St. Louis de Montfort

Oak Lawn, Illinois

Fourth Sunday Ordinary Time January 29, 2017

Fr. Stan’s Utterances In this new 2017 year, let us all please be like the shepherds of Bethlehem who go back home rejoicing and proclaiming what we have seen and heard by bringing back someone in our family, friends or someone on our neighborhood block back to our church who has not been coming and bring them home closer to God this new year. Please devote yourselves everyday to Mary via the rosary, praying the Magnificat, Memorare, The Angelus throughout the day or even silently speaking to Mary from our hearts. When St Augustine was asked to name the three most important virtues, he gave an interesting answer. First, he said, “humility”. “Second, humility”. “Third, humility.” Humility is God's favorite

thing; He longs to find it in us. Humility is the unifying idea that undergirds the eight Beatitudes, which we just heard, and which summarize Jesus' teaching about how to live. Looking carefully, we see a common denominator: the person who is blessed (pronounced with two syllables: BLESS-ehd) is the person who is not thinking about himself all the time.

The poor in spirit and those who suffer persecution gracefully realize that they are not the center of the universe: God is! The clean of heart realizes that other people don't exist just for the sake of their pleasure. The peacemaker is concerned about the needs and problems of others. The merciful is concerned about the suffering of others. The mournful is concerned about the damage their sin does to the Church, the world, and other people. The meek cares more about getting things done than getting credit for doing things. Those who hunger for righteousness realize that their life has a higher purpose, that it's part of a bigger story. Underlying all the Beatitudes is this fundamental attitude that that puts God and others ahead of self. It

looks out at the world instead of staring in, fixated on self. This is humility, the bedrock of Christian spirituality. God loves this humility because it opens the soul to receive His gifts. The

arrogant soul is closed in on itself. No one can get in, not even God, who wants to deliver his gifts. This is why the First Reading shows God praising "the humble and lowly" and exhorting us to "Seek the Lord... seek humility." This is why the Beatitudes tell us what hope is about.

In those few verses, Jesus sums up all His teaching on how to live life to the full. The Beatitudes, as that list of statements is called, are as fundamental for Christ's teaching as the Ten Commandments were for Moses' teaching. The Beatitudes build up from the Ten Commandments.

Each one of the eight Beatitudes is phrased in the same way, a very curious way. First Jesus says, "Blessed are..." and then He names a specific type of suffering. “Blessed” is one of the most important words in the Bible. It is always used to refer to the fullness of life that comes only to those who follow God. The Greek word used for it in the New Testament is "makarios" (mah- CAR-ee-ohss). That word comes from the name of an island that the ancient Greeks considered to be a perfect paradise. This is the impression that the word "blessed" should give us: the kind of happiness that is so strong and stable that not even the storms and sufferings of life in the world can shake it; the deep, interior sense of joy and meaning that we all long to experience, because we are made to experience. However, the amazing thing about these Beatitudes, the ones Jesus teaches, is where they say this perfect blessedness can be found.

They say that we can experience it on earth - each time, Jesus says, "blessed ARE...", but that experience can only come if our hearts are set on heaven, on Christ's Kingdom, on friendship with God. If we want anything else more than that - food, wealth, fame, comfort, power, praise - if we set our hearts on those things, we will not experience the blessedness that Christ wants to give us. However, as soon as we accept the hard reality that earth will never be heaven, that nothing on earth can fulfill our heart's desire completely, that we will always experience limitations like hunger, humiliation, sorrow, temptation, and injustice - in other words, as soon as we accept fully that this life is a journey to a fuller life, then we will begin to experience that fuller life, in part, even here and now, along the journey. This is exactly what we mean by the Christian virtue of hope: the assurance that if we stay united to Christ here on earth, we will experience fulfillment, blessedness, more and more, until we are filled completely in heaven.

In other words, as Christians, we actually know where true happiness is to be found: in our friendship with Christ, in following Him through this life into perfect communion with Him and all the saints in heaven. Conclusion: Doing Our Part. Today the Church has reminded us of one of the most precious gifts we received at our baptism: the virtue of hope. When Jesus comes to us again in Holy Communion, He will nourish that virtue, as sunlight nourishes a garden. When He does, let's talk to Him about what we can do this week, on our part, to help that virtue grow, to tend to the garden of our soul. Let us all pray for humility and act in humility.

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 and JOY! Pray always!

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK!!

Hello, We are committed to making the rest of this year fun and educational for all of our students! Recently, one of our parents, Mr. Ken Widel, stepped forward and volunteered to get a

Minecraft club going after school on Mondays. There was a big response from our students. Students were grouped by grade levels and have been meeting since the beginning of January. Pictured are students in Grades 2 and 3 having fun with Minecraft.

Next week, we will be announcing the winners in our Blackhawks Suite Raffle. I want to thank all of those who bought tickets! We are beginning to plan fundraising events for the remainder of the year - stay tuned for information about the popular Hoops Mania tickets and other interesting fund raising opportunities. We have also begun brainstorming about events to have between now and the end of the year to honor St. Louis de Montfort School and its history, our wonderful staff and great students. As plans are finalized you can find information here in the weekly bulletin and news flashes will be sent to school families via the website. Please continue pray for our students, families and the staff throughout this difficult time.

Thank you for your continued support, Mrs. Wilson

A Note from The Needle Workers… Are you thinking how nice it would be to knit or crochet a scarf for yourself or family? Join us on Tuesday nights in Quinn Hall and we would love to help you make a lovely, warm scarf. And if you already knit or crochet, please come and visit us with your creations and new projects. We also make Christening blankets, preemie items, lap blankets, prayer shawls, hats and gloves. We would be happy to show you how to make them. Below is a list of some of the items we have made and donated to various groups recently: St. Louis de Montfort: 5 Baptism blankets and 7 crosses St. Louis de Montfort Food Pantry: 30 scarves, 21 hats, 33 glove / mitten sets Veterans: 10 lap robes, 8 scarves and miscellaneous personal items Knights of Columbus Coat Drive: 20 sets of gloves and 18 scarves Women’s Auxiliary: 6 blankets for homeless Leland Police & Fire Department.: 45 pillows—for children in emergency situations PADS: 5 lap robes and 1 blanket Hospice—Palos Hospital: 20 lap robes and 20 quilts Local nursing homes: 51 afghans, 30 pillows, 7 blankets & crosses and various other items Hope you see you in Quinn Hall on Tuesday nights from 7:00— 9:00 PM.

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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 Diane Chrapkiewicz

Pat Chudy John Condon Sue Conley

Betty Connolly Donna Dong

Mary Dragozetic Rita Duchowicz Shirley Duran

Jack Falsey John Furmaniak Sr.

Dave Gallagher Sandra Gilbert

Lorraine Grams Dorothy Hayden

Janis Hayden Mary Hinchey Theresa Iser Marilyn Jones

Mary Jane Kirchner Mary Kmak

Doris Konieczka

Daniel Kosiek Kurt Kutschke

Joyce Lenzi Josie Maracic Agnes Mark Rita Mazur

Amelia McDowall Mary Ann & Bill Meskowski

Rosemary Mihelic Andy Mikal

Barbara Minster Judy Mitchell Vencia Munis

Christopher Murphy Teresa Myczek Michael Nolan 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 Shelley Werner-Torsan Robert & Carol Zucas

REST IN PEACE

We pray for our family and friends that have recently died

Please keep them and their families in your prayers

We pray for those among us who are suffering from illnesses

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

ST. JOSEPH TABLE Saturday, March 18th

According to legend, the St. Joseph Altar

originated in Sicily many centuries ago during a period of drought and famine. In desperation, the people turned to St. Joseph asking his help. When

the rains finally came and the crops prospered, their prayers were answered. In Thanksgiving, the com-munity made offerings to St. Joseph of their most

prized possession, their food.

The Women’s Auxiliary is organizing a St. Joseph’s Table at St. Louis de Montfort to carry on the tradition and honor St. Joseph. More details will be posted as plans are finalized.

February R.E. classes will be on:

Saturday, February 4th, 2017 Saturday, February 11th, 2017 Saturday, February 25th, 2017

I apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding. Mrs. Cheryl Plesha Religious Education Coordinator

Feb. 4 5:00PM Feb. 5 7:30 AM Feb. 5 9:30 AM Feb. 5 11:30 AM M. Navedo I Ramirez M. Murphy C. Karnoski J. Werner M. Kocher J. Mitchell C. Gotto T. Wasik B. Gilbert S. Kozak M. Farrell

Extraordinary J. Kocher L. Gilbert J. Cepek G. Pierzynski Ministers of Communion L. Trail M. Gilbert M. Hurley N. Rodl

C. Sorensen K. Delmagori D. Widmer D. Ott M. Leffers R. Staros D. Sichelski M. Gal

Commenator A. Lieske M. Gilbert D. Sichelski C. Gotto

Lector M. Leffers S. Ferriola J. Mitchell A. Sinde

On Saturday, February 4th, 10:00 AM, we will be taking down the church Christmas decorations. Any volunteers to assist are always welcomed and greatly appreciated!

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Weekly Activities at St. Louis

Sunday, January 29 Celebrating Catholic Schools Week 10:30 AM—Raffle drawing after 9:30 mass Monday, January 30 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) Tuesday, January 31 9:00 AM — Rosary (CH) 3:00 -4:00 PM—Children’s choir rehearsal 7:00 PM — Needle workers (QH) Wednesday, February 1 9:00 AM — Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Thursday, February 2 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) Friday, February 3 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Saturday, February 4 9:00 AM — Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM— Adoration Sunday, February 5

Weekly Mass Intentions Saturday, January 28 8:30 AM Communion Service 5:00 PM + Vita Scribano—37th Anniversary of death + Thomas & Anna Dillon Sunday, January 29, Fourth Sunday Ordinary Time 7:30 AM + Mary Ann Menard 9:30 AM + Wolter & Diane Skupien 11:30 AM + Katarzyna Dobrowska Monday, January 30 8:30 AM + Joan Salvato Tuesday, January 31 8:30 AM + Jeannette Gunty Wednesday, February 1 8:30 AM Communion Service Thursday, February 2 8:30 AM In Thanksgiving Friday, February 3 8:30 AM + Betty Keenan + Marion Godowski Saturday, February 4 8:30 AM Communion Service 5:00 PM + Sophia & Karol Figus + John J McNamara + Jeannette Gunty Sunday, February 5, Fifth Sunday Ordinary Time 7:30 AM + Magalene & Frank Grunauer + Mary Sasak + Michael Mascolino 9:30 AM + Charles Strohmaier Sr + Jan Babicz 11:30 AM + Elieser DeJesus + Megan Hurkes + Sr. Therese O”Donnell

Sunday Readings for January 29

First reading: Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13 Second reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

Sunday Readings for February 5

First reading: Isaiah 58:7-10 Second reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

WEEKLY OFFERING

January 21-22 $6,400.00 Give Central $ 225.00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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

The 2017 Mass book is open. 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 intention.

CHECK OUT THE GIVECENTRAL WEBSITE www.givecentral.org

It is easy to register, and a convenient way to keep track of your donations for tax purposes.

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@sldmparish.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 January 29, 2017 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Please change your records to reflect our new Email address indicated above.