THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD JANUARY 8, 2012 SharingsSharingsSharings

From Father Rich Homa

To enter the new year in a light-hearted way, here are some thoughts from “Celebration” Magazine.

SHORT TAKES

Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

If God is watching us, the least we can do is be entertaining.

How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

I didn’t fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian.

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kickboxing.

I didn’t say it was your fault; I said I was blaming you.

The shinbone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room.

The sole purpose of a child’s middle name is so he can tell when he’s really in trouble.

Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?

You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!

Worrying works! Ninety percent of the things I worry about never happen.

You’re never too old to learn something stupid.

A bargain is something you don’t need at a price you can’t resist.

A TV can insult your intelligence, but nothing rubs it in like a computer.

Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.

Déjà vu – When you think you’re doing something you’ve done before, it’s because God thought it was so funny, he had to rewind it for his friends.

Keep the dream alive: Hit the snooze button.

Why didn’t Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

If you can stay calm while all around you is chaos, then you probably haven’t completely understood the situation.

By the time a man realizes that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he’s wrong.

Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.

May God Bless You,

John the Baptist proclaims Jesus to be the Lamb of God. In Aramaic, the language that John spoke, this phrase is a word play. It could mean the Lamb of God as we see (referring to Jesus’ death, which freed us from our sins) or it could mean the Servant of God (again, referring to Jesus’ death, which expi-ated our sins). Two of John’s disciples follow Jesus to see who He is. One is Andrew, the brother of Peter. The other disciple remains

unnamed. Many believe that this is the be-loved disciple. It is Andrew who calls Peter to meet and follow Jesus. He tells Peter that Je-sus is the Messiah. Notice that this text trans-lates “the Messiah” into Greek (“the Christ”). The reason for this is that most of the readers of the Gospel of John probably spoke Greek as their mother tongue. Peter receives a new name, “Cephas” in Aramaic (which is trans-lated “Peter” in Greek). This name means rock. In Matthew this is explained as Peter being the solid foundation of the Church.

Page Two THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD January 8, 2012

Sunday Reflections

for Second Sunday

in Ordinary Time Jan. 15, 2012

If God were trying to “speak” to you, would God get a hearing? These readings remind us that God communicates in different ways, and we need to be listening for God’s voice. Sometimes we might

need help — an Eli or a John the Baptist — to recognize God’s voice trying to get through.

FOCUS: LISTENING FOR GOD

The story of the future prophet Samuel begins by telling us that the voice of the Lord was rarely heard and visions were uncommon. God seemed to have broken off communication, given Israel’s spotty record of keeping the Lord’s commandments. Or perhaps no one was giving attention to God’s voice? One night when Eli the priest and young Samuel were sleeping in the temple, God called Samuel by name. Three times God called, and each time

Samuel went to where Eli was to see what he wanted. Finally, Eli realized it was the Lord and told Samuel what to say. When Jesus came to the Jordan to be baptized, John the Baptist pointed Him out to those who would be His first disciples. They “heard” what He said and fol-lowed Jesus.” One of them, Andrew, then went and got his brother Peter. Peter listened and followed his brother to meet Jesus. Sometimes God speaks in the silence of the night, some-times in the bustle of everyday life. Scripture reminds us to keep on our toes, lest God walk on by. Even a first recognition of Jesus did not totally reveal all that He was. The disciples called Him Rabbi and Messiah, but only John the Baptist knew Him for the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. May the God who has spoken in times past, help us to listen for His voice in our day, and send us mentors and friends who will help us to know it is His voice, and give us the courage to respond to His call.

Readings for the Week January 9th-January 14th: Mon.: Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Mk 1:7-11 Tues.: 1 Sm 1:9-20; Mk 1:21-28 Wed.: 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20; Mk 1:29-39 Thurs.: 1 Sm 4:1-11; Mk 1:40-45 Fri.: 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a; Mk 2:1-12 Sat.: 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1a; Mk 2:13-17

REFLECTION

Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening (1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19). FIRST READING

This reading speaks of the call of Samuel, the last of the judges of Israel. A judge was a leader who also served as prophet and priest. Samuel had been conceived through a miraculous intervention of the Lord and he was

dedicated by Hannah, his mother, to the service of God while he was still a baby. He responded to God’s call in the middle of the night, and God thus gave his every word authority and power.

They saw where He was staying and they stayed with Him (John 1:35-42). GOSPEL

This letter was written to a community that was mostly gentile. Pagans were famous for their sexual immorality, so St. Paul reminds them that their bodies are to be used with modesty. God created our bodies as good, but sin has caused us to use them for evil

purposes. Jesus died on the cross to give us a new chance. He asks us to use our bodies in a way that proclaims God’s goodness. We are temples of the Holy Spirit and we should not allow ourselves or others to be degraded or manipulated.

SECOND READING Your bodies are members of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20).

STEWARDSHIP

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Page Three

Sat., Jan. 7th (5pm) Bernice Nemeth; John Nolan; Alyssa Sisk; DeFrank and Shervino Families Sun., Jan. 8th (7:15am) Judy Gradman; Marion Hunt; Harry Rutkiewicz (8:30am) Fred Grzenia; Scott Misch; Cecilia Clark; Warren F. Kemp; Joseph Ham Phan (10am) Theresa Siwiec; Mary Flores; Greg Szyndrowski; Martin Regan; Robert Corcoran; John Nolan; Justinas Glamba; Ceil Clark (11:30am) Cecilia Zmuda; John Nolan; Mary Biegel; Lydia Irwin; Chester Pienkowski, Sr.; Brendan and Patricia Sheehy Mon., Jan. 9th (9am) John Nolan; Edward Chianelli; Bernadette Bachelder; Agnes and Pat Carey Tues., Jan. 10th (9am) Edmundo and Ida DeAmicis; Dorothy Lehocky, Gerard Lapinskas Wed., Jan. 11th (9am) Raymond Binkowski; Andy Gannon Thurs., Jan. 12th (9am) Clara McMullen; Cecilia Zmuda Fri., Jan. 13th (9am) Isabelita Barin Sat., Jan. 14th (5pm) Frank Justic; Cecilia Clark; Larry Geigner; Lydia Irwin Sun., Jan. 15th (7:15am) Dorothy Lehocky; Carole A. Kenny (8:30am) Cecilia Clark; Mary Ann Walsh; Diane Walsh; Boris Corluka; Stella Sanza (10am) Ceil Clark; John Nolan; Anthony Loffredo; Jose Garcia; Jose Contreras; Consolacion Canlas; Don D’Ercole (11:30am) Michael and Catherine Kocher; Cecilia Zmuda; Lucille Gecan

January 8, 2012

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION TO-DATE: $146,382.89

JANUARY 1, 2012:

$25,051.31

KIDS COLLECTION: $41.76

Thank you for your generosity.

We remember the sick, infirm, and those recommended to our prayers, that they may experience the healing power of Christ: Marianne Hoogeweg Rosulu Rizal Eileen Mierzwa Mary Kokotan Mary Grubbs James Pierce Tom Haas Rev. Damian Charboneau Sadie Baske And for our deceased: Josephine Botica

“Heavenly Father, accept the prayers which we offer for them.”

MASS INTENTIONS

PLEASE PRAY FOR

Andy and Ashley York

WELCOME

St. Elizabeth Seton 25th Anniversary Dinner Dance Saturday, February 18th Orland Chateau

Donation:$49 per person includes dinner,

open bar and live band Entertainment by

Peter Oprisko America’s Best Pop,

Jazz and Standards, Four-piece quartet live singing and DJ

Tickets go on sale after all the Masses beginning this weekend, January 7/8 and

January 21/22. Be sure to reserve a space at a table or a whole table if

you have a group that wants to dine together.

Questions? Contact Patrice Leeson

at 708-532-0914.

Please pray for the following couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony: Michele Archer and Michael Piekarz; 1-28-12

WEDDINGS

I N THE BROADWAY MUSICAL INTO THE WOODS, composer Stephen Sondheim and playwright James Lapine recast the familiar stories of

Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and an original tale about a baker and his wife who are childless. In the beginning of the story, all the characters express their wishes for happiness: a handsome prince to marry, a warm home and enough to eat, a child to love. But in order to realize those dreams, the characters have to travel “into the woods” to confront the wolves, witches, giants, and charlatans, that thwart their dreams. In their individual journeys through the woods, the characters discover that life is not a fairy tale. They come to see that the line between dreams and nightmares is a fine one. They realize that the real monsters they must defeat are selfishness and greed, that the most potent spells they have to break are fear and self-deception.

T HE EPIPHANY GOSPEL recounts a similar journey: Like the fairy-tale characters seeking “happily ever after” in their trek

into the woods, the magi set out to find the

Messiah-King the world longed for. It is a journey filled with challenges, questions, and obstacles that ends, finally, in an experience of epiphany — the

realization of God in their midst.

E VERY HUMAN LIFE is a journey. As we make our way through the time God

has given us, we seek signs of God in our midst; we seek happiness that is authentic and real. In the end, we come to realize that it is love in all its joy and sorrow, in all its demands and gifts, that makes us real and whole human beings. In encountering the Christ, the Magi behold the love of God in their midst. May our encounter with Christ be a constant epiphany of re-creating and transforming our lives in the love of Emmanuel,

“God with us.”

In your own life’s journey, what has been the most difficult lesson you have learned?

In what ways was God revealed to you in that “epiphany”?

Reflection by Jay Cormier — Waiting in Joyful Hope

INTO THE WOODS

“When Jesus was born

in Bethlehem of Judea…

behold, Magi from the East

arrived in Jerusalem, saying,

‘Where is the Newborn King

of the Jews? We saw His star

rising and have come to do

Him homage.’”

Christ Jesus, the very manifestation of God’s love, be with us on our journey to your Father’s dwelling place.

Open our eyes to realize the “epiphanies” of your love along our way; illuminate the path we journey by the star of your compassion.

Send your Spirit to guide us over the steep terrain, across the hopeless deserts, and through the terrifying nights

to make our way to the light of your kingdom. Amen.

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

AN AMAZING JOURNEY

Appreciate The Gift That Is Your Life

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD January 8, 2012 Page Four

January 8, 2012 THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Page Five

ANNUAL CLOTHING DRIVE FOR ST. PROCOPIUS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28TH 9:30am-12:30pm

Our Annual Clothing Drive at St. Elizabeth Seton Church for our sharing parish, St. Procopius will take place on Saturday, Jan. 28th from 9:30am-12:30pm.

The “curb-side service” will again be available and volunteers will be ready to accept your good, usable clothing of all sizes for men, women, and children. Please call Eleanore Sierra at 708-444-7959 with questions or to volunteer.

St. Elizabeth Seton Church Social Action Ministry

Making a difference each month… New Year’s Eve Special

New Year’s Eve was a special one. It was a fifth Saturday of the month, and the Social Action Ministry volunteers at the Daybreak Shelter Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen one Sunday a month and on all the fifth Saturday’s of the year. The Girl Scouts of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School, under the leadership of Carrie Rosh, Cub Scout Pack 398 Confirmation candidates, along with students from Andrew, Sandburg, Lincoln Way North and St. Xavier, joined us in giving a day of great fun and delicious food to the guests we serve. We always try to bring some extra joy each month and this time was no exception. We played Bingo and shared prizes of warm socks, coloring books and crayons, and candy. The scouts brought 100 un-iced

cupcakes and the children at the shelter donned plastic gloves and helped ice the cakes and spread sprinkles over the top. Our students played games with the children and the love was overflowing. Father Stan Kuca joined us and made bread pudding — something he never had in Poland. Our guests were served restaurant-style, and we offered pizza, pasta, salad, as well as chicken and beef sandwiches — all donated by a secret angel. We brought appetizers and desserts of brownies and ice cream and homemade cookies. Our group received a standing ovation from our guests. We all felt so blessed for the opportunity to serve Jesus Christ.

“God has given each of you special abilities. Be sure to use them to help each other. Passing on

to others God’s many kinds of blessings.” 1 PETER 4:10

The next soup kitchen is the next Sunday, Jan.15th. To volunteer please call Liz at 708-614-6475.

MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD January 1, 2012 Page Sixteen Page Six THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD January 8, 2012

Journey with the Lord and let your heart hear God’s Words….

By Margie Guadagno St. Elizabeth Seton Pastoral Associate

When the disciples

met Jesus

on the road,

they were

disappointed

and sad.

He walked with them

and listened to

their story.

Then, by opening up

the Scriptures

He gave them hope!

He helped them see

that they were

not abandoned

or left orphaned,

that God

was with them

and would

always be part

of their journey.

The Road To EmmausThe Road To EmmausThe Road To Emmaus The Road To Emmaus The Road To EmmausThe Road To EmmausThe Road To Emmaus

A Ministry of Consolation

T HERE IS ONE THING, I BELIEVE, that leaves even the best of us speechless. That is what to say to someone who has experienced a

death in their family. I know that I used to have awful moments of dread when I entered a funeral home for the wake visitation. I reached into my thoughts for what I remembered about the one who died, or if I didn’t know them, what I might remember my friend had shared about their relationship. I wanted to be compassionate, but at the same time, I felt that calling attention to the fact that their loved one has died would somehow make them feel worse. My heart was full of sorrow and I wanted to be a comfort, but I often went home thinking I was a failure and no good ‘at times like this.’ Then, the granddaughter of my husband’s cousin in California was killed in an awful car crash. I had met Chera a few times over the years and I really wanted to express my sympathy to her grandparents in a meaningful way. So, I bought a book, “The Art of Condolence: What to Write, What to Say, What to Do at a Time of Loss.” Initially it was because I wanted to write a coherent con-dolence card, but in the long run, I found it extremely helpful in what to say—or NOT to say—on those somber wake visits.

W HEN I STARTED WORKING here at St. Elizabeth’s two years ago, coordinating the

RCIA ministry was one of two ministries that became my responsibility. The other ministry was helping families prepare the funeral liturgy for their loved one who had died. I have 20 years experience working

with the RCIA, but the funeral ministry was entirely new. Those feelings of dread I used to have began to well up inside me each time I met with a family. Thankfully, I still had my trusty book and wonderful people here on staff to help ease my transition into this ministry. I also drew upon my own memories of the process of death, wake and funeral Mass from my personal experiences of the death of my own family members. While I don’t recall exact words or gestures, my recollections are imbued with feelings of comfort and gratitude for the presence of all those who came to visit.

T HERE IS ANOTHER ASPECT to the death and burial process we experience as Christians and that

is how our parish helps us through it. Even though we have all heard stories about a family being treated insensitively, I think that that happens rarely. I believe most parishes do an adequate job. I also believe that here at St. Elizabeth, every person who comes in contact with our grieving families believes an adequate job is only the beginning. Once a call is re-ceived from the funeral home requesting a Mass time, a process is set into motion to make the preparation of the funeral Mass not only easy, but meaningful for the family. As fellow parishioners, we want to extend comfort and solace. As fellow Christians, we want to do that in the context of our faith in Christ and through the rites of the Church as envi-sioned in the Order of Christian Funerals. Next week I will expand on what they are and how they affect St. Elizabeth Seton’s Ministry of Consolation.

Be Still… A Call To Centering PrayerBe Still… A Call To Centering PrayerBe Still… A Call To Centering Prayer Wednesday, January 11th at 7pmWednesday, January 11th at 7pmWednesday, January 11th at 7pm

You are invited to join in an hour of quiet timeYou are invited to join in an hour of quiet timeYou are invited to join in an hour of quiet time and learn about Centering Prayer. The groupand learn about Centering Prayer. The groupand learn about Centering Prayer. The group meets the second Wednesday of each monthmeets the second Wednesday of each monthmeets the second Wednesday of each month in the Cornerstone building located on the in the Cornerstone building located on the in the Cornerstone building located on the corner of 167th St. and 94th Ave. Questions?corner of 167th St. and 94th Ave. Questions?corner of 167th St. and 94th Ave. Questions? Please call Marge at 708Please call Marge at 708Please call Marge at 708---460460460---5357.5357.5357.

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Page Seven January 8, 2012

THE MAGI COME TO DO OUR LORD HOMAGE. How can we, as individuals living in today’s

world pay homage to our Lord? Have you ever thought of a vocation to the priesthood or

religious life? For more information about the priesthood please contact Fr. Brian Welter at

bwelter@archchicago.org or call 312-534-8298. See www.ChicagoPriest.com for more details.

PLEASE HELP! VOCATION CROSS PARTICIPANTS ARE NEEDED!

The Vocation Cross is presented on

Wednesday at the 9am Mass. Participants pray daily for one week and return the cross on Tuesday for

the next participant. To sign up, please call 708-403-0101.

Please join in prayer… PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, graciously hear our prayers. Give us generous hearts to respond to Your call in our lives. Lift up courageous men and women willing to follow after Your Heart as priests, sisters and brothers. Help parents and teachers to share the faith and to encourage young people to explore religious vocations. Guide all people, Lord, in Your ways of compassion, truth and peace, that we may find happiness in fulfilling our vocations. Amen.

Parish Vocation News

A reflection

from SACRED SPACE,

the prayer book

for 2012

Reflection for January 8th-14th   

    The beginning of the year is a time for thinking afresh. Even as our body ages, our thinking can be ever green. God always thinks freshly, because God is always in the present. When we read the gospels we see that Jesus lived totally in the present. Jesus was always open to the emerging moment. We may think that being new is something for the future, that the next year will be new, even the next day. But nothing can be new except the now. Read more... Prayer invites us into the newness of life. The new year invites us to create something new each day – the newness of love, of joy and often of endurance. To live for the day is to live always new. Prayer plunges us into the places of the Spirit where energy is available, like a flower reviving after a drought, a faulty computer finding its way again, or a patient mending. It is good to give time to prayer – even just a little each day – throughout the new year.  

Page Eight THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD January 8, 2012

Linda McKeague and Maureen Buck astound us in song, enacting the greeting of Mary and Elizabeth.

The liturgical dancers lead us in prayer through their interpretation of the inspiring music.

Dave Vincent (Angel Gabriel) who appears to Zechariah (Len Pawelcyzk) announcing the birth of John the Baptist.

Zechariah (Len Pawelcyzk) rejoices in hearing the news of his wife bearing a child in her old age.

Bob Velcich narrates the Cantata in the character of St. Luke accompanied by the choirs, orchestra and dancers.

Once Upon A Night Christmas Musical and Gala

Page Ten THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD January 8, 2012

exÅxÅuxÜ j{xÇ‹ As we look back on almost 25 years as a parish

Remember When articles submitted by Sharon Daley

Q. When did our pastor, Fr. Rich Homa join us? A. Fr. Rich Homa joined us in June of 2009 and was formally installed (photo above) as our third pastor on October 18, 2009 by Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller.

Q. When Fr. Stan Kuca joined us at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in July, 2010, what parish did he come from? A. St. Francis Xavier Church in LaGrange, Illinois.

St. Elizabeth Seton Parish 25th Anniversary Dinner Dance

Tickets will be on sale and available in the Narthex after all the Masses January 7/8 and January 21/22, 2012

For more information contact Patrice at 708-532-0914.

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Page Eleven January 8, 2012

Four score and seven years ago (actually 25 years ago) our

fore-Fathers (and Sisters) started a catholic congregation known to us all as St. Elizabeth Seton Parish. Please join our fore-Fathers and Sisters by attending the “St. Elizabeth Seton 25th Anniversary

Dinner Dance.” All the present and former pastors and associates will be invited to the celebration. This will be a great opportunity for you, your family and friends to reserve a table, dine, dance and mingle with those that have helped to form our heartfelt community!

St. Elizabeth Seton 25th Anniversary Dinner Dance Saturday, February 18, 2012

Orland Chateau Donation:$49/person

includes dinner, open bar and live band

Entertainment by Peter Oprisko America’s Best Pop, Jazz and Standards Four-piece quartet/live singing and DJ

.

Happy New Year! We hope that your Christmas season was wonderful

and 2012 finds you and your families happy and healthy. I’d like to share two thank you notes which I received over the holidays; from Mrs. Liz Wisnasky and Carol Carmody regarding the Eighth Grade Confirmation Group Catholic Action project Jeans for Jesus and the individual Catholic Action projects that the Confirmand perform. The first letter is from Mrs. Liz Wisnasky of the Respond Now Organization. For the Jeans for Jesus project each Confirmand passed out flyers to neighbors, friends and family members asking for donations of “gently used” jeans. The 2012 Confirmation group collected 1250 pairs of jeans; which they marked by size and gender, sorted, boxed and assisted with loading the jeans into the volunteers’ cars. LIZ WISNASKY OF RESPOND NOW Elaine and our staff of angels, What joy you bring to the needy. Your Jeans drive; food drives and Christmas donations make a difference for many. We gave 426 families a Merry Christmas with your help. People love your warm jeans. Thank you for your great love and compassion for Jesus Christ. Many thanks from the families from Respond Now Liz Wisnasky, Chairperson 42 years NEWBORNS IN NEED — SETON CHAPTER Confirmand make “care packages” for premature and newborn babies which are donated to the University of Illinois Neo-natal Intensive Care and pediatric units. Many of the babies are born to individuals who economically live below the poverty line and do not have the financial resources to provide adequate clothing and items needed for the child. Our Confirmand put together baskets, bags and boxes of items such as warm sleepers, receiving blankets, booties, socks, bottles, diapers, baby hygiene prod-ucts, small stuffed animals or toys. These packages were given to Carol and Jim Dimer representatives from the Seton Chapter of Newborns in Need who delivered the donations to the University of Illinois hospital. Carol Carmody from the University of Illinois:

Thank you so much for all the beautiful items you have made and given to us for our babies. It is the true meaning of giving. Merry Christmas!

Sincerely, University of Illinois Medical Center and Carol Carmody, R.N.

IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE PROJECTS OUR CONFIRMAND HAVE WORKED AT... Soup Kitchens, food pantries, marathons to raise money for charitable organizations, visited the elderly and sick in nursing homes and assisted living facilities where they helped the residents with crafts, playing games, or entertained them by playing a musical instrument. They also helped at the Seton and Cardinal Bernardin School Market Days, prepared, set-up and assisted at Vacation Bible School and the 25th Anniversary parish picnic….just to name a few. Great job everyone! You have touched the lives of many people young and old, and have walked in the footsteps of our Lord by serving others.

Page Twelve THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD January 8, 2012

S T . E L I Z A B E T H S E T O N C H I L D R E N ’ S R E L I G I O U S E D U C A T I O N

REMINDER:

FAITH SESSIONS RESUME ON MONDAY, JANUARY 9TH

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10TH

UPCOMING EVENT

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Page Thirteen

Seniors of Seton S

SAINT OF THE WEEK

SERVANT OF GOD, VICO NECCHI

1876-1930

. On January 9, 1930, Ludovico (Vico) Necchi, professor of biology at the University of Milan, died. According to his will, his headstone was to be inscribed with the simple words: Vico Necchi, Franciscan Tertiary. An extraordinary man, he is buried in the chapel of the University of the Sacred Heart in Milan in the expectation that one day he will be raised to the altars.

As a young man Vico was deeply in love with Christ, St. Francis and the Church. Invested in the habit of the Third Order, he displayed the enthusiasm of Paul and the gentleness of Francis. He used his position as a physician to counter the secular, anti-Christian attitudes of his age and to bring others to Christ. One of his converts was the radical, Augustine Gemelli, who with Vico was the cofounder of the University of the Sacred Heart.

Vico himself was a prayerful, humble, charming and cheerful man who stood at the forefront of the new Italian Catholic Action. Despite opposition and trials, he used his medical profession as a holy apostolate for the conversion of his patients while his charity was being lavished on retarded children.

COMMENT One of the documents produced by the Second Vatican Council explored the apostolate of the laity. Vico was born long before that council sat, but he took seriously his role as apostle. We too are called by Christ to be his apostles: to spread his reign of forgiveness and peace, to bring his healing touch wherever we go—at home, at work, to the marketplace or wherever else our daily journey takes us. QUOTE “To teach in order to lead others to faith is the task of every preacher and of each believer. This witness of life, however, is not the sole element in the apostolate; the true apostle is on the lookout for occasions of announcing Christ by word, either to unbelievers...or to the faithful” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, p. 239).

MARCH 6TH St. Patrick’s Luncheon

Luncheon tickets for the March 6th St. Patrick’s meeting will be sold at the next meeting. It will be catered by Winston’s Market for $8 consisting of corned beef sandwich and a bowl of leek soup.

MARCH 15TH Morning of Reflection

The Seniors of Seton will have a morning of reflection with guest speaker,

Fr. Robert Rohrich CM from Sacred Heart Church. Mass will be at 9am followed by a Lenten reflection in the Parish Life Center. There is no charge for the session, however a hot lunch will be offered from Winston’s Market for $8. A choice of lemon chicken breast or meatloaf and both choices include salad, potatoes, vegetable and roll. Reservations taken at the Feb. and March meetings. MARCH 22ND — A Glimpse of Poland Visit the Polish Museum, which include Polonia stained glass folk costumes decorated eggs, etc. Lunch will be served at Red Apple with an extensive buffet where you hear Polish spoken by many of the patrons. Also visit St. Hyacinth Basilica and purchase pierogi, homemade sausage and baked goods from “Old Polonia”. All for only $64. Sign up will be at the Feb. meeting.

January 8, 2012

Get Your Golden Opportunities Book Today!

Available in the parish office!

Only $20!

The Seniors of Seton are providing the best deal in town! Golden Opportunities Coupon books are available in the parish office for only $20! The coupon book offers many favorite local restaurants offering discounts of 50% off or 2-for-1. In addition, great savings at movies, grocery stores, sporting events, and much more! Most coupons are valid once a month.

The St. Elizabeth Seton Women’s Club invites all to...

Ice Skating Outing MONDAY, JANUARY 16TH

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

1-2:30 p.m.

Arctic Ice Arena 10700 W. 160th St.

Orland Park

The St. Elizabeth Seton Women’s Club is hosting an Ice Skating Outing to the Arctic Ice Arena.

Ticket cost is $6.00. Tickets will be sold after all Masses on January 14th and 15th and on the day of the event.

Friends and relatives are welcome to skate on their Championship Ice Rink. And, Skate Rental is only $1!

Tickets will sold after all Masses

Saturday, Jan. 14th Sunday, Jan. 15th

For more information and tickets, call Debbie Pott at 708-557-4098

Page Fourteen THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD January 8, 2012

PENTECOST SUNDAY Page Five June 12, 2011 January 8, 2012 THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Page Fifteen

SETON YOUTH PROGRAMSETON YOUTH PROGRAMSETON YOUTH PROGRAM TEEN MASS AND SOCIAL HOUR

SUNDAY, JAN. 8TH 6:30 PM Join us for Mass and then afterwards for a So-cial Hour in the Parish Hall.

TUF NIGHT 6:30-8:30PM WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11TH

TEENS UNDERSTANDING FAITH (T.U.F. NIGHT) IN THE TEEN ROOM WEDNESDAYS FROM 6:30-8:30PM

Drop into the Teen Room (inside the gym) for a night of relaxation, conversation, and fun with your friends every Wednesday night from 6:30-8:30pm. Bring homework, games, music, whatever… we may even do some singing! Of course, it wouldn’t be TUF Night without a little B.S. — (Bible Study) caps it all off the last half hour.

If you have questions about upcoming events or need more information please

contact Bruce Hall at 708-403-7834.

Men’s Club News UPCOMING EVENTS

Fifth Meeting of the 2011-2012 Year Wednesday, Jan. 11th

Doors to the Parish Life Center Open at 7pm Meeting begins at 7:30pm January food: hot dogs, tamales and chili. AGENDA: — Biggest Loser Weigh-In $20 entry fee (Payout at May Meeting) — Chili Cook-Off We need chili cooks! (Payout at meeting.) — Judges for Chili Cook-Off — Fish Fry Sign Ups — Wolves Tickets As always new and returning members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

K.C. Youth Spelling Bee Championship The Knights of Columbus, Father C.C. Boyle Council 4698 invites all girls and boys in 5th-8th grade to test their spelling skills. The Spelling Bee will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21st in the St George O’Connell Hall, 6707 W 175th St., Tinley Park. Doors open at 12:30pm and the competi-tion will start at: 1pm. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place winners! The winners will progress on to the Regional and State level Competitions. For a study list or questions please e-mail dankava-naugh@sbcglobal.net. There is no cost to participate!

K.C. Youth Free Throw Contest All boys and girls ages 10 to 14 are invited to participate in the Father C.C. Boyle Council local level competition of the 2012 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Champi-onship. The boy and girl winner of each age group will progress on to District, Regional and State level compe-titions. Participants must furnish proof of age and writ-ten parental consent. All participants will have a chance to win raffle prizes! The event will take place on Sunday, Jan. 22nd in the St George Gymnasium, 6707 W 175th St., Tinley Park. Registration at 1pm, competition starts at 1:30pm. There is no cost to participate. Questions can be directed to dankavanaugh@sbcglobal.net.

Catholic High School Entrance Exams The Entrance exams for Catholic High Schools will take place on Saturday, Jan. 14th at 8am in each high school of your establishment. Eighth graders should bring two #2 pencils and a $25 testing fee. MUST arrive NO LATER than 8am. Please contact the school where you will be taking the exam to see requirements for the use of calculators during the entrance exam.

Queen of Peace Personal Tour Night Queen of Peace High School, 7659 S. Linder, Burbank, will host a Personal Tour Night on Thursday, Jan. 12th from 6-7:30pm. Representatives from every academic discipline and department will be on hand to answer questions following the one-on-one student guided tours. For more information please contact Mary Kate Love at 708-496-4753 or visit www.queenofpeacehs.org to register.

Dear Parishioners: We invite you to attend our Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School Open House on Sunday, January 29th, from 1 – 3pm. Sponsored by four parishes (St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Julie Billiart, and St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr), CJB is your Pre-K through 8th Grade parish school. We are pleased to announce, that beginning August 2012, we will be offering a 3-year-old Pre-K program, in addition to our very popular 4-year-old program. As we continue to grow, we have so much to be proud of! Did you know that CJB was named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education?! (This distinction is earned by being in the top 10% of the nation’s schools in Reading and Mathematics, based on the scores of nationally-normed tests.) In addition to blue ribbon academic ex-cellence, our faith-based daily religious instruction, shared communal prayer and weekly Mass at-tendance contribute to shaping the lives of our students. Children are also encouraged to maxi-mize their God-given talents by participating in extra-curricular activities, from athletics to choir to drama club. And, in addition to these opportunities, our students volunteer their time in local community service projects. Our school patron, Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, former Archbishop of Chicago, devoted his life to issues of social justice, peace and the sanctity of human life. It is im-portant to us that his legacy remains a part of CJB. We have high expectations of our students at the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School. We challenge them academically, and we strive to instill in them the Gospel values. CJB provides a loving and nurturing environment in which children grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and emotionally. If this is the kind of school that you would like for your child, we look forward to welcoming you to our Open House on January 29th. Sincerely, Rev. Rich Homa, Executive Pastor, CJB Mary Iannucilli, Principal P.S. Registration packets for the 2012-2013 school year will be available at our Open House on January 29th. Open registration takes place during the month of February. We will continue to ac-cept applications until all spaces are filled. All new families who register during the month of Feb-ruary will be entered into a raffle for one month of free tuition. As a registered, practicing parish-ioner, your children are eligible for enrollment at an “in-parish” rate. (“Practicing” parishioners are Catholics who consistently attend Mass, send their children to Religious Education or Catholic school, and support their parish with time, talent, and treasure. This is an on-going expectation during years of enrollment at CJB. Use of parish envelopes is expected.)

A Special Message From Father Rich Homa

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Academics CJB is a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School and is dedicated to academic excellence within the Catholic tradition. We recently implemented the Response to Intervention (RTI) program that benchmarks student’s progress in Reading 3x a year using AIMSweb. These assessments provide valuable data that help de-termine the best instructional decision making for individual learning needs. In 2011, Grades K-4 adapted specific interven-tions to address those students who are in need of “extra support” beyond the reading curriculum. Grades 5-8 are utilizing “differentiated instruction” as part of their best practices. Overall, the school’s efforts in reading literacy have been very successful as benchmark scores continue to ex-ceed national norms. Academic Bowls Junior High students have numerous opportuni-ties to compete in academic competitions. 2011 highlights include earning thirteen awards at the Providence competition, including the 1st place overall team awards for both the 7th and 8th Grade. At the highly competitive St. Ignatius bowl, the 8th Grade team placed 2nd overall with 24 schools entered in the competition. Athletics and Clubs CJB sports continue to gain recognition in the community as well as the state of Illinois.

Our Varsity Cheerleading team won the Illinois Elementary School Association State Championship for the 4th year in a row. The squad was among 90 teams from across the state that competed and they received the highest overall score of all teams in the com-petition. Several volleyball and basketball teams also won their respective conference titles this year along with numerous tourna-ment victories. CJB is expanding our sports program to include soccer this spring!

CJB hosts various after-school clubs and activities for our students.

The CJB Chess Club is one club that has seen enrollment expand greatly in recent years. In each session, students play matches against fellow classmates as well as receive lessons from a Chess Master.

In March, students in Grades 4-8 put on an entertaining production of Guys and Dolls Jr. This year, students are already hard at work preparing for the 2012 show, Godspell Jr.

Service Our students participate in a wide array of service projects throughout the year from providing meals at Daybreak Shelter to seeding plants for the Or-land Grasslands. Members of the National Junior Honor Society were particularly moved to help Army nurses after hearing all the sacrifices they make to help and care for our soldiers abroad. Students shipped items such as bath gels, sham-poo, gum, candy, snacks, puzzles, and books to troops in Afghanistan. CJB Wins U.S. Cellular Contest

In November, CJB received the incredible news that we had been awarded $50,000 in the U.S. Cellular Calling All Communities Contest. The school was blessed to end the year on such a positive note and would like to thank everyone in the community for their incredible support – including the parishioners of our sponsoring parishes! For more information on Cardinal Bernardin School, please visit the school website at www. cardinaljbschool.com.

2011 Year in Review

Little Co. of Mary Hospice Bereavement Support Group Little Co. of Mary Hospice, in cooperation with Smith Village Senior Living Community, 2320 W. 113th St., Chicago, will conduct a bereavement support group open to the community. It will run for six consecutive Wednesdays, January 11th through February 15th from 1pm-3pm. The group will be facilitated by Little Co. of Mary Hospice chaplains and social workers. For more information please call Aida Pigott at 708-229-6947 or 708-229-4663. Moving Through The Loss: Unintended Journeys That Come Our Way The ground shifts under all of us at times — sometimes it happens in our own lives, and sometimes among family and friends! It may begin with the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a change in relationship, an unexpected illness, a plan disrupted — each challenging our faith and sending us forth on an “unintended journey” with no clear map or blueprint to follow. Being reminded of the normal stages of grief that often accompany loss, learning ways to navigate the unexpected twists and turns that inevitably come, benefitting from the shared experience of others, and exploring ways that our faith can see us through will be the focus of our time together. The Portiuncula Retreat Center, 9263 W. St. Francis Rd., Frankfort, will host this retreat on Monday, Jan. 16th from 9:30am-Noon. Fee: $20. Mary Ruth Broz, RSM will facilitate the morning. For more information please call 815-464-3880 or info@portofprayer.org. Women’s Sacred Spa Day: Pausing On The Threshold Of A New Year As we cross over into this New Year, you are invited to the Portiuncula Retreat Center on Saturday, Jan. 21st from 9am-4pm to take time to nourish body, mind, and spirit. You will begin the day by setting an inspirational tone in the context of prayer and ritual. Throughout the day, you will have an opportunity for a gong bath, a half hour of body work and a nourishing lunch. There will also be a variety of resources, time for personal prayer and reflection, and good conversation! The day will close with time to reflect together on wisdom gleaned and seeds planted as the winter journey continues. ONLY A FEW SPACE AVAILABLE. The Portiuncula Retreat Center, 9263 W. St. Francis Rd., Frankfort, will host this retreat on Monday, Jan. 16th from 9:30am-Noon. Fee: $20. Norma Jannsen, OSF and Mary Ruth Broz, RSM will facilitate the day. To register please call 815-464-3880 or info@portofprayer.org. Do You Have “Stress”? Learn about good stress and bad stress and tips on how to feel better on Tuesday, Jan. 24th at St. Stephen Church, 17500 South 84th Ave. Tinley Park, from 7:30-9pm. For information call 708-342-2400. Presented by Dr. Bruce Milkint and Clinical Counselor, Michele Nowak.

Joyful Again! Have you lost a spouse recently and are grieving for him/her? All widowed men and women (of all ages) who are still trying to find hope and joy in their lives are invited to the Joyful Again! workshop/retreat on March 3/4 at the St. Charles Borromeo Center, Airport Rd., and Rte. 53), Romeoville. Call 708-354-7211 to register or email joyfulagain@att.net. Addressing Andolescent Independence Your family is invited to share a meal with the Mt. Assisi Academy family and professional experts on Wednesday, Jan. 11th. Dinner from 6-6:45pm. Three individual 20-minute presentations from 7-8pm cover: Academic independence when your child is struggling; Adolescent independence and house expectations; Independence with technology and privacy. Peer discussion for your junior high daughter led by MAA’s juniors/seniors. Child-friendly activities for your children under 6th grade. RSVP to Marina Tadros at 630-257-7844, x39, or mtadros@mtassisi.org. Located at 13860 Main St., Lemont. www.mtassisi.org Families Anonymous If your life has gone astray due to living with someone who has a substance abuse problem, consider attending Families Anonymous on Mondays from 7-8:30pm at Palos Hospital, 123rd and 80th Ave., Palos Heights (1st Floor Conference Room A). For information please call Warren at 708-429-2507 or Therese at 708-269-9853. Alcoholics Anonymous If you have a problem with alcohol and feel a sincere desire to stop drinking, you are welcome to attend a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) in the downstairs St. Elizabeth Seton Church Hall on Thursdays from 7:30-8:45pm. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover. The only requirement is a sincere desire to stop drinking.

If you participated in the FREEQUENT buyer program remember to place a third order of $40 in January to receive a FREE insulated bag at the January sale pick-up. Order forms due to church by Sunday, Jan. 8th or order online www.marketday.com (#16266) by 11pm on Jan. 14th. Pickup is Wednesday, Jan. 18th from 5:30-7pm in the Church Hall. Pay by credit card online or cash/ check at the sale. Contacts: Laurie at 708-532-6732 or Jen at 708-873-1387.

ORDER FORMS DUE

TODAY!

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Pastoral Staff Rev. Richard Homa, Pastor Rev. Stanislaw Kuca, Associate Pastor Margie Guadagno, Pastoral Associate Donna Stolinski, Business Manager Claudia Nolan, Director of Liturgy Linda McKeague, Director of Music Elaine Pawlak, Religious Education Coordinator

Pastor Emeritus: Rev. William T. O’Mara

Resident Priest: Rev. William Gubbins

Deacon: Frank (Betty) Gildea Deacon: Joseph (Nancy) Bishop

Liturgy and Music Staff Claudia Nolan, Director of Liturgy Linda McKeague, Director of Music

Parish Office Staff Donna Stolinski, Business Manager Darlene Raila, Parish Publications Joan Nemec, Morning Receptionist Sharon Daley, Afternoon Receptionist

Religious Education Staff Elaine Pawlak, Catechetics Diana Barracca, Administration Karen Mirecki, Administration

Branches Youth Program Bruce Hall, Coordinator Rick Vlaming, Coordinator Rick Wojcik, Coordinator

Athletics Bob Myjak, Director

Maintenance Staff Raymond Yanowsky, Director of Maintenance Carlos Juarez, CJB Maintenance Coordinator Frank Siwiec, Staff Marie Makuch, Staff Joseph Shake, Staff Mike Makuch, Staff Mark Siwiec, Staff

REGULAR MASS SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday 9am Saturday 5pm

Sunday 7:15, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30am

St. Elizabeth Seton Church 9300 W. 167th Street Orland Hills, IL 60487

Parish Office: 708-403-0101 WEBSITE: WWW.STESETON.COM Religious Education: 708-403-0137

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-WEDNESDAY: 8:30AM-8:30PM THURSDAY-FRIDAY: 8:30AM-4:30PM SATURDAY-SUNDAY: 8AM-1PM

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School 708-403-6525 Principal, Mary Iannucilli Administrative Assistant, Cindy Labriola Devlin

1/14 & 1/15 5:00PM 7:15AM 8:30AM 10:00AM 11:30AM GREETERS R. Gaskey

J. Gaskey C. Labus S. Labus M. Pahl K. Pahl G. Roy C. Roy G. Roy K. Roy M. Roy

E. Briette R. Dickover J. Esposito C. Esposito M. Foley B. Hill J. Janiak B. Majer D. Meyers J. Niemiec

L. Allen D. Biallas J. Biallas J. Biallas S. Biallas M. Crance R. Cubalchini M. Cubalchini S. Giovanazzi C. Bannon

D. Ahern W. Bric/K. Bric J. Driscoll J. Grant J. Keller D. Keller B. Keller M. Pfeiffer L. Pfeiffer R. Warja S. Warja J. Warja N. Warja

M. Hattar S. Ivey R. Ivey R. Mitchel B. Mitchel S. Potts

LECTORS M. Ward W. Dendler

J. Cronin B. Hall K. Dziallo

P. DeWilkins R. Velcich

M. O’Sullivan A. McKanna

ALTAR SERVERS

M. Pedzimaz M. Yara M. Batka

J. Jaeger J. Dennis J. Jalowiec

A. Durbin M. Kocher S. Nemec

F. Velcich J. Smith L. Walsh

B. Ryan L. Kochniarczyk M. Bialka

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

T. Hanlon J. Murphy A.J. Kunde D. Pott T. Doyle M. Castro T. Brabec L. Jeffrey J. Skorzewski R. Piorkowski M. Abbatemarco S. Abbatemarco

D. Houha C. Nolan J. Kenney B. Gildea D. Keane J. Janiak

M. Dziallo C. Hayward V. Patrizi V. Patrizi C. Durbin E. Hauser E. Pawlak J. Klomes L. Lopina M. Bekta S. Hall T. Krull

M. Gabrione J. Krusenoski E. Barin K. Engraffia P. Hartz M. Fehrenbacher J. Mysker K. O’Sullivan I. Juska F. Scellato R. Grill S. Juska S. Rosinski

G. Talley A. Talley C. Andrews D. Daley D. Sigourney J. Bilas J. Holmquist K. James M. O’Connor M. Merino S. Villegas T. Wolski

Attention All Ministers!

Ministers schedules are now available on our website at: www.steseton.com Then visit: Music and Liturgy

ST. ELIZABETH SETON PARISH INFORMATION Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturday, between 4:15-4:45pm.

Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated twice monthly at 1pm. Reserve your time by calling the Pastoral Center early. We are limited to six children per Sunday.

Baptismal Couples preparing for the birth of their child should contact the Pastoral Center to register for a one night seminar, focusing on a parent’s role in his/her child’s faith development. This session is mandatory prior to the Baptism.

Anointing of the Sick is available in the Church every Monday after the 9am Mass. For those who are ill or facing hospitalization, it is appropriate to receive the sacrament once every six months. Please call the Pastoral Center for more information.

Ministry of Care is available to give Communion to the housebound, to visit and pray for hospitalized and/or to arrange for the Anointing of the Sick. Please call the Pastoral Center for assistance.

In the Hospital? Because of HIPAA Privacy regulations hospitals can no longer contact the parish regarding your hospitalization. It is the responsibility of you or a family member to notify our parish. We desire to offer whatever spiritual support we can. Please call the Pastoral Center.

Sacrament of Marriage Couples planning to marry are encouraged to make arrangements at least six months in advance.

Wedding Workshops are offered throughout the year. They provide engaged couples with guidelines and suggestions for the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage. The workshop covers topics ranging from readings and music to flowers and video taping.

Adult Choir sings at all 10am Sunday Masses, as well as at a number of special liturgies.

Moving? Please call the office at 708-403-0101.

HELP IS A PHONE CALL AWAY: DOMESTIC ABUSE 24-HOUR HOTLINE: 708-429-SAFE

CRISIS PREGNANCY HOTLINE: 888-4-HOPE-4-1 HURTING FROM AN ABORTION?: 888-456-HOPE