MASSES: Saturday: 4:30 PM Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM & 12 Noon

Mass in Polish at 12 Noon every Sunday

Weekdays: 9:00 AM - Monday, Wednesday & Friday. 7:30 AM - Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

RECONCILIATION

Saturdays, from 3:15 PM until 4:00 PM or by appointment.

PARISH OFFICES ~ Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8AM - 8PM, Saturday 9AM-4PM

Office is closed on Sunday. TELEPHONE: (708) 974-3336/FAX: (708) 974-3556

Sacred Heart Ministry Center, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, IL 60465

Parish email: parishmail@sacredheartpalos.org Parish website: www.sacredheartpalos.org

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Page Two December 17, 2017

A Few Words From Our Pastor……..

My dear Parishioners, Brothers and Sisters!

On December 8th we celebrated the Immaculate Conception and on Tuesday, December 12th, we celebrated

Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the patroness of the United States of America

while the Virgin of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas. On October 12, 1945, Pope Pius XII decreed Our

Lady of Guadalupe to be "Patroness of all the Americas."

In 1531 when St. Juan Diego met the Mother of God on the hill of Tepeyac, Mary said this to him: "My dear little

son, I love you. I desire you to know who I am. I am the ever-virgin Mary, Mother of the true God who gives life and

maintains its existence. He created all things. He is in all places. He is Lord of heaven and earth. I wish that a temple

be erected here quickly, so I may therein exhibit and give all my love, compassion, help, and protection, because I am

your merciful mother, to you, and to all the inhabitants on this land and all the rest who love me, invoke and confide

in me; I listen to their lamentations, and remedy all their miseries, afflictions and sorrows."

A miraculous image of the Virgin of Guadalupe remains an amazing mystery. It has not been painted by any

artist – it is a gift from the Blessed Mother. The material on which it was made should have shred long ago. Another

miracle is the history of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s shrine. It has survived many wars and, above all, the terrible

persecution of Christianity in Mexico in the 1920’s.

In Advent when we journey with Mary, Mother of Jesus to Bethlehem, let us ask her to pray for us, for our

families, for Sacred Heart Parish and for the Americas.

We just began the last week of Advent and next Sunday is both the last Sunday of Advent and Christmas

Eve. This year is very unique on this matter. Today, as our preparation for Christmas, we bless Baby Jesus,

Bambinelli, who will decorate our family Nativity Scene. It is a beautiful Italian custom, which is also worth keeping

in the United States as well.

Some time ago I was asked by Fr. Mariusz, Pastor of St. Albert the Great in Burbank to lead the Advent

mission for his parish. Therefore, unfortunately, there will be no opportunity to talk on Sunday, before or after Mass.

Please, pray for me, that I can be a good tool of the Holy Spirit. Thank you!

Thank you very much for your response to my homily on December 3. Many people approached me and we

talked about our parish, about plans for the coming years, and shared our joys and concerns. Many of you have

already offered material help. Thank you very much for your kindness and concern for the parish. And still please

pray for me and for each other.

Let’s ask Our Lady of Guadalupe for peace, justice and unity. And let us pray with the words of St. John Paul

II, who had great devotion to her:

Mary, Virgin of Guadalupe, Mother of all America, help us to be faithful stewards of the great mysteries of God.

Help us to teach the truth your Son proclaimed and to spread love, which is the first commandment and first fruit of

the Holy Spirit. Help us to confirm our brothers and sisters in the faith. Help us to spread hope in eternal life. Help us

to guard the great spiritual treasures of the members of God's people who are entrusted to us.

Queen of the Apostles! Accept our willingness to serve unreservedly the cause of your Son, the cause of the Gospel

and of peace, based on justice and love among individuals and between peoples.

Queen of peace! Save the nations and peoples of the whole continent who trust in you; save them from war, hatred

and subversion. May all, governors and the governed, learn to live in peace; may they be educated for peace, and

undertake everything required by justice and respect for the rights of each person, so that peace may be strengthened.

Listen to us, "morenita" Virgin, Mother of Hope, Mother of Guadalupe!

With prayer,

Fr. Jacek

Page Three

REJOICE

Isaiah proclaims truly good news to us! God’s

coming brings not sadness, guilt, fear, wrath, or

condemnation. No, God’s coming is a source of comfort

and joy. Saying it once is not enough, for today’s

readings are full of joy. Mary’s Magnificat substitutes for

our psalm today, and our second reading encourages us

to rejoice, to give thanks and praise.

This is the root meaning of the Greek word for eucharist.

We are urged to rejoice and give thanks, because the

coming of the Lord brings joy, healing, liberty, release,

vindication. It makes the very earth spring up with new

life! Good tidings! Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. Third Sunday of Advent

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.

— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Last week, we looked at a form of nativity scene called a presipio, characterized by framing the crèche of Jesus with a

vast array of personalities and a rich geographical context. The tradition was carried to the New World, and finds very rich

expression in Latin America today. While in Europe the presepio

was reserved mostly to the homes of wealthy nobles and great

churches, in Latin America it was claimed by the poor and

expressed the skills of native artisans. In Mexico, you can still find

clay figures in every village market. In a way, the native people

took the religion of Spanish rule and baptized it with their Indian

culture by surrounding the crib of Jesus with local geography and

people. In Brazil, where Christmas falls in summer, the figure of the

baby Jesus is wrapped in gold and gems, and set on a hillside

surrounded by flowers and animals of all kinds. Sometimes there is

a double presepio, presenting both Nativity and Crucifixion.

In some places in Latin America, even non-religious people take

care to have a presepio in the home, sometimes dedicating one

whole room in the house or apartment to the scene. Some cities

have markets where people from the countryside sell plants and

figurines. In Cuzco, churches and families provide hot chocolate for

the children of the poor who come down to help create the nativity

scenes. In Paraguay, the baby Jesus grows—the small infant who

arrives on Christmas Eve is replaced at New Year with a toddler

Jesus who holds in one hand the globe and in the other a cross. Few

Christmas traditions have the vitality and variety of presepios and

crèches honoring the Nativity. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Page Four

“Song of the Stable”

The Living Nativity

THIS SUNDAY

December 17th

6:00 PM In Church

Presented by the

Sacred Heart Teens

Music by Sacred Heart Guitar Group

Directed by Michael Lundberg

Don’t Miss this beautiful

re-enactment of the nativity story.

OPŁATKI ~ PLOTKELES — CHRISTMAS WAFER

Many American families of Polish and Lithuanian descent have kept alive the

wondrous Christmas custom of sharing the Opłatki Christmas wafers at Christmas

time. The Opłatek is a symbol of love and mutual respect that we share in the unity of

Christ. Breaking of the blessed Opłatki and exchanging best wishes and love highlights

the Christmas Eve dinner.

The Opłatki Christmas wafers are blessed and will be on sale after all Masses on

December 16th/17th. After costs are defrayed, all proceeds go to St. Vincent de Paul

Society. Please be generous by helping St. Vincent de Paul take care of the needy

members of our parish so they may have a blessed Christmas.

Sacred Heart Homeless Shelter Update As we start our 14th year as a temporary homeless shelter each on Friday evening, I wanted to express my deep

gratitude for the parishioners of Sacred Heart for allowing us to continue to use the Moscow Center and all of our

volunteers. Without you our shelter would not be possible. Also this year we recruited the services of Evans Cleaners.

We struggled with getting our laundry returned for the past few years and needed to make a change. Jim Chionis at

Evans Cleaners has offered his laundry services at a reduced cost. Without the clean laundry we would not be able to

open the shelter each week. So I ask you to consider using Evans Cleaners for your cleaning needs. Jim does all the

cleaning at this location. Besides clothing he can do large blankets, drapes and formal wear. He is the reason my white

Alb looks like the day of the Transfiguration. His location is 9325 Roberts Road, in Hickory Hills ( 2 blocks north of

95th ST). 708-529-7428. Give him a try!

Page Five

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Come and join us on Monday, December 18th, at 6:00pm, in the

Moscow Parish Hall.

Since this is Advent we will not have our regular meeting. Following

the 6:00pm Mass we will have a Christmas celebration with a light

dinner and beverages.

Afterwards we will continue the holiday mood by

providing entertainment by Bill Sifuentes.

The Fun Club members will meet this Wednesday,

December 20th, in the Moscow

Center at 12:00 Noon.

Please come and join other

Seniors for friendship,

refreshments,

cookies and punch.

SPECIAL SURPRISE:

Santa Clause has agreed to come

and join us! This is a special visit

you don’t want to miss!!

STEWARDSHIP OF OUR RESOURCES

Weekend of December 9 & 10, 2017

Budgeted Collection $15,250.00

Sunday & Holy Day $14,860.00

YTD Weekly Collection Deficit (-17,332.00)

God Bless You and Thank You!

Beth Mikula and Emmett Williamson

Business Office

B A P T I S M A L P R E P A R A T I O N

Tuesday, December 26, at 7:00 P.M.

Parents having a child in the near future are asked to

attend ONE Baptismal class.

PLEASE NOTE: It is mandatory that par-

ents attend the baptismal preparation class

first, then call the office to arrange the Bap-

tism. Class is held at the Moscow Center. Please call

708.974.3336, press 0, to sign up for class.

The Sacred Heart Council of Catholic Women has

established a facebook page which will highlight

upcoming events and feature pictures of past events

and what we have been doing. If you would like to be “up

to date” on the latest, just “Join our page today!” Please

share this exciting news with your lady friends in the

parish. We are always looking for new members to come

on out and see what we are all about.

Did you know ? In 2018 we are going to have a

Walking Taco’s and Table Games Night? How about our

“High Tea” get-together ...OR our Wine & Cheese Paint

Night? These are just a few upcoming events planned for

the New Year!

To join the group, just sign onto your facebook and go

to:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sacred Heart CCW

Page Six

SACRED HEART CHURCH

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2017

* * * * * * *

SONG OF THE STABLE — Sunday, December 17, 6:00 PM

Musical reenactment of the Birth of Jesus, presented by the Sacred Heart Teens

* * * * * * *

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT — Weekend of December 23-24

* regular weekend Mass schedule *

* * * * * *

FEAST OF ST. STEPHEN — Tuesday, December 26

7:30 AM (English), 10:00AM (Polish) and 7:00 PM (Polish)

* * * * * * *

OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS, SOLEMNITY OF MARY — Monday, January 1, 2018

(Holy Day of Obligation) Masses: 8:00 & 10:00 AM (English); 12 Noon (Polish)

* * * * * * *

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Sunday, January 7 (regular weekend Mass schedule)

* * * * * *

BAPTISM OF THE LORD Monday, January 8 (regular 9:00 AM weekday Mass)

* * * * * *

* * CHRISTMAS SEASON ENDS * *

CHRISTMAS Sunday, December 24

4:30 PM (English) (Christmas musical program 4:00 PM)

10:00 PM (Polish) (Christmas musical program 9:40 PM)

12:00 Midnight (English) (Christmas musical program 11:40 PM)

Monday, December 25

7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM (English); 12:00 Noon (Polish)

I — MIROSLAW CICHOWSKI & SARAH URBAS

I — CLARIBEL DIAZ & PEDRO ORTIZ

There is a promise of marriage between:

Page Seven

On Sunday, November 26,

the Sacred Heart Family

Ministry, welcomed our

parish families as they

gathered together to make

their own hand-made

Advent Wreath to welcome

Jesus on Christmas Day.

Page Eight

Dear Lord,

There are young men and women far from home, called to serve their nation in time

of war; sent to defend their nation in time of war; sent to defend our freedom on

some distant foreign shore. We pray You keep them safe,

we pray You keep them strong, we pray You send them

safely home.....for they have been away so long.

Bless those who await their safe return.

Bless those who mourn the lost.

Bless those who serve this country well,

no matter what the cost.

The following servicemen and women will be remem-

bered by our Sacred Heart Family especially during this

Christmas

A02AW/SW Bryan Finnigan, U.S. Navy Sgt. Justin Nolan, USMC

Maj. Nicholas J. Di Guido, USMC Petty Ofc. Meghan Casey, U.S. Navy

SSGT Jacob Hahn, U.S. Army 5th S.F. Lt. Steven Lungaro, U.S. Navy

Staff Sgt. Joseph Hahn, U.S. Army Lt. J.C. Shannon Lungaro, U.S. Navy

Pfc Carl Brandon, U.S. Army Lance Corporal William Kennedy, USMC

Sr. Chief Stacy Ketsdever, OSCS Corporal Jonathon Olsen, USMC

Capt. Amanda Sink, USAF Cpt. Adam F. Werner, U.S. Army

Lt. Col. Kristen Lasica Khaner, USMC Corporal E4 Devin Pafford, USMC

Col. Daniel T. Lasica, USAF Spc. Jesse J. Passarella, U.S. Army

Amn. Alex Skalski, USAF Petty Officer Thomas J. Murtaugh, U.S. Navy

Chief Officer Megan Palenik, U.S. Navy Pfc. Daniel E. Symons, U.S. Marine

Master Chief William J. Egan, USN Sgt. Andrew Jender, USMC

Airman Zachary Frana USAF Lt. Ryan Singer, U.S. Army

Staff Sargeant Matthew J. Milavickas Sgt. Brian Maszka USAF

Specialist Mark R. Milavickas, U.S. Army Sgt. Casey Zimmer, USMC

Corporal John R. Kirwan, USMC PFC Richard Sparks

Page Nine

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19

THIS WEEK AT SACRED HEART

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22

~ 6:00P BEDS-Volunteer Arrival

~ 7:00P BEDS Shelter Guests Arrival

~ 7:00P Door To Hope (AA Meeting)

~ 7:30P Queen of Peace Prayer Group

~ 7:00P Bingo

~ 12:00PM Fun Club Meeting

~ 7:00P Adult Choir Rehearsal (Church)

~ 7:30AM, 9:00AM, 10:30AM,(English); 12 Noon (Polish) ——————————————————————————————————

~ 4:30PM Christmas Mass (In English)

~ 10:00PM Christmas Mass (In Polish)

Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church

8925 South Kostner, Hometown

NEW YEARS DAY BINGO

Also, Our Lady of Loretto will have a

New Years Day Bingo on Monday,

January 1, 2018. Doors open at 1:00pm .

Games start at 3:00pm.

15 games are $30.00 and there are two

$500. games along with pull tabs!!

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

B I N G O

The Sacred Heart Holy Name Society

sponsors bingo EVERY Thursday night

in the Moscow Parish Center.

EARLY BIRD GAME: 6:45 PM

REGULAR GAMES: 7:00 PM

DOOR CARD: $1.00 / EXTRA CARDS: $1.00

BOOK OF 15 CARDS: $12

DABBER SHEETS - 12 CARDS - $10

DABBER SHEETS - 18 CARDS - $15

Refreshments available ~ Wheelchair Accessible

The Moscow Center is a No Smoking Facility.

St. Christopher Parish

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS

CONCERT

The Combined St. Christopher/St.

Emeric Music Ministry’s

annual Christmas Concert is

Thursday, December 28th at 7pm.

Join in this musical celebration

“…On the Fourth Day of

Christmas” performed by the combined adult choirs of St.

Christopher Parish & St. Emeric Parish, the

St. Chris Children’s Choir, Living Stones Choir accompanied

by the St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra, under the direction

of Phil & Amy Switalski.

Refreshments will be served following the concert, free-will

offering appreciated. St. Christopher Church, 147th &

Keeler, Midlothian, IL. Stop by the Narthex fellowship area

after the concert and pick up St. Christopher Tours upcoming

2018/2019 trip information on various theatre outings, Phil &

Amy performances, Yellowstone/Tetons, Mackinac Island,

Cape Cod, and more. For information call 708-687-3302.

CC Addiction Counseling Are you, a family member or friend struggling with a drug or

alcohol problem and interested in finding out about treatment?

Catholic Charities Addiction Counseling and Education

(ACES) program offers intensive outpatient treatment for

adults and teens (ages 12 and up) in Marquette Park (near 67th

and Western) and in River North with highly trained, caring

and compassionate counselors. We offer anger management

classes that meet court requirements & a smoking cessation

group. Funding for individuals & families who are uninsured.

Services English/ Spanish. To schedule an intake assessment,

please call our intake line at (312) 655-7725.

~ 6:00P Holy Name Mass & Christmas Celebration

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25

~ 12:00 Midnight Mass (In English)

~ 7:30AM, 9:00AM, 10:30AM,(English)

~ 12 Noon (In Polish)

Page Ten

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23

4:30PM — Lyra Acosta, Phil Anglin, VOLUNTEER

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24

7:30 AM — Thomas & Jacob Koscielniak, VOLUNTEER

9:00 AM — Halie Bala, Sarah & Kathryn DuMoulin

10:30AM — Justin Morgan, Kristian Wasik, VOLUNTEER

12:00PM — Jacob Mazurek, Anna Slodyczka, VOLUNTEER

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE

4:30PM—Lyra Acosta, Francesca Hammerstein,

Phil Anglin, Frankie Piatkiewicz

10:00PM (Polish) — Marcin & Damian Kowalik, VOLUNTEER

MIDNIGHT, DECEMBER 25

12:00AM Midnight (English) Charlie Gardner,

Justin Moran, Jacqueline, Colin & Catherine Loomis

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS DAY

7:30AM—Katie, Kelly & Amanda Stotts

9:00AM- Sarah/Kathryn DuMoulin, Thomas /Jacob Koscielniak

10:30AM—Zachary VanLoon, Anna Slodyczka, VOLUNTEER

12:00PM (Polish) —Jacob Jarzabek, Jacob Mazurek, VOL.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26—ST. STEPHEN FEAST DAY

10:00AM (Polish) - VOLUNTEERS, PLEASE!

7:00PM (Polish) - VOLUNTEERS, PLEASE!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

4:30PM — PAT REZABECK, ALICE KISALA

EVELYN & CASIMAR REKRUCIAK

PHIL WENGEL, ANN MARIE COOPER

JOHN R. MILLIGAN, CHESTER SZESZOL

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17

7:30AM — PHIL WENGEL

BEN AGRESTO, LOWELL GERPE

ANTONI, BRONISŁAWA, & TADEUSZ BYKOWSKI

HEALING INTENTION FOR ANNA MANCEWICZ

9:00AM — LENORE RUSS, PHIL WNEGEL

ANDRZEJ BYRDAK JAMES STAROS

10:30AM — WILLIAM DATTULO, LARRY HERM, SR.

EDWARD FOWLER, BOB & DOROTHY BLIGH

MARY JANE WHALEN, MARK IWASKIEWICZ

JOSEPH CAPPUZZELLO, ANTHONY ONORATO

SACRED HEART PARISHIONERS, FRED GARZA

12:00PM — IZABELLA A. KALINOWSKA

HELENA DZIUBAS (40TH ANNIV.)

JULIUSZ GOMBOS, ANDRZEJ WACLAW

ANDRZEJ CETERA, WLADYSLAW KLIMEK

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 (9:00AM)

HEALING INTENTIONS FOR PETE JOHNS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 (7:30AM)

DOLORES KWAIN

HEALING INTENTION FOR ROBERT STEVENS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 (9:00AM)

PAT STROCCHIA

ANN, PATRICK, & MARILYN MOODY

HEALING INTENTION FOR PATRICK BROSNAN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 (7:30AM)

ANNIE HUNT, ED CAVATO

HEALING INTENTION FOR JAMES J. RYAN

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 (9:00AM)

BARBARA YOUNG, RUTH HOFFMAN

JOY CUDSIK, MABEL FLORES (18TH ANNIV.) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23

7:30AM — ED PAULL, JR.

4:30PM — KATHERINE SKOWYRA, ANGELINE WOZNIAK

ALICE KISALA, BILL KIMMEY, TED PRESS,

EDWARD & LAVERNE SILEKIS, JERRY UZNANSKI

SPECIAL INTENTIONS FOR THE MORRISON FAMILY

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24

7:30AM — MALGORZATA CZERWIEN (1ST ANNIV.)

DECEASED MEMBERS OF TROY, BOLBAT & SPALLA FAMILY

9:00AM — LENORE RUSS, ROY HODGES

10:30AM — MARY JANE WHALEN

BOB & DOROTHY BLIGH

DONALD & MARIE KOLKEBECK

NATALE GARCHEDI (60TH ANNIV.)

12:00PM — JADWIGA DZIUBUS, WLADYSLAW KLIMEK

ISABELLA A. KALINOWSKA, HELENA DZIUBAS(40TH ANNIV)

JULIUSZ GOMBOS, ANDRZEJ WACLAW, ANDRZEJ CETERA

JAN JOZEFF OPALINSKI

4:30PM — EDWARD & LAVERNE SILEKIS , HELEN HICKEY

DOLORES M. NUGENT, JOHN R. MILLIGAN CASSANO FAMILY, PATRICK & KATHY SCANLON

EDWARD & ANNE WOJCIECHOWSKI, DR. THEODORE WEBER

10:00PM MASS IN POLISH ANIELA & STANISLAW BARTYZOL

Kathy Brzezinski, Mary Busch, Joe Potocki, Marge Hoenig

Paul Mikula, Sr, Laura Barajas, Joyce Slepski, Kyle Jasik,

Josephine Zdanowski, Donald Crampton, Michael Collins

Kateri Garbauski, George McCague & Son, Joan Petrie,

Connie Jasik, Dennis Jasik, Mary Hennessy, James Brya

Angie Weiss, Joan Wertz, Sheila Black, Kristine Michalak

Carol Specht, Suzanne Varkalis, John J., Adeline Jeziorny,

Wayne Novak, Sandra M. Garbauski, Loretta Baleswich,

Emmitt Hays, Susan Szerwinski, Theresa Kreischer,

Tom Fratto, Erin Carr Mott, Eleanor Tuzik, Javiar Garcia,

Don Lasica, Ricardo Garcia, Carl Bonasera, Lloyd Vaughn

Marv Gruzanski, Jean Vazzana, Sal Basso, Joseph Soltis,

Maria Bujalska, Annette Wask, Barbara Webber,

Adeline Jeziorny, Rochelle Haklin & Zbigniew Kasperek.

Your prayers are requested for the repose of the souls of:

JOSEPH A. NOLAN

BERNADETTE WALTERS

CHRISTINE WAYLAND

Please pray for their souls and all the souls of

the faithful departed.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 MIDNIGHT MASS IN ENGLISH

LARRY HERM, JEROME P. TIPPET, P.J. HARRISON,

ANNA TASSONE, LOUIS ASSONE