Simbang “Simbang Gabi is a Gabi religious festival for all, Filipino and non- Filipino. But no matter the language or dress, when you pray and sing during the Simbang If you believe this is your call, Gabi, you realize how please join us! truly universal the

Christmas spirit is.” Contact: Mildred Soriano at (773) 373-3970, or [email protected]. What we do “And seeing the star Who we are they rejoiced with exceeding We hosts the annual Simbang great joy” (Mt 2:10) We are a group of parishioners of Gabi in our parish, making it a truly St. Thomas the Apostle who want to exciting, uniting and spiritual promote the vision of our parish as experience for the entire Parish an inclusive family in a caring faith family. To do so we: Simbang Gabi (Filipino for ‘ community by strengthening the ◆ hold fund raising to raise funds in the Dark’) is a devotional nine-day unity among all the cultural groups for our Simbang Gabi event; series of Masses in the , a through prayer, hospitality, and ◆ care about all the aspects of the time when Filipinos come together service. festive celebrations: Music and to prepare for the coming of our hymns for the Mass, traditional and Lord Christ and to honor the ethnic carols, faith Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. sharing, and, of course, lots of food, The Simbang Gabi tradition began Time commitment: fun and dances afterward, ◆ promote cultural exchange and at St. Thomas in 1965 by a few Several hours once a year, appreciation by wearing our finest Filipino families in the Hyde Park preparing for and assisting at the Philippine barongs and dresses, community and has grown into a Celebration. ◆ promote friendships among the huge multi-cultural celebration. Filipino-Americans as well as among For practical reasons the Requirements: all people of different origins in our celebration of the Simbang Gabi has parish, Anyone willing to help and to been adapted to local conditions, ◆ celebrate church values of family, share joy of Christmas! with the Mass being moved to the hospitality and deep faith, and much evening hours on 2nd Saturday of more. December.