St. Louis de Montfort

Oak Lawn, Illinois

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 12, 2017

Fr. Stan’s Utterances Page 2 Let us please bring back someone in our family, friends or someone on our neighborhood block back to our church who has not been coming and bring them home closer to God this new year. Please devote yourselves everyday to Mary via the rosary, praying the Magnificat, Memorare, The Angelus throughout the day or even silently speaking to Mary from our hearts. Heaven and Hell are real even though everyone talks about Heaven and our culture and society have completely put aside the existence of Hell. So much so that the country music singer sings about this false cultural teaching that everyone goes to Heaven amongst the plethora of people by singing a song entitled “Everyone Wants to go to Heaven.” I suggest all of us listen to it and YouTube the video as he sings, “Everybody wanna go to heaven. Hallelujah, let me hear you shout. Everybody wanna go to heaven. But nobody wanna go now. I think I speak for the crowd.” The Greek word Jesus uses for “Hell” many times in today’s Gospel (Matthew 5:17-37) is “Gehenna.” Gehenna was Jeru-

salem's garbage dump. It had been the valley where unfaithful Jews in past centuries offered human sacrifices to foreign, false gods. When the nation reformed and such practices were stopped, they decided to use it as an open air incinerator. Thus, the ever-smoldering and worm-infested valley became a symbol for the place where people who reject friendship with God suffer eternal frustration: Hell. Christ's frequent mention of Hell in the Gospels has caused some critics to accuse Christianity of manipulating weak and superstitious people by instilling irrational fear. Nothing could be less accurate.

Christ's warnings are those of God who is all good, all knowing and all merciful. Jesus knows that we can only reach lasting happiness through friendship with God, and He wants us to be happy, so He warns us about everything that could damage or destroy that friendship, leading eventually to eternity spent without God. That is an indescribably painful prospect, because the human person was created to live in union with God; eternity without God is everlasting existential frustration. Since Jesus loves us, He tells us the truth, even the tough truth.

There is another side to this truth as well, the side St. Paul refers to in today's Second Reading. He reminds us of the magnificent wisdom of God's divine plan, which, if we follow it, will bring us to Heaven. Heaven is a state of happiness so complete and overflowing that, St. Paul explains, no eye has ever seen something so wonderful, no ear has ever heard it, nor has anyone been able to imagine it. Hell, eternal frustration, is a reality worth being warned about. Heaven, eternal and unimaginable fulfillment, is just as real, and it will be the reward of everyone who dies in friendship with God. The great mystic nun and Doctor of the Church, St. Teresa of Avila who lived in the 16th century in Spain, wrote about her real experiences of Hell, while on this earth, as she was given to them by God by actually visiting Heaven, Purgatory and Hell and coming back to write about it in her spiritual autobiography, which is a spiritual great seller and masterpiece, called “The Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila.” Some critics accuse the Church of using the idea of Hell to manipulate people, but Jesus wasn't into manipulation; He was into the truth. The truth is that in this fallen world, we all have the capacity to give into temptation, abuse our freedom, and reject God's friendship. Here is her description of Hell from her own writings as given to her by God.

“A long time after the Lord had already granted me many of the favors I've mentioned and other very lofty ones, while I was in prayer one day, I suddenly found that, without knowing how, I had seemingly been put in hell. I understood that the Lord wanted me to see the place the devils had prepared there for me and which I merited because of my sins. This experience took place within the shortest space of time, but even were I to live for many years I think it would be impossible for me to forget it.” St. Teresa goes on to say, “The entrance it seems to me was simi-lar to a very long and narrow alleyway, like an oven, low and dark and confined; the floor seemed to me to consist of dirty, muddy water emitting foul stench and swarming with putrid vermin. At the end of the alleyway a hole that looked like a small cupboard was hollowed out in the wall; there I found I was placed in a cramped condition. All of this was delightful to see in comparison with what I felt there. What I have described can hardly be exaggerated. What I felt, it seems to me, cannot even begin to be exaggerated; nor can it be understood. I experienced a fire in the soul that I don't know how I could describe. The bodily pains were so unbearable… This, however, was nothing next to the soul's agonizing: a constriction, a suffocation, an affliction so keenly felt and with such a despairing and tormenting unhappiness that I don't know how to word it strongly enough… I felt myself burning and crumbling; and I repeat the worst was that interior fire and despair (Quotations are from The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila, Volume 1, The Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila, Chapter 32: paragraphs: 1,2,3).”

Hell exists; it's a doctrine of our faith. Jesus loves us and wants us to live and die in friendship with him, so that we go to Heaven instead. His warning in today’s Gospel passage is a warning of love; we should take it that way. Jesus taught us the truth about Heaven and Hell for a reason. He wants us to remember that our everyday choices have consequences. We would be fools if we didn't take this reminder seriously. One way we can do that is through the intelligent use of religious images.

Crucifixes, pictures of the saints, statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, holy cards - these and other religious images can be powerful reminders of eternity in the busy and noisy world of the here and now. They can help us stay focused on what truly matters. They are like the family photos that soldiers carry in their pockets as they go into battle. Every Catholic business person should have some kind of religious image on their desk at the office to help remind them that their work is meant to be part of God's plan for their lives.

Every Catholic home should have crucifixes or pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary in prominent places, so that no one ever forgets the larger family that we are all a part of, and the family reunion that we are all called to join in Heaven.

Every Catholic's car should have a holy image somewhere near the dashboard, because the little trips we make every day are part of our longer journey through life itself towards the Father's house.

As we continue with this Mass, in which Jesus will give himself as nourishment for that journey, let's renew our desire to be faithful to his friendship every day, so that we can look forward to the unimaginable joy that he is preparing for all who love him.

St Louis de Montfort, pray for us! Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us! Also, loving God, please hear our prayers as we gather as your

children saddened by the loss of our school. We ask you to help us be a warm and caring community for each other as we anticipate the school’s closing and celebrate its many accomplishments of your mission among us.

Have a great week and enjoy life! Pray always!

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK!!

We will be selling Hoops Mania tickets for $10.00 through the month of February. If you would like to purchase a ticket, please contact the School or Parish Office. All tickets must be purchased and activated by March 3. School families will get $7 credit toward their fundraising commitment for

each ticket they sell. As a reminder, every ticket stub has to be returned with purchaser name and phone number and $20 to be activated by the program organizers. Last week during Catholic Schools Week our Jr. High students held their annual Science Fair. Everyone worked very hard on their experiments and each presentation was thorough and very interesting! Each student received a certificate for participation. The winners were chosen by grade level for first, second and third prize. Below are pictures of the Science Fair winners!

Congratulations to all!

8th Grade 7th Grade 6th Grade 3rd Place Michael Manzella 2nd Place Maxwell Sun 1st Place Christian Viramintes 2nd Place Kevin Szwajlik 1st Place Michael Jurgilas 2nd Place Samantha Slodyczka 1st Place Meghan Inglesby 3rd Place Ryan Wierzgac & Natalia Aguirre (not pictured) 3rd Place Jamie Larsen 3rd Place Gabriel Govea Our FSA has scheduled a couple of fun and educational presentations for our students. On February 24th, “Animals for Awareness” will be doing a hands on presentation with wild, endangered and exotic animals. On March 22 "Bear Down on Bullies" is an informative, hands-on, anti-bullying show created by Staley Da Bear, the team's official mascot, to educate today's youth about the importance of respect, how to deal with and prevent bullying. On behalf of our entire staff I want to thank the FSA for the delightful lunch they provided for Teacher and Staff appreciation day! FSA also gave each student and staff member a delicious cookie with our Lions Logo made with love by “Grandma Smiley”! They were outstanding! Thank you Grandma Smiley! Thank you, as always, for your continued support Mrs. Wilson

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All Parishioners…Parish Picnic Update On Tuesday, February 21st our next meeting is scheduled to discuss the Picnic. We had lots of great ideas at our first meeting and are looking for more input and participation! This is not a school only function, all parishioners are welcome and encouraged to get involved! To get a headstart we will be looking for donations of gift cards, baskets, and new, unused items suitable for a raffle prize. If you know of area businesses or organizations in the area, or perhaps your employer, that would like to donate please start asking! We want it to be a memorable time for all students, past and present as well as all parishioners. As with any large event, a lot of planning, volunteer hours and team effort is needed to make it successful. We welcome your in-put. If you are available to join us for planning, we would love to see you! Although June may seem a long way off...it’s just around the corner. Maybe planning a spring event will help us all to “THINK SPRING” and add a bit of much needed sunshine to our days! Join us!

Mark Your Calendars

Women’s Auxiliary Upcoming Events

Monthly Meetings 2nd Thursday of each Month

7:00 PM Quinn Hall

Saturday, March 18th St Josephs Table

Quinn Hall

Saturday, April 8th Women’s Auxiliary Craft Fair

Quinn Hall

Watch the bulletin for more information on these events.

Tax Deductible Contribution Statements The annual statements of your tax deductible donations are in the process of being printed and mailed. As a reminder, to ensure credit of your donations, please be sure to mark the dollar amount on your envelopes.

Parish News from Fr. Stan

Effective with March Collections In light of the financial hardship our parish is experiencing, the decision has been made to discontin-ue contributions to St. Bride Parish. We ask that you consider making those donations to our Restore and Renew fund. When we are once again financially sta-ble we will resume contributing to our sharing parish. **As a reminder if you are currently making your contributions to St. Brides with Give Central, we ask that you update your contribution elections.

Thank you for your continued generosity.

PARISH PICNIC—JUNE 4th

PLANS ARE IN THE WORKS SO SAVE THE DATE AND SPREAD THE WORD!!

VOLUNTEER ~~ SHARE IDEAS

INVITE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS REACH OUT TO St. LOUIS ALUMNI

IDEAS CURRENTLY WORKING ON:

CAR SHOW ~~ RAFFLES JUMP HOUSE ~~~ BINGO

ENTERTAINMENT FOOD ~~ BEVERAGE

SHARING OF St. LOUIS MEMORIES

SCHOOL WALK THRU SCHOOL TROPHY RAFFLES

You can email suggestions to parish.office@sldmparish.org

ATTENTION STUDENTS NEEDING SERVICE HOURS

FSA is helping to coordinate 8th grade and high school student volunteers to help serve dinner during the St.

Josephs Table dinner on Saturday, March 18th. Students wishing to volunteer can earn service hours.

Please contact Donna Liesen for more details,

815.307.2062

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Jackie Adomovicz Jesse Anderer George Badke

Jim Ball Richard Bania

Erik Baranowski Irene Baranowski

Lillian Berenis Sr. Bernardine Mikey Bevan Joyce Bitinas

Jesselyn Brucki Diane Chrapkiewicz

Pat Chudy John Condon Sue Conley

Betty Connolly Donna Dong

Mary Dragozetic Rita Duchowicz Shirley Duran

Jack Falsey John Furmaniak Sr.

Dave Gallagher Sandra Gilbert

Lorraine Grams Dorothy Hayden

Janis Hayden Mary Hinchey

Theresa Iser Marilyn Jones

Mary Jane Kirchner Mary Kmak

Doris Konieczka

Daniel Kosiek Bill Kutschke Kurt Kutschke

Joyce Lenzi Josie Maracic Agnes Mark Rita Mazur

Mary Ann & Bill Meskowski Rosemary Mihelic

Andy Mikal Barbara Minster Judy Mitchell Vencia Munis

Christopher Murphy Teresa Myczek Michael Nolan Debbie Ornat Kari Raspanti

Kelly Robertson Frances Schmidt Joan Schramm

Bridget Schroeder Ruth Ann Smith

Jim Staros Mercedita Suclan

Terry Swierk Jay Tarczon

Dorothy Tinman Diane Uryasz

Jerry Wantroba II Mary Wantuck

Cathy Jo Werner Shelley Werner-Torsan Robert & Carol Zucas

REST IN PEACE We pray for our family and friends

that have recently died

Victor Jankowski

Please keep them and their families in your prayers

We pray for those among us who are suffering from illnesses

Please pray for our 2nd grade class, they are preparing for their Reconciliation.

You can find their names in a basket located at the back of the church. Please take 1 name and keep them in your daily prayers.

February R.E. classes will be on:

Saturday, February 25th, 2017

Mrs. Cheryl Plesha R E Coordinator

Feb. 18 5:00PM Feb. 19 7:30 AM Feb. 19 9:30 AM Feb. 19 11:30 AM M. Leffers J. Sibick M. Murphy M. Farrell L. Trail R. Staros D. Sichelski K. Tarczon T. Lechert H. Niemiec J. Mitchell C. Gotto Extraordinary T. Wasik M. Kocher J. Cepek C. Karnoski Ministers of Communion J. Miller M. Gilbert S. Kozak J. Hurckes J. Kocher B. Gilbert D. Widmer G. Pierzynski C. Sorensen L. Gilbert D. Gajda D. Ott

Commentator L. Trail M. Gilbert J. Mitchell C. Karnoski

Lector S, Ferriola M. Uryasz D. Widmer J. Hurckes

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Weekly Activities at St. Louis

Sunday, February 12 Monday, February 13 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 4:00—7:00 PM —Open House/School Fair for Parents Tuesday, February 14 9:00 AM — Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM — Needle workers (QH) Wednesday, February 15 9:00 AM — Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Thursday, February 16 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) Friday, February 17 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Saturday, February 18 9:00 AM — Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM— Adoration 8:00—2:00 PM—Religious Education (CH) Sunday, February 19

Weekly Mass Intentions Saturday, February 11 8:30 AM Communion Service 5:00 PM + Joseph Zalapi + Harold Oakley Sunday, February 12, Sixth Sunday Ordinary Time 7:30 AM + Ed Niemiec + Lorraine Szydlowski + Michael Mascolino 9:30 AM + JoAnn DeUnger + Jozef Dusza + Robert Plewa 11:30 AM + Jozef Bryja + Marilou Suclan Monday, February 13 8:30 AM Mary & Jimmy +Aniela & Jan Antol Tuesday, February 14 8:30 AM + Clem Hojnacki +Robert Plewa, 1st Anniversary of Death +Patricia Maza Wednesday, February 15 8:30 AM Communion Service Thursday, February 16 8:30 AM Joe Bednarczyk Friday, February 17 8:30 AM +Charles Strohmaier Sr 10:00 AM Funeral Mass ~ Charles Strohmaier Sr. Saturday, February 18 8:30 AM Communion Service 5:00 PM + James Kopulos Sunday, February 19, Seventh Sunday Ordinary Time 7:30 AM + Alice Puriski + Genowefa Giedrojc 9:30 AM + Leopold & Anna Ciezczk + Deceased members of Hynes Family + Helga Olsen 11:30 AM + Jan Podczerwinski

Sunday Readings for February 12

First reading: Sirach 15:15-20 Second reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37

Sunday Readings for February 19

First reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 Second reading: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 Gospel: Matthew 5:38-48

WEEKLY OFFERING

February 4/5 $7,765.00 Give Central $ 225.00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

ST. JOHN PAUL II EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ASSOCIATION

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Every Saturday St. Louis de Montfort Chapel

9:00—10:00 AM

Please join us

Knights of Columbus Council 14553

The 2017 Mass book is open. Please contact the Parish Home at 708.599.5300 during regular business hours if you would like to have a mass said in remembrance of a loved one or for a special intention.

Fr. Stanley Stuglik: Pastor Mr. Bill Sullivan: Deacon Fr. Mark Canavan: Pastor Emeritus Mrs. Cindy Cochran: Operations Director Ms. Jan Podolak: Parish Secretary Mrs. Karen Deegan: Director of Music Parish Home: 8808 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn IL Phone: 708-599-5300 Fax: 708-599-2678 Email: parish.office@sldmparish.org Parish Website: www.sldmparish.org Parish Home Office Hours: 9:00 AM— 2:30 PM Monday—Friday Mrs. Melissa Wilson: School Principal Mrs. Cheryl Plesha: Director of Religious Education School Address: 8840 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn IL School Phone: 708-599-5781 School Fax: 708-599-5782

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM Weekdays 8:30 AM (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri) 8:30 AM Communion Service (Wed) Saturday 8:30 AM Communion Service Confessions: Saturday 4:00 to 4:30 PM Baptisms: 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month Pre-Baptismal Program: The 1st Tuesday every other month. Arrangements can be made by calling the Rectory. Weddings: Couples should contact the parish priest at least six months in advance of wedding date.

Welcome to St. Louis de Montfort Parish

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Louis De Montfort Church #000448 8808 S. Ridgeland Avenue Oak Lawn, IL 60453 TELEPHONE 708 599-5300 CONTACT PERSON Jan Podolak EMAIL: parish.office@sldmparish.org SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2013 Adobe Acrobat XI Windows 8 TRANSMISSION TIME Wednesday 11:00 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION February 12, 2017 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS