2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 06, 2015

Confession Hours: LECTORS FOR NEXT WEEKEND: Saturday: 3:45 until 4:10pm Sat. 4:15 p.m…..Barb Sun. 9:30 a.m…Kathy Sunday: 9:10 until 9:25am, 11:00 until 11:25am Think you might want to be a lector? Talk to Barb Dapriele. nd 2 Collection next week: See Back page God has commanded that every lofty TODAY’S READINGS mountain be made low. First Reading — Stand on the heights, Jerusalem; see your children — Baruch 5:7 rejoicing that they are remembered by God. A merciful and just God leads Theme: We are getting ready to welcome Christ into our hearts. Israel in joy (Baruch 5:1-9). Step One: Listen to the Word Psalm — The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy As you hear this reading, what words or phrases strike you? (Psalm 126). What in this reading touches your heart? What lingers in your Second Reading — May your love increase in knowledge to discern what memory? is valuable that you may be blameless for the day of Christ (Philippians 1:4- Step Two: Look into Your Life 6, 8-11). Question for Children: What things do you do to get ready for a Gospel — John proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All flesh shall see the salvation of God (Luke 3:1-6). big event or celebration? Question for Adults: Name one thing you can do to help READINGS FOR THE WEEK “prepare the way of the Lord?” Monday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5:17-26

Tuesday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Mass Intentions for the Week Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 Saturday, December 05 at 4:15 p.m. Thursday: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 †Louise Rivera (Anni. Rem) by Rich and Barb Dapriele Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Sunday, December 06 Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, 9:30 a.m. Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18 †Living/deceased parishioners and benefactors of SJV parish †Fr. Waclaw Jamroz and Danny O’Donnell SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Second Sunday of Advent; Hanukkah begins 11:30 a.m. Monday: St. Ambrose; Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day †Living/deceased parishioners and benefactors of SJV parish Tuesday: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary †Jan Chowaniec by Maria Budz Wednesday: St. Juan Diego †Veronica Kowalkowska by Syn Friday: St. Damasus I Saturday: Our Lady of Guadalupe Monday, December 07 at 7:00 pm Vigil THE ETERNAL FLAME FOR THIS WEEK Immaculate Conception Holy Day of Obligation St. John Vianney Parishioners †Will burn for:

Tuesday, December 08 at 8:00 a.m. Margaret Perez Immaculate Conception Holy Day of Obligation By St. Monica Prayer Group Saint John Vianney Parishioners St. John Vianney Parishioners

7:00 p.m. Polish Mass †WE LIFT UP IN PRAYER Long Term Needs: Fr. Andrew, Ann Marie Nawrocki, Fr. Thomson, Wednesday, December 09 at 8:00 a.m. Naia Peña, Rachel Colabello, Marilyn Gibes, John Sims, Wendy Kelm, Josie Encarnacion (89th B’Day) by Rosario Vianzon Keith Schranz, Helena Parades, Lucas Milo, Peg Parker, Irena Drewniak, Hanna Maria Drewniak, Cathy McManamey, Ted Hylek Joanne Gruchot, Thursday, December 10 at 8:00 a.m. Marlene Margentina, The Eaton Family, Dixie Wiles, Florence Viscum, †Don Rivera, Sr. (Anni Rem.) by Rich and Barb Dapriele Mary Maiberger, Val Wittenkeller, Heather Pajak, Romana Davila, John

Friday, December 11 at 8:00 a.m Mitchell, Lawrence Dapriele, Carol Albrecht, Marilyn Zlogar, Matthew Gariboldi (B’Day) by mom, Pat Immediate Needs: (baby) Lucille Katherine Russler, Dennis Wszolek And for all those who have no one to pray for them. Saturday, December 12 at 4:15 p.m. † We hope that you will pray for them each day, privately or with your †Eugene Kijowski by Cele and Children family. Prayer for those in need is an important responsibility of the †Fr. Norman Petz (B’Day Rem) by St. John Vianney Parishioners Christian Community

Sunday, December 13 †FROM DEATH TO NEW LIFE 9:30 a.m. Margaret Perez †Living/deceased parishioners and benefactors of SJV parish Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, †Fr. Waclaw Jamroz and Danny O’Donnell and let perpetual light shine upon them. Eleanor Bednarz (95th B’Day Blessings) by Mary Jo In Memoriam – Dec. 06 thru 12 11:30 a.m. Olive E. Rodeghero Dec. 07, 1986 Mary Carnes Dec. 06, 1967 †Living/deceased parishioners and benefactors of SJV parish Matthew Viscum Dec. 06, 1992 John Kucer Dec. 09, 2011 †Irena Kowalkowska by brother Andrew Smutnak Dec. 10, 1969 Donald G. Rivera, Sr. Dec. 10, 2006 Edna E. Carlson Dec. 12, 1985 Leona Nemcoes Dec. 12, 1997 Divine Mercy Chaplet: Dec. 05 - Day 5 DECEMBER 06, 2015 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT St. John Vianney Parish PILGRIM VIRGIN DATES TO REMEMBER Invite the blessed Mother, Our Lady of Fatima Statue, into CHURCH CLEANING Week of 12-06………………..….…Mavrin your home and help her evangelize her message of peace If you and a partner could find an hour or so about every 8 weeks to through the Rosary. The intent of the devotion is that the help clean the church building, please call the church or talk to Barb. statue travel from house to house. It will be in your home Please consider this as an act of charity ND for one week or as long as you want to keep her. You can 2 COLLECTION NEXT WEEK DEC. 13 invite family and friends to say the rosary, or just enjoy her RETIRED RELIGIOUS presence in your home and have your own private devotion. Weekly Offering for Nov. 29: Weekly Goal $2,700.00 Env. or parishioner checks (50) $927.00 / Loose: $761.00 Tot $1,688.00 Please call Gwen at 708-259-6303 Utilities for Nov. Cost…$785.17 Rec’vd…$688.00

ST. MONICA PRAYER GROUP Thank You for your continuing support. FOLLOWING THE 8:00 AM TUESDAY MASS Please remember St John Vianney in your Will and Estate Planning. We, the members of St. Monica Prayer Group, invite you to join us in praying for the spiritual, physical, and emotional STEWARDSHIP… A WAY OF LIFE needs of our children and grandchildren.. Please join us as we “None of those who cry out ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of come together weekly to cover our children with prayer. God, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

(Matthew 7:21) Jesus made clear that being a wise and prudent steward of all God’s gifts is part of living His will for us.

OUR WARMEST WELCOME To all who celebrate with us, whether visitors, long time INTERCESSIONS FOR LIFE residents, or newly arrived in the parish. If you are not For all members of the Church: May our witness that every life registered at St. John Vianney or need to make changes, is worth living help others to encounter the outstretched hands of please fill out the form below and place in the collection God’s mercy; We pray to the Lord: basket. POPE FRANCIS INTENTIONS FOR DEC. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Universal: That all may experience the mercy of God, who never tires ADULT 1 of forgiving. Name______Evangelization: That families, especially those who suffer, may find Phone______in the birth of Jesus a sign of certain hope. We pray to the Lord:

Address______WHY NOT A MASS INTENTION! ______If you are thinking of sending someone a get-well card, or a special Date of Birth______occasion is coming up, a birthday or an anniversary, why not have a Language spoken at home______Mass said for them? Mass intentions are for the living as well as the deceased. There’s no nicer way to offer tribute, or better prayer you Marital Status:_____Married by Priest Y N can offer for those you love. Just fill out the form below and show how much you care. Religion:______Sacraments received? Baptism, 1st Comm. Confirm. IMPORTANT: If you would like your Mass intentions to be put into the bulletins ADULT 2 Husband Wife during December 2015 and January 2016 Name______please submit them as soon as possible and Phone______BEFORE Sunday, December 13th. Address______Any Mass intentions submitted after Dec. 13th will be ______announced but not put into the bulletin. Date of Birth______Language spoken at home______REQUESTS FOR † MASS INTENTIONS If you would like to have a Mass offered, please fill out this form Marital Status:_____Married by Priest Y N and drop in the collection basket. There is no better way to offer

tribute, and no better prayer you can offer for those you love. Religion:______Please include an offering of $10 for each intention in the Sacraments received? Baptism, 1st Comm. Confirm. envelope with your Mass request form.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Are you transferring from another parish?____

______Former Parish Name______Intention Name

______Living ___ Deceased Please list the names and dates of birth of those in your household, excluding the names above: Requested by______

Name Birthdate Relationship Phone______1______2______Date/Time Wanted______3______

4______

DECEMBER 06, 2015 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT St. John Vianney Parish

PRAY FOR OUR FEED YOUR HUNGRY NEIGHBORS MILITARY Lockport’s FISH pantry has seen an increase in the “Lord, hold our troops in your number of people served this year. They are now caring loving hands. for 350 families, representing 1200 individuals. Our Protect them as they protect us. Lord would want us to share what we have been given with the Bless them and their families for the selfless acts hungry. Presently needed are canned beans, meats and fish. Also they perform for us in our time of need. And give peanut butter & jellies. Canned vegetables especially corn & green us peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen. beans. spaghetti & sauce, cereals, and pancake mix & P.F.C. JASON W. DRAKSLER [U.S. ARMY] syrup. Soaps, bath tissue, other paper products and shampoo are P.F.C. JOSHUA D. DRAKSLER [U.S. ARMY] also needed. SGT. 1st Class MICHAEL MATTHEW PAJAK [U.S. ARMY] Thank you for your continued generosity. You will be blessed. 1st LT. ANDREW JOSEPH ALESSANDRA [U.S. ARMY] Feeding the Hungry is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy. AIRMAN NICHOLAS MAVRIN [U.S.A.F.] [GERMANY] PLEASE CHECK YOUR CANS CAREFULLY. nd 2 LT. WILLIAM BRADSHAW [U.S.A.F.] IF THEY ARE OUTDATED OR EXPIRING IN CURRENT MONTH, If you have a family member who is overseas please let us know so we may pray for their safe return. MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL WE HAVE TO THROW THEM AWAY. We cannot be liable for causing illnesses. TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION If YOU are in need, they are open Monday, Wednesday & By now, trees are beginning to appear in living rooms Fridays from 8:30 a.m until 11:30 a.m. throughout the parish. To a complete outsider to our culture, it 604 9th Street, Lockport. must seem an odd thing indeed. The “roots” of this custom are in Bring 2 pieces of current mail to register. liturgical drama: religious plays performed in the churches and town squares of medieval Europe. The favorite theme for this Funeral Mass Arrangements time of year was the “Paradise Play,” a dramatic history of the Upon the death of a loved one, a family member should human race from the Garden of Eden to the birth of Jesus in contact the parish office as soon as possible (815-723-3291). Bethlehem. The language and music varied from place to place, You will be contacted by our bereavement coordinator, but one feature was always in place: a great tree decorated with Anna Siwiec-Sitkowska, who will assist the family in planning apples. As a prop, it provided lots of material for the actors: the the funeral liturgy for the deceased. temptation, shelter for the manger, and a reminder of the wood of the cross. Soon people began to bring “paradise trees” into their WIDOWED? homes, decorating them with gifts and lighted candles. For Widowed Men & Women Many Germans give credit to Martin Luther for transforming There will be a retreat/workshop on Jan. 16 & 17, 2016, the “Paradise Tree” into the evergreen Christmas tree. Walking and on March 5 & 6, 2016 at Our Lady of the Angels home on a starry Advent night, he was so awed by the beauty of House of Prayer ( in Lemont on Alvernia Manor’s campus). (Overnight required. No commuters) the night that he hauled a pine tree inside and decorated it with Incls. overnight and meals. lighted candles. Americans were holdouts. It took until 1856 for The Holidays are especially hard for those who are widowed. the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to decriminalize Christmas Missing your spouse is a special loss. This program is designed to decorations, the old Puritan dislikes falling before the waves of help the widowed find hope & joy again. Irish and German immigrants with traditions firmly in hand! — Joyful Again Widowed Ministry Ph: 1-708-354-7211 Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch You can also see a short video on our website:www.joyfulagain.org E-mail: joyfulagain7211@gmail JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY Space limited – register early. This Tuesday, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis will open the “Holy Door” WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER in Saint Peter’s Basilica, symbolically opening the Jubilee Year of Today St. Paul prays for the Lord to increase our love Mercy. In today’s scriptures, Baruch confidently anticipates God’s for one another so that it may abound and he reminds us healing of the brokenness of humanity, and Paul sees God bringing that we should live our lives to please God. Does your our discernment, knowledge, and love to fulfillment. Our life and marriage reflect this? Sign up today to attend experience of life and of ourselves can make such prophecies seem one of the upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends wildly optimistic, even hopelessly naïve. Pope Francis challenges us on December 11-13, 2015 or February 12-14, 2016 or April 8- to live this Jubilee Year as a graced time, when God’s mercy 10, 2016, all at Elk Grove Village, IL. Early registration is reawakens our enthusiasm to live our baptismal call as gospel highly recommended. For reservations/information, call Jim & people, our hope renewed and ourselves recommitted to selfless Kris at 630-577-0778 or contact us through http://wwme- charity. Notice that in Luke’s Gospel today, God bypasses the chicagoland.org . religious elite and politically powerful to speak to a humble believer OPENING OF THE HOLY DOOR in the barren desert the saving word that will transform history. So God’s mercy continues to accomplish humanity’s salvation in and TO BEGIN THE HOLY YEAR OF MERCY through ordinary, flawed, and least likely instruments—even us. — All the faithful are invited to attend the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday December 12 at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. Joliet. This liturgy will be our diocesan initiation of the Holy Year of PLEASE CONTINUE TO FULFILL YOUR CATHOLIC Mercy. Prior to the beginning of Mass Bishop Conlon will open the MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL PLEDGE OBLIGATIONS. Cathedral’s Holy Door, our local way of joining with Pope Francis as There Are Still a Few Pledges in Our Parish That Have Not Been Met. he opens the Holy Doors in . Let us enter into this Holy Year in If You Find You Cannot Fulfill Your Pledge, Please Call the Diocese joyful celebration of God’s extravagant love and mercy. May our own and Let Them Know So They Can Adjust Their Books. carrying out of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy make present God’s tender mercy. DECEMBER 06, 2015 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT St. John Vianney Parish LOCKPORT TOWNSHIP IS SPONSORING PREGNANT and NEED HELP? A BABY/YOUTH WELLNESS CLINIC Call us today! Beginning December 1, 2015 Woman's Choice Services offers a safe Dr Dayang, Dr Longi and Dr. Saeed from Advanced Pediatric Care and loving environment in which you can meet with one of our are offering their services for Lockport Township residents ONLY. trained counselors who can answer your questions and discuss Starting from newborn to 18 years of age. your options. Our help is free and confidential and we'll help The following will be offered for UNINSURED ONLY: you along your journey! Immunizations, Wellness Checks, and Physicals. For more information, call Lisa in our Bolingbrook office at The clinic will be located at 815-725-7732, or Elaine in our Lombard office at 630-261- Advanced Pediatric Care 9564 or visit www.womanschoiceservices.com. 300 Read Street, Suite D Lockport, IL 60441 Experienced Catholic Elementary School Appointments can be made by calling Principal Sought Clerk Denise Mushro Rumchak’s office at: 815-838-1031 Applications are being accepted through January 15, 2016, for a faith-filled, passionate, and dedicated educator to serve as Principal PUT ON JOY of All Saints Catholic Academy beginning in July, 2016. The Today, Baruch speaks of the splendor that lies ahead for the city successful candidate must be a devout and practicing Catholic who of Jerusalem and for all of us, regardless of where home is for us. upholds the teachings of the faith and who exemplifies an Throw off strife, he tells us, and put on joy. Like a favorite old unwavering commitment to academically excellent education that sweatshirt, joy fits, and how warm it keeps us, even when the winds is rooted in Gospel values and Catholic traditions. The candidate blow cold. must possess an advanced degree in educational leadership; hold a Paul knows of this joy as he pens his letter to the Philippians, current Illinois Professional Educator License with a General praying that they may grow in their ability to discern what is Administrative Endorsement; and must have to his or her credit at righteous and good. And Luke speaks to us of John, who was least five years of successful administrative experience, preferably foretold by Isaiah and who sings a similar song—“Prepare the way in a Catholic school. of the Lord,” for salvation is at hand. To apply, please complete an administrative application as an A man ahead of his time, Baruch spent his days joyfully awaiting external applicant on the Diocese of Joliet AppliTrack website at: a distant glory. On this Second Sunday of Advent, Paul and John http://www.applitrack.com/dioceseofjoliet/onlineapp/ In addition, know that this glory is upon us. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. e-mail a resume and letter of interest to Karen Udell, Catholic VOCATION PRAYER CALENDAR Schools Office Assistant Superintendent of Leadership and Personnel, at: [email protected]. 12-06 through 12-12 Remember these men and women in your daily prayers- Priests, Deacons, Semnarians and Women & Men Religious ADVENT AT THE ABBEY in the Diocese of Joliet December 12, 2015 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 6 Abbot Dismas Kalcic, OSB Peacemaking 7 Srs. Mary Therese Forst, Kathryn Frankovich, Sharon Frederick, "Let peace be your quest and aim," says St. Benedict in the Ann Freiburg, Joyce Shanabarger OSF Prologue to his Rule (#17). In the words of Sister Joan Chittister, 8 Frs. J. Agustin Ortega Ruiz & Ronald Scarlata "It is an amazing position for a sixth century document to take in a 9 Mario Delgado (Deacon Candidate) violent world." Advent is a time of gentle waiting for the return of 10 Frs. Edward Howe, Norbert Raszeja, Gerald Watt C.R. Christ. As we wait, we work for peace in our hearts, in our lives 11 Srs. M. Debrah Funfsinn, Mary Peter Gartman, and in our world. Elizabeth Gills, M. Clarence Golla OSF 9:00 a.m. Arrival and Coffee 9:30 a.m. Lauds 12 Frs. Marion Wroblewski, Jerzy Zieba C.R. - Joseph Rodolphe 10:00 a.m. Lectio Divina 11:00 a.m. The Sacrament of Arty CSC - Matthias Ashir Idyu CSSp - Daniel R. Belanger, Reconciliation John Eck, James Fanale CSV 12:00 p.m. Eucharist 12:30 p.m. Lunch 1:30 p.m. Talk 2:30 p.m. Closing prayer and A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Blessing International Catholic Stewardship Council e-bulletin To reserve a place please call Fr. Becket Franks In today’s second reading, Saint Paul prays with joy and at 630 829-9253 or email [email protected] confidence for his friends in the Christian community at Philippi. Space is limited to 60 participants.A free will offering will be taken. He is encouraged that the community has partnered with him to

proclaim the Gospel. He sees Christ’s active presence and plan of

salvation at work in the community. God’s overarching plan is Pray the rosary Wear the Brown Scapular unclear to us. But when we see evidence of God working through

others, doesn’t it give us reason to believe that Christ is alive

among us? Does the witness of others help our own prayer lives?

Does it inspire us to promote the Gospel? During this second week Tweets from Pope Francis @ Pontifex of Advent take time to reflect on how you see Christ’s presence in Nov 19 your community. All human persons – all of us – A WEEKDAY MASS MAY BE JUST WHAT YOU NEED! are important in God’s eyes.

Come and enjoy the peace of Jesus. Tues through Friday 8am

DECEMBER 06, 2015 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT St. John Vianney Parish

BABY BOTTLES Welcome To Our New Parishioners FOR LIFE Mr. Joseph Czerkies This month our parish will be Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Zukowski and family participating in a special who joined our parish in November. fundraiser to promote and further a Culture of Life within our parish ADVENT SCHEDULE and local community. The proceeds of this event will help Vigil of Christmas, December 24th, support the life-saving work of Woman’s Choice Services, a (Thursday)...... 4:15 p.m English Catholic pregnancy center with offices located in Lombard & ...... Midnight Mass (Pasterka), Polish

Bolingbrook. Christmas Day, December 25th Baby bottles will be distributed to parishioners on the (Friday)...... 9:30 a.m English weekend of December 12th and 13th to take home and fill 11:30 a.m. Polish with spare change. Bottles will then be returned to the parish St. Stephen, December 26th th th by the weekend January 9 and 10 . (Saturday)...... 10:00 a.m. English This fundraiser is a great way for each member of the 11:30 a.m. Polish family to help in building a Culture of Life. Thank you in 4:15 p.m English advance for your response to the call of the Gospel to serve The Holy Innocents, December 28th those in great need! (Monday)……………………………………..7:00 p.m. Polish

The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, Vigil Mass, December 31st (Thursday)...... 4:15 p.m English opens on Tuesday, 8 December, the Solemnity of the Immaculate January 1st (Friday)...... 9:30 a.m. English Conception and the Feastday for the dioceses of the United States 11:30 a.m. Polish of America. We are given twelve months to be merciful like the Father, to make this a daily habit. Mary’s life gives us a pattern for WORD OF LIFE our own. Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gift of life. Help us to How can I magnify, sing the praise of God today? cherish and protect this gift, even in the midst of fear, pain, and How can I be more like her – full of grace? suffering. Give us love for all people, especially the most Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary vulnerable, and help us bear witness to the truth that every life is A TIME OF PRAYER worth living. Grant us the humility to accept help when we are in need, and teach us to be merciful to all. Through our words and Let the silence and atmosphere of peace bring you to a deeper place actions, may others encounter the outstretched hands of your within yourself. Treat Yourself to a Time of Prayer. WHEN: Thursday, December 10th -- 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at mercy. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. — USCCB 2015-16 Respect Life Program Prayer Card: “Every Life is Worth One Heart, One Soul Spirituality Center, 2041 W. State Route 113, Living” www.goo.gl/076T65 Kankakee, IL 60901 TOPIC: “Listening Prayer” HELP OUR RETIRED RELIGIOUS PRESENTERS: Sister Loretta Finn, SSCM and Sister Anne Aging religious need your help. Senior Catholic sisters, brothers, Jaeger, SSCM COST: $5 if possible. If not, come anyway. TO REGISTER OR and religious order priests spent years working in Catholic schools, FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 815-935-0800 or just stop by. hospitals, and agencies—often for little pay. Their sacrifices leave their religious communities without adequate savings for retirement UPPER ROOM HOTLINE SERVICES and eldercare. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious Advent is here and the Year of Mercy has begun! Do you want to collection helps provide prescription medications, nursing care, and make it more meaningful in the coming year and be able to extend more. Please give to those who have given a lifetime. the mercy and compassion of Christ to others? If so, please Support elderly religious. A parishioner writes, “As a Catholic consider volunteering for The Upper Room Hotline services. school student from grades K–12, I was formed to be the person I Classes to prepare you will begin on January 21st and end on am by many religious brothers and sisters, and I am forever March 10th. Classes are held at the University of St. Francis from grateful.” Show your appreciation for the senior Catholic sisters, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. People brothers, and religious order priests who made a positive difference willing to imitate the compassion of Christ are needed for the in so many lives. Please give generously to next week’s collection people of all faiths who are lost or wanting to find their way back for the Retirement Fund for Religious. to God. If you are willing to “be” Christ to someone this year, ADVENT LESSEONS AND CAROLS please call Sr. Mary Frances Seeley at 815-341-9124, or The Cathedral of Saint Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet hosts is [email protected]. You can check us out at catholichotline.org. second annual service of Advent Lessons and Carols this Sunday Thank you and God bless. afternoon, December 6, at 4:00pm. The program consists of readings (lessons) telling of the promise of the Christ child, FALL AND DAILY MASS interspersed with beautiful anthems sung by the 135 singers who The morning is beautiful and clear and invites us to comprise the Cathedral choirs, and rousing Advent hymns (carols) come to daily Mass. Why not start your workday with sung by all. The service is free (no tickets required) and all are God as you try to put God first in your life, as you try to welcome. Lasting under 75 minutes, Advent Lessons and Carols is find yourself in God. You will find it rewarding, peace giving and guaranteed to put you in the spirit of the season! More information

encouraging to be with God. Tuesday through Friday at 8am may be found on the Cathedral website at www.straymond.net DECEMBER 06, 2015 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT St. John Vianney Parish numbered among those who were to suffer crushing divine punishments for SAINTS OF THE DAY standing in Ambrose’s way. by americancatholic.org When the Empress Justina attempted to wrest two basilicas from DECEMBER 06 Ambrose’s Catholics and give them to the Arians, he dared the eunuchs of ST. NICHOLAS (d. 350?) the court to execute him. His own people rallied behind him in the face of The absence of the “hard facts” of history is not imperial troops. In the midst of riots, he both spurred and calmed his people necessarily an obstacle to the popularity of saints, as with bewitching new hymns set to exciting Eastern melodies. the devotion to St. Nicholas shows. Both the Eastern In his disputes with the Emperor Auxentius, he coined the principle: “The and Western Churches honor him, and it is claimed that emperor is in the Church, not above the Church.” He publicly admonished after the Blessed Virgin, he is the saint most pictured Emperor Theodosius for the massacre of 7,000 innocent people. The by Christian artists. And yet, historically, we can pinpoint only the fact emperor did public penance for his crime. This was Ambrose, the fighter, sent to Milan as Roman governor and chosen while yet a catechumen to be that Nicholas was the fourth-century bishop of Myra, a city in Lycia, a the people’s bishop. province of Asia Minor. There is yet another side of Ambrose—one which influenced Augustine As with many of the saints, however, we are able to capture the of Hippo, whom Ambrose converted. Ambrose was a passionate little man relationship which Nicholas had with God through the admiration with a high forehead, a long melancholy face, and great eyes. We can which Christians have had for him—an admiration expressed in the picture him as a frail figure clasping the codex of sacred Scripture. This was colorful stories which have been told and retold through the centuries. the Ambrose of aristocratic heritage and learning. Perhaps the best-known story about Nicholas concerns his charity Augustine found the oratory of Ambrose less soothing and entertaining toward a poor man who was unable to provide dowries for his three but far more learned than that of other contemporaries. Ambrose’s sermons daughters of marriageable age. Rather than see them forced into were often modeled on Cicero, and his ideas betrayed the influence of prostitution, Nicholas secretly tossed a bag of gold through the poor contemporary thinkers and philosophers. He had no scruples in borrowing man’s window on three separate occasions, thus enabling the daughters at length from pagan authors. He gloried in the pulpit in his ability to to be married. Over the centuries, this particular legend evolved into the parade his spoils—“gold of the Egyptians”—taken over from the pagan custom of gift-giving on the saint’s feast. In the English-speaking philosophers. countries, St. Nicholas became, by a twist of the tongue, Santa Claus— His sermons, his writings and his personal life reveal him as an further expanding the example of generosity portrayed by this holy otherworldly man involved in the great issues of his day. Humanity, for bishop. Ambrose, was, above all, spirit. In order to think rightly of God and the of: Bakers, Brewers, Brides, Children, Greece, Grooms, human soul, the closest thing to God, no material reality at all was to be Merchants, Pawnbrokers, Russia, Travelers dwelt upon. He was an enthusiastic champion of consecrated virginity. The influence of Ambrose on Augustine will always be open for DECEMBER 06 discussion. The Confessions reveal some manly, brusque encounters between Ambrose and Augustine, but there can be no doubt of Augustine’s BLESSED ADOLPH KOLPING profound esteem for the learned bishop. (1813-1865) Neither is there any doubt that St. Monica loved Ambrose as an angel of The rise of the factory system in 19th-century Germany God who uprooted her son from his former ways and led him to his brought many single men into cities where they faced new convictions about Christ. It was Ambrose, after all, who placed his hands challenges to their faith. Father Adolph Kolping began a on the shoulders of the naked Augustine as he descended into the baptismal ministry to them, hoping that they would not be lost to the Catholic faith, as fountain to put on Christ. was happening to workers elsewhere in industrialized Europe. Patron Saint of: Bee keepers, Learning Born in the village of Kerpen, Adolph became a shoemaker at an early age because of his family’s economic situation. Ordained in 1845, he DECEMBER 8 ministered to young workers in , establishing a choir, which by SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE 1849 had grown into the Young Workmen’s Society. A branch of this CONCEPTION began in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1856. Nine years later there were over 400 Gesellenvereine (workman’s societies) around the world. Today this group A feast called the Conception of Mary arose in the has over 450,000 members in 54 countries across the globe. Eastern Church in the seventh century. It came to the More commonly called the Kolping Society, it emphasizes the West in the eighth century. In the 11th century it sanctification of family life and the dignity of labor. Father Kolping worked received its present name, the Immaculate Conception. In the 18th to improve conditions for workers and greatly assisted those in need. He century it became a feast of the universal Church. It is now recognized and St. John Bosco in Turin had similar interests in working with young as a solemnity. men in big cities. He told his followers, “The needs of the times will teach In 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: “The most Blessed Virgin you what to do. Father Kolping once said, “The first thing that a person Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and finds in life and the last to which he holds out his hand, and the most privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus precious that he possesses, even if he does not realize it, is family life.” Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain He and Blessed John Duns Scotus are buried in Cologne’s of original sin.” Minoritenkirche, originally served by the Conventual Franciscans. The It took a long time for this doctrine to develop. While many Fathers Kolping Society’s international headquarters are across from this church. and Doctors of the Church considered Mary the greatest and holiest of Kolping members journeyed to Rome from Europe, America, Africa, the saints, they often had difficulty in seeing Mary as sinless—either at Asia and Oceania for Father Kolping’s in 1991, the 100th her conception or throughout her life. This is one of the Church anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s revolutionary encyclical Rerum Novarum teachings that arose more from the piety of the faithful than from the (On the Social Order). Father Kolping’s personal witness and insights of brilliant theologians. Even such champions of Mary as helped prepare for that encyclical. Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas Aquinas could not see theological DECEMBER 07 justification for this teaching. Two Franciscans, William of Ware and Blessed John Duns Scotus, ST. AMBROSE (340?-397) helped develop the theology. They pointed out that Mary’s Immaculate One of Ambrose’s biographers observed that at the Last Conception enhances Jesus’ redemptive work. Other members of the Judgment people would still be divided between those who human race are cleansed from original sin after birth. In Mary, Jesus’ admired Ambrose and those who heartily disliked him. He work was so powerful as to prevent original sin at the outset. emerges as the man of action who cut a furrow through the lives of his contemporaries. Even royal personages were Patron Saint of: Brazil, United States

DECEMBER 06, 2015 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT St. John Vianney Parish DECEMBER 9 DECEMBER 11 ST. JUAN DIEGO (1474-1548) ST. DAMASUS I (305?-384) Thousands of people gathered in the Basilica of Our To his secretary St. Jerome, Damasus was “an Lady of Guadalupe July 31, 2002, for the canonization incomparable person, learned in the Scriptures, a virgin of Juan Diego, to whom the Blessed Mother appeared doctor of the virgin Church, who loved chastity and heard in the 16th century. Pope John Paul II celebrated the its praises with pleasure.” ceremony at which the poor Indian peasant became the Church’s first Damasus seldom heard such unrestrained praise. saint indigenous to the Americas. Internal political struggles, doctrinal heresies, uneasy The Holy Father called the new saint “a simple, humble Indian” who relations with his fellow bishops and those of the Eastern Church marred accepted Christianity without giving up his identity as an Indian. “In the peace of his pontificate. The son of a Roman priest, possibly of Spanish extraction, Damasus praising the Indian Juan Diego, I want to express to all of you the started as a deacon in his father’s church, and served as a priest in what closeness of the church and the pope, embracing you with love and later became the basilica of San Lorenzo in Rome. He served Pope Liberius encouraging you to overcome with hope the difficult times you are (352-366) and followed him into exile. going through,” John Paul said. Among the thousands present for the When Liberius died, Damasus was elected bishop of Rome; but a event were members of Mexico’s 64 indigenous groups. minority elected and consecrated another deacon, Ursinus, as pope. The First called Cuauhtlatohuac (“The eagle who speaks”), Juan Diego’s controversy between Damasus and the antipope resulted in violent battles in name is forever linked with Our Lady of Guadalupe because it was to two basilicas, scandalizing the bishops of Italy. At the synod Damasus him that she first appeared at Tepeyac hill on December 9, 1531. The called on the occasion of his birthday, he asked them to approve his actions. most famous part of his story is told in connection with the Feast of Our The bishops’ reply was curt: “We assembled for a birthday, not to condemn Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. After the roses gathered in his a man unheard.” Supporters of the antipope even managed to get Damasus tilma were transformed into the miraculous image of Our Lady, accused of a grave crime—probably sexual—as late as A.D. 378. He had to however, little more is said about Juan Diego. clear himself before both a civil court and a Church synod. In time he lived near the shrine constructed at Tepeyac, revered as a As pope his lifestyle was simple in contrast to other ecclesiastics of holy, unselfish and compassionate catechist who taught by word and Rome, and he was fierce in his denunciation of Arianism and other heresies. especially by example. A misunderstanding of the Trinitarian terminology used by Rome During his 1990 pastoral visit to Mexico, Pope John Paul II threatened amicable relations with the Eastern Church, and Damasus was confirmed the long-standing liturgical cult in honor of Juan Diego, only moderately successful in dealing with that challenge. beatifying him. Twelve years later he was proclaimed a saint. During his pontificate Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman state (380), and Latin became the principal liturgical language as DECEMBER 10 part of the pope’s reforms. His encouragement of St. Jerome’s biblical studies led to the Vulgate, the Latin translation of Scripture which twelve BERNARD centuries later the Council of Trent declared to be “authentic in public OF QUINTAVALLE (d. 1246?) readings, disputations, preachings.” Bernard was a wealthy man of Assisi, known and esteemed for his virtue and his wisdom. He was DECEMBER 12 also the first follower of St. Francis, and would OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE ultimately prove to be first in the order of sanctity. The feast in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Moved by the poverty and humility of Francis, Bernard invited him to goes back to the 16th century. Chronicles of that stay at his house one night. There Bernard observed that Francis forsook a period tell us the story. full night's sleep and instead spent the hours in prayer. By the following A poor Indian named Cuauhtlatohuac was morning Bernard was convinced that Francis was indeed motivated by baptized and given the name Juan Diego. He was a sincere love of God and, so, Bernard asked to become a disciple. Francis 57-year-old widower and lived in a small village joyfully took him to the church where they attended Mass and then asked the priest to open the Bible three times. near Mexico City. On Saturday morning, Three passages appeared: "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you December 9, 1531, he was on his way to a nearby barrio to attend Mass have and give to the poor" (Matthew 19:21). "Take nothing for the way" in honor of Our Lady. (Mark 6:8). "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take He was walking by a hill called Tepeyac when he heard beautiful up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). music like the warbling of birds. A radiant cloud appeared and within it Francis said: "This will be the rule of life which we and all those who will stood a young Native American maiden dressed like an Aztec princess. join us shall follow." At that, Bernard sold all his possessions and divided The lady spoke to him in his own language and sent him to the bishop the money among the poor. of Mexico, a Franciscan named Juan de Zumarraga. The bishop was to Francis admired much in Bernard because he was older and because he build a chapel in the place where the lady appeared. was so holy. He sent his new follower and a companion to Florence and Eventually the bishop told Juan Diego to have the lady give him a then to Bologna. In both places they were made sport of because of their sign. About this same time Juan Diego’s uncle became seriously ill. poor clothing and the manner of their life. But Bernard was only upset This led poor Diego to try to avoid the lady. The lady found Diego, when the townspeople of Bologna began to recognize his holiness. He nevertheless, assured him that his uncle would recover and provided asked Francis to bring him back. roses for Juan to carry to the bishop in his cape or tilma. Later Francis took Bernard with him as he headed out for Africa to preach When Juan Diego opened his tilma in the bishop’s presence, the roses to the Muslims. But along the way they met a poor sick man and Francis fell to the ground and the bishop sank to his knees. On Juan Diego’s left the ever-joyful Bernard to care for the man until he himself would tilma appeared an image of Mary exactly as she had appeared at the hill return. of Tepeyac. It was December 12, 1531. Before his death Francis gave Bernard a special blessing and asked all of the brothers to have respect for this holy man. Patron Saint of: Americas, Mexico Bernard is buried in Assisi near his holy founder in the Basilica of St. Francis.

December 06, 2015 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT St. John Vianney Parish