December 1, 2019 First Sunday of Advent
PASTORAL TEAM
Rev. George Omwando, Pastor Rev. Patrick Wangai, Associate Pastor Mrs. Sharon Leamy, Principal Rev. Patrick Wangai, Chemetha Baker Religious Education Coordinators Mr. Kraig Zeronik, Director of Music and Liturgy
SUPPORT STAFF
Ms. Patricia Pomykalski, Business Manager Mrs. Amanda Pomareda, Office Manager Mrs. Fannie Cooper, School Secretary
CONTACTING THE PARISH & SCHOOL
Rectory: 38 N. Austin Blvd.; Oak Park, IL 60302 Telephone: 708-386-8077 Email: [email protected] Web: www.stcatherinestlucy.org Hours: 8:30 AM-8:00 PM—Monday, & Thursdays. Tuesday, Wednesday, & Fridays: 8:30 AM—4:30 PM Saturday 9:00AM—4:30PM; Sunday 8:30 AM—12:00 PM
School - 27 Washington Blvd.; Oak Park, IL 60302 Telephone: 708-386-5286 WEEKLY MASS SCHEDULE
Weekday Masses: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - 8:30 am (Please enter the Church by Washington Blvd. 2nd door to the West)
Weekend Masses:
Saturday Morning - 9:00 am Saturday Evening - 5:00 pm Sunday Morning - 8:30 & 10:30 am
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturday at 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM; or by appointment.
Baptisms
Baptism of infants and young children is celebrated on the 2nd and 3rd weekends of the month. Parents are asked to attend a Baptism preparation session/class prior to the ceremony. Please call the rectory to register for the preparation and set a baptismal date. (cont’d in pg.2) Page 2 December 1, 2019 Thoughts From Rev. George O. Omwando, Pastor
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As a community we assemble daily to celebrate the Eucharist. The Eucharist means, “Thanksgiving”, or that we gather every day in our church is a blessing from God. We gather to thank and worship God, to praise Him for the gift of life among other things that He has done for us. Many people think that Thanksgiving Day which is followed by the season of shopping and huge discounts in different stores otherwise known as “Black Friday” is the reason. There is nothing wrong with shopping, but this season of shopping unfortunately corresponds with the NEW SEASON OF ADVENT which is really the most important one in our Christian faith.
What is Advent? The word “Advent” means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,019-year-old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, includ- ing themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life. Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. There is a yearning for deliverance from the evils of the world, first expressed by Israelite slaves in Egypt as they cried out from their bitter oppression. It is the cry of those who have experienced the tyranny of injustice in a world under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance by a God who has heard the cries of oppressed slaves and brought deliverance! It is that hope, however faint at times, and that God, however distant He sometimes seems, which brings to the world the anticipation of a King who will rule with truth and justice and righteousness over His people and in His creation. It is that hope that once anticipated, and now anticipates anew, the reign of an Anointed One, a Messiah, who will bring peace and justice and righteousness to the world. The color of Advent is purple which is the color of penitence and fasting as well as the color of royalty to welcome the Advent of the King.
In today’s reading Jeremiah speaks of the restoration not simply of daily life. To a people devastated by loss, Jeremiah's prophecy offered hope for instance: "The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah" (33:14). All might seem lost, but God still is faithful. The house of David might be cut down, but God is able to bring life out of death. A branch will sprout. The same proclamation is given today to us, inheritors of Jeremiah's task. We are called to speak a word of hope and promise in a world often filled with fear and uncer- tainty, even despair. Especially in this season of Advent, we speak words of hope. In the midst of darkness, light is about to break in. In the midst of despair, hope erupts. After long waiting, a branch will sprout. The complete fulfillment of God's promises has not yet happened, but it is coming. Such is Advent faith, and Advent hope that I invite you to journey with me during these four weeks of Advent, Year A as we prepare for the birth of our savior. God bless you.
— Fr. George
PARISH MISSION Ministers of the Eucharist & Ministers of (cont’d from pg. 1) STATEMENT the Word: Jeanne Visteen Weddings: Please contact Fr. George to
Servers: Kathy Paoli set a wedding date. Allow at least 6 WE THE PARISHIONERS OF ST. Ministers of Care: Rev. G. Omwando CATHERINE OF SIENA-ST. LUCY months for preparation. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults RCIA PARISH, SEEK TO DEEPEN OUR (RCIA): Fr. George O. Omwando RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD AND TO The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Women’s Ministry: Shelby Boblick CELEBRATE GOD’S PRESENCE IN (RCIA) is a sacramental process, celebrat- WORD AND SACRAMENT. BY Human Concerns Commission ed in the midst of this Faith Community. ACCEPTING ALL INTO OUR FAMILY Peace & Justice Committee: Rev. George Omwando This process assists adults, as well as WE SEEK UNITY IN CHRIST AND children over the age of 7, in learning SEEK TO PROCLAIM HIS GOOD NEWS Education Commission IN THE DISCIPLESHIP OF OUR LIVES. Baptism Com.: Fr. G. Omwando about the Catholic Faith.
Bible Study: Russ McCaughey Ministry to the Sick, Hospitalized and PARISH ORGANIZATIONS: Shut—Ins Religious Education of Children: Please notify the Parish Office so that we Parish Pastoral Council Rev. Patrick Wangai, Chemetha Baker Madonna Sloan and Joyce Wade, can visit and minister to your confined Co-Chairs St. Catherine/St. Lucy School: Parish Finance Council School Board Chair: Natasha Lee loved-ones. Juan Perez Parish Development & Services Funerals: Spiritual Life Commission Commission Please call the Rectory to set up arrange- Faith & Fellowship: Collection Counters: Rev. G. Omwando ments with the Christian Burial Mass. Connie Rakitan Facilities Committee: Jim Podraza, Newcomers Liturgy Committee: Please fill out a registration form after Cantors: Rev. George Omwando Amanda Pomareda Celebration Choir: Kraig Zeronik Fundraising Committee: Mass, or come by the Rectory Office Praise Choir: Julius White Pat Nelson / Cynthia Weaver during the week. Greeters & Ushers: Jim Lewis Page 3 December 1, 2019
An Invitation! Christmas Sale! December 22nd from 12-2 PM
As we prepare for our very special This year we will be Christmas Eve children's liturgy, shopping at Ten Thousand Villages in Oak Park from we want you to know that you are welcome to join us, children.... 2019 Monday, December 2nd to Friday, together we tell the story of Jesus' December 6th during the normal birth and we would love you to be Holiday Schedule hours of the store. This gives you four days to shop and the parish will a part of it! St. Catherine—St. Lucy Parish receive 15% of your sale. We need angels, shepherds, animals, star dancers, wise ones, innkeepers, Vigil of Christmas: (Christmas Eve) All you have to do is mention St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish to the Mary, Joseph and readers. As for the Tuesday, December 24, 2019 adults, we can always use extra hands cashier prior to the ringing up of your and perhaps a reader or two. Also, if 8:30 AM sale. You can shop one day or each you know of a baby who could be the 5:00 PM - Family Christmas day! Hours will be Monday-Friday baby Jesus...let Jean know asap! Our Mass—(Prelude at 4:30 PM) 10-7. This is an opportunity to shop practice is on Sunday December 22nd with purpose. from 12-2 PM. Christmas Day Ten Thousand Villages address is: Please contact jean Bacom at: Wednesday, December 25, 2019 121 N. Marion St, Oak Park, IL 60301 [email protected] and request 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM what part you would like to be. We will do our best to make that happen Solemnity of Mary, but EVERYONE gets a part and is Mother of God welcome. Come join us and share the love. Tuesday, December 31, 2019 Certificates are $25 each and will be 8:30 AM included in every weekly drawing 7:00 PM –(New Year’s Eve) from now through October 19th, 2020. The prize each week is $25 Wednesday, January 1, 2020 except for three weeks when the prize is $500. If we sell all 500 certifi- 10:00 AM cates, there will be a 4th drawing Monday, December 2 for $500. Purchase forms have been 9:30 AM - Bible Study - RRT mailed to registered members of the 2:30-6:00 PM - Day Care - M parish and are available in the back of
6:30-9:30 PM - F&F Meeting - RD Save-the-Date church. This is a fun way to support 7:00 PM - RCIA Class - RRT the parish and it is open to everyone,
Tuesday, December 3 Sunday, December 15 not just members of our parish com- 2:30-6:00 PM - Day Care - M Anti-Violence Candlelight munity. Pass the word. Thank you!!! Vigil here at SCSL Church 7:00 PM - PPC - Agenda - RRT ~ The Fundraising Committee 7:30-9PM - Praise Choir - MMR Monday, December 16
Advent Reconciliation Wednesday, December 4 St. Giles Church 500 CLUB WINNER 2:30-6:00 PM - Day Care - M 7-10 PM - F&F. Meeting - RD Sat.-Sun. December 21-22 $ 25.00 7:30-9PM - Celebration Choir - CH Fair Trade Sale December 1, 2019 Thursday, December 5 Sunday, December 22 12:30-3:30 PM - F&F Meeting - RD Practice for Children’s MICHAEL & ELIZABETH ELSEN, 2:30-6:00 PM - Day Care - M Christmas Eve 6:00 –8:00 PM - A.A. Meeting - RD # 218 7-9 PM - Celebration Choir - CH
Friday, December 6 2:30-6:00 PM - Day Care - M We’re very SORRY to Announce that the Sunday, December 8th Annual Family Mass and Saturday, December 7 St. Nick’s Breakfast 300 PM - Mass at Brookdale - OS have been CANCELED
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Day Remembrance Harbor Pearl
Marjorie Fields Fields Marjorie
Marie Wheel Wheel Marie Saturday: St. Ambrose; First Saturday; Saturday; First Ambrose; St. Saturday:
Lessie Dean Dean Lessie Kathy Mortell Mortell Kathy
Bern Wheel Wheel Bern Friday: St. Nicholas; First Friday Friday First Nicholas; St. Friday:
Coleman Coleman Ginny Jones Jones Ginny
Renee Smith Quinn Quinn Smith Renee Wednesday: St. John Damascene Damascene John St. Wednesday:
John McGuire McGuire John Michelle Darang- Michelle Claudia Zinnani Zinnani Claudia
Tuesday: St. Francis Xavier Xavier Francis St. Tuesday:
Bill Holmes Holmes Bill Susan Kumler Kumler Susan Annie Rowan Rowan Annie
World AIDS Awareness Day Day Awareness AIDS World
Scarlett Evans Evans Scarlett Chemetha Baker Baker Chemetha Kevin Kell Kell Kevin
Sunday: First Sunday of Advent; Advent; of Sunday First Sunday:
Ministers of the Eucharist Eucharist the of Ministers
Saints and Special Observances Observances Special and Saints
Peter Barber Barber Peter Lomax McLane
TBA TBA Schouten Thom Lomax Debra
Rom 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12 3:1-12 Mt 15:4-9; Rom
Ministers of the Word Word the of Ministers
Sunday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; 17; 12-13, 7-8, 72:1-2, Ps 11:1-10; Is Sunday:
Mt 9:35 — 10:1 10:1 — 9:35 Mt Claire Detmer Detmer Claire
Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-6; 147:1-6; Ps 23-26; 30:19-21, Is Saturday: David Detmer Detmer David Giometti Michael Walter Washington Washington Walter
Friday: Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31 9:27-31 Mt 13-14; 4, 27:1, Ps 29:17-24; Is Friday:
Altar Servers Servers Altar
Mt 7:21, 24-27 24-27 7:21, Mt
Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; 25-27a; 19-21, 8-9, 118:1, Ps 26:1-6; Is Thursday: 10:30 10:30 AM 8:30 PM 5:00
Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37 15:29-37 Mt 23:1-6; Ps 25:6-10a; Is Wednesday:
8, 2019 8, D ECEMBER
Lk 10:21-24 10:21-24 Lk
Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; 17; 12-13, 7-8, 72:1-2, Ps 11:1-10; Is Tuesday: M L INISTERS ITURGICAL
Monday: Is 4:2-6; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11 8:5-11 Mt 122:1-9; Ps 4:2-6; Is Monday:
Readings for the Week Week the for Readings
Liturgy Corpora on. All rights reserved.
Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, Interna onal Commission on English in the
Lec onary for The English transla on of the Psalm Responses from
will come when you least expect (Matthew 24:37-44). 24:37-44). (Matthew expect least you when come will Schouten Susan and Thom By:
— Stay awake! Be prepared! The Son of Man Man of Son The prepared! Be awake! Stay — Gospel 10:30 † Willie Brown Brown Willie † 10:30
Committee Fundraising The By:
clothe ourselves in the light (Romans 13:11–14). 13:11–14). (Romans light the in ourselves clothe
8:30 † Arturo C. Alegria Alegria C. Arturo † 8:30
— It is the hour to cast off the dark and and dark the off cast to hour the is It — Reading Second
8:30 P O P F
ARISH UR OF EOPLE THE OR
Sun. December 8 8 December Sun.
(Psalm 122). 122). (Psalm
— Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord Lord the of house the to rejoicing go us Let — Psalm Family Yee The By:
5:00 † Jerry Rice Rice Jerry † 5:00
Lord’s house (Isaiah 2:1-5). 2:1-5). (Isaiah house Lord’s
Care of Ministry By:
— All the peoples shall stream toward the the toward stream shall peoples the All — Reading First
9:00 † Rev. John Carolan Carolan John Rev. † 9:00
Sat. December 7 7 December Sat.
Today’s Readings Readings Today’s
Podraza Jim and Elaine By:
8:30 † Luke Podraza Podraza Luke † 8:30
Fri. December 6 6 December Fri.
Fellowship & Faith By:
8:30 † Ted Marszalek Marszalek Ted † 8:30
5 December Thurs.
By: Tom Nelson Tom By:
8:30 † Lee Iacocca Lee † 8:30
4 December Wed.
Bishop Grace By:
within the December 8, 2019 bulletin. bulletin. 2019 8, December the within
8:30 Sandra Woolfolk Woolfolk Sandra 8:30
November 24 will be shown later later shown be will 24 November
3 December Tue.
stewardship report for the week of of week the for report stewardship
By: Evie Stockinger Stockinger Evie By:
for the Thanksgiving Holiday, our our Holiday, Thanksgiving the for 8:30 † Dorothy Zimmerman Zimmerman Dorothy † 8:30
Mon. December 2 2 December Mon.
Due to the bulletin early deadlines, deadlines, early bulletin the to Due
Stewardship Report Report Stewardship
Page 4 4 Page December 1, 2019 1, December
Page 5 December 1, 2019
Praying for the www.catherinelucy.org Bible Study - Mondays 9:30 AM 708-386-5286 Sick In Our Parish
Our Bible Study group School Scoop
Coletta Ali, Mike Ballew, Shelby Boblick, meets on Mondays ~ 9:30—11:00 Eloise Brown, Lillian Czaplicki, Scarlett AM in the Rectory. Thank you to all our families who
Evans, Dwayne and Paula Evans, Dave We use the New Collegeville Bible have so generously supported our Grayson, Kathy Feulner, Phillip Jones Commentary from Collegeville, many fundraisers this month. We Donna Kanapes, Paul Koko, Kathleen Minnesota. We read the scriptures, appreciate you. Kroker, Georgine Mullen, Kathy Paoli, weekly psalms, and the commentary. On Wednesday, December 18th Albert Parker, Jr., Raul Perez, Jennifer Then we discuss it. It is an enlight- at 10:15 there will be School Saldukas, Annette Varga, and Jeanne ening experience and is totally free. Christmas Liturgy in Church, Visteen and you are invited!
The name of your close relative will Communion & remain on this list for four weeks. After that Anointing of the Sick Next Week 2nd Collection is for you will have to call us again to reinstate it into the list. If you wish to include a name Please call the Rectory at 708-386- of a sick member of your family here, 8077 to let us know if you or a please call Amanda at the rectory during member of your family is in need of office hours. Thank you. the sacrament of anointing of the sick or would like to have Holy Commun- ion brought to your house or nursing home or both. 1st & 2nd Readings for the Upcoming Sunday are offered. Their sole purpose is to help us all of us “receive” and “hear” the word of God.
Remember a Loved One
We still have many weekday Masses available in our 2019 Mass Book. We also have the 2020 Mass Book open for your requests. Come to the Rectory to request your Masses. Remember your loved ones or any DECEMBER 8, 2019 - 2ND other special occasion. Mass inten- SUNDAY OF ADVENT tions are only $10.00.
The Retirement Fund for Religious First Reading: Baruch 5: 1-9 provides support for thousands of Bequests senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and The setting for today’s reading is the PLEASE consider remembering our religious order priests. Your efforts time when the jews were captives in parish in your will or trust. We have Babylon. The author writes of a encouraged people of the Archdiocese been blessed in the past by the gen- of Chicago to donate over $1 million bright future when they will return erosity of so many parishioners and with joy to their homeland. In this I am hopeful this will continue into to the 2018 National Retirement Reli- passage, Jerusalem is pictured as a the future. gious Office’s Retirement Fund for joyful mother, watching her children Religious. come home. —Father George
Second Reading: Philippians 1:4- Attention Young Readers! 6, 8-11 Update Personal Info We have a new resource for the Of all the communities Paul founded younger members of our community the one at Philippi was especially Please DO NOT FORGET to update in the book cart. There are a variety of dear to him. Wherever he was, they us with your new cell phone number, books at various reading levels but all sent him moral and financial support e-mail address, or any other change appropriate for church. Please feel to help carry on his work. Now con- of status. Please contact Amanda at free to take a book during mass and, fined to a prison cell, Paul writes to 708-386-8077 or via e-mail at: as always, return it to the cart at the them like a proud parent. [email protected] end of mass.
! ! Read our Gift Card article on page 3 of this bulletin this of 3 page on article Card Gift our Read
cards! cards! 200 over from specialty…….Choose - retail - restaurant grocery-
(See information above-mentioned) above-mentioned) information (See
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312.534.8106 . .
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at [email protected] or or [email protected] at Daily Mass: 8:30 AM AM 8:30 Mass: Daily
bulletin on November 23/24 and and 23/24 November on bulletin
312.534.8103 or Yazmin Saldivar Saldivar Yazmin or 312.534.8103
The gift card form will be in the the in be will form card gift The
Monday, December 9, 2019 2019 9, December Monday, [email protected] or or [email protected]
Mauro Pineda at at Pineda Mauro
December 21/22. 21/22. December
For more information, contact contact information, more For
order, December 14/15 and and 14/15 December order,
Pick up is 2 two weeks after the the after weeks two 2 is up Pick