The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph December 29, 2019

St. Alexander Parish Administration Directory Parish Administrative Center 7025 W. 126th St. Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: 708-448-4861 Fax: 708-448-0039 Pastor: …………………….. Rev. Martin Michniewicz ext. 227 Associate Pastor: ……………… Rev. Patrick O’Neill ext. 223 Deacons: ……………………………. Jim Horton, Tim Keating Director Parish Home & Health Ministry: Jim Horton ext. 232 Operations Manager: …………….….. Paula Somers ext. 233 Director of Music: …………………. Matthew Berardi ext. 224 Parish Center & Parish Athletic Director: ……………………………………… Cathy Sullivan - 361-2626 Youth Minister: ………………...……… Tyler Ried - 448-6624 Counseling Center: ………………………… 448-4861 ext.310 Director: .…………. Sr. Claire Marie Czerwiec, SSND, LCPC

Parish E-Mail: ………………………. alchurch1@comcast.net St. Alexander on the Web: ..……. www.stalexanderpalos.org

St. Alexander School 126th St. and 71st Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: 708-448-0408 Fax: 708-448-5947 Principal: ………………………………………...……... Cathy Biel Assistant Principal: …………………...……… Mary Dombrowski Administrative Assistants: Mary Ann Pellicore & Renee Chavez School Web: …………………....... www.stalexanderschool.com School E-Mail: ……………........... info@stalexanderschool.com Religious Education Office 126th St. and 71st Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone: 708-448-6624 Coordinator of Religious Education: ………...……… Tyler Ried Religious Ed. E-Mail: …………….…….. tried@archchicago.org

Knights of Columbus: ………………………... 448-4861 ext. 400 Knight of Columbus on the Web: ...………. www.kofc14057.org

Page Two The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 29, 2019

RECONCILIATION Celebration of God’s Forgiveness

through Personal Confession Saturday Morning: 8:30 - 9:00 AM

Saturday Evening: after the 5:00 PM Mass Other Times by Appointment

S H ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Celebration of God’s Restorative Love & Forgiveness Sacrament offers strength to the living. If someone becomes seriously ill, please call the Parish Administrative Center. Ministers of Care are available to bring Holy Communion and/or visit with the sick and homebound. Also every 1st Saturday - 6:00 - 7:00 PM in church

Spreading the Holy Fire Celebrating Christ Risen from the Dead through the 7 Sacraments

MATRIMONY Celebration of God’s Blessings on the Loving Union

between Man and Woman Please call the Parish Administration Center at least 4 months in advance of your wedding. Pre-Cana for engaged couples is required by the Archdiocese. Matrimony Contact: Fr. Martin Michniewicz & Fr. Patrick O’Neill 448-4861

S C HOLY ORDERS

Celebration of Ordained Service to the Church The three offices of the Sacrament of Holy Orders are bishop, priest and deacon. All three are conferred by the sacramental act called “ordination.” Priesthood Contact - Fr. Michniewicz 448-4861 ext 227 Archdiocese of Chicago Vocation Director: Rev. Timothy Monahan 312-534-8298

RCIA Celebration of the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults This process is for adults who would like to join the Roman Catholic Church and have never been Baptized, or were Baptized

in another Christian denomination. There is also a process for children (RCIC) and teens (RCIT). RCIA/RCIC/RCIT contact - Deacon Tim Keating or Deacon Jim Horton 448-4861

S I

BAPTISM Celebration of Entrance into Christ’s Church

You must be a registered parishioner in this parish. At least one Godparent must be a practicing Catholic. The other must be a Christian. Parents must register for a class on Baptism BEFORE your baby is baptized. Archdiocesan required classes are held once a month, usually on the 1st Monday of the month, and facili-tated by trained parishioners. Baptism contact Joan DeVito 448-4861 ext. 237

CONFIRMATION Celebration of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

This Sacrament is normally celebrated in 8th Grade and is a 2 year program of preparation. Confirmation Contacts: Tyler Ried - Religious Education 448-6624 Cathy Biel - School 448-0408 The Archdiocese also offers classes for adults wishing to receive Confirmation. Adult Confirmation Contact - Deacon Tim Keating or Deacon Jim Horton 448-4861

EUCHARIST Celebration of Sharing Fully at Christ’s Altar of Sacrifice & Communion with Jesus and His Church

Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass) Sunday Vigil: 5:00 PM (Saturday)

Sunday: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 AM, & 6:00 PM Monday through Friday: 8:15 AM

Saturday Morning: 8:00 AM First Saturday Devotions after 8:00 AM Mass

Holy Day Vigil: 7:00 PM Holy Day: 8:15 AM & 7:00 PM

Eucharistic Adoration Thursday before the 1st Friday

9:15 AM - 7:00 PM Benediction Evening of Prayer and Adoration

On the 1st Saturday 4:30 PM - Rosary 5:00 PM - Mass

6:00 PM - Prayers for Healing

Page Three The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 29, 2019

Dear Parishioners, As we begin the new Year of Our Lord, 2020, let us all take a few moments and read the follow-ing poem. The author is anonymous, but I would like to thank him for composing it, for it gives us much food for thought.

If I were asked to form a perfect prayer, No fluent phrases would my lips employ. No flourishes of speech would I prepare For only those of learning to enjoy. With simple verbal drapery I’d make A prayer that everyone would understand. Were I to make a prefect prayer designed.

The rule is quite easy to remember but so often forgotten and ignored. Our world, nations, and per-sonal lives would be so much better if we lived this simple but challenging rule coupled with faith. We, as both humans and Christians, yearn for love, peace, individual freedom, dignity and respect. If we all treated one another with these qualities and ideals in mind, the kingdom of God would truly be fully established on earth. Just imagine a world with no stealing, homicide, prejudice and hate. In return, we receive a world only with peace, love, harmony and forgiveness. Thus, when we make our New Year’s resolutions, let us place “Living the Golden Rule” on the top of our lists. On behalf of myself, Father Pat and the entire St. Alexander Parish staff and family, I wish you all a very healthy, faith filled and prosperous New Year. May our Lord continue to inspire us all to live out our faith and to love each other as Christ does. Please remember our new Mass schedule for weekday and weekend liturgies begins on January 2nd. The new Mass schedule is printed below. God Bless, Father Marty

FROM OUR PASTOR

To rid the world of selfishness and greed. With books of lore I would not tax my mind, For these two simple lines would fill my need. “Renew, O God, within the hearts of men The Golden Rule, and give it life again. DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU.

NEW MASS SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2, 2020

Saturday Evening 5:00PM Sunday Morning 7:30, 9:30, 11:30AM Sunday Evening 6:00PM Monday—Friday 8:15AM Saturday Morning 8:00AM

Page Four The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 29, 2019

MERCY HOME SUNDAY MASS

9:30AM on WGN-TV Channel 9

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

This Sunday is the feast of the Holy Family, which comes on the first Sunday after Christmas Day. To-day’s feast celebrates how the humanity of Jesus (including his entire family life) has brought saving significance into the daily rhythms of our human family life. The scriptures offer instruction and encouragement on how to share—within our families, parish families, and the wider human family—the love that God shares with us in Jesus. Selections from Sirach, Psalm 128, and Colossians encourage us to reflect divine love and thus find holiness in all our human relation-ships. The reading from Matthew’s Gospel offers a living example of love in the actions Joseph took to protect his young family from danger and to nurture them within the larger family of faith of their time.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Today’s Readings: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Ps 128:1-5; Col 3:12-21 [12-17]; Mt 2:13-15, 19-23

We ask you to remember and pray for the souls of the faithful departed. May they forever rest in the Lord’s peace. We especially pray for:

Mark Beaulieu, husband of Patricia, son of Ed & Therese

READINGS FOR THE WEEK December 30th — January 5th

Monday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Wednesday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Friday: 1 Jn 2:29 — 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-6; Jn 1:29-34 Saturday: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1, 7-9; Jn 1:35-42 Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

Theodore Anthony DeVito was baptized by Fr. Frank Kurcz on Sunday, December 15, 2019. We welcome Theodore Anthony into the family of the church and offer his parents our prayers and good wishes.

Prayers of the Faithful for the Sick

As the faith family of St. Alexander, we unite with one another to pray for those who need healing of their body, mind or

spirit. Confident that God hears the voices of those who trust in the Lord Jesus, we join in prayer for: Baby Edie Ryan John D. Baron Kristin Childress Mike Garretto Sr. Rebecca Follenweider Josh Haberkorn Tom Grady Geraldine Judickas Susan Vopicka Thomas Surico Lisa Johnson Amy Izzo Joe Rathnau James Downes Walt Seiler Dan Kein Elizabeth Kosteck Erika Frelander

If you or anyone in your family would like to be added to our Prayers of the Faithful for the Sick please contact the Parish Administrative Office at 708-448-4861.

WORD OF LIFE “Like Our Blessed Mother welcomed Jesus, we are called to cherish and protect the gift of human life, at every stage and in every circumstance.”

—USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

Vigil Mass — December 31st at 5:00PM One Mass at 10:00AM on January 1st

This is a Holy Day of Obligation

Page Five The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 29, 2019

Many of you may take advantage of the conven-ience of electronic giving to our parish and we are grateful for that. For those of you who have yet to join us in giving online, we strongly encourage you to do so. Here’s why: Faith Direct enables parishioners to make your Church contributions through either direct debit from your checking/savings account or through your credit/debit card. No more writing checks or searching for envelopes on the way out the door. Now you can apply the convenience of direct debit to your parish offerings in much the same way as you may now use it to make your mortgage, car or tuition payments. Faith Direct also offers you personalized offertory cards to replace your envelopes for the collection basket. To cancel your monthly envelopes, please notify the parish office at 708-448-4861. This is not done automatically when signing up for electronic giving. Please visit www.faithdirect.net to enroll secure-ly online. Or, download the Faith Direct app onto your smartphone. Our parish code is IL910.

2020 PARISH CALENDARS Please pick up your complimentary copy available in the Narthex after all Masses.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! The regular SAVE schedule will resume on Sunday, January 5th

from 9:45 -N .

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

December 29th

Prayer to the Holy Family O Jesus, look graciously upon our family here before you. Once more we consecrate ourselves before you our trial and joys that our home may ever be the shrine of peace, purity, love and faith. Protect and bless all of us, both absent and present, and be merciful to those departed. O Mary, loving Mother of Jesus, and our Mother, pray to Jesus for our families, for all the families of the world, to guard the cradle of the newborn, the schools of the young and their vocations. O Joseph, holy Guardian of Jesus & Mary, assist us by your prayers in all the necessities of life. Be present at the pillow of the sick and dying so that we may all be united to Jesus and Mary and you for all eternity. Amen

Eucharistic Adoration Thursday, January 2nd (Eve of First Friday)

Following 8:45AM Mass The Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00PM

Rosary at 6:30PM • Benediction at 7:00PM

THE FATHER’S LOVE LETTER I chose you when I planned creation… Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in My book… Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live… Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made… Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother’s womb… Psalm 139:13

Page Six The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 29, 2019

Home Bound or Ill? If you, or someone you know, are unable to attend Mass and would like to receive communion in their home, please call Deacon Jim Horton at 708-448-4861, ext. 232.

The Parish Offices will be closed on January 1st

Celebrate Prayer and Ministry Night on Saturday, January 4th

Join Us in Prayer With the Blessed Virgin Mary Prayer and Ministry Night is centered around the celebration of the Mass, where Jesus and His Mother can bring you peace and wholeness. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us that He gives us a peace that this world cannot give and a peace that the world cannot take away. We continue our monthly Prayer and Ministry Night for peace and healing. Our prayer teams are available for individual prayer. Confes-sions will be heard and the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is also available. The evening of prayer and ministry will be celebrated as follows: 4:30 - Rosary in the Church 5:00 - Regularly Scheduled Weekend Mass 6:00 - Prayers for Healing

Jesus heals through His Word, His Sacraments, and His People. He can bring you wholeness: Body, Mind & Spirit.

St. Alexander Prayer Shawl Ministry

Saturday, January 4th

9:00 — Room 311 New members

are ALWAYS welcome! We invite you to join our Prayer Shawl Ministry if you have skill in crocheting, knitting, quilting, or sewing. The Prayer Shawl Ministry provides shawls, quilts, baby blankets, hats, and lap blankets to adults and children in need of feeling connected to St. Alexander Parish. It may be a shut-in, those in hospitals, or nursing homes. It may also be someone who makes a request to the Prayer Team on “Prayer and Ministry Night”; held the first Saturday of each month. The items are blessed after they are made, and distribut-ed throughout the year. We meet every other month, but most of the work is done in your own home. We give you the measure-ments, the most popular sizes are: Shawl 72” x 18” and Baby Blanket 30” x 30”. If you cannot attend the meetings, you may drop your items off at the PAC. Please contact Rosemary at 708-293-8884 for more information.

Music is such an important part of the Liturgy. Together we will

create a beautiful ensemble Glorifying the Lord!

WE NEED YOU!

PLEASE JOIN THE

PARISH CHOIR!

ALL ARE WELCOME! No try-outs

Commitment time is up to YOU!

Just give it a try Rehearsals in Church Wednesday Nights

7:00PM—8:00PM

Contact: Matthew Berardi, Director of Music 708-448-4861, Ext 224

matthewberardi6@gmail.com

Page Seven The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 29, 2019

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS Saturday, January 4th 5:00 PM— Ruth Hertko, Joan DeVito, Bev Antos, Sharon Mundo, Laura McKenna Sunday, January 5th 7:30 AM— Susan Chillmon, Ed & Pat Sobczak, Bob Straz, Mary Dombrowski 9:30 AM— Carol Schuemann, Rosemary Heiden, Dave Heide, Eric Stroner, Carol Stefan 11:30 AM— Joan Obiala, Larry Carroll 6:00 PM— Michael Collins, Merill Jurgens, Sharon Ayres, Azalea Budd

LECTORS Saturday, January 4th 5:00 PM— Jan John, Fran Pendergast Sunday, January 5th 7:30 AM— David Harrison, Ed Dombrowski 9:30 AM— Amy Stroner, Linda Buchanan 10:30 AM— James Clark, Mary Lally 6:00 PM— Johanna Jurgens, Bob Ayres

December 1, 2019 — February 29, 2020

THANK YOU!! Thank you to all who delivered Christmas candies, home-made treats, lunch, and gifts to the staff at the Parish Administration Center. Your thoughtfulness is truly appreci-ated. May you and your families enjoy a Blessed New Year!

— The PAC Staff

St. Alexander Catholic Church, St. Alexander

Catholic School, & St. Alexander Youth Ministry

have Facebook pages!

ST. ALEXANDER RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Located in the vestibule of the Fr. Crosby Center, the office hours are:

Monday 8:30 —8:30 Tuesday 8:30 —6:30 Wednesday 12:00 —4:30 Thursday 8:30 —2:30 Friday 8:30 —4:00

For additional information please call 708-448-6624.

Page Eight The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 29, 2019

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS! COME CHECK OUT THE START OF OUR

YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM! January 12th 6PM Mass followed by food & fun 7-9PM!!!

(bring a friend!) Every Sunday night following Mass we will run a teen night!

Starting in January there will be a Youth Ministry volleyball team that plays on Thursday nights,

please contact me if you are interested in joining! Jr. High Youth Ministry (6th – 8th grade) will be starting in

January as well, please keep an eye out for dates and times! Tyler Ried (708)448-6624 or tried@archchicago.org

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: St. Alexander Youth Ministry

Page Nine The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 29, 2019

ST.ALEXANDER SCHOOL NEWS

Fourth grade students enjoy delicious treats at the

Hot Cocoa Bar to celebrate their outstanding effort during

the Penny Drive.

Fourth grade students work on completing an electrical circuit in the

Hands On Activity called "Light the Bulb".

Fifth grade students test 3 mystery substances and observe chemical and physical changes in a Hands On Activity called "Which Will React?"

Eight Grade Students thank everyone who supported their recent bake sale!

Page Ten The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 29, 2019

Sunday — January 19, 2020 Doors open at 1:00 PM

Entry Ticket: $40 before January 18th — $50 at the door Includes food & drinks for the entire day!

New winner EVERY point change! Many Pools….Games of Chance….

and Lots of Fun!

Tickets will be available after Sunday morning Masses (dates will be announced one week prior)

You may also purchase tickets from any board member or call Cathy Sullivan at 708-704-5352

E-Giving Made Easy If you would like to make a one-time electronic donation, please scan this bar code.

Scroll down to “One –Time Gifts” and enter the amount and type of payment. It’s that simple!

PASTORAL COUNSELING SERVICES AT ST. ALEXANDER PARISH

Services for individuals, couples & families

For more information, call 448-4861 ext. 310

Sr. Claire M. Czerwiec, SSND, LCPC Pastoral Counselor & Spiritual Director

Fr. John M. Crosby Parish Center Schedule of Events

Sunday, December 29th Parish Center Closed: Eagle Scout Reception Monday, December 30th 9:00—9:00 Athletic Team Practices Tuesday, December 31st 9:00—3:00 Athletic Team Practices Wednesday January 1st Parish Center Closed: HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thursday, January 2nd 9:00—9:00 Athletic Team Practices Friday, January 3rd 9:00—4:30 Athletic Team Practices 4:30—9:00 SSBL Boys BB League Games Saturday, January 4th 8:30—1:00 St. Al’s Girls VG League Matches 1:00—4:30 SSBL Boys BB League Games

ST. ALEX ANDER PARISH CENTER & ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION NEWS

Page Eleven The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 29, 2019

ST. ALEXANDER PARISH QUEEN OF HEARTS RAFFLE

Details at www.stalexanderpalos.org and Facebook (St. Alexander

Catholic Church)

Tickets at Franklin’s Public House 12306 S. Harlem Ave.,

Palos Heights

THERE WILL NOT BE A QUEEN OF HEARTS DRAWING ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1ST DRAWINGS WILL RESUME ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8TH

Page Twelve The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 29, 2019

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH DECEMBER 29, 2019 Saturday, December 28th 5:00 PM— Patrick Murphy Rosemary Murphy (3rd Anniversary) Heinemann & Hertko Families Mark Hotchkin William Hotchkin Ursula Snelius Marilyn Sutley Sunday, December 29th 7:00 AM— Steven P. Follenweider 9:00 AM— Gerald Robert Drottar Vincent Holanday Joseph & Mary Hecht Donna Marie & Joseph A. Feldner, SGM Dr. Loren Feldner 10:30 AM— Robert Murphy Judy Cardamone Bob Durkin Kevin Reynolds Jr. Nora McDonough 12:00 PM— Albert & Ellen Winkler Stuart Abbott Healing Intention—Mary Ann Metz 6:00 PM— For the Parishioners Rosemary Diamond Monday, December 30th 6:30 AM— Margaret & Robert Corbett 8:45 AM— Healing Intention Tuesday, December 31st (St. Sylvester I) 6:30 AM— Margaret Corbet 8:45 AM— Special Intention 5:00 PM— Steven P. Follenweider Kevin J. Reynolds Jr. Wednesday, January 1st (Solemnity of Mary, Mother 10:00 AM— Michael P. Fielding of God) George Buyan John Czech Colleen Kane Skrovanek Dr. Loren Feldner Donna Marie & Joseph A. Feldner, SGM John Janik (8th Anniversary) Thursday, January 2nd (Ss. Basil the Great & Gregory 8:15 AM— Elizabeth Higgins Nazianzen) Dr. Norbert Martyn Friday, January 3rd (The Most Holy Name of Jesus) 8:15 AM— Donna Marie & Joseph A. Feldner, SGM Charles McClain (15th Anniversary)

Saturday, January 4th (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton) 8:00 AM— Donna Marie & Joseph A. Feldner, SGM Michael & Maureen Coughlin EPIPHANY OF THE LORD JANUARY 5, 2019 Saturday, January 4th 5:00 PM— Patrick Murphy John Janik Dorothy Kern Daniel Storey Sunday, January 5th 7:30 AM— Special Intention Vincent & Mary Hoban Josephine Data Robert McQuistan William & Sylvia Edeus 9:30 AM— Joseph A. Feldner, SGM John Harkins Kevin Reynolds Jr. Charles Barker John Bernth Sr. Margaret Christina Hoban Vincente Holanday 11:30 AM— Jack Spirakes Patrick McGurk Edward & Virginia Yorke Dick Sarlo Dr. Bienvenido Camacho 6:00 PM— For the Parishioners Joseph McCarthy

ALTAR SERVERS JANUARY 5, 2019 Saturday, January 4th 5:00 PM— Matthew, Mark & Margaret Coffey Sunday, January 5th 7:30 AM— A. Palmer & Estelle Sandowski 9:30 AM— Clare Stroner, Aidan Bettinardi, Owen Young 11:30 AM— Teague Snyder, Vincey & Amber Diesi 6:00 PM— Eamonn & Liam Weldon

Do you attend Mass regularly, but crave something more? Using the new Pilgrimage app, you can journey through Scripture with friends, and your group. Your group will have access to a message board, which enables you to ask questions, start discussions, share content and connect with fellow group members, all from within the app. Learn more: www.pilgrimage.americanbible.org/