St. Louis de Montfort

Oak Lawn, Illinois

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Living as martyrs, that is our lesson for our spiritual life, not just this week from the readings we heard in church, but throughout our lives living as disciples of Christ. Today’s first reading presents one of the most gripping stories in the Bible. The pagan rulers of ancient Israel attempted to force the Jewish people to violate their dietary laws. This was really an effort to persuade them to abandon their relationship with God, who had commanded them not to eat certain foods. Why did God do that? Many of the foods that He prohibited were sacred food in Egypt. God was reminding the people of Israel not to return to the pagan practices they learned in Egypt. The young men in today’s story, together with their mother, all affirmed that they were prepared

to die rather than offend God. Their relationship with God was so real that it brought them to die for the Lord, with the hope of eternal life. There are moments when our relationship with God will cost us. We need to be frank about this, and not delude ourselves. The more any relationship matters to us, the more we’re willing to suffer for the person we love. We’re all called to live as those young men did, with our eyes fixed on God, on His promises and on His presence. The traditional word for this is “Martyr.”

The word “martyr” comes from the Greek word “martyrios”, which means witness. As Christians, we’re called to witness to the rest of the world that God is real, that He’s good, and that He’s worth it. God is real. Sometimes it’s easy to dismiss God as a distant idea or a cosmic force that has little bearing on our everyday life. A Christian lives in such a way that others recognize that God is more real than anything else.

God is good. So many people doubt the goodness of God. A Christian lives in such a way that others are able to experience the goodness of God, who sent his only Son so that we might have life.

God is worth it. Many treasures compete for the keys to our hearts. A Christian lives in such a way that others grasp that God is the great treasure for which it’s worth giving up everything, even our lives.

We’re called to live as martyrs, as witnesses to our God who loves us and is present with us forever. Here is an example of the willingness of martyrdom.

All the saints are remarkable for their vibrant hope, their ability to keep the bigger picture in mind, but St Maximilian Kolbe stands out even among saints. He was a brilliant young scholar who earned his first Ph.D. by the time he was 21. During his seminary years, he studied science on the side, and was even designing space travel mechanisms long before World War II. As a young priest, he put his notable talents to work by beginning an Apostolate called the Knights of the Immaculata, dedicated to spreading the Gospel through mass media. When the Nazis conquered his native Poland at the start of World War II, St Kolbe's publications vociferously denounced Nazi errors and crimes. The saint found himself arrested, threatened, released, and, when he continued to publish criticism of the Nazi regime, arrested again. This time he was sent to forced labor at the Auschwitz concentration camp. To be able to help his fellow prisoners, he publicly acknowledged that he was a Catholic priest. As a result, he received special treatment from the guards: beatings, attacks by dogs, the most dirty and heavy work, and carrying of the corpses. Through it all, he kept encouraging his comrades. He told them: "No, they will not kill our souls... They will not be able to deprive us of the dignity of being a Catholic. We will not give up. And when we die, then we die pure and peaceful, resigned to God in our hearts." Eventually, he offered his own life in substitution for a young man who had been randomly chosen for execution, and so he died - a bright beacon of Christian hope in one of history's darkest moments, all because he was able to keep the bigger picture in mind.

Most of us aren’t called to die a violent death for our faith. But we will have thousands of opportunities each day to die a little death. The poet William Blake said that every act of kindness is a little death in the divine image. So let’s commit to acts of kindness to those closest to us. Let us even get practical. It can even help us to set a goal. For example, today I’m going to do or say 5 kind things to my family. As we do this, we’re living as Christians in the midst of workaday reality. We’re witnessing to Jesus, Crucified and Risen and present with us.

Just recently, I have received surprising and wonderful news. A wonderful longtime parishioner, Monica Robinia, has been called by our Lord and has left a beautiful donation to our parish in her will. Monica’s niece has informed me that her aunt wants this money to be used in upcoming church renovations. I thank Monica for her love of our parish. Please pray for her soul and her living family going through these sad times missing her tremendously. If any are interested in leaving something for God in this wonderful parish family in the future, kindly consider St. Louis de Montfort in your wills.

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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Congratulations to Week 8 Winners

Mariette Zielinski—$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!

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK!!

ANNOUNCING 2 NEW FUNDRAISERS

A TUPPERWARE fundraiser, offering 40% of sales back to the school! Brochures are available in the school and the church vestibule.

FUNDRAISER RAFFLE (see details above) Tickets are available after mass, in the school office or at the parish home during regular business hours. School families will get credit toward their fundraising goal for each ticket they sell.

As a reminder only 300 tickets will be sold! Every Thursday, 8:30 AM is a school mass. Each week a different grade level is responsible for readings at mass. We invite you to join our students at our weekly mass.

It’s that time of year….the chance of inclement weather can cause school closing! Please be sure you are registered to receive email Newsflashes from the school that will announce a closing. Announcements will also be made on local radio & television news broadcasts. **This Thursday, November 10th is an early dismissal. Students will be dismissed at 12:45 PM As always, thank you for your continued support, Mrs. Wilson

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The Knights of Columbus Annual Chili Cook-Off BEARS vs TAMPA BAY ~ ~ Sunday, November 13, 12:00 PM

St. Germaine Parish Come and enjoy food, the football game and

VOTE for your favorite Chili! This is a free event!

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

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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 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

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.

Nov. 12 5:00PM Nov. 13 7:30 AM Nov. 13 9:30 AM Nov. 13 11:30 AM L. Trail H. Niemiec K. Tarczon M. Farrell J. Werner I. Ramirez D. Widmer C. Karnoski J. Kocher J. Sibick J. LaSalvia D. Ott

Extraordinary G. Pierzynski R. Staros J. Mitchell C. Gotto Ministers of Communion T. Lechert M. Uryasz A. Weiss J. Hurckes

M. Leffers M. Gilbert C. Beyer N. Rodl T. Wasik K. Delmagori M. Murphy M. Gal

Commenator G. Pierzynski M. Uryasz J. Mitchell C. Karnoski

Lector D. Sichelski G. Senese D. Widmer C. Gotto

A SEASONAL MESSAGE FROM OUR PARISH PANTRY STAFF

It has been a little over 6 months since our current food pan-try team was formed. We are carrying on the vision and work of Mike Sharwarko and previous pantry manger, Mary Kmak,

and many others in the parish who have worked so hard to provide us the ability to help the needy in our area with food and other sustenance to support daily living. Most of these

items have been provided by the generosity you have exhibit-ed weekly. It is truly amazing how full the food cart is every Monday morning! This generosity has been continuous, week after week, which indicates to us that the entire parish is as-

sisting in this ministry. Thank you, Thank you! The holiday season is quickly approaching and we don’t want any family to go without the bare necessities. Please continue your generosity and if possible add an extra item or 2. We also accept cash donations which allows us to purchase fresh food items and replenish when we are short of staples. Below is a list of the most needed items. However you can help is greatly appreciated by those we are all helping.

Canned goods ~ especially: Vegetables—baked beans, beans, tomato, corn, etc

Canned fruit ~~ Soups ~~ Pasta sauce ~~ Peanut butter Baby food ~~ Personal care items (male & female)

Other non perishable items of daily living Thank you for all of your past and continued generosity, may God bless you and keep you safe. Wishing you a Blessed Holiday Season on behalf of the Par-ish Pantry Staff Tom Trusk, Parish Pantry Manager

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.

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Weekly Activities at St. Louis

Saturday, November 5 9:00 AM—Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM Adoration Sunday, November 6 Monday, November 7 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM— School Board Meeting Tuesday, November 8 9:00 AM—Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM — Needleworkers (QH) Wednesday, November 9 9:00 AM — Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Thursday, November 10 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM— Women’s Auxiliary Meeting (QH) Friday, November 11 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Saturday, November 12 9:00 AM — Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM— Adoration 9:00 AM—2:00 PM—Craft Fair (QH) Sunday, November 13 12:00 —6:00 PM—Women’s Auxiliary Bunco (QH)

Weekly Mass Intentions Saturday, November 5 5:00 PM - +Joseph Zalapi +Lojas Brothers +Donald Wasik Sunday, November 6, 32nd Sunday Ordinary Time 7:30 AM — +Frances & James Fenton +Edward Niemiec 9:30 AM — +Jan Babicz +Thelma LaSalvia +Maura Riordan 11:30 AM —+Monica Robinia Monday, November 7 8:30 AM— +Robert Plewa Tuesday, November 8 8:30 AM — +Robert Plewa +John N McNamara Wednesday, November 9 8:30 AM — Communion Service Thursday, November 10 8:30 AM— +Helen & Eugene Sokolowski +Robert Plewa Friday, November 11 8:30 AM — +Robert Plewa Saturday, November 12 8:30 AM — Communion Service 5:00 PM — +Deceased members of Lojas Family Sunday, November 13, 33rd Sunday Ordinary Time 7:30 AM — Alice Puriski +Edward Niemiec 9:30 AM — +Jozef Dusza +Thelma LaSalvia 11:30 AM — People of the Parish

Sunday Readings for November 6

First reading: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14 Second reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5 Gospel: Luke 20:27-38 or 20:27,34-38

Sunday Readings for November 13

First reading: Malachi 3:19-20a Second reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 Gospel: Luke 21:5-19

WEEKLY OFFERING

Week of October 29/30 $6,077.00 Give Central $ 160.00 Goal $9,200.00

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 docu-mented for your annual statement that we send for tax purposes.

RESPECT LIFE BABY BOTTLE PROJECT If you have not already done so, please return the baby bottle filled with your loose change next weekend.

We ask that you return the bottles filled or not so they can be used at a later date.

Thank you for your prayers, generosity and support of this life saving cause.

During mass, the weekend of November 19-20th there will be a second collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Envelopes and literature pertaining to the event can be found in the vestibule.

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 6, 2016 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Please change your records to reflect our new Email address indicated above.