St. Louis de Montfort Oak Lawn, Illinois December 11, 2016 Third Sunday of Advent
Page 2 Look and listen! These are the words for our message this week. Things are not going well for John the Baptist in today s gospel. We re in the middle of Advent, and there is not a lot of joy everywhere in our society and world, and what are the first lines of today s gospel? From prison, John the Baptist heard of the works of Christ. John the Baptist had given everything to God. He had left his home and his family. He lived in total poverty. We can get used to hearing that that he wore clothes made of camel s hair and he ate locusts and wild honey, but imagine what a camel s hair shirt would feel like It s not exactly an Armani suit. How about his food? Locusts! Even if you eat them with honey, locusts are still crunchy bugs. John the Baptist had preached the Kingdom of God; he had given everything to prepare the way for Jesus, and what s his apparent reward? He s in prison. It seems that God is hidden from him. He hears about the miracles that Jesus is doing, and yet he remains in prison. He sends his friends to ask the most important question; everything hinges on this question. He asks Jesus: Who are you? The answer that Jesus gives is Tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed Jesus is telling John, You don t have to understand everything. You re not God. All I ask is that you listen and look at what I ve done and continue to do in your life and in the lives of others. We all have our John the Baptist moments, when nothing seems clear, when Christmas may seem far away, and in those moments, Jesus is telling us, Look, and listen. This past week on December 8, 2016, I hope all of us went to Church to give time to God and Mary as our holy day of obligation for the Immaculate Conception. Mary is the first and great disciple who knew how to look and listen. Jesus Himself, in fact, started devotion to Mary, by choosing her to bring Him into the world. After all, he could have become incarnate just by forming himself from the clay of the earth, as he had done with Adam. Instead, He chose to give Himself a human mother, to whom He was devoted, following his own commandment to "honor your father and mother." Jesus passed that devotion onto his Church, by entrusting His apostle John to her care while He hung on the cross. True devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, then, does not distance us from Christ; it brings us closer to Him. The Immaculate Conception is a perfect example of how that happens as we celebrated two things: First, the conception of Mary in her mother's womb, Ann; and second, the dogma (officially defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, after being believed and celebrated by the whole Church for centuries) explaining that that conception was "immaculate", that Mary was protected from the stain and effects of original sin from the very first moment of her existence. Why did God give Mary such a unique privilege? Because of Christ, and because of us. The Immaculate Conception was God's way of giving Jesus a worthy mother on earth, and of giving us a worthy mother in heaven. We should thank Him for this great gift, and the best way to do that is to follow in our mother's footsteps, answering every call that God sends to our hearts and consciences in the same way that Mary answered her call, by saying: "May it be done to me according to your word." When we look, and when we listen, we see the great things God has done in us and through us. It brings to mind the words of Psalm 89: Forever I will sing the mercies of the Lord. Therefore, the Mass is the greatest of all mercies. In the Mass when we look and when we listen, we see Jesus on the Cross, out of love for us. We see him present in the Eucharist. In the Mass, Jesus makes everything His own and takes it to the Father. In the Mass, if we allow it, Jesus makes each one of us more and more His own. John the Baptist asked, Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another. Here, in the sacrifice of the Mass, we look and we listen for the response to that question; and we receive the greatest answer of all. We receive Jesus Christ, in His body and in His blood, in His soul and in His divinity, and we experience a presence and a friendship which will last for all eternity. This Advent, counting on God's help, let's do the same thing with the material and mundane commercialization that's all around us: instead of complaining about it, let's transform it, let's infuse it with spiritual meaning, with JOY! So let us not say Happy Holidays or Season s Greetings to anyone who responds this way. Rather, for the love of God, have the courage to say the truth at the stores and malls and please say Merry Christmas! I continue to thank all of you for your continued hospitality and warmth you are showing me and each other. Please spread the good word of our wonderful parish and it is very nice to see more and more people coming back to worship God. Many of us are still saying how great it is to see our parishioner families returning back. St Louis de Montfort, pray for us! Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us! Have a great week and enjoy life with a great smile! Pray always!
Page 3 Greetings Everyone FROM THE PRINCIPAL S DESK!! This is such a busy time of year for everyone and our school calendar is full of Christmas events. The JOY of Christmas and excitement of the season is everywhere in our school. Our children are enjoying the weekly Advent Prayer Service each Monday at 1:30 where Fr. Stan is giving them an understanding of the Advent Season and the Advent wreath. Everyone is welcome to join us. Under the direction of Mrs. Karen Deegan, students will be performing a Christmas Program in church on Thursday, December 15th at 7:00 PM. All are welcome to attend. Our students are joining in the spirit of giving by collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Treasure Chest. This organization provides toys for children who are undergoing chemotherapy treatments. The Treasure Chest is looing for toys or $5.00 gift cards, but no stuffed animals, please! There is a bin in the school vestibule if you would like to donate to the event. We hope you are joining us this Sunday after the 9:30 mass for the annual Santa Breakfast hosted by our Family School Association (FSA). We promise a delicious breakfast. On Monday, FSA is also hosting the Santa Secret Shop for our students. Parent volunteers are welcome for this event. Next Monday, December 19th, students will attend the Advent School Reconciliation. Classroom Christmas parties are planned for Tuesday, December 20th. As you can see, in addition to daily classroom curriculum and studying, our days are full of spiritual and seasonal activities. Also...Don t forget to get your Raffle Ticket!! Details below. Thank you for your continued support, Mrs. Wilson St. Louis de Montfort Raffle DID YOU GET YOUR RAFFLE TICKET YET? Grand prize ~ Skybox for Blackhawks vs St. Louis Blues at United Center, February 26 Included in the package, valued at $6,800: Skybox tickets for 20 guests ~ 4 Parking Passes Food & beverage for four hours 2nd Prize ~ $1,000 3rd Prize ~ $750.00 4th Prize ~ 500.00 5th & 6th Prize ~ $250.00 With only 300 tickets being sold don t wait to get yours! Makes a great Christmas gift Split the cost with friends or family School families get credit toward fund raising commitment for each ticket they sell Congratulations to Week 13 Winners Kim Parisi $25 & Kathy Petroskeg $25 ***************************************** St. Louis de Montfort FSA FSA collects box tops and labels for education which can be found on many popular food and household products packaging. Please save these labels for our school. They provide a variety of free merchandise, such as playground equipment and arts & crafts supplies. We also receive cash rebates! There is a mailbox located in the church and school vestibule where you can conveniently drop off your labels. We thank you for your help!
Page 4 Join us for our Advent Penance Service on Monday December 12 at 7:00 PM Weekly confessions are heard on Saturdays 4:00 4:30 PM with the exception of Saturday, December 24th, Christmas Eve. Our Christmas Schedule of Services Saturday, December 24th Christmas Eve 3:30 PM Christmas Carols 4:00 PM Mass 0:00 PM Mass Sunday, December 25th Christmas Day Regular Sunday Mass Schedule 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM ATTENTION BINGO LOVERS Our Bingo is taking a hiatus during December, but will be back in January!! Mark your calendars for Sunday January 8th and 22nd! More details will follow. CHECK OUT THE GIVECENTRAL WEBSITE www.givecentral.org Many parishioners are registered and using the this application to make their contributions to the parish. It is easy to register, and a convenient way to keep track of your donations for tax purposes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the parish home during regular business hours! ST. JOHN PAUL II EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ASSOCIATION ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Every Saturday St. Louis de Montfort Chapel 9:00 10:00 AM Please join us Knights of Columbus Council 14553 CHRISTMAS FOR VETS The Knights of Columbus Council 14553 is sponsoring a drive to collect gifts for the military men & women serving our country. A box will be located in the vestibule for you to drop off your donations. Some suggested items include: Socks ~ Underwear ~ Toiletries During the Christmas season it s a nice way to thank them, let them know we are thinking of them and appreciate their sacrifices. Please, always, keep them and their families in your prayers.
Page 5 Dec. 17 5:00PM Dec. 18 7:30 AM Dec. 18 9:30 AM 'Dec. 18 11:30 AM M. Navedo T. Wasik M. Murphy M. Farrell J. Chmielewski M. Kocher D. Widmer D. Ott J. Kocher B. Gilbert J. Mitchell K. Tarczon Extraordinary J. Miller M. Gilbert J. Cepek M. Farrell Ministers of Communion J. Werner L. Gilbert M. Hurley D. Sichelski M. Leffers R. Staros V. Munis C. Gotto C. Sorensen H. Niemiec S. Kozak M. Gal Commenator A. Lieske M. Uryasz C. Karnoski C. Gotto Lector L. Trail M. Gilbert G. Pierzynski J. Hurckes Join us for our Advent Penance Service on Monday December 12 at 7:00 PM Weekly confessions are heard on Saturdays 4:00 4:30 PM with the exception of Saturday, December 24th, Christmas Eve. Our Christmas Schedule of Services REST IN PEACE We pray for our family and friends that have recently died. Please keep them and their families in your prayers. Saturday, December 24th Christmas Eve 3:30 PM Christmas Carols 4:00 PM Mass 10:00 PM Mass Sunday, December 25th Christmas Day Regular Sunday Mass Schedule 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM GIVING TREE This year our giving tree for St. Martin de Porres House of Hope is set up by the Holy Family at the back of church. Although we got a late start with this annual event, we look forward to continuing the tradition of supporting St. Martin de Porres in their efforts to make some less fortunate families enjoy a Merry Christmas. You can take an ornament either from the tree or they can also be found in a basket on the counter in the vestibule. Please bring all gifts and donations not later than Sunday, December 18th. The gifts will be picked up on Wednesday, December 21st. Cash donations are accepted, however we ask that you DO NOT make checks payable to St. Louis de Montfort, please make them payable directly to St. Martin de Porres House of Hope. As always, thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness! We pray for those among us who are suffering from illnesses Jackie Adomovicz Jesse Anderer George Badke Jim Ball Richard Bania Erik Baranowski Irene Baranowski Lillian Berenis Sr. Bernardine Mikey Bevan Joyce Bitinas Jesselyn Brucki Donna Chlebek Diane Chrapkiewicz Pat Chudy Betty Connolly Donna Dong Mary Dragozetic Rita Duchowicz John Furmaniak Sr. Dave Gallagher Sandra Gilbert Lorraine Grams Dorothy Hayden Janis Hayden Mary Hinchey Theresa Iser Marilyn Jones Mary Jane Kirchner Doris Konieczka Daniel Kosiek Kurt Kutschke Joyce Lenzi Josie Maracic Agnes Mark Rita Mazur Mary Ann & Bill Meskowski Rosemary Mihelic Barbara Minster Judy Mitchell Vencia Munis Christopher Murphy Teresa Myczek Michael Nolan Sr. Therese O Donnell Debbie Ornat Kari Raspanti Kelly Robertson Frances Schmidt Joan Schramm Bridget Schroeder Ruth Ann Smith Jim Staros Mercedita Suclan Terry Swierk Jay Tarczon Dorothy Tinman Diane Uryasz Jerry Wantroba II Mary Wantuck Cathy Jo Werner Robert & Carol Zucas
Page 6 Weekly Mass Intentions Saturday, December 10 5:00 PM +Ruth & Harris Kirby Family +Wasik & Stricula Families +Delores Grisko Sunday, December 11, Third Sunday of Advent 7:30 AM +Lorraine Szydolwski +David Fenton & Sons +Edward Niemiec +Vincent Zalapi 9:30 AM +Clem Hojnacki +Jozef Dusza +Deceased Members of Lenzi Family 11:30 AM +Kopulos & Scribano Deceased Family Members +Barbara Conlon +Jerry & Marian Sliwinski Monday, December 12 8:30 AM People of the Parish 7:00 PM Advent Penance Service Tuesday, December 13 8:30 AM People of the Parish Wednesday, December 14 8:30 AM Communion Service Thursday, December 15 8:30 AM People of the Parish Friday, December 16 8:30 AM +Frank Bilo Saturday, December 17 8:30 AM Communion Service 5:00 PM +Fred Werner +Clem Hojnacki +Vera Rostan Family Sunday, December 18, Fourth Sunday of Advent 7:30 AM +Joseph Zalapi +Alice Puriski +Deceased Members of Grillo Family 9:30 AM +Diane & Wolter Skupien +Clem Hojnacki +Leopold & Anna Ciezczak 11:30 AM +Louis & Anna Fanelli +Jozef Podczerwinski +Jozef Boblak We pray for God s blessings on recently Baptized Samuel Elijah Ochoa Son of Andres Ochoa & Cynthia Valdez Weekly Activities at St. Louis Saturday, December 10 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) 9:00 10:00 AM Adoration Sunday, December 11 10:30 AM Breakfast with Santa (QH) Monday, December 12 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) Tuesday, December 13 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM Needle workers (QH) Wednesday, December 14 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Parish Pantry Thursday, December 15 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM School Christmas Program (CH) Friday, December 16 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Parish Pantry Saturday, December 17 9:00 AM Rosary (CH) 9:00 10:00 AM Adoration 11:30 AM 1:00 PM Sandwich Ministry (QH) Sunday, December 18 Sunday Readings for December 11 First reading: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 Second reading: James 5:7-10 Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11 Sunday Readings for December 18 First reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 Second reading: Romans 1:1-7 Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24 WEEKLY OFFERING Week of December 3/4 $5,645.00 Give Central $ 305.00 Baptized by Fr. Paul Stein THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Welcome to St. Louis de Montfort Parish Fr. Stanley Stuglik: Mr. Bill Sullivan: Fr. Mark Canavan: Ms. Jan Podolak: Mrs. Karen Deegan: Pastor Deacon Pastor Emeritus Parish Secretary Director of Music Parish Home: 8808 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn IL Phone: 708-599-5300 Fax: 708-599-2678 Email: parish.office@sldm.org Parish Website: www.sldmparish.org Parish Home Office Hours: 9:00 AM 2:30 PM Monday Friday MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM Weekdays 8:30 AM (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri) 8:30 AM Communion Service (Wed) Saturday 8:30 AM Communion Service Confessions: Saturday 4:00 to 4:30 PM Baptisms: 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month Pre-Baptismal Program: The 1st Tuesday every other month. Arrangements can be made by calling the Rectory. Mrs. Melissa Wilson: School Principal Mrs. Cheryl Plesha: Director of Religious Education School Address: 8840 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn IL School Phone: 708-599-5781 Weddings: Couples should contact the parish priest at least six months in advance of wedding date.
CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Louis De Montfort Church #000448 8808 S. Ridgeland Avenue Oak Lawn, IL 60453 TELEPHONE 708 599-5300 CONTACT PERSON Jan Podolak EMAIL: parish.office@sldmparish.org SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2013 Adobe Acrobat XI Windows 8 TRANSMISSION TIME Wednesday 11:00 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION December 11, 2016 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Please change your records to reflect our new Email address indicated above.