St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr We are a Stewardship Parish

The Baptism of the Lord January 10, 2016 Our Parish Mission Liturgy Schedule

A Catholic community of faith striving to witness to the Gospel. Our Baptism and Confirmation calls us Monday—Saturday: 8am to bring Christ’s Love to our families, our work Mass of Anticipation: 5pm places and our community. Grateful for God’s gifts, Sunday: 7am, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 6:15pm; we seek to nurture those gifts and to give back to the 1pm (Polish) Lord by sharing our time, talent and material treasure. In all of our parish activities we seek to Reconciliation: Saturdays, 8:45-9:30am develop a personal relationship with the Lord who directs our lives and a vision that sees the world St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Catholic Church with the eyes of Christ and that leads to a 17500 South 84th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60487 commitment to justice. We seek a sense of unity in 708-342-2400 Christ that leads us to be an open and welcoming people and a sense of joy in being graced by the gifts www.ststephentinley.com of God’s Love. Twitter @ststephentinley Our Church Sacraments

Parish Office Baptisms are celebrated every Sunday at 3pm in English and 1pm 17500 South 84th Avenue in Polish. Please contact Deacon Ken in the parish office for the Tinley Park, IL 60487 necessary preparations at 708-342-2400 ext. 136.

Sacrament of Reconciliation is available on Saturdays, from Office Hours: 8:45—9:30am in the church or by appointment. 8:30am-8pm Mon-Th; 8:30am-6pm Fri; Noon-5pm Sat Office Closed: 12:30-1pm Mon-Fri Funerals can be arranged with the parish office. Office Phone: 708.342.2400 Marriages St. Stephen Parish welcomes the celebration of the

weddings of both registered parishioners and the children of Office Fax: 708.342.1545 registered parishioners. Information is available from one of the Religious Ed. Phone: 708.342.1544 priests or deacons. Website: www.ststephentinley.com Email: [email protected] Pastoral Care of the Sick can be arranged for the sick, elderly and Twitter: @ststephentinley handicapped desiring Communion by calling the parish office. Our School Stewardship: Time, Talent and Treasure Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School Collections Collections 9300 167th Street For 12-20-2015 For 12-27-2015 Orland Hills, IL 60487 Regular $23,233.00 Regular $20,501.00 School Phone: 708.403.6525 Kids $107.31 Kids $49.42 School Fax: 708.403.8621 Sharing $563.00 Sharing $153.00 Ms. Mary Iannucilli, Principal Christmas $4,158.00 Christmas $6,933.00 Immaculate Immaculate Conception $14.00 Conception $15.00 Our Staff Holy Mother $12.00 Holy Mother $97.00 All Saints $5.00

Rev. James Finno, Pastor All Souls $5.00

Rev. Grzegorz Warmuz, Associate Pastor Simbang Gabi $1,044.30 William Engler, Deacon Parish Center $636.00 Collections Chuck McFarland, Deacon Electronic $7,029.50 For Christmas William Schultz, Deacon Parish Center $120.00 Christmas $84,053.00 Joseph Stalcup, Deacon Kids $220.40 Pete Van Merkestyn, Deacon Reg. Sunday $3,660.00

Kenneth Zawadzki, Deacon Sharing $200.00

Immaculate Karen Opyd, Administrative Assistant to Pastor Conception $15.00 Sandi Morgan, Director of Religious Education Leslie Krauledis, Assoc. Director of Religious Education Holy Mother $55.00 Joann Buryj, Admin. Assistant for Religious Education Mark Gorka, Music Minister Thank you for your continued Stewardship in support of St. Karen Dillon, Youth Ministers Stephen. Please visit our website to find other opportunities for Kyle Groves, Youth/Young Adult Minister generosity through planned giving by remembering St. Stephen Dave Prete, Maintenance Director in your will or living trust.

In addition to printing the collection, we are printing the Parish Registration Sunday and Holy Day collections from the previous month and for the fiscal year to date as well as budgeted amount Registration of new parishioners is held on the 2nd and 4th needed for us to meet both our expenses and mortgage Sundays every month after the 10am Mass. New parishioners payments. Mortgage payments are $41,500 per month unable to register at Sunday registration, may register at the (interest and principal). parish office on Mondays at 2pm, Tuesdays at 11am, The Archdiocese loaned us the money to start our parish and Wednesdays at 8:30am or Thursdays at 6:45pm. Please phone build our facilities on the basis of a commitment to Stewardship the parish office at 708.342.2400 to make an appointment. by the parish. We thank everyone whose support enables us to We warmly welcome new parishioners and cordially invite you do the work of our parish. to join us on our life-long journey to the Lord. From Our Pastor

Dear People of St. Stephen, Name Cathedral. The award is given from who we are as God’s sons and annually to a lay person or couple daughters. The Year of Mercy Because of early publication who has served in an exemplary way proclaimed by Pope Francis reminds deadlines, this is the first bulletin the ministry of the parish in response us that God is always inviting us back column that I am actually writing to the baptismal call to live the life of to renew our relationship with the after Christmas. I first want to thank Christ in our world. Keith and Sharon Lord and His people. Baptism has a everyone whose efforts enabled us to live their faith in their marriage and communal dimension. At baptism, celebrate well the Lord’s birth this family and in a number of ministries we become members of God’s Christmas. Thanks to Fr. Greg and in our parish. They are active in the people, the church. As children of Fr. Tim; to Deacons Ken, Joe, Bill, Respect Life, St. Vincent de Paul, God, we are brothers and sisters with Pete, Chuck, and Bill; to Mark and PADS ministries, showing care one another, part of a community of Gorka, our music director, and all the for the most vulnerable in our faith that provides guidance and musicians and singers whose talent society. They are active in liturgical support for living our faith. Baptism and efforts so enriched our worship; and pastoral care ministries, the reminds us that we are beloved to our Art and Environment group welcoming group, and other parish children of God and are united in who brought special beauty to our ministries, including assisting in the God’s family of the Church. church; to our Parish Worship Team liturgies and SCRIP program for our for their efforts on behalf of the parish school. Their generous sharing Baptism also speaks to the mission liturgy; to the children and to Ms. of their time, talent, and treasure we all have as Christians. Through Diane Kotovsky and the other adults embody the spirit of the Christifideles baptism, Christ’s life and love live in who helped to present the Christmas award. us, and we are called to share that gospel at the 5 PM Mass; to our life. Each of us, at baptism, receives liturgical ministers: lectors, ministers Today we celebrate the feast of the the commission to bring the love of of communion, ushers, and altar Baptism of the Lord. It provides an Christ into the world that we touch servers; to David Prete and our occasion to reflect on the significance each day. May each of us open our maintenance staff for all their work in of our own baptisms. Jesus’ public hearts to the Lord’s love for us as His the Christmas season; to our office ministry began when John the Baptist children and renew our commitment staff who handle so many baptized him in the Jordan River. At to bring that love into our world. preparations for the liturgies; and to that baptism, as we hear in the gospel all who joined us to give praise to the today, a voice from heaven said: May God bless you and your loved Lord as we celebrated the birth of “You are my beloved Son; with you I ones. Jesus. I am happy that we were am well pleased.” The experience of blessed to have so many people Jesus speaks to two important Fr. Jay worshiping with us at Christmas. I dimensions of our own baptisms: our am challenged by those crowds to identity and our mission as work to move those who joined our Christians. At baptism we enter into regular congregation at Christmas to God’s family; we become sons and a more regular practice of our faith. I daughters of the Father, brothers and would love to have the problem of sisters of Jesus. One of the challenges needing more Masses to every person faces is carving out our accommodate all who wished to identity as persons. How do we attend. I ask your prayers for God’s answer the question “who am I”? At help in building up our community of our baptism God provides His faith. I also want to thank everyone answer: each of us is a beloved son or who brought gifts, cookies, fudge, daughter of God. In spite of the ups candy, and other treats for Fr. Greg, and downs of life, our identity always our office staff, and me. We has a foundation in our relationship appreciate everyone’s kindness. with the God who is Father of all. One way to look at sin is to see sin as Today I want to congratulate Keith turning away from God and placing and Sharon Grill who will be ourselves and our will - saying not receiving the parish Christifideles God’s will but my will - at the center award this Sunday afternoon at Holy of our lives. In sin, we turn away Father Greg ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago 2330 West 118th Street Episcopal Vicar of Vicariate V Chicago IL 60643 Phone: 312-534-5050 Fax: 773-779-8469

December, 2015

Dear Parishioners,

Your Associate Pastor, Father Grzegorz Warmuz, will soon be participating in the Catholic Leadership 360 Review process. This review process is part of the ordinary structure required by Archdiocesan Policy of every diocesan priest approximately every five years. It is an opportunity for Fr. Warmuz to recognize his talents and to grow to become a better priest and pastoral minister. Your local Dean selected members of the parish staff and parish leadership to serve as reviewers and I will also use this instrument in the Catholic Leadership 360 Review process.

Further, diocesan policies also state that parish lay leadership and parishioners be given the opportunity to recognize Father’s gifts and to share their sentiments about his ministry. So, an additional parish-wide survey is also part of his review process. The web address of the survey and instructions for anonymous participation can be found at the bottom of this letter and on your parish’s web page, if available. Please note that the survey is available in English and Spanish. The data obtained from the parish-wide survey will be shared with Father Warmuz and your participation will remain anonymous. The Priests’ Placement Board and I will also receive this data.

If you have any further questions or suggestions about the review process you may contact Fr. Bob Heidenreich ([email protected] ), Coordinator of Ministerial Review and Priests Programs at the Priests Placement Office (312-534-5237).

When the Catholic Leadership 360 Review process has been completed, Father Warmuz will be asked to share the insights he has received and his further developmental plans with you in the parish bulletin and on the parish web site.

I thank you in advance for your willingness to participate in the review process and to provide constructive information.

Sincerely, Most Reverend Andrew P. Wypych, D.D. Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago Episcopal Vicar of Vicariate V https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/parishwidesurvey_cohort2 (English) https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/parishwidesurvey-spanish_cohort2 (Spanish)

Spiritual Life Discussions on Matthew Kelly’s book “Rediscover Jesus” There is nothing more central to a healthy life of faith than our relationship with the Lord Jesus. In his book “Rediscover Jesus”, Matthew Kelly offers a series of reflections that lead us into a deeper relationship with our Lord. Reading one reflection per day or several per week is a good way to deepen our personal prayer life. We gave out 1400 copies of this book as a Christmas gift - a gift that can have lasting impact on our lives. The book is very appropriate for personal reflection and small group sharing. We will offer discussion sessions on the book on Sunday, January 31, and on Sunday, February 28, at 4:30 PM in the large meeting room. We will begin with a light supper and end the discussion in time for the 6:15 PM Mass. To help us plan, please call the parish office at 708 -342- 2400 if you plan to attend. Lenten Program Spiritual Life Jubilee of Mercy and Mercy Mondays This Lent we would like to offer parishioners the opportunity to join small faith sharing groups hosted in volunteers’ homes. This Pope Francis has opened the Jubilee Year of Mercy on will follow the same format as we previously did with Living the the December 8, 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Eucharist. The book we will be using is called Lent and Holy Conception. The Jubilee Year is rooted in Biblical Week and is part of the Bridges to Contemplative Living series tradition and is a time set aside to reflect on God’s loving by Thomas Merton. action in the world. This Extraordinary Jubilee Year of We need your participation to make the Mercy is under the title “Merciful Like the Father.” In a program a success. If you are willing to particular and powerful way Pope Francis is inviting the host a group in your home or to be a Church to experience the amazing grace of God’s mercy. facilitator of one of the groups please God’s mercy knows no limits and we are called to the contact Barbara Black at 708.466.9962 or instruments of God’s mercy in the world today. The parishes of Orland Park and Tinley Park are [email protected]. collaboratively working to celebrate this Jubilee Year. On I look forward to hearing from you. the second Monday of each month we will host a Mercy Monday event. These different events will rotate among Scripture Study the parishes and include times of prayer, reflection and putting mercy in action. Each of these events will build We will be starting a new book – the Book of Wisdom, upon developing a better understanding of God’s Mercy. also known as the Wisdom of Solomon. So please join us as we study and explore Scripture. What a wonderful Here is the lineup of our first three Mercy Mondays: New Year resolution to study the Word of God. We January 11, 2016 at 7pm - Taize Prayer meet on Friday mornings in Room 126 from 8:45 AM Hosted by St. Francis of Assisi Parish until 10 AM. You can join Scripture Study any time. We are a very welcoming group, we learn from each other February 8, 2016 at 7pm- Speaker Carol Eipers and from our facilitator, and have meaningful, Hosted by St. Julie Billiart Parish interesting and at times fun discussions. This class is for you whether you are new to Scripture March 14, 2016 at 7pm- Concert “Many in One” or not. If you would like more featuring Steve Angrisano; Hosted by St. Michael Parish information please contact, Tom Plan on joining us throughout the year as we celebrate Mitus at 708-479-6980, or e- God’s Mercy! mail: [email protected].

JOIN THE TEAM OF USHERS The mission of the ushers of St. Stephen Parish is that of hospitality. Our service is to make parishioners and guests feel welcome and comfortable as we gather for our Eucharistic celebration. Our ushers are able to see the presence of Christ in each person as they arrive. Ushers serve the congregation by assisting during the celebration of the Eucharist on weekends and holydays. They greet people upon arrival at the church and see that they are comfortably seated and tend to any special needs. The ushers collect the offering, assure the orderly movement of worshipers during Communion and distribute the bulletins at the end of the Liturgy. The ministry is open to all parishioners, men, women, senior citizens, parents and teenagers. We have a special need at all masses, especially 8:30am, 11:30am and 6:15pm on Sundays. Ushers can serve every other weekend or on an alternate basis. If you would like to join our team or have any questions, please contact Rich Frain at Parish Center Metal Re-Cycling Parish Life The weekend of January 16 & 17 will be our monthly recycling drive. Hours will be Saturday will be from 4:30- BRING IN YOUR OLD PALMS 6:15pm and Sunday 7:30am to 1pm. In anticipation of Ash Wednesday, we again ask that you Our drives are the third weekend of each month. Please place bring your old palms to church so that we may burn them empty metal cans into sealed plastic garbage bags. The for Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2016. There will be donations can be dropped off by the truck or van located by the containers set up in the narthex starting Saturday, January garages in the back of the parking lot. An attendant will be 30, 2016, thru Tuesday, February 9, 2016, to receive the available to assist you. palms. The palms will be burned on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, after the 8 a.m. Mass, for If you are having a party, family gathering, moving or those who wish to attend the burning remodeling, house cleaning, or just getting rid of things you no ceremony. Thank you. longer use, please bring them to our collection. If you have items that are too large to bring, i.e., washing machines, dryers, stoves, dishwasher, etc., please contact Andy DeLuca at 708-606-3755 to arrange pickup. Thank you for your generous recycling donations. As of December 2015, we have collected $8,425 toward Comedy Night - January 30, 2016 the Parish Center. Mark your calendars for the fifth annual Comedy Night, co-sponsored by Cardinal Bernardin School and St. Stephen, to be held on January 30, 2016, at the Orland Château, 14500 Lagrange Road in Orland Park. The YEAR END TAX STATEMENTS FOR 2015 evening includes a sit down dinner and the comedy show For all those who requested a tax with Bill Brady as emcee and performances by Gerry statement last year or who Grossman, the Human Juke Box, and George Tracy. The automatically received a statement doors open at 6 PM, with dinner at 7 PM and the show at due to IRS regulations last year, a 8 PM. Tickets are $40 will be available statement will be mailed to you by after January 1 through Cardinal the end of January, 2016. There is Bernardin School and the St. Stephen no need to call or email the parish Parish Office (708-342-2400). Mark your office. For those who did not request calendar for a very enjoyable evening a statement last year, please contact the parish office at 708-342-2400 or email [email protected] (put 2015 tax letter requested in the subject line). We will mail the newly requested statements out on a weekly basis. Ladies Social Club Thank you and God Bless….Karen Opyd The St. Stephen Ladies Social Club will hold their January meeting, weather permitting, on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at 10:00 A.M., in Rooms 125/126. In case of Four Winds Casino bad weather, please check with the office. Feel free to join us for a pleasant hour of coffee and fellowship. All St. Stephen Seniors, “Young@ Heart” will sponsor a trip ladies of Stephen’s Parish are invited to join our Ladies to Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan on Social Club. Come join us to make some new friends and Thursday, March 10, 2016. All parishioners are welcome meet an old friend or two. to join us. Cost is $40 per person which includes bus transportation, $15 in slot credit & $10 food credit. The PLEASE NOTE: Please accept our bus will depart St. Stephen’s parking lot apologies for the article that was run at 9a.m. and return at 4p.m. in the bulletin for the last two weeks You may purchase tickets by contacting as the information was entered Joan Kapala at 815-534-5111 or Nancy incorrectly by our office. Flynn at 708-429-3081. Thank you, Karen Opyd. Parish Life Human Concerns Seniors Young @ Heart Donating to St. Vincent de Paul has become easier through our new We'll be selling tickets to our Jan. 25th luncheon in the ONLINE GIVING. Narthex after all Masses on Jan. 9th and 10th cost is $14. Menu is from Heinie McCarthey's -- Fried Chicken, Go to www.ststephentinley.com and Italian Sausage with Peppers, Cheese Ravioli with click on the ONLINE GIVING logo to Marinara Sauce, Italian Potatoes, Green Beans the left of the screen to register and Almandine, Rolls with Butter, and dessert. This meeting make your dona­tion. Thank you from our St. Vincent will be a Gift Exchange where anyone de Paul Society Confidentiality and Compassionate cor­ wishing to participate brings a new, nerstones of our SVdP ministry. wrapped $15 gift to exchange. Jan. 10th is the deadline for purchase of these tickets. Widowed Men & Women Any questions call Bernie at 708-444-7949. Looking for a way to become Joyful again? There will be a retreat/workshop Jan 16 & 17 and on March 5 & 6, at Our Lady of the Angels House of Prayer (located in Lemont on Alvernia Manor’s campus). Being widowed is a special loss, and this program is designed Marriage to help the widowed find hope & joy again in life. Includes overnight and meals. None Space limited – register early. For more information, please call Joyful Again Widowed Ministry at 708-354-7211

Respect Life Ministry Human Concerns St. Stephen’s Respect Life Ministry gathers for prayer and planning on the 3rd Thursday Counselor Available each month in room 125 of the parish office. Michele L. Nowak, LCPC, is available to The Respect Life Ministry focus is upon provide counseling to individuals and dignity of life issues. Our goal is to make couples right here at St. Stephen parish! Michele is an concerns known, educate our faith experienced professional counselor who has worked with community on the particulars, and provide all age groups and issues. She is a staff member of The support and assistance for Catholic life Holbrook Counseling Center of Catholic Charities. Blue concerns through prayer and action. If you have any questions Cross / Blue Shield accepted. Those without insurance are please contact Deacon Bill Schultz at the parish office. eligible for sliding scale fees based on income & number of dependents. Appointments can be made by calling A Prayer for Job Seekers (312) 655-7725. The first session is free for all who are members of St. Stephen. Gracious and loving God, you know our need for meaningful work. Send your Holy Spirit to guide those who are searching for Rosary Website employment. Help them to recognize the gifts and talents A beautiful place where one can close their you have given them. Deepen their desire to follow your mind to everything around them and simply will. Inspire them as they contact potential employers. contemplate Jesus and Mary. It is an Give them patience as they wait for responses. Shelter uncomplicated format to use, uncluttered by them from feelings of rejection. Protect them from ads or anything else. It is for everyone discouragement Shower on them the graces they need (individuals, families, groups) to use at no cost. This is to persevere. Let this time of searching become an God's work, created with love and it purely seeks to opportunity to grow in faith, to cultivate the virtue of enrich people's faith through, what has always been, a hope, and to experience your healing love. We ask this beautiful prayer. You can find it at www.therosary3.com. through Christ our Lord. Amen. Youth Education and Formation

Open House We invite you to attend our Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School Open House on Sunday, January 31, from 1 – 3pm. Sponsored by four parishes (St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr, St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Julie Billiart), CJB is your Pre-K through 8th Grade Catholic parish school. We are pleased to announce that CJB offers full-day and half- day 3-year-old and 4-year-old Pre-K and we continue to provide full-day Kindergarten, as well! As we continue to grow, we have so much to be proud of! We have high expectations of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School students. We challenge them academically, and we strive to instill in them the Gospel values. CJB provides a loving and nurturing environment in which children grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and emotionally. If this is the kind of school that you would like for your child, we FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 look forward to welcoming you to our Open House on January CHICAGO, IL ALLSTATE ARENA 25. LEAVE ST. STEPHEN 5:00pm P.S. Registration for the 2016-2017 school year is OPEN now! CONCERT DOORS OPEN 6;00PM CJB will continue to accept applications until all spaces are CONCERT STARTS 6:45PM filled. As a registered, practicing parishioner, your children are Only $10.00 eligible for enrollment at an “in-parish” rate. (“Practicing” parishioners are Catholics who consistently attend Mass, send BANDS: their children to Religious Education or Catholic school, and FOR KING AND COUNTRY MATTHEW WEST support their parish with time, talent, and treasure. This is an on-going expectation during years of enrollment at CJB. Use DAVID CROWDER LAUREN DAIGLE of parish envelopes is expected.) RED NEWSONG The “Angel Fund” SIDEWALK PROPHETS KB– TEDASHII– TRIP LEE Last year, CJB’s sponsoring parishes began a special collection STARS GO DIM WE ARE MESSENGERS known as the “Angel Fund.” This collection is taken up one TONY NOLAN weekend during the year at the start of Catholic Schools Week. The Angel Fund is meant to assist families from our sponsoring No tickets required—Just $10.00 at the Allstate parishes who need help financially, in order to send their Arena door. We will carpool there from St. children to CJB. Any donation you can make is greatly Stephen. Deacon & Martyr. Meet there at 5pm. appreciated. This special collection will take place the If you are interested in attending the concert weekend of January 30 and 31, 2016. or would like to volunteer to drive, please contact Kyle Groves by email or phone before January Events January 22, 2016 High School Youth Ministry Email: [email protected] January 17- Open Gym Night @ Seton 6pm-8pm Phone: 708-713-5953 January 24-Teen Meeting @ Stephens 7pm-9pm

January 29– Winter Jam Concert @ Rosemont Theater Teens Growing In Faith January 31-Teen Meeting @ Seton 6pm-8pm in Cornerstone Building. For more information about the Youth Ministry, More Details to Come. Please contact Kyle Groves by please contact Karen Dillon at: 708-342-2400 or phone 219-928-8386 or email [email protected] at [email protected].

Polish Ministry Informacje Dotyczące Duszpasterstwa w Parafii Sw. Śzczepana W ciago calego roku Msza Św. w niedziele w języku polskim jest o godz. 1PM -Pierwszy piątek miesiąca: Spowiedz of 7-8pm Msza o 8pm -Pierwsza sobota miesiąca: od godz. 7pm-9:30pm -Spowiedz w kazdą sobote of godz. 8:45-9:30am -Po bliższe imformajce proszę dzwonić do biura parafialnego pod numer 1(708) 342- 2400 wew 137

Byśmy byli wspólnotą i Kościołem Powody zawiązywania wspólnot mogą być różne. Dla jednych będą to upodobania, dla innych zainteresowania, a dla jeszcze innych zdolności. Jednakże tylko jedna wspólnota może zgromadzić tych, którzy należą do wspólnot zawiązanych według powyższych kryteriów – to wspólnota wynikająca z przyjęcia Chrztu. Przyjęcie Chrztu jest początkiem nowego życia z Bogiem i dla Boga, otwiera drogę do nieba, jest zarazem darem i łaską. W Księdze Izajasza czytamy: "Ja, Pan, powołałem Cię słusznie, ująłem Cię za rękę i ukształtowałem, ustanowiłem Cię przymierzem dla ludzi, światłością dla narodów, abyś otworzył oczy niewidomym, ażebyś z zamknięcia wypuścił jeńców, z więzienia tych, co mieszkają w ciemności.” (Iz 42,6-7). Jak to jest, że prorok, który żył na długo przed przyjściem Chrystusa, otrzymał dar przepowiadania o tym, kim ma być i co ma stanowić Zbawiciel? To Bóg, który kocha ludzi bezgranicznie, włożył w usta proroka słowa, którymi chciał dodać nam otuchy i rozpalić w nas nadzieję. To, co dzięki Chrystusowi otrzymaliśmy, to podwaliny naszego obecnego i przyszłego życia, życia zgodnego z planem Bożym. Chrystus przyszedł na świat, by nas uleczyć z choroby grzechu pierworodnego, uwolnić spod władzy szatana, doprowadzić do Zbawienia. A naszym obowiązkiem jest przekazywanie tej wiedzy tym, którzy się zagubili, którzy są daleko od Boga. Nie jest to łatwe zadanie, ale z pomocą Miłości Chrystusowej wszystko staje się możliwe. „Bóg naprawdę nie ma względu na osoby. Ale w każdym narodzie miły jest Mu ten, kto się Go boi i postępuje sprawiedliwie.” (Dz 10,34 – 35). Apostołowie doświadczyli tej Miłości bezpośrednio, my musimy uwierzyć w Miłość i Zbawienie. Chrzest to początek, wstęp do wspaniałej drogi jaką jest wspólnota w Jezusie Chrystusie. Ktoś może określić Chrzest jako pokropienie wodą, jednakże my wiemy, że to początek nowej drogi życia. Na drogę zwaną podróżą zabieramy wiktuały, specjalną odzież, gdyż ułatwią nam przebycie drogi, która może okazać się uciążliwa, a Chrzest to nasz oręż, odzież i wiktuały na drogę życia razem z Kościołem – Wspólnotą, drogę prowadzącą ku wiecznemu szczęściu i miłości. Idźmy zatem za głosem serca i jako dzieci Boże postępujmy tak, byśmy kiedyś usłyszeli od naszego Ojca w niebie słowa, które skierował do Swojego Syna Jezusa Chrystusa podczas Chrztu „Tyś jest mój Syn umiłowany, w Tobie mam upodobanie.” (Łk 3, 33b). JEZU CHRYSTE, pozwól nam zrozumieć, czym jest dla nas znamię Chrztu Świętego, które czyni nas dziećmi Ojca i prowadzi według Bożych planów do DOMU OJCA.

Military Corner

Please pray for our Military men and women on a daily basis for their safe return. LCPL Nicholas Cascone Cpl. Evan Grober Sgt. Joseph Malone Ssgt. Brian Scannell Capt. Anthony J. Cesaro Capt. Michael Gryczka Capt. Christopher Mazurek Tsgt. Stephen Vlaming Major Vincent Cesaro Lt. Dan Kniaz Sgt. Dominic Messina LCDR Marilyn Walsh 1st Lt. Michael Chimienti Tsgt. Laura Langley LCPL Matthew O'Boyle Major Thomas Walsh Lt. Amanda Griffith Ssgt. Carl Langley Lt. Cmdr. John Pierczynski Parish Calendar Sun 01-10 Narthex Comedy Night Tickets | Narthex Young@ Heart Baby nursing #153 | 9:30 AM RCIA #125 | 10:00 AM Babysitting #161 10:00 AM Grade 6 Mass Church 11:00 AM Welcoming & Parish Reg. LMR & #158/159 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Baptism | 4:00 PM Liivng Stations Church, #125 & 126

Mon 01-11 RE 4:15-5:30pm; 6-7:15pm | 7:30 PM Financial Planning #126 Tues 01-12 RE 4:15-5:30pm; 6-7:15pm | 1:15 PM Pastoral Staff Meeting #126 7:30 PM Rosary Daily Chapel Wed 01-13 RE 4:15-5:30pm; 6-7:15pm | 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Moms & Tots #161 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Adult Choir Church and/or Music Room | 7:30 PM Men's Club #125/126 Thurs 01-14 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM Adoration of Blessed Sac Daily Chapel with Rosary @ 8:30am 8:45 AM A & E #167 & Storage Room 4:30 PM Children's Choir Church | 5:30 PM Confirmation B. Black #126 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM Benediction Daily Chapel followed by Divine Mercy Prayers 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Praise Band Church Fri 01-15 8:45 AM - 10:00 AM Bible/Scripture Study #126 Sat 01-16 Baby nursing #153 | 8:30 AM Scripture Reflection #125 11:00 AM 1st Comm Prep Day LMR & Education Wing 1:00 PM 1st Comm Prep Day LMR & Education Wing Sun 01-17 Narthex Comedy Night Tickets | 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Growing With God #162-167 Baby nursing #153 | 9:30 AM RCIA #125 | 10:00 AM Babysitting #161 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Baptism | 4:00 PM Liivng Stations Church, #125 & 126

Minister’s Schedule Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers Log on to the Web Terminal for the latest updated minister postings. We have a New Scheduling Process. If you are not signed onto our New Scheduling Process, please email Deacon Ken Zawadzki at [email protected] for an information form to fill out.

Sun 1 PM Date Ministry Sat 5 PM Sun 7 AM Sun 8:30 AM Sun 10 AM Sun 11:30 AM Polish 17-Jan Celebrant Fr Greg Fr Jay Fr Jay Fr Tim Guthridge Fr Tim Guthridge Fr Greg Deacons Dcn Ken Dcn Joe Dcn Bill E. Dcn Bill S. Dcn Bill S. Sun 1/10 Greeters Jean Coughlin Mike Tyrrell Anna Williams B. J. Witry Team #4 Mary Tafoya Eileen Tyrrell Chris Losey Charlene Mueller Sun 1/17 Tom Mitus Amparo Hughes Mark Losey Theresa Buckley Team #1 Joan Beck Danny Hughes Kathy Cunningham Natalie Sims Mass Intentions Pray For Our Sick

1/10 Sunday Helen Agresti Lillian Kurzawski 7:00am For the People Kristen Baldyga Edwin Malone Stanley Janasek req.by The Family Gerry Barnes Joey Moylan 8:30am Intention of Joan Cronin req.by Laurie Focosi Julie Barth Dave Newquist Anna Mena req.by Irene Podlasek Arlene Beavan Nathan Parry 10:00am William O. Darling req.by St Stephens Men’s Club Bill Beavan Pearl Paul Joseph Cariola req.by The Hoppie Family Kathie Brosius Robert Rasmussen 11:30am Jim Russell & Joan Claussen req.by The Landens Family Tammy Burns Gerri Rasmussen John P. Coughlan req.by The Family Billy Callaghan Joe & Joan Ricciuti 1:00pm Za Dusze W. Czyscu Cierpiace Joanne Chess Baby Marek Rudzki Marian Pawlowski 10th Anniv. req.by The Family Thomas Conners Betty Ruzich 6:15pm Jerome Healy req.by The Drozd Family John Cornwall Mary Lou Schoettler Harold Sommars req.by Stella & Linda James Courtney Nicole Siedschlag 1/11 Monday Michelle Crisanti Rachel Swallow 8:00am The Sennett Family req.by Bonnie Conforti John Czerniak Joseph Tierney Don Price req.by Keith & Sharon Grill Ida DeJohn Jane Van Duch 1/12 Tuesday Janice Dorff Michael Vasek 8:00am Julia Wegner req.by Ted Wegner Joe Dorff MaryBeth Vasquez Carol DeJoris req.by Noreen Galvin Caroline Grady Father Jim Waztzke 1/13 Wednesday Fran Grousnick Kelly Weiss 8:00am Joseph Stalcup, Jr. req.by Delores Michalski Larry Hersh Eddie Wright Jr. Dolores Hilger req.by Roger Hilger Brian Holmes Mary Ann Zoochi Purgatorial Society And for all for whom our parish is asked to pray 1/14 Thursday 8:00am Lottie Fornek req.by M/M B. Mrozek To help keep the list of names read at Mass and placed in the bulletin accurate and current, we will Carol Dejoris Bob & Nancy Belling req.by keep the name of a non-parishioner who is an 1/15 Friday immediate family member of our parishioner on the 8:00am Joseph Cariola req.by The Kelly Family list at Mass for two weeks and in the bulletin for two Carol Dejoris req.by Emily Johnson weeks. For a parishioner, we will keep the name on the list at Mass for four weeks and in the bulletin for Janice Kuliga req.by Pam Franckowiak 60 days. We ask that an immediate family member 1/16 Saturday call after 4 weeks if you wish to have the name 8:00am John Curtin req.by Mary Curtin continued to be read at Mass. Loretta Gracz req.by Greg & Linda Gracz Purgatorial Society Pray For Our Deceased 5:00pm Bob Jauch req.by Adult Altar Servers Maury Kane req.by The Family Josephine Basile Thomas Matthew Kevin Kelly req.by Bridget Boyle Stan Bognanowicz Barbara McLwn Virginia Schmitz req.by The Bara Family Dolories Hayes Marie O'Reilly Marilyn Skowronski req.by M/M Harold Lewis 1/17 Sunday 7:00am For the People Weekly Readings Dorothea O'Neill req.by The Family 8:30am William & Gayle Maurer req.by The Maddix Family Sun Is 40: 1-5. 9-11/ Ps 104 Mon 1 Sm 1: 1-8/ Ps 116: 12-13 Ray Markham req.by Pat Panici Tues 1 Sm 1: 9-20/ 1 Sm 2: 1. 4-5 10:00am William Darling req.by M/M D. Lindenmeyer Wed 1 Sm 3: 1-10. 19-20/ Ps 40: 2 Rose Perfetti req.by Emily Johnson Thur 1 Sm 4: 1-11/ Ps 44: 10-11 11:30am Joseph Wontor req.by Tom & Sandy Casey Fri 1 Sm 8: 4-7. 10-22a Sydney Ann Schergen The Graziano Family req.by Sat 1 Sm 9: 1-4. 17-19 1:00pm Za Dusze W. Czyscu Cierpiace Theresa Mozdzierz req.by Rochelle Elliott 6:15pm Gregory Zwartz req.by The Robison Family Welcome To Our Newly Baptized Gloria Depino req.by Maureen Walsh Charlotte Grace Sindowski Thank You Advertisers Earn $$$$ for St. Stephen’s Parish! Nancy’s Pizza and St. Stephen Pizza Coupon Have lunch or dinner at Gatto's on the 2nd or 4th Nancy’s Pizza at 171st Street and 80th Avenue (in the Wednesday of the month and help in raising funds for Family Dollar Plaza) is making an offer to St. Stephen St. Stephen’s parish. The parish will receive 15% of the Parishioners. On any Monday through Wednesday, before tax cost of your meal. Please present this coupon present this coupon and 20% of the pre-tax amount to your server or ask your server to write (10% if a discount coupon is used) will be donated to St. Stephen's Men's Club on your bill. the St. Stephen Parish Center Fund. You can enjoy a pizza and support our parish. Nancy’s Pizza’s number St. Stephen Men’s Club is 708-614-6100. Dine-In or Carryout 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 20% of the pre-tax amount of the month (10% if a discount coupon is used) to be donated to the 15% Donation (before tax) St. Stephen Parish Center Fund. Present this coupon to your server Coupon good on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays!