Aloysius Catholic Church A Discipleship Parish

December 22, 2019 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Dear Friends in Christ, of our parishioners during theses holidays. Thanks to all especially for your gifts to the parish during this Christ- Merry ! mas time of year. May God bless you and your families as richly as you bless our parish! “When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” (Mt. This week we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord. So, I 1:24). Putting complete trust in the Lord without expect- wish to extend to each person a very blessed Christmas. ing anything in return. Striving to put God first in all Masses will be celebrated at St. Aloysius following the things and follow Him wherever He may lead us. As we schedule listed in another place in this bulletin and you, prepare for the birth of our Lord, pray for the strength with your family, will be remembered at each of them. and courage to be a model of discipleship, like Joseph. My prayer for you this Christmas is that God might enlighten the hearts of all St. Al’s faithful with the gift Today the fourth Sunday of Advent with Christmas on of His Son, Him Self. God bless you and Merry Christ- Wednesday. I pray that God blesses each and every one mas!

Fr. Clinton P. Honkomp, O.P. (303) 522-0196 Pastor There is something appropriate about having a census Deacon Mick Palazzolo Social Justice/Campus Ministry this time of year as that is what brought Mary and Jo- Deacon. Jim Dodge Adult Education/Hospital Ministry seph to Bethlehem when Jesus was born. Realizing this, Mr. Beach Deacon Candidate you will find in your pews a census form for the parish. Mrs. Denise Reavis Principal Please fill one out and return it via the ushers at Mass. Mrs. Debbie Mandeville Parish Administrative Assistant Take one home to those who also consider themselves Mr. Rich Harkins Business/IT Manager Mrs. Angie Daniels School Administrative Assistant members of the parish but who can’t (or don’t) attend Mr. Joe Dinardo Maintenance Mass here. After the Christmas Season we will move Mrs. Alice Hill Liturgy & Music into the second phase of the census phone calls. If you Mr. Robert Dilley Homebound Ministry would like to be a part of the census taking team, please Mr. Dave Klestinski Homebound Ministry contact Bob Wheatley who is the chair of this effort. Thanks so much. Mass Times: Saturday (vigil) 4:30 pm Sunday 8:00 am, 10:30 am Special thanks go out to the volunteers who helped at Holy Days: As announced our Saturday Bingo at Caritas Hall last week. Thank

Daily Mass: W, Th, F: 6:20 am you, Ed Strode, for organizing and providing leadership, Tuesday: 8:20 am and Megan Wanless, Richard Camden, Rhonda Mills, Communion Service: Monday: 6:20am Ron Kohlrus, and Marissa Allcon who helped last Satur- day. They made $986.00 (minus taxes) for the parish! Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday, 3:30pm Thank you, volunteers for your gift of time and talent to St. Aloysius Parish! If anyone would like to volunteer to Eucharistic Adoration: help at Bingo please contact Ed Strode who ushers at the First Friday/Saturday: Friday 7:00 am to Sat 8:00 am 10:30am Sunday Mass. Bingo continues to be a very Other Fridays: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm successful money raiser for our parish each and every Saturday of the year! Parish Office Hours: M - F: 8:30 am - 4:00pm School Office Hours: M - F: 7:45 am - 3:30 pm I thank God daily for the gift of St. Al’s Parish in my life 2000 E. Sangamon Avenue (mailing address: 2125 N. 21st Street) – what better Christmas gift could anyone ask for? Springfield, Illinois 62702 Church: (217) 544-4554 Fax: (217) 544-4963 School: (217) 544-4553 Fax: (217) 544-1680 With Pastoral Affection,

www.saintaloysius.org Fr. Clint, O.P. Pastor

Pastoral Council Principal’s Page Mikki Buhl Mrs. Denise Reavis John Cernich Mary Coady Joseph Lesko Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for the wonderful support you Gary McCandless give to our Parish School. This very special time of the year is full of opportunities for Michelle Stewart friends and families to gather. All of us here at St. Aloysius School would like to wish you Pam Tipps a very safe and happy holiday season. May you receive the gifts of this holy season – gifts Bob Wheatley of love, peace and joy.

Finance Council Our 7th grade girls brought home a win for Third Place in 2A State Competition! Paul Brown Way to Go ! They were welcomed back to Springfield with a police and fire escort Karl Kohlrus and cheers from their fans! Congratulation Ladies! Amy Neal Matt Noonan Our Parents Night Out event was a great success and lots of fun for the kids! Stay Ryan Spearie tuned for our next babysitting night! Earl Schroeder Paul Palazzolo Our annual St. Nick Shopper was enjoyed by all! It is a much loved and anticipated St. Troy Washko Al’s tradition! Many thanks to our volunteers, especially Traci Pitchford for coordinating this event! School Board Joel Washko During the Advent season the students have been busy around the parish with different Tom Kohlrus projects. Kindergarten cleaned desktops in primary classes, First Grade dusted banisters Nicholas Gilmore and cleaned window sills in the halls, and Second Grade dusted and straightened the Sara Vargas Chapel in church. The Third Grade dusted the pews in church, straightened the hymnals Scott McCamant and organized the magazine rack. Fourth Grade straightened and dusted the Chapel in Rachel Towner school, Fifth Grade washed the inside doors in church, and Sixth Grade helped Catholic Marianne Stremsterfer Charities load the truck with Angel Tree Presents. The Seventh Grade washed glass win- dows in the classrooms and Eight grade set-up for St. Nick Shopper. Thank you students Liturgy Committee for your spirit of service. Alice Hill, Chair Linda Vono The students also focused on stewardship as part of discipleship this Advent Season. Mikki Buhl We looked at our talents, treasure, and time. The students collected items for the homeless Paula Petrilli - chapstick, socks, gloves/mittens, soap, hand warmers, stocking caps, scarves, shoes and Rita Lesko sleeping bags. These will be distributed at Helping Hands during the winter season. This Gary McCandless is a way for students to share their treasure with those in need. Many thanks to our gener- Rachel Schrenk ous students and their families for their donations. Mary Coady

Don’t forget to join us for Bingo at Caritas Hall, 909 E Converse, on Saturday, December Discipleship Committee Terri Maze 28 at 10:45am for Early Bird, other games begin at noon. If you can volunteer to help, Kim Lesko please call the school office. Play bingo during our times and help make this a fun and Michelle Daniels profitable activity for St. Aloysius School! Lisa Fowler Ed Strode, Chair The SHG Placement Test will be offered on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 8:30am. Kathy Paoni Doors open at 8:00am Sr. Katherine O'Connor, President, will be available to answer par- Tom Paoni ents' questions at 8:30am in the Choral Room. Students will need to bring #2 pencils and Mary Ann Mann the $10 testing fee. No calculators will be allowed. Pre-registration online is required by Friday, January 10. Use the following link to register: http://bit.ly/SHGPlacement2020. Social Justice Committee Please contact Amanda Mandeville at 217-787-9732 ext. 155 or [email protected] if Judy Cervellone you are unable to take the test. Patti Crouch Matt Daniels Have you been to the school Facebook page lately? Keep up on the latest events! Make Dave Klestinski sure to follow us as we use Facebook as one of our communication tools to share informa- Nancy Schrenk tion with our parish community. Michelle Stewart Greg Stumpf Have a good week! Denise

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— Parish Data —

PARISHPARISH CALENDAR CALENDAR WEEKLY PARISH OFFERING PARISH CALENDAR December 22 9:00am Catholic Standard Time Dec. 15 December 23-January 5 Christmas Break Week 28 Total to Date December 23 6:20am Communion Service Loose Collection $225.00 $4,210.00 December 24 8:20am No Morning Mass

December 24 4:30pm Christmas Eve Mass Weekly Envelopes $5,630.00 $167,552.00 December 25 12:00am Christmas Midnight Mass

December 25 9:00am Christmas Day Mass December 26 6:20am No Morning Mass Total $5,855.00 $171,762.00

December 27 6:20am No Morning Mass The budgeted amount is the minimal required to maintain services, December 27 No Adoration/Benediction employee benefits, utilities, and maintenance at current levels and December 28 10:45am Bingo does not provide for debt payment, unbudgeted repairs or improve- December 28 3:30pm Confessions ments, or long term planning for the parish or school. Offerings Budget for the month of December is $40,000.00. We have received December 29 6:20am Communion Service 58% of the needed funding to meet essential budget obligations. December 30 8:20am No Morning Mass ANNUAL CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL-2018 December 31 4:30pm Holy Day Mass ANNUAL CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL January 1 9:00am Holy Day Mass Assessment (2018) $49,968.00 Special Prayers Pease pray for the repose soul of Total Pledge (June 30, 2019) $25,225.00 Margret Noblet-Fehl Eternal Rest Grant to them, O Lord and let perpetual light shine on her. Amount owed $24,743.00

Weekly Attendance -December 14-15 ANNUAL CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL-2019

Sat 4:30pm Sun 8:00 Sun 10:30 Total Assessment (2019) $51,458.00

Total Pledge (October 30,2019) $14,980.00 135 134 112 381 Amount owed $36,478.00

Parish Ministry Schedule - Sat-Sun - December 28-29 Saturday, 4:30pm Sunday, 8:00am Sunday, 10:30am Music Julie Saal Lydia and Johanna Cernich Adult Choir Lector Kathy Daum Michele Stewart Pam Brown E.M. Pat Daniels, Ray Trello Ray Packingham, Ryan Spearie Marcia Barnard, Paul Brown Servers John C. Alyssa F. Caleb A. Paige N. Robert W. Dylan. C.

In charity, please remember in your prayers…Honora Forgas, Louise Wolosick, Norma Hubbard, Edith Caruso, Joseph Luparell, Don Kmett, William Wente, Emma Pianezza, Carmen Santini, Armand Colin, Evelyn Collins, Judy Danna, Carolyn Venvertloh, Larry Selinger, Al Giacomini, Mary Pratt, June For- gas, Barbara Pulliam, Leona Murphy, James Todd, Charlie Barber, Gilda Fulgenzi. 2017...Donald Drendel, Denzil DeVanney, Walther Fliege, Barbara Todd, Helen Richardson, Mary Bedolli, Donald Mro- scak, August Papilli, Frances Emmons, Robert Berberet Sr. Katie Raffa, John Williams, Barbara Vesel- ing, Mike Timko, Richard Neal Sr. Marianne Charles, Robert Wolf, Virginia Wagner and Betty Andretta. 2018… Larry Brooks, Katherine Stoecker, Betty Chernis, Kathy Martin, Beatrice Nimpson, Fredrick Bedolli, Mary Ku- lek, Bernie Hagele, Dorothy Warrington, Mary LeMasters, Peg Wilson, Annette Hickman, Edna Kennedy, Joseph Car- love, Bernadine Seitz, Joseph Crowe, Janet Coe, Jeannette O’Ravis. 2019... Lena Ostenburg, Bonnye Locke, Alda Bretz, Della Maurer, Leonard Naumovich, Leanne Schleyhahn, Delores Anthony, Carl Venvertloh, Elmer Schuster, Norman and Helen Reeves, Pat Capranica, Richard Murawski, John Wolosick, William Eck and Leonard Jann. 3

Around the Church

Holidays are A Perfect Opportunity to Invite Someone More ways than one to Alpha! Will you see a loved one over the holidays who has stopped attending Mass? Or maybe you will be with a friend who Almost always there’s more than one way to do something. always asks you questions about faith? Why not invite them to Alpha? Alpha is a no pressure opportunity to explore the Chris- There’s always the default, the way things kind of just happen. tian faith and connect, or reconnect, with Jesus in an atmosphere The way it goes, if no one really cares. If no one’s really trying. of warm hospitality. Each Alpha session includes a meal, a talk, It’s okay, sometimes. and conversation. No cost, no obligation. The next course begins on Monday, January 13 at 6:30pm in the Cathedral school base- Then there’s the nice way. It’s a little kinder, a little more ment. Invitation post cards are in the church vestibule. thoughtful. It takes a little more effort. Sometimes it even pro- duces a better result than the default way. But not always. Lessons and Carols at the Cathedral...In the continued joy of the Church’s celebration of Christmas, you are Much of the time, there’s really not much difference in what you invited to again join Mark Gifford and the Cathedral Choir for an end up with, between the default way and the nice way. For most of the problems, most of the situations in life, it usually evening of Scripture, music, and prayer as we reflect on the comes down to a choice for us between the default way or the events surrounding the birth of our Savior at Christmas. Sunday, nice way. January 5 at 7:00pm.

Not because we’re opposed to something better. Sometimes we Season two Dive Deep... the official podcast of Diocese of even hope for something better. Springfield in Illinois, has launched. Join Andrew Hansen, Amber Cerveny, and Father Christopher House as they explore interest- It’s just that those are the only options that we – as human be- ing and controversial topics surrounding our faith. Diving deep ings – can see in a given situation. into Season two, they explore what the Catholic Church says about ghosts and aliens, what are the last four things, annulments, It’s kind of like today’s . Where Joseph finds out that why Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s beatification Mass in Peoria was Mary’s pregnant. postponed, the 10 things you didn’t know about Christmas, and much more. Go to dio.org/podcast and click “listen and sub- Joseph’s too good a man to go with the default way. He’s going scribe.” Each Friday, a new episode will be available. with the nice way. It’s a little kinder, a little more thoughtful. But in the end, it’s not much better than the default. We will have sign-ups for the annual Springfield Right to Life Signature ad in the vestibule after all Masses January 11-12. What makes Joseph different from most of us is that Joseph is This is a great opportunity to show your support for life on the open to better. Even though he can only see the options of hu- anniversary of the infamous Supreme Court decision Roe v. man wisdom, the default way and the nice way. Even though he Wade which legalized abortion on demand at any stage of preg- doesn’t know what better would look like. nancy. Cost of one line is $5.00 and can consist of a single name, several names, an organization or a family name. Joseph is open to better. Why? Because Joseph is listening to God. 9 Days for Life (January 21-29, 2020) is a novena for the pro- tection of human life. Participants can receive novena prayers Joseph doesn’t just hope for better. Joseph goes a step further. each day by downloading the free 9 Days for Life app, or by sub- Joseph sets himself up to receive better. scribing to daily emails or text messages at: https://pro-life- activities.lpages.co/9-days-for-life-2020/. Each day there is an What Joseph does is radical in its simplicity. And it will work intention accompanied by a short reflection and suggested action just as effectively for you and me as it did for him. Follow Jo- to help build a culture of life. seph’s lead.

Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 22-To Dream and to Set yourself up to receive God’s best. By doing Act. The promised Second Coming of Christ is assured in the things God’s way. reality of the first. This birth of Jesus, promised by an angel to Mary and dreamed by Joseph, results in God-with-us, Em- manuel. -Deacon Jim

 How will my life be a sign that God is indeed with us now? Carols at Noon... As the Church begins her celebration of the  How will God’s grace spill this week into these mercy Christmas season following Christmas Day, join Mark Gifford works: ______? to enjoy the beauty of the sights and sounds of Christmas in the  How will I trust God and exorcise from my life whatever Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Thursday, Decem- keeps me fearful? ber 26 at Noon. St. Aloysius Catholic Church: A Discipleship Parish

The Social Justice/ Discipleship Com- mittee is asking for your support during the winter months. There is a tub in Parish Bulletin Board the church vestibule for hats, water proof gloves, scarf’s, hand warms and Catholic Standard Time... Dec. 15-Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany: What Actually chapstick. These items will be distrib- Happened? Dec. 22-Indulgences, Part 2. Dec. 29 & Jan. 5- (off) Jan. 12 - Marian Appari- uted at Helping Hands, and our tions: Real or Fake? neighborhood partners in serving the needy. As always thank you for your A number of Holy Days and Holidays are quickly approaching. Please put these dates generosity. and times on your calendar. Mass for Christmas will be on Tuesday, December. 24 at 4:30pm, with the chil- Just a reminder...on days of inclement dren's choir beginning at 4:15pm, Wednesday, December 25 at 9:00am plus a weather, mass will be cancelled when Mass at Midnight on December 24/25 with adult choir beginning at 11:45pm. the Catholic grade schools are closed . Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God will be on Tuesday, De- cember 31, 4:30pm and Wednesday, January 1 at 9:00am. St. Aloysius Prayer Chain... If you There will be no 8:20am mass on Tuesday, December 24. No 6:20am mass on have a special intention or someone Thursday, December 26, and Friday, December 27. There will be no 6:20am mass on whom you would like prayers offered Thursday, January 2, 2019. please call Mrs. Vikki Warren @ 217- 544-2299. Caesar Augustus issued a decree in the year one BC that the whole world should be en- rolled in accordance with the house and family with whom they were a member. And so it STEWARDSHIP ...Gracious and loving is told in the Gospel of St Luke, Joseph took Mary to be enrolled in the city of David God, we understand that you called Bethlehem. (LUKE2.1-7). Conducting a census during this season seems to be an call us to be stewards of your appropriate thing for us to do. Our last census was completed ten years ago. Changing abundance, the caretakers of technologies have made some of the information that we have in our registry obsolete. A all you have entrusted to us. new phone number, an email or mailing address is some of the information that we need to Help us to use your gifts upgrade. For the next few weeks we will be asking you to complete a Census Card for wisely and to share them generously. your family using the card at the end of the pew. This information will be used to update May our faithful stewardship be the hall- our data base. The ushers will collect the cards after Holy Communion. Thank you. mark of our discipleship, a visible sign of our commitment to Christ. We pray

with grateful hearts, in Jesus’ name. For the past 140 years, the Catholic Children's Home in Alton has served as a 'beacon of hope' for thousands of children who have needed the love and compassion of God's mercy in their lives. Today, the Catholic Children's Home continues this mission by meet- ing the emotional, social, academic and basic needs of all the children sent for residential care or special education services, including our newest program designed to serve the needs of children faced with the tremendous challenges of Autism. The children of Catho- lic Children's Home have been chronically abused, designated "unmanageable" by their schools, or simply have had no place to call home. They are some of the most vulnerable in our society. The holidays are a particularly difficult time of year for these youth. In the December 23 Late Advent Weekday spirit of Christ's special affection for all children, please support the work of the Catholic 6:20am Communion Service Children's Home and generously contribute to this special collection at Christmas. In the December 24 Late Advent Weekday words of Pope Francis, "We need to see each child as a gift to be welcomed, cherished and 8:20am no mass+ protected." May God touch your hearts with his grace and mercy during these Advent and 4:30pm Ted Cervellone+ Christmas days. December 25 Nativity of the Lord If you know someone who may be interested in learning more about our faith invite them 12:00am All Parishioners + to come to RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). RCIA meets every Wednesday at 9:00am Jim Esslinger+ the parish house. You can contact the parish office (544-4544) to obtain more information. December 26 St. Stephen Talk to that friend or family member and invite them. Your word or deed can make a dif- 6:20am no mass ference. RCIA Schedule includes: Paula P. January 8, Morality l...virtue, vice, David Beach. January 15, Morality ll...Commandments 1-3, John Cernich. December 27 St. John 6:20am no mass Blessing of a Christmas Tree... Dear God, two thousand years ago, you December 28 Holy Innocents brought your son, Jesus into this world to teach us the power of love and sacri- fice. As we raise this tree, we remember his birth and the meaning of his life for December 29 Holy Family us. Bless this tree as a symbol of our celebration of Jesus' birth and our gratitude Sat 4:30pm Christine Kohlrus+ for his sacrifice. May the joy this tree brings and the gifts we place under it re- mind us of the many gifts you have given us. We ask your blessings upon our Sun 8:00am Alda Bretz + loved ones, this day and always. Amen. Sun10:30am All Parishioners + St. Aloysius Catholic Church: A Discipleship Parish Catholic Standard Time Not your typical church basement coffee

Sundays @ 9 in the Parish Hall Dec. 22 –Indulgences, Part 2 Dec. 29 & Jan. 5 – (off) Jan. 12 – Marian Apparitions: Real or Fake? St. Aloysius Parish

December 22, 2019

Dear St. Aloysius Parishioners,

I wanted to let you know that I have made the decision, after much discernment, to not continue with the diaconate formation process. It is a 4-year formation/discernment process that involves meeting for one weekend a month for classes on various topics such as Moral Theology, Old and New Testament, Liturgy, Christology and Philosophy, to name just a few. We have books to read and papers to write each month over the four years. I have completed just over three of the four years and I have very much enjoyed the studies. My faith has been greatly enriched.

For the last three years of formation we are also assigned to a parish and have the opportunity to become involved by assisting in the liturgy, at weddings and funerals, being allowed to lead communion services and to be involved in works of social justice. I was blessed to be assigned here at St. Aloysius for the past year and a half. I also meet with a spiritual director once a month. It has been a wonderful, yet demanding, formation process.

In discussions with my spiritual director and after many hours of prayer I have come to the decision that God is not calling me to the diaconate. As part of this discernment, I have recognized the time commitment of the formation program combined with the time demands of my career are simply not realistic. Both are increasing in their respective expectations and hours required. I must accept the fact that this is not sustainable, and that God is calling me in a different direction.

I cannot adequately express my appreciation to this parish, Father Clint, Deacon Mick, Deacon Jim and all of you who make up the holy people of St. Aloysius. You have been welcoming, kind, and generous. You are living examples of what it means to live out your faith every day through your words and actions. Each time I have served as a Eucharistic minister I see in your eyes the love you have for your faith. Each time I have greeted you as you leave the church after mass you are, to a person, kind, warm and gracious. You are Christ to others. I thank you for your example of faith. I thank you for your kindness and support. I will keep you in my prayers. Please keep me in yours.

God Bless, David Beach

St. Aloysius Catholic Church 2119 North Twentieth Street — Springfield, Illinois 62702 Web: www.saintaloysius.org Office: (217) 544-4554 Fax: (217) 544-4963