St. John Catholic Church 301 South Cottage Grove Avenue Glenwood, IL 60425

Phone 708-758-5098 ♦ Fax 708-758-0408 ♦ www.sjchurchglenwood.org

Annulment Ministry: 758-5098 Arts & Environment: Trudy Miller 758-6123 Baptism Program: Chuck and Kim Arvia 877-8818 Domestic Violence Awareness: Karen Leluga 754-1782 Evangelization: 758-5098 Finance Committee: 758-5098 Knights of Columbus: Rick Michalak 747-3045 Ministry of Care: Bob Leluga 754-1782 Outreach: 758-5098 Parish Council: 758-5098 Parish Fellowship: Serena Hewitt 323-5123 Prayer Link: Judy Konieczka 758-6276 RCIA 758-5098 Right to Life 758-5098 Server Training: Ralph Sobie 877-7653 Server Schedule-Parish Office: 758-5098 St. John’s Women’s Club: Ginny Williamson 466-0873 Ushers: Charles Lazzara 219-515-2530 Young Adult Ministry: Nancy Galbreath 296-8704

St. John Catholic Church

Phone: 708-758-5098 Fax: 708-758-0408

Rev. William J. McFarlane - Pastor frbill301@gmail.com

Religious Education Terese Frederickson Music Director Nathanael Stasinski Parish Secretary Betsy Díaz-Kudra Maintenance James Lewandowski

Parish Email: sjglenwood301@gmail.com Visit us at: www.sjchurchglenwood.org

Parish Office Hours: M-F 8:30 AM-2:00 PM

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil: 5:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Holy Days: 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM

Weekday Mass Monday - Saturday

8:00 AM

Adoration of the Holy Eucharist Mondays 3:00—6:00 PM

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stjohnglenwood

Confessions

Saturdays 4:00 - 4:30 PM or by appointment

First Friday Benediction after 8:00 AM Mass

First Saturday

Sorrowful Mother Novena after 8:00 AM Mass

Sacrament of Baptism or Marriage

Please call the Parish Office to schedule

Sick Calls Call the Parish Office to arrange for a visit

RCIA

For information on becoming a Catholic, adult sacramental preparation or Adult Ed.,

Please call the parish office.

St. John Mission Statement

We, the people of St. John Parish, being brothers and sisters in Christ,

accept as our mission: to know our faith

to live by truth and love to serve the needs of others

to teach by example to strengthen,

inspire and improve the Parish family.

5th Hospitality Sunday 9:00 AM No CCD 6th Adoration of the Holy Eucharistic 3:00 PM Fellowship Meeting 6:30 PM 8th A & E Meeting 6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM 12th CCD Classes 9:00 AM 13th Adoration of the Holy Eucharistic 3:00 PM 14th Parent Meeting for First Communion 7:00 PM 15th Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM 16th K of C Business Meeting 7:30 PM 18th Football Raffle 4:30 PM 19th CCD Classes 9:00 AM Football Raffle 7:30 AN 20th Adoration of the Holy Eucharistic 3:00 PM K of C Business Meeting 7:30 PM

Fr. Bill’s First Homily

I don’t watch Ellen DeGeneres, but when I watch videos online, I will catch one or two of her videos and I sometimes I catch the end of her show.

She finishes every show with the catch phrase, “be kind to one another.”

It seems so simple but something many of us find our-selves incapable of doing.

There is no doubt in my mind that there is an evil presence in the world today, because in my 54 years I have never seen this country so divided and I have never seen people so willing to hurt each other physi-cally, mentally and spiritually, so easily.

Many of them do it anonymously, while sitting in their homes hidden behind their dimly lit computer screens.

It scares me, and I am concerned.

I was talking to a fellow priest about my feelings and he said, “the Catholic church is counter cultural.

We are not supposed to follow culture. We are not supposed to copy them.

And we are certainly not supposed to let their ways creep into our churches.

I used to say that this is a very big church (meaning the Universal Church) and there is room for every-body, conservatives and liberals.

And I used to think the same about the country, while this is true, there are many people who do not believe it.

If I am liberal and you are conservative, there is no room for you in my church, my country, or my life.

If I am conservative and you are liberal, there is no room for you in my church, my country, or my life.

I must hurt you.

I must destroy you and your reputation, no matter what the cost to you, or your loved ones.

We heard in today’s second reading, “we are called to belong to Jesus Christ; we are called to be holy.”

It is easy to say, but are we being followers of Christ, how would he judge us?

Jesus is the just judge, and he knows more about us, and he knows more about what is in our hearts, than those who judge us so unjustly here on earth.

Jesus will not judge us on rumors and innuendos, He will judge us on facts and the truth.

Jesus will not be mean or harsh, he will be loving, merciful, and kind.

And as I always say, I hope he has one heck of a sense

of humor; otherwise, I am in trouble.

I do have a healthy fear of God’s judgement on me.

I have said before, that if I am driving, I am most like-ly sinning.

It may be a funny line, but truth is, I worry about my anger and frustration while I am driving.

There are some days that I think I am the ONLY good driver out there.

I few weeks ago, I attended a funeral in Streator Illi-nois, in the back of the church there was a kiosk that had various CD’s that taught about the Catholic faith.

One of the CD’s was “the rosary”

I immediately thought, that’s a great idea, take one and pray the rosary on the way home.

So, I did.

I feared praying the rosary would put me to sleep while driving, but I found it to have the opposite effect on me and now I pray it while driving almost every day.

And I find that I am not nearly as much of an aggres-sive driver while praying the rosary.

The other day I was praying the rosary while driving on the Dan Ryan and I was cut off.

And, of course, I got mad and said, “You dirty….Hail Mary full of grace.

It’s hard to stay mad when you are praying to our Mother Mary, and I am sure that I am sinning a lot less while driving, which is my goal.

And we should all have that goal.

Mary is always kind and loving and always shows us the way.

Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

In today’s Gospel Joseph was kind and loving and he showed us the way.

So today, with only 4/3 days left before Christmas, let us try to reprioritize our lives, not just in a mental or a physical way, but in a spiritual way.

We can do this by listening to God's voice.

So even as we live through the chaos of Christmas, let's try to listen to the quiet voice of the truth of Christ's birth and what it means for us.

This past Monday I took over as the pastor of St. John’s church, this church, and I am very happy to be here, it is a new start for me and a new start for you, so let us come together, let us be true followers of Christ.

Please remember to please pray for me as I continue to pray for you. And always, be kind to one another.

Christmas Greetings from Cuba

Dear Fr. Bill McFarlane, Parishioners, Friends of the Parish Church of Saint John and Friends of the Mission;

Looking forward to the coming of Jesus, the Savior, I would like to experience with You the mystery of the

Nativity once again.

I would like to wish the whole Community all necessary favours and blessing for the whole New Year 2020. May the God’s Child bring You health and strong faith. May Your hearts and hearts of Your Families be filled with God’s peace and New-born Jesus reward You for the whole good which You share with the others.

On behalf of myself and my Parishioners, especially children, I would like to express my gratitude for Your contribution to “A Slice of Bread” project. I would like to assure You that each form of help, even the smallest one, gives a lot of joy to the children. In expressing my thanks for the fact that You remember missionary work, I would like to assure You of my prayer for You.

May God bless You! Fr. Łukasz Rygiel

Perico, Cuba, Christmas, 2019.

The Epiphany of the Lord Picture a nativity scene in your mind’s eye. The scene likely includes figures arriving on camels, some elab-orately dressed, with jeweled boxes containing precious gifts. These magi arrived from distant lands to pay hom-age to the Christ Child. We know little about the magi, but we do know that these visitors were not Jews. They represent people of all nations who will be drawn to the Lord. “Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.” The Good News of Jesus cannot be lim-ited to one people; all share in the promise of God’s mercy through our Lord Jesus Christ. STEWARDS OF GOD’S GRACE Saint Paul speaks of the “stewardship of God’s grace” to which he was called. Like Saint Paul, each of us is to be a steward of God’s grace. A steward is one who is entrusted with something that belongs to another. The steward bears responsibility for what is entrusted to him or her. Saint Paul under-stands that his encounter with the Lord and his faith in Jesus Christ carry with them a sacred responsibil-ity, to bring the news of salvation to all. We too have been blessed with much, including the gift of faith, and are called to be good stewards of all with which we have been entrusted. We do this by nurturing a faithful and faith-filled heart, responding to God’s grace through the attitudes and actions that make up our daily lives. We do this as well by sharing our faith and the impact of faith with others, so that they may be drawn to our Lord. This is a sacred responsi-bility, a blessing, a privilege. BEARING GIFTS The magi brought gifts to the baby Jesus. What gifts do you bring to the Lord? You might have the gift of patience or understanding and bring this gift in your interactions with others. You might have a talent for bringing new ideas and creative insights into situations at home, work, parish, or your city. You might have a gift for helping people to work together for a great cause or purpose. All of these gifts have been given to you by God, to be used for God’s purposes, for God’s greater glory. All of these are glimpses of God’s grace, and like Saint Paul, you are called to be a good steward of them, as a sign of Christ’s life within you. You bring your gifts to the Lord by using them well, sharing them generously and responsibly in caring for others and for all of creation. Today’s Readings: Is 60:1–6; Ps 72:1–2, 7–8, 10–11, 12–13; Eph 3:2–3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1–12 Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

La Epifanía del Señor CORRESPONSABLES DE LA GRACIA DE DIOS San Pablo habla de la “corresponsabilidad de la gracia de Dios” a la cual él fue llamado. Como san Pablo, cada uno de nosotros debe ser un corresponsable de la gracia de Dios. Una persona corresponsable es aquella a la que se le confía con algo que le pertenece a otra persona. La persona corresponsable asume la res-

ponsabilidad por aquello que se le confía. San Pablo entiende que su encuentro con el Señor y su fe en Jesucristo conllevan una responsabilidad sagrada, para llevar la Buena Nueva de la salvación a todas las personas. Nosotros también fuimos bendecidos con mucho, incluyendo el don de la fe, y estamos llamados a ser buenos corresponsables de todo aque-llo que se nos fue confiado. Lo hacemos al alimentar un corazón fiel y con fe, respondiendo a la gracia de Dios por medio de las actitudes y acciones que hay en nuestra vida diaria. También lo hacemos al com-partir nuestra fe y el impacto de la fe con los demás, para que ellos puedan acercarse a nuestros Señor. Esta es una responsabilidad sagrada, una bendición y un privilegio. TRAYENDO REGALOS

Los magos llevaron regalos al niño Dios. ¿Qué regalos llevas tú al Señor? Quizá tienes el don de la paciencia o comprensión y llevar este don en la forma como te relacionas con los demás. Quizá tie-nes un talento para ofrecer ideas nuevas e intuiciones creativas para tu hogar, trabajo, parroquia o tu ciu-dad. Quizá tienes un don para ayudar a las personas a que trabajan juntas por una causa o propósito im-portantes. Todos estos dones te fueron entregados por Dios para usarse para los propósitos de Dios, pa-ra su mayor gloria. Todos estos son destellos de la gracia de Dios y, como san Pablo, tú estás llamado para ser un buen corresponsable con ellos, como un signo de la vida de Cristo dentro de ti. Tú llevas tus talentos al Señor al darle buenos usos, compartiéndo-los generosa y responsablemente cuidando de los demás y a toda la creación. Lecturas de hoy: Is 60:1–6; Sal 72 (71):1–2, 7–8, 10–11, 12–13; Ef 3:2–3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1–12 Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

Mondays from 3:00 - 6:00 PM In the Chapel

'

$10.00 Single ticket or 3 FOR $25.00 or 6 FOR $50.00

n February 1st /2nd

Thank you for your continued generous support of our Parish.

the ng

Graphic designed by St. John CCD student

Jessie Auron, Rita Burke, Rocco & Margo Consorti, Mary Ann Daliege, Brian Dowling Jr, Charlotte Drozdowski, Linda Foley, Cora Farren-kopf, Edward Glynn, Millie Gunther, Cindy Hanus, Ruben Herrera, Patricia Krezman, Jim Lendi, Kathy Liszewski, Barbara Lundquist, Charles Malone, Elaine Marczewski, Mary Miche-lon, Debbie Nasakaitis, Lorraine Pawlowski, Caro-line Roycroft, Rosemary Sanders, Amy Smith, Ka-ren Truesdale, Seana Valentine, Evelyn Washing-ton, Irene Wegner.

The Epiphany of the Lord January 5, 2020

They opened their treasures and offered him gifts

of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. — Matthew 2:11b

La Epifanía del Señor 5 de enero de 2020

Abriendo sus cofres, le ofrecieron regalos: oro, incienso y mirra.

— Mateo 2:11b

Trevor Blaszczyk, Chaplain Marcin Bulinski, Matthew Daliege, Mike and Lauren Fueling, Matthew Golden, Sgt. James Grunhard, Jordan Hasberger, Joshua Hasberger, Kamron Hasberger, Jeff Hefner, Lt. Alex Holba, Lt. Andrew Holba, Lt. Nicholas Holba, USAF, Giana Koce, Corey Longo, Jared Lopez, Jose Martinez, Jose M. Morfin, Sgt. USMC; Mark Nicola, Tom Raines, Robert Rich-mond, Steve Schluntz, USMC, Col. Donald Tomich, Michael Westervelt (Afganistan)

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Before long, people will be throwing Mardi Gras beads in the streets of New Orleans—purple, gold, and green. A few will be in on the secret: the colors of the beads are derived from the gifts of the magi. Gold for wealth, purple for power, green for good health. The gifts are also a key to the identity of the Christ Child: the incense for God; the gold for a king; the myrrh, fragrant burial ointment for one who comes to die. Centuries ago, today’s feast bore the heavy burden of celebrating all the manifestations of Christ’s identity: the birth of Jesus, the coming of the magi, the baptism of the Lord, the wedding feast at Cana. It was too much for one day. Fortunately the one day has blossomed into a whole season of grateful celebration, stretching be-hind us into Advent, and ahead of us into the Baptism of the Lord and to Christ’s coming again in glory. To-night, be sure to light the Christmas lights, and gather at the crèche for a favorite carol and a prayer. —James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Monday: 1 Jn 3:22 — 4:6; Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a; Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10; Ps 72:1-4, 7-8; Mk 6:34-44 Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18; Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13; Mk 6:45-52 Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19 — 5:4; Ps 72:1-2, 14, 15bc, 17; Lk 4:14-22a Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Lk 5:12-16 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6a, 9b; Jn 3:22-30 Sunday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Ps 29:1-4, 3, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38; Mt 3:13-17

Do you have a family member in the military, neighbor or loved one to add to our prayer list? Call the parish office to add their name to the prayer list or update the current list.

HEROD AND THE EPIPHANY

Why impious Herod, vainly fear That Christ the Savior cometh here?

He takes no earthly realms away Who gives the crown that lasts for aye.

—Crudelis Herodes Deum, Tr. by J. M. Neale

January 5, 2019 Epiphany of the Lord

To

January 12, 2020 Sunday Baptism of the Lord

Epiphany of the Lord January 5th 8:00 Audrey Bantoft by Sheila & Ed Glynn 10:00

Monday–Christmas Weekday January 6th 8:00

Tuesday-Christmas Weekday January 7th 8:00

Wednesday–Christmas Weekday January 8th 10:00 First Responders

Thursday–Christmas Weekday January 9th 8:00

Friday–Christmas Weekday January 10th 8:00

Saturday-Christmas Weekday January 11th 8:00

Vigil of Baptism of the Lord 5:00

Sunday-Baptism of the Lord January 12th 8:00 Deceased Members of the K of C by K of C 10:00

January 11th/12th

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

5:00 PM Kitty Crescent (Sacristan)

Cathie Branch, Annette Matusik Annette Matusik, Ralph Sobie

8:00 AM Bill Miller (Sacristan)

Jim Selsor, Joe Wenckus Ken Giovannetti

10:00 AM Bertha Malone (Sacristan)

Karen Leluga, Judy Finlayson Bernadette Harper

LECTORS

5:00 PM Kim Dirck 8:00 AM Laura Nowak 10:00 AM Patty Oliver

ALTARS SERVERS

5:00 PM Kitty Branch

Junior Duarte

8:00 AM Kitty Branch 10:00 AM Albert Cruz

Diego Ramirez

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Epiphany can be understood as an extension of the Nativity of the Lord that we celebrate on December 25. While at Christmas we celebrate Jesus’ coming as the long-awaited king and Messiah of the Jewish people, on Epiphany we celebrate the revelation that Jesus is the Savior and Light of all nations—Jews, Gentiles, and all people. The star shines so brightly that it attracts magi who come from far distant countries to worship Jesus. They are not Jews, yet they are drawn to the Light of the world. The letter to the Ephesians reveals that the Light of the world was for the Gentiles as well as the Jews—Christ gathers all people into the light of his love. The reading from Isaiah also describes a gathering of diverse peoples, but this time it is to the light that emanates from the peo-ple of God. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Survey

St. John will like to take a survey for the Saturday Vigil Mass time.

Please check (√) your preference.

Current time is 5:00 PM Proposed time 4:00 PM

Please give us your feedback:

4:00 PM __________

5:00 PM __________

Please submit your response by January 19th

Thank you.

PARISH COUNCIL COMMITTEE

Fr. William McFarlane Karen Leluga-Secretary

Ora Adams John Kennerk Ricki Biank Judy Konieczka Evonne Blakey Ginny Williamson Ron Carine Maira Zambrano

PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE

Fr. William McFarlane Joe Dillon/Bookkeeper Dan Genisio-Co chair Bill Miller-Secretary

Susan Gates Lynn Unyi Phyllis Giroux Janice Wenckus

TO TEACH WHO CHRIST IS

Total Pledges/Donations: $425,919 Parish Share: $319,919

# of Pledges/Donations: 121 Actual Collections through November 15, 2019

$274,903.00

Questions? Call the Parish Office or The Campaign Office at 312-534-8500

WHEN YOU NEED HELP CALL Catholic Charities 12731 S Wood St.

Blue Island, IL 60406

Evening Supper St. Anne Parish Hall

Mondays Only 5:30PM 16801 Dixie Highway, Hazel Crest, IL 60429

708-333-8379

Faith Church Various Support & Recovery Services

219-864-0300

Crisis Center For South Suburbia

708-429-7255

Joyful Again Widowed Ministry

Program 708-354-7211

Aid for Women Pregnancy Care Center

24-hour helpline 312-621-1100

Catholic Charities Senior Services

15300 S. Lexington, Harvey, IL 60426

708-596-2222

Courage For single mothers &

unplanned Pregnancies 708-636-8001

Wounded Healers Grief Support Group

219-924-5577 www.woundedhealersnwi.com

SSC on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse

708-647-3333

If you have been attending St. John and have been unsure about joining, don’t be. We are a welcom-ing community and would love to have you with us.

To become a member of St. John Parish, fill out the information below and place this in the Offer-tory Collection or mail it to the parish office. You may also call the parish secretary at 758-5098. If you have a new address or phone number please call the office or submit this form so we can keep our records updated. Name(s)_______________________________ Address_______________________________ City__________________________________ Phone_________________________________ Email_________________________________

SUNDAY COLLECTION Weekly Goal: $4,100.00

December 21st/22nd

Sunday Collection $4,908.40* Envelopes Received 136*

E-Giving $275.00* Transactions 11

Total Sunday Giving $5,183.40*

Building Fund $200.00

* Includes Memorials ** Includes E-Giving

St. John 50/50 Raffle December 9, 2019

Envelope number 600 was drawn for the 50/50 raffle drawing. The parishioner assigned this num-ber did not participate in the drawing. This week’s prize of $187.50 will be added to next week’s 50/50 raffle.

See church bulletin board for official rules. Many thanks to all who participated.