Assumption of the Immaculate Blessed Virgin Mary Conception Roman Catholic Parish Parish

195 South Kankakee Street 110 South School Street Coal City, IL 60416 Braidwood, IL 60408 www.stmaryassumptionparish.org www.icparishbraidwood.org

OUR LORD CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE November 22, 2020

Jesus prays in thanks to God, who has revealed himself to the lowly. Matthew 11:25-30 November 29, 2020 First Sunday of Page 2

November 29th First Sunday of Advent Advent: the Season of Forgotten Penitence. By Keven Orlin Johnson. For many American Catholics, kicks off another season of “here we go again” fending off the annual bombardment from advertisers and the temptation to measure in terms of presents. It’s a month long struggle to get all of our work done and somehow keep Christ in Christmas, too. Many of us look back to a simpler Christmas in the “good old days,” a mythical time when the holiday came wrapped in a stocking full of chocolates and maybe an orange. Well, let’s look back a little farther and stand where we can get some perspective on the matter. For one thing, when you look at the liturgical calendar, you’ll notice that Christmas isn’t the Church’s major holiday. It never has been. Church Fathers such as Augustine didn’t include a commemoration of Christ’s birth in their lists of holidays at all. Early Christians focused their attention on , the holiest day in the Church’s calendar, the solemnity of solemnities.

Easter: the queen of feasts In fact, our pattern of activity each week still echoes the Easter Triduum. That’s why every Friday has always been a day of penance (it still is, by the way—the rule is either no meat or an equivalent penance, every Friday). Saturday was originally a day to lie low and keep quiet, which is why we have two-day weekends instead of laboring six days, as it says in Genesis. Sunday is the “little Easter” commemorating the Resurrection in the splendid liturgies of the principal Mass of the week. The early Church recalled this more explicitly in its weekly liturgies, but in the old days Easter itself was surrounded by vigils, processions, songs, presents, feasts, and parties for which everybody bought new clothes. Today we’ve shifted much of the fuss and festivities to Christmas, and we pass over Easter almost entirely. But Easter still overshadows the commemoration of the birth of Jesus— spiritually, theologically, and liturgically—as the high holy day, the most solemn and joyous holiday of all.

The development of Christmas celebrations That’s undoubtedly why we didn’t get around to commemorating the birth of Christ in the liturgy until about the late fourth century. The earliest surviving record of a specific celebration of the Nativity is a sermon by St. Optatus, bishop of Mileve in Africa, from about A.D. 383. Evidently, Optatus was the first to put a Feast of the Nativity into his diocese’s calendar. The idea caught on almost immediately, but the feast was celebrated on different days in different places any time from November to March. It wasn’t set at December 25 for the whole Church until about 650, and even then it wasn’t a major holiday. It wasn’t called “Christmas” until about the year 1000. The Feast of the Nativity didn’t get loaded down with all secular customs of Christmas—the caroling, the banqueting, and the elaborate exchange of presents—until about 500 years later. Christians in northern Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean were still observing Christmas low-profile around the year 1500. But it was different in northern Eu- rope. About that time, that part of the world experienced a mini-Ice Age. Suddenly there was snow in the winter, lots of it; people had to work all summer to store up food for the weeks and months they’d be kept indoors. By the end of December you’d probably be stringing the dried fruit into endless garlands and singing incomprehensible songs anyway, holiday or no. Certainly, having the neighbors in to sit around a blazing log wouldn’t cut into your workday. All of the extras that naturally settled around Christmas—which comes just after the —were not so much a burden as a welcome excuse for some social and physical activity. The parties back then were a well-earned celebration of a whole year’s work harvested and gathered into barns. Nowadays, of course, we wear ourselves out doing all of that stuff in addition to our normal daily workload, which negates the whole point of it. Simplifying things to a leisurely level would be a courageous countercultural stand. But as our forebears in faith filled their empty hours with Yuletide cheer, they did something else, too, in the weeks before Christmas, something that can still put the holiday in perspective: they observed Advent.

A season of anticipation Advent is really a lot like . Both are roughly monthlong seasons of preparation for a joyful holiday. In fact, starting in about the sixth century, Advent and Lent used the same liturgies, Mass for Mass, in the Latin Rite. During both seasons, you would see the purple vestments of mourning, symbolism echoed today by the colored candles of the Advent wreath. In the reign of Innocent III (1198-1216), the vestments of Advent were black. Long after that, pictures and statues were covered, the organ was silenced, and flowers were banned from the churches, just as during Lent. Even in the Ambrosian and Mozarabic rites, where there was no special Advent liturgy, there was still a requirement to fast during the season before the Nativity. It was designed to remind us of the need to repent in preparation for a holy season. In Protestant denominations, of course, Advent has largely faded away. That’s probably why the secular observances of Christmas, as they rushed in to fill the void, got out of hand. Advent fasting and almsgiving used to keep people aware of the proper use of material goods and of the need to offset other people’s poverty with the excess from our own prosperity. If you take the penitential observances away, the secular celebrations can seem somehow obligatory, somehow the essence of Christmas. Well, you wouldn’t get far asking people to give up Santa’s jolly red suit in favor of sackcloth and ashes. But there’s one crucial difference between Lent and Advent: Christmas doesn’t have Passion Week preceding it. The penitential observances of Advent always had a festive character to them. The idea was to contain your excitement before Christmas and to use that energy in preparing for Christ’s coming. So people took on these penances joyfully—something that only a Christian could do. They’d pause in their celebrations to acknowledge their sins and to clean house spiritually, overjoyed that Christ came to us, but aware of our unworthiness to receive him. We still use Advent calendars and wreaths to measure out joyful anticipation, but we can learn a lot from the old Advent practices that we’ve forgotten. Kids probably begged Optatus himself for Christmas presents, but for a month before that they would collect pennies for the poor, going door to door with a little Christ-child doll in an Advent variation on trick-or-treat.

Families would have meager meals and give the unused food to the needy. Parishes used to have penitential feasts after Mass during Advent, with menus that were abundant but austere: bread and water, maybe, or fish, but plenty of it. People had a good time keeping Advent, although music and dancing were forbidden then, just as during Lent. It was all part of a “discipline of joy” that is still an important part of our heritage today. Listen to the Mass after the Lord’s Prayer: “In your mercy keep us free from sin . . . as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” That’s Advent, right there. Maybe we can still recapture this uniquely Christian attitude of joyful penance. During these Advent weeks bring out that Lenten alms box and add coins to it before a meatless Friday dinner. Sing an Advent song as you do. Put the poor on your gift list: books and toys for the children, of course, but the whole family might save up for a bigger gift—an overcoat, maybe, for somebody who couldn’t otherwise afford it. And pay more attention to Easter. It’s still our highest holy day. And the weather’s usually nicer, too. In Christ, Father Bader November 29, 2020 First Sunday of Advent Page 3

Immaculate Conception Opening Plan for Opening Plan for the Adoration Chapel Adoration Chapel Chapel will be opened everyday

Chapel will be unlocked 5:00am - 11:00pm every day from If you do not feel well or 6:00am to 6.00 pm experiencing a fever, cough, or Chapel will be locked every respiratory symptoms, please do night from 6:00pm –6:00 am not visit the chapel until your symptoms subside. (use code) Important Notes If you do not feel well or experiencing a fever, cough, or The chapel is limited to two adorers at a time. The seats are respiratory symptoms, please do not visit the chapel until blocked off to ensure social distancing. If there are two your symptoms subside. adorers present when you arrive, please wait outside the Important Notes building/in your car until one person leaves. The Chapel will The chapel is limited to two adorers at a time. The seats are be cleaned each morning and candles will be lit by blocked off to ensure social distancing. If there are two George Kaluzny.

adorers present when you arrive, please wait outside the For family adoration the chapel is limited for one household building in your car until one person leaves. at a time. For family adoration the chapel is limited for one household at a time. Parishioners/adorers must wear a face-mask.

Parishioner/adorers must wear a face mask. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance of the chapel Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance of the chapel for parishioners to use. Adorers are responsible for keeping for Parishioners to use. the chapel clean. Cleaning spray will be available. Please clean The Chapel will have no Literature and seat cushions will be anything that you touch, especially your seat area right removed. before you leave, door handles, any sink, toilet handle and Adorers are responsible for keeping the chapel clean. light switches. Cleaning spray will be available. Please clean anything that you touch, especially your seat area right before you leave, When entering you must follow these steps: door handles, and any sink or toilet handle. Total Reverence at All Times! When entering you must follow these steps: 1. Upon entering the chapel sanitize your hands. Total Reverence at All Times! 2. Put gloves on to sign in & to remove the cover from 1. Before entering the chapel sanitize your hands. the monstrance. 2. You must sign in the time you arrived in the Perpetual 3. Keep your gloves on if you want to light a candle. Adoration Sign-In book. 4. Keep social distance from any other adorer. 3. Open Tabernacle if it is closed. 5. Pick your spot and be with “Our Lord”. 4. Pick your spot and be with “Our Lord”.

When leaving you must follow these steps) When leaving you must follow these steps: 6. Put your gloves on to cover the monstrance. 5. Before you close the tabernacle sanitize your hands and (Do not spray the monstrance.) spray (where you touched) 7. Use sanitizing spray and wipe with a cloth where you sat. 6. Sanitize spray where you sat. Sanitize light switches. If you brought , etc. Take 7. If you brought a bible, ect. take with you. with you. (No literature left behind) (No literature left behind) 8. If someone else is praying you may leave the monstrance 8. If someone else is praying you may skip step 5, but must uncovered skip step 6, but must do 7 & 8. do 6, 7 & 8. If you use the washroom, use sanitizer wipes (provided in the bathroom) on all surface areas that you come in If you use the washroom, sanitize (spray) all surface areas contact with, including counter, faucets, toilet seat & that you come in contact with, including counter, faucets, doorknobs, inside and out. Please dispose of wipes in the toilet seat & door knobs, inside and out.

wastebasket. Do not flush down the toilet. Other strongly encouraged Steps for Sanitation: Other strongly encouraged Steps for Sanitation: Minimize touching surfaces with your hand (e.g. use your feet Minimize touching surfaces with your hand (e.g. Use your feet to move the kneeler up and down) spray off the door to move the kneeler.) Spray door handles. Sanitize hands handles. Sanitize hands thoroughly before leaving. thoroughly before leaving. For any questions or concerns contact the ministry For any questions or concerns contact the ministry coordinator George Kaluzny: 815-474-5099. coordinator – Anita Scheer (815-739-9767). November 29, 2020 First Sunday of Advent Page 4

Family Faith Formation THE PROPER WAY TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION This weekend we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent and the Only those practicing Catholics who are in the state beginning of a new in the Catholic Church. As of grace may receive Holy Communion. we enter into this Season of Advent, we put on the purple vestments that are commonly associated with a spirit of pen- If one is receiving the Sacred Host on the tongue: ance and self-denial, suffering and sorrow. However, purple during ancient times was also a sign of royalty. Only the When receiving communion on the tongue please do wealthy and powerful could afford purple clothing because not lean towards the minister. Please stand up straight purple dye was very expensive.

as possible, after saying “Amen” in response to the During this Advent Season, our penitential posture is different minister of the Holy Communion, the communicant than during Lent. During Advent, we are seeking to clean up should open the mouth wide and fully extend the our home and ourselves in anticipation of the expected Guest, tongue far enough so that the Sacred host can be Jesus, Our Savior. So, Advent is a time to take stock of our placed upon it without danger of falling also for safety prayer life and it is a time to come closer to the Sacraments. precautions. Please note that it is important to extend As families, we can pray nightly for the coming of Jesus into the tongue, not just open the mouth. Once you have our hearts as we await the celebration of Christmas. We received communion proceed towards the inside mid- “clean house” by taking advantage of the Sacrament of dle isle and return to your seat. Reconciliation. Nothing is more pleasing to God than our desire to be close to Him by receiving His graces in the

Sacraments. Many have shied away from the Sacrament of If one is receiving the Sacred Host in the hand, the Reconciliation and the celebration of Holy Mass during the following is normative: pandemic. Now is a great time to return to the Sacraments in person in preparation of the Coming of Jesus. Returning to Upon approaching the minister of the Sacred Host, fully the Holy Eucharist is the greatest of blessings during this time. extend the hands under the glass in for the minister could reach them. The left hand is extended, with the Advent is also recognized as a time of anticipation. We right hand under the left in support (left handed person anticipate the coming of Jesus at Christmas as the infant may place the left hand under the right). In essence, a Savior, we anticipate the coming of Jesus into our hearts and the hearts of our family members and we anticipate the return throne is formed in the sign of an X-cross to receive the of Jesus at the end of time. In each of these “comings” we Sacred Host. recognize the royal character of Jesus that we are reminded of in the purple vestments. At Christmas, we welcome the newborn Savior who was prophesized to be the newborn King of his people, . As we seek to welcome Jesus into our hearts, we desire to make him the King of our lives. Finally, at the end of times, we recognize Jesus as the King of and earth.

In our Gospel passage, Jesus tells His disciples to “Be watchful! Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Be alert!” We need to prepare well for Jesus and we need to of the Blessed Virgin Mary always be prepared for Jesus. May this Advent Season be a time of spiritual renewal and growth as we await the coming Come and celebrate the patronal solemnity of the of Jesus! United States and the greatest of the Blessed Mother’s Advent festivals. In Christ, Tuesday, December 8th at 8:30 a.m. mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Braidwood

Tuesday, December 8th at 6:30 p.m. mass at Deacon Bill Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

November 29, 2020 First Sunday of Advent Page 5

Advent Giving Tree—beginning the weekend of November 21 & 22 Please take tags off our Advent tree all tags will support Help for Hope in Coal City and The Braidwood Food Pantry (Due to COVID we are only accepng gi cards or Monetary donaons). Please put your gi and tag in an envelope and drop in the Offertory basket or in the mailbox outside the Parish Offices by Monday December 14th.

*Solemnity of the Immaculate ConcepƟon of the Blessed Virgin Mary Come and celebrate the patronal solemnity of the United States and the greatest of the Blessed Mother’s Advent fesvals. Tuesday, December 8th at 8:30 a.m. mass at Immaculate ConcepƟon Church in Braidwood Tuesday, December 8th at 6:30 p.m. mass at AssumpƟon of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Advent & Christmas Confessions Tuesday, December 15th at 7:00 p.m. -- 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 16th at 7:00 p.m. -- 8:00 p.m.

Blessing of the Christmas Bambinos at AssumpƟon Church Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19th and 20th Bring your Baby Jesus from your Navity set at home. Clearly LABEL the figure, and when you come to Mass, place it in the Christmas Stable in church. Father will bless the figures during Mass. That way, you’ll bring the blessing of the Church into your home during the Christmas Season.

Solemnity of Christmas / Vigil Masses at AssumpƟon Church Thursday, December 24th at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 24th at 9:00 p.m. (Blessing of Christmas Crib)

*The NaƟvity of the Lord/Christmas Day at AssumpƟon Church Friday, December 25th /Christmas Mass at Dawn at 7:30 a.m. Friday, December 25th/Christmas Mass at 9:30 a.m. Friday, December 25th / Christmas Mass at 11:30 a.m.

Octave Days of the NaƟvity of the Lord at AssumpƟon Church Saturday, December 26th at 8:30 a.m. Mass + Feast of St. Stephen

Sundays & Holy Day of ObligaƟon of Christmas Season Sunday, December 27th + Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God at AssumpƟon Church Thursday, December 31st at 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass (’s Eve) *Friday, January 1 at 8:30 a.m. Mass (New Year’s Day) Sunday, January 3rd - Solemnity of Epiphany of the Lord Sunday, January 10th - Feast of the BapƟsm of the Lord

*A Holy Day of ObligaƟon. All Catholics are bound to aƩend Mass the same as on Sunday November 29, 2020 First Sunday of Advent Page 6

A Prayer for Persons Suffering from the Coronavirus You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon. Ps 91:5-6 Merciful God, hear our fervent prayer for all who suffer from the coronavirus. May those who are infected receive the proper treatment and the comfort of your healing presence. May their caregivers, families and neighbors be shielded from the onslaught of the virus. Give solace to those who grieve the loss of loved ones. Protect and guide those who strive to find a cure, that their work may conquer the disease and restore communities to wholeness and health. Help us to rise above fear. We ask all this through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, and in the name of your Son, Jesus, and the , now and forever. Amen. November 29, 2020 First Sunday of Advent Page 7

Advent Giving Tree As a Catholic people we prepare to welcome the Christ Child on December 25 through preparation and prayer. Many of you have Advent and Christmas customs and traditions dating back generations, while some of you begin new ones. One great custom we have at our parishes is an Advent Giving Tree. We offer this giving opportunity to reach out to less fortunate families, shut-ins and poor residents. One tree will be at Assumption Church for each of our parishes. On the Advent Giving Tree you will find requests for Berkots, Aldi, Walmart and other gift cash cards. These we share with those who seek help through Help for Hope and the Food pantry in Braidwood. These charitable organizations through our monthly gifts of food and money has helped countless of people in our area.

During these early weeks of Advent, please make sure that you offer the time and financial sacrifice to help the poor by supporting our mission this Advent. Please return your tag and monetary donation together either in the offering basket, parish offices mailboxes no later than Monday, December 14th. If you have any questions, please contact Tricia at Assumption 815-634-4171 or Teri at Immaculate 815-458-2125.

SWEETS SUNDAY CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE

The Assumption BVM Parish Stewardship Committee is once again sponsoring a Sweets Sunday Christmas Bake Sale. A delicious variety of Christmas cookies, candies, caramels, pies and cakes will be available.

The Bake Sale will be held in Berst Hall, 180 S Kankakee St, and will be open 1:00pm – 5:00pm on Saturday, December 12, 2020 and 7:00am – 1:00pm on Sunday, December 13, 2020. Masks will be required, and social distancing restrictions will be in place.

Please make plans to bring your sweet tooth and visit the Bake Sale, or if you would like to pre order some wonderful desserts, contact Teri Jo Boylan at 815-326-0254 by December 5, 2020.

Anyone wishing to donate baked goods may drop off at the Berst Center Kitchen Door on Saturday, December 12, 2020 from 9:00am – 12:00pm.

All proceeds to benefit the Assumption Parish General Fund. November 29, 2020 First Sunday of Advent Page 8

FROM THE DIOCESE OF JOLIET PROCEDURES DURING MASS We are pleased to announce that the According to the directives given by the Diocese of Joliet has granted us Diocese of Joliet, Masses will be simplified, i.e. permission to open our church for for the sake of time needed to clean and disinfect weekend and daily Mass effective the church in-between Masses. Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 4:00 pm. No hymnals or Sunday bulletins will be Please understand that we must follow the following available and singing during Mass is guidelines set forth by the Diocese in order to be discouraged until restrictions are lifted compliant with our re-opening: Holy Water fonts will remain empty. RESERVATIONS-Assumption & Immaculate Collection boxes are set up at each of the Church A weekend reservation must be made to attend exits. Please be as generous as possible in a specific Mass by going to our web site: supporting the Church www.stmaryassumptionparish.org or icparishbraidwood.org and using sign up Communion will be distributed by hand and by Genius. mouth under the Diocese guidelines.

Reservations will start on Mondays for the When receiving communion, your mask should weekend masses. You will not need a be lowered but replaced immediately after reservation for weekday masses, but you must reception of the Sacred Host, per IDPH and CDC sign in at the church. guidelines.

After Mass, everyone is asked to leave Reservations will also be taken by phone for the kneelers down and leave immediately so that those that do not have the means to do so we can clean and disinfect the church for the by computer. However, if you have the next Mass. Social gatherings before or after ability to sign up online, we please ask that Mass are not to be held! you do so. You may call the parish office at 815-634-4171. IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please note that you will not be allowed entry Your name will be included on the reservation into the church unless you are wearing a mask. list that will be used to check you in before Mass. Each Mass will be limited to 70 in the Please bring hand sanitizer with you and check church your temperature at home. If you have one, please do not come to church. CHECK IN BEFORE MASS Please plan on arriving a minimum of 15 MASS SCHEDULE minutes before your Mass time Entry into the Assumption Church is via the Northeast (parking lot) Doors. Tuesday: 6:30 pm You will be welcomed by a volunteer who will: First Tuesday mass Followed by Saint Peregrine Make sure you are wearing a mask Devotion and Benediction of the Blessed Confirm your reservation Sacrament Direct you to an usher who will assist in Wednesday & Friday: 8:30 am seating you Saturday: 4:00 pm The church seating has been adjusted First Saturday of the Month 8:30 am mass and for social distancing and please note Anointing of the Sick you must be patient and understand Sunday: 7:30 am and 11:30 am that you will not be able to sit where Immaculate Conception you usually did in the past. Thursday: 8:30 am Assumption Church and Immaculate Conception Church *Sunday: 9:30 am needs volunteers to help with Masses. Please call the *will be held at Assumption Church

Parish Offices to learn more. November 29, 2020 First Sunday of Advent Page 9

Food Pantry Information

Name Location/Phone Hours

Help For Hope 100 S. Baima Open Wed Coal City 9am-12pm (815) 518-2000 —24/7 4pm—6pm

Assumption Food Pantry see above

Braidwood 112 Center St. Open Tues. Food Braidwood 8am—12pm Pantry Open Thurs. (630) 738-8863 1pm —3PM St. Vincent Monday night meals will be served at New Ignite Christian Micro Food Pantry 24 hours in front of church Hope Presbyterian Church at 5:00 p.m. November and Church more information (815) 390-5040 December. January and February 2021 St. Vincent will be held at the United Methodist Church in Coal City. Top Fuel 275 S. Hickory Open 1st and 3rd Saloon Braidwood Friday of the Month 4pm — 5PM Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the meals will continue to be carry out only. Currently we are serving Coal City Food 6805 E. McArdle Rd. Open Mondays approximately 150 meals each week. Funds are needed Pantry at Coal Coal City 9am — 11am to purchase food to prepare a hot nutritious meal for City Methodist and Thursdays anyone in need-free of charge, as well as carryout Church (815) 216-3288 1pm —3pm containers. We will also be in need of weekly desserts We Care of 530 Bedford Food Distribution and those can be dropped off on Mondays at the Grundy Morris Wed—Fri. kitchen door. Thank you for your generosity-past and County 1 pm—3pm by present. If you would like to make a monetary donation (815) 942-6389 appointment only to help this ministry, make checks payable to St. Vincent Free Hot Meals St. Vincent. Coordinator, Cindi Grove: (815) 941-2200 Or (815)735-1432 Changes Location every two Months Currently there are 5 area churches involved in this th Assumption 180 S. Kankakee street September/October ministry, but we would like to add a 6 church. If you Catholic Church know of any interested in helping for 2 months at a time, please call Cindi Grove 815-735-1432. Please New Hope 80 N. Garfield November 9/ share our ministry with any and everyone! Presbyterian Coal City December Church Please share this article with your friends. Thank you and God Bless. United 6805 E. McArdle Rd. January/February Methodist Coal City Church

Immaculate 110 S. School Street March/April Conception Braidwood

Ignite Christian 1180 W. 1st Street May/June Church

New Hope 80 N. Garfield July/August Presbyterian Coal City

United 6805 E. McArdle Rd. September/October Methodist Coal City Church

Assumption 180 S. Kankakee street November /December Church November 29, 2020 First Sunday of Advent Page 10

Mass Intentions Sacrament of Penance Confession Schedule

SUNDAY November 29th First Sunday of Advent SATURDAY

7:30 AM Mass at Assumption Church 3:15 PM to 3:45 PM Before the 4:00 PM Mass at Assumption Church For All Parishioners of Assumption & Immaculate Parishes *9:30 AM Mass at Assumption Church SUNDAY *(IC Mass will be held at Assumption Church) Following the 9:30 AM Mass at Assumption Church For All Parishioners of Immaculate & Assumption Parishes Brian Senko (Joan Senko & Elaine Kubiak) This Week’s Events Special Intentions for Jessica Malkowski (Grandma & Grandpa Reva Touvelle (CCW) AP: Assumption Parish IC: Immaculate Conception 11:30 AM Mass at Assumption Church Linda L. Jacque (Anniv) (Family) Sunday November 29 Clint Katavich (Family) Jerry Glover (Matteson Family) 6:00 PM—Youth Ministry (Berst Hall) Irene Schomer (Ray & Ruth Dillon) Monday November 30 Einer Christensen (Margaret Ruffatti) 8:00 AM —Rosary (AP) TUESDAY December 1 5:00 PM —St. Vincent New Hope Presbyterian Church 8:00 AM Rosary (AP) 6:30 PM Mass —(AP) Tuesday December 1 Jim Watters (Family) 8:00 AM —Rosary (AP) WEDNESDAY December 2 Braidwood Community Food Pantry Open - 630 738-8863 for Details 8:00 AM Rosary (AP) 8:30 AM Mass (AP) Wednesday December 2 For All Parishioners of Assumption & Immaculate Parishes 8:00 AM —Rosary (AP) THURSDAY December 3 Assumption Food Pantry Open - 815 518-2000 for Details 8:00 AM Rosary (IC) 8:30 AM Mass (IC) Thursday December 3 Holly Amanda Zykwa (Ken & Jan Hackman) 8:00 AM — Rosary (IC) FRIDAY December 4 Braidwood Community Food Pantry Open - 630 738-8863 for Details 8:00 AM Rosary (AP) Friday December 4 8:30 AM Mass (AP) Joseph Collins (Pete & Carm Collins) 8:00 AM —Rosary (AP) SATURDAY December 5 Saturday December 5 4:00 PM Mass at Assumption Church Joe DeGulie (Don & Pat Bianchetta) No Events Alicia Viteri (Don & Pat Bianchetta) Paul Hamilton (Dennis & Laura Watson) Sunday December 6 Feast of St. Nicholas Roger Nahas (Don & Pat Bianchetta) 6:00 PM —Youth Ministry (Berst Hall) Dalene Bianchetta (Don & Pat Bianchetta) Family & Friends (Don & Pat Bianchetta) Monday December 7—Counters Jerry (Death Anniv.) (Family) Don, Pat, Carol, Betty (AP)

SUNDAY December 6 Second Sunday of Advent 7:30 AM Mass at Assumption Church Sandy, Rita, Leone (IC) Anton Bosonetta (Dave & Linda Smith) St. Nicholas was born around the year 280 A.D. Joe DeGulie (Rolinitis Family) He lived during the latter part of the third Reverend Brian Shepley (3 year Death Anniversary) century into the first half of the fourth century *9:30 AM Mass at Assumption Church in Asia Minor which is considered to be part of *(IC Mass will be held at Assumption Church) the modern day Turkey. St. Nicholas Day is held For All Parishioners of Immaculate & Assumption Parishes on December 6th, the day in which St. Nicholas, Anna Dragovan (Bob, Mary & Olivia) the Bishop Nicholas of Myra, died. The year of Bill Scheer (CCW) his death was 343 AD. During his lifetime, he lived his life as a servant Jeannie Parent (Cecelia Pauley) of God. Through his kindness, caring and generosity to all, he

became known throughout the world. St. Nicholas is the patron saint 11:30 AM Mass at Assumption Church of multiple diverse groups including children. In many countries, For All Parishioners of Assumption & Immaculate Parishes children await anxiously for the morning of December 6th to see if St. Nicholas visited them during the night. November 29, 2020 First Sunday of Advent Page 11

Assumption Weekly Offering + E-Giving 2020-21 Annual Budget Projection $255,000

Fiscal YTD Budget Projection (As of 10/31/2020) $85,000

Dear parishioners, Fiscal YTD Actual Collection (As of 10/31/2020) $97,315 2019 Sunday Collection (11/17/2019) $5,138 The “theme” for this year’s Appeal is Be Kind and Merciful. 2020 Sunday Collection (11/15/2020) $4,902 This year’s parish goal for Assumption of the Blessed Virgin 2019 Sunday Collection 11/24/2019 $5,115 Mary Parish is $33,700. For Immaculate Conception Parish $11,200. 2020 Sunday Collection 11/22/2020 Will be posted $ in the December 6 bulletin due to early deadline Congratulations to the parishioners of Immaculate Concep- 2019 Sunday Collection 12/1/2019 $7,346 tion parish who pledged and paid their goal in record time with 50+ donors. Again the goal was $11,200, 18,969 was 2020 Sunday Collection 11/29/2020 will be posted $ pledged, and 18,239 was paid on the goal. in the December 6 bulletin due to early deadline

Thank you to the parishioners of Assumption parish who have Sunday Weekly Goal $4,904 pledged and paid toward their goal. Again, the goal is Assumption Church Building Loan Balance As Of $33,700. So far $31,956 has been pledged with 180+ donors, and $30,256 has already been paid on the goal. 10/30/2020 Original Note Amount $796,607 Let’s continue to pray that both parishes meet and exceed their target goals. We’ve met and exceeded our goals for the Monthly Loan Payment $3,574 last eleven years. Let’s do it again with God’s grace to inspire Current Loan Balance $555,036 us to be good and generous stewards. 70 percent of the amounts we raise over our goal amounts are returned to us Principal Reduction $50,571 for our needs in the parish. Please prayerfully reflect on your Additional Principal Reduction $191,000 gift to this year’s Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal and make a commitment very soon if you are able. Interest Applied to Date $57,349

Thank you for considering the most generous pledge possible Immaculate Conception Weekly Offering to this year’s annual appeal. In Christ, Father Bader 2020-21 Annual Budget Projection $80,600

Fiscal YTD Budget Projection (As of 10/31/2020) $26,866

Fiscal YTD Actual Collection (As of 10/31/2020) $26,723

2019 Prior Year Sunday Collection (11/17/2019) $2,594 Support the 2020 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal this ! 2020 Sunday Collection (11/22/2020) Will be posted $ in December 6 bulletin due to early deadline This December 1, the Diocese of Joliet is participating in Sunday Weekly Goal $1,550 Giving Tuesday! Please mark your calendar and consider supporting the 2020 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal Prayer List (CMAA) on this annual day of giving. In Your Charity, please Pray for the Sick of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Gifts will help the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal Immaculate Conception Parishes: (CMAA) support our 30 ministries that shelter the Dennis Bembenek, Charlie Boyd, Ryan Collins, homeless, feed the hungry, educate our youth and provide Lucille Edgar, Marjorie Flynn, Katie Hakey, David Hiller, for the formation of our seminarians. Sue Kelleher, Emily Larson, Frank Lestina, Donna Mark, Jessica Malkowski James Meyers, Richard Marizza, Sr, For more information about the CMAA before Giving Ed Pierard, Tom Powers, Charlie Tatroe, Jr., Tuesday, please follow @DOJCMAA on Facebook or Susan Tarman, Arlette Testa Twitter or visit jolietdioceseappeal.org. November 29, 2020 First Sunday of Advent Page 12

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish www.stmaryassumptionparish.org 195 South Kankakee Street ● Coal City, IL 60416 Voice (815) 634-4171 After Hours (815) 634-4171 Ext. 5 Office Hours: M-TH 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Pastor Reverend Raed Bader (815) 634-4171 Ext 2 [email protected]

Deacon Deacon William Dunn (815) 634-4171 Ext 3 [email protected]

Business Manager Richard Yarshen (815) 634-4171 Ext 4 [email protected]

Property Manager Alex Kuhel (815) 634-4171 [email protected]

Parish Secretary Tricia DiChristofano (815) 634-4171 Ext 1 [email protected]

Youth Ministry Dave & Sara Wollgast (815) 287-2036 [email protected]

Music Coordinator Rita Wise (815) 634-4171 [email protected]

Director of Catechesis Deacon William Dunn (815) 634-4171 Ext 3 [email protected]

Immaculate Conception Parish www.icparishbraidwood.org 110 South School Street ● Braidwood, IL 60416 Voice (815) 458-2125 FAX (815) 458-2836 Office hours vary; please call Parish Office to schedule an appointment.

Pastor Reverend Raed Bader (815) 634-4171 Ext 2 [email protected]

Deacon Deacon Greg Cummins (815) 735-3016 [email protected]

Parish Secretary & Teri Brummerstedt (815) 458-2125 Ext 6 [email protected] Business Manager

Youth Ministry Dave & Sara Wollgast (815) 287-2036 [email protected]

Director of Catechesis Deacon William Dunn (815) 634-4171 Ext 3 [email protected]

Sacraments

BAPTISM Parents are required to attend a Baptismal Preparation meeting prior to the Baptism. Contact the Parish Secretary to register. Assumption 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month after 11:30 AM Mass.

Immaculate Conception 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month.

MARRIAGE Arrangements must be made at least six months in advance. Marriage Preparation Classes are required to be completed before the Sacrament of Marriage can be celebrated. Please contact the parish office before making wedding arrangements.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK First Saturday during the 8:30 AM Mass at Assumption Church or by appointment. Devotions in Honor of St. Peregrine, the patron Saint of those who suffer with cancer or any incurable disease or condition, are held on the first Tuesday of each month following the 6:30 PM Mass at Assumption Church.

RECONCILIATION Assumption Wednesday and First Fridays before the 8:30 AM Mass Saturday evening from 3:20 - 3:45 PM

Immaculate Conception Thursdays following the 8:30 AM Mass

FUNERALS Funeral liturgies are ordinarily celebrated at 10:00 AM. The funeral director will contact Father Raed Bader regarding arrangements.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION CHAPEL

Assumption The Adoration Chapel is open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Call the parish secretary for the entry code before or after hours or to make an Adoration commitment. For more information on the re-opening plan please check our website at www.stmaryassumptionparish.org

Immaculate Conception The Adoration Chapel in Fr. White Hall is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Please call Anita Scheer at (815) 739-9767 for the entry code before or after hours or to make an Adoration commitment. For more information on the re-opening plan, please check our website at www.icparishbraidwood.org SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS THAT SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY

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For further information, (CST 2117990-70) [email protected] 815-448-2155 RESTORE THERAPY SKILLED NURSING CARE please call the Parish Office. www.CatholicCruisesandTours.com 514 Depot St. • Mazon NNDERSON MORRIS AUDIOLOGY TAX Brenene M. Brady, M.S., CCC-A Clinical Audiologist SSERVICES PO BOX 101 509 KENNEDY RD Care for your hearing health 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet Serving BRAIDWOOD, IL 60408 • Diagnostic Testing for Pediatrics thru Geriatrics • Hearing Aid Services Eight Counties Immaculate Conception Parishioner 815-740-4104 • www.joliethospice.org Phone (815) 458-0212 119 E. Jefferson St., Morris, IL 60450 • 815-941-4700 HOSPICE • PALLIATIVE CARE • HOSPICE HOME Fax (815) 458-6272 “Over 27 years of Hometown Service” Jerry Hallahan - Agent 1350 E. Division St., Diamond The Sponsors Who Appear On This Bulletin. It Is Through (815) 634-2222 Their Support That This Bulletin Is Made Possible. [email protected] Business Owners Interested In Advertising Please Call

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