st. john of the cross parish€¦ · handedly comforted, consoled, inspired and helped more people...

St. John of the Cross Parish 5005 South Wolf Road ~ Western Springs ~ 708-246-4404 ~ www.stjohnofthecross.org

Christmas 2015

From the Desk of Fr. David Dowdle, Pastor

St. John of the Cross Parish www.stjohnofthecross.org December 24-25 & December 26-27

Gracious God, your love knows no limit, your compassion no end. Hear our prayers as we celebrate your most perfect gift to your human family: the

Messiah, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit as the one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Dear Parishioners, What will this Christmas mean for you this year? What is the best gift you will give? What is the best gift you will receive? What is the best gift you will be, and for whom? Christmas means so many things to so many different people. Our Western culture has turned this religious feast into a frenzy of materialism, consumerism, and potentially debilitating egoism. The veneer of Christianity thinly covers over the envy that corrupts, the greed that consumes. You’ve heard for years about putting the ‘Christ’ back in Christmas, yet what does that really mean and what can any individual really do to change things? Can you imagine a world that did not celebrate Christmas? Try to imagine that for while. Especially for us in the northern hemisphere when the world becomes its darkest and its coldest, we stop to celebrate a single birth. And then we have to figure out what that baby means, if anything at all. The sacred texts give us other images that we attribute to this baby, like ‘light of the world’ or ‘prince of peace’ but is that true to our (my) experience? Perhaps it is always our greatest hope. Don’t let the mild December we have just experienced fool you. It is winter, and even in its mildest forms we are reminded of death all around us. I hate trees in the winter. I hate to look at them. I hate to see them against the sky. I hate to drive down a road and be covered over by their dead branches and grey judgement. So culturally we bring in trees that are ever-green into our warm houses and decorate railings and sills and mantles with boughs of green and red and gold and silver to brighten our living space. We put lights everywhere. (A man from Uganda once told me about his utter fascination to see how people decorate their homes in our neighborhood. What we might take for granted is nearly inconceivable for an entire continent of people. Of course, so is the availability of 24 hour electricity.) Can you imagine no Christmas, or a Christmas without lights? Mary is given to us in Advent as one of the season’s great gifts. A young girl, afraid of the power of her own body and yet yielding to its demands with a spirit that says ‘yes.’ Mary holds such a prominent place in the history of the Church and indeed the world, can you imagine what our society would be like, what our church would be like, if we did not hold up Mary as model, example and goal? Mary has single handedly comforted, consoled, inspired and helped more people throughout history than I dare say any other single person has, perhaps even including Jesus. She is Madonna, mother and virgin all at the same time. Amazing. And still the cultures of the world demean the value of women’s gifts: intelligence, power, strength, wisdom and so much more. Women are objectified to satisfy the needs of men around the world. Women and girls are by far the most affected by the sexual slavery that pervades our American culture and the world. The list of valid complaints by women could go on and on, but my point is, even with how horrible things might be from our perspective, can you imagine what the world would be like if it never knew the story of Mary of Nazareth and her baby? Pope Francis has said: “Indeed Jesus did not simply appear on earth, and did not dedicate just a little of his time to us, but rather came to share our life and to receive our desires, as He wanted and still wants to live here, along with us and for us. Our world, which at Christmas became his world, is important to Him.”

Light your lights and draw close to Jesus through Mary. Blessed Christmas, Fr. David

Welcome to SJC

Holiday Mass Schedule We will have our regular weekend Mass schedule on December 26-27 and January 2-3. During the week we will have our regular weekday Mass schedule except for New Year’s Day. There will be only one Mass on New Year’s Day at 10am. Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God New Year’s Eve and Day Thursday, December 31, 5:00pm Mass Friday, January 1, 10:00am Mass

Bishop Bob Barron will celebrate the 9am Mass on Sunday, December 27th. There will be a gathering following Mass in the Parish Center.

Our Parish Website Stay connected! Visit our website at www.stjohnofthecross.org. Learn about every ministry. See the parish calendar, and sign up to receive our bulletin and weekly newsletter electronically. Sunday Giving Your support through our Sunday offertory collection enables our parish to continue to provide the many spiritual, social and outreach opportunities that are available to all. Your gifts also help us to care for our beautiful church, school, Parish Center and grounds. Parishioners are encouraged to give electronically through their bank account or by credit card. To learn more visit the Giving Tab on our website or call the parish office. Our Parish Office Our parish office, located in our Parish Center, is open 7 days a week. Our double doors face the Wolf Road parking lot. Just ring the bell! Our address is 5005 South Wolf Road and our phone number is 708-246-4404. Our Parish School is located at the south end of campus at 708 51st Street. The phone is 708-246-4454. Our Office of Youth Catechesis is located in the school building. A separate entrance and dropbox are located on the southeast corner of the building at the intersection of Caroline Avenue and 51st Street. The phone is 708-246-6760.

Parish Center Office Holiday Hours As always, our priests can be reached in an emergency by calling the parish office number 708-246-4404 and following the voice prompts.

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

24 9am-Noon

25 Closed

26 9am-3pm

27 8am-3pm

28 9am-4pm

29 9am-4pm

30 9am-4pm

31 9am-Noon

1 Closed

2 9am-3pm

3 8am-3pm

Elizabeth Russell-Jones, our Welcome Center Coordinator, welcomes all of our new members, sharing details about ministries, activities and ways to become involved. If you would like to join or learn more about our parish contact Elizabeth in the Parish Center. New member registration forms can be obtained in the parish office or on our website. New parish directories are available in the Parish Center office.


Let there be peace on earth,

Worship

Adults and teens (high school juniors and seniors) are invited to become involved in a liturgical ministry serving as a communion minister, lector, usher, children’s liturgy of the word leader, or helping with church art and environment. Training for communion ministers and lectors is held twice a year. Students in grades 6-8 can serve as altar servers at weekday and weekend liturgies. Contact Fr. Bill Vollmer or Steve Weigand, Pastoral Associate, for more information. Parishioners of all ages are welcome to participate in our parish music ministry. Whether you are an accomplished musician or just love to sing, we invite you to lift your voice in prayer. Join a choir anytime during the year by contacting Jessica Koch, Director of Music.

Choirs Contemporary Ensemble (Saturday 5pm Mass)

Cherub Choir (Grades 1-3) Youth Choir (Grades 4-8)

Traditional Choir (10:45am Mass) 5 Alive! Teen Ensemble (Sunday 5pm Mass) Resurrection Choir (sings at funeral Masses)

Cantors

Weekend Mass Times Saturday 5pm Mass of Anticipation Sunday 7:30am, 9am, 10:45am, 12:15pm, and 5pm Summer Schedule: No 12:15pm Mass Weekday Mass Times Monday-Friday 7:45am Saturday 8am Holy Days 6:30am, 7:45am, and 6:30pm Children’s Liturgy of the Word At Sunday 9am and 10:45am Masses in the Community Room of church Parish Babysitting Free babysitting is offered during the Sunday 9am and 10:45am Masses in the rectory Garden Room. No reservations needed. No sitting is provided on holiday weekends such as December 26-27 and January 2-3. The rectory is located south of church near the Mary Garden. The glass entrance doors face north.


the peace that was meant to be.

Outreach

Discipleship, practicing what Jesus preached and living how he lived, is the vocation of parishioners from seniors on down to our school children. This call to live out our faith in everyday tasks, to live “in Christ,” is an essential part of who we are at SJC. Called by our baptism and confirmation and drawn into communion with God through liturgy, we are continuously formed and transformed to be the Body of Christ in our world. SJC partners with five sharing parishes, building relationships through prayer and fellowship and providing financial and operational support.

Kolbe House Jail Ministry at Assumption Parish & Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, Chicago

Our Lady of Charity, Cicero St. Thaddeus Parish, Chicago

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Williamsburg, Kentucky St. Gall Parish, Chicago


Additional Social Mission Initiatives include: Ongoing Food Pantry Collection in our Church Narthex are delivered to local churches and food pantries each month. Share Christmas Gift Drive provides gifts to over 3000 recipients in the Chicago area. Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Port Sandwich Making, Prayer for Peace and Justice, Christmas service projects in the school Souper Bowl of Caring Food Collection in the YC Program Harvest Saturday, Work Tours, Easter Basket Project in the Crossroads teen ministry Women’s Club Outreach to organizations supporting women and children Catholic Relief Services Operation Rice Bowl Men’s Club Outreach to scouting, Crossroads teens Caritas SJC Needy Family Fund Parish Gardening Angels Local Outreach: LaGrange Community Nurses, B.E.D.S., Catholic Charities, Interfaith Community Partners, Helping Hand, Off the Street Club, Aging Care Connections, Pillars, St. Vincent de Paul box

With God as our Father,

Formation

Our parish is committed to educating our children in the faith and educating them well. Our Parish School, Youth Catechesis Program, and Crossroads High School Ministry are excellent, strong programs that nurture the faith of our parish children and strengthen the role of our parents as first teachers of the faith. From the Blue Ribbon Award to sacramental celebrations to work tours, our programs are among the best in the archdiocese. Thank you to our staff, faculty, and catechists who partner with parents and also to the advisory boards who support each program.


St. John of the Cross Parish School is now accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. St. John of the Cross Parish School provides a dynamic Catholic environment where faith is nourished and knowledge grows. We offer unique educational experiences that foster, success, promote unity, and respect the individuality of each student. If you are interested in visiting the school, please call Jennifer Jermano Miller, Director of Advancement, at 708-246-4454 to set up an appointment or visit our website at http://www.stjohnofthecross.org/school/apply-today/

brothers all are we

http://www.stjohnofthecross.org/school/apply-today/

http://www.stjohnofthecross.org/school/apply-today/


RCIA

RCIA is a journey and process of conversion, an apprenticeship where one learns and is formed in the Catholic Christian way of life. This forming is only the beginning of living one’s relationship to and with God and Church in a new way. This apprenticeship involves the entire faith community of St. John of the Cross as we journey together towards God which culminates with receiving the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. See Fr. Bill Vollmer (pictured to the left) for more on becoming Catholic.

Let us walk with each other

Clubs & Councils

Men’s Club The mission of the Men’s Club is to promote Christian fellowship through social interaction, to serve the parish and community through fundraising using members' unique talents and time, and to provide opportunities for spiritual enrichment and growth. We invite all men of the parish to join us for one or all of our events and to become involved by serving on the Men’s Club Board. Please visit our link on the parish website. Saintly Senior Club The Senior Club supports all parish seniors by providing opportunities that foster spiritual growth and fellowship. Throughout the year the group hosts four luncheons with wonderful food and entertaining music as well as special trips. All activities are open to parish seniors and their friends. Mark your calendar to join the seniors at their next two luncheons in the Parish Center: Friday, February 12th Valentine’s Party and Friday, March 11th St. Patrick-St. Joseph Day Party. Women’s Club The mission of the parish Women’s Club is to bring the women of our parish together to foster and celebrate our spiritual and social well-being. Through our fundraisers, retreats, spiritual reflections and social events, we seek to develop a closer relationship with God and one another. The next program is our annual Cooking Night on January 21. Mark your calendar now to join us. Mothers’ Club Open to all mothers of young children, moms and kids gather weekly at the Parish Center or nearby parks with their kids during the school year for friendship, fun, and support. Parish Advisory Council Our Parish Advisory Council (PAC for short) was commissioned by our Pastor, Fr. David, to guide the parish in living out its vision and mission statement. Our Council is comprised of parish leaders from each consultative body (Finance Council, Youth Catechesis Council, School Advisory Board, and Crossroads Advisory Board) and ministry advisory groups, both elected parishioners and parishioners appointed by the Council, and the pastoral staff. Gathering three times per year allows communication and collaboration that steers our parish forward. Parishioners are encouraged to become involved in our Parish Advisory Council, the Youth Catechesis Council or School Advisory Board. Elections are held each May for positions on these three consultative bodies. Specific details about each group can be found on our parish website under the About Us tab, Councils and Boards.


in perfect harmony

Men’s Club Save the Date: SJC Trivia Night V

Saturday January 30th. Mark your calendars to join us.

Adult Formation & Prayer


Christian Meditation Meditation or contemplative prayer, the prayer of silence, is offered four times per week on Mondays at 10:30am (Step 11), Tuesdays at 7:30pm, Wednesdays at 2:30pm and Saturdays at 7am in the Parish Center. Eucharistic Adoration Adoration is offered on Mondays from 2:30-8:45pm in the Mary Chapel of church. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed at 2:30pm and the Rosary at 8:45pm. Rosary Parishioners gather both before and after weekday Mass to pray the Rosary as well as on Tuesdays at 9:05am in the Mary Garden or Mary Chapel with different school homerooms. Spiritual Journaling This group reads a common book, journals and discusses thoughts and prayers on Mondays at 9:30am in the Parish Center. Flourish Flourish is a scripture study and faith sharing ministry for women who want to grow their faith, share their story, and build community with others. Twice a month on Thursdays. Little Rock Scripture Study Twice a year a new study begins. In January the group will begin studying Letters from Prison (St. Paul) Mondays at 1pm. Programs at The Well SJC sponsors a variety of programs throughout the year at no cost to our parishioners. The Well is located on Ogden Avenue in LaGrange Park. Spiritual Direction Our parish spiritual director, Marianne Firlit, meets with individuals in her parish rectory office to guide

Bereavement Ministry Ministers support and guide grieving families in planning the funeral Mass for their loved one. Interfaith Career Network Together with four other interdenominational churches in the area, Career Network helps those searching for employment. Divorce Support Offered twice a year, this group supports adults experiencing or having completed divorce. A new program will begin weekly on Fridays, January 29-March 18 from 7-8pm. Ministry of Care Trained ministers of care visit the homebound and hospitalized bringing Eucharist and praying with elderly and ill parishioners unable to get to Mass.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Women gather monthly to knit shawls and pray for those in need of comfort, healing and solace. Seasons of Hope Grief Support Offered twice a year by trained fellow parishioners who have experienced the loss of a loved one, Seasons of Hope helps those who are grieving move forward. Caritas SJC Need Family Fund Donations directed to our Caritas Fund on Thanksgiving, Holy Thursday and throughout the year provide emergency financial support to parishioners who through unplanned circumstances face difficulty in meeting a critical financial obligation. Confidential arrangements are made through the pastor.

Pastoral Care

Let peace begin with me;

Visiting Priests at SJC

With six Masses each weekend, daily morning Mass, funerals, weddings, baptisms, and reconciliations, we are grateful for the help of our regular visiting priests. Not pictured, but who also assists is Rev. Robert Banzin, one of our former associates at St. John of the Cross Parish.

Rev. Dennis Woerter, O.P. is the Director of Campus Ministry at Fenwick High School where he also teaches Theology and coaches boys’ and girls’ soccer. A native of Elmwood Park, he attended St. Vincent Ferrer Grade School, Fenwick High School, and Loras College, majoring in Speech Communication: Journalism. After entering the Dominican Order in 1990, he received his M.Div. and M.A. in Theology from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis. Ordained in 1997, he served in parishes in Madison, WI, Denver, CO (as pastor), Chicago, and River Forest (at St. Vincent Ferrer). He received his Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree in Preaching in the Practice of Ministry in 2009. His doctoral research focused on preaching in Anglo-Hispanic communities. Fr. Dennis is fluent in Spanish.

Rev. Michail Ford, O.P. has been serving as the Director of the Dominican Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus in Chicago since 2013. Fr. Ford was ordained in 2010 and served for three years as the Associate Pastor at the Aquinas Newman Center, the Catholic Center at Purdue University. (Go Boilers!) He earned two Master’s degrees, an MA in Theology with concentrations on Spirituality and Thomistic studies and a Master of Divinity, from the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO in 2010. Prior to entering the Dominican Order, Fr. Mike had a successful 10 year career as a corporate training manager after earning a B.S.B.A. in management from the University of Central Missouri in 1992.


Rev. Dennis Koopman, O.F.M. was born in Garnavillo, Iowa, on a farm. After graduating from Loras College, he attended the Franciscan Seminary in Westmont, and in 1964 he entered the Franciscan Novitiate in Teutopolis, IL. He is a member of the Sacred Heart Province, St. Louis, MO. After theological studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1970. Having obtained a Master’s degree in Chemistry at the Univ. of Iowa, Fr. Dennis subsequently taught chemistry and algebra for 20 years at Quincy University. Fr. Dennis sits on the national board for Worldwide Marriage Encounter and presents many WWME weekends. After attending the Vatican II Institute for Theological Renewal in 1994, Fr Dennis began his full-time ministry of preaching Parish Missions. He also holds a Certificate in preaching from the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis. Currently Fr. Dennis lives in Countryside.

let this be the moment now.

Rev. Harry Bonin was ordained a priest in the archdiocese of Chicago in 1965. He served as Associate Pastor at many parishes over the years, served as Pastor at five parishes and is Pastor Emeritus at St. Jerome. Fr. Harry, who holds a Master of Voice with Piano and Master of Social Work, taught at Quigley. (Fr. David was one of Fr. Harry’s students.) He also speaks Spanish, German and Italian. In 2009 he retired at 70 years old and currently lives in Lyons.

Rev. Jerry Mulcahy was ordained in April, 1962. Appointments to six different parishes concluded with being named pastor of St. Patricia in Hickory Hills where he spent 18 ½ years. Retired in 2007, he has been helping out at different parishes, retirement homes, high schools, and other places since. Fr. Mulcahy considers St. John of the Cross as one of his ‘homes’, and he enjoys the parish and the people.

Rev. Joe Wojcik is a retired priest of the archdiocese and currently resides at the Presence Resurrection Retirement Community. Fr. Joe was ordained a priest in St. Louis in 1969 while he attended St. Louis University and the Jesuit School of Theology. He was ordained for the Resurrectionist Community and served fourteen years in high school work, almost all as a guidance counselor at Weber and Gordon Tech as well as a pastor of a parish in southern California. After a sabbatical program at Notre Dame University, Fr. Joe applied for a transfer to the Archdiocese of Chicago and was formally incardinated in 1993. He has served at St. Joseph in Libertyville, Divine Providence in Westchester, St. Andrew in Chicago, St. Louise in LaGrange Park as well as a guidance counselor at Archbishop Quigley and as pastor of St. Jane de Chantal on the southwest side of Chicago.

Msgr. Jim Burnett was ordained in 1974 in Davenport, Iowa. Shortly after ordination he served for 20 years as a Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force. After his retirement from active duty he entered the VA Hospital System in 2000, first serving six years as a Staff Hospice Chaplain at Hines VA in Maywood, Illinois then as the Chief of Chaplain Service at Hines VA Hospital until his retirement in 2014. In 2008 he was elected President of the National Conference of VA Catholic Chaplains a position he held for six years. In 2012, at Hines VA Hospital Chapel, he was humbled to have Papal Honors as a Prelate of Honor conferred on him by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Monsignor Burnett was the first ever to be conferred this honor in the VA System. Since retiring in 2014 from the VA System Monsignor Burnett also celebrates Masses at several local parishes and at La Grange Hospital on Wednesdays.

Rev. Andrew M. McAlpin O.P. is a Dominican Friar and currently the Vocations Director for the Province of St. Albert the Great. Originally from Minnesota, he spent four years in the US Navy, earned his degree from The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN in 2001 before entering the Order of Preachers in 2003. He was ordained in 2009 in St. Louis and taught at Fenwick High School for three years and is still a varsity baseball coach for the Friars.

Visiting Priests at SJC


With every step I take let this be my solemn vow;

Prayer

Petition: Ask for the grace to be led by the star, the light from above, and to take this light to others. What was it that first drew your heart more consciously toward God? Perhaps a glimpse of the mystery— something you did not understand but intuited in a moment of deep peace—or of profound relationship with another person, or of awe and wonder in some aspect of God’s creation. In such moments, a spring of grace breaks into our lives and potentially changes everything. Keep those moments alive. Let them remain alive in you and continue to empower and assure you. Excerpted from 2012: A Book

of Grace-Filled Days by Margaret Silf

Sometimes the closest person to us isn’t someone with whom we share our prayer lives. On Christmas morning before the household begins to stir, we can

hold our spouse close and pray together in a special way, sharing the gifts of the day ahead. God of Love, thank you for the gift you have given us in bringing us together. On this day when we celebrate your birth, may we take another step closer to each other in intimacy. With your guidance, we want to be more loving and thoughtful, less protective and defensive around each other. May we dedicate this day to renewing our love. As we begin our day, bless us with the warmth of your great love for us and help us to remember to look for the light of your love in each other. Creighton Univ

Opening Gifts Let me just for a moment, Lord, hold this time in my heart. It is about mysteries and gratitude, unknowing and wrong sizes, snippets of ribbon and screams of delight. Help me to remember the immense love you have for each of us in this room. With each gift that is opened, no matter how perfect or not, let me feel again the many ways you gift us each day, especially with your presence in our hearts and the presence of each other in our lives. Creighton Univ

Celebrating Christmas after the loss of a loved one. God of compassion, there is such a hole in my heart! Today should be a day of joy, but I feel only the emptiness and loss of someone so beloved. While the world celebrates around me, I remember Christmas celebrations of the past and I long to have my loved one with me. I bring my sorrows to you, Lord, like some odd gift of the magi and dump them at your feet. In my blind tears I wonder if anyone can possibly understand the depth of my sadness. Yes, you can. You sent your son to be with us in our deepest sorrows and I know that even though I might not feel it at this minute, you are here with me, grieving with me, caring for me in my sadness and loving me. Dearest Lord, help me to turn to the one I miss so much today and speak. Help me heal the loss of our parting and help me not to regret the things I didn't say. Sorrow tears at my heart, but today I ask that my loss soften my heart and make me more compassionate with everyone I meet. Creighton Univ


Hear the prayers of your family gathered around your table, O Lord.

As Jesus taught us to call you “Father,” may we learn to respect and love one another

as brothers and sisters. We offer these prayers in the name of your

Son , Jesus the Christ. Amen .

Glory to God in the highest

To take each moment, and live each moment in peace eternally!

http://www.loyolapress.com/2012-a-book-of-grace-filled-days.htm

http://www.loyolapress.com/2012-a-book-of-grace-filled-days.htm


The Gospel stories about the birth of Jesus are not a simple retelling of the events that took place then, at the stable in Bethlehem. In his commentaries on the birth of Jesus, the renowned scripture scholar, Raymond Brown, highlights that these narratives were written long after Jesus had already been crucified and had risen from the dead and that they are colored by what his death and resurrection mean. At one level, they are as much stories about Jesus’ passion and death as they are about his birth. When the Gospel writers looked back at the birth of Jesus through the prism of the resurrection they saw in his birth already the pattern for both his active ministry and his death and resurrection: God comes into the world and some believe and accept him and others hate and reject him. For some, his person gives meaning, for others it causes confusion and anger. There is an adult message about Christ in Christmas and the meaning of Christmas is to be understood as much by looking at the cross as by looking at the crib. Hardly the stuff of our Christmas lights, carols, cribs, and Santa. And yet, these too have their place. Karl Rahner, not naïve to what Raymond Brown asserts, argues that, even so, Christmas is still about happiness and the simple joy of children captures the meaning of Christmas more accurately than any adult cynicism. At Christmas, Rahner contends, God gives us a special permission to be happy: “Do not be afraid to be happy, for ever since I [God] wept, joy is the standard of living that is really more suitable than the anxiety and grief of those who think they have no hope. … I no longer go away from the world, even if you do not see me now. … I am there. It is Christmas. Light the candles. They have more right to exist than all the darkness. It is Christmas. Christmas that last forever.” At Christmas, the crib trumps the cross, even as the cross does not fully disappear. How do the cross and the crib fit together? Does Calvary cast a permanent shadow on Bethlehem? Should Christmas disturb us more than console us? Is our simple joy at Christmas somehow missing the real point? No. Joy is the meaning of Christmas. Our carols have it right. At Christmas, God gives us a special permission to be happy, though that must be carefully understood. There is no innate contradiction between joy and suffering, between

being happy and undergoing all the pain that life hands us. Joy is not to be identified with pleasure and with the absence of suffering in our lives. Genuine joy is a constant that remains with us throughout all of our experiences in life, including our pain and suffering. Jesus promised us “a joy that no one can take away from you”. Clearly that means something that doesn’t disappear because we get sick, have a loved one die, are betrayed by a spouse, lose our job, are rejected by a friend, are subject to physical pain, or are enduring emotional distress. None of us will escape pain and suffering. Joy must be able to co-exist with these. Indeed it is meant to grow deeper through the experiences of pain and suffering. We are meant to be women and men of joy, even as we live in pain. That’s a coloring, taken from their understanding of Jesus’ death and resurrection, which the Gospel writers insert into their narratives about his birth. But, of course, that is not what children see when they get caught up in the excitement of Christmas and when they look at the Christ-child in the crib. Their joy is still innocent, healthily protected by their naiveté, still awaiting disillusion, but real nonetheless. The naïve joy of a child is real and the temptation to rewrite and recolor it in light of the disillusionment of later years is wrong. What was real was real. The fond memories we have of anticipating and celebrating Christmas as children are not invalidated when Santa has been deconstructed. Christmas invites us still, as John Shea poetically puts it, “to plunge headlong into the pudding.” And despite all the disillusionment within our adult lives, Christmas still offers us, depressed adults, that wonderful invitation. Even when we no longer believe in Santa, and all the cribs, lights, carols, cards, colorful wrapping-paper, and gifts of Christmas no longer bring the same thrill, the same invitation still remains: Christmas invites us to be happy, and that demands of us an elemental asceticism, a fasting from adult cynicism, a discipline of joy that can hold the cross and the crib together so as to be able to live in a joy that no one, and no tragedy, can take from us. This will allow us, at Christmas, like children, to plunge headlong into the pudding. Christmas gives, both children and adults, permission to be happy. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser

The Meaning of Christmas – Connecting the Dots between the Crib and the Cross

Let there be peace on earth,

Dec. 26-27 Feast of the Holy Family


Background on the Gospel Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family. This feast is part of the Christmas season, and we should place today's Gospel in the context of what Luke's Gospel tells us about the birth of Jesus. Luke has been answering the question “Who is Jesus?” through his stories of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. Today's Gospel reading continues this theme. It has no parallel in the other Gospels and is the conclusion of Luke's Infancy Narrative. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are presented in this Gospel as a faithful Jewish family. They are participating in the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, an event shared each year with family and friends. When Jesus is found, Luke describes him as seated in the Temple in the midst of the Jewish teachers. Although he is young, Jesus seems not to need teaching about his Jewish tradition. In his dialogue with these learned teachers, Jesus astounds them with his insight and understanding. Jesus is a child of Israel. His Father is God. The dialogue between Mary and Jesus contains many references to family relationships. In fact, in this Gospel reading Mary and Joseph are never identified by name. Instead they are referred to by their relationship to Jesus. Ultimately, this emphasizes Luke's point about the identity of Jesus. When Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the Temple, they question Jesus and express their anxiety. Jesus replies in words that many have thought to be disrespectful. Jesus says that he was never lost; he was at home. Jesus is God's Son, and he is in his Father's house. Luke will continue to suggest that faith in Jesus establishes new family relationships as he describes Jesus' public ministry. In Luke's Gospel, Mary's importance is even greater than her role as Jesus' mother. Mary is the first disciple and will be present with Jesus' disciples after his Resurrection at Pentecost. Loyola Press

Living the Gospel So much tradition shapes the event in this Gospel: Passover in Jerusalem, significance of being twelve years old, traveling in caravan, being in the temple, obedience to parents. A surprising interruption of tradition also shapes this event: “the boy Jesus” astounded the teachers “at his understanding and his answers.” Each family—the Holy Family, our own families—must find a way to keep worthy traditions alive while at the same time remain open to something astoundingly new. Holiness consists in finding that way. We know whether to accept something new into our family tradition when that change in tradition deepens our holiness. This feast reminds us to open our eyes and be “astonished” at the holiness and goodness of each other. Families grow in holiness when each person in the family—from parents to the smallest child and including anyone extended the hospitality of the family—is treated as a member of God’s family and, therefore, holy. This is challenging when sometimes all we can see is each other’s faults. It takes a great deal of dying to self to get beyond the normal, everyday annoyances that are part of family life and see others as holy and deserving of our honor, love, and respect. Mary and Joseph were not free from family struggles; after all, they lost Jesus on a trip! And when they found him they had to struggle to understand who he was and who he was meant to become. In doing so, they were able to help Jesus (and themselves) grow in wisdom, age, and grace. In this same love and care for each other we also grow in holiness as a family. ©Living Liturgy

May we learn how to respect worthy traditions with greater enthusiasm

and be open to astoundingly new ways God is leading us to holiness.

May we be guided by each other’s holiness in choosing to grow in

wisdom, grace, and love.

Monday, Dec. 28 1 John 1:5–2:2 Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8 Matt 2:13-18

Tuesday, Dec. 29 1 John 2:3-11 Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 Luke 2:22-35

Wednesday, Dec. 30 1 John 2:12-17 Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 Luke 2:36-40

Thursday, Dec. 31 1 John 2:18-21 Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13 John 1:1-18

Friday, Jan. 1 Mary, Mother of God Num 6:22-27 Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 Gal 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21

Saturday, Jan. 2 1 John 2:22-28 Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 John 1:19-28

Sunday, Jan. 3 Epiphany Isa 60:1-6 Ps 72:1-2, 7-8,10-11, 12-13 Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matt 2:1-12

and let it begin with me.

Mass Intentions Italics: Living Intention Monday, December 28 Feast of the Holy Innocents

7:45am Matthew Flood & Jorge Paez; Suzette Pertile Tuesday, December 29 5th Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

~ St. Thomas Becket

7:45am Robert Pickell; Our Beloved Dead Wednesday, December 30 6th Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

7:45am Kathleen Collins; Thomas Marshall Thursday, December 31 7th Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

~ St. Sylvester

7:45am Margaret Edsey; Deceased members of the Kotleba & Messina 5:00pm Paul Adducci; Yolanda Pellegrino Families Friday, January 1 Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God ~

The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord

10:00am Marie Coyne; Edward Kavanaugh Saturday, January 2 Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen

8:00am Melanie Yates; Helen M. Bukovsky 5:00pm David Bock; John DenBesten Sunday, January 3 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

7:30am Bill Delaney; Frank Reilly 9:00am Tony Adolf; Michael Francis Jr. 10:45am Christine & Charles Gasumas; Jack Robie 12:15pm Matthew Ryan; Eleanor Collins 5:00pm John Ariola; Gerald Jonas

Rev. David P. Dowdle, Pastor [email protected] Rev. Joseph F. McDonnell, Pastor Emeritus Contact Fr. Joe through the Parish Center Office Rev. William J. Vollmer, Associate Pastor [email protected] Deacon John Schopp, Deacon [email protected]

Bill Bright, Director of Outreach [email protected] Janet Caschetta, Director of YC [email protected] Kathleen Gorman, Principal [email protected] Katie Hayes, Dir of Crossroads [email protected] Jessica Koch, Director of Music [email protected]

MJ Martin, Director of Operations [email protected] Megan O’Malley, Reservations [email protected] Elizabeth Russell-Jones, Welcome Center [email protected] Steven Weigand, Pastoral Associate [email protected]

December 24-25 & December 26-27

Pray for our Sick Jean Allen Guido Arquilla Therese Bonneau Gloria Deizman Mildred Fitzgerald John Gazdacka Don Heldmann Karen Hult Lynn Jeffery Don King JoAnn Klein George Kojima Carol Martin John Martin Bobbie Misiora Dan Mulcahy Alice Myers Roberta Ohlquist Maria Olson Marian Pascale Steve Pechous Maurice Redmand Keri Rohr Maureen Soules Michael Sullivan Ron Tamer Theresa Vana Robert VanWhye Don Vollmer

Monday, December 28 9:30am Spiritual Journaling 10:30 Step 11 Meditation 2:30pm Adoration Tuesday, December 29 7:30pm Christian Meditation Wednesday, December 30 2:30pm Christian Meditation Thursday, December 31 5:00pm Mass Friday, January 1, 2016 10am Mass Saturday, January 2, 2016 7:00am Christian Meditation 1pm Baptisms Sunday, January 3, 2016 1:30pm Baptisms

Save the dates for upcoming free programs sponsored by our parish at The Well. Saturday, February 13 9am-3pm Only the Heart Can Slow the Pace of a Digital Life (Lunch included) with Wayne Muller Saturday, April 9 8:30am-12:30pm “The Earth is the Lord’s:” Biblical Theology and Ecology with Dianne Bergant, CSA Thursday, April 14 7-8:30pm How to Change Minds About Our Changing Climate with Seth Darling and Doug Sisterson Saturday, April 23 9am-3:30pm The Path and Practice of Evolutionary Christian Mysticism (Lunch included) with Bruce Sanguin Go to our Parish Website at http://www.stjohnofthecross.org/stewardship-of-prayer/the-well/ to read more.

Save the Date: Parish School Winter Gala on February 20, 2016 at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook Featuring Live and Silent Auctions, Dinner, Drinks, and Dancing. Entertainment by Underwater People and Artbeat live. To sponsor or donate auction items contact Mike Hynes @[email protected]. Book your room at the Hyatt by 1.28.16 to receive our special group rate.

Wedding Banns Marina Katarina Perez & Jaime Marrero

Pray for our Beloved Dead Ollie Krichbaum, mother of John, grandmother of John, Andrew, Jennifer & Aubrey

http://www.stjohnofthecross.org/stewardship-of-prayer/the-well/

DUPLEXELECTRIC

708-387-9400Expert TroubleshootingElectrical Rehab/Repair

Greg Fiflis – Parishionerwww.duplexelectricservice.com

Funeral, Cremation& Memorial Services

www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com

Modern Service with Traditional DignitySM Since 1915

Celebrating our 100thAnniversary in 2015!

Chicago Willow Springs773-767-2166 708-839-8999

We are proud to be a local,family owned & operated business.

Do You Want Personalized Medicine & Results?Advanced Chiropractic Care

and Functional Medicine• Acupuncture • Nutrient Assessment

BCBS, PPO PROVIDER

We SpeakEnglish, Spanish, Arabic

6715 KINGERY HWY.,WILLOWBROOKwww.bioIDMETRICS.com 773.922.5202

Call Now forFREE Initial

CONSULTATION

Lawrence R. LewandowskiCPA/PFS, CFP® 30 YRS. EXP.

INCOME TAX PREPARATIONPERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

[email protected]

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR Fine painting of walls, ceilings & woodwork

Wallcovering removal & installationStaining & varnishing woodwork

Complete painting/staining of exteriorsInstallation of chair & crown moldings,

baseboard & shoe moldings

John [email protected] (630) 337-8946Office (708) 246-5604Parishioner

COMPASSIONATE HOME CARE• Meals • Personal Care • Companionship• Light Housekeeping • Laundry • Errands

708.783.1220 www.MaryAndMikeCare.comMichael & Mary Doepke, RN • ParishionersState Licensed

Gregg Communications Systems, Inc.Telephone Equip. Voiceover IP (VoIP)

38 Years in BusinessMary Dine 630-571-7000 www.greggcomm.com

009239 St John of the Cross Church (B)

Quality Work – Reasonable Prices

DEMMISPLUMBING

& SEWERAsk for a

PARISHIONERDISCOUNT

[email protected]

EMERGENCYSERVICE

Lic# 102246

Shop Well Eat Well Live Well4700 Gilbert Ave.

Western Springs, IL708.246.6210

www.MarianosFreshMarket.com

Computer Color Match PaintLawn and Garden

Electrical & Plumbing SuppliesWindow & Screen Repair

Weber and Toro Sales & ServiceMonday-Friday 8am-7pm

Saturday 8am-5:30pmSunday 9am-4pm

835 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246-0892

www.truevalue.com/villagehdw

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

Hearing AidsHearing Care for 75 Years

708-336-37838 Locations to Serve You

www.yourbeltone.com

Charism Homecare ServicesVisit us online

www.charismhomecare.com630.541.3683

Free In-Home AssessmentAlzheimer’s, ADLs, Personal Care

PC MDPC & MAC Sales & Service

Networking • WIFI • Internet(630) 789-3971 Tom

[email protected] www.pcmd.comWE STILL MAKE HOUSE CALLS!

Member FDIC

FAMILY DENTISTRYKevin E. Collins, DDS, PC475 W. 55th St., La Grange

Office 354-5575After Hours Emergency – 354-2281

Maloney & Company, Ltd.Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

Specializing in Personalized Accounting, Tax and Consulting ServicesFor Individuals and Family Owned Businesses

61 Ogden Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514Dan Maloney, Parishioner Email: [email protected] (630) 887-0500

Kitchens • Bathrooms • AdditionsDan MaddenParishioner 246.8898708

Brian or Sally, coordinators

860.399.1785www.CatholicCruisesAndTours.com

an OfficialTravel Agencyof AOS-USA

KEENAN ROOFING AND SOLARIF YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR IS UNBECOMING TO YOU

YOU SHOULD BE COMING TO US!• WINDOWS • SIDING • GUTTERS • SOFFIT • FASCIA

FREE CONSULTATIONSFX Parishioner 708.937.9400

Denise Pozen Photography“Your Parish Photographer”

To view and order photosfrom SJC events visit

vando.imagequix.com/s9y6e9fand choose the galleryyou would like to view.

Also available for private events708-352-2771

REACH CUSTOMERSNEVER REACHED BEFORE

◗ WEB DEVELOPMENT◗ SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY◗ IT CONSULTING◗ IN HOME TECH SUPPORT

STEVE [email protected]

630-537-0556www.rytechllc.com

TheCOMMUNITY BANK of WESTERN SPRINGS

A branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company®

1000 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558 708-246-7100

JOHN C. SKREKO, DDSGENERAL DENTIST Since 1981

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

• Reconstruction• Root Canals • Extractions, Oral Emergency6961 Vine StreetIndian Head Park708-246-1263

ANNA’S CLEANING SERVICESExperienced Polish GirlsHomes • Condos • Offices

Free EstimatesInsured 773.502.9369

“Quality Care YourLoved One Deserves!”

• Senior Care Staffing• Experienced Caregivers

Available 24/7• Live-In, Hourly,

Come-and-Go• Call Us For a

Free Assessment!

Family OwnedLicensed • Insured • Bonded

Over 20 Years Experience24/7 RNs on Call

630.717.9118www.byyoursidehc.com

AcupunctureDermatology, Reiki,

All-Natural Facials andPure Essential Oil Bar

Jonathan Walton, AcupuncturistPain Relief • Allergies

Sports Injury • HeadachesSmoking Etc...

Initial Consultation/Free Treatmentw/New Patient Visit

Call for Appointment / Flexible Hours708-275-8389

[email protected]

54 S. Washington Street • Hinsdale

WINE TASTINGS • EVENT PLANNING • GIFTS

On York • ½ Block North of Ogden Ave.

3821 S. York Road, Oak Brook • 630-325-6550

Providing Distinguished Service Since 19231025 W. 55th Street, Countryside • (708) 352-6500

www.HJfunerals.comFAMILY

OWNED &OPERATED

VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PCGENERAL DENTISTRY

4471 Lawn Ave., Ste. 200 Western Springs(708) 246-6006

www.VersaciDental.comComplete PsychologicalEvaluation & Treatment

Individual - Marital - FamilyLorraine D. D’Asta, Ph.D.

and AssociatesHINSDALE 655-9040

Pisa PizzaWE DELIVER

708-352-00085440 S. LaGrange Rd., Countrysidewww.pisapizzacountryside.com

pvwealthmgt.com708.246.2366

4365 Lawn AveSte. 5

Western Springs

Dr. Irene D. Combs....is pleased to announce

Carolyn J.Newcome Sparks

has joined our team504 Hillgrove Western Springs

Mon & Wed 9-6 PMTuesday 9-7 PM

Friday 9-5 PM Saturday 8-1 PM

708-286-1100www.combseyecare.com

Comprehensive FamilyEyeCare for ages 3-103!

Most Insurances Accepted

OPEN 7 DAYS

708.246.0380

The Freshest & Finest Meats,Poultry, Seafood, Deli & More

915 Burlington Ave.Western Springs

www.CaseysMarketOnline.com

Serving Up Good Old-Fashioned Customer Service

ALLMAKEAPPLIANCE REPAIR

All Major U.S. Brand Appliances Repaired708-579-5262 6934 Crest Road-Darien

We SinceWelcome 1983Watching

CAMEOENDODONTICS

Practice Limited to Root CanalTherapy and Dental Implants

• Evening and Saturday Hours• Most dental insurances accepted• Parishioner discount

Drs. Munaretto & Sommers, Parishioners• 475 W. 55th Street, Suite 208, LaGrange(708) 579-0488 www.cameoendo.com

Air Conditioned Restaurant & Carry Out-Seating for 200-Delivery ServiceCALL 354-4500 YOUR ORDER WILL BE READY 5525 LA GRANGE RD.

OPEN DAILY11:00 AMDAILY &SUNDAY2:00 PM

FOOD&

LIQUOR

009239 St John of the Cross Church (A)

John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S.

Restorative and Implant

General Dentistry

930 N. York Rd., Suite 120

Hinsdale, IL 60521

(630) 455-1666

KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERYQuality and VarietyFull Service Bakery

825 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246.2894

NOTRE DAME FAMILY CENTERRev. James Watzke, Ph.D.

Depression - Anxiety - StressFamily - Separation - Divorce

Sub Abuse - Medicare - EspañolOakbrook Terr. 630.691.1114

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

• Personal Injury• Wrongful Death• Probate• Estate Planning• Guardianship

Parishioner915 West 55th Street, Suite 202

Western Springs, IL 60558708.246.4911

www.covonelaw.comAlexandria Z. Meccia, M.D.DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF LAGRANGE

Parishioner 708.482.32135201 S. Willow Springs Rd.

Suite 430 LaGrange

Parishioner

[email protected] S.J.C. Women’s Club President

Call For Free Market Analysis

8 East HinsdaleHinsdale, Illinois

THOMAS R. KRONE, ESQ.• REAL ESTATE • PROBATE

• BUSINESS LAW630-968-5553 Parishioner

CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER

708.417.8441Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured

Frank Tramontana, ParishionerWestern Springs Resident

CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTERFUNERAL HOME

Family owned and operated since 1885Parishioner

10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester

708-562-5900www.conboywestchesterfh.com

Peter Conboy

Jean Conboy Hanson

Matthew Conboy

ED THE PLUMBERED THE CARPENTER

Best Work • Best RateSatisfaction Guaranteed AsWe Do All Our Own Work

Lic# 055-026066$$ Parishioner Discount $$

708-652-1444

708-246-1600921 Burlington Ave., Western Springs

60 South Grant Street | Hinsdale, Illinois 60521

(630) 323-0275www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com

A LENNAR FINANCIAL SERVICE COMPANY

630.842.5473www.EagleHomeMortgage.com/MichaelDusza

630.842.5473www.EagleHomeMortgage.com/MichaelDusza

Committed to Seeing You Home.

Michael J. DuszaLoan Officer (NMLS/MLD #222954)Parishioner

I’m dedicated to makingyour home move financingexperience a pleasant one.

■ Skilled at Educating Customers ■ Variety of ProgramsCall me for a Complimentary Pre Approval

Email: [email protected]

CLEANOLOGY CORP.Home & Office

Cleaning Services

www.cleanologycorp.com6th Cleaning FREE W/this ad!

773-505-5658

Bring This Inand Receive

$0 Enrollment!For a Limited Time Only... Hurry In

Open 24/7Call Us! 708.483.6148

31ST WOLF RD.WESTCHESTER

www.AnytimeFitness.com

DENNIS DORRIS - PIANO LESSONS

Professional, Degreed, Performing TeacherPrivate lessons for adults and children

Beginning through advanced levelsComplimentary trial lesson offered

822 Hillgrove Ave. (2nd floor) Western [email protected] (773) 610-0644

$25.00 offwith ad

Service* Licensed Plumbers* Guaranteed work

Same Day Service!708-579-33217 Days a WeekLa Grange Office

IL Lic.005017412

WaterHeaters

SumpPumps

st. john of the cross parish€¦ · handedly comforted, consoled, inspired and helped more people...

Documents