St. Louis de Montfort Oak Lawn, Illinois

Second Sunday of Advent December 4, 2016

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The key to Advent Blessings is to repent and reform. Christ sent John the Baptist to announce His first coming two thousand years ago because He wanted the people of Israel to be ready to receive Him. Jesus was coming to bring them new hope, forgiveness, joy, interior peace, meaning and fruitfulness; all the benefits of redemption and grace. In Advent, we remember that first coming, in order to thank God for it, but we also relive that coming in the "today" of our own lives being ready for the actual second coming as Jesus promised even though we do not know the day or hour when it will happen.

This Christmas, Christ wants to make a new surge of grace in the world, in the Church, and in each one of our lives. He wants to keep pouring out those benefits of redemption. Jesus wants us to be ready to receive this year's new surge of grace; He doesn't want us to miss out on it. Therefore, through the liturgy, He sends His messenger once again to teach us how to get ready.

Clearing the way for Christ to enter more deeply into our society and our lives means, first of all, repenting. To repent is to turn away from selfish behavior patterns. To repent means to acknowledge our sins. After all, how can we have room in our hearts for the coming of a Savior un-less we are aware of our need to be saved? However, that's only the first step. Preparing for Christ's coming also involves positive action, it means "bearing good fruit." Active, self-forgetful service towards our neighbor shows that our repentance is real. We want to go to confession and make time for God. What good is acknowledging our selfishness and sin unless we also decide to leave that sin behind, and then make concrete actions to carry out that decision? If we do these two things, repent and reform, we will be ready to experience the joys of the coming Kingdom in a fresh way this Christmas, just as Christ wants us to.

If God is faithful, as today's celebration and the whole Advent season are telling us He is, that means He is worthy of our trust. God is faithful. He will not abandon us, and He will not lead us astray. In this wor ld, this post-modern, post-Christian world, we need to have someone we can trust. How can we keep on the right track in life when we are surrounded by so many contradictory opinions? How can we know what is true and good, what is morally right, when there are 400 television channels and one billion websites that are all communicating their own theory of values? How can we find true happiness in life when every year 100,000 new books are printed in the United States alone, each one pointing to happiness in its own direction?

God is faithful. His Gospel is trustworthy, true and unchanging. His Church, through which He has promised to guide us until the end of time, in spite of the imperfections and frailties, never tires of reminding us about the essential truths, the top priorities, the milestones on the path to meaning, interior peace, and everlasting success. God is faithful. To obey his voice, expressed in the Ten Commandments, in our conscience, and in the Church's official teaching about faith and morality, is to put ourselves and our loved ones safely inside the only boat that is guaranteed to make it to the port of heaven. God is faithful. He will prove it once again by coming to us today in the Eucharist. When we receive him, let's thank him for his faithfulness, and let's renew our commitment to trust in him by obeying his voice.

At Mass, the priest speaks the words of consecration in the first person of Jesus, God will transform some very material and mundane bread and wine into Christ's own body and blood, in order to give us spiritual nourishment. This Advent, counting on God's help, let's do the same thing with the material and mundane commercialization that's all around us: instead of complaining about it, let's transform it, let's infuse it with spiritual meaning, with JOY! So let us not say “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” to anyone who responds this way. Rather, for the love of God, have the courage to say the truth at the stores and malls and please say Merry Christmas!

I continue to thank all of you for your continued hospitality and warmth you are showing me and each other. Please spread the good word of our wonderful parish and it is very nice to see more and more people coming back to worship God. Many of us are still saying how great it is to see our parishioner families returning back.

St Louis de Montfort, pray for us! Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us!

Have a great week and enjoy life with a great smile! Pray always!

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK!!

Recently, Blaise Cupich was elevated to a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. Our students celebrated this occasion by dressing in red, the color commonly associated with this position in the Church. Here are pictures of our Preschool, Fourth and Fifth Grade students.

This week we continue to prepare for the coming of Christ’s light into the world. The second candle of the Advent wreath is lit. Each week the light increases as we light another candle. The students attend an Advent Prayer Service each Monday at 1:30 PM and we would be delighted if parents are able to join us for this service. At our first prayer service, students wrote their names on strips of paper and placed them in a basket. At the end of our service, each student chose a name from the basket and promised to pray for the other student throughout Advent. During Advent, our focus is on preparing for the coming of Jesus and we are doing this by helping each other be strong in faith. As always, thank you for your support Mrs. Wilson

St. Louis de Montfort Raffle

DID YOU GET YOUR RAFFLE TICKET YET?

Grand prize ~ Skybox for Blackhawks vs St. Louis Blues at United Center, February 26

Included in the package, valued at $6,800: Skybox tickets for 20 guests ~ 4 Parking Passes

Food & beverage for four hours

2nd Prize ~ $1,000 3rd Prize ~ $750.00 4th Prize ~ 500.00 5th & 6th Prize ~ $250.00

With only 300 tickets being sold don’t wait to get yours!

∗ Makes a great Christmas gift

∗ Split the cost with friends or family

∗ School families get credit toward fund raising commitment for each ticket they sell

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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

CHRISTMAS FOR VETS The Knights of Columbus Council 14553

is sponsoring a drive to collect gifts for the military men & women serving our country. A box

will be located in the vestibule for you to drop off your donations. Some suggested items include:

Socks ~ Underwear ~ Toiletries During the Christmas season it’s a nice way to thank

them, let them know we are thinking of them and appreciate their sacrifices.

Please, always, keep them and their

families in your prayers.

CHECK OUT THE GIVECENTRAL WEBSITE www.givecentral.org

Many parishioners are registered and using the application to make their contributions to the parish. It is easy to register, and a convenient way to keep track of your donations for tax purposes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the parish home during regular business hours!

ATTENTION SCHOOL PARENTS In addition to the Breakfast with Santa advertised above, the FSA will be sponsoring the annual “Santa Secret Shop” where children will be able to do their own Christmas Shopping. This event is taking place on Monday, December 12th. FSA will be setting up for both of these events on Saturday (12/10) from 5:00—9:00 PM. Parent volunteers are always welcome and your time will be credited to your required volunteer hours. Also mark your calendars: School Christmas Program, Thursday, December 15th at 7:00 PM Classroom Christmas parties will be on Tuesday, December 20th, which is also the last day of school for Christmas break.

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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 Donna Chlebek

Diane Chrapkiewicz Pat Chudy

Betty Connolly Donna Dong

Mary Dragozetic Rita Duchowicz

John Furmaniak Sr. Dave Gallagher Sandra Gilbert

Lorraine Grams Dorothy Hayden

Janis Hayden Mary Hinchey

Theresa Iser Marilyn Jones

Mary Jane Kirchner Doris Konieczka Daniel Kosiek

Kurt Kutschke Joyce Lenzi

Josie Maracic Agnes Mark Rita Mazur

Mary Ann & Bill Meskowski Rosemary Mihelic Barbara Minster Judy Mitchell Vencia Munis

Christopher Murphy Teresa Myczek Michael Nolan

Sr. Therese O’Donnell 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 Robert & Carol Zucas

We pray for those among us who are suffering from illnesses

REST IN PEACE We pray for our family and friends

that have recently died.

Richard White

Please keep them and their families in your prayers.

THANK YOU … THANK YOU

On behalf of the parish pantry staff and all who visit our pantry, we are overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of

our St. Louis de Montfort students and our Religious Education students dur ing our recent food dr ive. Our Sunday donations from parishioners were also abundant. We had record breaking donations the past 2 weekends. It is comforting to know that many families will be enjoying wonderful, nourishing meals because of your kindness. During this holiday season and upcoming harsh weather season we are grateful for our ability to ease the struggles of so many area families because of you!

Thank you for your continued generosity!

Dec. 10 5:00PM Dec. 11 7:30 AM Dec. 11 9:30 AM Dec. 11 11:30 AM L. Trail H. Niemiec A. Weiss N. Rodl J. Werner I. Ramirez D. Widmer K. Tarczon J. Kocher J. Sibick J. LaSalvia D. Ott

Extraordinary G. Pierzynski R. Staros J. Mitchell C. Gotto Ministers of Communion T. Lechert M. Uryasz J. Cepek J. Hurckes

M. Leffers M. Gilbert D. Gajda D. Sichelski T. Wasik K. Delmagori M. Murphy M. Gal

Commenator A. Lieske M. Uryasz D. Widmer A. Sinde

Lector G. Pierzynski G. Senese J. Mitchell D. Sichelski

Join us for our Advent Penance Service on Tuesday

December 13 at 7:00 PM Weekly confessions are heard on Saturdays 4:00—4:30 PM with the exception of Saturday, December 24th, Christmas Eve.

Our Christmas Schedule of Services

Saturday, December 24th Christmas Eve

3:30 PM Christmas Carols 4:00 PM Mass 10:00 PM Mass Sunday, December 25th Christmas Day Regular Sunday Mass Schedule 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM

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Weekly Activities at St. Louis

Saturday, December 3 9:00 AM—Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM Adoration Sunday, December 4 Monday, December 5 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM—School Board Meeting Tuesday, December 6 9:00 AM—Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM — Needle workers (QH) Wednesday, December 7 9:00 AM — Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Thursday, December 8 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 7:00—9:00 Women’s Auxiliary Friday, December 9 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Saturday, December 10 9:00 AM — Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM— Adoration Sunday, December 11 10:30—1:00—Santa Breakfast—Quinn Hall

Weekly Mass Intentions

Saturday, December 3 5:00 PM — +Patrick & Rose Quinn +Larry Loman—3rd Anniversary of Death +Joan Halloran Sunday, December 4, Second Sunday of Advent 7:30 AM — +David Fenton & Sons +Anthony & Matthew Zalapi +Stanley Babinski 9:30 AM — +Clem Hojnacki +Jan Babicz +Deceased Members of Lenzi Family 11:30 AM — Ferruccio, Josip, John, Joe and Domenica Harzich Monday, December 5 8:30 AM— People of the Parish Tuesday, December 6 8:30 AM — +John J McNamara Wednesday, December 7 8:30 AM — Communion Service Thursday, December 8, Feast of Immaculate Conception 8:30 AM— +Steve Bednarczyk Friday, December 9 8:30 AM — People of the Parish Saturday, December 10 8:30 AM — Communion Service 5:00 PM — +Ruth & Harris Kirby Family +Wasik & Stricula Families +Delores Grisko Sunday, December 11, Thirs Sunday of Advent 7:30 AM — +Lorraine Szydolwski +David Fenton & Sons +Edward Niemiec +Vincent Zalapi 9:30 AM — +Clem Hojnacki +Jozef Dusza +Deceased Members of Lenzi Family 11:30 AM +Kopulos & Scribano Deceased Family Members +Barbara Conlon +Jerry & Marian Sliwinski

Sunday Readings for December 4

First reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 Second reading: Romans 15:4-9 Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

Sunday Readings for December 11

First reading: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 Second reading: James 5:7-10 Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

WEEKLY OFFERING

Week of November 19/20 $4,791.00 Give Central $ 195.00 Week of November 26/27 $5,803.00 Give Central $ 195.00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

The 2017 Mass book is open and there are still several dates available for 2016. 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 in-tention.

NEWS FROM QUEEN OF PEACE

Congratulations ~ 1st Quarter Honor Honors

Mikayla Carey Michelle Fuks

Brianna Viramontes

Fr. Stanley Stuglik, Pastor Mr. Bill Sullivan: Deacon Fr. Mark Canavan: Pastor Emeritus 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@sldm.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

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 Saturday 9:00—10:00 AM—Adoration 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 December 4, 2016 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Please change your records to reflect our new Email address indicated above.