Fourth Sunday of

Advent December 20, 2015

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All of Us- #127 -by Fr. Larry “Wow, you got a lot of stuff in your cart Father! Is

that all for you?” That’s what my childhood friend Teddy Merkle

said as he pulled up behind me with his shopping cart in the checkout line. I was shopping at Binnys and my basket was full with bottles of booze and a couple of sticks of beef-jerky. I didn’t see him coming. I was in the middle of emptying my cart unto the conveyor belt so that the cashier could scan the glass bottles. I blushed a little knowing that I had so many items. It was my day off, and I was glad I wasn’t wearing my clerical collar.

I turned around and said, “Hey Teddy, Merry

Christmas. Good to see you. No, this is not all for me. I don’t drink. Actually these are all Christmas presents. The nice thing is that one size fits all.”

I then realized I wasn’t thinking fast enough. I

could have fibbed and told Teddy that the two cases of red wine were for church. But, I don’t think he would believe that we would serve such a good vintage at Mass, even on Christmas Eve. I could have told him it was part of a creative evangelization project where we were encouraging folks to regularly attend Mass. We would be known as the “church with the good wine.” (Just kidding.)

“How have you been Teddy?” “Well, it’s been crazy,” he said. “I have been doing

a lot of running around trying to get ready for Christmas. We don’t even have our tree up yet at home. It’s starting to dry out and the needles are falling off on the porch. The kids are home from school this week. Two of them are sick with fevers. We are pumping them with fluids and chicken soup; I hope that they will rebound before Santa comes.”

I could hear the stress in his voice. His face looked

tired, and his eyes looked heavy. He had done all these Christmas preparations before; but this year things seemed more challenging.

“I have to admit, I’m a little overwhelmed Father.

I’ve tried to stay on top of stuff, but it’s hard with all that has to get done. There’s so little time.”

I tried to comfort him by saying, “Teddy, don’t

worry. If it happens, it happens. Don’t stress-out over it. If it was meant to be done, it was meant to be done. Christmas will happen even if we are ready or not; and that’s okay.”

I could sense he gained a little relief from my

words as he dropped his shoulders. It looked like some of the holiday pressure was off.

“Teddy, try to enjoy it. The trees, the cookies, the

cards, the parties, the presents, the decorating are all good things; but remember what it’s all about.”

“Sounds like you are giving me a preview of your Christmas homily,” Teddy said.

“Well, sort of” I said. “It is always good to take it

out for a test drive if you can.” I then told him, “I remember a funny Christmas TV

commercial a few years ago. The scene opens with a little boy, about 8 years old, opening his presents by the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. His family is gathered around him in the family room. He holds one of his presents in his hands. His mom tells him to go ahead and open the box. He quickly tears through the wrapping paper as fast as he can. His little body is shaking with excitement. He yells out with all the power in his little lungs, “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Then the boy pauses for a moment. There is dead silence. He regains his composure, and looks to his mom and dad and sheepishly asks, “What is it?”

I saw a smirk surface on Teddy’s face. “That cute

Father,” he said. “I know what you mean.” We can easily forget what we got. Christmas is all about how God so loved the world that he gave us the gift of His Son. In return, we get to say back to God, “Yes! Yes! Yes! May our hearts and homes be filled with the joy that the Christ-child brings to the world. “Teddy do you want some beef jerky?” I asked, willing to split my purchase with hm. “Why don’t we get a burger instead?” he suggested. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” I said, just to annoy him. “Oh stop that Father!” Teddy said. “Keep that up and Santa’s going to take you off his list.” ******* The Staff of Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph wish you a very Merry to Christmas. We hope that you will be able to celebrate the wonderful birth of Jesus with our parish community. May these holy days be filled with joy and peace that the Christ-child brings to the world.

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Advent�; Not Just a Countdown to Christmas! Thank you to our seventh and eighth graders in Religious Education for leading the Religious Education community in an Advent prayer last Sunday! One of our seventh graders shared that she learned that Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas, but a time to prepare for Jesus. Thank you to our students for reminding us to pre-pare for the coming of Jesus as we prepare for the Christ-mas celebration.

This Sunday is the last Sunday of RE before the Christ-mas break. Class will resume on January 3!

Christmas Decorating Volunteers

St. Joseph Church

Sunday, December 20th 12:00 Noon

Immaculate Conception

Tuesday, December 22nd at 1:00 pm

Please consider volunteering for an hour to prepare our churches for a beautiful Christmas!

New Parishioners A message from the Parish offices� If you have registered as a new parishioner within the last 3 months and not heard back from us please re-send the registration request. Due to a glitch with our website, the emails were not coming through. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please contact Clair Martin to reregister. cmartin@icsjparish.org

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2015 Second Collections Remaining Schedule

December 27th Sharing Parish

Thank you for your generosity!

♦ God calls us to be good and faithful stewards.

Sharing our blessings helps us to build the Kingdom of God

♦ Your financial support helps us to continue the mission and ministry of Jesus ♦ As we approach Christmas and the year end,

please review your parish contributions and your capital campaign pledge payments as you plan for your Christmas and year end donation

♦ Gifts made on or before December 31st may be

tax deductible for this tax year ♦ Gifts of stocks and other securities, held more

than one year, are excellent gifts to make. You may be able to deduct the stocks’ fair market value and avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation of the stock

♦ Gift annuities are an option for people wishing

to donate money to their parish over a long time frame

♦ Does your employer offer matching gift

donations? ♦ Please consider donating your time, talent and

resources to the church or school through one of the many church/school ministries or organizations. Volunteering can be such a rewarding experience

Christmas and Year End Giving

Stewardship

New Date for Wine and Cheese The First Saturday Wine and Cheese for January will not be held due to the proximity of the New Year's Holiday. We will resume on the First Saturday of February when we will be joined by our sharing parish. Please mark your calendars and join us February 6th.

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(God to the Prophet) “When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you” (Jer 29:12)

The Advent Retreat with Fr. Larry McBrady Was enjoyed by all!

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More Ways to Share With Those in Need Visits for the Homebound The Parish Eucharistic Ministers of Extraordinary Care are available to visit and bring the Eucharist to people in the area. Please assist us to identify persons who would bene it. Give a call to the parish of ice and someone will reach out and inquire if the homebound person would like a visit. You are invited to request a visit for yourself or someone you know. Contact (312)-944-1230 or (312)-787-7174 ICSJ Food Pantry Please drop off clothing donations: SJ drop-off : Monday and Wednesday 9am to 2pm. IC drop-off: Monday - Friday 9am to 2pm. The Pantry is currently in need of: • KitchenWares• BathroomSupplies• BedroomItems• Clothing Thank you for your support.

A Big Thank You to all of Santa’s Elves

For their generosity to The Giving Tree!

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Readings for the Week Today’s Readings

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THIS WEEK December 19th and December 20th Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Sacristan

5:00 pm Mass (1)M. Rusin (1)M. Wilson (1) Luke Demmel & Julianne Knox Celebrant: Fr. Larry Lisowski (2)A. Fielek (2)A. Baranowski (3)M. Baranowski 9:30 am Mass Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Sacristan Celebrant: Fr. Larry Lisowski (1)R. Maechling (1)MA Breitfelder (1)Barb Jacobazzi (2) (2)T. Viancourt (3)J. Viancourt 12:30 pm Mass Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Sacristan Celebrant: Fr. Larry Lisowski (1)MA Trauscht (1)M. Snider (1)Kim Morton (2)J. Mosser (2)K. Morton NEXT WEEK December 26th and December 27th Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Sacristan 5:00 pm Mass (1)M. Rusin (1)A. Rudser-Rusin (1)John and Margaret Comer Celebrant: Fr. Larry McBrady (2)L. Nora (2)M. Nick (3)L. Nora 9:30am Mass Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Sacristan/Usher Celebrant: Fr. Larry McBrady (1)R. Maechling (1)MA Breitfelder (1)Barb Jacobazzi (2) (2)S. Bredeman 12:30 pm Mass Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Sacristan/Usher Celebrant: Fr. Larry McBrady (1)J. Mosser (1)K. Morton (1)Kim Morton (2)G. Duday (2)M. Hennessy (3)J. Mosser

THIS WEEK December 20th Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Sacristan Greeters 8:00am Mass (1)J. Riedle (1)J. Riedle (1) E. Kean (1) Celebrant: Fr. Larry McBrady (2) (2) (3) 11:00am Mass Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Sacristan Greeters Celebrant: Fr. Larry McBrady (1)J. Valle (1)M. Valle (1) T. Gamble (1)A. Holmes (2)J. Sender (2)M. Prendergast (2)A.M Lewis (3)MK Driscoll NEXT WEEK December 27th Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Sacristan Greeters 8:00am Mass (1)T. Slavin (1)T. Slavin (1) E. Kean (1) Celebrant: Fr. Larry Lisowski (2) (2) 11:00am Mass Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Sacristan Greeters Celebrant: Fr. Larry Lisowski (1)K. Stolze (1)C. Rehkemper (1)T. Gamble (1)A. Holmes

(2)D. Stolze (2)M. Prendergast (2)A. M. Lewis (3)T. Gamble

St. Joseph Parish Ministry Schedule

Immaculate Conception Parish Ministry Schedule

First Reading -- From you, Bethlehem, shall come forth one who is to be ruler in Israel. (Micah 5:1-4a). Psalm -- Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved (Psalm 80). Second Reading -- By Christ doing the will of God, we have been consecrated (Hebrews 10:5-10). Gospel -- "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Luke 1:39-45).

Monday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Wednesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Thursday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Friday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25]Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] Saturday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1431 N. North Park Avenue

Phone: 312-944-1230

MASSES Tuesday: Thursday: 7:00 AM Saturday: 7:30 AM Saturday Evening: 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM; 12:30 PM

Coffee and Donuts after 9:30 AM Mass.

Holy Days: 7:00 AM, 5:30 PM

PARISH OFFICE Clair Martin, Parish Coordinator

Samantha Stephens, Asst. Parish Coordinator Sherrine Manning, Evening/Weekend Receptionist

ST. JOSEPH 1107 N. Orleans Street Phone: 312-787-7174

Angela Gore, Parish Coordinator

MASSES Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM Coffee and Donuts after 11:00 AM Mass.

Holy Days: 8:00 AM; 7:00 PM

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ST. JOSEPH STAFF

Rev. Lawrence Lisowski, Pastor Rev. Larry McBrady, Senior Priest Rev. Ronald Hicks, Resident Priest Mark Besztery, Business Manager Maria Hill, ICSJ School Principal (Hill Street Campus)

Katie Sullivan, ICSJ School Principal (North Park Campus)

Mary Beth May, Director of Religious Education Kate Ryan, Director of Music Libby Lucas, Bulletin Editor Colm Murphy, Maintenance Supervisor

SACRAMENTS Baptisms: Call either Parish Center Marriages: Call either Parish Center at least four months in advance Anointing of the Sick: Anytime by request. Please noti-fy the Parish Office if home bound or hospitalized. Reconciliation: Saturdays at IC: 8:30 a.m. or by appointment. ICSJ SCHOOL INFORMATION: Please call 312-944-0304.

New parishioners: Call either parish office to register or visit our parish website: www.icsjparish.org.

Parish Information IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH

Saturday, December 19th-7:30am Fr. Fred Tomzik Saturday, December 19th– 5:00pm Warren Stephens Sunday, December 20th–9:30am Brent Laso Sunday, December 20th-12:30pm John Rafferty Tuesday, December 22nd-7:00am Tony Apollaro Thursday, December 24th-7:00pm Christmas Eve Living & Deceased Members of the Kalata, Kapusnik

and Kedzior Families Friday, December 25th-9:30am Christmas Day Mildred Tortorello Friday, December 25th-12:30pm Christmas Day For Our ICSJ Parishioners Saturday, December 26th–5:00pm Joan Fogerty Sunday, December 27th–9:30am Pat Rodgers Sunday, December 27th–12:30pm Dawn C. Rish

Sunday, December 20th–8:00am Ellie Marie Ponsaran Sunday, December 20th-11:00am For Our ICSJ Parishioners Monday, December 21st-8:00am

Fr. Fred Tomzik Wednesday, December 23rd-8:00am

Justin Baumgardner Thursday, December 24th– 4:00pm Christmas Eve The Kozak and Lisowski Families Friday, December 25th-8:00am Christmas Day John Tkachuk Friday, December 25th– 11:00am Christmas Day Matthew Daley Sunday, December 27th-8:00am For Our ICSJ Parishioners Sunday, December 27th–11:00am Kathryn Carrol

ST. JOSEPH CHURCH

SAINTS and SPECIAL OBSERVANCES THIS WEEK

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Mass Schedule

Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Advent Monday: St. Peter Canisius; Winter begins Wednesday: St. John of Kanty Thursday: The Vigil of Christmas Friday: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Saturday: St. Stephen; First day of Kwanzaa