st. john of the cross parish · our advent reconciliation service with individual confessions and...

5005 Wolf Road ~ Western Springs 60558 ~ 708-246-4404 ~ www.stjohnofthecross.org

Second Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 9, 2018

St. John of the Cross Parish

A voice of one crying out in the desert:

Prepare the way of the Lord

St. John of the Cross Parish Second Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 9, 2018

From the Desk of Fr. Marc Reszel

Happy Advent! Today we light the second purple candle on our Advent wreath. In the tradition of Saint John the Baptist, I pray that we will rediscover our responsibility to invite and support people to prepare a way for the Lord and to welcome those who will come to Him during this holy season. Each Advent we are invited to support the Retirement Fund for Religious to help religious communities care for senior members. Like many Americans, religious communities face the monumental challenge of funding eldercare. By 2028, retired religious are projected to outnumber wage-earners by more than three to one. On Wednesday, December 12 we celebrate Mary as the Patroness of the Americas under the title Our Lady of Guadalupe. This feast teaches two important lessons: one of faith and one of understanding. In 1531, Jesus’ own mother appeared to humble Juan Diego. The signs - of the roses, of the uncle miraculously cured of a deadly illness, and especially of her beautiful image on Juan's mantle - convinced the people there was something to be considered in Christianity. Within a short time, six million Native Mexicans had themselves baptized as Christians. The first lesson is that God has chosen Mary to lead us to Jesus. The second lesson we take from Mary herself who appeared to Juan Diego not as a European Madonna but as a beautiful Aztec Princess speaking to him in his own Aztec language. If we want to help someone appreciate the gospel we bring, we must appreciate the culture and the mentality in which they live their lives. By understanding them, we can help them to understand and know Christ. On Friday, December 14 we will celebrate the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross. Following the 7:45am Mass we will formally and dedicate and bless the new outdoor statue of our parish patron. A coffee reception will then take place in the Parish Center. All are welcome to the festivities honoring the 16th Century Spanish mystic, poet, and reformer of the Carmelites. Our Advent Reconciliation Service with individual confessions and absolution will be at 7:00pm on Tuesday, December 18. Within our Renew My Church grouping, Saint Cletus Parish will host an Advent Reconciliation Service at 7:00pm on Monday, December 17. You are strongly encouraged to make the Sacrament of Penance a part of your Advent preparations. Let us continue to pray for one another and for our parish. Father Reszel

Mary Mother of Jesus Statue Our parish is home to a special prayer garden called the Garden of Mary, Mother of Jesus. The focal point of the garden is a beautiful statue of a young Mary at the Annunciation. Mary has one hand over her heart and the other over her womb, physically symbolizing where she accepted the will of God. In 2014, our parish commissioned a replica of our Mother of Jesus statue. Handmade, each cold cast statue is made from Carrara marble and other materials. The statue stands 18 inches tall. It is recommended that it be placed indoors to preserve its coloring and natural beauty. A limited number of statues will be available for sale for $150. To purchase, drop off an envelope with your contact information at the Parish Center with a check to SJC or order on our parish website. Mary will make a perfect gift for anyone on your list, especially the mothers in your life.

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”

St. Maximilian Kolbe

Dedication of New Statue

SAN JUAN DE LA CRUZ St. John of the Cross

Friday, December 14 Feast Day of St. John of the Cross, Priest,

and Doctor of the Church

7:45am Mass

Dedication and Hospitality

following Mass


Dear Parishioners, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. I’m all discombomulated with the rhythm of the season and dates, and I’m not ready for all this cold weather. The week between the Thanksgiving weekend and the first Sunday in Advent was supposed to be a bonus week, but it has just made things more complicated. All of that is supposed to be part my cover in being slow to respond to all your wonderful Thanksgiving cards and your birthday cards. Forgive me for not getting back to you individually, but there is no way the fatigue and other side effects was going to allow that. I was under the mistaken impression that the further I got from treatment the less of an impact the side effects were going have on me. Not so. The neuropathy in my right hand has really slowed me down, and it actually prevents me from signing my name much less writing a note. As impersonal as this may be, please know of my gratitude and profound appreciation for all the prayers, concern and good energy you’ve been sending my way. Thanks so very much for everything. Fr. David

Parish News From the Desk of Fr. David

Retirement Fund for Religious Collection this Weekend This weekend is the annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious, benefiting more than 31,000 elderly Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests throughout the United States. The Retirement Fund for Religious offers financial support that helps religious communities provide loving care for older members while ensuring younger members can continue the good work of their elders. Thank you for your generosity and please pray for God’s continued blessing on all our women and men religious.

The beginning of faith is feeling the need for salvation: this is the way that prepares us to meet Jesus. Pope Francis @Pontifex Dec 5


Lifelong Liturgy

Reflecting on Living the Gospel Beginning with John the Baptist’s preaching, Luke situates the Christ-event in a particular historical time and place, for, as he tells us in Acts 26:26, these things did not happen in a corner. And it is precisely because of Luke’s desire to give us the historical details that scholars can be fairly confident of their dating. Luke cites both civil and religious leaders to situate the Christ-event in history. The Emperor Tiberius, who reigned from AD 14 to 36, succeeded Caesar Augustus, which means that the fifteenth year of Tiberius’s reign could be anywhere from AD 27 to 29 depending on how one counts the years.

The historical details do much in demonstrating that Jesus was a historical figure. The Christ-event is not a mere myth like so many other Greek and Roman tales. Jesus was a living, breathing Jewish human being who lived in the Roman Empire in the province of Judea. These things did not happen in a corner (cf. Acts 26:26).

Once the events are situated in their historical setting, Luke continues the narrative with the story about John the Baptist, whose birth is recounted in the first chapter. There we hear the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth having a child even though Elizabeth is barren. It is Luke who essentially makes John a cousin of Jesus, a detail found nowhere else in the New Testament. The appellation of John as “son of Zechariah” (Luke 3:2) is a nod to the story in the first chapter.

These details alone—the historical setting and the familial relationship between John and Jesus—tell us we are dealing with a unique author who has his own theological insights to convey. Luke is a gifted storyteller, theologian, and evangelist. We do well to read his story carefully. ©Living Liturgy

Background on the Gospel Reading This week and next, our Gospel readings invite us to consider John the Baptist and his relationship to Jesus. John the Baptist appears in the tradition of the great prophets, preaching repentance and reform to the people of Israel. To affirm this, Luke quotes at length from the prophet Isaiah. John baptizes for repentance and for forgiveness of sins, preparing the way for God's salvation. The three Synoptic Gospels—Mark, Matthew, and Luke—attest to the importance of the baptism of John in preparing for Jesus. Only the Gospel of Luke, however, extends the connection between these two men to their birth. The first two chapters of Luke's Gospel contain the Infancy Narrative, which tells about the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. These stories set the stage for the beginning of Jesus' public ministry in chapter 3. The evangelist Luke is the author of the Gospel that bears his name, and he also wrote the Acts of the Apostles as a continuation of the story of Jesus and the Church. In these two works, Luke's sense of time and history emerges. He identifies three epochs of salvation history: the time before Christ, the time of Christ, and the time of the Church and the Holy Spirit. In today's Gospel reading, as elsewhere, John the Baptist is presented as the figure who bridges the time before Christ and prepares the way for Christ's own ministry. In today's Gospel we also note Luke's attention to political and historical detail. Luke shows that salvation is for all people and situated in world events. Therefore, Luke lists the political and religious leaders at the time of John's appearance in the desert. Salvation is understood as God's breaking into this political and social history. John's preaching of the coming of the Lord is a key theme of the Advent season. As John's message prepared the way for Jesus, we too are called to prepare ourselves for Jesus' coming. We respond to John's message by repentance and reform of our lives. We are also called to be prophets of Christ, who announce by our lives the coming of the Lord, as John did. Loyola Press

Lord, God Almighty, you have done great things for us

and we are blessed. May we share with all peoples

the good news of what you have done,

reflecting the goodness and mercy you have to offer,

so that we are true exemplars of your Christ. We ask this in his name. Amen.

Readings for the Week

Thursday Isa 41:13-20 Ps 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab Matt 11:11-15

Monday Isa 35:1-10 Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 Luke 5:17-26

Friday Isa 48:17-19 Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 Matt 11:16-19

Tuesday Isa 40:1-11 Ps 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13 Matt 18:12-14

Saturday Sir 48:1-4, 9-11 Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19 Matt 17:9a, 10-13

Wednesday Zech 2:14-17 Jdt 13:18bcde, 19 Luke 1:26-38

3rd Sunday of Advent Zeph 3:14-18a Isa 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 Phil 4:4-7 Luke 3:10-18


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness,

send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways

long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy

seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness,

yet seeking the light. To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”

Henri Nouwen

Dear Lord, through the darkness, I look for your wisdom. I want my heart to be open to you but sometimes in these days, it seems that so many things come between us.

Help me to be awake and aware of the radiance you bring to my life. Help me to be grateful each day for the blessings of family and friends.

Let me be a peacemaker in my own life, and in the world. Let me pray especially for this difficult world and those who are so in need of an end to violence.

My heart begs for this as my Advent prayer today. Creighton

Come Lord Jesus!

Prayers for Lighting the Advent Wreath

Candles Second Week

God of power and mercy open our hearts

in welcome. Remove the things that

hinder us from receiving Christ

with joy so that we may share

his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory,

for he lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit, one God,

forever and ever. Xavier University

Lord, hear the prayers of your people who anxiously await your coming. Help us to straighten the crooked roads of our lives so that we might create a highway for you to enter our homes and hearts with the peace of Christ Jesus, your Son in whose name we offer these prayers. Amen.

Lord God,

may we, your people, who prepare a way

for the Lord

experience the joy of salvation

and celebrate the feast of Christ

with love and

thanksgiving. Amen.

RCIA: Rite of Welcoming


Rite of Welcoming Last Sunday at the 10:45am Mass three men who entered the Inquiry stage of the RCIA process last September celebrated the Rite of Welcome, declaring their intention to enter the Catechumenate stage where they will receive guidance and formation in our Catholic faith and learn of the rich tradition and sacramental life of the Catholic Church. It is with great joy that the St. John of the Cross Parish community welcomes our newest candidates into the Catechumenate. Along with the catechumen and five candidates from St. Francis Xavier Parish, let us continue to pray for our brothers and sisters and the day when they will share fully with us at the Lord’s Table. Pictured from the left are Erik Palm, Jason Sunderson, and Brad Wilson.

Erik Palm was born in Youngstown, Ohio and was baptized in a Presbyterian church as a baby. He grew up in Glastonbury, CT and Hudson, OH where his family attended the Congregational church. Erik attended Boston College where he met Jeannine, his wife of 18 years. Erik and Jeannine have settled in Western Springs after living in Northern California and northeast Florida. Erik works in finance and enjoys golfing and cheering and supporting his kids, Eden, 15, and Anderson, 11 at the sporting events they are involved in. Jason Sunderson, his wife Jill, and their children Owen (9), Kate (7), and Charlotte (4) moved to Hinsdale from Chicago six years ago and began attending Saint John of the Cross in 2017, with his children participating in SJC’s YC program. Jason was raised in California and baptized Presbyterian, then married his college sweetheart who had grown up a Catholic at St. Raymond’s in Joliet. He spent 6 years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear engineer after college, prior to going back to business school for his MBA and joining William Blair & Company as a Director in the Investment Banking department. Jason enjoys golf, skiing, coaching his kids’ sports teams, and vacationing with the family anywhere with a beach. He looks forward to deepening his faith through the RCIA program and joining his family as a fully indoctrinated Catholic as part of the SJC community. Brad Wilson, his wife Christine, and their son Colin moved to Springdale three years ago and shortly thereafter began attending Saint John of the Cross. He was introduced to Catholicism after meeting his wife Christine and is looking forward to growing his faith within the SJC community. Brad grew up in a military family which allowed him the experience to live in two different countries and five different states. Professionally, he is a Director of Forensic Services at PwC. Personally, Brad enjoys traveling, golfing and being outside with his family.

Advent is a time for renewing the faith, for purifying it, so that it can be more authentic . Pope Francis @Pontifex Dec 3

Parish News


Oplatki Traditional Christmas wafers are available in the Parish Center office for $2 per package.

Friday Date Night Experiencing holiday stress at your house?? The Seven Principles Marriage Workshop Leaders, Bill and Theresa Simantirakis, are offering a free Relationship Check-up for any couple on Friday evenings in December. Sign up on our parish website.

Parish Sponsored Program at The Well Our parish is sponsoring a program on Tuesday, December 18 at 9:30-11am and again at 7pm-8:30pm at The Well in LaGrange Park. Facilitator, Pat Bergen, CSJ, will lead an Advent Program: Something Wonderful and New is Happening. A wonderful newness is emerging in ourselves and our culture this Advent; a new breakthrough that we can see, hear, and experience. Prepare to proclaim to the world that the unseen God of Love is making a new breakthrough in our time. Note, this is a new program date from the original schedule. Free to SJC parishioners. Call the Parish Center office to register.

Deuteronomy & Genesis

Advent Morning

of Meditation

Give yourself the gift of silence. Come to an Advent Morning of Meditation:

The Gift of Love ~ God’s Gift of Self in Jesus Saturday, December 22

9-11:30am Hospitality 8:30am Parish Center

Our morning will include an audio teaching from Laurence Freeman, OSB, Director of the World Community for Christian Meditation, sharing by a member of the SJC Meditation Group, periods of meditation, and lectio divina.

All are invited; those who meditate as well as those who want to know more about meditation. Sponsored by the Christian Meditation Groups (wccm-usa.org, wccm.org). Reservations requested, but not required by contacting: Betsy at 708-246-8315 or [email protected]. Free will offering appreciated.

Chicago Catholic Scripture School Next Session: January 9—March 13 Wednesdays 10am or 7pm Parish Center $195 Certificate Program/$95 Audit Program Register at www.luc.edu/ips/ccss

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Knitters and crocheters will meet Wednesday, December 12 from 1-2:30pm in the Parish Center. If anyone would like a shawl for someone who is ill or experiencing the challenges of life, call Sheila at 246-7836 or Mary at 246-5108.

There is no such thing as the perfect family. Only by the daily exercise of forgiveness can a family grow. Pope Francis @Pontifex Dec 1

Parish News


December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Our Lady of Guadalupe has often been called the Evangelizer of the Americas. You too can be a great evangelizer through simple actions: invite someone to a parish Christmas event or Mass or introduce yourself to someone new this weekend at Mass.

St. John of the Cross Parish Community congratulates Eric and Egle Wilcher who had their two children baptized on December 2 by Deacon Rich Voytas assisted by Baptism Team Leaders Betsy and Sean Sullivan. Pictured with their parents are Neal Juozas held by his mom and Nora Violet held by her father.

Prayer by Bishop Robert Barron In last Sunday’s Gospel Jesus tells his disciples to be vigilant. Advent is the great liturgical season of vigilance, of waiting and watching. What practically can we do during this season of vigil keeping? What are some practices that might incarnate for us the Advent spirituality? I strongly recommend the classically Catholic discipline of Eucharistic adoration. To spend a half hour or an hour in the presence of the Lord is not to accomplish or achieve very much—it is not really "getting" anywhere—but it is a particularly rich form of spiritual waiting. As you keep vigil before the Blessed Sacrament, bring to Christ some problem or dilemma that you have been fretting over, and then say: "Lord, I’m waiting for you to solve this, to show me the way out, the way forward. I’ve been running, planning, worrying, but now I’m going to let you work." Then, throughout Advent, watch attentively for signs. Also, when you pray before the Eucharist, allow your desire for the things of God to intensify; allow your heart and soul to expand. Pray, "Lord, make me ready to receive the gifts you want to give," or even, "Lord Jesus, surprise me." Pray before the Blessed Sacrament on Mondays from 2:30 until 9pm in the Mary Chapel.

Registration will be available online at www.stjohnofthecross.org/crossroads until Friday, December 21.

http://www.stjohnofthecross.org/crossroads

Parish News


Light the way for family & friends this Christmas …Begin a holiday tradition your children will love!

Each Luminaria Kit is $10 and includes 5 white bags, 5 long burning candles (10+ hours) and

enough sand to assemble your luminarias. Order Deadline: Sunday, December 9

Pick Up After Masses on December 15 or 16 in the back hall of the Parish Center. Kits will be labeled with your name.

Order online at www.stjohnofthecross.org. Or by cash or check (made out to SJC Women’s Club)

with payment to the Parish Center. Name:

Phone:

Email:

______________Luminaria Kits x $10 ______________ $ Total NEW THIS YEAR: Purchase a luminaria in Honor of/in Memory of a loved one for just $5. Their name will be displayed on a lit luminaria outside of church on Christmas Eve. One name per luminaria. Luminaria in Honor of: ______________ $ Total Enclosed for Luminaria(s) Outside Church on Christmas Eve

Sponsored by the SJC Women’s Club in partnership with Village True Value Hardware and Mariano’s. Please contact Christina Howard or Cindy

O’Malley with questions. [email protected]

Prayer From a Canticle by Saint John of the Cross "We must dig deeply in Christ. He is like a rich mine with many pockets containing treasures: however deep we dig we will never find their end or their limit. Indeed, in every pocket new seams of fresh riches are discovered on all sides." --St. John of the Cross

Through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the intercession of Saint John, may we treasure the gifts of life which God have given us!

Got questions about life •Alpha is a series of interactive, informal, small-group

sessions that freely explore the basis of Christian faith. It has been used by many Catholic parishes to help create a culture familiar with and passionate about evangelization based on hospitality, sharing and prayer.

•Each session includes a meal, a talk and small group discussion where no question about Life, Faith or God is out of bounds.

•Alpha is for everyone and it is coming soon to St. John of the Cross Parish. If you are curious or would like a place where you can comfortably experience Faith, Fellowship and Food, Alpha is for you.

•Curious? Additional details will be provided in the bulletin in the upcoming weeks.

Volunteers Needed The Women’s Club will be filling the luminaria orders on Thursday, December 13 beginning at 9am. All are welcome to help and enjoy some social time with other women in the parish. Christina is making her favorite Christmas cookies to share! Call Christina to let her know you are coming. 630-334-9144.See you then.

mailto:[email protected]

YC: Youth Catechesis News Parish News

Making a Difference TODAY

What: Family Service Project When: Sunday, December 9th from 3:30-4:45pm Where: SJC Parish Center Why: Help families transitioning to their own home

Join us for a beautiful afternoon spending time with your family to reflect on the blessings we have and to become

aware of those in need.

The SJC YC Council invites ALL PARISH FAMILIES to attend or donate to the Family Service Project:

“Making a Difference” TODAY

Sunday, December 9 at the SJC Parish Center

3:30pm

Hear the mission of parishioner & founder of the local H2H: Home 2 Home Project, Janelle Towne. Families will be assembling cleaning supplies.

We are in NEED of the following donations: Clorox Wipes * Toilet Bowl Cleaner *

Toilet Bowl brush * Multi purpose Cleanser * Cleaning bucket * Windex

Please bring all donations to the Parish Center We hope to see you there!!

Fellowship, Fun, Food & Service Families of All Ages Welcome

Hosted by YC Council Members


YC: EXCELLENCE IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The Week Ahead Monday, December 10 9:15am School Mass 9:30am Spiritual Journeying 10:30am 11th Step Christian Meditation 1:00pm Little Rock Scripture Study 2:30pm Adoration 6:15pm YC Session 7:00pm Advent by Candlelight 7:30pm Boy Scout Meeting Tuesday, December 11 9:00am Tuesdays with Mary Rosary 9:30am Pillar III- Life in Christ 7:00pm Advent Taize 7:30pm Christian Meditation Wednesday, December 12 9:30am Faith Sharing Group 9:30am Wednesday Morning Bible Study 1:00pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 2:30pm Christian Meditation 3:30pm Christian Meditation Study Group 3:45pm Cherub Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm School Band/Choir Concert 7:00pm Bridges Faith Sharing 7:30pm Traditional Choir Rehearsal Thursday, December 13 8:30am SJC Study Group 9:00am Flourish 3:45pm Youth Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Contemporary Ensemble Rehearsal Friday, December 14 7:45am Mass followed by Statue Dedication & Hospitality Saturday, December 15 7:00am Christian Meditation Sunday, December 16 Luminaria Pickup 10:15am YC Session 1:30pm Baptisms 3:30pm YC BEDS Meal Prep 6:00pm Frosh/Soph Christmas Party

Dec. 9-10 10:15am/6:15pm K-6 Dec 16-17 10:15am/6:15pm K-6 Fifth Grade Parent Attends Prayer Service December 16 7th-8th Grades in homes December 16 Adapted Catechesis 9-10am

Outreach News


Thank you for participating in this

work of mercy.

Watch for a recap and pictures!

Food Collection in our Church Narthex Through your incredible generosity, for over 25 years our parish has collected nonperishable food and household paper products to help those less fortunate. The need for supplemental food for families and seniors continues to grow as more people are living in poverty, are out of work or are not making as much as they should be—more families are struggling to cover the basic necessities of modern American living: food, shelter, health care, clothing and transportation. Each month our donations are delivered to a different food pantry. Twice a year we deliver food to nearby neighboring parish food pantries at St. Francis Xavier, St. Cletus and St. Barbara’s in Brookfield. In December SJC will deliver our food pantry donations to St. Blase in Summit. Catholic Charities runs an Emergency Food Pantry in the basement of St. Blase. The parish, run by Polish Albertine Sisters, is home to Hispanic, African American and Polish people. Over 1000 families receive food each month from the pantry 3 days per week. In addition, donated bread, vegetables and fruits are distributed on designated days; about 50 seniors stop in weekly for bags of food on their special day; and once a week the location provides a catered hot dinner for 60-70 people. The pantry frequently runs out of food to distribute to those in need. When you come to Mass please bring one or two food items to share with the St. Blase Food Pantry. Their greatest needs include: macaroni and cheese, rice, beans, soups—but any food item will be appreciated. Thank you for your care and generosity to those living in poverty in our area.

Mary Queen of Heaven Delivery Your donations during the month of November were delivered to Mary Queen of Heaven at the end of the month. Thank you for your continued generosity!! 200+ bags of food, plus canned goods, paper products, & baby food/diapers were delivered by: 12 people in 8 cars!! Including 1 partridge in a pear tree!

Kolbe House Jail Ministry Assumption Parish / Kolbe House Jail Ministry, a SJC sharing parish, prays with and assists those who are incarcerated. They also help them transition to the next phase of their lives. Our parish has the opportunity to assist in their mission by contributing the following items. Please place your contribution in a box in the narthex labeled Kolbe House. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. New Men’s White Cotton T-shirts XL and XXL Men’s Boxer Shorts XL and XXL Men’s Athletic Socks Toiletries for women and men including bar soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant. Our new Outreach Advisory Rep, Marilyn Cahill dedicates her time to overseeing our relationship with Assumption/Kolbe House.

FILL A CHRISTMAS MUG WITH LOVE Give young adults with developmental disabilities attending Ray Graham Training Center in Chicago a treat this Christmas. Fill a Christmas mug with candy, put it in a bag or wrap your mug in cellophane and add a ribbon. Our treats will be distributed at their annual party. Please drop off donations at the Parish Center by December 13.

So many persons with disabilities and difficulties reopen their hearts to life when they realize they are loved! And how much love can flow from a heart thanks to the remedy of a smile! #WorldDisabilityDay Pope Francis @Pontifex Dec 3 2018

https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldDisabilityDay?src=hash

GIFTING THAT GIVES BACK: Scrip Gift Cards Join us in raising money for our parish school by using gift cards where you’re already shopping. It’s easy, rewarding, and fits perfectly into your busy life. Choose gift cards from over 750 brands you’re already shopping, including Best Buy, Amazon, Nordstrom, The Home Depot and many more. Whether you buy the gift cards to give as presents to family and friends or use them to buy your gifts, your order immediately raises funds for St. John of the Cross Parish School.

Name

Email

Phone

To order: Fill out this form and return with payment to the Parish Center by Monday, December 17. Make checks payable to St. John of the

Cross. Orders are ready to pick up at 12pm Thursday, December 20 in the Parish Center. Call Jakkie Tisa at 708-292-1157 with questions.

Denomination Quantity Total Cost

Panera $10

$25

Jewel

$25

$100

Staples $25

$100

Starbucks $5

$10

$25

T.J. Maxx/Marshalls HomeGoods/ Sierra Trading Post

$25

$100

Walmart/Sam’s Club $25

$50

$100

Whole Foods $25

$50

$100

Visit ShopWithScrip.com (click Learn More) to see all 750+ brands and available denominations. Then, add to your order below.

Enter brand name Denomination Quantity Total Cost

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

# Total $ Total

Parish School

Denomination Quantity Total Cost

Amazon.com $10

$25

$100

Bath & Body Works $10

$25

Best Buy $25

$100

$250

Buffalo Wild Wings $10

$25

Chipotle Mexican Grill $10

$25

Dick’s Sporting Goods $25

$100

Disney $25

$100

$1000

Fannie May $10

The Home Depot $10

$25

$100

Kohl’s $25

$100

Macy’s $25

$100

Mariano’s $25

$50

$100

Nordstrom $25

$100

Old Navy $25

$100



A Different Kind of Bucket-List What’s still unfinished in your life? Well, there’s always a lot that’s unfinished in everyone’s life. Nothing is ever really finished. Our lives, it seems, are simply interrupted by our dying. Most of us don’t complete our lives, we just run out of time. So, consciously or unconsciously, we make a bucket-list of things we still want to see, do, and finish before we die. What do we still want to do? A number of things probably immediately come to the fore: We want to see our children grow up. We want to see our daughter’s wedding. We want to see our grandchildren. We want to finish this last work of art, of writing, of building. We want to see our 80th birthday. We want to reconcile with our family. Beyond these, more important things, we generally have another list of things we were too busy, preoccupied, or economically disadvantaged to do earlier in life: We want to walk the Camino, travel to the Holy Land, see the historical sites of Europe, back-pack through parts of Asia, travel the country with our grandkids, enjoy our retirement. But in fantasizing about what’s unfinished in our lives there’s the danger of missing out on the richness of what’s actually going on in our lives and our real task in the moment. The better question is: How do I want to live now so as to be ready to die when it’s my time? In a wonderful little book on contemplation, Biography of Silence, Spanish author, Pablo d’Ors, stares his mortality in the face and decides that this is what he wants to do in face of the inalienable fact that he’s one day to die. Here’s his bucket list: “I have decided to stand up and open my eyes. I have decided to eat and drink in moderation, to sleep as necessary, to write only what contributes toward improving those who read me, to abstain from greed, and never compare myself to others. I have also decided to water my plants and care for an animal. I will visit the sick, I will converse with the lonely, and I will not let much time go by before playing with a child. In the same manner I have decided to recite my prayers every day, to bow several times before the things I consider sacred, to celebrate the Eucharist, to listen to the Word, to break bread and share the wine, to give peace, to sing in unison. And to go for walks, which I find essential. And to light the fire, which is also essential. And to shop without hurry, to greet my neighbors even when I do not like seeing their faces, to subscribe to a newspaper, to regularly call my friends and siblings on the phone. And to take excursions, swim in the sea at least once a year, and to read only good books, or reread those that I have liked. … I will live for those things according to an ethics of attention and care. And this is how I will arrive at a happy old age, when I will contemplate, humble and proud at the same time, the small but grand orchard that I have cultivated. Life as cult, culture, and cultivation.” Life as a cult, culture, and cultivation: I’m a two-time cancer survivor. When first diagnosed with cancer seven years ago, the prognosis was good. I had a scare, but time still stretched out endlessly before me. But when the cancer returned four years ago, the doctors were less optimistic and told me, in unequivocal terms, that my time was probably short, no more endless days. That prognosis clarified my thoughts and feelings as nothing ever before. Stunned, I went home, sat down in prayer, and then wrote this mini-creed for myself, with a different kind of bucket-list:

I am going to strive to be as productive as long as I can. I am going to make every day and every activity as precious and enjoyable as possible. I am going to strive to be as gracious, warm, and charitable as possible. I am going to strive to be as healthy as long as I can. I am going to strive to accept others' love in a deeper way than I have up to now. I am going to strive to live a more-fully "reconciled” life. No room for past hurts anymore. I am going to strive to keep my sense of humor intact. I am going to strive to be as courageous and brave as I can.

I am going to strive, always, to never look on what I am losing, but rather to look at how wonderful and full my life has been and is.

And, I am going to, daily, lay all of this at God's feet through prayer. Not incidentally, since then I have also begun to water plants, care for a feral cat, and feed all the neighborhood birds. Life as cult, culture, and cultivation. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser

Advent Taizé Prayer

Tuesday, December 11 7pm in Church

Taizé prayer, a contemplative, candlelit prayer service, has its roots in the tiny village of Taizé, located in the eastern part of France. Since 1940, Taizé has been home to an international ecumenical monastic community whose prayer for peace, reconciliation, and unity is the center of their life. Today, visitors of all ages from many and diverse countries and religious traditions go to Taizé in pilgrimage to experience peaceful communion with God and with one another. Taizé prayer consists of simple, repetitive music interspersed with scripture readings and long periods of silence. The repetition of mantra-like musical phrases draws us into deep meditative prayer, to a space where we invite God’s voice to speak deep within us. Instruments such as flute, oboe, and cello help to elevate the music and create a truly prayerful environment.

Sing, Listen & Be Silent


Mass & Reconciliation Schedule & Intentions Living Intentions in Italics

Monday, December 10 Advent Weekday

7:45am Joseph Piszczor; Margaret Albertson Tuesday, December 11 Advent Weekday; St. Damasus I

7:45am Brian & Pat Donovan; Jack Burns; William Lohmeier Wednesday, December 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

7:45am Gino Rocconi; Our Beloved Dead Thursday, December 13 St. Lucy

7:45am Marge Anderson; Grace Reynolds; Bruno & Lucille Shukis Friday, December 14 St. John of the Cross

7:45am Frank Simmons; Joseph Glimco Statue Dedication & Hospitality after Morning Mass

Saturday, December 15 Advent Weekday

8:00am Anne O’Neill; Raymond Haas ~ Confessions after Morning Mass ~ 5:00pm Phyllis Wocom; Jack Lenahan Sunday, December 16 Third Sunday of Advent

7:30am Gail Swaback; Cassius MacDiarmid 9:00am Patrick McNaughton; Glimco Family 10:45am Joseph Glimco; Dianne & Michael Kassis 12:15pm Mary Jean Longueil; Marcy Szpak 5:00pm Jack Neville; Gino Rocconi

Pray for Our Beloved Dead Ruth Richards, mother of Mary Lawrence and Kevin John Lorden, brother of Mary Doepke Terrance Dobry, husband of Jeannette, father of Erik, Jennifer Sullivan, Danielle, and Aimee Ester Wolak, sister of Lorraine Ptak, aunt of Kim Rooney Virginia Conforti, mother of Wayne

Pray for Our Sick Beth Beutell Margaret Brooks Sam Cibula Megan Corvino Cheryl Delaney Kathy Delaney Frances Domanskis Fr. David Dowdle Laurian Gawron Bill Harley Linda Hillsman Karen Hult Eric Martinson Ernie Misiora Arlene O’Sullivan Janet Palko Judi Perzik Jeff Reitmeier Rachael Schopp Nancy Skow Shawn Sweeney Don Vollmer

Rev. Marc W. Reszel, Pastor [email protected] Rev. Peter P. Galek, Assoc Pastor [email protected] Rev. William J. Vollmer, Assoc Pastor [email protected] Rev. David P. Dowdle, Senior Priest [email protected] Deacon John Schopp, Deacon [email protected] Bill Bright, Director of Outreach [email protected] Janet Caschetta, Director of YC [email protected] Kathleen Gorman, Principal [email protected] Jessica Koch, Director of Music [email protected] MJ Martin, Director of Operations [email protected] Katie Nicholson, Crossroads Coord [email protected] Joe Pepitone, Senior Deacon [email protected] Steven Weigand, Pastoral Assoc [email protected]

Pray for Our Loved Ones Serving Our Country Staff Sgt. Steven Foody, son of Sandra Foody Sergeant Sebastian Grabacki, son of David & Jan Grabacki Staff Sgt. Joshua Tischler USAF Pararescue, grandson of Betty & Frank Madler & Mary Tischler Corporal Daniel Pett, nephew of Kathryn Stimetz Capt. James Maicke, grandson of Phil & Mike Maicke Sgt. Robert Marburger, son of David and Kathleen Marburger Staff Sgt. Larry Waszak, grandson of Bruno and Barbara Gacek Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Strafaci, grandson of Sandra & Jim Strafaci Lance Corporal David Strafaci, grandson of Sandra & Jim Strafaci Seaman Emily Strafaci, granddaughter of Sandra & Jim Strafaci Sgt. Michael Grabarek, relative of the LeFevour and Schillaci families Spc. Douglas Junius, grandson of Ann Junius and son of Sue Junius PFC Kevin Lawinger, grandson of Roe and Bob Lawinger Lieutenant James Viano, grandson of Lorraine Wolfe


SJC Fest is coming June 20-23, 2019!! Each pass is good for unlimited rides

all four days for only $50 each. Buy at the Parish Center on weekdays

or any time on our parish website: www.stjohnofthecross.org/megapass

http://www.stjohnofthecross.org/megapass

St. John of the Cross Parish is excited to announce

ENCORE a social group catering to the mature members of the parish who are 60 + years.

Our first event will be a

This catered event will provide an opportunity to celebrate the holidays, reconnect with old friends and meet some new friends.

Tickets are available in the Parish Center for $20. Parishioners and Guests are welcome. RSVP by December 11th.

Attendees are invited to bring a plate of their favorite Christmas cookies to share for our dessert. As part of a service project, we also invite you to bring baby diapers to the

Parish Center Lobby to donate to families in need at Precious Blood Ministry.

Christmas Luncheon Tuesday, December 18th

12:00 – 2pm Parish Center

DUPLEXELECTRIC

708-387-9400Expert TroubleshootingElectrical Rehab/Repair

Greg Fiflis – Parishionerwww.duplexelectricservice.com

Over 50 Yearsof Care

105 E. 1st Street, Hinsdale630.325.0100

www.HinsdaleOrtho.com

DR. KEVIN J. SALVINOHinsdale Foot and Ankle Specialist

Board Certified630-789-1700

Affiliated with Hinsdale Hospital

HAVE YOU CONSIDEREDFENWICK?

FenwickFriars.com/Own-It

Little Flower HealthcareLive-in and Come and

Go Caregivers773-238-0660

3017 W. 111th St., Chicago, IL 60655

From the WLP Vault comes the Bible Story of Christmas featuring

8 Classic Christmas Carols and a reading of the Gospel of Luke 2: 4-20

by Bing Crosby! Also available on vinyl.

Visit WLPmusic.com to purchase your copy - CD $10.00

800-566-6150 Photo Courtesy of Bing Crosby Enterprises

Gregg Communications Systems, Inc.Telephone Equip. Voiceover IP (VoIP)

38 Years in BusinessMary Dine 630-571-7000 www.greggcomm.com

009239 St John of the Cross Church (B)

SUNDAY & SATURDAY BRUNCH10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Brunch Menu & New Kids Menu

HAPPY HOURMonday - Thursday • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Appetizers 1/2 OFF

EVENTS ON AND OFF PREMISES

Catering • Groups 20 to 150Funeral Lunches • Baby Showers

DISCOUNTS on Large Pizza Orders

DINE IN, TAKE OUT & DELIVERYOpen 7 Days

708-354-9990

WWW.LUCCASPIZZERIA.COM

MIDWEST REMODELING& BUILDERS LTD.General Contractor Specializing In:

Remodeling | Additions | Rehabs | Kitchens | BathroomsDeck Power Washing

www.Midwest-Remodeling-and-Builders-LTD.comLa Grange, IL 708.354.0883

ANNA’S CLEANING SERVICESExperienced Polish GirlsHomes • Condos • Offices

Free EstimatesInsured 773.502.9369

VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PCGENERAL DENTISTRY

4471 Lawn Ave., Ste. 200 Western Springs(708) 246-6006

www.VersaciDental.com

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

OPEN 7 DAYS630.568.3281

49 S. Washington St. • Hinsdale708.937.9440

22 W. Burlington Ave. • La GrangeWWW.SHOPKELSEYRESALE.COM

Western Springs

Striving to bethe Best in

Customer ServiceBROKERS

JEN MCGINN JEN HUBL312.622.0326 708.655.0163Lifetime Parishioner

[email protected] • www.Jen2homes.com

FAMILY DENTISTRYKevin E. Collins, DDS, PC475 W. 55th St., La Grange

Office 708-354-5575After Hours Emergency – 708-408-3676

Compassionate Home Care• Personal Care • Light Housekeeping• Errands • Meals • Laundry• Companionship

708.783.1220State Licensed | Highly Rated

homehelpershomecare.com/hinsdale

Member FDIC

Residential • Commercial • IndustrialLic. #104000585

630.530.5944111 Maple Ave., Elmhurst

FEZEROOFING.COM

FREE ESTIMATES

CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTERFUNERAL HOME

Family owned and operated since 1885Parishioner

10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester

708-562-5900www.conboywestchesterfh.com

Peter Conboy

Jean Conboy Hanson

Matthew Conboy

• Personal Injury• Wrongful Death• Probate• Estate Planning• Guardianship

Parishioner915 West 55th Street, Suite 202

Western Springs, IL 60558708.246.4911

www.covonelaw.com

PolishMaids

Cleaning ServiceResidential • Commercial

REFERENCES AVAILABLELicensed • Bonded • Insured

Polish Speaking

630.481.6078773.501.2783

FREEEstimates

Kitchens • Bathrooms • AdditionsDan MaddenParishioner 246.8898708

• Salad • Specialty Subs • Italian Delicacies• Catering • Party Trays

Tuesday thru Sunday • Open at 10am

708-483-617110712 W. 31st Street • Westchester

www.alpinefoodshop.com

Specialty Subs & Italian Delicacies

Est. 1955

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR Fine painting of walls, ceilings & woodwork

Wallcovering removal & installationStaining & varnishing woodwork

Complete painting/staining of exteriorsInstallation of chair & crown moldings,

baseboard & shoe moldings

John [email protected] (630) 337-8946Office (708) 246-5604Parishioner

“Quality Care YourLoved One Deserves!”

• Senior Care Staffing• Experienced Caregivers

Available 24/7• Live-In, Hourly,

Come-and-Go• Call Us For a

Free Assessment!

Family OwnedLicensed • Insured • Bonded

Over 20 Years Experience24/7 RNs on Call

630.717.9118www.byyoursidehc.com

WINE TASTINGS • EVENT PLANNING • GIFTS

On York • ½ Block North of Ogden Ave.

3821 S. York Road, Oak Brook • 630-325-6550

Quality Work – Reasonable Prices

DEMMISPLUMBING

& SEWERAsk for a

PARISHIONERDISCOUNT

[email protected]

EMERGENCYSERVICE

Lic# 102246

Complete PsychologicalEvaluation & Treatment

Individual - Marital - FamilyLorraine D. D’Asta, Ph.D.

and AssociatesHINSDALE 655-9040

live your best smileBraces & Invisalign for Children & Adults

1 Grant Square, Suite 101 (630) 323-1201Hinsdale, IL consultations are always complimentary www.hinsdalebraces.com

Gabriel CoachingFacing Transitions?

We Have Success StrategiesCall Kathleen Murphy RN MS

630.835.7083

Pisa PizzaWE DELIVER

708-352-00085440 S. LaGrange Rd., Countrysidewww.pisapizzacountryside.com

pvwealthmgt.com708.246.2366

4365 Lawn AveSte. 5

Western SpringsFee-Only RIA & Parishioner

ATTORNEYS AT LAWHANDLING CRIMINAL & FAMILY LAW

Call Us First for All Your Legal Needs

630-230-0101www.AntoniettiLaw.com

Serving Western Springs and Local Areas

15 Salt Creek Ln. Suite 321 • Hinsdale, IL

ANTONIETTILAW

KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERYQuality and VarietyFull Service Bakery

825 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246.2894

CAMEOENDODONTICS

Practice Limited to Root CanalTherapy and Dental Implants

• Evening and Saturday Hours• Most dental insurances accepted• Parishioner discount

Drs. Munaretto & Sommers, Parishioners• 475 W. 55th Street, Suite 208, LaGrange(708) 579-0488 www.cameoendo.com

Air Conditioned Restaurant & Carry Out-Seating for 200-Delivery ServiceCALL 354-4500 YOUR ORDER WILL BE READY 5525 LA GRANGE RD.

OPEN DAILY11:00 AMDAILY &SUNDAY2:00 PM

FOOD&

LIQUOR

009239 St John of the Cross Church (A)

“Protecting your Real Estateinvestment from purchase to sale”

KEVIN P. CAMDENCamden Law Office, LLC

8072 Tennessee Ave.Willowbrook, IL 60527

630-789-5896 www.camdenlawoffice.com

Alexandria Meccia, MDParishioner

FINE SKIN DERMATOLOGY570 Village Center Drive #201

Burr Ridge 630-789-9900

Shop Well Eat Well Live Well4700 Gilbert Ave.

Western Springs, IL708.246.6210

www.Marianos.com

John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S.

Restorative &

Implant

General Dentistry

930 N. York Rd.,Suite 120

Hinsdale 630-455-1666

Saint MargaretSunday MissalAn ideal companionfor personal prayer.

In Stock & Ready to Order Today.

CALL OR ORDER ONLINE. $39.95

800-566-6150 • www.wlpmusic.com

NOTRE DAME FAMILY CENTERRev. James Watzke, Ph.D.

Depression - Anxiety - StressFamily - Separation - Divorce

Sub Abuse - Medicare - EspañolOakbrook Terr. 630.691.1114

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

Providing Distinguished Service Since 19231025 W. 55th Street, Countryside • (708) 352-6500 www.HJfunerals.com

FAMILY OWNED& OPERATED

PC MDPC & MAC Sales & Service

Networking • WIFI • Internet(630) 789-3971 Tom

[email protected] www.pcmd.comWE STILL MAKE HOUSE CALLS!

Real Estate Broker

[email protected]

Western Springs Top ProducerCall me for a Free Market Analysis

of your homeFormer SJC Women’s Club President

8 East Hinsdale, Hinsdale,Illinois

ED THE PLUMBERED THE CARPENTER

Best Work • Best RateSatisfaction Guaranteed AsWe Do All Our Own Work

Lic# 055-026066$$ Parishioner Discount $$

708-652-1444THE SUSAN SEMANATE

ALLSTATE AGENCY915 55th St., Ste. 101 • Western Springs

708.246.8800

Lawrence R. LewandowskiCPA/PFS, CFP® 30 YRS. EXP.

INCOME TAX PREPARATIONPERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

[email protected]

Complete Medical & Surgical ServicesHouse Calls &

Pet Transportation Available4 Walker Avenue

Clarendon Hills, IL 60514(630) 323-5500

500 Hillgrove AvenueWestern Springs, IL 60558

(708) 246-6462/ VillageVeterinaryPractice

www.villageveterinary.com

Maloney & Company, Ltd.Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

Specializing in Personalized Accounting, Tax and Consulting ServicesFor Individuals and Family Owned Businesses

61 Ogden Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514Dan Maloney, Parishioner Email: [email protected] (630) 887-0500

60 South Grant StreetHinsdale, Illinois 60521(630) 323-0275www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com

Terry & Brian Sullivan

JOHN C. SKREKO, DDSGENERAL DENTIST Since 1981

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

• Reconstruction• Root Canals • Extractions, Oral Emergency6961 Vine StreetIndian Head Park708-246-1263

COLDWELL BANKERMARY ELLEN “O’HARA” CONSIDINE

Nee: CaplisCell # (773) 704-4250V. Mail (773) 687-5181

[email protected]

CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER

708.417.8441Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured

Frank Tramontana, ParishionerWestern Springs Resident

st. john of the cross parish · our advent reconciliation service with individual confessions and...

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