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Church of the Holy Ghost Second Sunday of Advent Cycle A December 8, 2019
A Catholic Faith Community 254 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale, Illinois 60191 www.holyghostparish.org
Upcoming Parish Events
December 7/8 PADS & Christmas Basket Sign Up
CORE Giving Tree Tags
CCW Poinsettia Sale Gym After Mass
December 9 Mass 7 PM
December 10 Evening Prayer/Praying the Scriptures
7 PM Church
Mass Schedule
Monday through Thursday Mass 8:30 AM
Friday Mass or Communion Service 8:30 AM
Saturday 5 PM Sunday 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM
Holy Days of Obligation 8:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 7:00 PM
Welcome to Holy Ghost Parish
Holy Ghost Directory
Parish
Parish Office……….630.860.2975
Parish Fax…………..630.860.9482
Parish website…...www.holyghostparish.org
My Parish App: For Tablet and Smart phone download at myParishApp.com
Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Rev. John Hornicak, Pastor [email protected] Dino J. Franch, Deacon (retired) [email protected] Robbie Lasica, Deacon [email protected] Theresa Bero, Business Manager [email protected] Carolyn Niehoff, Music Director [email protected]
Faith Formation
Faith Formation Office………...630.766.1045
Kathy Grant, Director of Faith Formation [email protected]
Susan Tutaj, Coordinator of Discipleship [email protected]
Parish Mission Statement
We, the members of Holy Ghost Parish, are one body of Roman Catholic
people with diverse gifts and blessings, who share responsibility for the
transformation of ourselves and our world according to the teachings and
example of Jesus Christ.
Fed by the Holy Spirit, we nurture our faith through private prayer, liturgy
and sacraments, through life-long learning and teaching of Gospel values,
and through love and support of each other.
Empowered by the same Spirit, we live our faith in action through the
ministries of service, social justice, evangelization and witness, because all
are called to one and the same goal: unity with God, now and forever.
Amen.
Sacramental Information
Baptism takes place on some Sundays at 12:30 p.m.
Before scheduling your child’s Baptism, you must
attend a preparation class. Call the parish office to
make arrangements.
First Eucharist is celebrated each Spring and is
available to youth who have completed the required
preparation.
Confirmation is celebrated each year and is
available to youth who have completed the required
preparation.
Reconciliation is available Saturdays at 4:00 PM or
by appointment. During the seasons of Advent and
Lent Saturday Reconciliation will begin at 3:00 PM.
A day of Reconciliation is scheduled during Advent
and Lent at the Deanery Church in Elmhurst.
Marriage Diocesan policy requires 6 months
preparation time. Contact the parish office.
RCIA is a process for fully initiating adults into the
Catholic faith. It is for those who have not been
baptized or those who were baptized and/or raised in
another Christian denomination and are now
interested in becoming Catholic. This process is also
for Baptized Catholics who never completed their
initiation through the sacraments of Eucharist and/or
Confirmation. If interested, please contact the Faith
Formation office at 630-766-1045.
Eucharist for the Homebound If you or a
member of your family cannot attend Mass because
of illness or disability, a Minister of Care will bring
Communion to you. Please call the parish office at
630-860-2975 to make arrangements.
*Bulletin deadlines changed due to the holidays.
Please help the bulletin editor meet the deadlines by submitting
your bulletin articles at least two weeks before your event.
Last minute articles may not be able to be accommodated.
Please note the new email address:
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“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19
Announcement requests must be submitted to the
parish office by the end of business the Tuesday
prior to the weekend preferred.
All announcements must be approved by the pastor.
Readings and Resources
SUNDAY REFLECTION
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Gn 3:9-15, 20/Ps 98:1-4 /Eph 1:3-6, 11-12/Lk 1:26-38
Tuesday: Is 40:1-11/Ps 96:1-3, 10-13/Mt 18:12-14
Wednesday: Is 40:25-31/Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10/Mt 11:28-30
Thursday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 /Lk 1:5-25
Friday: Is 48:17-19/Ps 1:1-4 and 6/Mt 11:16-19
Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11/Ps 80:2-3 15-16, 18-19/Mt 17:9a, 10-13
Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10/ Ps 146:6-10/Jas 5:7-10/Mt 11:2-1
Come Pray the Rosary
Weekdays 9:00 AM & Thursdays 7:00 PM
Adoration: Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
OBSERVANCES FOR THIS WEEK
Monday: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wednesday: St. Damasus I, Pope
Thursday: Our Lady of Guadalupe
Friday: St. Lucy, Virgin & Martyr
Saturday: St. John of the Cross, Priest & Doctor of the Church
2nd Sunday of Advent Luke 3:1-6 Blessed Advent to you all! Today we continue the "joyful expectation" of the birth of Christ in history, the present, and the future. Today we hear the words of John the Baptist calling people of his time to repentance. Now, this baptism that John was calling people to is not the same baptism that we Christians celebrate. However, John's baptism is at the root of our Christian baptism. John's baptism had its roots in the "oblation washing" of the Jewish people before undertaking anything of great importance. Christian baptism is a sacrament to wash away original sin so as to enter sinless into the Christian community. It is the one sacrament that is celebrated by all Christians, even those Christians who are not in communion with Rome. John enjoins us to "prepare the way of the Lord." His call is to be taken in the widest sense. This preparation is a personal preparation, and is also a communal preparation. We are called to make sure we are ready to meet the Lord, and this means that we need to make a difference in the world to make it better, to make it more peaceful, and to make it more just. We are called to protect each other's dignity and share of our abundance with others so that each may live a life that is centered on helping others. Prepare the way!
Each year, this season of Advent comes around. We bless another candle this second week in Advent. Let us ask God to bless our family on this Second Sunday in Advent: God of new messengers, this Sunday you tell us in your Gospel “I am sending my messenger ahead of you.” Help us to be your messengers of peace and reconciliation as we journey through this second week of Advent. When we light this second candle on our wreath, let us bring your light to our friends and neighbors this week. We ask this through Christ, who is the Light of the world. Amen.
Please note: Weekday intentions may be
rescheduled due to changes or cancellations.
Monday, December 9 8:30 a.m. & 7p.m.
For the Parishioners of Holy Ghost, living and deceased
Tuesday, December 10 8:30 a.m.
Albina Ferrari
Wednesday, December 11 8:30 a.m.
Lyle, Helen & Susan Linnerud
Thursday, December 12 8:30a.m.
Raymond Kolinski
Friday, December 13 8:30a.m.
Communion Service
Mass Intention Information
$10 stipend per Mass Intention.
Mass Intention requests, in compliance with the
Decree on Mass Stipends, began on January 1,
2016: There will be one intention for a Mass.
Mass will be offered for all Parishioners in the Parish
on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Holy Thursday,
Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday, and Holy Days of
Obligation. No other intentions will be taken
for the Masses on these days.
Saturday, December 7
5:00 p.m.
Lee Rudy
Sunday, December 8
8:30 a.m.
For the Parishioners of Holy Ghost, living and deceased
Elmer Thompson
10:30 a.m.
Lora Sparacio
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During the early and mid-twentieth centuries, the Catholic Church in the United States experienced a surge in vocations to religious life, with numbers peaking in the mid-1960s. Care for elderly members was provided largely by younger ones. Over time, however, the number of vocations decreased while lifespans increased. The result is far fewer younger members available to support the retirement and eldercare needs of senior members. In 2019, 72 percent of the religious communities providing data to the NRRO had a median age of 70 or older.
CORE: Christian OutReach Effort is sponsoring our traditional outreach for Advent. Please join us for the Food Drive and the Giving Tree as part of your Advent journey. This first weekend of Advent, we are accepting non-perishable food items for the Wood Dale/Bensenville Food Pantry. Please leave your donations in Ryan Hall. Thank you for your support. The second weekend of Advent is the Giving Tree tag pick-up. On the third weekend of Advent, please return the Giving Tree gifts to Ryan Hall. On the fourth weekend of Advent, there will be prayerful reflection on the Nativity. The Giving Tree gifts bring great joy to the children of our food basket recipients. May Advent Blessings be upon you and your family.
Retirement Fund
Collection for Religious
on December 7 & 8
Thank you, in advance,
for your generous support.
Our Sanctuary Lamp
Our sanctuary lamp is a 7-day candle that is always lit above the tabernacle. If you would like to contribute $20 to the cost of the weekly candle we will print a “Thank You” in the bulletin. You are also welcome to make the donation in memory of a loved one or loved ones. The Sanctuary Lamp envelopes are available in the narthex. Please include a note that states how you would like your name and/or the names for memorials printed. Names will be printed in the bulletin in the order in which they are received, either in the collection or at the office.
From Judith Thompson
In Memory of
Elmer Thompson
Financial Giving to Holy Ghost
Food for the Banquet
$50 is needed each weekend for hosts and wine. If you would like to help cover the costs, drop your donation with your choice of date into the collection basket. The Food for the Banquet envelopes are available in the narthex
From Nemia L. Cinelli
In Memory of
Vovito & Cristina Leagogo
The following dates are open for donations:
January 25/26
All of February
All of March
All of April
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CMAA Pledge Report for Holy Ghost: PARISH GOAL: $52,300
AMOUNT PLEDGED: $60,400 AMOUNT PAID: $53,835 REMAINING BALANCE: $6,565
Thank you to our parishioners who have already pledged their support to the 2019 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal.
Please continue to fulfill your pledges, as we are counting on your commitment. If you have not yet made a gift, please
remember that every contribution, big or small, is welcome and appreciated! If we all participate, we can exceed our parish
goal. If we raise more than our goal, 70 percent of the amount over our goal will be returned to us for our use. This is an
amazing opportunity for our parish. If you have not made a gift yet, please consider doing so. Checks can be made to the
Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal and mailed to: Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal, Diocese of Joliet, 16555 Weber Road,
Crest Hill, IL 60403. You can also make a gift online at jolietdioceseappeal.org, or text “Donate” to (815) 205-1949 to link
to a donation form from your mobile phone.
Please continue to pray for the success of the CMAA. Thank you.
A Prayer For Our Church
Heavenly Father, in every age, you have been our refuge. Yet again and still, we stand before you asking for your protection on your Holy Church. We place our Church in your hands, for without you we can do nothing. May Jesus, our High Priest and true compass, continue to lead her in every thought and action to be an instrument of justice, a source of consolation, a sacrament of unity, and a manifestation of your faithful covenant. For the victims of abuse and their families, pour out your healing and your peace. For the leaders of your Church, pour out your Spirit to guide them and inspire their decisions. For those who have followed your call to serve you and your people in holiness, sustain them by your grace. For all the faithful who are searching for answers, embrace them with your love, restore their trust, console them with your clear Gospel message, and renew them with your sacraments. We ask this in the name of your Son and our Brother, and through the Holy Spirit, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever. Amen.
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Vocations Prayer
AIR FORCE:
LT COL Anthony Calabrese
LT COL Patty Calabrese
MAJ Mary Dones
1st LT Joseph Piscopo
2nd LT Joshua Jalowiec
SSGT Robert W. Dones
SSGT Timothy Latvis
ARMY:
COL Jeffrey K. Klotz
LTC Robert Bowen
LTC Grace Gallagher
CWO4 Anderson Mann
PVT Steven Badgley
PVT Ian Schauchuk
COAST GUARD:
CPO Dale Janetka
MARINE CORPS:
CAPT Edward W. Miller
LCPL David Lozeau
PVT Cameron Andresen
PVT John Rowley
PVT Billy Termine
Peter Bush
NAVY:
CAPT Thomas Zwolfer
LT Nicholas Lucania
ENS Matthew Starsiak
Ryan James Ruizol
Pray for Our Military
Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for
the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.
May God’s call for your life shine
through how you live.
May God’s call for your life flow
through what you do.
May God’s call for your life dwell
in who you are.
Amen.
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DISCIPLES MAKING DISCIPLES
Blessings,
Susan Tutaj
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2nd Sunday of Advent What does it mean to be worthy? There are a few different ways to approach this question. Today’s Gospel highlights two: the way of the Pharisees and the way of John the Baptist. Our faith values good works and discipleship. Perhaps, then, we “earn” our worth by adhering to the right doctrines and following the right pious practice. The Pharisees thought they were worthy. Due to their religious pedigree and proper procedures, they were self-satisfied. John the Baptist’s words to them are strong. “Do not resume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’” Of course, Jesus (and John) don’t omit the responsibility for moral behavior. John gives the Pharisees quite a strong warning in that regard. “Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance … every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” It’s a question of attitude. Of disposition. It’s a matter of the heart. If anyone would be worthy in this scenario, it’s John the Baptist. Jesus him-self will name him the greatest of prophets and
a great man. John, however, recognizes his own lowly place in the grand scheme of things. “The one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals.” The Pharisees take pride in being “better” than others. John embraces humility in Christ being “better” than him. We don’t self-generate our own worthiness. We receive it as a gift from God. In a few short weeks, we’ll celebrate the birth of Christ. Bishop Ven. Fulton Sheen wrote about the Nativity in his “Life of Christ”: “Because [Jesus] was born in a cave, all who wish to see Him must stoop. To stoop is the mark of humility. The proud refuse to stoop and, therefore, they miss divinity.” God invites us to prepare our hearts this Advent. When you consider your own life, where are you looking for your worth? This Christmas, are you prepared to stoop?
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Jesus Is Headed Your Way One day, we heard the news that a possible tornado was heading our way. We live off of a highway, and it was traveling along that very road. My wife and kids huddled in the downstairs bathroom. Not many tornadoes surface in North Carolina, so our children were particularly worried because it was something they had never contemplated happening before. The tornado never did come into our neighborhood, but it did cause one our sons to express that he needed to go to Confession as soon as possible. He hadn’t done anything too over the top sinful, but coming face-to-face with a tornado had cause him to have some second thoughts about his preparedness for meeting God. Hopefully, a tornado doesn’t make a path through your city or town this Advent.
Sometimes, reminders of our mortality find their way into life. The passing of a loved one, a car accident, or a health scare can all cause us to reflect on where we are in our relationship with God. Without those moments, we can find ourselves living daily without a mindfulness of where God is in our life and if our actions are pleasing to Him … or if they drag us further away into the world. Advent is the time to take inventory of where we are with God. How are we living as good stewards and mature disciples? What do I need to make amends for in the healing power of the sacrament of Penance? A tornado may not be coming, but Jesus will be returning someday. Hopefully, you will run outside of your home to meet him, and he won’t find you huddled up afraid in your bathroom. — Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS ©LPi
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What do we know about St. John the Baptist? We know quite a lot about John the Baptist from the Gospels and other historical sources. John was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth through a graced post-menopausal conception (Luke 1). John would have been raised with an intimate knowledge of Jewish doctrine and religious practice, due to his father being a Levite priest. Elizabeth is a “kinswoman” of Mary. While not in the same nuclear family, the two were close enough that Mary would journey to spend several months with Elizabeth during her pregnancy. We don’t know how close John and Jesus were as children, but they certainly knew of one another as cousins. Luke 3 tells us he began his ministry in “the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberias Caesar,” roughly 29 A.D. He lived as a hermit with clear ascetic practices, such as rough clothing and a simple vegetarian diet. Despite his remoteness, John’s ministry was prophetic. People came from across the region to be baptized in water as a sign of repentance. John, however, continually pointed beyond himself to the one who was to come: Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist’s call to repentance extended to the rules of his day. John critiqued the local rulers, Herod Antipas and his wife Herodias. Previously, Herodias had been married to Antipas’ brother, Herod Philip, but had betrayed him, left him, and married his more powerful brother. John was arrested for the slight and was eventually executed (Mark 6). This martyrdom prophetically anticipates the trials that awaited Christ and his followers. In life and death, John the Baptist served as the herald of the Messiah. ©LPi
Is Our Lady of Guadalupe only a cultural devotion?
You may be familiar with Our Lady of Guadalupe from devotions in Hispanic communities. There is a rich heritage originating in Mexico, the site of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe. But Mary is for all of us! Our Lady of Guadalupe is, in fact, named the patroness of all the Americas, from the Chilean Patagonian mountains to the Arctic islands of Canada. After Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego as a young, mestizo woman, conversions to Catholicism began to grow exponentially throughout Latin America. Our Lady of Guadalupe has been meaningful to the Mexican people, and her image and devotions have been incorporated as broader symbols of culture.
This apparition inspires across lines of nationality and culture. Juan Diego, recipient of the apparition, was a poor laborer. The famous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe did not appear on silk or stone, but on the simple, natural woven fibers of Juan Diego’s
tunic. The apparition affirms the dignity of the poor and shows striking solidarity. Mary appeared as the people appeared. In the apparition, Mary is indeed radiant, with the sun behind her and a cloak of stars around her. But her dress is simple, and she is pregnant. This apparition also reminds us of the sanctity of life and the need for life’s protection at all stages. Mary’s moving words to Juan Diego are words for us all: “Am I not here who am your mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Are you not in the folds of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms?”
©LPi
Servers for December 15
Sunday 8:30 am Sunday 10:30 am
Katie Niehoff
Kaelyn Hargadon
Maxim Gasior
Jimmy Haas
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7:00pm - 8:15pm Dates (Mondays):
January: 6th & 20th February: 3rd & 17th
March: 2nd & 23rd April: 6th & 27th May: 4th & 18th
Make Mondays Momdays
Moms Bible Study
To Register Please Contact
630-766.1045
630-766-4508 Walk-ins are always
welcome!
The Sunday Missal for the new liturgical year may
be purchased at the Welcome Center for $5.
You may also purchase the missal in the parish office
during the week.
Oplatki Christmas wafers may be purchased at the Welcome Center for $5. You may also purchase
oplatki in the parish office during the week.
My Parish App is featuring
a new home page for the season. Check out the
Advent Reflections Button to enhance
your journey to Christmas.
PLEASE HELP: AS OF DECEMBER 2
2 SERVERS NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE 4 PM
2 SERVERS NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE 10 PM
2 SERVERS NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS DAY 8:30 AM
2 SERVERS NEEDED FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE 5 PM
1 SERVER NEEDED FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY 8:30 AM
PLEASE CONTACT FRAN AT: 630-766-4508
OR BY EMAIL: [email protected]
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