Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 3, 2019

St. Alexander Parish Administration Directory

Parish Administrative Center 7025 W. 126th St. Palos Heights, IL 60463

Phone: 708-448-4861 Fax: 708-448-0039

Pastor: …………………….. Rev. Martin Michniewicz ext. 227

Associate Pastor: ……………… Rev. Patrick O’Neill ext. 223

Deacons: ……………………………. Jim Horton, Tim Keating

Director Parish Home & Health Ministry: Jim Horton ext. 232

Accounting Department Director: ….. Paula Somers ext. 233

Director of Music: …………………. Matthew Berardi ext. 224

Parish Center & Parish Athletic Director: ……………………………………… Cathy Sullivan - 361-2626 Teen Coordinator: ………………… Sharon Ayres - 448-6624

Counseling Center: ………………………… 448-4861 ext.310

Director: .…………. Sr. Claire Marie Czerwiec, SSND, LCPC

Parish E-Mail: ………………………. alchurch1@comcast.net

St. Alexander School 126th St. and 71st Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463

Phone: 708-448-0408 Fax: 708-448-5947

Principal: ………………………………………...……... Cathy Biel

Assistant Principal: …………………...……… Mary Dombrowski

Administrative Assistants: Mary Ann Pellicore & Renee Chavez

School Web: …………………....... www.stalexanderschool.com

School E-Mail: ……………........... info@stalexanderschool.com

Religious Education Office 126th St. and 71st Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463

Phone: 708-448-6624

Coordinator of Religious Education: ……………… Nancy Cook Religious Ed. E-Mail: …………………... nmcooker@gmail.com

St. Alexander’s on the Web ………. www.stalexanderpalos.org

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Spreading the Holy Fire Celebrating Christ Risen from the Dead through the 7 Sacraments

MATRIMONY Celebration of God’s Blessings on the Loving Union

between Man and Woman Please call the Parish Administration Center at least 4 months in advance of your wedding. Pre-Cana for engaged couples is required by the Archdiocese Matrimony Contact: Fr. Martin Michniewicz & Fr. Patrick O’Neill 448-4861

Sacraments of Initiation

Sacraments of Commitment

BAPTISM Celebration of Entrance into Christ’s Church

You must be a registered parishioner in this parish.

At least one Godparent must be a practicing Catholic. The other must be a Christian.

Parents must register for a class on Baptism BEFORE your baby is baptized. Archdiocesan required classes are held once a month, usually on the 1st Monday of the month, and facili-tated by trained parishioners. Baptism contact Joan DeVito 448-4861 ext. 237

RCIA Celebration of the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults This process is for adults who would like to join the Roman Catholic Church and have never been Baptized, or were Baptized in another Christian denomination. There is also a process for children (RCIC) and teens (RCIT). RCIA/RCIC/RCIT contact - Deacon Jim Horton 448-4861 & Deacon Tim Keating 448-6624

Sacraments of Healing

RECONCILIATION Celebration of God’s Forgiveness

through Personal Confession

Saturday Morning: 8:30 - 9:00 AM

Saturday Evening: after the 5:00 PM Mass

Other Times by Appointment

ANOINTING OF THE SICK Celebration of God’s Restorative Love & Forgiveness

Sacrament offers strength to the living. If someone becomes seriously ill, please call the Parish Administrative Center. Ministers of Care are available to bring Holy Communion and/or visit with the sick and homebound. Also every 1st Saturday - 6:00 - 7:00 PM in church

HOLY ORDERS Celebration of Ordained Service to the Church

The three offices of the Sacrament of Holy Orders are bishop, priest and deacon. All three are conferred by the sacramental act called “ordination.” Priesthood Contact - Fr. Michniewicz 448-4861 ext 227 Archdiocese of Chicago Vocation Director: Fr. Brian Welter - 312-534-8298

CONFIRMATION Celebration of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

This Sacrament is normally celebrated in 8th Grade and is a 2 year program of preparation.

Confirmation Contacts: Nancy Cook - Religious Education 448-6624 Cathy Biel - School 448-0408 The Archdiocese also offers classes for adults wishing to receive Confirmation. Adult Confirmation Contact - Deacon Tim Keating & Deacon Jim Horton 448-4861

Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass)

Sunday Vigil: 5:00 PM (Saturday)

Sunday: 7:00, 9:00, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon &

6:00 PM (Life Teen Youth Mass)

Monday through Friday: 6:30 & 8:45 AM

Saturday Morning: 8:00 AM

Holy Day Vigil: 7:00 PM

Holy Day: 6:30, 8:45 AM & 7:00 PM

EUCHARIST Celebration of Sharing Fully at Christ’s Altar of Sacrifice & Communion with Jesus and His Church

Eucharistic Adoration Thursday before the 1st Friday

9:15 AM - 7:00 PM Benediction

Evening of Prayer and Adoration

On the 1st Saturday 4:30 PM - Rosary 5:00 PM - Mass

6:00 PM - Prayers for Healing

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SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

In his hometown synagogue, Jesus neighbors are amazed by his words. Nevertheless, they remind each other, Is this not Joseph ’s son?

Surely the people know who he is. The carpenter ’s son. The young man who had learned in this very synagogue. The boy down the street.

Conflict arises as Jesus begins to define himself in a new way. When he compares himself to the ancient prophets Elijah and Elisha the tensions grow. The tensions multiply when Jesus begins to tell of a new mission for God ’s people: the good news of the scriptures is intended for all.

In his famous passage from the First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us of the eternal nature of love. Love does not come to an end. In today ’s readings, we are reminded that, like love, Jesus mis-sion cannot be contained. Jesus slips through the crowd of persecutors and moves on to new challeng-es. We are called to this same perseverance in the name of love.

Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

Today’s Readings: Jer 1:4-5, 17-19; Ps 71:1-6, 15, 17; 1 Cor 12:31 -- 13:13 [13:4-13];

Lk 4:21-30

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

February 4-10, 2019

Monday: Monday: Heb 11:32-40; Ps 31:20-24; Mk 5:1-20 Tuesday: Heb 12:1-4; Ps 22:26b-28, 30-32; Mk 5:21-43 Wednesday: Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Ps 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a; Mk 6:1-6 Thursday: Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Ps 48:2-4, 9-11; Mk 6:7-13 Friday: Heb 13:1-8; Ps 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9; Mk 6:14-29 Saturday: Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Ps 23:1-6; Mk 6:30-34 Sunday: Is 6:1-2a, 3-8; Ps 138:1-5, 7-8; 1 Cor 15:1-11 [3-8, 11]; Lk 5:1-11

We ask you to remember and pray for the souls of the faithful departed. May they forever rest in the Lord’s peace. We especially pray for:

World Day for Consecrated Life will be celebrated in the Church on Saturday, February 2, 2019 and in parishes on the weekend of February 2-3, 2019. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they con-tinue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation.

Prayers of the Faithful for the Sick

As the faith family of St. Alexander, we unite with one another to pray for those who

need healing of their body, mind or spirit. Confident that God hears the voices of those who trust in the Lord Jesus, we join in prayer for:

If you or anyone in your family would like to be added to our Prayers of the Faithful for the Sick please contact the Parish Administrative Office at 708-448-4861.

WORD OF LIFE

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.”

—(Jeremiah 1:5)

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$20 RAFFLE TICKET GRAND PRIZE $5,000

1ST PRIZE $2,500

2ND PRIZE $ 500

$50 RAFFLE TICKET GRAND PRIZE $15,000

1ST PRIZE $ 7,500

2ND PRIZE $ 1,500

ANNUAL AFC/NFC PARTY ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS!

Thanks to all who supported and/or attended the 21st Annual Athletic Association’s

AFC/NFC Party. We especially thank all the volunteers who come back year after year to help. We couldn’t have done it without all of you!

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Many of you may take advantage of the conven-ience of electronic giving to our parish and we are grateful for that. For those of you who have yet to join us in giving online, we strongly encourage you to do so. Here’s why:

Faith Direct enables parishioners to make your Church contributions through either direct debit from your checking/savings account or through your credit/debit card. No more writing checks or searching for envelopes on the way out the door. Now you can apply the convenience of direct debit to your parish offerings in much the same way as you may now use it to make your mortgage, car or tuition payments.

Faith Direct also offers you personalized offertory cards to replace your envelopes for the collection basket. To cancel your monthly envelopes, please notify the parish office at 708-448-4861. This is not done automatically when signing up for electronic giving.

Please visit www.faithdirect.net to enroll secure-ly online. Or, download the Faith Direct app onto your smartphone. Our parish code is IL910.

ST. ALEXANDER PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR

St. Alexander Preschool provides an academic experience aligned with The Office of Catholic Schools Early Childhood Development. The preschool environment promotes a child’s growth intellectually, spiritually, physically and socially. The curriculum of the program consists of language, reading readiness skills, math awareness, awareness of God and Christian values, art and music movement, exploration skills, creative play, fine and gross motor skills.

Full Day Option (4-Year Olds)

8:00am-2:40pm

Two, three, four, and five day options are available for full and half day students. Extended Day Programs are available for before and after school care.

Children must be 3 or 4 years of age by September 1, 2019 to register. Call Mrs. Martino with questions at 708-448-0408 or visit www.stalexanderschool.com.

Half Day Options (3 & 4 Year Olds)

Morning class meets 8:00-11:00am Afternoon class meets 11:40am-2:40pm

February is Teen Dating Violence

Awareness Month

There is a lot you can do as a parent to prevent teen dating violence and abuse. About 1 in 10 teens who have been on a date have also been physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year. One of the most important things you can do is keep the lines of communication open with your kids. Teen Dating Violence is any physical, psychological, or emotional abuse that occurs within dating relationships of young peo-ple ages 12 to 18. This violence usually takes place face-to-face or electronically, such as via phone calls, text messages, or the Internet. Teen dating violence doesn’t always occur between individuals who are currently in a relationship, it can also happen between those who were once in a relationship. It can present itself as physical; emotional; sexual, or stalking.

The effects of teen dating violence can be detri-mental to a person’s physical and emotional well-being and ultimately lead to antisocial behaviors, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and sub-stance abuse. If you or someone you know is suf-fering from dating abuse tell someone, document the abuse, and leave the relationship.

RESOURCES:

www.loveisrespect.org

National Teen Dating Violence Helpline: 1-866-331-9474

Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-863-6338

MASS INTENTIONS Contact the parish office if you would like to have a Mass intention for the years 2019. Please note that Mass intentions are not just for the deceased but for anyone you would like to include in prayer.

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Choosing the best place for your child’s education is one of the biggest decisions you will make.

If you’re like many parents, you want your child to be able to learn in a safe, secure environment. You want your child surrounded by people—teachers, staff, and other parents—who will have a positive influence and teach lessons about life, faith, belief, and moral values, not just academic subjects.

In the Catholic schools, we do a great job teaching things like reading, writing, science, and math. But we also spend our time educating the whole child, in mind, heart, and spirit. Our schools are caring communities where children get one-on-one attention, and a strong sense of right and wrong.

Catholic school isn’t free, but there are many parents who understand that a child’s education is worth paying for, especially when you consider what parents and children get in return. Not just the bare minimum, but a sense of faith, an ability to focus, and an expectation of achievement—all important aspects of success in school and life.

Our schools provide many things that other schools don’t or can’t. We invite you to take some time to see what we believe in, see what we believe is important, and visit some of our schools before you make a decision.

We look forward to meeting you, welcoming you, and introducing you to the faith, focus, and achievement that Catholic Schools offer.

Faith...As children grow, they have many questions…about the world, their own identities, powers greater than themselves, and their relationship with God.

Focus...Individual attention, and the discipline and order that keep children safe, help children focus on what matters.

Achievement...Focusing on test scores has changed the way many schools teach students these days. In Catho-lic schools, we take tests seriously and have great results, but we know they are only one measure of success.

Values...Distinguish right from wrong and learning to behave in a world full of troubles and temptations. We will do everything we can in partnership with you to raise your child in the right way.

Community...Sharing hopes, dreams, and service experiences others is the best way to learn to treat others as you would like to be treated. As children grow and families become connected, the bonds of service and com-passion that hold the school community together become stronger and stronger.

ST. ALEXANDER—A BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

St. Alexander School is accepting registrations for the 2018-2019 school year. We offer:

• A faculty and staff who model true Christianity

• Preschool programs for 3 and 4 year olds, including 4 year old full day

• Kindergarten classes are available as half day or full day

• Extended day care is provided before and after school

• Academic support as well as professional counseling is available

• Curriculum includes foreign language, art, gym, music, computer classes and STEM lab

• Daily religion classes and participation in liturgies teach Catholic values

• Extracurricular and enrichment activities are available to all students

• Hot lunch program offers nutritious meal choices

We are happy to provide private tours of our Blue Ribbon school and share with the families the exceptional education and experience provided at St. Alexander School. For additional information about what St. Alexander has to offer you family, please contact the school at 708-448-0408 or visit our website at www.stalexanderschool.com.

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PLEASE JOIN US EVERY THURSDAY

AT 7:30PM FOR CHOIR REHEARSAL

We are inviting both the former members of the choir to return, as well as new interested members who would love to sing for the glory of God on Sundays. ALL are welcome. For information, please contact our Director of Music, Matthew Berardi at matthewberardi6@gmail.com or call (708) 448-4861 ext. 224.

ST. ALEXANDER GIRL SCOUTS

NURSING HOME COLLECTION January 27th — February 10th

Girl Scout Troop #60470 is collecting health items; like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc. for local nursing homes. Please place your items in the box in the SAVE room. The girls will be in the Narthex next Sunday accepting your donations. Thank you!

ST. ALEX ANDER PARISH CENTER & ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION NEWS

Fr. John M. Crosby Parish Center Schedule of Events

Sunday, February 3rd 12:30—5:15 SCC Boys BB League Games Monday, February 4th 4:00—9:00 Athletic Team Practices Tuesday, February 5th 3:00—4:45 Athletic Team Practices 4:45—9:00 SCC Girls VB League Matches Wednesday, February 6th 2:45—4:30 K/1st Gr. Floor Hockey League 4:30—9:00 Athletic Team Practices Thursday, February 7th 2:45—4:30 2/3rd Gr. Floor Hockey League 4:30—9:00 Athletic Team Practices Friday, February 8th 2:45—4:45 Athletic Team Practices 4:45—9:00 SSBL Boys BB League Games Saturday, February 9th 8:30—1:00 St. Al’s Girls VB League Matches 1:00 PC Closed: Set up for FSA event

Families in our parish will be receiving the Annual Catholic Appeal request mailing from Cardinal Cupich. On behalf of those served by the ministries, parishes, and schools who receive funding from the Appeal, we thank you for your gifts. Please return your response as soon as possible.

In addition to providing for ministries and services throughout the Archdiocese, the Appeal also funds services that are of great help here in our Parish. For example, Appeal funds support SPRED (Special Religious Education); Recruitment, educa-tion and formation of lay ministers and deacons; Office of Respect Life (supporting the dignity of life from conception to natural death); Elizabeth Minis-try, Project Rachel, Project Gabriel, Chastity for Youth, etc.; and Matching Gift Program for parishes in debt. As we contemplate God’s many gifts to us, we should also reflect on our gratitude. Your financial support for the work of our Parish, our Archdiocese, and the Church throughout the world is one way to express this gratitude. Please give generously to the 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal.

PASTORAL COUNSELING SERVICES

AT ST. ALEXANDER PARISH

Services for individuals, couples & families

For more information, call

448-4861 ext. 310

Sr. Claire M. Czerwiec, SSND, LCPC

Pastoral Counselor & Spiritual Director

Home Bound or Ill? If you, or someone you know, are unable to attend Mass and would like to receive communion in their home, please call Deacon Jim Horton at 708-448-4861, ext. 232.

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Parishioners who are in 8th grade through seniors in high school are invited to come out on Sunday nights from 7-9pm to have some fun! All of the activities listed below will be at St. Al’s. They are free and include food and pop! Activities will depend on the number of attendees. Bring your friends! The more teens, the more fun!

SALT (St. ALexander Teens)

February 3rd No Life Night

February 10th Hurts & Hang Ups

Knights of Columbus

Keep Christ in Christmas

Poster Contest Winners

Age 5-7 (Gr. K-2) Shay Nicholson Age 8-10 (Gr. 3-5) Gabriela Espinoza Age 11-14 (Gr. 6-8) Roisin Murnin

RUNNERS UP: Harrison Schultz

Faith Casey Kamil Wijas, Kylee Volteler Vincenzo Diesi Gabe Middleton Francesca Snyder Brian Mientus

Emma Frasor Cayla Prohaska Aidan Mirabella Marina Roy Megan Besley Kiera Keaty Adeline Schultz Allison Phillips

We don't stop playing games because we got old,

We got old because we stopped playing games!

Want to play cards and/or games? Mature

Adult Club is starting a card and game day

Tuesday, February 19th

10:00am until Noon in Mobile Unit 1

Come see what this is all about, or for more information call Ralph Dziuba @ 708-293-8884

Thank you to Chief Larry Yott, Deputy Chief Dave Delaney, and Officer Kevin Apostal for their presentation to the Mature Adult Club on January 17th. It was very informative and Officer Apostal had timely information regarding scams to share with the group.

ST. ALEXANDER RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Located in the vestibule of the Fr. Crosby Center, the office hours are: Monday 9:00am - 8:00pm

Tuesday 9:00am - 6:00pm

Wednesday—Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm

For additional information please call 708-448-6624.

SALE HOURS SUNDAY 9:45AM - NOON THURSDAY 2:15 - 2:45PM

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ST. ALEXANDER PARISH QUEEN OF HEARTS RAFFLE

Tickets available every day starting at 12:00 Noon at Zach’s on Tap,

12231 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights 708-361-1226 or visit www.zachsontap.com

More details on our website www.stalexanderpalos.org and on Facebook (St. Alexander Catholic Church)

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FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME FEBRUARY 3, 2019 Saturday, February 2nd 5:00 PM— Les Johnson Cynthia Martin Lorie Hartig Elizabeth Wolf Sunday, February 3rd 7:00 AM— Donna Marie Feldner Catherine Hecht Helene Smith June Anhalt Vincent & Mary Hoban Rose & Hal Schroeder Dr. Loren Feldner 9:00 AM— Naida Hough (4th Anniversary) Bill Somers Stanley Wloszek Emily Branauskas Linda Couch Edward Mansell 10:30 AM— Virginia Prohaska John A. Jurcev Sr. Raymond Pufunt Judy Manzke Richard Finger 12:00 PM— For the Parishioners Monday, February 4th

6:30 AM— James Hayes (12th Anniversary) 8:45 AM— James Hopman John Janik Tuesday, February 5th (St. Agatha) 6:30 AM— Helene Smith 8:45 AM— Bielawski Family Sister Nora Brady Wednesday, February 6th (St. Paul Miki & Companions) 6:30 AM— Special Intention 8:45 AM— Special Intention Thursday, February 7th

6:30 AM— Special Intention 8:45 AM— Special Intention Friday, February 8th (Ss. Jerome Emiliani & Josephine 6:30 AM— Claire Narel Bakhita) Rosemary Murphy 8:45 AM— Jimmy Pasquinelli (1st Anniversary) Kevin Hallagan John Czech

Saturday, February 9th

8:00 AM— Tom & Kathleen Walsh

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME FEBRUARY 10, 2019 Saturday, February 9th 5:00 PM— Rich Jakes Sunday, February 10th 7:00 AM— William & Sylvia Edeus June Anhalt Ron & Eileen Roulo Fr. Anthony Adducci Catherine Hoban 9:00 AM— Donna Marie Feldner Peter & Frances Feldner Dr. Loren Feldner 10:30 AM— Michael Hanley Robert Canavan Beatrice Cahill Janis Anne Murzanski 12:00 PM— Dolores Regan Michael Forde Una Ellis Special Intention Szelag Family Arthur Wittbrodt 6:00 PM— For the Parishioners

ALTAR SERVERS FEBRUARY 10, 2019

Saturday, February 9th

5:00 PM— The Madarases

Sunday, February 10th

7:00 AM— Pat & Ed Sobczak 9:00 AM— Maggie Ziel, Maddie & Cate Meehan 10:30 AM— Tyler Casey, Harry Doyle, Colin Brennan 12:00 PM— Eamonn Weldon

E-Giving Made Easy If you would like to make a one-time electronic donation, please scan this bar code.

Scroll down to “One –Time Gifts” and enter the amount and type of payment. It’s that simple!

Do you attend Mass regularly, but crave something more? Using the new Pilgrimage app, you can journey through Scripture with friends, and your group. Your group will have access to a message board, which enables you to ask questions, start discussions, share content and connect with fellow group members, all from within the app. Learn more: www.pilgrimage.americanbible.org/