St. Matthew Parish 1555 Glen Ellyn Road Glendale Heights, IL 60139

December 27, 2020

St. Matthew Parish Glendale Heights, Illinois Page 2 (630) 469-6300

My dear family of St. Matthew!

Words are cheap, right? But not all words! So what makes some words precious? The last words of a loved one…. The words of scripture, the good news…. The words of Jesus…. The words of saints…. But there are so many words in this world that are in actuality totally irrelevant, unimportant, treacherous, deceiving, hateful, harmful, lies….

Saint Joseph has not one recorded word in scripture, or anywhere as far as I know. Why is that? Because words are too important? No; I think because actions are more important and, as we say, actions speak louder than words.

This year we embark on a year dedicated to Saint Joseph, as Pope Francis has declared beginning from December 8th, 2020, the beautiful feast day of his Bride and Spouse, the Immaculate Conception. On that feast day earlier this month, Pope Francis released a beautiful, apostolic letter entitled Patris Corde on St. Joseph, in particular on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Proclamation of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. As Pope Francis himself writes in his letter, “The aim of this Apostolic Letter is to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal.”

Indeed, Pope Francis continues, the proper mission of the saints is not only to obtain miracles and graces, but to intercede for us before God, like Abraham and Moses, and like Jesus, the “one mediator” (1 Tim 2:5), who is our “advocate” with the Father (1 Jn 2:1) and who “always lives to make intercession for [us]” (Heb 7:25; cf. Rom 8:34). The saints help all the faithful “to strive for the holiness and the perfection of their particular state of life”. Their lives are concrete proof that it is possible to put the Gospel into practice. Jesus told us: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Mt 11:29). The lives of the saints too are examples to be imitated. Saint Paul explicitly says this: “Be imitators of me!” (1 Cor 4:16). By his eloquent silence, Saint Joseph says the same. We need only ask Saint Joseph for the grace of graces: our conversion.

Let us now make our prayer to him, Pope Francis concludes:

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust;

with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father

and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.

Pope Francis begins his letter entitled Patris Corde, or in English: “WITH A FATHER’S HEART: that is

how Joseph loved Jesus, whom all four Gospels refer to as “the son of Joseph”. Matthew and Luke, the two Evangelists who speak most of Joseph, tell us very little, yet enough for us to appreciate what sort of father he was, and the mission entrusted to him by God’s providence. We know that Joseph was a lowly carpenter (cf. Mt 13:55), betrothed to Mary (cf. Mt 1:18; Lk 1:27). He was a “just man” (Mt 1:19), ever ready to carry out God’s will as revealed to him in the Law (cf. Lk 2:22.27.39) and through four dreams (cf. Mt 1:20; 2:13.19.22). After a long and tiring journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, he beheld the birth of the Messiah in a stable, since “there was no place for them” elsewhere (cf. Lk 2:7). He witnessed the adoration of the shepherds (cf. Lk 2:8-20) and the Magi (cf. Mt 2:1-12), who represented respectively the people of Israel and the pagan peoples. Joseph had the courage to become the legal father of Jesus, to whom he gave the name revealed by the angel: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). As we know, for ancient peoples, to give a

Rev. Gregor Gorsic, Pastor (630) 469-6300 ext. 312

St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church

Gabrielle Schadt (2019)

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www.stmatthewchurch.org Page 3 Feast of the Holy Family December 27, 2020

St. Matthew

Council of Catholic Women

Sisters in Christ

Christmas Blessings

Thank you again to all who donated time, talent

and treasure so many could have a Merry

Christmas.

Our Lord is inviting everyone to a New Year

celebration. Prayerfully you will R.S.V.P. Yes!

Come As You Are

Come as you are, that’s how I want you,

Come as you are, feel quite at home.

Close to my heart, lovely and forgiven,

Come as you are, why stay away?

I came to call sinners, not just the virtuous.

I came to bring peace, not to condemn.

Don’t run away, shamed or disheartened,

Rest in my love, why stay away?

Come as you are, that’s how I love you,

Come as you are, trust me again.

Nothing can change the love that I bear you.

All will be well, just come as you are.

Thought for the Week — Let us welcome this New

Year with hope, optimism and prayer.

Joyous New Year

Mass Times

Mary Mother of God

Friday, January 1st

10:00 AM

1:30 PM (Spanish)

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED The Parish Office will be closed through January 3, 2021. The office will reopen Monday, January 4, 2021 at 8:30 AM.

Happy New Year!

Building and Grounds

As noted in a previous bulletin, the building and

grounds committee is looking into window repair and

replacement.

If there is anyone in the parish who has expertise in this

area or who has a friend in the business interested in

bidding on this work, please phone the Tasker Parish

Center and leave a message for Building and Grounds,

630-469-6300.

Someone from the committee will return your call and

explain the details.

name to a person or to a thing, as Adam did in the account in the Book of Genesis (cf. 2:19-20), was to establish a relationship.” [More from Patris Corde throughout the rest of this Year of St. Joseph ahead of us!]

We know that many times, words are cheap. We know certainly that not all words are equal, not all words have equal value. Let me conclude with the powerful words of a saint: St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta on her beloved St. Joseph:

“St. Joseph knew, when Mary became pregnant, that this child was not his child. He saw that she was pregnant but didn’t know how. If he had gone to the high priest, she would have been stoned to death. Do you see the charity and thoughtfulness of St. Joseph? If we have the same kind of charity and thoughtfulness toward each other, our families will become the abode of the Most High. How beautiful our families will become where there is total thoughtfulness for others.”

St. Joseph, St. Mary, pray for us!

In in the living, loving, giving and caring Hearts of Jesus and Mary and Joseph, Fr. Gregor

Merry Christmas! ¡Feliz Navidad!

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St. Matthew Parish Glendale Heights, Illinois Page 4 (630) 469-6300

Mass Intentions Sunday, December 27, 2020 8:00 AM † Joan Kordzinski (Family) 10:00 AM Christa & Daniel Matundan (Sison Family) 12:00 PM † Jose & Luz Villaflor (Dolly & Vicky Villaflor) 1:30 PM † Carmelita Acosta & Anastacio Vargas (Laura Vargas) 6:00 PM St. Matthew Parish Family Monday, December 28, 2020 7:00 AM Increased Response to God’s Call for Priestly Vocations Tuesday, December 29, 2020 7:00 AM Nicklaus King (King Family) Wednesday, December 30, 2020 7:00 AM Martin Eric Yanos (Bart & Vickie Bosque) 8:45 AM † Mildred Greene (Gorniack Family) Thursday, December 31, 2020 7:00 AM † Priscilla Gadin (Ellen Compra) † Teodoro Santos (Silva Family) Friday, January 1, 2021 New Years 10:00 AM † Annabelle M. Anderson (Bob & Peggy Smykowski) 1:30 PM St. Matthew Parish Family Saturday, January 2, 2021 8:00 AM † Amparo Mangayao (Vitug Family) 5:00 PM † Jack & Eva Deutch(Mulkerin Family) Sunday, January 3, 2021 8:00 AM † Dominador Estrada (Elpidio & Clarissa Silva) 10:00 AM † Victor Martincic (Joseph & Franciska Gorsic) 12:00 PM † Camilo Corpuz (Norma Bautista) 1:30 PM St. Matthew Parish Family 6:00 PM William Klinowski (Joy)

Holy Family Candles The Holy Family Candles are lit this week for the intentions of Maria Zigas, being offered by Paul and Elma Zigas.

“...today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43

Scripture

Readings

for the Week of December 27, 2020

Sunday Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus,

Mary and Joseph Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Gn 15:1-6, 21:1-3;

Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 or Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; Col 3:12-21 or Col 3:12-17 or Heb 11:8, 11-12,

17-19; Lk 2:22-40 or Lk 2:22, 39-40

Monday 1 Jn 1:5—2:2; Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8;

Mt 2:13-18

Tuesday 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35

Wednesday

1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10; Lk 2:36-40

Thursday 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13; Jn 1:1-18

Friday

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7;

Lk 2:16-21

Saturday 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Jn 1:19-28

Sunday

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13;

Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

Helen Carnes, Brandon Beth,

Antoinette Massett

Congratulations to the following families whose children were recently baptized:

MATEO ISMAEL BARRERA son of Adolfo and Adriana Pena

ELENI PENELOPE SORIA daughter of Carlos and Mariela (Diaz DeLeon) Susan Seiwert

Please note:

The WEDNESDAY 8:45 am weekday Mass attendance

is only for the School Community.

At the start of this new school year, no school parent, nor any other person,

besides a parishioner for that Mass intention, will be permitted to enter the

School Mass for an indefinite period of time.

www.stmatthewchurch.org Page 5 Feast of the Holy Family December 27, 2020

If you are planning surgery or are ill and

would like to receive the Sacrament of

Anointing, please call the parish office to

schedule an appointment with one of our

priests.

Bequests Please remember the good works of our parish in your will. Contact

Fr. Gregor on how you can accomplish this.

As you know, St. Matthew uses OSV Online Giving! Same company that provides our envelope service to our parishioners. So, if you haven’t signed up yet or interested in doing electronic donations, follow the link below or scan the QR code:

https://osvonlinegiving.com/4325

The Best Catholic content – all in one place!

St. Matthew reminds you that our parish is subscribed to FORMED.org. This is a dynamic online gateway to the best teaching videos, audio, and e-books to deepen your relationship with Christ and His church. This allows every parishioner to have 24/7 access to the best Catholic content on any device, including your computer, smartphone and tablet with internet access. Many have called it “The Catholic Netflix”!

It’s easy to access!

• Visit stmatthewchurch.formed.org • Enter your email address and zip code, then create a

password and then click on ‘create an account’ • You’re in! And best of all access is free! • Apple users may search ‘formed’ in the iOS App store and

Android users may search in the Google Play Store. The App is free and the access is being provided to you by St. Matthew so why wait?! Get Formed today!

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

Please call Deacon Mick at 630-469-6300 ext 314.

Schedule of Events WEEK OF DECEMBER 27, 2020

Sunday, December 27, 2020 Monday, December 28, 2020 7:00 PM Spanish Charismatic Group Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 7:00 PM Spanish Prayer Group Thursday, December 31, 2020

Friday, January 1, 2021 New Years

Saturday, January 2, 2021 Continuing the Mission

Sunday Collection Week of December 13, 2020

Figures are not available.

Please see next week’s bulletin.

Cumulative Report for Year ending June 30, 2021 Weekly Collection Needed to Date………………………..$342,355.00 Total Collection to Date……………....$240,522.47 Difference…………………………....…-$101,832.53

Shortfall from Mass Cancellations

Beginning March 14-15, 2020

Received from Online giving (Week ending 12/6)....………..$4,501.00 From mail and drop off env:…………....$8,108.45 Total Collection…..……....….................$12,609.45 Avg. donations per week (Actual)..….$13,358.44

Shortfall since Mass cancellation Running Total since 3/14/20…...…($139,961.40)

St. Matthew Parish Glendale Heights, Illinois Page 6 (630) 469-6300

St. Matthew Mission Statement We, the members of the St. Matthew Parish community being many parts but one sacramental body, are sent by the love of God to make Christ present in the world.

Declaración de la Misión de la

Parroquia San Mateo

Nosotros, los miembros de la comunidad parroquial de San Mateo, siendo muchas partes, pero un solo cuerpo sacramental, somos enviados por el amor de Dios para hacer presente a Cristo en el mundo.

St. Matthew Parish

1555 Glen Ellyn Road

Glendale Heights, Illinois 60139 Phone: (630) 469-6300 • Fax: (630) 469-6302

www.stmatthewchurch.org • www.stmatthewschool.org Office Hours Monday - Thursday .............................. 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Friday .......................................................................................... 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Diocese of Joliet Bishop ….…….…………..…………..Bishop Ronald A. Hicks Pastor ....................................................................... Rev. Gregor Gorsic, ext 312 Parochial Vicar .......................................................... Rev. Raj Kocherla, ext 311

Permanent Deacons ....................................... Dcn. Gabriel Gamboa, ext 309

Dcn. Robert Malek, ext 307

Dcn. Lindsey Parsons, ext 308

Dcn. Michael Ruddle, ext 314

Director of Faith Formation ……………………..Dcn. Michael Ruddle, ext 314 Faith Formation Office ................................................................... (630) 469-5178 Director of Music and Liturgy .................................. Christian O’Kelley, ext 313 School Principal .......................................... AnnMarie Toutant, (630) 858-3112 St. Vincent de Paul Society ........................................... (630) 469-6300 ext 302

Sacraments Masses

Saturday Vigil.............................................. 5:00 PM Sunday ........................................ 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 1:30 PM (Español), 6:00 PM Daily - M thru F ........................................... 7:00 AM Wed (only school community) and Th…8:45 AM Saturday ..................................................... 8:00 AM

(Rosary after the 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM Mass)

Sacrament of Reconciliation Monday ...................................................... 7:40 AM Tuesday ........................................................ 6:30 PM Saturday ..................................... 8:40 AM, 3:30 PM

(Or contact one of the priests.)

Baptisms Second Saturday of the month at 12:00 PM. Pre-Baptismal meeting held the second Monday of the month. Pre-registration is required.

Marriages Please call the Parish office at least 6 months prior to the celebration of the Sacrament.

Parish Registration Please stop by the Parish Office to fill out a registration form.

Homebound/Sick Please call the Parish Office to notify us of anyone homebound, critically ill or in the hospital.