THE FIRST PARISH OF THE JOLIET DIOCESE (ESTABLISHED 1838) 710 WEST MARION STREET ~ JOLIET, IL 60436-1598  (815) 727-4746 ~ FAX  (815) 727-4798 ~

December 17-18, 2016: 4th Sunday of Advent

Come help us Prepare for & Celebrate the Season!

Christmas Eve - December 24 Vigil Masses at 3:00 & 4:30 p.m. Christmas Concert 9:30 p.m. Vigil Mass at 10:00 p.m.

ChristmasChristmas atat St.St. PatPat’’ss Christmas - December 25 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. in English 12:00 noon in Spanish

Monday - Thursday Wednesdays 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. & 7:30 - 8:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturdays 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. or by appointment Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Sunday Early Session 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Sunday Late Session 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Tuesday Confirmation Classes 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. in English Please call the Parish Office for more information. English baptisms Wednesday normally are held on the 3rd Saturday of the month at noon. 7:00 p.m. in Spanish Saturday Vigil for Christmas Please call the office before setting a date for your wedding. The 3:00 & 4:30 p.m. in English diocese requires a six month preparation prior to the wedding. Sunday Christmas Masses 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. in English Call the Office if you know of someone in need of the Sacrament. 12:00 p.m. in Spanish Holy Day Masses Dates and times vary. Contact the Parish Office before placing any obituary notices.

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Registration Forms are located in the Parish Office or in Church.

FIND US ON THE AT OR ON AT Back in 1995 when I served as a deacon in West Chicago, the pastor informed me that our Easter Sunday Mass was so large that we needed to celebrate a simultaneous service in the basement of the Church. Because of the shortage of priests, I was asked to do that service. I was so excited at the time - this was my first solo effort as an ordained minister of the Church! I thought I had done everything right at the service - I followed the rules prescribed in the prayer books, I thought my homily was ok and I noticed that the tomatoes stayed under the pews for the time being. Unfortunately, I also learned my first hard lesson as a parish cleric - pastors are not so happy if you forget to take a collection at Sunday service! Christmas and New Year’s this year fall under one of those rare oddities when those services both fall on a Sunday, thus depriving this particular church of that much-needed second collection [ergo - the Asso- ciate’s Dream (one homily to prepare) and the pastor’s nightmare (one collection)]. Because those mon- ies are used to pay our staff and services, we will need to take a second collection next Sunday - sorry!

As we have been upgrading our parish facilities for the benefit of our seniors (with our handicap ramp and bathroom in the church), our next project was dedicated towards building two stalls in our Head Start Building (one in the Men’s Bathroom and one in the Women’s) to accommodate our seniors as well. Our estimates for this project ran just un- der , with the bulk of the costs invested in the partitions necessary to make this project happen. Thanks to our friends in the Hispanic Community, the actual toilets them- selves will be donated, saving us a great deal of money on the project.

In our discussions with Daniel Vera of the Joliet Township government, we explained to him that 70% of the time, the building is used for city purposes, from the Head Start Pro- gram to community basketball groups to Neighborhood Association Meetings, Voter Use, the 55 Club (which technically is a secular group) etc. Mr. Vera responded that state law prohibits funding being directed towards a church, regardless of how often the facilities are used by the city.

As a large demographic in our parish is getting old- er, many of them are pleading with us to complete this project. If you or anyone you know might be able to help us facilitate this renovation, please con- tact the parish office at  (815) 727-4746. Whatever you can do, great or small, would be appreciated greatly by the senior community at St. Patrick’s Church. First Reading - You will be given this sign: the Monday: Jgs 13: 2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71; Lk 1: 5-25 virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall Tuesday: Is 7: 10-14; Ps 24; Lk 1: 26-38 name him Emmanuel (Isaiah 7: 10-14). Wednesday: Sg 2: 8-14; Ps 33; Lk 1: 39-45 Psalm - Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory Thursday: 1 Sm 1: 24-28; 1 Sm 2; Lk 1: 46-56 (Psalm 24). Friday: Mal 3: 1-4, 23-34; Ps 25; Lk 1: 57-66 Second Reading - God has called us to belong to Saturday: 2 Sm 7: 1-16; Ps 89; Lk 1: 67-79 Jesus Christ (Romans 1: 1-7). Sunday: Vigil: Is 62: 1-5; Ps 89: 4-5, 16-17, 27 Gospel - The son born of Mary shall be called Je- 29; Acts 13: 16-17, 22-25; Mt 1: 1-25 Night: Is 9: 1-6; sus, for he will save his people from their sins. He Ps 96: 1-3, 11-13; Ti 2: 11-14; Lk2: 1-14 Dawn: Is 62: shall be Emmanuel, “God is with us” (Matthew 1: 11-12; Ps 97: 1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3: 4-7; Lk2: 15-20 Day: Is 18-24). 52: 7-10; Ps 98: 1-6; Heb 1: 1-6; Jn 1: 1-18

Note: The Collection Numbers for December 17-18, 2016 will be Published in the January 14-15, 2017 Bulletin.

Ministry Schedule for December 24-25, 2016 3:00 p.m. Altar Servers Lector Greeter EMs (5) Senior Carolos Lockwood Jenn Maher Scott Lockwood Cindy Harvey Ana Lockwood Kyle Hoffman Scott Lockwood Ana Lockwood Alicia Tocwish

4:30 p.m. Altar Servers Lector Greeter Eucharistic Minister Senior Noah Magolan Deacon Paul Kolodziej Deacon Paul Kolodziej Fr. Pete Jankowski Volunteers

10:00 p.m. Altar Servers Lector Greeter Eucharistic Minister Senior Noel Gurrola Julian Jankowski Maria Jankowski Deacon Darrell Kelsey Kelsey Kobe Kurt Kambic Maria Jankowski Kyle Hoffman

8:00 a.m. Altar Servers Lector Greeter Eucharistic Minister Senior Emily Schroeder Joyce Schroeder Kathy Wilhelmi Jean Roach Natalie Rios Lynn Michels

10:00 a.m. Altar Servers Lector Greeter Eucharistic Minister Senior Samantha Mallaney Jenn Maher Jim Dietz Dc. Darrell Kelsey Isabel Macias Margie Keigher Ellen Seeman Sebastian Macias Bob Vergo PAGE 4 AROUND THE PARISH & DIOCESE

PASTORAL ASSOCIATE HISPANIC MINISTRY The VIRTUS® programs assist the Church in be- ing a safe haven for children and a messenger for PASTORAL ASSOCIATE DIR., RELIGIOUS EDUCATION preventing child sexual abuse within the Church

and society in general.

RCIA & YOUTH MINISTRY MAINTENANCE The Protecting God’s Children program imple- - PARISH ADMINISTRATOR ments safety mechanisms that send a message to all abusers and potential abusers: . Child abuse is not tolerated. . Children are vigilantly protected. . Victims are listened to, heard, and shielded

from further abuse. . Offenders are identified and punished.

For more information, please contact the parish office or go to http://www.virtus.org.

Undy Sunday Dear Friends… On behalf of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet I would like to thank you for par- ticipating in Undy Sunday. This year 50 parishes, schools, and organizations collected an over- whelming amount of underwear, socks, under- shirts, and diapers. Many of us take things like underwear for granted. Most of our clients don’t have that luxury, but because of your generosity it will be one less thing that they have to worry about. Thank you for your support of Catholic Charities and the work we do. May God continue to bless you and your family. For more infor on how you can help us support our par- ish mission, please call the

parish office at  (815) Glenn Van Cura, Executive Director Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet 727-4746.

On December 18th (Sunday) at 1:30 p.m., we will be decorating the inside of church. Scott Lockwood will provide the traditional “Christmas chili” for the event; we will also provide other food and refreshment during the afternoon (also, everyone is wel- come to bring a plate to pass). Thanks for all your help - I really appreciate you putting out the word about these events! - Jim Smith, Maintenance

17-18 Diciembre 2016: El Cuarto Domingo del Adviento

La tradición mexicana de las Posadas se acompaña de las tradicionales piñatas. Aunque hay piñatas de animales y caricaturas, la piñata original es una 7:00 p.m. por los Miércoles estrella con siete picos. 12:00 p.m. los Domingos La piñata llegó al continente con los misioneros agustinos procedentes de España, mismos que la habían recibido de italianos; y estos, a su vez, la obtuvieron de Marco Polo quien conoció decora- Todos los Viernes a las 7:00 p.m. ciones de animales coloridos en China. El asociar la piñata con las Posadas viene de la cultura Nahuatl quienes celebraban a Huitzilopochtli Muchas veces dejamos que los grandes relatos de (dios de la guerra) del 17 al 26 de diciembre. Estos nuestra fe, los que son más conocidos, simplemen- ponían cazuelas de barro decoradas con listones y te nos pasen sin sentirlos. El relato del Evangelio plumas sobre palos en el templo. Al romperlas, de hoy sobre los acontecimientos previos al naci- tesoros y alhajas caían a los pies de su dios. miento del Señor parece una telenovela actual. Sin Los misioneros mezclaron las dos costumbres pa- embargo, la valentía de José, aun en medio de una ra la catequesis. La estrella de siete picos repre- época que debe haber sido increíblemente confusa, senta al diablo y los 7 pecados capitales, mientras nos brinda un modelo a seguir. Cada semana, Dios que la venda en los ojos es la fe en Cristo. El acto nos llama a aceptar el camino de la bondad y la de pegarle a la piñata son nuestros esfuerzos cris- verdad por medio de la proclamación de la Palabra tianos a pesar de las desorientaciones que trae la sagrada de Dios. Como José, somos llamados a ha- vida. Romper la piñata es estar bañado con la gra- cer lo que el Señor nos ordena. Mientras estamos cia del Espíritu Santo y recibir los dones de Dios. en el umbral de la Navidad, tengamos la valentía para estar abiertos a lo que sea, a lo que el Señor - Fray Gilberto Cavazos- Glz, OFM, requiera de nosotros durante nuestra celebración Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. del milagro de Belén. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

Al acercarse la Navidad, las Escrituras del Advien- to nos llevan a un mundo de sueños, señales, mara- No basta que yo ame a Dios si mi prójimo no ama a Dios. villas y el milagro del nacimiento de una virgen. - San Vicente de Paúl

Lunes: Jue 13: 2-7, 24-25a; Sal 71; Lc 1: 5-25 Primera Lectura - La señal del Señor es que la vir- Martes: Is 7: 10-14; Sal 24; Lc 1: 26-38 gen estará embarazada y dará a luz un hijo varón Miércoles: Sof3: 14-18a; Sal 33; Lc 1: 39-45 (Isaías 7: 10-14). Jueves: 1 Sm 1: 24-28; 1 Sm 2; Lc 1: 46-56 Salmo - Va a entrar el Señor: Él es el Rey de la Viernes: Mal 3: 1-4, 23-34; Sal 25; Lc 1: 57-66 Gloria (Salmo 24 [23]). Sábado: 2 Sm 7: 1-16; Sal 89; Lc 1: 67-79 Segunda Lectura - Jesús, descendiente de David Domingo: Vig: Is 62: 1-5; Sal 89; Heh 13: 16-25; biológicamente, fue establecido el Hijo de Dios en Mt 1: 1-25 Noche: Is 9: 1-6; Sal 96; poder. (Romanos 1: 1-7). Tit 2: 11-14; Lc 2: 1-14 Aur: Is 62: 11- Evangelio - Maria, la comprometida de José, que- 12; Sal 9; Tit 3: 4-7; Lc 2: 15-20 Día: dó embarazada por obra del Espíritu Santo Is 52: 7-10; Sal 98; Heb 1: 1-6; Jn 1: 1- (Mateo 1: 18-24). 18 [1-5, 9-14] J.D. BROWN & CO. Proudly Serving Brian or Sally, coordinators SERVING WILL COUNTY SINCE 1844 St. Patricks Parishioners Pharmacy/Medical Supplies an Official Travel Agency of Apostleship 837 PLAINFIELD ROAD 2320 Black Road, Joliet 860.399.1785 of the Sea-USA CST 2117990-70 JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60435 815-744-0022 www.CatholicCruisesAndTours.com 815-723-0611 BOB VERGO Group Health Insurance For a wide selection of Catholic Full Time - Personalized Business, Home, Auto, Life, Real Estate Service and Bonds. greeting cards, artwork, and Jeff Thompson • Jodi Freeman inspirational recordings, visit 815/725-1700 815-744-0111 815/954-0233 www.wlpmusic.com. www.northernins.com 350 Houbolt Rd., Joliet Parishioner 800-566-6150 Saint Margaret Sunday Missal World Library Publications An ideal companion the music and liturgy division of J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. for personal prayer. In Stock & Ready to Order Today. CALL OR ORDER ONLINE. $39.95 One Joliet Location to Serve You 1515 West Jefferson Street 800-566-6150 • www.wlpmusic.com ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY The Most Complete Online National Personalized Education Directory of Catholic Parishes Elementary school-Daily Mass Montessori Pre-school/K 815-723-4567 CHECK IT OUT TODAY! 310 N. Ottawa, Joliet TRITAN PLUMBING FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED “For All Your Plumbing Needs” Water Heater Installation 10% Off w/ad 815-630-1024 LIC #055-043283 Following Jesus Every Day: If You Live Alone You Need LIFEWatch! GOSPEL MEDITATIONS FOR DAILY LIVING 24 Hour Protection at HOME and AWAY! ✔ Ambulance Solutions as Low as Ninety days’ worth of Gospel verses and reflections including ✔Police $1a Day! a meditation, a prayer, a simple activity for the day and ✔Fire FREE Shipping • FREE Activation ✔Friends/Family NO Long Term Contracts a related verse from the Old Testament. Ideal for Lent SPECIAL OFFER: FREE LIFEWatch Shoppers Tote with your order and Eastertime, or for any time of year! CALL NOW! 800.393.9954 ADLER ROOFING Symbol of Quality Since 1926 800-566-6150 • www.wlp.jspaluch.com/13182.htm 773-1200 BOB MARTIN ED THE PLUMBER AUTO SALES ED THE CARPENTER Your Quality Used Cars & Trucks Best Work • Best Rate ad FINANCING AVAILABLE Satisfaction Guaranteed As could 2 Locations We Do All Our Own Work To Ser ve You be in Lic# 055-026066 501 E. Cass St. 727-1128 this $$ Parishioner Discount $$ 725 W. Jefferson St. 723-0027 space! Joliet, IL 815-254-1444 Call Today! Toll Free 1.877.801.8608 000658 St Patrick Church www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

12:00 p.m. Baptisms in English 3:00 p.m. † Rob Phillips (Mary Phillips) 4:00 p.m. † William J. Fisher (Family) Celebrant: Jesus Christ, as channeled via the spirit of Fr. Alolysius Sinski, channeled through 8:00 a.m. † Virginia Garvey (Myrita Parker) Fr. Pete (that means that the Mass will be short) 10:00 a.m. The Parishioners of St. Patrick’s Church 4:30 p.m. † Art Wilhelmi (Fr. Pete) 12:00 p.m. Los Cumpleaños de Nicolás Camargo y Celebrant: Jesus Christ, Maria Mascote (Familia) as channeled through Fr. Jay Comerford 6:00 p.m. 9:30 p.m. Christmas Concert

ADORATION CHAPEL OPEN MON-FRI 8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. 10:00 p.m. The Intentions of Fr. Pete THE ROSARY IS PRAYED MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 12:00 NOON Let’s face it: Jesus Christ is the celebrant of AND THURSDAYS AFTER THE 7:30 A.M. MASS every Mass we attend and is channeled through

every priest celebrating it.

7:30 a.m. † Rev. George Klepec 8:00 a.m. The Parishioners of St. Patrick’s 7:30 a.m. Health of Rev. Vytas Memenas 10:00 a.m. † Mary Sitar (The Murphy Family) 12:00 a.m. † Federico Tinoco y Carmen Gonzalez

7:30 a.m. Gray, Michels & Ernst Families 7:00 p.m. Misa en Español Health of Rev. Henry Wilkening

7:30 a.m. † Msgr. Peter Seidl

7:30 a.m. Health of Jack & Mary Lou Querio 7:00 p.m. Spanish Holy Hour - Círculo de Oración

consists of a group of people who pray as a family from their homes. If you would like to be included as part of our Saint Patrick Prayer Line Link, please contact Lynn Michels at  (815) 729-4220, Jean Roach at  (815) 729-4371 or Sue Ruettiger at  (815) 729-4497. Para dejar un mensaje sobre los enfermos o difuntos de su familia, llame a la oficina al  (815) 727-4746 or email [email protected] .

@ In Memoriam @ December 19, 1999 - Ann Borgra December 23, 2002 - Rev. George O’Keefe, OCarm December 19, 2001 - Eloise Crowther December 23, 2006 - Rev. Salvatore Formusa December 20, 2013 - Deacon Thomas Richardt December 23, 1991 - Olivia Rojas December 20, 2013 - Deacon William Tansey December 23, 1991 - John Karneboge December 21, 1991 - Marie Nussbaum December 23, 2002 - Raymond Allgeier December 21, 2000 - Rev. Joseph Kilas December 23, 2013 - Virginia Maffeo December 21, 2009 - Vince Tracy December 24, 1992 - Rev. Matthias Butala December 21, 2011 - Joseph Chavez December 24, 1994 - Helen McCabe December 22, 1991 - John Zaborsky December 24, 1997 - Albert Snyder, Sr. December 22, 2016 - Louise Kubinski December 24, 2002 - Dorothy Collofello December 22, 2015 - Most Rev. Joseph Imesch December 24, 2004 - Edward Cindrich Third Bishop of the Joliet Diocese December 24, 2004 - Rob Phillips December 23, 1998 - Rev. Michael Foley December 24, 2010 - Evan Lysaght December 23, 2000 - Deacon Robert Pellack