St. Joseph Community 722 High Street Aurora, Illinois 60505 630 -844-3780 www.stjosephaurora.weconnect.com

TO BE A VISIBLE SIGN OF CHRIST’S PRESENCE AMONG US IN THE WORLD, BY LIVING OUT THE GOSPEL MESSAGE OF GOD’S LOVE IN MINISTRY AND SERVICE +

December 27, 2020 The Holy Family

. ST. JOSEPH PARISH AURORA

What changed when Christ entered the January 1, 2021 world? The Solemnity of Mary While the majority of the Jewish people eventually converted to Christianity, (Rodney Masses: Stark, The Rise of Christianity,49), there were those who said that Jesus did not fulfill the Thursday, December 31 promises of the Messiah. They say he was 5:00PM supposed to be a victorious king, but he was killed by the Romans. They say that he was to establish peace in Friday, January 1 the world, but there is still war. They say that he was to establish 9:00AM a new kingdom in Israel, but instead Jerusalem was destroyed. So what did Jesus’ coming really accomplish? Please join us as we start the new Darkness and death are no longer the end, but rather life and love year honoring the Blessed Mother. conquer them in the Resurrection. As Paul quotes Isaiah 25:8 so beautifully "Death has been swallowed up in victory. “At the beginning of a new year, Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" the Church invites us to contemplate Mary’s divine maternity (1 Corinthians 15:54-55) Our estrangement from God is overcome by the obedient love as an icon of peace.” of Jesus Christ. Francis, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, January 1, 2016 The coming of the Holy Spirit for all believers allows us to know God intimately and not just through texts and sacrifices. While the Spirit came to select prophets, now the Spirit is unleashed on all believers who are open to his Presence. Happy New Year We could know that God was power and grandeur before through looking around at the Creation. But it is in the from Father Matthew Incarnation that we discover that God is Love. and the staff of no one would have dared ask God to do what He did. It’s the gift that was totally unexpected, but completely needed. God is hard St. Joseph Parish. to get, for us poor humans. Does He know about our hardships? Does He care? In Christmas, God definitively answers the question by becoming one of us. God had sent messengers: angels and prophets, but to come himself into our darkness and In this past year of pandemic and all of the challenges our parish suffering! That's radical. That changes everything. has faced-Thank you to all our parishioners! Christ continues to come into lives as a mustard seed. Jesus You have risen to the challenges of everything from a shutdown continues to be reborn in the present. It happens in a hidden way; of the parish to limited activities and everything in between. in His Church, in you. We have relied on your prayers, hard work, generosity, "The word of God, born once into the flesh is always willing to positive attitude, adaptability and faith. be born spiritually in those who desire him. He reveals himself to We look forward to 2021 knowing that we can face anything and the extent that he knows someone is capable of receiving him. accomplish everything that comes our way. Jesus yesterday, Jesus today, Jesus remains the same forever. The mystery is ever-ancient, ever-new.” -St. Maximus the Confessor The end of the year is an appropriate time to ask ourselves, Jesus has given us hope. There is a spring of goodness that “What shall I return to the Lord for all he has given me?” keeps bursting out in the world. Resurrection is on the horizon. Psalm 116:12 Jesus is making things new. This is why the Church has endured Now is the season we give thanks to God for all he has done for for 2,000 years. Every time it goes into decline, the Spirit comes us this past year and throughout our lives. Saint Joseph Parish is with new life and direction. It is in Jesus Christ that we continue incredibly thankful for the gift we received throughout the year. to live in hope! All donations truly make a difference! It is also a good time to consider how we might give back some of our wealth or assets In God’s Love, to him through his church with a special year end gift of cash or appreciated assets such as shares of stock. Please contact the parish office at 630-844-3780 with any questions or for any assistance. Thank you Eucharistic Adoration Wednesday, December 30 in church from 1:00PM-7:00PM Visit the St. Thomas Beckett, (December 29) Lehnertz Avenue Christmas Display in his writings, indicates he was often in adoration Lights are on from before the Blessed Sacrament: 5:00PM to 10:30PM nightly and If you do not harken to me who have been wont to pray for you all night on Christmas Eve. in an abundance of tears and with groaning not a few before the Majesty of the Body of Christ”.“ Pope Francis @Pontifex December 17 We invite you to stop by and spend some time with God. The events of this year teach us the importance of caring for each other and creation.

Therefore, I have chosen, as the theme for the HAPPY The parish office will be closed on Message for the 54th World Peace Day, NEW YEAR December 31 and January 1. “The Culture of Care” as a journey of peace.

. SUNDAY December 27, 2020

Could you help St. Joseph Parish provide dinner PLANT THE SEED 2021 at HESED House next Sunday, January 3? Purchase a calendar for $25 Go to Sign up Genius at and receive a chance to win everyday- www.signupgenius.com/go/4090b4fa5ad29a0fd0-pads4 365 chances to win for a complete list of items needed. $50 Monday-Friday Drop off food items to: Hugo Saltijeral, 671 Aurora Ave, Aurora $100 each Saturday and Sunday Sunday, December 6 3PM-4PM. Thank you for your generosity! 7 Special Drawings of $250 4 Special Drawings of $500 Plus 22 valuable coupons from local businesses

January 1, 2021 World Day of Peace

“Oh God, creator of the universe, who extends your paternal If you are interested in buying or selling calendars, concern, over every creature and guides the events of history to contact the parish office at 630-844-3780 the goal of salvation, we acknowledge you fatherly love when or email us at [email protected]

you break the resistance of mankind and, in a world torn by strife Sellers of 10 calendars receive one free calendar and discord, you make us ready for reconciliation. and sellers of 15+ are also entered into a $50 monthly drawing. Renew for us the wonders of your mercy; send forth your Spirit that he may work in the intimacy of hearts, that enemies may CALENDARS MAKE GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS begin to dialog, that adversaries may shake hands, and peoples may encounter one another in harmony. May all commit themselves to the sincere search for true peace When you come to Mass this Christmas there will be which will extinguish all arguments, for charity which overcomes SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOU hatred, for pardon which disarms revenge.” St. John Paul II Do Something Beautiful for God by Mother Teresa Visit the US Catholic Bishops Action Center This book is Mother Teresa’s enduring invitation at usccb.org to find out ways you can advocate and challenge to the world. With so much happen- for peace around the world. ing in the world today and within our own hearts minds and souls it is easy to lose sight of what mat- The Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Needs Our Help ters. In this book you will find the essential teach- Mail-in Donations: Send check or money order to ings of Mother Teresa and her remarkable insight. Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry 834 N. Highland Ave. Aurora, IL 60506 I Heard God Laugh by Matthew Kelly NEED HELP? Visit mariewilkinsonfoodpantry.org for hours of distribution and locations Are you taking care of your soul? Are you feeding it and nurturing it? Or are you ignoring it and neglecting it? The reality is most people have never Please support our local advertisers really been taught how to tend their souls. from our bulletin and “I Heard God Laugh” will help you to do just that, Plant the Seed Books and so much more.

THANK YOU to John & Jeune Dieterle who so generously The author of Pray the Rosary donated these books to us.

Hebrews Please pray the Rosary holds up with us in church on Do you receive emails Abraham Tuesdays at Noon from St. Joseph Parish? as a model Our intention this week: for the faith. We pray for all who Email us at [email protected] When have you had suffered this past year, to be added to the list. Or call us at 603-844-3780 to unconditionally and for all who helped to and leave your email address. trust in the Lord? relieve that suffering 2020 PLANT THE SEED CALENDAR WINNERS While families come in all shapes and sizes and no two are the Sunday ($100) Dec 20…...#690...... Martha Schuetz same, they all need a common focus and grounding. Families are Monday ($50) Dec 21…....#1812………………….Chad Johnson intended to be pivotal in providing us with a proper social struc- Tuesday ($50) Dec 22...... #178...... Howie & Barb Edwards ture and understanding, a support system, lessons about relation- Wednesday ($50) Dec 23...#674…………..……….Fermin Perez ships and communication and the unconditional acceptance and Thursday ($50) Dec 24...... #980…...... Fr. Bob Willhite love we so desperately crave. In additional to all of these things, the axis of every family has to be centered on faith. It is here that Friday ($500) Dec 25…….#1135.…………………..Dave Donka we can learn about the virtues and discover the windows to God Saturday ($100) Dec 26...... #111……………...…Cathy Hettinger Himself in His gifts of faith, hope, and love. We can learn, mod- 15+ Calendars Sold-December winners-Jeff & Lisa Lutz eling our experience after the Holy Family, how to use these as anchors in our lives so that we can live out the other virtues with greater integrity. Because our human families struggle with MANNA-MANNA resumes January 6th. Orders due by 9AM weakness and sin, we have to come back to the Holy Family of- Wednesdays via email. Check only-No cash accepted. Pick up ten for inspiration and guidance. In the bond of love that they Thursdays 6:00PM-6:30PM in front of the Parish Center. shared, they clung to the anchor of God Himself and endured Questions? Contact Judy Fullmer 630-542-4645 or email her at challenges far greater than many we will ever face. [email protected] HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM .

PARISH INFORMATION I shall live in the house of the Lord St. Joseph Psalm 23

Rev. Matthew J. McMorrow, S.T.L., Pastor Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Willhite, In Residence Deacon Bruce Watermann, S.F.A. All Masses are opened to 30% of church capacity (approximately 150 people) No reservations required Sandy Bohr, Business Manager MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK Parish Office 630-844-3780 Fax 630-844-1338 MONDAY, December 28, The Holy Innocents, Martyrs Monday through Friday-8:00AM to 4:00PM 7:00AM Live stream-Jerome Sibenaller by Marie Bockhaus TUESDAY, December 29, St. Thomas Becket, Religious Education Office 630-844-3780 x243 Bishop and Martyr Pam Moore, Coordinator of Religious Education 7:00AM Live stream-People of St. Joseph Parish MASSES-See right column of the page 7:00PM Live stream-James Presbrey by the Family WEDNESDAY, December 30 SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION English & Spanish 7:00AM Live stream-30 Day-Emma Wegman Wednesday 7:30AM to 8:00AM THURSDAY, December 31, St. Sylvester I, Pope Saturday 4:00PM-4:45PM 5:00PM Live stream-Mary Frieders by Friends Sunday 8:00AM-8:45AM FRIDAY, January 1, Mary, The Holy Mother of God BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS: 9:00AM Live stream-Anniv-Dick Brouch by the Family Please contact the parish office for information SATURDAY, January 2, Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church Website: www.stjosephaurora.weconnect.com 5:00PM Live stream-Bernice Hofner by the Family Email: [email protected] Facebook:@stjosephaurora SUNDAY, January 3, The Epiphany of the Lord 9:00AM Live stream-Marianne Reier by the Family

Pope St John Paul II Catholic Academy Sr. Ann Brummel, OP, Head of School [email protected] SANCTUARY CANDLE MEMORIAL

Heather Baer, Asst Principal North: [email protected] The week of December 27, the sanctuary candle is burning Phone 630-844-3781 Fax 630-844-3656 Website: in memory Katie, Ron, Ronnie Woodward and Kelly Ann Assell jp2aurora.org Facebook: @PSJPIIAuroraIL requested by the Woodward Family

Pope St. John Paul II Catholic Academy Readings for the week of December 27, 2020 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3/Ps 128:1-2, To register, visit us at www.jp2aurora.org 3, 4-5 [cf. 1]/Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22, 39-40 Or call us at 630-844-3781 Monday: 1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 [7]/Mt 2:13-18 For all the latest information Check out our Facebook page: Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:3-11/Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 [11a]/Lk 2:22-35 @PSJPIIAuroraIL Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17/Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 [11a]/Lk 2:36-40 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:18-21/Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13 [11a]/Jn 1:1-18 Act of Spiritual Communion Friday: Nm 6:22-27/Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 [2a]/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21 is a beautiful and praiseworthy tradition to Saturday: 1 Jn 2:22-28/Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 [3cd]/Jn 1:19-28 recite an act of spiritual communion when one is unable, for whatever reason, Next Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 [cf. 11]/ to receive Holy Communion. Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-1

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all New Year Advice from the Saints… things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. “To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.” Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, St. John Henry Newman come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself “Do something beautiful for God. Do it with your life. wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen. Do it everyday. But do it!” St. Mother Teresa Saint Alphonsus Ligouri. “You aspire to great things? Start with little ones.” St. Augustine “Whenever you begin any good work you should first of all make Perfect Contrition-Where the individual faithful find a most pressing appeal to Christ our Lord to bring it to themselves in the painful impossibility of receiving perfection.” St. Benedict Sacramental absolution, it should be remembered that perfect contrition, coming from the love of God, beloved above all things, expressed by a sincere request for forgive- Marmion Online Entrance Exam Saturday, January 9 at 9AM ness (that which the penitent is at present able to express) and accompanied for boys who were not able to make Dec 5 exam. For questions by votum confessionis, that is, by the firm resolution to have recourse, as or to register, visit marmion.org/admissions. Contact Admissions soon as possible, to sacramental confession, obtains forgiveness of sins, Office for info on tuition assistance at 630-897-6936x227. even mortal ones (cf. CCC, no. 1452) Perfect contrition means a sorrow for sin out of love for God. It does not mean being “perfectly sorry.” Perfect contrition is sorrow for Attend a Virtual Worldwide Marriage Encounter and learn how sin out of love for God and His goodness, whereas imperfect contrition to be the best gift you can be for your spouse. Sign up today to attend (while still a gift of God) is sorrow for sin due to a fear of hell, judgment Jan. 12 to Feb 2; two sessions/2 hrs each per week for three weeks or and punishment. Feb 18-Mar 31 once per week. For more information visit our web- (CCC 1452-1453) Catechism of the Catholic Church site at: alifetimeoflove.org or call (888) 574-5653. .

With the Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” Pope Francis (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis recalls the proclaims 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. “Year of To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” St. Joseph” from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021.

THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH PRAYER In his apostolic letter, Pope Francis explains that the To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our aim of this special year is “to increase our love for this afflictions, and having implored the help of your most great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. and to imitate his virtues and his zeal,” Through that charity which bound you to the describing St. Joseph as Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the “a beloved father, paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, a tender and loving father we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance an obedient father which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with an accepting father your power and strength to aid us in our necessities. a father who is creatively courageous O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, defend a working father the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, a father in the shadows.” ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us “Every day, for over forty years, following Lauds and from heaven assist us in our I have recited a prayer to Saint Joseph taken from a struggle with the power of darkness. 19th French prayer book of the Congregation of the Sisters of Je- As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, sus and Mary. It expresses devotion and trust, and even poses a so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of certain challenge to Saint Joseph:” Pope Francis the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, “Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, supported by your example and your aid, whose power makes the impossible possible, we may be able to live piously, come to my aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. to die in holiness, Take under your protection the serious and troubling and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen. situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy outcome. Composed by Pope Leo XII My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, At the conclusion of his Letter, the pope adds another prayer to and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, St Joseph, which he encourages all of us to pray together: show me that your goodness is as great as your power.

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Amen.” Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; Plenary for the Year of St. Joseph with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, In its December 8 , the said that, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. “to reaffirm the universality of St. Joseph’s patronage in the Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, Church,” it would grant a plenary indulgence to Catholics who recite any approved prayer or act of piety in honor of St. Joseph, especially and defend us from every evil. Amen. on March 19, the saint’s solemnity, and May 1, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. Apostolic Letter Other notable days for the plenary indulgence are the feast of the Holy Family on Dec. 27 and St. Joseph’s Sunday in the Byzantine Papal documents fall into certain recognized categories with tradition, as well as the 19th of each month and every Wednesday, levels of authority relative to each other. a day dedicated to the saint in the Latin tradition. One of the major types of ecclesiastical document issued by the Pope or in his name is the apostolic letter; the others being Learn more about conditions for the plenary indulgence at vaticannews.com Papal Briefs, Papal Bulls, , Apostolic Exhortations and Papal . Read the entire apostolic letter “Partis Corde” and other writings of Pope Francis at Research for this page was done at vatican.va www.vatican.va and vaticannews.va Click on “”

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