St. Louis de Montfort Oak Lawn, Illinois

December 18, 2016 Fourth Sunday of Advent

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Advent is about newness. God acts and He does something absolutely new. Both the first reading and the gospel today refer to this newness, and they refer to it by reference to something that’s a core teaching of our Catholic Faith: the Virgin Birth of Christ. In the book of Isaiah, King Ahaz is in dire straits. Enemies are besieging him, and God wants to help him out. He says, “Ask for a sign, any sign.” However, Ahaz doesn’t really trust God, so he says “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!” Rather strange since God explicitly told him to ask. Unfortunately, Ahaz doesn’t want to rely on God. Therefore, God takes matters into His own hands. He inspires Isaiah to say: “The Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive,

and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us.’” Why is this important? Because for a virgin to conceive means that God has done something outside the normal course of nature. It means that he will do something new. St Augustine wrote that God makes himself a debtor to us, not because He receives anything but because He promises us so much. In the gospel, He fulfills the promise made to Ahaz 600 years earlier. The angel tells Joseph that it was through the Holy Spirit that Mary conceived. “She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” Jesus was born of a virgin, and that means that God has done something new. God has acted to save us! This child is truly God and truly one of us. He would die to save us from our sins and restore us to friendship with God. He would give us hope, peace, and joy. God has done something absolutely new. So, what now you might say? What do I do with this message that I read so far? How about we become the hands of Christ here on this earth: in our homes, families, work places, schools, shopping stores, playgrounds, vacation sites, etc. Living a Christ centered life means dedicating ourselves to Christ's priorities, and His highest priority is building up His Kingdom, the Church. We have an active role in building up His Kingdom. This is why He became a man on Christmas Day because he wanted us to be able to become sons and daughters of God, co-workers of His Kingdom. He came to share in our humanity, so that we could share in his divinity. At Mass, when you watch the priest pour the wine into the chalices, then he adds drops of water into the chalices with wine while saying a prayer inaudibly at every Mass to the Father saying, “By this mystery of water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled Himself to share in our humanity.” Now, when you are sitting in the pew next time, remember how the priest is praying at every Mass and it is just not a priest/deacon simply pouring wine and droplets of water into chalices. We are called to share in His holiness and divinity into our lives! During World War II, a church in Frankfurt, Germany, was heavily damaged by bombs. At war's end the parishioners began repairing. One badly broken object was a statue of Christ. They finally found and put together all the parts, except the hands. After considerable debate and discussion about engaging a sculptor to make a new pair of hands, the people of the parish decided to leave the statue without hands. They put a plaque beneath it that reads: "Christ has no hands but our hands." Notice in the painting the angel is pointing Joseph to get up and do something! Stop questioning and let’s go! We do not have much time! That is why at the end of every Mass, the most challenging words are about when we leave the church, after we receive our blessing from God, the priest/deacon states, “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord!” We are called to carry on Christ's work in our challenging times. 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! 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 please say Merry Christmas! 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!!

JOY! Students in Miss Hurley’s 5th grade were given a STEM challenge. Their challenge was to each build a piece of the nativity completely out of Legos! Then, the students combined all of their individual pieces together to create the Nativity Scene. As you can see from the pictures be-low, they were successful in their challenge and very proud of their work! Nice job, 5th Graders!

Our Breakfast with Santa was a great success as well as Santa Secret Shop. We are so grateful for the many hours of volunteered time and the devotion of our FSA for always making our children feel special! Thank you, FSA!! Merry Christmas, Mrs. Wilson

Congratulations to Week 14 Winner

Mary McGuinness—$25 *****************************************

St. Louis de Montfort FSA

FSA collects “box tops” and “labels for education” which can be found on many

popular food and household products packaging. Please save these labels for our school. They provide a variety of free merchandise, such as playground equipment and arts & crafts supplies. We also receive cash rebates! There is a mailbox located in the church and school vestibule where you can conveniently drop off your labels. We thank you for your help!

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

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 this 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!

Christmas Schedule of Services

Saturday, December 24th Christmas Eve 3:30 PM Christmas Carols

4:00 PM Mass 10:00 PM Mass

Sunday, December 25th Christmas Day

Regular Sunday Mass Schedule 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM

ATTENTION BINGO LOVERS

Bingo is taking a hiatus during December, but will be back in January!!

Mark your calendars for Sunday January 8th and 22nd!

More details will follow.

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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.

GIVING TREE Gifts will be picked up on Wednesday,

December 21st.

This year our giving tree for St. Martin de Porres House of Hope is set up by the Holy Family at the back of church. Although we got a late start with this annual event, we look forward to continuing the tradition of supporting St. Martin de Porres in their efforts to make some less fortunate families enjoy a Merry Christmas. You can take an ornament either from the tree or they can also be found in a basket on the counter in the vestibule. Cash donations are accepted, however we ask that you DO NOT make checks payable to St. Louis de Montfort, please make them payable directly to St. Martin de Porres House of Hope.

As always, thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness!

Our Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Communion will be on a volunteer basis for our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses. If you haven’t already signed up for a Mass, please do so in the Sacristy. During our Christmas Masses, if you notice a shortage of volunteers, please step in to assist.

On behalf of Fr. Stan, Fr. Francis and all of St. Louis de Montfort Parish, we would like to thank all of our lectors and Ministers of Communion, who each week, help to make our time of worship meaningful and prayerful.

In every successful organization, there are the “behind the scenes” groups that keep things running seamlessly. At St. Louis de Montfort it’s the many ministries that we depend on. At this blessed time of year, we want you to know that your time, efforts and dedication to our parish are appreciated and do not go unnoticed.

Sacristan ~~ Martha’s Ministry Bereavement Minister ~~ Minister of Care

Eucharistic Minister ~~ Lector Choir ~ Bell Choir ~~ Counters

Pre-Baptismal Class Facilitator ~~ Needle Workers Food Pantry ~~ Minister of Hospitality (ushers) Women’s Auxiliary ~~ Knights of Columbus

School Board ~~ FSA ~~ Technology Committee (My apologies if I’ve missed anyone!)

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Weekly Activities at St. Louis

Saturday, December 17 9:00 AM—Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM Adoration Sunday, December 18 1:00 PM—Baptism Monday, December 19 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 1:00 PM—School Reconciliation Tuesday, December 20 9:00 AM—Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM — Needle workers (QH) Wednesday, December 21 9:00 AM — Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Thursday, December 22 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) Friday, December 23 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Saturday, December 24 9:00 AM — Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM— Adoration Sunday, December 25

Weekly Mass Intentions

Saturday, December 17 5:00 PM — +Fred Werner +Clem Hojnacki +Vera Rostan Family Sunday, December 18, Fourth Sunday of Advent 7:30 AM — +Joseph Zalapi +Alice Puriski +Deceased Members of Grillo Family 9:30 AM — +Diane & Wolter Skupien +Clem Hojnacki +Leopold & Anna Ciezczak 11:30 AM +Louis & Anna Fanelli +Jozef Podczerwinski +Jozef Boblak Monday, December 19 8:30 AM— Sue Garest—Special intention for health Tuesday, December 20 8:30 AM — Mary O’Donnell Joan Halloran Wednesday, December 21 8:30 AM — Communion Service Thursday, December 22 8:30 AM— Sophia & Andrew Bednarczyk Friday, December 23 8:30 AM — +Lorraine Szydolwski Rosemary Mihelic +Clem Hojnacki Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve 8:30 AM — Communion Service 3:30 PM — Christmas Carols 4:00 PM — Christmas Eve Mass 10:00 PM — Christmas Eve Mass Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day 7:30 AM - Mass 9:30 AM - Mass 11:30 AM - Mass

Sunday Readings for December 18

First reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 Second reading: Romans 1:1-7 Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

Sunday Readings for December 25

First reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 Second reading: Romans 1:1-7 Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

WEEKLY OFFERING

Week of December 10/11 $5.370.00 Give Central $ 305.00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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 School Fax: 708-599-5782

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 December 18, 2016 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Please change your records to reflect our new Email address indicated above.