Our Lady of the Woods Parish

10731 West 131st Street Orland Park, IL 60462-8308 (708) 361– 4754

Fax (708) 361-5965 parishoffice@ourladyo hewoods.org

web site—www.ourladyo hewoods.org Religious Educa on Office

Mission Statement Under the protec on of the Mother of God, we

are a faith community called by the Father, energized by the Son, and moved by the Spirit to

unite in witnessing and proclaiming the Good News.

We share in friendship, gather in worship, and do proclaim our desire to minister, welcome,

celebrate and extend His Kingdom.

December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent

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Dear Parishioners, This Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent) is often referred to as Gaudete Sunday from the Latin word for “rejoice”. In the tradition of the church, we should be filled with joyful anticipation of the Coming of the Lord. This is why the Advent wreath candle is usually pink. It is a reminder that the Lord is near.

It is so important for us to have this joy. If we are struggling, this joy does not remove our struggles but reminds us of the truth that God is near us, even in our struggles. Earlier in the week I watched the little First Graders prepare their own rendition of the Christmas story. For them it is exciting and new and so it should be for us. As Pope Francis recently said, “…joy is not expressed in the same way at all times in life, especially in moments of great difficulty. Joy adapts and changes but it always endures, even as a flicker of light born of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved. No one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord.” This time of the year is normally one of my favorites but I also remember Christmas seasons in my own life when they were not filled with joy, as I imagine you also do. I look back with some gratitude for those years because they remind me of my blessings and hopefully make me more compassionate to those families and individuals for which this season brings home a deeper pain or a sense of absence. This Sunday, however, invites all of us to rejoice. The Lord is near! When this season is stripped of all the extras, we still have the presence of Christ. His love is with us, even in struggle. For this, we can have gratitude and say Thank You. One of the joys I have as Pastor is seeing the many ways that people give so generously of themselves. Christ is present in our actions of love. Thank you for all that you do for the building up of this community. On this Gaudete Sunday, I invite each of us to reflect on the blessings that we have received and that we so easily overlook. I also remind parishioners that special opportunities are given to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week. In addition to our regular Saturday confession times, we are hearing confessions on Tuesday evening, December 19th at 7:00 pm. We will have five priests available including two who speak Polish. In Christ,

Father Mike

P.S. Just a reminder that the Solemnity of Mary, celebrated on January 1st is not a Holy Day of Obligation because it falls on a Monday. Masses for December 31st will be at 8:00; 9:30; and 11:00. There will be no 6:00 PM Mass.

REV. MICHAEL G. FOLEY, PASTOR REV. ANDREW M. WAWRZYN, ASSOCIATE PASTOR

REV. WILLIAM J. FINNEGAN, PASTOR EMERITUS MOST REV. JOHN R. GORMAN, RESIDENT Deacon John J. and Terry Macarol

MIKE CALLAHAN MICHELLE HILLIARD JOHN MAIER Pastoral Minister Coordinator of Pastoral Care Director of Liturgy SHELLY STANKO COLLEEN WALERY LAURIE LYONS Business/Office Manager Director of Religious Education R.E.P. Parish Outreach DOREEN DAWSON/KIM DUDA NANCY SCHOENBERG CHRISTINE COLLINS REP Secretaries Director of Music Ministry Youth Minister BRIAN ZIELINSKI NEIL BORGSTROM RON POTEMPA Athletic Coordinator Accompanist Director of Building and Grounds WEEKEND MASSES: BAPTISMS: Sunday at 12:30 PM. Arrangements must Saturday — 8:30 AM, 5:00 PM be made in advance at the Parish Office. Sunday — 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM MARRIAGES: Arrangements should be made at the WEEKDAY MASSES: 6:30 AM & 8:30 AM Parish Office six months in advance. Pre-Cana required. CONFESSIONS: Saturdays at 9:00-9:30 AM REGISTRATION IN THE PARISH: Newcomers are and after 5:00 PM Mass welcome to the Parish and are requested to register at office

PARISH BOUNDARIES: East 80th Ave., (west side), North Rte. 83 (south side), West Bell Rd. (east side) to 123rd Street to Parker Road (east side), South 135th Street (nor th side)

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OUR LADY OF THE WOODS

WEEKLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2017 Masses – 8:00AM, 9:30AM, 11:00AM, & 6:00PM Hospitality after morning masses Children of the Lord—9:30AM Christmas Pageant during 9:30AM Mass Tree Lighting Ceremony after 6:00PM Mass MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017 Mass –6:30AM & 8:30AM Scripture Study – 9:00AM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2017 Mass – 6:30AM & 8:30AM Women’s CRHP Meeting– 6:30PM Men’s CRHP Meeting—7:00PM Queen of Clergy Mtg--7:00PM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017 Mass – 6:30AM & 8:30AM Our Lady of Fatima Mtg—9:00AM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 Mass – 6:30AM & 8:30AM Real Presence – 9:15AM St. Vincent de Paul Mtg—7:00PM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 Mass – 6:30AM & 8:30AM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2017 Mass – 8:30AM & 5:00PM Smart Recovery Mtg—3:00PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 Masses – 8:00AM, 9:30AM, 11:00AM Christmas Eve Masses—4:00PM, 5:30PM & 12:00AM

Please join us every morning at 7:50 in

Church to say the Rosary. Please stay after Mass for the

Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.

Every Friday after 8:30

Mass a Holy Hour for the Sacred Heart of Jesus with Benediction is hosted. Please feel free to join us.

Cherub Choir: Ages 4-7

Rehearsals for Christmas Eve Mass will be held on December 17th from

8:45 a.m. until 9:15 a.m. We will gather in Rm. 207 (down the hall from the church office).

The Cherub Choir will be singing for the 5:30 p.m. Mass on

Christmas Eve.

Children’s Choir: Ages 8-13

Rehearsals for Christmas Eve Mass will be held in Church on

December 20th from 6:00 p.m. until 6:45 p.m.

The Children’s Choir will be singing for the 5:30 p.m. Mass on

Christmas Eve.

Contact Mrs. Nancy Schoenberg with questions @

nschoenberg@ourladyofthewoods.org or at 708-361-4754

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Holiday Altar Servers for Christmas Masses

If you are unable to serve or have gotten a replacement, please let John Maier

know. TBA = if anyone is interested

Christmas Eve 4:00pm—Claire George, Grace George,

Paul Arquilla

5:30pm—Nate Yep, TBA

12:00 Midnight—Matt Duda, John Duda, Kevin Walsh

**Joe Potempa John Waliczek,

Christmas Day 8:00am—Augustine Wilson,

Miles Wilson, Jackson Fornek

9:30am— Gia Perme, Zack Zumerchik, Dan Pytel, Thomas Pytel,

11:00am—Deborah Crueger, Jack Crueger,

Sophia Oceguera

January 1, 2018— New Year’s Day

9:30am—Isabelle Thomas, Veronica Thomas, Kevin Walsh

Children of the Lord:

4-5 year olds Sundays during

9:30 Mass

Monday: Grades 1-4, 4:30-6

PM Grades 5-8, 6:30-8

PM

Wednesday: Grades 1-5, 4:30-6

PM Grades 6-8, 6:30-8

PM

December 17*

January 7 21 28

February 4 18 25

March 4 11 18

25**

April 8 15 22 29

May 6

*December 17: Advent Pageant

**March 25: Palm Sunday Procession

January 8 22 29

February 5 12 26

March 5** 12 19

January 10 24 31

February 7 21 28

March 7** 14 21

**March 5th, 6th and 7th are the next Family Formation Sessions. Attendance will be taken.

Families must attend one of these sessions during our Parish Mission.

PLEASE REPORT

ABSENCES BY CALLING

(708) 361-9435

Ash Wednesday, February 14

REP will sponsor a Children’s

Liturgy at 5:00 PM

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Reconciliation Tuesday, December 19th

7:00 p.m.

Masses Christmas Eve

4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. & Midnight

Christmas Day 8:00a.m., 9:30a.m. & 11:00a.m.

December 31st

NO 6:00 p.m. Mass

January 1st 9:30 a.m.

Calling all shoppers!!!

The Our Lady of the Woods Manna Gift Certificate Program offers many

options to meet all of your gift certificate needs! We offer gift certificates from over 150 locations with different monetary amounts available.

This program is a fundraiser for our Parish and a portion of the profit will benefit the Parish and its Ministries.

Certificates can be purchased in the Parish Office during regular business hours. Please stop in the Office to see a list of the

certificates we have to offer. If we do not have what you need, we can place an order for you.

Thank you for your continued support of Our Lady of the Woods!

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OPLATKI

CHRISTMAS WAFERS

Christmas Eve always has

occupied a special place for those of Polish and Eastern European heritage. Probably more than any other set of

customs, the tradition of the Oplatki wafers has continued to

strengthen a sense of religious and national identities. The Oplatki are large

rectangular wafers embossed with figures of the Christ Child or other

nativity scenes. Each member of the family shares a part of their wafer with

those at the dinner table and wishes them a Blessed Christmas and New Year.

Oplatki are available on the table by the

St. Joseph Shrine.

Calling all “Hallelujah” people It is a tradition at Our Lady of the Woods

to end Midnight Mass with the “Hallelujah Chorus”

You are invited to join us. Bring your own music, or we will supply it.

Come to the choir area at the end of Mass. We look forward to sing with you at this

holy and blessed time. Merry Christmas!!!

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If your family or someone close to you is in need, please contact us at (708) 606-5360. A representative

will return your call as soon as

possible to arrange a confidential

conversation. Confidentiality and compassion are

the cornerstones of our Ministry.

Let us Pray Please join Our Lady of the Woods Parish as we

continue to pray for those who have or are serving in the military. We pray for those who protect our country, for

their safety, and well-being, especially,

Adam Rodrigues Captain John Brooker CPL John P. Cherry

Private Louis Piccione CPL Brandon D. Gabry

LCPL Steve Olson Lt. John Spannuth

Sgt. David A. Delach Colonel Jim Wall

Brian Allen Bryan Lampinen

Sgt. John P. Micham Seaman Brandon

Baceluk Sgt. Jesus M. Flores

Lt.. Benjamin Feithen Sean Girouard

Peter Michael Czerwien, Navy Robert Owens Larry Stolinski

Captain Tom Buller Sgt. Greg Danko

Mario Danko PFC Tim Radcliffe

Sgt. David Darwent Gavril Robert Micham Danielle Batton

CPT Bryan Girouard SPC Matthew E. Lodwich

CSM Joseph Cistaro PFC Rebecca Buhs

Major Nicholas Kamon LJG Christa Kamon SPC Dylan Conover

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2017 8:30AM—Gerald Dalton, Scout Farley 5:00PM—Nelson & Studin Families, Lorraine

Sullivan, Willard Sullivan, Bill Sullivan SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2017

8:00AM—People of Our Lady of the Woods, Brian Kloos 9:30AM—Lourdes de Leon, Jack Walsh 11:00AM— Rudy Chromsky, Bea Chromsky 6:00PM— Jerome Conetsco, Chriss & Paddy Cronin

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017 6:30AM—Kevin O’Malley

8:30AM—Betty Farrell, Adolfo Grabador TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2017 6:30AM—Elaine Bianco

8:30AM—Clairmont Ruff, Gene Lenc WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017 6:30AM—John Cunningham

8:30AM—Staff Sgt. Halex Hale, Marko & Agnes Ratkovich THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 6:30AM—Don King 8:30AM—John Spannuth FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017 6:30AM—Joan Yerkes

8:30AM—John C. Barrett SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2017

8:30AM—James Johnston, Larry Kucharski 5:00PM—Joe Wych, Sofie Grace Shields

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 4th Sunday of Advent

8:00AM—People of Our Lady of the Woods, Carmell &Joseph Fishella 9:30AM—Mary M. Howard, Barbara Kotas 11:00AM—Felix Ramirez, Jr. Christmas Eve 4:00PM— Robert Frisbie, Belva L.Barrett 5:30PM—Deceased members of the De Lasso &

Trotta Families MIDNIGHT—Florence Potempa, Helen Wych

Please see the sign-up sheets located in the Gathering Space for the

December 23/24 Advent Liturgies

and for the Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve

and New Year’s Day Masses

LECTORS

Please see sign-up sheets located in the Gathering Space for both the Last Weekend of

Advent and for Christmas and New Year’s Masses.

USHERS — MONTH OF DECEMBER 5:00 PM—Marty Strubin, Jose Villarete, Kevin O’Boye, Len Walejeski 8:00 AM—Norman Hansen, Dan Stanley, Dominic Tocci, Ken Krausz 9:30 AM—George Pracz, Dirk Swiderek, Carol Ziegler, Rosario Bongiovanni, John Ziegler 11:00 AM—Ray Ascencio, John Schultz 6:00 PM—George Griffin, Diane Banchak

Weekend of December 10, 2017

God Bless All for your continued generosity to our Parish.

Actual Budget Difference

Week $23,081 $22,200 $881

Year $505,036 $532,800 ($27,765)

Dec. 23/24 Last Sunday in Advent Masses 5:00PM—Claire George, Grace George

8:00AM—Maia Loureiro, Brian Treacy 9:30AM—Julia Kotas, Petra Kotas Michael Ocequera 11:00AM—Victoria DalPonte Rowan Krammer, Kevin Walsh NOTE: Chr istmas Eve, Chr istmas Day

and New Year’s Day Altar Server Schedules can be found on page 4 of this bulletin

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We Welcome to the Family of God: Evan Peter Albert James Matthew Doyle

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY Our Ministry Team is here to help you

during this difficult time: Michelle Hilliard—708-361-4754

“Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Matthew 5:4

“Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord.”

Our Deceased:

Evelyn Kozlowski Charles Luebben Rodney Boucek

Those needing good health: We wish you comfort and peace Alice Paciga, Ellen Schutzius, Erin Carr-Mott, Jeff Hargarten, Bill Durante, Andrew Schutzius, Bill Owens, Joseph Butkus, Teresa Cender, Rosemarie Noga, Helen Evertowski, Kenneth Vanek, Rosalie Spalla, Nancy Grasso, Anne Shanahan, Vicki Wiley, Erin Wiley, Veronica Cullen, Natalie Costa, Holly Fedor, Claire Cichon, Helen Stringham, Evelyn Lopezalles, Joey Oberholzer, Carmen Pinto, Leianna Tanedo, Rosemary Byerly, Carol Rydberg, Linda Curtin, Joseph Saele

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — As a garden makes its growth spring up, so will GOD make justice spring up before all the na-tions (Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11). Psalm — My soul rejoices in my God (Luke 1:46-50, 53-54). Second Reading — Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24). Gospel — I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord (John 1:6-8, 19-28). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, Interna-tional Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29;

Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Third Sunday of Advent Thursday: St. Peter Canisius; Winter begins Saturday: St. John of Kanty

WE WELCOME TO OUR PARISH COMMUNITY: Judith Brougham Robert & Cathleen Devoy & children Ella & Matthew Jesus & Elida Hare & their children Naomi & Natalie Anthony & Taylor Tornatore & their son Anthony Tim & Audrey Kraft

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512074 Our Lady of the Woods Church 10731 W 131st Street Orland Park, IL 60462-8308 708-361-4754 Contact: Shelly or Laurie olwparish@aol.com Software Using: Win 7.0 Publisher 2007 Adobe Acrobat 9 Transmission Day/Time: Tuesdays, 11 am Bulletin for Sunday, December 17, 2017 Special Instructions: