St. Louis de Montfort Oak Lawn, Illinois

First Sunday of Advent November 27, 2016

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Life on earth is the path, not the goal. The passage we just heard is only part of a long conversation that St. Matthew records in Chapters 24 and 25 of his Gospel. Up until this point in the conversation, Jesus has been explaining what the age of the Church, the period of history between His resurrection and His second coming will look like. He has explained to his Apostles that the age of the Church will be marked by both wonderful growth and also painful persecution. He has explained that Jerusalem, the epicenter of the Old Covenant, will be destroyed to make definitive way for the New Covenant. He has explained that the world itself will eventually be destroyed to make way for the new heavens and the new earth. By referring to the example of Noah, He explains that although

these things definitely will happen, the Apostles can't know when: "you do not know on which day your Lord will come." Jesus spoke about what he knew. His explanations were not mere theories, and when the Apostles heard Him, they recognized the ring of truth in His voice. Why is Jesus telling them these things? Why does the Church remind us about them every year as Advent begins? God wants us to know that our time is limited, that our lives and history itself will come to an end. He wants us to know this, because He wants us to use our limited time wisely, living as true Christians. Jesus considers this lesson to be so important that He dedicates four separate parables to it before He finishes the conversation, driving the lesson home. Jesus knew how easily even the most faithful disciple can fall into the trap of thinking that this earthly life is the goal, and not merely the path. Pope Benedict XVI had this to say when he wrote his encyclical Spe salvi: “Here too we see as a distinguishing mark of Christians the fact that they have a future: it is not that they know the details of what awaits them, but they know in general terms that their life will not end in emptiness (Spe salvi, #2).” Human life is a journey. Towards what destination? How do we find the way? Life is like a voyage on the sea of history, often dark and stormy, a voyage in which we watch for the stars that indicate the route. The true stars of our life are the people who have lived good lives. They are lights of hope. Certainly, Jesus Christ is the true light, the sun that has risen above all the shadows of history (Spe salvi, #49).” We all know that Christmas has become too commercial-ized in our society. For many, Christmas has lost its religious meaning; for many, it consists only of presents, parties and punch. For those of us who really believe in the true message of Christmas, which we think and pray about during Advent, this commercialization can cause frustration, but it can also be an opportunity; we can use it to our advantage. The commercialization focuses everyone's attention, more or less, on the presents and pleasures that will be enjoyed on Christmas Day. In other words, it stimulates a natural kind of hope. We can use this atmosphere of natural hope ("Season's Greetings") to stir up and nourish our supernatural, Christian hope ("Merry Christmas!"), which is a key ingredient for citizenship in Christ's Kingdom. So let us not say “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” to anyone who responds this way. Rather, for the love of God, have the courage to say the truth at the stores and malls and say Merry Christmas! As Christians, we should be looking forward to Christ's second coming as eagerly as everyone else looks forward to Christmas Day. Advent and Christmas, in fact, are like dress rehearsals for history and the end of history, for our lives on earth and our entrance into heaven after death. The pattern of joyful anticipation and busy preparation that marks the commercial interpretation of Advent can serve us well, if we use it to bolster the joyful SPIRITUAL anticipation and the busy SPIRITUAL preparation of our hearts for a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ. At Mass, the priest speaks the words of consecration in the first person of Jesus, God will transform some very material and mundane bread and wine into Christ's own body and blood, in order to give us spiritual nourishment. This Advent, counting on God's help, let's do the same thing with the material and mundane commercialization that's all around us: instead of complaining about it, let's transform it, let's infuse it with spiritual meaning, with JOY! I continue to thank all of you for your continued hospitality and warmth you are showing me and each other. Please spread the good word of our wonderful parish and it is very nice to see more and more people coming back to worship God. Many of us are still saying how great it is to see our parishioner families returning back.

St Louis de Montfort, pray for us! Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us!

Have a great week and enjoy life with a great smile! Pray always!

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FROM THE

PRINCIPAL’S DESK!! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. This is such a busy time of year for everyone. Family get-togethers, Christmas parties, traveling for family visits. We have traditional events that are coming up for our school. Our Family School Association (FSA) is busy

planning some fun for our students. On Sunday, December 11th, FSA will be hosting our annual Breakfast with Santa! Join us in Quinn Hall after the 9:30 mass. We will have a delicious breakfast that will include: pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, bagels. Juice, milk and coffee will also be served. Rumor has it that a special guest will be showing up that the children...young and young at heart...will be delighted to see! On Monday, December 12th, FSA will host the Santa Shop. All students will be able to do some Christmas shopping for their family & friends. Gift wrapping is available and included. This is a favorite event for the children. More information will be coming home with your student in the next few days about both of these event. Volunteers are always needed in order to make our events successful. Please think about doing your volunteer hours for one of these dates. Please see below for details on our current Fund Raising event.

As always, thank you for your continued support, Mrs. Wilson

St. Louis de Montfort Raffle

DID YOU GET YOUR RAFFLE TICKET YET?

Grand prize ~ Skybox for Blackhawks vs St. Louis Blues at United Center, February 26

Included in the package, valued at $6,800: Skybox tickets for 20 guests ~ 4 Parking Passes

Food & beverage for four hours

2nd Prize ~ $1,000 3rd Prize ~ $750.00 4th Prize ~ 500.00 5th & 6th Prize ~ $250.00

With only 300 tickets being sold don’t wait to get yours!

∗ Makes a great Christmas gift

∗ Split the cost with friends or family

∗ School families get credit toward fund raising commitment for each ticket they sell

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ST. JOHN PAUL II EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ASSOCIATION

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Every Saturday

St. Louis de Montfort Chapel 9:00—10:00 AM Please join us

Knights of Columbus Council 14553

CHRISTMAS FOR VETS The Knights of Columbus Council 14553 is sponsoring a drive to collect gifts for the

military men & women serving our country. A box will be located in the vestibule for you to drop off

your donations. Some suggested items include: Socks ~ Underwear ~ Toiletries

During the Christmas season it’s a nice way to thank them, let them know we are thinking of them and

appreciate their sacrifices.

Please, always, keep them and their families in your prayers.

CHECK OUT THE GIVECENTRAL WEBSITE

www.givecentral.org

Many parishioners are registered and using the application to make their contributions to the parish. It is easy to register, and a convenient way to keep track of your donations for tax purposes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the parish home during regular business hours!

Our parish ministries are always looking for new fac-es! If you would like more information on joining a group, please contact the Parish home during regular business hours.

Some of our parish ministries include:

Eucharistic Minister Lector Choir ~ Bell Choir Ministers of Care

Ministers of Hospitality—ushers Women’s Auxiliary Knights of Columbus

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Jackie Adomovicz Jesse Anderer George Badke

Jim Ball Richard Bania

Erik Baranowski Irene Baranowski

Lillian Berenis Sr. Bernardine Mikey Bevan Joyce Bitinas

Jesselyn Brucki Donna Chlebek

Diane Chrapkiewicz Pat Chudy

Betty Connolly Donna Dong

Mary Dragozetic Rita Duchowicz

John Furmaniak Sr. Dave Gallagher Sandra Gilbert

Lorraine Grams Dorothy Hayden

Janis Hayden Mary Hinchey

Theresa Iser Marilyn Jones

Mary Jane Kirchner Doris Konieczka Daniel Kosiek

Kurt Kutschke Joyce Lenzi

Josie Maracic Agnes Mark Rita Mazur

Mary Ann & Bill Meskowski Rosemary Mihelic Barbara Minster Judy Mitchell Vencia Munis

Christopher Murphy Teresa Myczek Michael Nolan

Sr. Therese O’Donnell Debbie Ornat Kari Raspanti

Kelly Robertson Frances Schmidt Joan Schramm

Bridget Schroeder Ruth Ann Smith

Jim Staros Mercedita Suclan

Terry Swierk Jay Tarczon

Dorothy Tinman Diane Uryasz

Jerry Wantroba II Mary Wantuck

Cathy Jo Werner Robert & Carol Zucas

We pray for those among us who are suffering from illnesses

REST IN PEACE We pray for our family and friends

that have recently died.

Please keep them and their families in your prayers.

Our Parish Pantry is stocking up for the busiest time of year! Please help families less fortunate enjoy holiday & daily meals by donating a couple of food items. There is a cart located in the vestibule.

All donations are appreciated!

Most needed items include: Canned goods ~ especially:

Vegetables: baked beans, beans, tomato, corn, etc. Canned fruit ~~ Soups ~~ Pasta sauce ~~

Peanut butter ~~Baby food ~~ Personal care items (male & female)

All other non perishable items of daily living Thank you for your generosity!

Dec. 3 5:00PM Dec. 4 7:30 AM Dec. 4 9:30 AM Dec. 4 11:30 AM T. Wasik I. Ramirez M. Murphy G. Pierzynski C. Beyer B. Gilbert M. Hurley M. Gal C. Sorensen K. Delmagori D. Sichelski D. Ott

Extraordinary J. Kocher L. Gilbert S. Kozak M. Farrell Ministers of Communion J. Miller M. Gilbert D. Widmer N. Rodl

J. Werner M. Kocher V. Munis C. Karnoski M. Navedo M. Uryasz J. Cepek C. Gotto

Commenator L. Trail M. Uryasz J. Mitchell C. Karnoski

Lector M. Leffers M. Gilbert D. Widmer A. Sinde

THE WOMEN'S CENTER 5116 North Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630

(773)794-1313 BRANCH OFFICES: 9730 S. Western, Ste. 318, Evergreen Park, IL and

2720 S. River Rd., Suite 234, Des Plaines, IL

Christmas is about love and family and that is what we strive to be for the women in difficult pregnancies who come to us for help. This year we saved approximately 1,000 babies from abortion and helped their mothers with our support and care. SEEKING DONATIONS: Please note: we will be unable to accept used clothing donations in December due to space limits. We need 3 walkers, 2 changing tables, 3 bassinets, 2 high chairs, 4 baby bathtubs, 5 toddler beds, 6 fixed side cribs, 4 pack n plays, 3 baby swings, and 4 infant car seat/carriers, It will be a great help if you can deliver these to us. Call for our address where items may be dropped off. Multiple item donations may be eligible for pick-up by one of our volunteers.

For more information, please call 773-794-1313. The families who receive these things are grateful for your gener-osity.

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Weekly Activities at St. Louis

Saturday, November 26 9:00 AM—Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM Adoration 11:30 AM—Sandwich Ministry Sunday, November 27 Monday, November 28 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) Tuesday, November 29 9:00 AM—Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM — Needle workers (QH) Wednesday, November 30 9:00 AM — Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Thursday, December 1 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) Friday, December 2 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Saturday, December 3 9:00 AM — Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM— Adoration 12:00 PM—Baptism Sunday, December 4

Weekly Mass Intentions

Saturday, November 26 5:00 PM — +Vidinich Families +Frank Bilo +Carl Lemmler Sunday, November 27, First Sunday of Advent 7:30 AM — +Bruno Uryasz +Stanislaw Babinski +The Hynes Family 9:30 AM — +Diane & Wolter Skupien +Clem Hojnacki +Leopold & Anna Ciezczak 11:30 AM — +Matthew Dragozetic +Remy Kincinis + Tony Samanic, +Kate Samanic Monday, November 28 8:30 AM— +Dan Burns Tuesday, November 29 8:30 AM — People of the Parish Wednesday, November 30 8:30 AM — Communion Service Thursday, December 1 8:30 AM— +Marines of 2/7 Fox Company Friday, December 2 8:30 AM — Mike Wodke Saturday, December 3 8:30 AM — Communion Service 5:00 PM — +Patrick & Rose Quinn +Larry Loman—3rd Anniversary of Death +Joan Halloran Sunday, December 4, Second Sunday of Advent 7:30 AM — +David Fenton & Sons +Anthony & Matthew Zalapi +Stanley Babinski 9:30 AM — +Clem Hojnacki +Jan Babicz +Deceased Members of Lenzi Family 11:30 AM — People of the Parish

Sunday Readings for November 27

First reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 Second reading: Romans 13:11-14 Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44

Sunday Readings for December 4

First reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 Second reading: Romans 15:4-9 Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

WEEKLY OFFERING

Week of November 19/20 Collection

information not available at time of publication printing.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

A FRIENDLY REMINDER Please be sure to indicate the amount of your offering on your weekly envelopes. If nothing is noted, your donations cannot be document-ed for your annual statement that we send for tax purpos-es.

The 2017 Mass book is open and there are still several dates available for 2016. Please contact the Parish Home at 708.599.5300 during regular business hours if you would like to have a mass said in remembrance of a loved one or for a special in-tention.

Fr. Stanley Stuglik, Pastor Mr. Bill Sullivan: Deacon Fr. Mark Canavan: Pastor Emeritus Ms. Jan Podolak: Parish Secretary Mrs. Karen Deegan: Director of Music Parish Home: 8808 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn IL Phone: 708-599-5300 Fax: 708-599-2678 Email: parish.office@sldm.org Parish Website: www.sldmparish.org Parish Home Office Hours: 9:00 AM— 2:30 PM Monday—Friday Mrs. Melissa Wilson: School Principal Mrs. Cheryl Plesha: Director of Religious Education School Address: 8840 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn IL School Phone: 708-599-5781

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM Weekdays 8:30 AM (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri) 8:30 AM Communion Service (Wed) Saturday 8:30 AM Communion Service Confessions: Saturday 4:00 to 4:30 PM Baptisms: 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month Pre-Baptismal Program: The 1st Tuesday every other month. Arrangements can be made by calling the Rectory. Weddings: Couples should contact the parish priest at least six months in advance of wedding date.

Welcome to St. Louis de Montfort Parish

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Louis De Montfort Church #000448 8808 S. Ridgeland Avenue Oak Lawn, IL 60453 TELEPHONE 708 599-5300 CONTACT PERSON Jan Podolak EMAIL: parish.office@sldmparish.org SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2013 Adobe Acrobat XI Windows 8 TRANSMISSION TIME Wednesday 11:00 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION November 27, 2016 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Please change your records to reflect our new Email address indicated above.