December 18 , 2011

Fourth Sunday of Advent

St. Ann Parish ESTABLISHED 1913

3010 Ridge Road, Lansing, IL 60438 708-895-6700

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December 18, 2011

Contact Information Parish Office: 708-895-6700 Parish Office Fax: 708-895-6877 School Office: 708-895-1661 Religious Ed. Office: 708-895-5970 St. Vincent DePaul: 708-745-4760 Michele Nowak, LCPC 312-655-7725 Fr. Bill’s email: frbillmcfarlane@aol.com Parish email: stannch@comcast.net Bulletin email: bullstannch@aol.com School Website: www.saintannschool.com Parish Website: www.saintanncatholicparish.com

Pastoral Staff Barb Antoskiewicz, Pastoral Associate/DRE Sandy Farmer, Parish Business Manager Jeanette Funchion, Parish Office Secretary Jennifer Gray, Bulletin Editor Chris Hutter, School Secretary Brian Kozlowski, Music & Liturgy Director Donna Lamoureux, School Principal Georgette Olson, Religious Education Secretary Janice Summerrise, School Administrative Assistant

St. Ann Parish Directory

Reverend William McFarlane, Pastor www.saintanncatholicparish.com

St. Ann Parish Mission Statement We are called by a loving God

to make St. Ann of Lansing a Catholic community of faith. We are a family of diverse people with various ministries: healing the body and spirit, teaching of God and His love,

united in sacraments and prayer, reaching out to the extended community. With God’s revelation of Himself in Scripture as our guide,

we strive to grow in His Spirit and to fulfill the promise of Christ’s Kingdom.

Finance Committee Richard A. Baltrus Robert Dabrowski, Chairperson Daniel C. Jedrysiak Dorothy L. Komlanc Matthew P. Martinez Kathleen J. Schroeder

Parish Office Hours Monday-Friday: 8:30-Noon & 1:00-5:00 p.m. Closed every day from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Masses Monday-Thursday: 7:45 a.m. Friday Communion Service: 7:45 a.m. First Friday Mass: 7:45 a.m. Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Confessions: 4:00 p.m. Saturday

Liturgy Committee Barb Antoskiewicz, Pastoral Associate/DRE Debbie Bona, Lectors Brian Kozlowski, Director of Liturgy & Music Kevan Polanski & Erin Meegan Polanski, Altar Servers Rita Pritchett, Art & Environment Don Schiller, Ushers Ed Sochacki, Eucharistic Ministers Gerrie Szewczyk, Sacristans

Pastoral Council Barb Antoskiewicz Maria Cabrera Wade Cooper Brian Farlow Jane Farlow Michael Kabala Ken Kot Anita Lang Dominic Podsiadlik Erin Meegan Polanski Aloysius Okonkwo Tim Studer

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Monday, December 19 7:45 a.m. Mass † People of the Parish Tuesday, December 20 7:45 a.m. Mass † Helen Trock Wednesday, December 21 (St. Peter Canisius) 7:45 a.m. Mass † Delphine Szelangowski 9:00 a.m. School Mass † People of the Parish Thursday, December 22 7:45 a.m. Mass † People of the Parish Friday, December 23 (St. John of Kanty) 7:45 a.m. Communion Service † People of the Parish Saturday, December 24 (Vigil of Christmas) 5:00 p.m. Mass

† People of the Parish 12:00 a.m. Mass (Midnight) † People of the Parish Sunday, December 25 (The Nativity of the Lord―Christmas)

9:00 a.m. Mass † People of the Parish

Monday, December 19 MASS School Practice Religious Education Prayer Group

7:45am 1:00 - 2:00pm 4:00 - 5:30pm 7:00pm

Chapel Church Classrooms Chapel

Tuesday, December 20 MASS School Practice Jesse Tree Para-Liturgy Cub Scouts Pack Meeting

7:45am 9:00 - 11:00am 1:00 - 2:00pm 7:00pm

Chapel Church Church Parish Hall

Wednesday, December 21 MASS School MASS Sewing Club Early School Dismissal Brownies Rosary A.A. Meeting

7:45am 9:00am 9:00pm 12:00pm 2:30 - 4:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

Chapel Church Parish Office School Parish Hall Chapel Parish Hall

Thursday, December 22 MASS Choir Practice RCIA Graffiti Youth Group

7:45am 7:00pm 7:00 - 9:00pm 7:00 pm

Chapel Church Parish Office School Rm. 95

Friday, December 23

Communion Service PARISH OFFICE CLOSED Tamale Cooking Tamale Pickup

7:45am 9:00am - 9:00pm 5:00 - 7:00pm

Chapel Parish Hall/Kitchen Parish Hall

Saturday, December 24 CHRISTMAS EVE

MASS - Family Mass NO CONFESSIONS Choir Concert Midnight MASS

4:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am

Church Church Church

MASS 9:00am Church

Sunday, December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY

This Week’s Activities

Our New Counselor

Michele L. Nowak, LCPC, is now available to provide counseling to indi-viduals and couples right here at St. Ann’s! An experienced professional counselor who has worked with all age groups and issues, she is a staff member of the Holbrook Counseling Center of Catholic Charities. Fees for Michele’s services are reasonable, and you can make an appointment with her by calling 312-655-7725.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 18, 2011

The child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

—Luke 1:35

New Members Welcome! We would love to have you join us!

Please fill out the information below, and place in the Offertory Collection or send to the Parish Office. You may also request a

registration form at 708-895-6700.

Name Address Phone

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Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Today, we sing about the goodness of the Lord. Changes like the sea-sons can come and go so fast. They lead us to face the world as it is and teach us how we can best deal with change. Throughout the passing of each season, we know that all creation is the work of the composing Hand of God. Revealing, restoring, renewing us to glo-rify the power and presence of our God.

Accept our prayers of Advent . . . for the beauty of the season and the hope of things to come. We are people on a journey, people searching, praying and trying to bring understanding to our lives and the lives of those we love. One day, we will understand that what unites us is much greater that what divides us.

Think of each of these “Ts” . . . Tenacity, simplicity, community, beauty, honesty, in-tegrity, divinity, versatility, hospitality, loyalty, and the capacity to share our lives with God and one an-other. The possibilities are limitless!

Take time this week to reflect on these words and add a few of your own. Words open our minds to the possibili-ties.

Winter begins on the 22nd. So enjoy the things of win-ter―hot chocolate, mittens, scarves, warm coats, boots and the Christmas lights―that brighten our lives at this time of year. Next Sunday is Christmas, and the thoughts of rebirth, love, sharing and giving are on eve-ryone’s mind.

There is a cute little book called “The Gift of Nothing” by Patrick McDonnell. It is a wonderful, simple story about what is important in life. The “Gift of Nothing” is really something. Have a reflective, prayerful week, and be that special “something” to someone.

Serving Him Together,

Barb A.

Together Let Us Cause God Joy

Readings for the Week

Monday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Lk 1:5-25 Tuesday: Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38 Wednesday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Lk 1:39-45 Thursday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56 Friday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk 1:57-66 Saturday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Lk 1:67-79 Sunday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Midnight: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]

Today’s Readings

First Reading — I will fix a place for my people. I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance (2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16). Psalm — For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 89). Second Reading — To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory forever and ever (Romans 16:25-27). Gospel — Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:26-38). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Miss Me—But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me,

I want not rites in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little—but not too long And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love we once shared.

Miss me—but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take, And each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart Go to the Friend we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me—but let me go. In Loving Memory of Marcus Mireles Josephine Schoettle

The Cardinal is Coming to St. Ann’s!

Francis Cardinal George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago, will celebrate Mass at St. Ann’s on Sunday, January 8, at 10:30 a.m.

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SUNDAY COLLECTION 12-4-2011 Amount Amount Amount Received Required Over (Under) $12,367.55 $15,000.00 ($2,632.45)

BUILDING FUND: $1,540.00 CHURCH DECORATIONS: $2,492.00 ST. ANN 50-50 CLUB: $1,796.00

Thank you for your continued support of our parish.

NEW MARKET DAY ITEMS!

Lemon Pepper ChicNSteaks: Moist chicken breasts with a lemon pepper flavor. Individually wrapped &

skillfully hand trimmed; 110 calories per serving.

9 Grain Orzo Blend: With spinach, carrots, Garbanzo beans & red bell peppers, ready in 5-7 minutes.

GoGo SqueeZ™ Applesauce: Nothing but apples in an easy-to-go pouch. Fun snack for kids of all ages; no

refrigeration, no spoon, no mess and no added sugar.

Drop off your order forms in Church by January 15, in school by January 16, or order at www.marketday.com by 11:00 p.m. January 18. Pickup will be January 21 between 10-11:00 a.m.

in the Parish Hall.

Market Day

Please welcome and keep in your prayers the newest members of our St. Ann family!

Elizabeth Marie Ardizzone Child of

John & Carol Ardizzone

Urban Matthew Eastwood Child of

Matthew & Christine Eastwood

Chase Matthew Killeen Child of

Michael & Shawn Killeen

Grayson Robert Lafferty Child of

Michael & Nichole Lafferty

November Baptisms

St. Ann’s 50-50 Club

Our December 4 winning number was 1248. 1248 won $3528.50! Congratulations!

DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR CHANCE TO WIN OUR NEXT BIG POT!

To be eligible, both your 50-50 ($5.00) and weekly collection envelopes (no limit, but at least $5) with separate payments must be in the parish office by 9:00 a.m. Monday. If you donate by check, you need to write two separate checks. We will draw the weekly winner by Wednesday.

Look for the winners in each bulletin, on our facebook page, or on the parish website:

www.saintanncatholicparish.com

A New Chance To Win Every Week!

Christmas Masses

Christmas Eve: 4:00 p.m.* 11:30 p.m. Choir Concert 12:00 a.m. Midnight Mass

Christmas Day 9:00 a.m.

New Year’s Eve/Day

We will follow the regular weekend Mass schedule.

Parish Office Hours

Closed December 23, 26, 30 and January 2

*Confessions will not be heard Saturday, December 24

Pot of Gold, 2012!

Tickets for our March 17 drawing are available for purchase in the Narthex after all Masses,

and will make great Christmas gifts for those hard-to-shop-for people in your life!

Only 1,000 tickets will be sold, and the early bird drawing will take place on Super Bowl Sunday.

If you can help with ticket sales before and after Masses, please call the Parish Office at 895-6700.

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December 17-18, 2011

Dear Friends, Advent has brought many opportunities for service and generosity this year! John Scheppe, Grade 8, joined Lansing Detective Pierce and 8th graders from Memorial Jr. High and Heritage Jr. High in distributing food items to the Lansing Food Pantry. Our students and families contributed so many toiletries, playing cards, candy, socks, etc. for the military, that Mrs. Pamedis (project coordinator) and I mailed 35 boxes to our Troops on December 9. If you know Bob at the Lansing Post Office, or if you see him, thank him. He spent well over one hour processing our boxes. Well into the process, I asked if he was tired. He said, "I could do this all night . . . it's for our Troops."

The most touching experience was having all of our students make "Welcome Home" banners for Lance Corporal Colin Framke, who returned from Afghanistan last week. As the parade of fire trucks, police cars, and motorcycle guards passed St. Ann’s, they saw the school entirely lit up―every light in the house was on! Approximately 15 students, parents, and staff waved huge American flags from our new balcony as the parade passed us. We thank the Framke Family for their gener-osity and for allowing us to take part in Colin's welcoming!

Truly, it is the darkest time of year, but the Light of Christ shines brightly over St. Ann Parish and School! We are trying to prepare for Christmas by "letting our Lights shine." Every-one is trying to pray more, give more, and love more, in imita-tion of Jesus. Thank you all for making St. Ann School a vi-brant, faith-filled place for young people to learn. Please con-tinue your financial and spiritual support into the new year.

Our recent Science Fair was a tremendous event, and our stu-dents truly appear to be future Scientists. For a complete list of the winners, check our website at www.saintannschool.com.

The St. Ann Fundraisers invite you to choose Beggars Pizza here in Lansing for lunch/supper on Monday, December 19. Use your voucher, and St. Ann School will receive 20% of the total sales. We thank Ellen Horn and all who coordinate this monthly Supper Club! Be sure to support our local businesses, and remember that Popolano’s donated $463 after their turn at Supper Club.

Parents will provide treats for our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders this week, and on Wednesday, we will serve milk and cookies to all the children. This will be our annual "Pajama Day," and stu-dents will gather under the Christmas Tree in our main hallway where I will read them a special Christmas story. We will dis-miss for Christmas at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Make plans to attend the 4:00 p.m. Family Mass on Christmas Eve. Our Kindergarten children will act out the Christmas Gospel . . . we will have Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Angels, and Shepherds. Everyone at your Parish School wishes you and your family a Blessed, Grace-Filled Christmas!

Donna Lamoureux, Principal

St. A

nn Supper Club Monday, Dec. 19, 2011

St. Ann Supper Club is a monthly fundraiser in which

local establishments return to us a percentage of all food purchases

made by St. Ann community members and friends.

Beggars Pizza 3524 Ridge Road, Lansing

708-418-3500

Take a night off from cooking! Beggars Pizza’s dine-in, carry-out or delivery options include appetizers, pizzas,

sandwiches, pasta dinners, salads, and even desserts.

Hand in a St. Ann’s voucher when ordering, and Beggars will donate back 20% of purchases made all day from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.!

Religious Education The St. Ann Religious Education program would like to thank all of the bakers and pa-trons who supported our annual Cookie Walk. We made $730.50! Dee won the basket, and Lisa won the blanket. We hope everyone en-joyed all of those delicious cookies! Thanks also to all of the little “elves” who sold them.

Giving Tree helpers prepare to sort the many gifts for distribu-tion last Sunday. In addition to the piles of presents seen here, there were many more arriving in cars and waiting in the Chap-el. This year’s Giving Tree, in collaboration with the Lansing Food Pantry and Lansing schools, provided Christmas gifts to 250 children! Thank you to everyone who contributed either gifts or their time and energy to pulling of this huge and suc-cessful endeavor.

Correction: Last week, the chair/coordinator of our Science Fair was misi-dentified. Thanks is due to Mrs. Echterling, who has handled this responsi-bility for many years!

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Beggars Supper Club: December 19

Cardinal George Visit/Mass: January 8

Aluminum Can Collection: January 8

Winter Scrap & Stitch: January 13-15

Upcoming Events We will decorate the Church for Christmas on Sunday, December 18 immediately following 10:30 a.m. Mass.

We’ll be needing all the help we can find, as there is a lot of work to do!

This is a great opportunity for Confirmandi and others to earn service hours or to simply share in the joy and anticipation of the season.

Please meet in the Narthex after Mass.

All are welcome!

New Year’s Eve Party December 31, 6:00 p.m.

All Saints Church 570 Sibley Street, Hammond, IN

Tickets are $35 per person, only available in advance,

and include a buffet supper, dessert, beverages, and door prizes. Table reservations are available. Music will

be provided by Ted Tomczak & Take 5.

FMI and reservations, call 219-932-0204

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Worldwide Marriage Encounter Chicago/Northwest Indiana Area

Upcoming Weekends: January 27-29, March 2-4, June 8-10

For reservations/information, call Jim & Kris at 1.800.442.3554 or contact us at

www.wwmechicago-gary.org

Take some time to deepen your communication, strengthen your relationship, rekindle your romance,

and renew your sacrament. Early registration is highly recommended.

Dear Parishioners,

In these difficult economic times, know that the St. Vincent de Paul So-ciety of St. Ann is here to assist you in your time of need. All information is kept confidential. Please do not wait until matters become insurmountable. Please call 708-745-4760.

Cadette Girl Scout Troop 10077 has been busy this fall! They recently helped the St. Ann Women's Club make blankets for Alzheimer's patients. Pictured are Caitlin Fitch, Stephanie Kristl, Guadalupe Pimental, Katie Serba, Angela Rusiniak, and Hannah McCormick. To receive their Silver Award, the girls plan to paint the wall across from the school library with pictures representing the wonderful things about St. Ann’s. They also hope to have every student, teacher, faculty member and employee of the school put their hand print and name on the wall to commemorate what a great place St. Ann's is and how much it means to their troop. Since it is their 8th grade year, the girls and their adult leaders (Laura Serba and Cindy Rusiniak) want to leave the school with a memento and a token of their appreciation for the wonderful sup-port everyone here has shown the troop over the years.

YOUR OPINION IS IMPORTANT! Online Survey for Proposed

Catholic Education Campaign

The Department of Stewardship and Development of the Archdiocese is considering a campaign to address spe-cific education priorities of our Catholic Schools, Reli-gious Education Programs and Mundelein Seminary. We need your input and opinion.

Please read the Proposed Case Statement before taking the brief, anonymous survey. A direct link to the survey can be found on the front page of the Archdiocese's website, www.archchicago.org, or go directly to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HSP8GN7.

The survey will be available until December 18.

Girl Scout News

Good News!

Gordon Food Service (GFS) has chosen to sponsor our St. Vincent de Paul Society this year as its "Change

for Change" non-profit ministry.

From December 11-24, the Lansing GFS will have con-tainers at all of its checkout counters collecting monies for St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Ann. Gordon Food Service will match all monies that are donated dollar for dollar, and will give us a certificate for the total that we can use in the store to purchase food for the needy.

DID YOU ORDER TAMALES?

Don’t forget to pick up your order in the Parish Hall, Friday, December 23

between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.

St. Ann Catholic Church Bulletin #038050 Bulletin Editor Jennifer Gray 708-895-9972 Sunday, December 18, 2011 Microsoft Office Publisher 2010

St. Ann Parish 3010 Ridge Road Lansing, IL 60438