sign in sign up
<<
Home , Little Christmas

Website http://sij-parish.com

The of the Lord 7, 2007 Page Two The Epiphany of the Lord January 7, 2007

persistent than their identification with “Three Kings.” It can be traced to a sixth century Greek manuscript which tells of three kings named Balthasar, , and . Each is of a different race and age. Balthasar, a middle- aged Ethiopian, carries the gift of myrrh. Melchior, the aged King of Arabia, carries the gift of gold. Caspar, a beardless youth from Greek Tarsus, carries frankincense. One variation on this theme was the fruit of Gen. Lew Wallace's “grand obsession” about the “Kings.” What began as a research project was to become one of the great religious novels of all time, Ben-Hur! The stories about the Magi always lead us to Christ. THE GREAT FEAST OF EPIPHANY: A LIGHT TO SHINE EVERYWHERE The Epiphany presents a three-fold mystery — the revelation of the Star, the Baptism in the Jordan, and the Epiphany was once called “Little .” Actually, as Wedding at Cana. Each reveals part of the identity of the a Church festival, there is nothing little about it! . He is “Light of the World.” He is God's “New “Epiphany” literally translates from the Greek as a Creation” to cleanse a sinful world. He is the “Bridegroom” “showing”... a “manifestation” ... a “revelation.” These who has the power to transform the ordinary into the words are strong and big. Epiphany was the kind of word sublime. the Greeks used for dramatic moments — the appearance of king in full regalia before a large crowd, the lifting of a The customs of Epiphany include gift-giving in many ethnic bridal veil by a groom, the arrival of a hero to save the communities. In others, the emphasis is on the blessing of oppressed and innocent. No, there is nothing “little” about water and the visitation and blessing of homes. In central Epiphany! Europe — Germany, Austria and Poland in particular — the Epiphany celebration unites both traditions. Water Epiphany is God's “show and tell.” Christmas celebrates a blessed to recall Our Lord's Baptism in the Jordan is used fact: “Jesus the Savior is born.” But what does the fact in yearly house blessings. The ritual includes an inscription have to do with human history, the world or you and me? written over the front door in chalk. This year it will be: Jesus is the Messiah, the fulfillment of Israel's hope the 20+C+M+B+07 “Son of David.” The story of the Nativity makes it plain the “first called” were Jews. The great mystery of “God-with- The four crosses within the year symbolize the four us” had its first humble witnesses, local shepherds. In their seasons. The initials C., M., and B. stand for Caspar, simplicity, the shepherds expressed the faith of Abraham, Melchior, and Balthasar. In former times, the inscription on Isaac, and Jacob. God had asked Abraham to look to the the outside of a home was a “manifestation” of the faith of night sky to see his descendants prefigured in a myriad of the family within, and a sign that Christians would welcome stars. Among the stars there would be one brighter than all a traveler in need. But even if the inscription is within a the rest. It was by the light of that Star that witnesses near house or apartment, it reminds all that, in our daily and far saw God's greatest Gift. comings and goings, we should let our faith be manifest to the world. It might have ended there in the hills with prophecies satisfied and a single nation blessed. But the Epiphany is a great feast because it proclaims God's sent an open and universal invitation to presence and love to all. Epiphany includes everyone, every race and nation. invites everyone, and challenges everyone. The Wise Men show us the way to follow the Light until we find its source The story of the Magi in the Gospel begins the “great ... to give us the gift of worship and receive the Gift of God. revelation” to the world. There are those who take the story literally and those who maintain that its value is instructive — Fr. Luczak and symbolic. It is certainly a story that has touched hearts and fired imaginations down through the centuries. A simple act of homage becomes wisdom in the service of God. Offerings of gold, frankincense and myrrh foreshadow the mission of one who would be king, priest and “suffering servant.”

Legends about the Magi abound. Artists and authors have made the instruments of wonder. Among the traditions surrounding the Magi none can be more compelling and January 7, 2007 The Epiphany of the Lord Page Three

“I don't have any to spare,” she grumbled ... “Don't bother me now!” But the beggar persisted. He asked if he could sleep in her stable that night. That too she refused him because she knew she didn't have time to make it fit for human habitation. Finally, a little weary, the beggar implored her to let him rest in a neglected part of her garden under a thornbush. He knelt before her and entreated her in God's name. Reluctantly, the woman permitted the beggar to rest, but never took her eyes off him. When he left, she shook her head and mumbled, “Good riddance.” Then she finished her work for the day.

That night the old woman had a fearful dream. She saw the beggar again. He removed his rags. It was the Lord! He looked at her again with the same large pitiful eyes. He spoke to her then with words she had “ANNUSCHKA AND THE BEGGAR”: heard many times but never really applied to her life. “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren; that A TALE FOR EPIPHANY you do unto me!” Epiphany is the “last day of Christmas” — a day of The woman woke up with a chill, lit her lamp wonders and revelations! But these are easy to miss nervously, and hurried to check her storeroom. As if we have lost sight of the Great Mystery of Christ's she opened barrel after barrel of flour, she found Birth, long on shopping lists and short on time and patience. Slavic folklore abounds in supernatural them infested with weevils. Backing away in fright, tales. Some of them are true Christian parables that she knocked over her lamp and set the house and teach us how often selfish people miss the Lord. then the barn ablaze. She ran for her life, escaping just in time. From Russia comes the story of Babouschka, who refused Mary and Joseph shelter and deliberately misdirected the Magi. Later, she repents, and has As the sun rose, she shivered in the cold and realized only one desire — to find the Christ-Child and offer that she had lost everything. Turning away from her loss, in tears, she was stunned by an incredible sight. him gifts. Babouschka does find Christ, but only in the hearts of innocent children each Christmas. My It was December. She had never done anything in grandmother told me another story that touches on a that part of her garden. She wept not for what she similar lesson. I call it “Annuschka and the Beggar.” had lost but for what she had found. For there where the beggar had rested were roses blooming on the Once upon a time, there was a wealthy old woman gnarled old thornbush. That night, the old woman who prided herself on how well she managed her sold all that she had left and became a pilgrim. She property. She was hardworking, thrifty and a “pillar” of vowed she would search for Christ as she had herself the church. The harvest had been especially good found him. She would give her time and, indeed, her that year and she was making plans to buy even whole life as one who possesses nothing, but has more property before spring planting. been given everything.

If there was one thing the old woman could not — Fr. Luczak tolerate it was wasting time. And she had no patience with people who interrupted her busy schedule.

One day, after she had finished her final inventory of the barrels of flour newly arrived from the miller, an old, dirty beggar appeared at her door. He looked at her with large, pitiful eyes and extended his empty beggar's cup. January 7, 2007 The Epiphany of the Lord Page Four

Stewardship ------Sunday Collections

Weekly (This Year)12/31/06 - $11,059.64 (Last year) 1/1/06 - $12,872.13

The three kings in today's Gospel traveled a great distance at considerable cost to offer their richest gifts to the Infant Jesus. How far will I go and what will I offer to do homage to this newborn King and Savior?

ABOUT NEXT WEEK'S READINGS SPIRITUAL LIFE ISAIAH: “The last part of the book of Isaiah contains the words of a prophet who lived after the Jews returned from exile in Babylon. Upon their return SPIRITUAL LIFE COMMISSION they found their temple destroyed and the city leveled. The prophet sees, however, a wonderful The Spiritual Life Commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. future for them because God loves them so much. on Thursday, January 11th, in the RE Office. Please Note the beautiful image he uses to describe that make every effort to attend. love.”

LITURGY BOARD AND PLANNERS I CORINTHIANS: “Today, and for the next few weeks, we will hear selections from Paul's first letter The Liturgy Board and Planners will meet on to the Corinthians. Corinth was a busy cosmopolitan Monday, January 15th at 8:00 p.m. in the Holy seaport located in the central part of modern-day Family Room. We will evaluate the / Greece. Here Paul addresses problems his converts Christmas season and do further planning for the are experiencing in trying to live a Christian life in Lent/ Easter season. Please contact Julie or Dee if you this non-Christian environment. cannot attend.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS' GATHERING Today, more than 500 men are discerning God's call to the priesthood at one of our seven archdiocesan The Annual Liturgical Ministers' Gathering will be seminary programs: Mundelein Seminary, St. Joseph held on Thursday, January 25th, at 7:30 p.m. in Seminary, Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary, Church. Leading our evening will be Fr. Roman and Casa Jesus, Bishop Abramowicz Seminary, Tuite on this Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul he will House and the INSEARCH Program. guide us in a reflection of the transforming power of the Eucharist. Invitations will be sent by mail this Your support enables us to provide these men with the week. The Liturgy Board looks forward to being with education and spiritual formation necessary to face you. the challenges of priesthood in the new millennium. Because of you, the healing touch of Jesus will live through the work of these future priests for you, your READINGS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY children and your grandchildren, well into this IN (green) century. Isaiah 62: 1-5 Psalm 96: 1-3, 7-10 Please give generously to the Seminary Collection I Corinthians 12: 4-11 next weekend! John 2: 1-11 Page Five The Epiphany of the Lord January 7, 2007

EPIPHANY HOME BLESSING

It is a “” ritual to bless the home and to mark it with a piece of chalk blessed at church. If you did not pick up a piece of chalk at church today, you may still want to bless the house and sprinkle holy water in the various rooms. While there are many different forms of the home blessing, this one is taken from the book To Dance With God by Gertrude Mueller Nelson.

Leader: Peace be to this house. All: And to all who live here.

L: Three wise men came to Bethlehem to honor the Lord, and opening their treasure offered precious gifts: gold to the great king, incense to the true God and myrrh for Christ's body which would suffer and die like our own.

Let us pray: O God, you used the light of a star to show all nations and peoples your only-begotten Son. Allow us also, who know you by faith, to recognize you in the epiphanies of our life experiences. Be enlightened and shine forth, O Jerusalem, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ born of Mary shines upon you.

All: All nations will walk in your light and kings in the brilliance of your splendor.

L: And the glory of the Lord is risen on you.

Bless, O Lord, this household and family, and allow all of us who live here to find in it a shelter of peace and health. Inspire each of us in this family to develop our individual talents and to contribute wisdom and good works for the benefit of the whole. Make our house a haven for us all and a place of warmth and caring for all our friends who come to visit us. Enlighten us with the brilliance of your Epiphany star so that, as we leave house and family to go out into the world, we might clearly see our way to you and discover you in our work and play. This we ask to your glory and in the power of your kingship—

All: For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory now and forever. Amen.

(House and family are blessed with holy water. Then the initials of the legendary names of the Magi—Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar are written with chalk on or over the main doors of the house and framed by the number of the New Year in this way: 20+ C + M + B + 07

Because the names of the Wise Men are legendary, a recent suggestion has been made that CMB stand for “Christe Mansionem Benedica,” which means “Christ, bless this house.”)

HUMAN CONCERNS

UNEASY OR UNSURE ABOUT BEING PREGNANT? Let us help. We are confidential. Call HOPELINE (847) 823-HOPE. January 7, 2007 The Epiphany of the Lord Page Six Page Seven The Epiphany of the Lord January 7, 2007 Page Eight The Epiphany of the Lord January 7, 2007

EDUCATION St. John Brebeuf School Presents Christmas Program

“From Darkness to Light,” the title of this year’s Christmas RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS program at St. John Brebeuf school, included the kindergarten through eighth grades. Featured in the † Monday RE Classes resume on Monday, January program was a mix of new songs, familiar carols, 8th. storytelling, poetry, dance and a costumed Nativity play, which was presented by the fourth graders. † There is a First Communion Preparation Meeting th Some of the selections included the kindergarten singing on Monday, January 15 , at 6:45 p.m. in the Holy “Follow the Star” and the second graders singing and Family Room. At least one adult from each family is dancing “Watching, Waiting and Hoping,” an Israeli folk expected to attend. Home materials and calendar will song. First grade sang “This Little Light of Mine,” a be distributed. The students will go to class. Christmas medley. Third grade performed the rousing “African Christmas Noel” with students playing the bongos † The RE Faculty Formation evening will be on and congo drums. Thursday, January 18th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Room. The eighth grade told their own version of the story of “Baboushka” which the students had written, illustrated and narrated themselves. The beautiful “All is Well” by † Permission slips for the Confirmation Year I Michael W. Smith was performed by the fifth grade and the th Retreat on January 27 are due to the Catechist or sixth graders sang “Keep Your Lamps.” the RE Office by Monday, January 22nd. Seventh grade began by singing “Every Valley” which transitions into a techno version of “O Come, O Come BIBLE STUDY Emmanuel". The students had been choreographed using glow sticks and flashers creating a light show effect. Our next Bible Study will focus on themes of peace and justice. We will The concert concluded with the entire student body and faculty processing with candles and singing “A Thousand meet on Wednesday mornings th Candles.” Father Tom read from John I and everyone beginning January 10 , at 9:30 including the audience sang “Silent Night.” a.m. in the Holy Family Room. This is a combination study and faith- sharing group. No prior bible study Ninth Annual Niles Tree Lighting Celebration experience is necessary to join. Cost is $10 for materials but all are welcome regardless of finances. On December 5th many children from St. John Brebeuf For more information or to register, please call the RE School attended the Ninth Annual Niles Community Tree Office, 847/ 966-1180. Lighting celebration. The children decorated the St. John Brebeuf tree with beautiful ornaments that they made during art class. The beautifully decorated tree is on display at one of the Niles Park District buildings for PONDERING OVER PIZZA everyone in the community to enjoy.

The next Pondering Over Pizza, an The children and their parents enjoyed the refreshments of adult dinner and discussion series, juice, coffee, and donut holes. Santa stopped by and will be held on Saturday, January visited with the children. Then everyone joined in singing 13th. Cost is $5 for pizza, salad, Christmas songs led by Santa and his helpers. beverage and dessert. RSVP to the RE Office, 847/ 966-1180, by This wonderful community event was a great start to get us Wednesday, January 10th. into the spirit of celebrating the holidays. January 7, 2007 The Epiphany of the Lord Page Nine

GENERAL PARISH LIFE INTEREST

Dear Father Luczak, & St. Isaac Jogues Parishioners

Calling all Men & Women!! Members of your parish have been very supportive of St. Isaac Jogues Women’s Club our business here at 1470 Waukegan Rd., in Snowflake Card & Bunco Party Glenview. In keeping with the spirit of giving during this holiday season, we at Gusto Italiano would like to give Tuesday, January 30th 7:00 p.m. in the Church Hall back. During the months of January and February, Donation $10.00 2007, we will contribute to your parish 10% of any revenue generated by your members. Just ask them Come in out of the cold and to mention this offer to the host or hostess upon play the game of your choice. their arrival. We will send 10% of their bill to your Bring your friends and enjoy parish. This does not apply to any other discount a really fun evening! offers. Complimentary coffee and..... Table prizes. We have enjoyed 21 years of serving the Northshore community. We take pleasure in not only preparing Please call the Rectory for tickets. superb southern Italian cooking, but also in developing (847) 967-1060. friendships with our customers while they enjoy lunch or dinner.

We thank your parish for their business in the past and look forward to serving them in the future. If you have St. Isaac Jogues Men’s Club any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 847- 729-5444 or visit us on the web at www. It’s Chili Time! GustoRestaurant.com.

All men of the parish are invited to Happy Holidays from the Gusto family to yours! judge which chili is the best — hottest, spiciest and does not give you Sincerely, indigestion!! Andrew Karas Proprietor The second annual chili gourmet contest will be held on Thursday, January 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Church Hall. Pilgrimage to Assisi & Rome Come and you be the judge! (with Fr. George Koeune of St. Eugene Parish) June 21st -28th, $2799.00 (per person/double occupancy} Does not include travel Insurance

Travel the lands of our Catholic Faith as you walk in the footsteps of St. Francis & St. Clare through Assisi then on to Rome and the majesty of the Vatican. St. Isaac Jogues Bingo – Friday Nights – Church Hall Please reserve your space TODAY 8101 Golf Road Niles, IL or to Answer Questions, 847-967-1060 call us at ACT I TRAVEL @ the Travel Gallery Doors open at 5:30 p.m. — Games start at 7:00 p.m (773) 243-0563 Ask for Donna or Bev. Page Ten The Epiphany of the Lord January 7, 2007

Sunday, January 7 Liturgies Next Weekend 7:30 am For The Living & Deceased Members January 13 - 14 of St. Isaac Jogues & Their Families; Presider Mary & Patrick McMahon 9:00 am Steven Zourkas & George Zourkas 5:00 pm Fr. Zbieranski 10:30 am Benito Queral & Mauricia Querol 7:30 am Fr. Luczak 12:00 pm Macrina & Francisco Queral 9:00 am Fr. Brinker 10:30 am Fr. Kalas Monday, January 8 12:00 pm Fr. Kennedy 8:00 am Purgatorial Society; Alex LoCascio Altar Servers

Tuesday, January 9 5:00 pm Dominic Jose, Oskar Bednarek, 8:00 am Gail McMillan Mercedez Gallegos 7:30 am Alexandria Winans, Nilakshi Fernando, Wednesday, January 10 Kathleen DeLeon 8:00 am Robert Golden; 9:00 am Chrystal Mattappillil, Max Mattappillil, Helen Polinski; Kathy Janik Walter Gall 10:30 am Celina Antony, Samantha Lopez, Alex Lulek Thursday, January 11 12:00 pm Ryan Malitz, Carla Ramirez, 8:00 am Ann Wojciechowski Thomas Malitz

Friday, January 12 8:00 am Fred Ray Sacristy Committee Mary Ann Scanlon, Arlene Turek Saturday, January 12 8:00 am Communion Service - No Intentions 5:00 pm Special Intention Relatives & Friends Sunday, January 14 Please remember the sick and hospitalized: 7:30 am Richard Arendt; Fr. Roman Zbieranski, Glori Anderson, Erick Johnson; Marian Brezinski, Elaine De Meo, Charlie Falco, Robert Froese Francis Cardinal George, Mary Ann Jahrling, 9:00 am For The Living & Deceased Members Mark Koz, Maria Ladd, Megan Lawler, Anne Marrazzo, of St. Isaac Jogues & Their Families; Sr. Agnes Martinka, SLW, James Mc Enerney, Eduardo Rodriguez & Jeffrey Allen Musni Bob Meyers, Judith Nani, Tammy Heffernan Propst, 10:30 am Philip Selker Jude Rodeghero, Paul Sitkowski, Chuck Watson, 12:00 pm Manuela Hernais Dennis Williamson, and Mary Zimniewicz.

Also please pray for the faithful departed: Reconciliation Dr. Raymond Sitton, brother of Rose Martello. Fr. Luczak

Today we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany and Monday, the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus. This week is National Vocation Awareness Week, a special time in which the Church prays for the renewal and strengthening of vocations with dedicated people as married and single people, and men and women to serve as priests, deacons, brothers, and sisters. Choose to make a difference. For more information about vocations to priesthood and religious life, contact Sr. Peter Mary Hettling, CSJ, at 312-751-5245 or [email protected]. January 7, 2007 The Epiphany of the Lord Page Eleven

PASTOR: Rev. Andrew Luczak Sacrament of Matrimony: Must be registered for six months prior to setting the wedding date with an additional PASTORAL STAFF: six months for necessary preparation. Note: The following Mr. Bob Kerls, Parish Business Administrator wedding times can be scheduled: Mrs. Patricia Kellen, Parish Nurse Friday at 5:00 p.m.; Mr. Robert Neal, Music Director Saturday at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.; Mrs. Dolores Stanton, Director of Religious Education Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (Ceremony only) Rev. Roman Zbieranski, O.F.M., Associate Pastor Sacrament of Baptism: Second and fourth Sunday of DEACON COMMUNITY: each month at 1:30 PM. Baptism Preparation Session Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. O’Keefe must be completed before Baptism. Contact the Parish Mr. Rod Ranola Office as soon as possible for details. Mr. & Mrs. Paul M. Stanton Parish Office Website: http://sij-parish.com WEEKEND LITURGY PRESIDERS: E-mail: [email protected] Rev. Bill Brinker, C.S.C. 8149 Golf Road, Niles, IL. 60714...... 967-1060 Rev. Ron Kalas Mrs. Janet Piovosi (Parish Secretary) Rev. Bernard Kennedy, O.F.M. Mrs. Emilie Casacchia (Data Processor) Rev. John Puodziunas, O.F.M. Mrs. Marlene Garber (Data Processor) Religious Education...... 966-1180 Staff Secretary Eucharistic Celebrations: Parish Nurse...... 967-1094 Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, & 12:00 Noon Music Ministry...... 967-1091 Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM Parish Hall...... 965-1091 Saturday: 8:00 AM & 5:00 PM Ministry Center...... 965-6911 Parish School: Sacrament of Reconciliation: St. John Brebeuf School...... 966-3266 Saturday, 11:00 - 12:00 Noon or anytime by request. Principal: Mrs. Margaret Whitman

ADDING NAMES TO THE PARISH SICK LIST

It has always been the policy of St. Isaac Jogues to offer our parish community an opportunity to pray for those parishioners who are ill and in need of our prayers. We have tried to keep close track of these names for our Bulletin as they are made available to us.

However, now we face an important privacy issue, very much like the issues faced by hospitals, health institutions, and certainly by other parishes.

We cannot (by law) publicly let our parish community know the health status of any of our members without their permission.

We appreciate the fact that often friends, neighbors, and acquaintances wish to do something special for a person who is ill, and ask to place their name on the list to be prayed for. While their intentions are surely good, we simply can no longer accept names in this manner.

We will institute a new process regarding calling in names for the Bulletin list.

Names for the sick list placed in the Bulletin have to be called in by the person who is ill, or by a member of their family. At the time they call in the name, they will be asked whether they are the sick person him/ herself, or a member of their family, and if they give permission for the name to be placed on the list. They will be asked for the correct spelling of the sick person's name. If a family member, they will be required to give their name for our records.

Thank you for your patience regarding this new process. We wish to do all we can to offer our parish community the opportunity to offer prayers for those who are ill — but we must also be cognizant of the fact that all members of our congregation are entitled to their privacy in this regard.