St. Thecla Catholic Church

JANUARY 5TH, 2020

RENEW MY CHURCH Lord Jesus, You speak to us today, as You spoke to holy men and women who have gone before us. In every age and in our own time, You call to us and say: Renew My Church. Pour out the gift of Your Holy Spirit upon us, and so enable us to hear You clearly, to listen to each other attentively, to imagine our future boldly, to discern Your direction wisely, to persevere in Your holy will courageously, to stay together in charity, to surrender our own plans readily, to embrace the greater good, to hand on Your gifts to future generations. May we remain in the holy company of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the apostles and all the saints. May their example and presence inspire us with patient confidence in the work of Your grace. We ask this of You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

6725 W. Devon Avenue Chicago, IL 60631 773-792-3077 The Epiphany Of The Lord Introductory Rites Entrance Hymn: Once In Royal David’s City BB 102 Greeting Penitential Act (p. 4-6) Gloria: Christmas Gloria Collect

Liturgy of the Word (p. 58-59) Psalm 72- “Lord, ev’ry nation on earth will adore you.” Profession of Faith Universal Prayer

Liturgy of the Eucharist (p. 11-26) Offertory Hymn:What Child Is This BB 105

Holy, Holy, Holy

2 Music used with permission License # A-724996 Communion Rite: (p. 26-27) Communion Antiphon: None Communion Hymn: We Three Kings BB 104

Prayer before receiving Holy Communion Prayer after receiving Holy Communion

(said quietly) My God, help me to make a (said quietly) Jesus, I thank you with all my heart good Communion. Mary, my dearest Mother, for coming to me and inviting me to be at this Holy pray to Jesus for me. My dear Guardian Angel, Sacrifice of the Mass. Grant that I may not forget lead me to the altar of God. Jesus, I believe that the grace of this beautiful moment; let me remem- I shall receive your Sacred Body and Blood in ber during this day that you are living with me. the Host, I believe this with all my heart. May I spend each day of my life becoming more Amen. and more like you and offer to you all my work or studies; and all my chores with joy. Amen.

Concluding Rite Recessional Hymn: Angels From The Realms Of Glory BB 108 Prayers for Before and After Mass: Inside back cover of the missalette

3 A variety of topics from Fr. Greg Rom – January 5, 2020

Still another “early deadline” Because of the holidays, the deadlines to get our bulletin to the printer are again early. I’m typing this for a Fri- day, December 27 deadline. (So, I’m typing this before last Sunday.)

Solemnity of the Epiphany

In early Christian times, on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, the date of Easter was announced. “It was a reminder of the centrality of the resurrection of the Lord in the liturgical year and the importance of the great mysteries of faith which are celebrated each year.” Here is “The Announcement of Easter and the Moveable Feasts” for the 2020 liturgical year from the “Roman Missal”: “Know, dear brothers and sisters, that as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of our Lord Je- sus Christ, so by leave of God’s mercy we announce to you also the joy of His Resurrection, Who is our Savior. “On February 26 will fall Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the fast of the most sa- cred Lenten season. “On April 12 you will celebrate with joy Easter Day, the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ. “On May 21 will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. (This Solemnity will be ob- served on Sunday, May 24.) “On May 31 will be the feast of Pentecost. “On June 14 will be the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. “On November 29 will be the First Sunday of the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom is honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

The Epiphany Proclamation – on the first Sunday of a new year – is a reminder to not only plan ahead and prepare to go on vacations and to attend entertainment and sporting events, but also to plan to “do the Eucharist in memory of Jesus” on the every Lord’s Day and on the solemnities of our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we have received God’s grace and mercy.

“The Epiphany Blessing”: “20 + C + M + B + 20” (Here’s a possible Epiphany Doorway Blessing.) “Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar! Though the Spring seems very far, over us has risen a star. Though the cold grows stronger, now the days grow longer. Though the world loves night, Christ is born our Light!”

4 On the topic of calendars, Thank You Very Much… …to Suerth Funeral Home for our 2020 Parish calendars in English and …to Colonial – Wojciechowski Funeral Home for our 2020 Parish calendars in Polish!

Annual Catholic Appeal – December 2019 report Thank You Very Much to the 88 parishioners who have made a pledge! our St. Thecla 2019 goal: $28,949 pledged so far: $26,503 total paid pledges: $25,003 84 pledges fulfilled

Many “Thank You’s” for making Christmas so blessed… …at the School Christmas Pageant by our First & Second Graders “shepherded” by Mrs. Kathy Lange and Mrs. Ida Capone; …at the School Christmas Show by All of our Students directed by Mrs. Valerie Weber; …at the Christmas Eve Pageant by our Students “shepherded” by Mrs. Jessica Bacoulis; …at our 4 Christmas Masses by all of our liturgical ministers: altar servers, lectors, “Communion ministers”, ushers, music ministers with brass accompaniment, and environment ministers! The “sights and sounds” of Christmas were beautiful!

Thank You Very Much for your support to the Retirement Fund for Religious! As of the Sunday before Christmas, $2,004 had been generously given to support retired Sisters, Brothers and Religious priests. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

RMC Update #47 (1-5-20)

New name of new Parish process – “SURVEY” begins TODAY. As of typing this, I have no details. A survey is supposed to be available this weekend (January 4-5) and next (January 11-12). The Naming Committee (3 parishioners from each of our 3 parishes) is (tentatively) scheduled to meet on January 14 to tally the surveys and send the “top 3” suggested names to Fr. Jason Ma- lave (the Renew My Church “coordinator”) who will give them to Cardinal Cupich. The Cardinal will consult with the bishops. Then, he’ll make a decision. We don’t yet have a date when the new name will be announced.

“The RMC Ministry & Office of Accompaniment” “Accompaniment” tries to help people through the difficult experiences of parish and school closings – offering meetings to talk about the “loss of the present and past” and about the “uncertainties of the future”. Also, there could be sharing of ideas on “how to keep in touch with each other”. Please let me know if you want me to request the services of this ministry of Accompaniment. You can use the suggestions box or call me or see me after Mass. 5 PARISH INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE WEEK TUESDAY, JANUARY 7 Administrator: Fr. Gregory Rom STWC General Mtg.-set up –6:30 p.m. –7:00p.m.-QOP STWC General Mtg –7:00p.m. –9:15 p.m. –QOP Weekend Associate: Fr. Ronald Stake Polish School Confirmation Mtg. –7:00 p.m.- Pastor Emeritus: Fr. Gerald Rogala 8:00p.m. -Church Deacons: Robert Cnota, Steven Wagner and WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 Choir rehearsal– 7:00p.m. –8:00 p.m.-Church Michael McManus THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 Church & School Development: Ms. Kathy Collins DRE Mtg. –8:00a.m.-11:30a.m.-PDR Religious Education: Mr. Ron Mazzoni Al-Anon Mtg-9:30a.m-11:30a.m.-SJW Music: Mr. Mark Wozniczka, Director Boy Scouts –6:00p.m.-10:00p.m.-MPR Mr. Markeise Russell, Choir Director R/E Confirmation class-6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. –Music Room SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 Gen. Anders Polish School –9:00 a.m.-3:00p.m. MASS SCHEDULE: Gen. Anders Teachers Conference-12:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.- MPR Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. SJW– St. Joseph the Worker room Tuesday - Friday: pls. see pg. 7 QOP-Queen of Peace room PDR-Parish Office dining room Holy Days: Please see the bulletin MPR-Multi-purpose room: Haran-Nelson Hall Confessions: Saturday: 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Church: 6725 W. Devon Ave. Chicago, IL 60631 Eucharistic adoration will be on hold during the winter, because attendance Parish Office: 6333 N. Newcastle Ave. markedly declines with inclement Hours: Monday– 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m. weather. Joyful in Christ, Deacon Steve Tuesday—Friday 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m. GENERAL ANDERS SATURDAY Saturday: 9:00a.m.-noon. SCHOOL OF POLISH (773) 792-3077 ext. 209 FAX: (773) 792-3820 LANGUAGE e-mail: [email protected] 40 Lat działalności wśród Polonii Amerykańskiej Szkoła podstawowa, Liceum, Klasa dla dzieci School: 6323 N. Newcastle Ave., Chicago, IL 60631 dwujęzycznych. Lekcje trwają w godzinach od (773) 763-3380 Visit us on the web at: 9 rano do 12:30 po-południu i obejmują zajęcia z religii przygotowujące do Sakramentów: www.saintthecla.org • Pierwszej Komunii i Bierzmowania. Dyrektor Szkoły-p.Vicky Dziedzic: 773-427-1829. • Przygotowanie do Egzaminu Certyfikowanego z Języka Polskiego jako Języka Obcego oraz stanowego Seal of Biliteracy. Szkoła akredytowana jest przez Illinois Board of Education. email:[email protected]; 6 6 www.szkolaandersa.us MASS INTENTIONS THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING AND CARING FOR THE GIFT OF YOUR PARISH - ST. THECLA Tues. Jan. 7 8:30a.m. +Joseph & Charlotte Kupiec CONTRIBUTIONS 12/22/19 Sunday Collection: $2,831.00 Immaculate Conception: $15.00 Wed. Jan. 8 8:00a.m. +Vincenzo Fiore Solemnity of Mary: $10.00 All Souls: $10.00 Thurs. Jan. 9 8:30a.m. +Stanley Sadej All Saints: $10.00 Christmas Offering: $910.00 Fri. Jan. 10 8:30a.m +Ben & Ange Richter Christmas Flowers: $25.00 Votives: $35.55 Sat. Jan. 11 5:00p.m. +Laurence & Helen Meyer Total: $3,846.55

Parish Other 12/15/19 Sun. Jan. 12 8:00a.m. +Ricky Prugar Sharing/Transfiguration: $15.00 Retirement Religious: $50.00 10:00a.m. +Maria Rossi Total: $65.00 +Josephine Baer +Maria Michalska This bulletin was transmitted on December 27th. Financial information from Sunday December 29th, will be posted in the next issue. Thank you for your understanding.

+Caroline Plodzien +Stephanie Labedz

Defending Life-Join the Knights of Kyle Reiss & Siobhan Barrett Columbus; contact Grand Knight Tim Horn at 312-927-7057 or Parish Office.

Sing with the choir, offer your musical skills; WEEKLY READINGS see Markeise or Mark after Mass or contact them! Readings for the week of January 5, 2020 Markeise: [email protected] Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Ps 72/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12 Mark: [email protected] Monday: 1 Jn 3:22—4:6/Ps 2/Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10/Ps 72/Mk 6:34-44 Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18/Ps 72/Mk 6:45-52 Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19—5:4/Ps 72/Lk 4:14-22a OBSERVANCES Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13/Ps 147/Lk 5:12-16 Sunday: The Epiphany of the Lord Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21/Ps 149/Jn 3:22-30 Monday: St. André Bessette, Religious Next Sunday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7/Ps 29/Acts 10:34-38/ Tuesday: St. Raymond of Penyafort, Priest Mt 3:13-17 Next Sunday: The Baptism of the Lord 7 Prayer List, US Military United States Marines: United States Army: United States Air Force: We keep those who are CPT. Philip E. Blais, MAJ. Terence W. Bacon, TSgt. Michael J. Archam, serving in the military in 2ndLt. Kevin Bowler, PFC. Adam Dunbar, A1C Heather Bosh, our prayers. Please print PFC Michael T. Brennan, SGT. Sean Doherty, A1C Shane Garrison, Pvt. James Dinela, SGT. Rachel Hall, SSgt. Adam Krey, the name of your loved LCpl. Kyle Elmer, MAJ. John Healy Maj. Peter A. Schroeder, one and drop it in the col- SSgt. Benjamin Juhasz, SGT. Robert Lach, MSgt. James E. Stay, lection basket or return it LCpl. Nathaniel J. Juncer, CPT. Jared Lampe, SSgt. Sentara Stay, to the Parish Office. Their Lt. Col. Michael C. Mroszczak, WO. Steven Larmay, SSgt. Matt Tredwell, names will remain on the PFC. Seth D. Perkins, SPC. Thomas J. Lyons III, AIG. Keith Daniel Garrison, list until you notify us of LCpl. Jose Rivera, PFC. Raymond Rau, A1C. Andrew T. Perkins their return or if their MSgt. Richard L. Sroka, 1LT. Michael Spiwak, rank changes. 2nd Lt. Zachary Henry, SGT. Brian Pasterczyk LCpl. Michael Panagas

We pray for all those in nursing homes, homebound or who require extended care and those who care for them:

Richard Bekielewski, Sr Frank Herbig Virginia Rozmarynowski Barbara Zygmunt Alicja Brozyna Rick Hernandez Helena Rumas Daniel Burke Maria Kadlub Jennie Sekula Ed Bywalec Barbara Kelly Walter Smal Jodi Chmiel Edward Kennedy George Stasinos Harriet Chudzynski Maria Kieca Diana Strauss Sharon Cinkowsky Beverly Kisiel Aurelia Swiat Eileen Cobb Georgine Kufner Matthew Switski Kevin Connolly John LaValle Janis Taylor Mildred Cwiak Mary LaValle Patricia Timm Joseph Cwik Joanna Lesna John Vargo Patricia Dooley Rose Ligeza Helene Veder Diane Dudek Walter Malinowski Cecilia Walega Gilfoy Family Marni Mensching Christine Wasowski Fernando Gimenez Imleda Mizones Rosemary Westfallen Ann Gosciniak Alice Mae Norton Mary Widelka Gerald Halvey Patricia O’Toole Julia Zeler Jerome Hanley Stanley Podgorny E.J. Zbikowski Beverly Herbig Thomas Podgorny Rose Zembal

Parishioner Contact Update: To help keep our records current, please print the information below and drop the form in the collection basket or at the parish office. Thank you.

Last Name______First Name ______M/M, Mr., Mrs., Ms.

Address______City______Zip Code______

Email address______Phone (Home)______Cell phone______

8 The following parishioners donated to the Christmas flowers in memory of their loved ones. These were the donations that came in before the bulletin deadline. We will publish the names of those who donated after Jan. 5th. Thank you.

Mrs. Mary Ann Hermesdorf Ms. Albina Humanicki -St. Thecla Ms. Lucyna Kniazewski -Georgie Kniazewski -Maria, Antoni Zaskowski Mrs. Madeline Moriarty -James Moriarty Mr. & Mrs. Michael McManus Mrs. Cecylia Rak Mr. & Mrs. Steven Wagner Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Wisniewski -Ken & Pearl Pittman -John & Emma Wisniewski

9 GENERAL INFORMATION

If you are new to St. Thecla; Welcome! Become a Catholic: Adults and teens interested in To register as a parishioner; call the office at receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, 773-792-3077 ext. 209 Confirmation, and/or Eucharist) and those who are curious about the Catholic Faith we are eager to meet Baptisms: Call the office to make the arrangements you. Call today! 773-792-3077 ext. 209 and reserve a place at the Baptismal Prep Class. Homebound/Communion Visitations: Marriages: The Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage St. Thecla is blessed with Ministers of Care who can Preparation in the Archdiocese of Chicago ask that a regularly take communion to those in need. Please call minimum of 6 months be set aside as formation time in the office to arrange for Holy Communion for yourself preparation for this sacrament. Couples should not or a homebound loved one. reserve a banquet hall prior to setting the date in church. Please note we are unable to accommodate Thanks to all our advertisers! weddings on Sundays. This bulletin is subsidized completely by the vendors who advertise on the next two pages. When you Bulletin Deadline: All articles must be e-mailed or support their business thank them in the name of St. dropped off at the office by 10:00 a.m. on Fridays Thecla. Liturgical Press Inc. (LPI) is the company who (8 days prior to publication date). Holidays have early prints our bulletin and they are responsible for deadlines. Articles are subject to editing. Our e-mail is contracts with all advertisers. To place and ad call [email protected]. them at 1(800) 950-9952.

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