St. Louis de Montfort

Oak Lawn, Illinois

Solemnity of Mary January 1, 2017

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There is no better way to begin the New Year like dedicating ourselves to Mary, the Mother of God, as we always do each year on January 1. Mary always brings us to her son Jesus! Today's Solemnity reminds us that if we have become Christ's spiritual brothers and sisters, we have also become spiritual children of Mary. She was His mother in the flesh, and she is our mother in grace. Just as we learn from our natural mothers how to be good human beings, so we learn from Mary how to become holy disciples of her Son. She is the living school where we learn every virtue that leads to happiness and holiness.

In today's Gospel she teaches us one of the most important virtues of all: wisdom. St Luke tells us how Mary responded to the wonderful things that God was doing in and around her: "Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." Just as Mary's womb was open to receiving God's living Word at the moment of Christ's Incarnation, so her heart was constantly open to receiving God's ongoing words and messages as He continued to speak through the events of her life. This capacity and habit of reflecting in our heart on God's action in our lives is both a sign and a source of wisdom, and yet, we can never become mature, courageous, and joyful followers of Christ unless we develop it. The third verb that Mary used to describe this scene to St Luke is a double verb. St Luke tells us that after the shepherds made haste to come and see Jesus, and after they told their amazing story to everyone who would listen, they "returned glorifying and praising God." When we seek Christ and share Christ, He fills our hearts with a deep, inner joy. The shepherds were so full of this joy that they couldn't hold it in. Materially and economically nothing had changed. They didn't have more money, a better job, a nicer house, or even a few more Christmas presents. Yet, if while they were walking back to their flocks someone had asked them, "What did you get for Christmas," they would have had a ready answer. They would have said, "We have seen God, our Savior, and we have seen his Mother, our Queen. Now we know that God loves us more than we could ever have imagined." Their bank accounts weren't affected by their encounter with the newborn Christ, but they were immeasurably richer on Christmas Day than they had been the day before. If we follow in the shepherds' footsteps this year, actively seeking Christ in prayer, the Bible, and the sacraments, and bringing Christ's grace and presence to those around us, we too will experience the true joy of Christmas all year round. Therefore, how do we follow Mary’s example in our lives today? On Christmas Day the Prince of Peace was born into the world. For the next thirty years, he grew up under Mary's care, until the day that he completed his earth-ly mission and opened the gates of heaven to a fallen human race. On that day, when Jesus hung dying on the cross, Mary was still by his side. She was his faithful companion, his faithful Mother. She is also our Mother. When we were baptized, we became brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ. As St Paul writes to the Galatians, Jesus was "born of a woman" so that, through uniting ourselves to Him we could "receive adoption as sons" of God. Because we are Christians, we can call God "Father", not just symbolically, but truly. Because we are Christians, we also call Mary "Mother", just as Christ, our brother, does. If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, then Mary is the Queen of Peace. If we truly want to experience peace in our hearts, our families, and our world, we can do no better than to follow the example of our Prince and our Queen. Jesus entrusted himself to Mary's care, so should we, every day, simply by giving her some of our time. For her part, Mary never stopped treasuring Jesus. As St Luke tells us, "Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." If we follow our Mother's example, by keeping Christ in the spotlight of our hearts, His grace will gradually heal our wounds, strengthen our weakness, resolve our conflicts, and bring us more and more of His peace. 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. Let us welcome our mother into our hearts and lives ever more this 2017 New Year!

Wishing all of you a very safe and healthy 2017 New Year! 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!! Happy New Year! I enjoy taking a moment at this time of year to look back at 2016 and to also look forward to 2017. This past year was full of changes for St. Louis de Montfort School and Parish as well as myself. I am proud of how the school year has gone thus far. We have focused on helping the students to really live their faith - by sponsoring food drives, toy drives, and participating in the Women's Auxiliary sock and underwear and coat drives. We believe it is important for the students to learn to think about others. We have also stressed the importance of learning about our catechism - a big thank you to Father Stan for all he has taught us during Mass, during visits and most recently, during our weekly Advent Prayer Services. Our faith is what sets St. Louis de Montfort School apart from our local public schools. I spent time this Advent reading a book, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas. Each day, there was a different story from Jesus' family tree, as well as a reflection on that story. Two days really stood out to me. The first day, December 12th, focused on the theme of 'The Little Things'. The story was about Naomi and Ruth, when Ruth says to Naomi, "Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God." The reflection focused on little miracles - how everything that is happening around us every day is happening to make miracles. I have seen many miracles in our school so far this year. The second day that stood out is the entry for December 25th. The entry is titled "Never Ending Christmas". The story is, of course, the Nativity and how Jesus changed the world simply by being born. The reflection states: Jesus came into the world for us. And, we came into the world for Him, to let everyone know about Him. This is the message that the teachers have focused on so far this year and we will continue to do so.

Mrs. Wilson (PS There is still time to purchase your raffle ticket for the suite to a Blackhawks game. Please support this major fundraiser for our school! Details below.)

Week 16—No Winners

***************************************** St. Louis de Montfort

FSA

FSA collects “box tops” and “labels for education” which can be found on many

popular food and household products packaging. Please save these labels for our school. They provide a variety of free merchandise, such as playground equipment and arts & crafts supplies. We also receive cash rebates! There is a mailbox located in the church and school vestibule where you can conveniently drop off your labels. We thank you for your help!

St. Louis de Montfort Raffle

DID YOU GET YOUR RAFFLE TICKET YET?

Time is running out! 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!

∗Split the cost with friends or family

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

∗DRAWING WILL BE HELD JANUARY 29TH

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ATTENTION BINGO LOVERS

BINGO IS BACK!!

Sunday, January 22nd! DOORS OPEN 12:30

PULL TABS ~ DOOR PRIZES EARLY BIRD GAMES

FOOD & REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE

$20 ADMISSION COVERS ALL REGULAR GAMES

There are many ways to say THANK YOU but they all have the same meaning, You’ve touched someone’s life.

That is exactly what our Parish Pantry has done for many families in the area during this season of giving and throughout the year. We couldn’t have done it without the generous support of our parishioners, school students and organizations in the area. Parishioners have donated anonymously, in honor of a loved one and just out of the goodness of their hearts. Our students have organized food drives that have given them an opportunity to think about and help others less fortunate. Parishioners have volunteered their time each week to help in the distribution of food to those who visit our pantry. Area and parish organizations and individuals have made contributions that were unexpected and a great help to our cause. We would like to thank the following groups and individuals for their generous support. Bridgeview Chamber of Commerce Oak Lawn Garden Club Oak Lawn Municipal Employees Credit Union Jewel Foods Knights of Columbus Council #14553 Women’s Auxiliary of Council #143553 Tucker ~ Tomasek Families All Parishioner Contributors

Of course, without the following Parish Pantry Volunteers this ministry would not be possible: Paula Jim Larry Al Barb and Tom Trusk

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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.

Please keep them and their families in your prayers.

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

Jan. 7 5:00PM Jan. 8 7:30 AM Jan. 8 9:30 AM Jan. 8 11:30 AM M. Navedo K. Delmagori M. Murphy C. Karnoski J. Werner M. Kocher D. Gajda C. Gotto T. Wasik B. Gilbert S. Kozak M. Farrell Extraordinary J. Kocher L. Gilbert J. Cepek G. Pierzynski Ministers of Communion L. Trail M. Gilbert M. Hurley N. Rodl C. Sorensen I. Ramirez D. Widmer D. Ott M. Leffers R. Staros D. Sichelski M. Gal

Commenator A. Lieske M. Gilbert D. Sichelski C. Gotto

Lector M. Leffers M. Uryasz D. Widmer L. Noble

Thank you!! We are a parish of generous and caring people. Thank you to everyone for your continued generosity and concern for others. We received a thank you from The Women’s Center for the contributions to their Baby Bottle Project. St. Louis de Montfort raised $2,333.63 for this annual fundraiser. A second big thank you for your support of the Giving Tree project. So many children and families in need benefit from your kindness. This year, in addition to all of the gifts that filled the boxes, with overflow in the vestibule, cash donations totaled $680.00. St. Martin de Porres House of Hope is grateful for your giving spirit. Please continue to keep all those in need in your daily prayers.

CHECK OUT THE GIVECENTRAL WEBSITE www.givecentral.org

Many parishioners are registered and using the this 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.

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Weekly Activities at St. Louis

Saturday, December 31 9:00 AM—Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM Adoration Sunday, January 1 Monday, January 2 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) Tuesday, January 3 9:00 AM — Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM — Needle workers (QH) Wednesday, January 4 8:00 AM— Classes Resume 9:00 AM — Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Thursday, January 5 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) Friday, January 6 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Saturday, January 7 9:00 AM — Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM— Adoration Sunday, January 8 1:00 PM—Baptism

Weekly Mass Intentions

Saturday, December 31, New Years Eve 8:30 AM — Communion Service 5:00 PM— +Anne, Louis, Carole Rostan +Frank Bilo Sunday, January 1, Solemnity of Mary 7:30 AM - Uryasz & Conlon Families 9:30 AM - +Mike Wodke +Leopold & Anna Ciezczak +Alecia Coglianese +Joanne Angotti +Thelma LaSalvia 11:30 AM—People of the Parish Monday, January 2 8:30 AM— People of the Parish Tuesday, January 3 8:30 AM — Martin Findeis Wednesday, January 4 8:30 AM — Communion Service Thursday, January 5 8:30 AM— Clem Hojnacki Friday, January 6 8:30 AM — Special Intention Saturday, January 7 8:30 AM — Communion Service 5:00 PM— +Delores Ferrini +Joseph Zalapi +Frank Bilo +John J McNamara Sunday, January 8, Epiphany of the Lord 7:30 AM +Alice Puriski +Marie Mauge +Irene Valuckis 9:30 AM - People of the Parish 11:30 AM—+Daniel Kelleher Sr, +Pat Gremal & +Chuck Pasch +Yolanda DeJesus +Bessie Ottaviano Family

Sunday Readings for January 1

First reading: Numbers 6:22-27 Second reading: Galatians 4:4-7 Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

Sunday Readings for January 8

First reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 Second reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

WEEKLY OFFERING

Due to publishing deadline collections for

December 24 & 25th are not available.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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 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 January 1, 2017 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Please change your records to reflect our new Email address indicated above.