The Epiphany of the Lord

January 2, 2011

SAINT ISAAC JOGUES PARISH 8149 Golf Road ~ Niles, IL 60714 847/967-1060 ~ Fax # 847/967-1070 Website: http://sij-parish.com

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"ONE WITH ALL OF US":

A Reflection on the Wise Men

Why is it we never tire of the "Wise Men"? There is something in their story that is ever fresh and engaging. They appear in Matthew 2:1-12. Described as “astrologers," they were skilled scientifically and no strangers to the "mystic arts." Their quest— to find the “newborn king of the Jews” and “pay him homage” —leads them ironically to Herod. Herod, like a spider, tries to learn as much as he can from them and trap them in his "web" of malice and deception. They continue to follow the Star. It shows the way to where the Holy Child and His Mother are. They present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We know, from sacred scripture, that a dream warned them not to return to Herod. Their journey home follows an indirect route. That is all we are told in the Bible. But the Wise Men live on in legend and oral tradition. They appeal to the imagination and to the heart. In Christmas Inspirations, the late "Servant of God," Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, relates a story I had never heard before— "The Three Ages of the Babe." We have probably noticed that in most Nativity Scenes, the Wise Men are shown as old, middle-aged, and young men. They are also portrayed as racially different. No less an explorer than Marco Polo searched for the source of our common beliefs about the Wise Men. Marco Polo is said to have found a little town that had maintained a devotion to the Wise Men. There, it was commonly held that they were of different ages. From history, Archbishop Sheen changes his focus to a legend. The legend is drawn from the works of W. Gascoyne Cecil. As Cecil describes the arrival of the Wise Men in Bethlehem, each enters the “stable” alone. First, the old man goes in. He finds no infant,

but a wise old man who talks to him. He finds no infant, but a wise old man who talks to him. After their conversation, he leaves. The middle-aged wise man is the next to enter. Much to his surprise, he does not find an infant either. Instead, he meets a teacher his own age. When he leaves, the youthful wise man takes his turn. He too finds no infant, but a prophet his own age. When the young wise man is reunited with the others, they marvel that each has met someone who was a reflection of each of them! Then, gathering up their gifts, all three return to pay homage to the King they have traveled so far to visit. Much to their great amazement this time, they all see the same thing—an infant twelve days old! They present their gifts and prostrate themselves before the infant. What did it all mean? Archbishop Sheen concludes with Gascoyne’s answer: Each separately in Christ the reflection of his own condition. The old man sees the old, the middle- aged the middle-aged, and the young, the young. But when they go all in to gether, they see Christ as He is. We shall find in Christ the answer to all our needs, and in all periods of our life. This is, of course, a true “legend with a lesson.” But is there not something more? Is it a “lesson and a revelation"? Epiphany is the opening or expansion of the fact of the Incarnation. God has become one with us. But is not the point of "The Three Ages of the Babe" to express that even more inclusively? God has, in Christ, be-come ONE WITH ALL OF US"? - Fr. Luczak

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Financial Update

Our collection last Sunday exceeded our budget target by $1,131. This leaves us $4,654 behind our Sunday collection goal for the year.

We wish to express our thanks to all parishioners

who continue to give of their time, talent and treasure in support of the Parish.

Financial Snapshot Third Week of December 2010

Actual Budget Difference Actual Last Yr Difference

Sunday Collection $11,631 $10,500 $1,131 $11,631 $10,042 $1,589 Holy Days $2,384 $2,500 ($116) $2,384 $2,195 $189

Month to Date $35,855 $37,500 ($1,645) $33,486 $33,028 $458

Year to Date $269,746 $274,400 ($4,654) $269,746 $268,116 $1,630

SPIRITUAL LIFE

WELCOME HOME To those who are returning to the practice of their Catholic faith or are considering a return we extend our warm welcome! If there is any way we can be of assistance to you, please contact Deacon Paul Stanton, 847/691-8992, or Dee Stanton, 847/966-1180. EPIPHANY CONCERT Following the Christmas Concert TODAY, which begins at 3 p.m., there will be a reception in the Holy Family Room. You are invited to bring some of your traditional Christmas treats to be enjoyed by others. If you are willing to help serve and clean up at the reception, it will be appreciated. LITURGY BOARD The Liturgy Board will meet on Tuesday, January 4, in Room 6 at 7:30 p.m. We will be discussing the upcoming Jan. 27 Liturgical Ministers’ Gathering and evaluating the Advent/Christmas season. Please contact Julie or Dee if you cannot attend. MISSION TRIP SUPPORT Donations to support Christopher Dexter and the mission trip to New Orleans to rebuild homes still ruined from Hurricane Katrina will be accepted until January 12th. Checks should be made payable to the parish and

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and we will then send one total check. Please send you donations to Dee Stanton at the RE Office. Please pray for Chris and the other students of Loras College who will be working the week of January 22-28. Thank you for your consideration and continued encouragement of our young adults as they serve others. BABY ITEMS FOR THE WOMEN’S CENTER As we approach the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion in our country, St. Isaac Jogues Parish will have a “baby shower” the weekend of January 15-16 in the Holy Family Room. The items collected will be given to The Women’s Center in Chicago. New clothing (newborn to 18 months) – onesies, sleepers, outfits, booties, undershirts, hats, socks; New bedroom/bathroom/hygiene items – diapers (newborn to Size 6), crib sheets & blankets, bottles, baby powder, shampoo & lotion, bath towels, baby bathtubs, receiving blankets and bibs; New and Gently Used Furniture – car seats, strollers, carriers, port-a-cribs. Please note they are not accepting toys at this time. Your generosity will be a blessing and your support will speak of our belief in the holiness of all time.

READINGS FOR DAILY MASS THIS WEEK

Jan. 3: I John 3:22-4:6 and Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Jan. 4: I John 4:7-10 and Mark 6:34-44 Jan. 5: I John 4:11-18 and Mark 6:45-52 Jan. 6: I John 4:19-5:4 and Luke 4:14-22 Jan. 7: I John 5:5-13 and Luke 5:12-16

READINGS FOR THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Psalm 29:14, 9-10 Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38

Matthew 3:13-17

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION RE Classes for Grs. 1-Confirmation Year II resume on Monday, January 3rd. Students should arrive after 6:30 p.m. The RE Kindergarten Class resumes next Sunday, January 9th. *There is a meeting for parents/guardians regarding First Communion preparation on Monday, January 10th, at 6:45 p.m. in the Holy Family Room. At least one adult family member is expected to attend for each child. Home materials and the calendar will be distributed. If you have questions, please call the RE Office, 847/966-1180. BIBLE STUDY The Bible Study group will begin meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 12th, at 9:30 a.m. in Rm. 6 of the school (come in through the Holy Family Room). We will focus on St. Paul’s First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians. Cost for materials is $10. If finances are tight, come anyway! For more information please call the RE Office, 847/966-1180.

WHAT DID JESUS SAY ABOUT ADORATION?

"I Myself am the Living Bread come down from heaven. "

John 6:51 YES! Jesus is really here!

HOLY HOUR THURSDAY EVENINGS 7:00—8:00 p.m.

Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

Lie isn’t tie with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

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HUMAN CONCERNS

Support for Caregivers of Those Living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregivers Support Group, our Alzheimer’s Association-sponsored & Arden Courts co-facilitated program, gathers this Fri., Jan. 7 at 10:30AM in Room 6. Anyone directly or indirectly dealing with one of these illnesses is welcome to attend. For further information, call Larry Meyer at 795-9000 or Pat Kellen at 967-1094.

Safety & Health Board to Meet

The Safety & Health Board meets Tues., Jan. 11 at 7PM in the Holy Family Room. We’ll prepare the next safety checklists for the RE families, discuss progress to date & set goals for the “year.” If you have an interest in our parish’s wellbeing & the areas of health & safety, join us. To learn more, please contact Pat Kellen at 967-1094.

The Still Point

Stress is a fact of life. Although it may spur us on to meet deadlines, etc., it also may contribute to high blood pressure, heart attacks, gastric ulcers, anxiety, short tempers, depression, etc. Though we may never be able to escape stress, we may be able to reduce its negative consequences. This simple ritual I offer of finding your “still point,” “that place of centeredness and calm that contributes to your physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness,” may help you find peace in the midst of the chaos of the day. Its repetition may “provide a welcome break from the pressures of daily life.” + “Pick a word, phrase or short prayer that’s comforting or reassuring…” + “Sit quietly with your back firmly supported and feet comfortably positioned.” + “Close your eyes.” + Recognize any tension in your body. “Intensify the tension, then let it go and relax.” + “Gradually slow and deepen your breathing. As you do, repeat your word, phrase or prayer.” + “If thoughts interrupt, “don’t resist them. Passively observe them and return to the repetition.” + “Whenever you are ready, “slowly open your eyes and savor the restful state a few minutes more.” The ritual is taken from Lutheran General’s The Counseling Center publicity. To achieve maximum benefit from “finding and enjoying your still point,” The Center recommends repeating it once or twice a day “for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.” “When at work or under pressure, practice for one to two minutes as often as needed.”

May peace & calm be your companions throughout 2011! Pat Kellen, Parish Nurse, Advocate Health Care/ St. Isaac Jogues

Ministers of Care Needed

Due to illness & losses within our ranks, more parishioners are needed for the Ministry of Care. It is through the Ministry that homebound parishioners or those confined to area nursing homes or hospitals receive the preparatory training is expected later this winter. To find out more, call Pat Kellen at 967-1094.

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PARISH LIFE

"Giving Tree" thank you from the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

The members of the St. Vincent De Paul Society wish to thank our St Isaac's parishioners for their support of our "Giving Tree" program. Without your financial support, the "Giving Tree" would not be possible. Our program is a way for all of us at St. Isaac's, to show our brothers and sisters at the nursing homes, that we care about them and that we remember them during the Christmas holidays. We believe that our “big gifts” will help improve, in some way, the quality of life for many of the nursing home residents throughout the year.

The funds you provided, allowed us to donate the following: to the Niles Nursing Home residents we gave a 50" Flat screen TV and large print Reader's Digest reading materials; to the Glenbridge Nursing Home we provided two 42" flat panel HDTV's; the residents at the Golfview Developmental Center also received a year's supply of popcorn and also a supply of CD's and DVD's. All 600 residents of the three nursing homes also each received a mylar Christmas balloon.

We also wish to thank all the many volunteers from our parish who helped us spread the Christmas cheer, the music and their singing of the Christmas carols, as well as helping with the distributing of the small individual gifts. This year we had the largest numbers of volunteers in recent memory. Thank you and God bless you all.

We also wish to thank Lisa Hall our music director and Betsy Garcia for donating their time and wonderful music talent.

Peace be with you all,

The St. Vincent De Paul Society

EPIPHANY Solemn things of mystic meaning: Incense doth the God disclose; Gold a royal Child proclaimeth; Myrrh a future tomb foreshows. Roman Breviary, Epiphany; Prudeutius, fourth century

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Sharing the "Oplatek" (Christmas Wafer)

We invite ALL of you

to partake of a beloved Polish tradition of the sharing of the "oplatek,"

singing of Christmas Carols in Polish and English, and partaking of delicious Polish foods.

There will be an explanation of this Polish tradition before the sharing of the "oplatek."

Sunday, January 9, 2011

1:00 P.M. Holy Family Room

Come one and all

to spend a special afternoon as the Christmas Season draws to a close.

It will be a special afternoon.

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Stars of Glory The music ministry of St. Isaac Jogues, under the direction of Lisa Hall and joined by guest violinist Linda Veleckis, will present a concert of holiday music on Sunday, January 2 at 3:00 p.m. in the church. Our adult choir, youth choir and cantor ensemble will provide you with an

entertaining and joyous afternoon of music and laughter. After the rush of preparations, sit back and let the peace of the Christmas season and its music surround you.

St. Francis of Assisi is credited for arranging the first manger scene. A STORY: Francis died on the island of Sancian, a hundred miles southwest of Hong Kong. In his final

sickness he had to be removed from the ship because the Portuguese sailors feared that kindness to him would offend their master. They were forced to leave him on the sands of the shore, exposed to a bitter wind, but a Portuguese merchant led him into a ramshackle hut. He prayed continually, between spasms of delirium and the doubtful therapy of bleeding. He grew weaker and weaker. “I (Anthony, his friend) could see that he was dying, and put a lighted candle in his hand. Then, with the name of Jesus on his lips, he gave his spirit to his Creator.

Human Concerns

Struggling with feelings about pregnancy? We can help. We respect your confidence.

Call HOPELINE (847) 823-4673

www.hopeline.wordpress.com

EPIPHANY MEAL GRACE

Leader: From the East came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord, Opening their treasures, they offered precious gifts: All: Gold to the great King, incense to the true God, and myrrh as symbol Of his burial. Leader: Mighty God, you made manifest the mystery of your Word made flesh with the witness of a blazing star. And seeing it, the Magi came from afar and offered you gifts. Grant that the star of your holiness may shine forever within our hearts, and that we may find our treasure in offering you our praise and thanksgiving at this meal and our service and love every day of our lives. We pray in the name of Jesus the Lord. AMEN.

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ST. JOSEPH TABLE MEETING

The St. Joseph Table Planning Committee will meet on Thursday, January 6th, at 7 p.m. in the Holy Family Room. Our time will include a celebration of Little Christmas! Please call Dee at 847/966-1180 if you cannot attend.

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES

Sunday: The Epiphany of the Lord; National Migration Week Monday: Most Holy Name of Jesus Tuesday: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Wednesday: St. John Neumann Thursday: Blessed Andre Bessette Friday: St. Raymond of Peniafort; First Friday; Julian Calendar Christmas

The Epiphany of the Lord

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

We believe that Jesus is the Light of the World. To say this about Jesus is to say something about ourselves. Christ’s light is meant to illuminate every corner of the earth and gather all people together. Today’s scriptures reveal what that means.

In the Gospel story of the magi from the East we see Jesus, even as an infant, gathering people of different religions and races to his light. The magi bring the child their finest gifts and tell others of the light that they have seen. The reading from Ephesians reminds us that all Christians are “members of the same body, and copartners” in divine life. There ought not to be divisions among us: all should gather together under the light of Christ. Finally, Isaiah paints a picture of what the people of God, the church, should look like. We are to reflect the Light of the World so that all nations can walk by Christ’s light and rulers by his shining radiance. When we do, all people will be gathered to Christ, bearing their finest gifts and “proclaiming the praises of the LORD.”

GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, AND MYRRH

The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh portend the manner in which Jesus’ light is to spread to the whole world. Myrrh, a perfume used for burial, foreshadows his death. Gold is a gift for royalty, and frankincense signifies holiness. Together they indicate that, through his suffering and death, Jesus will become both the afflicted King, in whose service we are to offer our gifts to the afflicted, and the eternal Priest, whose sacrifice we are to make known as the source of light uniting Christians and all humanity.

By our unity, our lives, and our witness, we are to reveal that Jesus Christ is indeed the Light of the World.

PARISH FAREWELL TO PAT KELLEN

After all Masses the weekend of January 15-16, in the Holy Family Room, we will have an opportunity to thank and wish well our Parish Nurse of 17 years, Pat Kellen. Refreshments will be served. Should you want to gift Pat as part of your good wishes, donations to our parish St. Vincent DePaul Society or to the Advocate Charitable Foundation (for the Parish Nurse Ministry) would be appreciated. The address for the Advocate Charitable Foundation is 205 W. Touhy Avenue, Suite 225, Park Ridge,

Sunday, January 2 7:30 am For the Living & Deceased Members of St. Isaac Jogues & their Families; Terry Dyja 9:00 am Giovanni Lazzara 10:30 am Marti Diflavio 12:00 pm Berneice Maloy Monday, January 3 8:00 am Purgatorial Society; Manus Boyle Tuesday, January 4 8:00 am Mitchell Sawicki Wednesday, January 5 8:00 am Esther Ranola Thursday, January 6 8:00 am Gladys Lawson Friday, January 7 8:00 am Helen Polinski Saturday, January 8 8:00 am Communion Service—No Intentions 5:00 pm Elekkattu Family Sunday, January 9 7:30 am Anthony J. Angello 9:00 am For the Living & Deceased Members of St. Isaac Jogues & their Families; Dr. Gary Melnick 10:30 am Eduardo Rodriguez & Serafin Rodriguez 12:00 pm James Conard

Reconciliation Fr. Mc Glynn

They opened their treasures

and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

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Liturgies next weekend January 8—9

Presider 5:00 pm Fr. Stagaman 7:30 am Fr. Kennedy 9:00 am Fr. Luczak/Deacon Paul 10:30 am Fr Janas 12:00 pm Fr. McGlynn

Altar Servers

5:00 pm Matthew Magno, Kniazuk, Jeremiah Aujero 7:30 am Rene Dumayas, Alexandra Wais, Christopher Wais 9:00 am Anya Piska, Joanne Areno, Elizabeth Stanton 10:30 am Paul Jaroslawski, Pamela Lerias, Alena Joseph 12:00 pm Thomas Striblen, Adam Ratner, Mark Malitz Sacristy Committee

Arlene Turek

Relatives & Friends Please remember the sick and hospitalized:

Bob Arns, Shirley Arns, John Arns, Jr., Linda Bennett, Shawn Bong, Dolores Chmielewski, Nona Kennedy Cooper, Mary Cornwell, Ed D’Souza, Norbert Florek, Edward Gaske, Ann Gorz, Janis Kelly, Patricia King,

Shirley Klein, Maria Ladd, Eleanor Lutz, Gailmarie Mattison, Laura Maya, Lillian McCloud, Marilyn Michaels, Efren Miranda, Mariel Mentink,

Susan Nowak, Rudolph Pikula, Tammy Heffernan Propst, Marianna Romanek,

Gerry Sanariz, Linda Bong Sanchez, Paul Sitkowski, Clariza St. George, John Terzakis, Pat Terzakis,

Alec Upshaw, Megan Zimniewicz Upshaw, Chuck Watson, Marie Wenderski, Mary Zimniewicz, Elaine Zourkas

REST IN PEACE

Erna Semmling,

sister of Helma Drag

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PASTOR: Rev. Andrew Luczak ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Rev. Camillus Janas, O.F.M PASTORAL STAFF: Deacon Bob Kerls, Parish Business Administrator Mrs. Dolores Stanton, Director of Religious Education Mrs. Patricia Kellen, Parish Nurse Ms. Lisa Hall, Music Director DEACON COMMUNITY: Deacon & Mrs. Robert C. O’Keefe Deacon Rod Ranola Deacon & Mrs. Paul M. Stanton WEEKEND LITURGY PRESIDERS: Rev. Ron Kalas Rev. Bernard Kennedy, O.F.M. Rev. Philip McGlynn, O.S.M. Rev. David Stagaman, S.J. Eucharistic Celebrations: Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, & 12:00 Noon Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM & 5:00 PM Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday, 11:00 - 12:00 Noon or anytime by request.

Sacrament of Matrimony: Must be registered for six months prior to setting the wedding date with an addi-tional six months for necessary preparation. Note: The following wedding times can be scheduled: Friday at 5:00 p.m.; Saturday at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.; Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (Ceremony only) Sacrament of Baptism: Second and fourth Sunday of each month at 1:30 PM. Baptism Preparation Session must be completed before Baptism. Contact the Parish Office as soon as possible for details. Parish Office Website: http://sij-parish.com E-mail: office@sij-parish.com 8149 Golf Road, Niles, IL. 60714. . . . . . . 967-1060 Mrs. Janet Piovosi (Parish Secretary) Mrs. Emilie Casacchia (Data Processor) Mrs. Marlene Garber (Data Processor) Mrs. Jane Piper (Bulletin Editor) Religious Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 966-1180 Staff Secretary Parish Nurse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 967-1094 Music Ministry. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 967-1091 Parish Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 965-1091 Ministry Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 965-6911 Parish School: St. John Brebeuf School. . . . . . . . . 966-3266 Principal: Mrs. Margaret Whitman

ADDING NAMES TO THE PARISH SICK LIST It has always been the policy of St. Isaac Jogues to offer our parish community an opportunity to pray for those parish-ioners who are ill and in need of our prayers. We have tried to keep close track of these names for our Bulletin as they are made available to us. However, now we face an important privacy issue, very much like the issues faced by hospitals, health institutions, and certainly by other parishes. We cannot (by law) publicly let our parish community know the health status of any of our members without their permission. We appreciate the fact that often friends, neighbors, and acquaintances wish to do something special for a person who is ill, and ask to place their name on the list to be prayed for. While their intentions are surely good, we simply can no longer accept names in this manner. We will institute a new process regarding calling in names for the Bulletin list. Names for the sick list placed in the Bulletin have to be called in by the person who is ill, or by a member of their family. At the time they call in the name, they will be asked whether they are the sick person him/ herself, or a member of their family, and if they give permission for the name to be placed on the list. They will be asked for the cor-rect spelling of the sick person's name. If a family member, they will be required to give their name for our records. Thank you for your patience regarding this new process. We wish to do all we can to offer our parish community the opportunity to offer prayers for those who are ill — but we must also be cognizant of the fact that all members of our con-gregation are entitled to their privacy in this regard.

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS ST. ISAAC JOGUES #512032 8149 Golf Road Niles, IL 60714 TELEPHONE 847 967-1060 CONTACT PERSON Jane/Janet SOFTWARE MS Publisher 2003 Adobe Acrobat 8.0 Windows XP Professional PRINTER Canon IR 3035 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 12 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION January 2, 2011 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS THANK YOU!