�

�

�

�

�

Weekday Masses �

Mon�Fri 8.30 AM�Chapel�

School Schedule: Wed 8.30 AM�Church �

Saturday 8.30 AM�Church �

�

Sunday Obligation�

5.00 PM Sat., 7.00 AM, 8.30 AM, 10.00 AM �

11.30 AM In Spanish�

�

Vigil/Holy Day Masses�Church�

8.30 AM, 5.15 PM �

7.00 PM In Spanish�

�

Adoration/Benediction�Chapel�

Tuesday 9.00 AM to 3.00 PM �

�

Sacraments�

�

Anointing of the Sick�

If you or someone you know would like to receive the

anointing of the sick, please notify the parish office.�

�

Baptism�

Following the birth of your child, please contact the�

parish office.�

�

Catechetical Instruction �

(Grades 1� 8)�

Confirmation Preparation �

Call Religious Education Office.�

�

Matrimony�

A date cannot be reserved until checking with the

church. Please call 9�12 months in advance. �

�

RCIA (Adult Initiation) �

If interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith,

please contact Jane Olson at the parish office.�

�

Reconciliation�

Saturday: 4.00 � 4.30 PM, also by appointment.�

Communal Penance Services during Advent and Lent.�

�

Parish Registration �

We welcome new parishioners. Please come to the �

parish office to receive welcome information.�

�

Bulletin Deadline�

Friday noon, one week prior to publication. Email to�

larsonlupe@yahoo.com or drop off to parish office. �

Pastor�

Very Rev. James R. Keenan, V.F…………..Ext.211�

Parochial Vicar�

Rev. Jorge Bravo, CS.….…………………...Ext.212�

Residence (after 4 PM & weekends).815.625.4768�

�

Deacons�

John Kellen and Larry Zitkus�

�

Parish Office Hours�

8 AM � 12 Noon & 1� 3 PM………... Monday�Friday�

�

Parish Administration Offices�

600 Avenue B ……………..Line 1…...815.625.0640�

Sterling IL, 61081 Line 2…..815.625.0644�

Fax……..815.625.1684�

Email:………..stmary�sterling@rockforddiocese.org�

Website: ………………..…..www.stmarysterling.org�

�

Parish Staff…………...……….……...815.625.0640�

Diane Melton, Bookkeeper……………...…..Ext.225�

Lupe Larson, Secretary……………………...Ext.210�

Jane Olson, Pastoral Associate…………….Ext.220�

Sally Kellen, Shut�in Ministry�

Lori Murphy, Organist �

Maureen Nichols, Director of Bereavement Care�

�

Cemetery �

Jesus Reyes, Cemetery Manager………....Ext.222�

�

Religious Education Office….…….815.625.6688

(located in St. Mary School)�

Teresa Gingrich, Coordinator....………..….Ext.244�

Lori Murphy, Secretary…………...………...Ext.214�

�

St. Mary School�

6 West 6th Street…………….………815.625.2253�

Patricia Wackenhut, Principal……………...Ext.227 �

Jeannie Ramos, Bookkeeper……………...Ext.221�

Robbin Clifton, Secretary…………………..Ext.223�

.�

Newman Central Catholic High School�

1101 W. 23rd Street………………...815.625.0500�

Jennifer Oetting, Principal�

St. Vincent DePaul Society �

7 West 6th Street………………….….815.625.0311 �

Email…………………………....svdpsaukvalley.org

Hours: Monday�Friday………...12 Noon � 2.30 PM

December 15

th

, 2019

3

rd

Sunday of Advent

Mission Statement

We are committed through the Holy Eucharist and Sacred Scripture to be united as a

Catholic Community, loving one another as Christ loves us. �

�

As the Anniversary of Roe vs Wade approaches, we

are inviting you to join those in our community to

speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.

On Jan. 22

nd

we will be sponsoring a Pro-Life

Newspaper ad in our local papers. We would like the

names submitted by Jan. 15

th

. Your name and

donation can be brought to the St. Mary’s Parish

Center secretary, Mon-Fri from 8 AM to 3 PM or call

Jean Tschosik at 815-590-7744. �

��

�

Mass Intentions

�

Mon Dec 16 8:30 AM †Janice Seidel�

Jan & Bev Francque�

� �

Tue Dec 17 8:30 AM †Ester Salazar

�

Wed Dec 18 8:30 AM †Hal Crandall�

His siblings �

�

Thu Dec 19 8.30 AM For the Purgatorial Society �

� � � � �

Fri Dec 20 8.30 AM †Betty Murphy�

The Murphy Family �

� � �

Sat Dec 21 8.30 AM †Paul & Ruth Carew�

� � Carol Reyes�

� �

Sat Dec 21 5.00 PM †Robert & Brian Cheshier �

Barb Harrison�

� � � � � �

Sun Dec 22 7:00 AM †Elbert & Lucile Barthel�

Roger & Evelyn Petitgoue �

� � � �

8:30 AM †Bert Decker �

Audrey Dekker

� � � � � �

� � 10:00 AM Living & Deceased Members of �

� � the Urban & Mary Francque �

� � � Family �

Josh & Darci Francque�

� � � �

11:30 AM †Samuel Barrientos�

Rebeca Jimenez �

�

Liturgical Roles

Lectors

�

Sat Dec 21 �

5:00 PM Maureen Madigan�

�

Sun Dec 22 �

7:00 AM Sharley Bailey �

�

8:30 AM Teresa Gingrich �

�

10:00 AM Josh Francque�

�

�

�

�� Eucharistic Ministers

Sat Dec 21�

5:00 PM Megan Larson �

�

Sun Dec 22 �

7:00 AM Alice Ports �

�

8:30 AM Lupe Larson �

�

10:00 AM Bev Francque �

�

�

�

Altar Servers

�

Sat Dec 21 �

5:00 PM Carter Mulderink�

Olivia Mulderink�

Kaylee Benyo�

�

Sun Dec 22 �

8:30 AM Wyatt Widolff�

Jacob Marruffo �

�

10:00 AM Espen Hammes�

Reagan Hammes�

Sanctuary Lamp Memorials

The Sanctuary Candle will burn the week of

Dec 14-21 in memory of

Mary Sitter

Given by

Leonard & Doris Amesquita

Collection Report 2019-20

Dec 7-8, 2019

5:00 pm Mass $2,838.00

7:00 am Mass $1,617.00

8:30 am Mass $2,180.21

10:00 am Mass $2,007.39

11:30 am Mass $849.49

Total Collection $9,504.09

NEEDED WEEKLY $11,570.00

Short $2,065.91

�

Envelopes this week 209�

�

Debt Reduction Collection Current $655.00�

Debt Reduction Reserve Balance $10,204.00�

“Those who die in God’s grace and friendship live forever with

Christ. Heaven is not an abstract ides, but a true and lasting

relationship with God that is beyond all earthly description

and understanding. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and everlasting life by preparing now, in hope, for our passage from

this life into eternal life.”

�

� 2019 Diocesan Appeal 2019�

�

St. Mary Target $58,871.00

St. Mary’s Parish Pledges $32,030.00

Pledges Still Needed � $26,841.00 �

�

Pledges still needed and extra envelopes are

located in the back of the church �

Pro Life Newspaper Ad

For those over 70 1/2 with a

Retirement Account: You are required

each year to take a minimum distribution from the

account according to the IRS distribution tables.

This distribution then is taxable-however, if this

distribution is payable to a charity, such as

St. Mary’s Church, you can avoid the tax.

The next EDGE session is Sun., Dec 22

th

from 11 AM-1:30 PM at Sacred Heart

Church in the basement. The topic is

Joyful-Giving Tree service project. EDGE is

open to all middle school students. Please

contact Susanna Riley at 815-441-8170.

Thank you for your orders! All orders

need to be picked up at Sterling Fence

2704 N. Locust St Sterling, IL on Friday

December 13

th

from 7 AM � 6 PM. �

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL WILL CLOSE AT

11:15 AM ON DEC. 20

TH

- JAN. 3

RD

FOR

CHRISTMAS BREAK.�

�

The St. Mary’s School

Christmas Performance will be

held on Thurs., Dec.19

th

at

6:30 PM in the St. Mary’s

School gymnasium. �

�

KROGER SAVER CARD � as you shop

for your holiday fixins’ make sure your

saver card is registered with �

St. Mary’s! Check the bottom of your

receipt. If you don’t see our school

name there, you aren’t registered. �

You can go online and register yourself,

or stop into the office for help! �

�

The Sterling Knights of Columbus

are sponsoring the annual free

throw contest on Wed.., Jan. 9

th

at St. Mary’s

School in Sterling. The gym doors will open

at 3 PM and the contest begins at 3:30 PM.

This event is open to boys and girls ages

9-14. There is no cost to participate.�

�

�

The Salvation Army Sterling/Rock Falls

is looking for volunteers to ring the bell

this Holiday Season! Volunteering to

ring bells for the Red Kettles can take as

little as two hours. It fills a great need in

the community and is a lot of fun. We

need individual volunteers, but also

consider bringing your family, your

co workers, friends from school, or

members of your church. The Red

Kettle Campaign is one of the primary

fundraising efforts of the Salvation

Army. By volunteering to be a Bell

Ringer you are helping to raise the much

needed funds to support The Salvation

Army services and programs throughout

the year. Please go to registertoring.com

and select your choice of location, date,

and time. If you need assistance, please

call the Salvation Army at

(815) 625�1682 and we will get you

signed up. Come join in the ringing!

St. Mary’s Church is registered on

Amazon Smile! The church receives 0.5%

of most purchases you make through

Amazon. Its takes just three easy steps!

1. Go to smile.amazon.com

If you already have an Amazon account,

sign in, and it will prompt you to select

your charity.

2. Search for “St. Mary’s Church, Sterling,

IL”

3. Confirm your selection. That’s it.

Simply make purchases through

smile.amazon.com, and St. Mary’s Church

will benefit every time you shop. Don’t

forget to tell your family and friends.

PADS-the shelter for the homeless is

asking if anyone can donate a meal or

meals. If you are interested or need

more information please call Doris Cox

at 815-625-0787. Gift cards are also

greatly appreciated.

St. Mary’s Church will be

accepting donations of red and

white poinsettias with gold foil for the

holiday season at the Church on

Sat., Dec.

21

st

from 9:30 AM to noon. �

����������������� ������ ���������

��������������� ������ ������ ��

������������ �������������������������

�������������� �����������������

������������ ������� ��� ���������

� ����

�

The Sterling Knights of Columbus

Senior’s committee would like to thank

St. Mary Church for the use of the

Bales Hall. We also would like to thank

St. Mary, Sacred Heart, St. Andrew,

Sterling Knights of Columbus, CGH

Medical Center for their donations. Also

thank you to all the parishioner's pie

donations, KC kitchen crew, St. Mary

School students, RE ED students, and

Mike McLeod. Without all of your help

this dinner could not have been

possible. Thank you!

Sterling�Rock Falls St. Vincent DePaul

would like to thank all those who have made

donations to our conference. In the fiscal

year that ended September 30, 2019, we saw

2.981 families that needed our assistance in

getting food and produce. We also had 682

of those families who were seeking financial

aid assistance. We were able to provide

assistance for housing, utilities and

prescriptions that were needed. This was

only possible through your support of our

ministry.��

�

Reminder: Cancellation Policy

If an emergency occurs due to weather or

other circumstances, and Sterling Community

Unit 5 dismisses early or cancels classes,

Religious Education will also be cancelled for

that evening. Please check the Religious

Education office answering machine,

815-625-6688 for updated information.

�

Check out MassTimes.org to find

churches and Mass times where

ever you travel! The Mass Time for

travel app is available for iphone at

the App store and Android at

Google Play. Download today!

� Special Thanks To

Our Advertiser of the Week�

Wahl�

St. Mary School Fruit Sale�

EDGE Middle School

Youth Group�

Amazon Smile�

������� ����������������

Ring That Bell!

Meals needed for PADS

St. Mary’s School

St. Mary’s School

St. Vincent DePaul Society

������������

SENIOR DINNER

Tax Savings Tip�

St. Mary’s School

Religious Education

Free Throw Contest

Mass Times.org

�

�

Las horas de Centro Parroquial 8:00 AM�12:00 PM y

1 PM � 3:00 PM. Las oficinas de la Parroquia estarán

cerradas a medio día 12:00 PM�1:00 PM. El número de

las oficinas es 815�625�0640. �

� Oración a San Miguel Arcángel�

San Miguel Arcángel, defiéndenos en la lucha.

Sé nuestro amparo contra la perversidad y acechanzas del demonio.

Que Dios manifieste sobre él su poder, es nuestra humilde súplica.

Y tú, oh Príncipe de la Milicia Celestial, con el poder que Dios te ha

conferido, arroja al infierno a Satanás, y a los demás espíritus

malignos que vagan por el mundo para la perdición de las almas.

Amén.

�

�

�

�

El Sagrado Corazon el 18 de Diciembre a las 6:00 PM

Del 16 al 23 de Diciembre celebración de las

tradicionales posadas en el salón parroquial Bales

Hall a las 6:00 PM. �

�

�

Misa de Noche Buena el 24 de Diciembre a las 6:00 PM

en la Iglesia�

�

Misa de Navidad el 25 de Diciembre a las 11:30 AM en

la Iglesia. �

�

Misa de Víspera de Año Nuevo el 31 de Diciembre a las

6:00 PM en la Iglesia. �

�

�

No habrá misa de 8:30 AM el 24 y 26 de

Diciembre. �

NohabráAdoraciónalSantísimoSacramentoel

24yel31deDiciembre. �

�

3

er

Domingo de Adviento�

15 de Diciembre 2019�

�

Las lecturas de éste domingo nos dan una pista de lo que está por venir.

Por lo pronto, la lectura del profeta Isaías nos hace abrir los ojos y

sentirnos maravillados, al menos nos da a entender lo bello que será

cuando venga el Salvador. Lo que va a venir, lo que va a suceder cuando

él venga, no tiene comparación en la historia de la humanidad. Todo lo

que el profeta conocía iba a cambiar radicalmente, y cualquier

conocimiento que nosotros tengamos también quedará corto con la venida

del Mesías, las palabras de Dios en la primera lectura son palabras de

ánimo, de alegría, de felicidad inmensa y todo a nuestro alrededor

florecerá; hasta el desierto iba a florecer. Hay que recordar que Palestina

es una tierra rodeada de desiertos, así que el profeta sabía bien de lo que

estaba hablando y de que eso era prácticamente imposible.

Pero no sólo los desiertos van a florecer. El que viene nos quitará el temor

y el miedo, devolverá la vista a los ciegos y los sordos volverán a oír.

Dicho de otra manera, los que por el pecado habían sido incapaces de

comunicarse con el mundo, los que nos habíamos quedado sordos y

ciegos ante el Dios que nos ama y nos invita a la salvación,

recuperaremos esos sentidos y volveremos a ver y a oír al Dios que nos

llama; los liberados de todas las esclavitudes darán saltos de alegría y

tendrán una dicha eterna reflejada en sus rostros. Eso es lo que va a

suceder cuando venga el que está a punto de venir según el profeta.

El Evangelio repite las mismas ideas: Ante la pregunta de los discípulos

de Juan Bautista a Jesús, éste responde: “Vayan y cuéntenle a Juan lo

que han visto y oído” y a continuación les dice casi al pie de la letra lo que

decía la lectura del profeta Isaías, pero con una diferencia importante:

Donde el profeta utilizaba el futuro, Jesús usa el presente; lo que el

profeta anunciaba como algo que había que esperar, Jesús lo dice como

algo que ya está sucediendo. No sólo eso; Jesús alaba a Juan Bautista.

Ha sido, dice, el mayor de los profetas. Pero nos sorprende con su última

frase: “Sin embargo, el más pequeño en el Reino de los Cielos es más

que él”. Parece que Jesús habla de un presente, algo que ya está

sucediendo, que es de tal forma nuevo, que hasta la figura gigante de

Juan Bautista queda reducida, puesto que el cielo es mucho más grande

que él.

Y es verdad; Jesús tiene razón, El Reino ya está aquí, Dios ha abierto ya

los oídos de los sordos y los ojos de los ciegos. Hoy sabemos que el

Adviento es recuerdo de una espera que fue, pero que para nosotros ya

es presente. Celebramos el cumpleaños de la llegada de Jesús. No

estamos esperando a que venga, porque ya ha venido. Abramos los ojos

y miremos a nuestros vecinos, amigos y familiares, veremos al hijo de

Dios. ¿Qué otra cosa es el Reino?

�

�

Las oficinas del Centro Parroquial estarán cerradas el

24, 25, 31 de Diciembre y el 1 de Enero, 2020.��

�

Reporte de la colecta 2019-2020

7 y 8 de Diciembre, 2019

Semanal ¿Cómo vamos?

5:00 PM Misa en inglés $2,838.00

7:00 AM Misa en inglés $1,617.00

8:30 AM Misa en inglés $2,180.21

10:00 AM Misa en inglés $2,007.39

11:30 AM Misa de español $849.49

Colección total� � $9,504.09�

�

�

Meta Diocesana $58,871.00

La parroquia ha recopilado $32,030.00

Sólo actualizado mensualmente

Ministros para el 22 de Diciembre �

Lectores: Eva González, Raquel Sifuentes

Ministro de Eucaristía: Nena Flores, Dora Brooks y Elvira Brown

Monaguillos: Lupita Flores, Stefani Romo y Betzi Aguilar-Navarro

Acomodadores: Rodolfo Zaragoza, Alberto Vaca, Willy Rodríguez

y José Camacho

Ministros para el 24 de Diciembre �

Ministro de Eucaristía: Janie Atilano, Ana Rosa Olivo y

Martha Cavazos

Monaguillos: José Valdez, Derek Gaytán y Joel Torres y

Leo Uresti

Ministros para el 25 de Diciembre �

Ministro de Eucaristía: Mercedes Villa, Araceli Baca y

Rubén Cisneros

Monaguillos: Stefani Romo, Fátima Zaragoza y Anahi Olivas

Acomodadores: Juventino Trujillo, Gonzalo Lemus,

Ramiro Estrada y Juan Trujillo

Nuevo Horario

Confesiones Durante El Adviento�

Posadas�

Misas en español �

������������

Adoración del Santísimo Sacramento

Horario De Oficinas�

2019 Diezmo Diocesano �

2019 Advent Communal Penance

�

Dec. 16

th

at

6:30 PM� �

Immaculate Conception�Fulton �

(Includes: Albany) �

�

Dec. 17

th

at 6:30 PM��

St. Mary�Morrison �

(Includes: Prophetstown) �

�

Dec. 18

th

at 6:00 PM��

Sacred Heart Church�

(Includes: St. Andrew, St. Mary, Sterling and Tampico) �

�

Dec. 19

th

at 6:30 PM��

Our Lady of Perpetual Help�Sublette �

(Includes: Maytown, West Brooklyn) �

�

Communal Penance Services or Reconciliation Services are held during Advent and Lent at

parishes. Sometimes parishes combine services for this sacrament. All are always welcome regardless of

what parish a person is registered at and even if they aren’t a registered parishioner at any parish yet.

Advent and Lent are wonderful times to celebrate the reconciling love and the healing graces our Lord offers

us. Like all religious experiences, it takes preparation.

Reconciliation is what God does. Receiving it and celebrating it is what we do. The Sacrament of

Reconciliation is a most natural way to celebrate His forgiveness and love. In the Sacrament of

Reconciliation is the opportunity to grow closer to God.

For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com St. Mary, Sterling, IL B 4C 01-0240

BRECK LOOSParishioner

STERLING NAPA DIXON NAPA218 W. 3rd St. 713 N. GalenaSterling, IL 61081 Dixon, IL 61021(815) 625-3300 (815) 284-3301FAX (815) 625-3479 FAX (815) 284-6446

Deje que Community State Bank le abra las puertas a la casa de sus sueños Para mas información comunicate con una de nuestras representantes bilingües Cuenta de cheques • Cuenta de ahorros • Certificados de depósito • IRA’s • Prestamos para automóviles • Prestamos para la compra de casa • Y mucho más

3210 East Lincolnway, Sterling 815-625-4300

1801 1st Ave, Rock Falls 815-625-1110

en contacto contigo Locally owned and managed

TIRES • ALIGNMENTS • OIL CHANGES BRAKES & MORE!

MOORE TIRES, INC. 2411 E. Rt. 30, Rock Falls, IL 61071

www.mooretires.com815-625-1800

Deli | Bakery | Full Service Grocery Store

We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you every day!

815-625-0180 210 W. 3rd Street

Sterling, IL

Nursery & Landscaping

3602 E. Lincolnway

815-626-4422

Call LPi todayfor advertising info

(800) 950-9952

Contact Michelle Arden to place an ad today! marden@4LPi.com or (800) 950-9952 x2516

For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com St. Mary, Sterling, IL A 4C 01-0240

Arellano Year Round Service

Specialties include Landscape & Snow Plowing

Call Mauro for a free estimate

815-535-3976Muchas Gracias | Thank you!

Dr. Darrin G Vits | Optometrist Where Quality Eyecare & Affordable

Eyewear Come Together

Rock Falls Dixon 723 West Route 30 847 N.Galena Ave. 815-625-6195 815-994-4100

The Attorneys of MERTES & MERTES, P.C.A New Era of Legal Excellence.

Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Criminal, Divorce, and

Workers Compensation Lawyers

815-626-1500 www.mertesandmertes.com

1514 W. 4TH STREET STERLING, IL 61081

815/625-5949ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS - 24 HR. SERVICE

OCTOPUS BRUSHLESS CAR WASH

Many Hands to Serve YouMon - Fri: 8am - 5:30pm • Sat. 8am-5pm

Sun. 8am-1pm

407 E. 3rd St.

Residential • Commercial Agricultural

815 . 438 . 4402

M. Tod MeltonParish Member

Rock Falls 309-794-0784

JOEL M. DOWNIE, P.C. Certified Public Accountant & Consultant

Joel M. Downie, CPA Parishioner

204 W. 10th Street Rock Falls, IL 61071

(815) 625-8800

Johnson Oil CompanyExpress Lane • Gas & Food Marts

In The Rock River Valley

815-625-2600

2907 Locust Sterling, IL

Bring in this week’s bulletin for a free order of Onion Rings

with any Entree Purchase. One coupon per table. Valid Sun-Thurs.

Heating | Air Conditioning Refrigeration | Plumbing | Electrical

WWW.LOESCHERHVAC.COM Providing Honest & Reliable Service for over 50 years

H E AT I N G A N D A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G

815-625-HVAC

This space is sponsored by:

Sterling

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

A Full Service Union Roofing Contractor specializing in commercial and industrial projects.

Established in 1986.*Chosen contractor for the Church and

School Roofing Projects and Maintenance(815) 626-7744

info@sterlingroofing.com

commercial roofing inc.

KELLY’SLunch

& Dinner

Open Daily

218 Locust 625-7969

Gerard Widolff• Farm • Crop • Home

• Auto Insurance(815) 716-3671

Where the world goes to look good.

2900 N. Locust St. Sterling

Call 815-625-6525 for great values on

refurbished products.

Sunday Breakfast Brunch Buffet9am - 2:30pm

Senior Discount • Dine-In or Carry Out

With Facilities InRock Falls

Sterling Prophetstown Milledgeville

FultonF u n e r a l H o m e s , I n c .

Al J. Dieterle Decorating

(815) 625-5279

Rock Falls, ILMon 12–3pm • Wed 5–8pm

Sat 9–12pm

(815) 625-6520

Contact Michelle Arden to place an ad today! marden@4LPi.com or (800) 950-9952 x2516