseph the Worker room QOP Queen of Peace room PDR Parish Office dining room MPR Multi purpose room: Scout Hall Blood pressure screening this weekend after Mass Quick picks available after 8am Mass until the start of 10am Mass; during the week stop by the school office. Thanks for the support. Instrumentalists and singers, please consider joining the choir. Speak to us after Mass with questions or letting us know about a favorite hymn. Mr. Chris Moore; Organist, Music Director jchristophermoore@yahoo.com Mr. Markeise Russell, Choir Director music@saintthecla.org. You can leave us a message at the parish office (773)792 3077. We are both here part time; so the parish secretaries will forward us your message.
Eucharistic Adoration: On Wednesdays at 1pm, the Parish Office Chapel is open for the Exposition & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, concluding with Benediction at 3pm. STEWARDSHIP Thank you for your generosity to help meet our weekly financial goals. Become a member of the St. Thecla Legacy Society through designating the parish as the beneficiary of a will or a trust. Consider giving electronically. Donations can be made through a credit card and all transactions get applied to your name. Sign up by visiting www.parishpay.com or by calling 1 866 parish 1 Contributions Church Activities: 12/11/16 Sunday Collection $ 7,545.76 Maintenance 351.00 School Fund 10.00 Parking Lot Fund 30.00 Sharing Parish 64.00 Votive lights 80.00 Immaculate Conception 1,007.00 Thanksgiving 35.00 Christmas Offering 300.00 Christmas Flowers 320.00 Retirement Fund 2nd collect. 1,352.21 Total $ 11,094.97 Online Giving Parish Pay 12/5 12/11 2016 Sunday Collection $ 5,141.91 Parking Lot 90.00 Immaculate Conception 220.00 Christmas 1,565.00 Christmas Flowers 137.50 Religious Retirement 385.00 Sharing Parish 70.00 Misc 10.00 Total Collections Online Giving $ 7,619.41 Jesus says; Let the children come to me. The presence of children is a gift to the Church and they are a reminder that our parish is growing. Please welcome them and give a smile of encouragement to their parents. Moms and Dads with infants and young children; keep coming to Mass here. Over time of weekly Mass attendance they will catch on: how to pray, to concentrate and know that Jesus is present here in church. Sit toward the front where it is easier for them to see and hear. Sitting in the back of church they will only see the backs of others. There are several pre school age books with pictures of the priest offering Mass. Help them to stay on the right page. At Family Masses; Father will invite parents and older siblings to help younger children find the prayers that are printed in the bulletin worship aid. Your example of singing the hymns; praying and voicing the responses are the best ways to teach. If a child begins to cry; no worries. If you have to leave Mass momentarily with your child; feel free to do so, but please come back. Psalm 8 teaches us that out of the voices of infants you have foiled the enemy. This means that Jesus Christ can use the sounds coming from the voice of a child to foil the evil one. Powerful!! All are welcomed by Jesus and His Church. Why? Because he wants all of his people from the very old to the very young to grow in holiness, in His ways of life and truth; and to become saints! 9
Keep in mind... We keep those who are serving in the military in our prayers. Please print the name of your loved one and drop it in the collection basket or return it to the Parish Office. Their names will remain on the list until you notify us of their return or if their rank changes. Prayer List, US Military United States Marines: CPT. Philip E. Blais, 2ndLt. Kevin Bowler, PFC Michael T. Brennan, Pvt. James Dinela, LCpl. Kyle Elmer, SSgt. Benjamin Juhasz, LCpl. Nathaniel J. Juncer, Maj. Michael C. Mroszczak, Cpl. Brian Pasterczyk, LCpl. Jose Rivera, MSgt. Richard L. Sroka, United States Army: MAJ. Terence W. Bacon, PFC. Adam Dunbar, SGT. Sean Doherty, SGT. Rachel Hall, CPT. John Healy, SGT. Robert Lach, CPT. Jared Lampe, WO. Steven Larmay, SPC. Thomas J. Lyons III, PFC. Raymond Rau, SGT Thomas Rohl, 1LT. Michael Spiwak, United States Navy: SN E 3 Joseph J. Daly, CAPT. Steven Stancy United States Air Force: SSgt. Michael J. Archam, A1C Heather Bosh, SrA Nicole Coreil, A1C Scott Frisco, A1C Shane Garrison, SSgt. Adam Krey, 2ndLt. Peter A. Schroeder, TSgt. James E. Stay, SSgt. Sentara Stay, SSgt. Matt Tredwell, AIG. Keith Daniel Garrison Sick List We pray for all those in nursing homes, homebound or who require extended care and those who care for them: Richard Bekielewski, Sr Gino Belcaster Alicja Brozyna Laurence Brueck Daniel Burke Irene Chemielski Jodi Chmiel Harriet Chudzynski Eileen Cobb Kevin Connolly Mildred Cwiak Jackie Dubiel Diane Dudek Edward Dutkin Mary Anne Fronczak Ann Gosciniak Lillian Hall Gerald Halvey Frank Herbig Rick Hernandez Maria Kadlub Barbara Kelly Wladyslawa Kielar Beverly Kisiel Ronald Klish Mary Lavalle Rose Ligeza Dorothy Lyjak Walter Malinowski George Marcin Wanda Marshall Marni Mensching Imleda Mizones Katharina Mueller Catherine Neumann Alice Mae Norton Ray Plaza Caroline Plodzien Raymond Prybil Rita Rattin Helena Rumas Stanley Sadej Peter Schroeder Jennie Sekula Matthew Switski Dorothy Taylor Janis Taylor Patricia Timm Helene Veder Cecilia Walega Christine Wasowski Mary Widelka Edward Wnek Julia Zeler Rose Zembal Barbara Zygmunt Parishioner Contact Update To help keep our records current, please print the information below and drop the form in the collection basket or at the parish office. Thank you Last Name First Name M/M, Mr., Mrs., Ms. Address City Zip Code Email address Phone (Home) Cell phone 10
STRONA DUSZPASTERSTWA POLSKOJÊZYCZNEGO W PARAFII ªw.TEKLI IV NIEDZIELA ADWENTU Z Ducha ªwiêtego jest to co siê w Niej poczê³o. Wprowadzenie do liturgii Boże Narodzenie już blisko. Dzisiaj ostatnia niedziela adwentowego oczekiwania. W tę niedzielę czcimy Maryję, przez którą Zbawiciel stał się człowiekiem. Spełniły się zapowiedzi proroków, gdy Służebnica Pańska przyjęła Słowo przedwieczne, które w Niej stało się Ciałem. Uczymy się także wiary od Józefa, który w każdej sytuacji potrafi powiedzieć Bogu "tak" i przez to staje się świadkiem spełniających się mesjańskich nadziei. Chrystus przychodzi także dzisiaj do nas w tej Eucharystii, przyjmijmy z wiarą Jego słowo i Jego Ciało, przygotujmy nasze serce na przyjście Syna Bożego, Potomka Dawida, Syna Maryi i naszego brata. Wprowadzenie do liturgii słowa Przez usta Izajasza Bóg zapowiada przyjście Mesjasza. To proroctwo wypełniło się wtedy, gdy Maryja, pokorna Służebnica Pańska, przyjęła dar macierzyństwa. Tak spełniła się tajemnica zbawienia, którą Bóg objawił w Piśmie Świętym. Tak spełniają się wszystkie obietnice, jakie Bóg dał także i dla nas. Info./ www. wiara.pl Polskie Duszpasterstwo Parafii ªw. Tekli Msze ªwiête w jêzyku polskim odprawiane sà przez Zakon Braci Salwatorianów z Merrillville w Indianie. Ks. Przeor ukasz Kleczka Adoracja Najºwiêtszego Sakramentu Adoracja odbywa siê w kaplicy w budynku biura parafialnego w kaýdà ºrode od godziny 13:00 do 15 :00. Na zakoñczenie adoracji udzielane jest b³ogos³awieñstwo Najºwiêtszym Sakramentem. Rozk³ad Boýonarodzeniowy 24 Grudnia -Boýonarodzeniowa Pasterka 12:00 am o pó³nocy -po polsku Kolêdowanie zaczyna siê o 11:45pm 25 Grudnia -Msza ªwieta Boýonarodzeniowa o 11:45am-po polsku Msze ªw. Boýonarodzeniowe o godz. 8:00 am & 10:00 am po angielsku 21 Grudnia ªw.Piotra Kanizjusza 23 Grudnia ªw. Jana Kantego 24 Grudnia Wigilja Boýego Narodzenia Og³oszenia W ten weekend odbêdà siê darmowe badania ciºnienia krwi. W Sobotê po mszy ºw. o godz. 5 po po³udniu i Niedzielê po mszach o godz. 8 i 10 rano. Zachêcamy wszystkich do skorzystania z tego bezp³atnego badania. Prowadzone przez Compass. Dziêkujemy za z³oýone ofiary w ubieg³ym tygodniu. Bóg Zap³aæ! Polska Szko³a Genera³a Andersa Program Nauczania Religijnego w jêzyku polskim prowadzony jest w parafii ºw. Tekli przez Polskà Szko³ê im. Genera³a W³adys³awa Andersa. Dyrektor Szko³y P.Wanda Penar. Kontakt pod numerem 847-756-7297 lub z biurem parafialnyn 773.792.3077.www.szkolaandersa.com. Biuro parafialne Biuro jest czynne od pn-pt. 8:00am 12:00 pm po angielsku; przerwa 12-12:30 pm, od 12:30-5:30 pm. po polsku ;sobota od 9-12 pm po angielsku. Proszê dzwoniæ 773.792.3077. 12
General information If you are new to St. Thecla; Welcome! To register as a parishioner; call the office at 773 792 3077. Baptisms: Call the office to make the arrangements and reserve a place at the Baptismal Prep Class. Marriages: The Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage Preparation in the Archdiocese of Chicago ask that a minimum of 4 months be set aside as formation time in preparation for this sacrament. Couples should not reserve a banquet hall prior to setting the date in church. Please note that weddings do not take place during Lent. Bulletin Deadline: All articles must be e mailed or dropped off at the office by 10:00 a.m. on Fridays (8 days prior to publication date). Holidays have early deadlines. Articles are subject to editing. Our e mail is parish@saintthecla.org. Become a Catholic: Adults and teens interested in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and/or Eucharist) and those who are curios about the Catholic Faith we are eager to meet you. Call today! 773 792 3077 Homebound/Communion Visitations: St. Thecla is blessed with Ministers of Care who can regularly take communion to those in need. Please call the office to arrange for Holy Communion for yourself or a homebound loved one. Thanks to all our advertisers! This bulletin is subsidized completely by the companies whose ads appear on the next two pages. When you support their business thank them in the name of St. Thecla for supporting us. J.S. Paluch Company prints our bulletin and they are responsible for contracts with all advertisers. Contact them at 1 800 566 6170.
St. Nicholas visited the students on his Feast Day, December 6th; and spent last Saturday evening with a Family School Association event Evening with St. Nick. The cold winter weather helped first grade students with the science unit on weather. Through reading, writing, experimenting, and observing they learn about the elements of weather, the water cycle, and how weather is measured. A favorite experiment was creating rain in a bowl using hot water and ice. The children observed as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation happened right in our room! St. Thecla Bookfair order online Still time to order! Congratulations Mark Olszewski on winning Coach of the Year! Go Falcons ʺIf you were unable to make it to St. Theclaʹs Bookfair at Barnes & Noble this past Friday or still have some Christmas shopping to do, you are in luck! Barnes & Noble has extended our bookfair until 12/21/16 for all online sales. So visit BN.COM/bookfairs and support us online by entering Bookfair ID 11939899 at checkout. Thank you!ʺ