L o v e

The Catholic Community of Divine Infant Jesus Church and Divine Providence Church & School Westchester, IL

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020

For additional information regarding our parish, please see page 11 or visit our website: marymotherofdivinegrace.org

Welcome to

Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Parish

The Catholic Community of Divine Infant Jesus Church and Divine Providence Church and School

PARISH CHURCH LOCATIONS DIVINE PROVIDENCE

Church: 2600 Mayfair Ave. Business Office: 2550 Mayfair Ave.

Westchester, IL 60154 (708) 562-3364 FAX: (708) 562-3134

Hours: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Mass Schedule: Monday 8:00 AM

Anticipated Mass Saturday 4:00PM

DIVINE INFANT JESUS Church: Newcastle & Canterbury Avenues Rectory Office: 1601 Newcastle Ave. Westchester, IL 60154 (708) 865-8071 FAX: (708) 865-8032 Hours: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Mass Schedule: Wednesday & Friday: 8:00 AM Sundays: 10:00 AM

Holy Days of Obligation: As announced in bulletin.

PARISH STAFF

MISSION STATEMENT - Who We Are The mission of the faith community of Mary, Mother of Divine Grace is to inspire spiritual growth by worshiping, teaching and living by example our love of Jesus, His Church and our neighbors.

VISION STATEMENT - Who We Strive to Be The parish of Mary, Mother of Divine Grace will continually serve all people by being good stewards for future generations. We make Christ known by living and teaching our faith.

OUR MISSION and OUR VISION

Clergy and Consecrated Religious

Pastor Reverend Marcin Szczypula

Administrator Deacon James Sponder

Residents Reverend Gerald Joyce Reverend Thomas Winikates

Deacon Richard Hudzik Liturgy & Adult Faith Formation Director Deacon James Sponder 708-562-3364 - x13 jsponder@archchicago.org Religious Education Administrator Sr. Christine Nantaba, IHMR 708-865-8086-DI 708-562-2258-DP cnantaba@archchicago.org

Sacristan Sr. Susan Najjemba, IHMR

Pastoral Staff Office 708-562-3364

Operations Director Mr. John Maher jmaher@archchicago.org

Secretary /Bookkeeper Mrs. Toni Podock tonilpodock@archchicago.org

Administrative Assistant Ms. Karen Luciano kluciano@archchicago.org

Marketing/Enrollment Director Mrs. Linda Hawkins lhawkins@archchicago.org Music Ministry Divine Providence 2500 Mayfair Ave. School 708- 562-2258

Principal Mrs. Lynn LeTourneau lynn.letourneau@archchicago.org

Secretary Mrs. Chrystal Farmar cfarmar@archchicago.org

Volume 20 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 20, 2020

Christmas 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

When I think of Christmas, I often remember my Busha (Grandma in Polish) telling me of how she spent the Christmas with her family during the depression of 1929. She told us that my Great Grandfather was lucky to be able to buy a small tree for their apartment in Chicago which they happily decorated with handmade paper ornaments. They attended Christmas Day Mass, and when they returned home after a modest meal, they each received an apple or orange as gifts. During those years, she explained, that it was a luxury! “It was a simple but beautiful Christmas”, she said, with a smile on her face as she reminisced telling me the story.

Many Christmases have since passed, and today as I write this letter, I look out the window and see many houses along the block decorated with many beautiful lights. I am reminded, that despite this terrible pandemic and other problems being faced here and worldwide, and the sadness and heartbreak they bring, we will continue with faith, love, and joy, for the lights represent the warmth and love of our savior, Jesus Christ, for He is the light of the world; God sent us His light that first Christmas. When you look at the Christmas lights, remember the true light!

Last but not least, a special thank you to all those who support our parish and those who serve in the various ministries and organizations for your dedication, sacrifices, and hard work to try to make this parish a light of Christ’s love in this world. On behalf of Father Joyce, Father Tom, Deacon Richard, myself, and all of the Staff, I wish each of you a blessed and joyous Christmas and New Year!

-Deacon Jim Sponder

Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Parish CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve - Thursday, 12/24 4:00pm* at Divine Providence *(Mass will be livestreamed & available on MMODG YouTube.) 5:00pm at Divine Infant Jesus

PLEASE NOTE: Dispensation from Sunday Mass remains in force. For those who are medically compromised, we encourage you to stay home and participate through livestreamed and televised Masses. Reservations are required. Please visit our website, www.marymotherofdivinegrace.org for the link to attend Mass. In keeping with the safety & health of our parishioners NO walk-ins will be allowed.

Sign up for Christmas Eve and Day Masses will close on Tuesday, December 22 at 10am. Sign up for Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Masses will close on Tuesday, December 29 at 10am.

If you do not have access to the internet, please call the Divine Providence Rectory, 708-562-3364 on Mondays between 10a-3p. More details can be found on our website.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Thur., 12/31 4:00pm at Divine Providence Fri., 01/01 9:00am at Divine Infant Jesus

Christmas Day - Friday, 12/25 10:00am at Divine Providence 10:00am at Divine Infant Jesus

Divine Providence Mass Intentions

Monday, 12/21 8:00am For the Parishioners †Bill Betz

Tuesday, 12/22 8:00am †Tee Calia

Wed., 12/23 8:00am †Claire Hawkins

Thurs., 12/24 4:00pm †Dan Steinhauer †Dmytro Martyn

Fri., 12/25 10:00am For the Parishioners †John Joyce †Cybulski Families †Edward & Michael Hanley †George & Carolyn Zanoni †Dado Brasic †Richard Merda †Mary Gentile †Andrew & Marguerite Greven †Martin Wyskup

Weekend Masses Sat., 12/26 4:00pm People of the Parish †Rita Zdun †The Edwin Toloczko Family †The Frank Napolitano Family Lily Verburgt

Sun., 12/27 *All 8:30am Mass Intentions at Divine Providence have been moved to

10:00am at Divine Infant Jesus*

Divine Infant Jesus Mass Intentions

Thurs., 12/24 8:00am †Virginia Concialdi †Virginia Wilken

5:00pm †Austin J. Boyle †Thomas Smith

Friday, 12/25 10:00am †For All the Souls in Purgatory †Wilda Gordon †Irene & Jerry Spahn †Bob & Peg Grimes Nawrocki Family

Sat., 12/26 8:00am Those suffering from COVID-19

Weekend Masses Sat., 12/26 *All 5:00pm Mass Intentions at

Divine Infant Jesus have been moved to 4:00pm at Divine Providence*

Sun., 12/27 10:00am †All the Souls in Purgatory †Carl L. Covelli †Helen & William Juvancic †John & Mary Scalera

Please be assured all Mass Intentions scheduled will be acknowledged during the week by our

priests as they celebrate Mass in private.

WEEKLY COLLECTIONS

Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Parish Divine Infant Jesus & Divine Providence

Collections for the week of 12/13, 12/20, 12/27 & 1/03 will be published in the

January 10th Bulletin

Please consider giving online at: WeShare https://marymotherofdivinegrace.churchgiving.com/

Pat Ambrosia Vincent Antonio

Ina Bax Tony Belmonte

Midge Berg Laura Biagini Tony Biliskov Lois Bugajski

Rose Campobasso Gilda Cappetta

Michelle Carnagio Michael Carr

Cindy Cerveny Jacqueline & Leonard

Christopher Joseph E. Cistaro Dee Coglianese Barbara Coloia

Mary Jo Conway Margaret Cullen

Will Engwall Billy Ferraris

Francis Giannopoulous Bob Gibson

Nick Goedert Marcy Goetz Eileen Gorski

Mary Ann Graziano Nathaniel Gutierrez

Desi Hamilton Adeline Hartman Christopher Heitz Betty Hornbogen

Betty Hyland Anthony Jandacek

Carme Jandacek Lorraine Jaworek

Janet Joy Danute Juras

Joe Kasey Lois Kedzior

Mary Ann Kelly

Mary Kmet Barbara Kolar

Sr. Rita Kristoff Jason Kuntz

Ignatius Lagen Art Malina

Thomas Martirano Sam Martyn

Steve Mazzarella Noreen McKenna

Gabriel Meier Peggy Melville

Noreen Mickelsen Richard Mraz Stefan Mraz

Jim Muha Mulfinger Family

Mark Nelson Christine Neuzil Bernice Niemiec Patricia Olson

Frank Pedota, Sr. Ralph Perri Mark Puc

Ralph Romano Diana Roselli

Evelyn Sadecki Gina Santucci

Michael Scherer Geraldine Schneider

Don Sloan Paul Sodayko

Grayson Stanley Sarah Stanley Grace Thomas

Vito Valerio Parker Van Gelder

Bob Van Lanen Florence Voves

Mary Walsh Edward & Alice Wasilewski

Steven Wiersema

Divine Infant Jesus & Divine Providence

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CONFESSIONS

Saturday, December 26th 8:30am - 9:00am Divine Infant Jesus Church

You will be required to sign in upon arriving for confession.

Please wear a face mask.

Parish Calendar of Events DP = DIVINE PROVIDENCE / DI = DIVINE INFANT JESUS

Monday, December 21 8:00a Mass - Divine Providence Church (Limit 50 people) NO RE Classes Christmas Break-DP School 12/21/2020 - 01/01/2021 Classes resume 01/04/2021

Tuesday, December 22

Wednesday, December 23 8:00a Mass - Divine Infant Jesus Church (Limit 50 people)

Thursday, December 24 - Christmas Eve 4:00p Mass - Divine Providence Church (Limit 65 people) 5:00p Mass - Divine Infant Jesus Church (Limit 100 people)

Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day 10:00a Mass - Divine Infant Jesus Church (Limit 100 people) 10:00a Mass - Divine Providence Church (Limit 65 people) Saturday, December 26 Confessions 8:30a-9:00a - Divine Infant Jesus Church

4:00p Anticipated Mass - Divine Providence Church (Limit 65 people)

Sunday, December 27 10:00a Mass - Divine Infant Jesus Church (Limit 100 people)

Please remember to pray for all those who have gone home to heaven and their families including:

Donald Devine Husband of Elizabeth

James P. Gratz Husband of Theresa

Ralph Schroeder Husband of Sharon

Father of Phil (Beth), Grandfather of Ryan

Kathleen Breuss Mother of Laura Brown

OPLATKI Christmas Wafers Keep the tradition or start a new one!

FREE WILL donation

Oplatki is available after Masses at Divine Infant Jesus Church and Divine Providence Church

while supplies last.

If you are unable to attend Mass, please call the Divine Infant Jesus Rectory or the Divine Providence Rectory

to arrange pick up.

Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Parish 2021 Calendars

Calendars will be available after Masses at

Divine Infant Jesus and Divine Providence Church

If you are unable to attend Mass, please call the Divine Infant Jesus or the Divine Providence Rectory

to arrange pick up.

“Let us look forward to 2021 as a healthy, safe, NEW BEGINNING!”

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Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Giving Tree

A very big THANK YOU to the very generous people of our parish and community!!! We realize this year has been a struggle for all

and didn't know what to expect for this year's Giving Tree.

Well, You definitely proved that it is in the giving that we receive. You have given hope to those who were a part of this event, and have

spread joy to those who will receive their special gifts from you! We are grateful for your generosity.

Merry Christmas!

ADVENT Hope ~ Peace ~ Joy ~ Love

In this fourth week of Advent we remember the LOVE we have in Christ.

HAPPY FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT!

O’ Antiphon

We continue to pray the O’ Antiphons in joyful anticipation of the celebration of Our Lord’s birth!

O Key of David,

Opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

CHRISTMAS EVE

Spend some time meditating on this verse tonight.

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her

firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no

guest room available for them.” Luke 2:7

CHRISTMAS DAY

Merry Christmas! Take time today to ponder all that God has

taught you this Advent season and treasure those truths in your heart.

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and

seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:19-20

Christ the savior is born.

FIAT. one word that changed the world.

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES

Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Advent Monday: 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

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

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 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: 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 Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 105:1-6, 8-9; Col 3:12-21 [12-17]or Hb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Lk 2:22-40 [22, 39-40]

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Welcome to HANDING ON THE FAITH with

Deacon Richard Hudzik

Each week Deacon Richard will capture our a en on with an ar cle to enrich our faith from

his very own Deacon’s corner.

The Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent responds to that popular musical ques on, “Mary, did you know?” I guess, of recent years, the Pentatonix version has been popular. The answer to the ques on, “Mary, did you know?” of course, is “yes.” Mary knew she was to be the mother of the “Son of the Most High,” the king descended from David and who will rule forever. The angel Gabriel told her. I don’t know about you, but my tete-a-tetes with angels are pre y rare. One remembers those sorts of things. Some mes people, perhaps too smart for their own good, will denigrate the song as being scripturally uninformed. They complain, “How can you ask if Mary knew?” But—way to squeeze the joy out of things! Rather than focus on what Mary knew, the musical ques on really asks how Mary lived alongside of her son, Emmanuel. How did she nurture him? How did she let him go? Of course, Mary did travel the path with Jesus. She did care for him and she did let him go. And, as we understand Mary, she did so freely and willingly. To ask, “Mary, did you know—about all the things your son would do?” is to say, “Mary, your faith amazes me. It inspires. It demonstrates why you are the New Eve, the Queen of the Universe and mother of us all.” Mary’s willingness to walk with Jesus brings us to God, not because of what she witnessed, but because of her ini al response to Gabriel: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” This woman, full of grace from the moment of her Immaculate Concep on, shows us what a life surrendered to her Son looks like. It is a life that is not always (or maybe even o en) free of pain, but Mary leads us to a place of si ng with her and talking with her about what her Son has done for us all.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you. Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?... Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all crea on? Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the na ons? Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb? That sleeping child you're holding is the great I Am.

Mary did you know? (Lyrics by Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry) Mary, did you know? Sure, she knew a lot, but maybe other things were a surprise. In any event, Mary’s life was one that said, “Thy will be done.” It is a life ul mately of both joy and triumph, res ng in the confidence that, no ma er what came her way, it was all in God’s good hands. Would that we would know what Mary knew.

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December 20 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Today’s first reading turns on two meanings of the word “house” (in Hebrew, bet): first a dwelling and second, the lineage of a notable family. King David realizes that it’s shameful that the ark of God—the most concrete sign of God’s presence—is housed in a tent while he lives in a palace. But the LORD tells David’s advisor, the prophet Nathan, that his house—his lineage, not his palace—will be blessed and endure forever. The family David builds, a line that will include Jesus Christ, is more important than the structure for the ark of the covenant. More importantly, God has been dwelling with David all along; “I have been with you wherever you went” (2Samuel 7:9). God has chosen not to dwell in a tent or a building, but in flesh and blood, in the person of David. Centuries later, Gabriel reveals to Mary that she will carry the Son of God in her womb. From her flesh will be born the One whose kingdom will have no end. Each Christmas we are reminded that God chose a dwelling place more beautiful than a palace, more lasting than a family lineage: a home in flesh and blood, in humanity, in each of us.

How can you best provide a dwelling place for the Lord in yourself?

FIRST READING A Reading from the second Book of Samuel 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 9b-12, 14a,16

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29

R/. Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

The promises of the LORD I will sing forever; / through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; / in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. R/.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one, / I have sworn to David my servant: forever will I confirm your posterity / and establish your throne for all generations.” R/.

“He shall say of me, ’You are my father, / my God, the Rock, my savior.’ Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, / And my covenant with him stand firm.” R/.

SECOND READING

A Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Roman 16:25-27 The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: R/. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (Luke 1:38) Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. / May it be done to me according to your word. R/. GOSPEL The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke Luke 1:26-38

Glory to you, O Lord.

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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PARISH and SCHOOL INFORMATION

Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Parish Website: marymotherofdivinegrace.org

New to our community? Need to update your information? Registration forms are available on our parish

PARISH REGISTRATION

Divine Infant Jesus Church: Saturdays 8:30AM—9:00AM Or call the rectory to set up an appointment

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Baptismal Preparation is required for the first child. Registration is necessary to schedule the baptism.

Divine Infant Jesus Church: 708-865-8071

Divine Providence Church: 708-562-3364

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Please call the Parish Office at the time of your engagement to schedule your wedding. Pre-Cana is required.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

If you would like a priest, deacon or Minister of Care to visit or if you wish to receive the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact either location.

SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING/Minister of Care

Please see the bulletin and eblasts for updates on dates of Adoration.

ADORATION

Temporarily cancelled due to COVID-19.

ST. PEREGRINE DEVOTION

Divine Providence School is a Christ-Centered community fostering the gospel message through education and service. Together with parents, we guide our students toward a life of Christian leadership. Providing a challenging curriculum, we prepare our students to contribute positively to an ever-changing global society. To schedule a tour of the school contact Linda Hawkins at 708-562-3364.

DIVINE PROVIDENCE SCHOOL