St. John of the Cross Parish...Dear Parishioners, Just a few days left, the goal is in site, the excitement is building and children everywhere are counting Sunday night, Monday night,

Called to be Holy through Prayer, Service & Sharing to Build Up the Kingdom of God.

December 22, 2013 Fourth Sunday of Advent

St. John of the Cross Parish 5005 S. Wolf Road Western Springs, IL 60558 ▪ Parish Office: 708-246-4404 ▪ stjohnofthecross.org

Archbishop Quigley Center * 835 North Rush Street * Chicago, IL 60611-2030 * 312-534-8230 * Fax: 312-534-6379

ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO

OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP

Christmas 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Celebrating the 50th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood this December fills my heart with gratitude to God and with countless memories of people I have met and places I have served throughout my priestly ministry. I was ordained by Bishop Raymond Hillinger just before Christmas at St. Pascal Church, the parish in which I grew up on Chicago’s northwest side. When I became the Archbishop of Portland, Oregon, Brother Claude Lane, OSB of the Benedictine Monastery Mount Angel Abbey, created an icon for me that brought together two titles of Our Lady that he knew were significant to me: Our Lady of the Snows, patroness of the northern missions served by Oblates, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, because in Yakima the vast majority of Catholics are of Mexican descent. In this beautiful icon, the serene nativity scene is framed by storm and snow, and Brother Claude depicts Our Lady of Guadalupe gazing at the Christ Child on her lap. A black sash that indicated in Aztec culture that she was pregnant is now tied around her swaddled baby who has the face of his mother and yet something more. It’s always more: the sash signifies it is this baby that gives birth now to a new world. It’s a world where snow falls on the Esquiline Hill in Rome in August and where roses bloom on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City in December. It’s a new world that looks like Jesus, son of God and son of Mary. It is a world in which God took on our human nature so that we could see the glory of God in an infant and so that our lives would be brightened by the truth about God and about ourselves. Christ took our nature to his divine Person so everything we are and do is elevated; everything is graced except sin itself. If we give ourselves up to what Christ is doing to and for us, we begin to see with the eyes of Christ, to know others and ourselves at a different level, and to do entirely commonplace acts for God and with God. At our best, all of us want a world marked by truth and justice, by peace and love, for those desires are born of our redeemed nature itself. May the newborn Jesus fill your heart with joy! You are in my prayers; please keep me in yours. Merry Christmas! Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,

Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. Archbishop of Chicago

www.stjohnofthecross.org 12-22-13 page 2 praying ~ serving ~ sharing

From the Desk of Fr. David


Dear Parishioners, Just a few days left, the goal is in site, the excitement is building and children everywhere are counting Sunday night, Monday night, and finally- Tuesday night! The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas, is so profound that the most intelligent theologian cannot adequately explain all that is contained in this mystery, and yet the smallest child can understand it completely. The phrases ‘God becomes flesh’ or ‘divinity cloaks itself in humanity’ or ‘unto us a child is born’ can come tripping off our tongues, perhaps too glibly, during this holy season. But is the meaning of those and other clichés of song lyrics (‘all is calm, all is bright’, ‘O Come let us adore him’, ‘the hopes and fears…’etc.) profound enough to change our hearts and minds? If you are able to be aware of more than what is going on in your own family (and for some that might not legitimately be possible) you can hear other voices calling all of us into a greater consciousness of ‘God becomes flesh’, etc. It seems every week Pope Francis does or says something that seems so obvious and yet it is also very challenging. He continually is calling us to be aware of the poor. He continually reminds us that the Gospel is not for ‘sourpusses’ or ‘those who look like they are at a funeral’. Living the Gospel is supposed to be a life of joy, but only after you realize that your life is not your own, nor is it only about you. The death of Nelson Mandela has been a great opportunity not only to celebrate his life, but to allow the witness of his life to speak to every person from every land. Personally, I think the greatest miracle of the 20th century is that South Africa did not blow up into racial genocide when apartheid was finally ended. Along with Episcopal Bishop Desmond Tutu, Mandela is rightly credited in leading his country into acknowledging the wrongs that had been committed on both sides of the racial divide. The Truth and Reconciliation commission of South Africa stands as the greatest example I can think of how government and politics can be influenced by Christian values and break the cycle of violence. You almost cannot help but be moved by Mandela’s own conversion as he forgave those who imprisoned him for 27 years. Upon his release he said he had to forgive them because if he didn’t, he would always be in their prison. Even if his body was outside the prison, failure to forgive would have meant that his mind and heart were still serving hard time. Here is one of his quotes: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Just a few days left, but there is still time. Still time for last minute shopping. Still time to spend some time in quiet and appreciate the miracles all around. There is still time to practice the daily Examen. Enough time to be grateful for those who are no longer with us except in the most tender of memories. There is still time to become a gift for someone who desperately needs you.

Just a few days left, the goal is in site, the excitement is building and children everywhere wait to sing “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to people of goodwill.”

Merry Christmas. Fr. David

Reflecting on Living the Gospel

T he state of affairs is not what it appears to be. Mary is not unfaithful, but faithful. Mary is with child, but a virgin. The infant is not

only an earthly child, but also a heavenly One. Yet the infant is not heaven-bound, but an earth-bound Emmanuel. Joseph is not the father, but in a father’s role names the Child Jesus. When the Spirit of God is at work, and we cooperate as did Mary and Joseph, something altogether new happens: mystery abounds, “God is with us.”

Two names are given to the One incarnated in Mary’s womb: Jesus, meaning “God saves the people from their sins,” and Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us.” Simply put, the names reveal that the very Presence of God among us is a saving Presence. Further, if we are to be that incarnated Presence in our world today, then our lives must be characterized by the same holiness as is of the very essence of God, enabled by the “Spirit of holiness.” To be holy as God is holy requires of us a self-emptying not unlike that of Mary and Joseph. Without understanding everything about God’s saving plan, they cooperated fully and something altogether new happened. The Son of God took flesh in the womb of Mary because she cooperated with the grace of the Holy Spirit that overshadowed her. We, too, are called to cooperate with the grace of that same Spirit who overshadows us in our daily living. When we hold back an unfounded or unkind judgment, we are cooperating with the Holy Spirit. When we are obedient to God’s will, we are cooperating with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Through us, something altogether new can happen, too. Closing Prayers: May we cooperate more fully with God’s plan of salvation through imitating the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph. May we open ourselves more faithfully to the work of the Spirit within and through us. Our Father . . . For Reflection: · The birth of Jesus Christ came about in me when ... · My life witnesses Emmanuel (“God is with us”) to others whenever I...Living Liturgy™ Sunday Bulle n

Advent: Why Do We Wait? What is the message of Advent? Why are we waiting? Advent is a season of preparation: we shop for gifts, plan parties, and decorate our homes for the coming of Christmas. Sometimes it is easy to forget the real mission of Advent: preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ. We are bombarded by commercial messages in which the reason for Christmas—Emmanuel, “God with us”—is absent or overlooked. However, the rituals and practices of our Catholic liturgies during this season can join us together with the People of God. United, we can offer messages of challenge and hope and express our desire for God's presence in our midst. Advent blends penitence, preparedness, and joy. We are called to consider our lives and to repent—or turn around—from those things that keep us from God. In this way, we repent and prepare for the Second Coming of the Lord. This theme of preparedness permeates the liturgies of Advent. Lastly we are called to be joyful as we get ready to celebrate the incarnation of our Savior in Bethlehem. We wait for the coming of Christ in human history at Bethlehem, in our hearts each day, and at the end of time. The readings of Advent direct us to be prepared as we “do not know the hour or the day” of Christ's coming. But it is the present to which we should give our attention. Christ comes to us each day in word and sacrament, in prayer and grace, and through the people in his Church. Can we try to be aware of his presence and power within our lives? Can we be open to his call and let him work through us in the world? What is the message of Advent? For what are we waiting? Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus! Help us to know you, love you, and serve you. Increase our faith. Help us understand. Let us be your eyes, ears, and hands on earth. Let us show your love. Come! ©Loyola Press 2013

Lifelong Catechesis: Fourth Sunday of Advent

Monday Mal 3:1-4, 23-24 Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 Luke 1:57-66

Tuesday 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 Luke 1:67-79

Wednesday Isa 52:7-10 Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 Heb 1:1-6 John 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14

Thursday Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 Ma 10:17-22

Friday 1 John 1:1-4 Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 John 20:1a and 2-8

Saturday 1 John 1:5–2:2 Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8 Ma 2:13-18

unday Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 Ma 2:13-15, 19-23

Readings for the Week ————————————————————————————————


Prayer

Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation Prayer is largely just being silent: holding the tension instead of even talking it through, offering the moment instead of fixing it by words and ideas, loving reality as it is instead of understanding it fully. Prayer is commonly a willingness to say “I don’t know.” We must not push the river, we must just trust that we are already in the river, and God is the certain flow and current. That may be impractical, but the way of faith is not the way of efficiency. So much of life is just a matter of listening and waiting, and enjoying the expansiveness that comes from such willingness to hold. It is like carrying and growing a baby: women wait and trust and hopefully eat good food, and the baby is born. ~ Adapted from unpublished recording

How to Enjoy Christmas Christmas is coming, and I’ll bet you’re starting to get a little nervous. Are you already stressed about the endless gift list (not to mention the prices of those gifts), the lengthening Christmas card list, the overheated stores, the crowded airports, train stations, and bus terminals, and the car getting stuck in the snow? Sometimes, with all the pressures of our consumerist culture, Christmas seems more like an ordeal than a religious feast. So how can you move your Christmas from a secular pain-in-the-neck to a time of spiritual consolation? Here are three tips: 1.) Try not to be a perfectionist. You don’t have to send every single friend or family member a card or buy them a gift. Resist the temptation to overburden yourself with a list of “shoulds.” 2.) Take time for yourself. No one’s life will be ruined if you miss a party or two, or even a family gathering, in order to have some downtime. Instead, stay home and do something relaxing like listening to a Christmas CD. Pray a little bit. Read a story that reminds you of why you enjoy Christmas, such as Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Or how about John Greenleaf Whittier’s lovely poem, “Snowbound”? Or, forget reading or thinking—just relax! 3.) Enjoy Advent. Ever read the daily Advent readings? They’re amazing, filled with beautiful imagery that will revive your drooping spirits. “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom” reads one passage from the Book of Isaiah. You could spend all of Advent thinking about that! Where are the deserts in your life that have bloomed? Which ones need to be watered by prayer and worship? So Christmas is coming. As the angels said to the shepherds, “Fear not!” by Jim Martin, SJ.

Come Lord Jesus! As we prepare our hearts for your coming during these holy days of Advent, open our eyes to recognize that you are already in our midst,

in your Word, in the sacraments, and in all our brothers and sisters. Amen.

Come let us worship the Lord,

the King who is to come.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:

the Virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son,

and shall name him Emmanuel. - Isaiah 7:14

As this Advent season draws to a close, reflect on how Jesus has come to birth in you. ©Loyola Press 2013


Prayer

It’s The Love That We Are Made For,

The Reason For Our Being …

My soul sings in gratitude. I’m dancing in the mystery of God. The light of the Holy One is within me and I am blessed, so truly blessed. This goes deeper than human thinking. I am filled with awe at Love whose only condition is to be received. The gift is not for the proud, for they have no room for it. The strong and self-sufficient ones don’t have this awareness. But those who know their emptiness can rejoice in Love’s fullness. It’s the Love that we are made for, the reason for our being. It fills our inmost heart space and brings to birth in us, the Holy One. — Joy Cowley (poem title is “Modern Magnificat” from “Mirabile Dictu”)

Table Grace for the Christmas Season Come, let us adore him! Come, let us adore him!

May the feast shared at this table provide strength to follow your way as we celebrate your glorious birth, O Christ.

Come, let us adore him! May this blessing of food be nourishment to proclaim the Gospel,

as we hear the voice of the herald angels. Come, let us adore him!

May this time of grace allow your love to show forth in the world as we behold your humble birth.

Come, let us adore him! Let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

May every meal and every life be blessed during these joyful days.

Amen.



How is your prayer life coming along? Are you finding time to talk to God? Are you praying the Examen that we learned at Sunday Mass? If you are looking for some help, go to our parish website and click on Praying. You will find a 6 session prayer series on the Examen that you can pray each day right at your computer. Try it. You might find it to be just what you need to refocus on God’s presence in your life. The Lunchtime Examen invites you to pause at noontime (or whatever time fits your calendar) to review your day in the presence of God. This six-session series is led by Jim Manney, author of A Simple, Life-Changing Prayer: Discovering the Power of St. Ignatius Loyola’s Examen. Knowing that not everyone prays at the same pace, you have control over the pace of the Lunchtime Examen. On each screen, a Continue button will appear. Click it when you are ready to move on. Please be patient if it takes a few moments to load the Flash presentations. Some people find it helpful to journal about what’s happening in their prayer life. To help you do that and to extend the Lunchtime Examen experience beyond the time spent at the computer, a weekly journal page is also provided for you with each session.

Reprinted with permission. © Copyright 2013 Loyola Press, Chicago USA. www.LoyolaPress.com

Prayer

Our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues sang for joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” (Psalm 126:2) There is the story about the man who goes to see his doctor for an exam. After getting a thorough checkup, the doctor calls the man’s wife into his office without the husband and says that her husband is a very ill. He has a life-threatening condition and things do not look very good. However, if she is willing to be at the husband’s beck and call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is willing to cater to his every want and desire, making him special breakfasts in the morning, giving him wonderful meals in the evening, sending him off to work with wonderfully prepared lunches, making love to him whenever he’s desirous of her, and generally doing everything to make him completely happy, for the next several months, there is an excellent likelihood her husband will pull through it and be okay. As they are driving home the husband turns to his wife and asks, “So what did the doctor tell you?” To which his wife replies, “He told me you’re going to die.” Humor serves a couple by providing the space to lighten up the relationship so that neither takes what the other said or did, or the current situation, so personally. The man in the story seemingly needs compassion and sympathy, but what his wife gives instead helps her manage her own anxiety, thus allowing for an important challenge to her husband. Her playfulness makes it possible for him to take charge of his own life – both metaphorically and literally. Love and good will are essential components of marriage, yet even with love we still become anxious. An anxious response can get confused as a loving and caring one. When we’re anxious we often end up doing what is good for us since it relieves our anxiety, but it’s not necessarily good for the one we supposedly took the action for. Lighten up Rather than work on the relationship, each spouse can focus on their own issues in order to become a mature, capable and responsible adult, and do so out of a sense of joy and delight. Work implies a seriousness, which is problematic and points to a lack of self-differentiation. When overly serious we operate from a highly anxious state that cuts us off from our higher levels of functioning – our capacity to reason and problem-solve. Seriousness keeps us operating out a reflex mode. We react rather than respond. There is a Mary Engelbreit poster that says: “Life is mysterious, don’t take it so seriously.” Humor helps move us outside a seemingly hopeless situation and to see with new eyes. Learn to go in the other direction Akin to humor is the paradoxical intervention when we go along with, or exaggerate, the situation. “It’s the worst thing that could have happened. I think I’ll stay in bed!” Or, “My car broke down; life is terrible.” We sometimes play a game of “Pet Peeves.” Each person must state a complaint and exaggerate it while everyone else exhorts, “That’s terrible!” or “I hate when that happens!” One can’t help have a hilarious time. Make play central to the relationship

Couples can cultivate play, as well as joy and delight. Playfulness gives the space needed for intimacy as surely as repeating someone’s question gives time for an answer. When couples first date they tell how they love having fun and even being silly. They do interesting things; they play. Once they start to court each other and move toward marriage they’ll say, “Now we’re in a serious relationship.” Somehow we link commitment to seriousness. The antidote to too much seriousness is play. Children know how to play and sometimes have such a good time that other kids begin to watch and even take part in their play. Play is attractive and magnetic. We knew something then that is still extremely useful today. Individuals who know how to play make great partners. Playful couples are magical to observe. They have a twinkle in their eyes, a lightness without being flippant. Each partner is loose while remaining solid and grounded. They are grace in action. In short, they remind us that play is a virtue we need to take seriously. by Donald J. Paglia, usccb

Rock Solid Marriages


Theme: Jesus is God made flesh. (Emmanuel = God is with us!) Breaking Open the Word Suggested text for faith sharing: Today’s Gos-pel Step One: Listen to the Word What one word or thought in this reading really strikes you? What overall sense of the Christian life do you get from this reading? Step Two: Look into Your Life Question for Children: When you pray, how do you hear God’s voice in response? Question for Youth: God speaks to us in our intuitions and imagination, as he did to Joseph in this dream. What is your experience of hear-ing God speak in this way? What is God asking of you? Question for Adults: What experiences do you have of God “speaking to you” and directing your life and work? How does God speak to you in prayer? http://lifelongcatechesis.osv.com

Family Connection Joseph and Mary are our models for family life and for service of God. Even when the circumstances seemed unclear, Joseph trusted God. Healthy family life is built upon trust, trust in God and trust of one another. Spend some time talking as a family about the importance of trust in your family life, including the ways in which the children trust the adults in the family as well as the ways in which the adults trust the children. Then read today's Gospel. Talk about Joseph's trust of God and reflect together on how your family trusts in God. Pray together that your family life will be built on trust, as was the family life of Joseph and Mary. Pray and sing together an Advent song, such as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

Strong Catholic Parent

Light the 4th Candle on the Advent Wreath Loving God, Our hearts desire the warmth of your love And our minds are searching for the light of your Word. As we light the candles of this wreath Increase our longing for Christ our Savior And give us the strength to grow in faith. At the day of his coming may we be found Prepared and filled with joy. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Christmas Daily Prayer Always be on my lips, Jesus Word of God: Gloria in excelsis! Always guide my actions, Jesus Prince of peace: Gloria in excelsis! Always illuminate my way, Jesus, Light from light: Gloria in excelsis!


VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED Speaking with people of a different culture, making new contacts, and a feeling of self-satisfaction are some of the benefits one might reap from volunteering at School on Wheels, sponsored by the Congregation of St. Joseph of La Grange Park. Volunteers are needed for the school’s Adult Literacy/English as a Second Language program. Tutors are asked to teach one hour or more per week, during the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at locations in Brookfield, Cicero, Downers Grove, Hodgkins, Woodridge, Villa Park, or Summit. No prior second language skills are needed, however, it is necessary to attend a two-day tutor training session from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, Jan. 11, and Jan. 25, 2014, at the Congregation of St. Joseph Center in La Grange Park. Volunteers must attend both training dates. Further information is available by calling (708) 482-5060 or (708) 482-5077.

Outreach & Parish News

Each year parishioners help our brothers and sisters at our Sharing Parish, Holy Cross, in Jinja, Uganda through the Livestock for Life Program. Your donation supplies a hen, goat or pig (and training) to a specially selected family. The animal provides income for the family and the church. You may use our new on-line giving option with your credit card or drop off a check with the form below to the Parish Center. Each gift is $40.

Your Name____________________________ Address__________________________ _________________________________ Number of Cards ___________

The joy of the gospel

fills the hearts and lives of

all who encounter Jesus.

Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin,

sorrow, inner emptiness

and loneliness. With Christ

joy is constantly born anew. -Pope Francis

St. John of the Cross Parish has a Christmas gift book for each parish family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic. It is our hope that Matthew Kelly’s simple and relatable words will inspire you on your spiritual journey. Whether you are seeking God’s love in your life or are ready for renewal, you will find practical advice in your reading. The gift of this book has been made possible by a generous donation from an anonymous parishioner. After reading, please pass it along to a family member or friend to explore the faith and find the path to joy and fulfillment.

Our Gift to You this Christmas!!


Youth Catechesis Office [email protected] * 708-246-6760

www.stjohnofthecross.org/yc Monday thru Thursday 8:30am- 4:00pm

Blessings to your Family

from YC As we prepare these last few days for

the celebration of Christ’s birth, we pause to thank all our volunteers and families for

all you do for SJC Youth Catechesis! May God spread His grace and love

throughout your home in the coming year.

YC Schedule Classes K-6 10:15-11:30am Sunday, Jan 12, 26 6:15-7:30pm Monday, Jan 13, 27 FFC Noon-1:30 pm Sunday, February 2 Jr Hi Groups On campus Sunday, Jan 12, 26 Special Needs Sunday, Jan 12, 26

The YC Office will be CLOSED for Christmas Dec 23-Jan 5

St. John of the Cross Parish School is now accepting applications for the 2014-15 school year. St. John of the Cross Parish School provides a dynamic Catholic environment where faith is nourished and knowledge grows. We offer unique educational experiences that foster success, promote unity, and respect the individuality of each student. If you are interested in visiting the school, please call Jennifer Jermano Miller, Director of Advancement at 708-246-4454, to set up an appointment. Please scan the code for information and the application.

Computer Class

Art Class

Balloon Science

Hula Hoops in Gym Class

Parish School Youth Catechesis


Baptisms In December we welcomed the following

children into the Christian community through the sacrament of Baptism.

May we remember your light today when we see the radiant sun,

a burning candle, or a shining lamp. Jesus, our light, we praise

and thank you. Shine on us forever. John 12:46

Emma Rose, daughter of Anthony and Ami Sullivan (Adducci)

Kelly Grace,

daughter of Charles and Lizbeth (Marin) Andel

Evan Patrick, son of David and Susan (Hansen) Sherlock

Connor Joseph,

son of Nicholas and Kacie Rae (Shuba) Wroblewski

Michael Stephen, son of Andrew and Brooke (Standring) Ariens

Marcello,

son of Philip and Kristina (Szepfalusy) Salamone

Colin James, son of Maura Boyle and John Duckworth

Parish News SJC Parish Moms' Club Attention mothers of young children (6 and under Meetings are fun for both moms and kids! Please email [email protected] to get added to our weekly no-obligation email list so that you can receive the most up to date information. Please consider joining us for our next meeting. Friday, January 10th Parish Center 9:30-11:00am Contacts: Ellen Twomey and Jen Van Wyck

“I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”. The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time to say to Jesus: ‘Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace.’” Pope Francis

Women’s Club Cooking Night!

SAVE THE DATE… Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014 7:00-9:00pm in the Parish Center.

Mary Gail Bennett of Deliciously Yours in Burr Ridge will return to share a new menu with us! Don’t miss out on this fun and delicious evening!

Details to Follow

Men’s Club Save the Date: Annual Trivia Night Saturday January 25th. Mark your calendars to join us.


Save the Date!


Staying Awake In his autobiography, Report to Greco, Nikos Kazantzakis recounts a conversation he once had with an old monk. Kazantzakis, a young man at the time, was visiting a monastery and was very taken by a famed ascetic, Father Makarios, who lived there. But a series of visits with the old monk left him with some ambivalent feelings as well. The monk's austere lifestyle stirred a certain religious romanticism in Kazantzakis, but it repelled him too; he wanted the romanticism, but in a more-palatable way. Here's their conversation as Kazantzakis records it: "Yours is a hard life, Father. I too want to be saved. Is there no other way?" "More agreeable?" asked the ascetic, smiling compassionately. "More human, Father." "One, only one." "What is that?" "Ascent. To climb a series of steps. From the full stomach to hunger, from the slaked throat to thirst, from joy to suffering. God sits at the summit of hunger, thirst, and suffering; the devil sits at the summit of the comfortable life. Choose." "I am still young. The world is nice. I have time to choose." Reaching out, the old monk touched my knee and said: "Wake up, my child. Wake up before death wakes you up." I shuttered and said: "I am still young." "Death loves the young," the old man replied. "The inferno loves the young. Life is like a lighted candle, easily extinguished. Take care - wake up!" Wake up! Wake up before death wakes you up. In a less dramatic expression that's a virtual leitmotif in the Gospels. Jesus is always telling us to wake up, to stay awake, to be vigilant, to be more alert to a deeper reality. What's meant by that? How are we asleep to depth? How are we to wake up and stay awake? How are we asleep? All of us know how difficult it is for us to be inside the present moment, to not be asleep to the real riches inside our own lives. The distractions and worries of daily life tend to so consume us that we habitually take for granted what's most precious to us, our health, the miracle of our senses, the love and friendships that surround us, and the gift of life itself. We go through our daily lives not only with a lack of reflectiveness and lack of gratitude but with a habitual touch of resentment as well, a chronic,

grey depression, Robert Moore calls it. We are very much asleep, both to God and to our own lives. How do we wake up? Today there's a rich literature that offers us all kinds of advice on how to get into the present moment so as to be awake to the deep riches inside our own lives. While much of this literature is good, little of it is very effective. It invites us to live each day of our lives as if was our last day, but we simply can't do that. It's impossible to sustain that kind of intentionality and awareness over a long period of time. An awareness of our mortality does wake us up, as does a stroke, a heart attack, or cancer; but that heightened-awareness is easier to sustain for a short season of our lives than it is for twenty, thirty, forty, or fifty years. Nobody can sustain that kind of awareness all the time. None of us can live seventy or eighty years as if each day was his or her last day. Or can we? Spiritual wisdom offers a nuanced answer here: We can and we can't! On the one hand, the distractions, cares, and pressures of everyday life will invariably have their way with us and we will, in effect, fall asleep to what's deeper and more important inside of life. But it's for this reason that every major spiritual tradition has daily rituals designed precisely to wake us from spiritual sleep, akin an alarm clock waking us from physical sleep. It's for this reason we need to begin each day with prayer. What happens if we don't pray on a given morning is not that we incur God's wrath, but rather that we tend to miss the morning, spending the hours until noon trapped inside a certain dullness of heart. The same can be said about praying before meals. We don't displease God by not first centering ourselves in gratitude before eating, but we miss out on the richness of what we're doing. Liturgical prayer and the Eucharist have the same intent, among their other intentions. They're meant to, regularly, call us out of a certain sleep. None of us lives each day of our lives as if it was his or her last day. Our heartaches, headaches, distractions, and busyness invariably lull us to sleep. That's forgivable; it's what it means to be human. So we should ensure that we have regular spiritual rituals, spiritual alarm clocks, to jolt us back awake - so that it doesn't take a heart attack, a stroke, cancer, or death to wake us up. Rev. Ron Rolheiser, OMI

Pray for our Sick Frank Accardi Mitch Allen Dale Alm Paul Cervony Kathleen Conforti Madeleine Cronin Terry Cullen William Dwyer Melissa Morrissey Eldredge Mark Giangrande Karen Hult Barbara Jacob Dee Kennedy Kelly Kennedy Rosie King Kay Knowles Fr. William Mannion Mary Ann Matysik

Vickie McNally Jay Meehan John Munch Nancy Olin Susan Olson Marion Pascale Bob Pietras James Reilly Rick Reimer Teresa Schaefer John Shea Charles Sugrue Guy Thomas Baby Kameron Walters Mary Catherine Warren Pam Wilson Ron Ziemba

Mass Intentions Monday, December 23, St. John of Kanty 7:45 Stephen Siedlaczek; Ellen McGowan; Tuesday, December 24 7:45 George A. Zurowski; Margaret Cochran 4:00 Matthew Flood; Jorge Paez 4:15 Dr. Norbert and Barbara Mann; John DenBesten 4:30 James Purtell; Elizabeth G. Purtell 6:00 Fr. Kieran Kemner; Alice & Al Sobey 10:30 Deceased Members Dowdle/McCarthy Families Wednesday, December 25 The Nativity of the Lord 7:30 Lawrence Hickey; Bruno Shukis 9:00 John Barron; Maureen Terese O’Malley 10:45 Lisa Witynski; Aniela Poslaiko 12:30 Walter & Patrick Cebula; Chester Cebula Thursday, December 26. St. Stephen 7:45 Our Beloved Dead; Genevieve Ziemba Friday, December 27, St. John 7:45 Lawrence Hickey; Tom Baer Saturday, December 28, The Holy Innocents 8:00 Suzette Pertile; Susan McGuire 5:00 Matthew Flood; Jorge Paez Sunday, December 29, The Holy Family 7:30 Barbara Mann; Jack O’Brien; John and Elizabeth Treacy 9:00 Thanks to God for prayers answered; Patrick J. Haller 10:45 St. Thaddeus & SJC Parishioners 12:15 Nate Harris; Dorothy Wichterman 5:00 Lawrence Hickey; Jack Shellar Italics—Living

This Week at SJC Monday, December 23 10:30 a.m. Step 11 Christian Meditation 2:30 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration Saturday, December 28 7:00 a.m. Christian Meditation Sunday, December 29 4:00 p.m. BEDS

Trying to get in touch with us? More info is on our website: www.stjohnofthecross.org Rev. David P. Dowdle Pastor [email protected] Rev. Joseph F. McDonnell Pastor Emeritus Contact Fr. Joe through the Parish Office Rev. Filbert F. Ngwila Associate Pastor [email protected] Deacon John Schopp Deacon [email protected] Bill Bright Outreach [email protected] Janet Caschetta Youth Catechesis [email protected] Jim Clauer Worship [email protected] Kathleen Gorman School Principal [email protected] Katie Hayes Crossroads [email protected] Jessica Koch Music [email protected] MJ Martin Operations [email protected] Elizabeth Russell-Jones Welcome [email protected]

Parish Center Holiday Office Hours Dec. 24 9-Noon Dec. 25 Closed Dec. 26 9-Noon Dec. 31 9-Noon Jan. 1 Closed In an emergency please call our main number 708-246-4404 and follow the prompts to leave a message for one of our priests.

Georgann Grecco & Bob Mecozzi Cristin Ganey & Bryan Strand

Wedding Banns

Pray for our Beloved Dead

John Hogan, brother of Mary Lambisis

May the joy of this holy season fill our every word and action.

Blessed are we, God’s holy ones.

DUPLEXELECTRIC

708-387-9400Expert TroubleshootingElectrical Rehab/Repair

Greg Fiflis – Parishionerwww.duplexelectricservice.com

ComForcareHome Care• Alzheimer’s Care

• Bathing and Grooming• Meal Preparations

• Medication Reminders• Family Respite

Supporting Independence, Dignity and Quality of Life

708.261.0080www.ChicagoWest.ComForcare.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S.

Restorative and Implant

General Dentistry

930 N. York Rd., Suite 120

Hinsdale, IL 60521

(630) 455-1666NOTRE DAME FAMILY CENTERRev. James Watzke, Ph.D.

Depression - Anxiety - StressFamily - Separation - Divorce

Sub Abuse - Medicare - EspañolOakbrook Terr. 630.691.1114

EMIL J. COGLIANESE, JR.

COGLIANESEFUNERAL HOME

7508 SOUTH COUNTY LINE RD.BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 630-654-8484

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

COMPASSIONATE HOME CARE• Meals • Personal Care • Companionship• Light Housekeeping • Laundry • Errands

630.323.7231 www.MaryAndMikeCare.comMichael & Mary Doepke, RN • ParishionersState Licensed

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)

JOHN C. SKREKO, DDSGENERAL DENTIST Since 1981

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

• Reconstruction• Root Canals • Extractions, Oral Emergency

Indian Head Park708-246-1263

Rob’s on the JobHandyman Service

Repairs - Maintenance - AssemblyWe’ll turn your “Honey Do” list into a “Honey Done” list

630-441-0648www.RobsontheJob.com

Insured Bonded

Our Family Keeping Your Family Comfortable Since 1951

Call Hoekstra Today! (630) 968-0896

Valuable CouponSave $10 Off Your AnnualFurnace or A/C Tune-Up,Save $25 Off A Combo!

Special Parishioner Discount

“I will bless every placein which an image ofMy Heart is exposed

and honored.”It is these the words of Our Lord

to St. Margaret Mary on which theEnthronement of the Sacred Heart

is based. Preparations andrecommended format for thebeautiful ceremony for the

Enthronment of the Sacred Heart,Contact: [email protected]

Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd.Practice specializing in orthodontics

708-352-4500922 S. La Grange Rd.La Grange, IL 60525

www.awesomebraces.com

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

• PATIO • HOME • DECKStaining, Waterproofing

Services From$99.00

FREE Gutter Cleaning with Gutter Topper InstallationNever Be Without Power Again –

Whole House Generators InstallationFully Insured and Bonded • 708.485.0766

SENIOR

DISCOUNTS

Law Office ofKevin J. Moore, P.C.

Parishioner• Business Law• Civil Litigation

708.246.15954365 Lawn Ave., Ste 7

Western Springswww.KJMooreLaw.com

“Our Lady Calls”

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje9-nights All-InclusiveWith flights included

For More Information, Dates& Brochure Please Call Ann Pancotto

630-479-4393Maloney & Company, Ltd.

Certified Public Accountants & ConsultantsSpecializing in Personalized Accounting, Tax and Consulting Services

For Individuals and Family Owned Businesses61 Ogden Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514

Dan Maloney, Parishioner Email: [email protected] (630) 887-0500

Kitchens • Bathrooms • AdditionsDan MaddenParishioner 246.8898708CLEO Women’s Boutique

Trendy Fashionsfrom Head to Toe

IN DOWNTOWN LAGRANGE36 S. Lagrange Rd.

708-482-8770www.cleoboutiqueltd.com

KEENAN ROOFING AND SOLARIF YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR IS UNBECOMING TO YOU

YOU SHOULD BE COMING TO US!• WINDOWS • SIDING • GUTTERS • SOFFIT • FASCIA

FREE CONSULTATIONSFX Parishioner 708.937.9400

323-4610Restoration & Collision Work515 Blackhawk Dr., Westmont

Al Machacek, Owner

Call 708-947-2190 to arrange a tour of the most talked about Club in Chicago.2 Bluebird Trail, Westchester www.chicagohighlands.com

HEATING & COOLING708.352.3131JC ASK FOR

PARISHIONER

DISCOUNTwww.JCComfort.com

J. REDDING ASPHALT CO.• Asphalt • Sealcoating

• Line Stripping • StoningINSURED LICENSED BONDED

FREE ESTIMATES708-442-5556

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIALYour Chicagoland AsphaltSpecialists for over 30 yrs.

PC MDPC & MAC Sales & Service

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

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

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

Office 354-5575After Hours Emergency – 354-2281

Women’s high endUnique & Trendy

Open 7 Days A Week(630) 568-3281

49 S. Washington • Hinsdalewww.kelseyresale.com

NEW MANAGEMENTUPDATED MENU

QUALITY MEALS PREPARED DAILY5545 S. LAGRANGE ROAD

COUNTRYSIDE • 708.352.3600WWW.BEEFNBRANDY.COM

WINE TASTINGS • EVENT PLANNING • GIFTS

On York • ½ Block North of Ogden Ave.

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

ZAWASKI & ZAWASKIReal Estate Appraisers & Consultants, Ltd.------------------------------------

3848 Lawn AvenueWestern Springs, IL 60558

Office: (708) 784-1445 • FAX (708) 784-1446

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATEDPROVIDING DISTINGUISHED

SERVICE SINCE 1923COUNTRYSIDE DOWNERS GROVE

1025 W. 55th Street 301-75th Street708-352-6500 630-964-6500

5412 S. LaGrange Rd. • 708-354-8884

Accommodations for 20-400 • Funeral LunchesWeddings • Showers • Communions • Baptism

Graduations • Quinceañeras • CateringLunch Buffet Mon-Fri 11am-2pm

Hours: Sat 4pm-2am • Sun 3pm-9pm

pvwealthmgt.com708.246.2366

4365 Lawn AveWestern Springs

KOZYHEATING & AIR COND.

S I N C E 1 9 8 9AUTHORIZED

GENERAC®

GENERATORDEALER

JOE CANTELE, OWNEREMERGENCY

SERVICE 708.514.1591CAMEOENDODONTICS

Practice Limited to EndodonticTherapy and Dental Implants

(708) 579-0488Keith Sommers, DDS, Parishioner

• 475 W. 55th Street, Suite 208, LaGrange• 3116 Oak Park Ave., Berwyn

• 7234 W. North Ave., Elmwood Parkwww.cameoendo.com

CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER

708.417.8441Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured

Frank Tramontana, ParishionerWestern Springs Resident

KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERYQuality and Variety

Wedding & Party Cakes825 Burlington Ave.

Western Springs 246-2894

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)

ALLAN E. POWERPlumbing & Heating

Plumbing Repairs, Sewer RoddingBathroom Remodeling Lic #058-132085352-1670 804 Arlington, La Gr.

Pisa PizzaWE DELIVER

708-352-00085440 S. LaGrange Rd., Countrysidewww.pisapizza.samsbiz.com

LAWRENCE WIECZOREKLCSW, ACSW• Individual• Marital and

Family CounselingMany Insurance Plans AcceptedEvenings and Saturdays Available

630.969.2810901 Burlington, Suite 3, Western Springs

ALLMAKEAPPLIANCE REPAIR

All Major U.S. Brand Appliances Repaired708-579-5262 6934 Crest Road-Darien

We SinceWelcome 1983Watching

PAWSitive Dog Coaching and ConsultingMore PAWS Less Gnaws!

Personal One on One Dog TrainingAll Breeds, 1 Hour Session

I travel to you, at your convenienceEmail [email protected] 708.363.3266

Like us on Facebook.com/PawsitiveDogCoachingandConsulting

VViillllaaggee HARDWARE“Help is just around the corner”835 Burlington • Western Springs • 708-246-0892

MON. THU. 8 AM-8 PM; TUE. WED. FRI. 8 AM-7 PM SAT. 8 AM-5:30 PM; SUN. 9 AM-3 PM

TheCOMMUNITY BANK of WESTERN SPRINGS

A branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company®

1000 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558 708-246-7100

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

KARA KENNEDYO’CONNELL

Broker

DIRECT LINE (708) 588-2067CELL (708) 207-5311

WWW.KARAKOCONNELL.COM

Val VlaznyAttorney At Law

• Trusts • Wills • TaxesParishioner 630-357-8668

Cindi BrankinBroker Associate

Residential Brokerage ParishionerCell 708-267-7954

Guardian Angel Caregivers(630) 226 9514

Senior Home Care ServicesLicensed Insured Bonded

Complete PsychologicalEvaluation & Treatment

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

and AssociatesHINSDALE 655-9040

GARAGE DOORSAND OPENERS

Family Owned & Operated Since 1947ALL MAJOR BRANDS

CUSTOM GLASS SECTIONSSALES & SERVICE

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE708.458.2345 www.AR-BE.com

Ask For Parishioner Discount

Alexandria Z. Meccia, M.D.DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF LAGRANGE

Parishioner 708.482.32135201 S. Willow Springs Rd.

Suite 430 LaGrange

VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PCGENERAL DENTISTRY

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

www.VersaciDental.com

CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTERFUNERAL HOME

A Family You Can Rely On...Today and Tomorrow.

10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester

708-562-5900Parishioner

Peter Conboy

Jean Conboy Hanson

Matthew Conboy

ED THE PLUMBERED THE CARPENTER

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

Lic# 055-026066Parishioner Discount708-652-1444

We Have Answers • You Have QuestionsReal Estate • Short Sales • Bankruptcy • Foreclosures

Commercial • Corporate • Litigation • Zoning

1022 S. LaGrange Rd. LaGrange, IL 60525www.fornarolaw.com

CALL PHILIP 708.255.5651

Parishioner

HOOP DREAMSBASKETBALLINSTRUCTOR

• Private Lessons Per Hour

• Shoot Like a Pro• Drills to Make You

a Better Player• 8th Grade thru

High SchoolWeekends and Evenings

Call Coach Mark Heneghan Parishioner

708-732-0098Get to the next level!

Carol L.KlimaMartin

Attorney At Law, Parishioner• Real Estate • Trusts • Probate Licensed in Illinois & Florida

(708) 246-7570

ROOFING708.253.2561

heritageroofers.net

PIANO INSTRUCTIONS• Beginners to Advanced Level

• 25 Years ExperienceFully Vested and Educated

Local Resident and ChristianTeacher Lillian DeBartolo

630-279-4551Flexible Hours

915 BURLINGTON AVE.WESTERN SPRINGS, IL 60558708-246-0380

Mon.-Fri. 8-6 - Sat. 8-5:30Sundays (Seasonal) 10-4

www.caseymarketonline.com

• On-Site Adult Care Facility• Homemaker Services

• Senior Social Activities• Personal Care

(At Home or At Our Facility)Alexandra Sulik, RN MSN NP

708.299.4364www.youngathearthc.info

Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24 4:00 p.m. Church Children’s Choir Carol Prelude 3:30 p.m. 4:15 p.m. First Floor School Multi-Purpose Room Cantor, Flute, Trumpet Carol Prelude 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Second Floor School Gym Cantor, Flute, Trumpet Carol Prelude 4:15 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Church Cantor, Flute & Cello Carol Prelude 5:45 p.m. 10:30 p.m. Church Choir, Brass Quartet Carol Prelude 10:00 p.m. Christmas Day - Wednesday, December 25 7:30 a.m. Church Cantor, Flute & Cello 9:00 a.m. Church Ensemble, Guitar, Drums, Instruments 10:45 a.m. Church Choir, Trumpet, Flute, Cello 12:30 p.m. Church This Mass begins 15 minutes later than the usual start at 12:15pm 5 Alive! Teen Choir, Guitar, Drums, Instruments There will be no 5 p.m. Mass on Christmas Day

Holiday Mass Schedule We will have our regular weekend Mass schedule on Saturday and Sunday, December 28-29, the Feast of the Holy Family. Our regular daily Mass will be at 7:45 a.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays on December 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, and 31 and January 2,3, and 4. Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God New Year’s Eve and Day Tuesday, December 31 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 1 10:00 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation Tuesday, December 17 Reconciliation Service A Communal Service of Reconciliation with individual confession and absolution will take place in the church at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 21 Individual Reconciliation - 8:30 a.m. Extended individual confessions will be offered on Saturday, December 21, with the opportunity for private or face-to-face confession. St. John of the Cross offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation every Saturday throughout the year at 8:30 a.m. After December 22nd, there will be no babysitting in the Garden Room until Sunday, January 5th.

Holiday Mass Schedule

Documents

St. John of the Cross Parish...Dear Parishioners, Just a few days left, the goal is in site, the excitement is building and children everywhere are counting Sunday night, Monday night,