December 2, 2018 – First Sunday of Advent C

So where is the Advent Wreath this year?  I don’t see it in church! That’s where it’s always been! What’s going on? In an attempt to prepare you in advance, I explained the placement of the Advent Wreath in my November 17^th bulletin article.  The directives for the placement of the Advent Wreath state: “The Advent Wreath, a popular symbol in many churches, may be placed in the narthex or gathering area, or near the ambo.” And that “other creative uses are encouraged.”  This year we are going to display the nativity scene at the baptismal font.  Sources for liturgical art & environment suggest that the Advent Wreath be placed near where the nativity scene will be placed.  Thus, that is why the Advent Wreath this year is in the narthex at the baptismal font.

The gospel today for the First Sunday of Advent certainly turns our thoughts to the end times, which seems a little strange in Advent.  But the Advent season does have a two-fold character. It is a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered.  This is the focus that most of us put a lot of time and energy, often to the point of exhaustion, into preparing and celebrating.  The decorations, the gifts, the parties, the family gatherings, the traditions.  But, the other character of Advent is to lead our hearts and minds to look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time.  I dare say, that most of us don’t give much thought to the end times and Jesus’ second return during Advent.  We prefer to remember the baby in the manger, not the man on the cross!  But it was the man on the cross that gives meaning to the powerful signs we hear about in the gospel.  These powerful signs are not mean to frighten us, but to remind us that what we hope for is yet to come.  The Gospel makes clear that the foundation of our hope is not what has happened to us in the past, but what God intends to do for us in the future.  Today’s gospel shows great turmoil on the earth and distress among the nations, but its message is that underneath that turmoil, God is working to change things.  God is working to establish the Kingdom.  It is God’s action which is the foundation of our hope.  That is why Jesus says that we should stand up and raise our heads because our redemption is at hand.  We can always stand in hope because we believe that God is always working to change things and to bring about salvation.  So, the Advent season calls us not to just remember sentimentally a historical event of the past, but to live in expectant hope of what is yet to come!  No need to die of fright as the gospel says some will.  Instead, stand erect and rise your heads because your redemption is at hand!”  What a Christmas gift!!

Saturday, December 8^th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day of obligation.  Masses for the Immaculate Conception are on Friday, December 7^th at 7:00pm and on Saturday morning, December 8^th at 9:00am.  The 4:00pm Mass on Saturday, December 8^th does not count for the Immaculate Conception, as the 4:00pm Mass will be the vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent.

Blessed Advent!

Fr Don

Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lord Jesus, Christ the King! But what is the point of calling Christ “the king”?  After all, we gave up on kings a long time ago.  In America we fought a revolution to get rid of kings.  It can seem an antiquated image.  But did you know that the feast itself was instituted less than a hundred years ago?  Pope Pius XI formalized it in 1925.  With the rise of secularism, nationalism, and global strife, he sought to remind us that Christ is the true sovereign of all.  It is in Christ that peace shall reign.  Certainly we need that reminder today!  It would be an understatement to say we live in “divided times.”  Warring political philosophies, economic upheaval, and shifting global climates are signs that not all is right with the world.  Taken up with anxiety and fear, we are often tempted to blame others or fall prey to ideology.  It is only in trusting the one who has made us that we can ever hope to overcome such conflict.  Christ has taken everything into himself and sacrificed himself for the salvation of the world.  It is in such divine love that all will be healed.  It is by such love that God will reign in Christ.  So, perhaps we DO need a King!  The kingship of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior needs to be invited and accepted in our lives and world!  Let’s pray for that as the feast of Christ the King brings our liturgical year to an end.

Next weekend, the First Sunday of Advent, begins a new year in the liturgical calendar of the church.  The scripture readings for Sunday Mass are arranged in a three-year cycle.  Year A we hear primarily from the Gospel of Matthew.  Year B Mark’s gospel, and Year C Luke’s gospel.  During the Easter season every year we hear primarily from John’s Gospel.  The weekday Mass readings are arranged in a two-year cycle.  So, on December 1^st & 2^nd this year, the First Sunday of Advent, we start cycle C, primarily Luke’s gospel.  The weekday readings will be year 1.

So, what might we expect to learn about Jesus and his mission from Luke’s telling of the story? First, in his account of the birth of Jesus, he places the event squarely into the flow of history: Caesar Augustus was the emperor and Quirinius the governor.  At a particular time and place God’s Son comes into the world and into history to redeem the earth and all of the people in it.  However, this understanding of Jesus and his mission was at odds with another, extremely popular understanding of Jesus in some of the ancient Churches.  These Churches understood Jesus to be a divine, not human, revealer who suddenly appeared in the world as an adult in order to teach people the means by which they might escape from the world to a higher, more heavenly existence.  Those who understood Jesus’ teaching in this way would claim that this world was not worth saving and that only the heavenly or spiritual world mattered.  These Christians joined sectarian groups that would set themselves apart from the concerns of this world and their fellow Christians.  Thus, when Luke tells the story of Jesus being born as a baby in a manger in a particular place and time, he has in mind both the full humanity of Jesus and the face that Jesus will care about, and ultimately redeem creation and all the people in it. Oops! I’ve run out of space, so more about Luke’s theology in future articles!

Have a Blessed Week!

Fr Don

On November 1^st the bishop of our Diocese, Bishop R. Daniel Conlon published his first ever pastoral letter to the people of our Diocese.  Bishop is keenly aware of the challenges that face the church today. He writes about an important topic facing Catholicism today:  how does the Catholic faith community within the seven counties of the Diocese of Joliet grow in the months and years ahead when statistics are showing that many are not attending Mass, and many are not celebrating the sacraments.  In a world that seems less interested in God, and in a society wounded by many divisions, in what ways can the Catholic Church reach people with the Good News of Jesus Christ?  In other words, how can we carry out, with the help of the Holy Spirit, Christ’s Great Commission to go and make disciples. Bishop writes about the way things were, the way things are, and the way things might be. Entitled, “Go, He Said”, the letter is published in the November issue of the Diocesan magazine Christ Is Our Hope which every parishioner receives, it is available on the parish and Diocesan websites in English or Spanish and on our parish APP.  I encourage EVERY parishioner to read Bishop’s letter.  His insights and questions will become areas of discussion among our staff, pastoral council, and other ministries.

The season of Advent begins in two weeks.  One of the traditional symbols that is popular in many churches is the Advent wreath.  The directives for the placement of the Advent wreath state that the Advent wreath may be placed in the narthex or gathering area, or near the ambo. One of the sources we consult for the liturgical environment suggests placing the Advent wreath in the area where the Christmas crèche will be placed.  Last year was my first Christmas at OLM.

While directives state that the crèche is not to be placed in front of the altar, I thought the placement of the nativity figures, some on the steps of the sanctuary to the left, and others on the right, made it rather awkward to view and spend any time in prayer.  So, I suggested to our Art & Environment Committee that we cover the baptismal font in the narthex and place the Christmas crèche there.  That way all the figures can be together, the crèche will be higher so people can see it, and we can place a kneeler in front so people can stop and pray.  So, following the suggestion that the Advent wreath be placed near where the Christmas crèche will be, this year the Advent wreath will be in the narthex at the baptismal font. I am sure the Art & Environment committee will display the wreath as elegantly and beautifully as they have in the past.  Our baptisms scheduled during the Advent and Christmas seasons will take place in church using a large bowl for the actual baptism.  Those parents who may be planning a baptism in January are encouraged to consider this option….The weekend of January 12 & 13 is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and concludes the Christmas Season.  That weekend we are offering the opportunity to celebrate baptism DURING the Sunday Mass.  If you are interested in doing that, please contact Diane in the parish office.  We will baptize only one child at each Mass.

On behalf of our all staff, I wish you a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends this Thursday.  Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

Fr Don

In today’s gospel the poor widow is honored by Jesus because “she contributed all she had, her whole livelihood!”  Our nation pauses today to honor our veterans who gave their very selves to protect and preserve the freedom’s we enjoy as a nation.  So, on this Veteran’s Day, we offer our thanks and gratitude to all our veterans living and deceased, and we pray for the safety of all who are serving in the armed forces today, putting their lives on the line.  Thanks for your service!

November is a time in which we remember our deceased loved ones.  All Saints Day was a celebration of those who lived the Christian life in such an inspiring way in their time, that their story gives hope for us as we try to live a Christian life today.  All Souls Day was a day we remembered and prayed for all our departed loved ones.  I especially want to thank our Hispanic Community for familiarizing the rest of the parish community with “Altar de Muertos – Day of the Dead Altar” that was displayed in the church narthex.  The poster board and sheets with the explanation of all the symbols was so helpful to understand this custom and tradition. I was personally touched by seeing a picture of Fr. Donald Kenny included on the second level of the altar with the pictures of so many deceased loved ones.  Nice to know he is not forgotten for his mission work in South America.  Thanks also to our art & environment committee for the lovely display of our Book of the Deceased.  Placed by the baptismal font and near the Paschal candle, we are reminded that “if we have died with Christ in baptism, we shall also rise with him.”  The Book of the Deceased will be there through November.  Please feel free to write in names of deceased loved ones to be prayed for as we remember our faithful departed this month.

And so, as the next couple of Sunday’s wind down the liturgical year, our focus will move to the reality that our live on this earth will end.  In our heads we know that. But when I hear someone say “Oh well, no one lives forever” my response is “Oh yes we do!”  Those who believe in Jesus Christ and His resurrection do live forever!  So, while our heads know the reality of death and our hearts may fear it, our minds should be at peace because eye has not seen, nor ear heard what God has prepared for those who love Him!

Have A Blessed Week!

Fr Don

 

In today’s gospel the poor widow is honored by Jesus because “she contributed all she had, her whole livelihood!”  Our nation pauses today to honor our veterans who gave their very selves to protect and preserve the freedom’s we enjoy as a nation.  So on this Veteran’s Day, we offer our thanks and gratitude to all our veterans living and deceased, and we pray for the safety of all who are serving in the armed forces today, putting their lives on the line.  Thanks for your service!

November is a time in which we remember our deceased loved ones.  All Saints Day was a celebration of those who lived the Christian life in such an inspiring way in their time, that their story gives hope for us as we try to live a Christian life today.  All Souls Day was a day we remembered and prayed for all our departed loved ones.  I especially want to thank our Hispanic Community for familiarizing the rest of the parish community with “Altar de Muertos – Day of the Dead Altar” that was displayed in the church narthex.  The poster board and sheets with the explanation of all the symbols was so helpful to understand this custom and tradition. I was personally touched by seeing a picture of Fr. Donald Kenny included on the second level of the altar with the pictures of so many deceased loved ones.  Nice to know he is not forgotten for his mission work in South America.  Thanks also to our art & environment committee for the lovely display of our Book of the Deceased.  Placed by the baptismal font and near the Paschal candle, we are reminded that “if we have died with Christ in baptism, we shall also rise with him.”  The Book of the Deceased will be there through November.  Please feel free to write in names of deceased loved ones to be prayed for as we remember our faithful departed this month.

And so, as the next couple of Sunday’s wind down the liturgical year, our focus will move to the reality that our lives on this earth will end.  In our heads we know that. But when I hear someone say “Oh well, no one lives forever” my response is “Oh yes we do!”  Those who believe in Jesus Christ and His resurrection do live forever!  So while our heads know the reality of death and our hearts may fear it, our minds should be at peace because eye has not seen nor ear heard what God has prepared for those who love Him!

Have A Blessed Week!

As you know, election day is this Tuesday, November 6^th.  Voting is one of our most important responsibilities as citizens and as Catholics.  Often times I hear some Catholics say that the Church should keep out of politics.  There couldn’t be anything further from the truth!  When our nation’s founders sought to “separate church and state” they did so to prohibit the establishment of any particular denomination as the official religious body of the nation – not forbidding religious organizations to address matters of grave importance to human welfare.  Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium, No. 183 states: “An authentic faith always involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow better than we found it….if indeed the just ordering of society and of the state is a central responsibility of politics, the Church, cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice.”  Also, it must be made very clear that the Church does not tell us whom to vote for.  The Church does not (and cannot) endorse any particular candidate or political party.  The Church can however, (and must) speak to the issues facing voters, and provide voters with information on candidate’s positions.  The Church also exhorts Catholics to study Scripture and Church teaching to gain and understanding why the Church takes a particular stance on an issue.  This is something that I suspect many of us don’t take the time and effort to do.  But our faith teaches us that “conscience is the voice of God resounding in the human heart, revealing the truth to us and calling us to do what is good while shunning what is evil.” (U.S. Bishops 2015 document on forming conscience and faithful citizenship).  It is our responsibility as Catholics to form our consciences by developing the virtue of prudence to discern true good in circumstances and to choose the right means of achieving it by maintaining a willingness and openness to seek what is right.  There are four key principles to keep in mind:  1) Promoting and defending the dignity of the human person; 2) Supporting the family and subsidiarity in local, state and national institutions; 3) Working for the common god where human rights are protected and basic responsibilities are met; 4) Acting in solidarity with concern for all as our brothers and sisters, especially the poor and must vulnerable.

There are many moral issues facing us today, but the most important is the direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death, and must always be opposed.  At the same time, issues such as war, the death penalty, racism and care for the poor and the immigrant are enormously important – they are not optional concerns which can be dismissed.  The moral teaching of our Church is about more than prohibitions.  We Catholics are encouraged to respond to the basic needs of human beings – food, shelter, health care, education and employment.  We are called to welcome refugees and immigrants, defend religious freedom, support marriage and family and protect the environment.

In today’s political environment, voting as a Catholic is hard word.  It takes serious reflection, knowledge of Church teaching, awareness of who the candidates are and where they stand on the issues.  But most of all it takes prayer!  Then get out and vote!

Have a Blessed Week!

Father Don

With Halloween coming this Wednesday, every year I get asked if it is OK for Catholics to celebrate Halloween?  My response?  ABSOLUTELY YES!  However, there is a caveat to my endorsement.  Celebrate Halloween as a Catholic holiday, not a secular one!!  There are plenty of ways that we can celebrate this occasion without violating any of the teachings of the Catholic Faith. Here are three practical ways to do this.

Remember the saints! Instead of focusing only on just fun and merriment, let us emphasize that Halloween is short for All Hallow’s Eve. Halloween is the vigil to the celebration of All Hallow’s Day or All Saints Day – a holy day of obligation. The word “hallow” means holy.  So the origin of Halloween is holy! It is a meaningful celebration of the lives of all the saints and these saints include our loved ones who are now in heaven. Halloween is an opportune time to remember the saints with our family and friends.  Celebrate Halloween by coming to our 7:00pm Mass on October 31^st, the vigil of All Hallow’s Day!

Talk about spiritual warfare! Halloween is full of references of evil spirits and dark forces. The occasion is an opportune time to evangelize others about the reality of these evil elements. We can talk to our friends and family about spiritual warfare. More importantly, we can share with them that God is powerful and He will faithfully protect us from harm. Halloween is a day to reflect on Christ’s triumph over sin, death, and Satan.  It is our day to laugh at Satan!

Dress appropriately! There is nothing wrong with wearing a costume to join in on the merriment but we need to keep in mind what the Bible says about dressing modestly. We can still participate in the fun without having to wear something that is shameful in the eyes of God. Similarly, we must be careful about costumes that glorify supernatural evil or superstition. Catholic parents can counteract the costumed characters of violence and darkness by sending their children dressed as one of the saints. Imagine that!  A saint showing up at your door instead of a gross bloody Dracula!!

It is true that Halloween has been badly corrupted and hyper-commercialized just like Christmas and Easter, but, just as that should never stop Catholics from fully celebrating the great feast of the Church, neither should it stop Catholics from enjoying Halloween as a celebration of the great feast of All Saints.  So, have some fun – and Happy Eve of All Saints!!

Have a blessed week!

Father Don

Also Known as Chardonnay W(h)ines…..

During the past several months there have been some changes in our staff.  In the event you haven’t had the pleasure to meet them yet, I want to give you a brief introduction through my bulletin article.  Please be sure to welcome them when you see them.

Mary Jo Tripaini, Director of Religious Ed (K-5).  Mary Jo joined our staff this June as our new Director of Religious Education for grades K through 5.  Mary Jo is a native of Rockford, IL. She has a Masters in Divinity and Pastoral Studies.  Her undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education.  She served as a DRE at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Madison, WI for 16 years where she loved facilitating family programs, liturgy of the word for children, and sacramental preparation for children and adults.

Zara Tan, Director of Evangelization & Communications.  Zara joined our staff in September filling a newly created position. Back in 2016, prior to the arrival of Fr. Mark and myself, a Communications Committee recommended the hiring of a communications director. Fr. Mark and I also saw the need to have a person to coordinate all our new evangelization and adult faith formations efforts.  Zara uniquely has the charisms, gifts, and talents to fill both of these positions. Zara graduated from the 2-year Lay Leadership program at Mundelein in 2016.

Frank Sauter, Director of Liturgical & Music Ministries.  Frank joined out staff the first of October.  Prior to coming to OLM, Frank served in a similar position for seven years at St. Francis parish in Bolingbrook where he directed and accompanied several choirs. Frank has a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Indiana University.

Robert Gancarz, Business Manager.  Bob joined our staff last year upon the retirement of Janice Cain.  Bob has a BS in accounting from Illinois State University and is a CPA.  Prior to working at OLM, Bob worked for 25 years at St. Patrick’s Residence, Naperville as controller.

The month of October is Respect Life Month.  The following reflection is from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

In 1531, when the indigenous peoples of Mexico were subjugated and the practice of human sacrifice was still a recent memory, the Mother of God appeared to St. Juan Diego as a pregnant native woman, now known as Our Lady of Guadalupe.

She sent him with miraculous flowers in his cloak to tell the bishop to build a church where people could receive her Son and her loving, tender care. When St. Juan Diego opened the cloak before the bishop, an image of Our Lady was revealed that remains to this day. The chapel was quickly built, millions embraced Christianity, and the Church increased its protection of the indigenous peoples.

By embracing the mission entrusted to him, St. Juan Diego helped bring Christ’s transforming love to cultures gripped by oppression and death.

Today, we again see the dignity of human life disregarded. Unborn children are destroyed through abortion, and ill people are encouraged and assisted to take their own lives. How do we respond?

The essence of our identity is that we are created in God’s image and likeness and loved by Him. Nothing can diminish the priceless worth of any human life. Every person is cherished.

God creates every person for eternal union with Himself and continually invites us to embrace a

loving relationship with Him. Every person is chosen.

We are called to be messengers of God’s love, treating one another as cherished and chosen by Him. In doing so, we help build a culture that respects all human life. Every person is sent.

Like St. Juan Diego, let us embrace our daily mission to help others encounter God’s transforming, life-giving love.

To find out more about Pro-Life activities in our area or to join our Pro-Life efforts at Our Lady of Mercy, please contact Lisa SanDiego at: Lisa.SanDiego@rushcopley.com.

Have a Blessed Week!

Father Don

 

Now Known as Chardonnay W(h)ines!

How many of you after going through that difficult decision to euthanize a pet say “I’ll never get another one!” And then a month or so later end up getting another one!  I fall into that category of the heart ruling over the head!! After Heidi was euthanized on August 23^rd I told myself that I wouldn’t get another dog – at least until I figure out where I would be living and what I would be doing in retirement in 2022.  But a few weeks after Heidi was gone, I found myself visiting the website of the shelter where I got her, as well as other dog rescue and shelter websites.  And apparently some of the staff at OLM, in particular Diane Reiter, felt I just wasn’t the same after Heidi was gone and I needed to get another dog.  Diane and her husband Tim offered that if I get a dog now and can’t have it wherever I end up living in retirement, they would take the dog.  So, as they say, that sealed the deal!  Besides, Fr. Mark wasn’t taking very well to pats on the head and scratches behind the ears!  And for all his emphasis on exercise, he didn’t really like chasing tennis balls.  So, meet Chardonnay. She is a 2 year old beagle-mix and weights 27 pounds.  I adopted her on September 22^nd from Magnificent Mutts rescue in Hillside, IL.  She has been with a foster family here since being rescued in Arkansas.  She was found with three female puppies (all have been adopted) and her rescue team gave her the name was Sophia.  And the three pups were named Blanche, Dorothy, and Rose.  Those of you old enough will remember those names of the “Golden Girls,” a sitcom that aired on NBC from 1985 – 1992.  Very cute! Sophia is also a nice biblical name meaning wise.  And it certainly is appropriate for a priest’s dog to have a biblical name.  Another priest I know had a Weimaraner named Abraham. But I decided to change Sophia’s name to Chardonnay. Besides my affinity for wine, there is another connection…….  Heidi was so attached to me and had separation anxiety. Every time I would leave without her, she would start whining.  I would tell her to stop it!  And joking tell her that I was going to change her name to Chardonnay because she whines so much!  (Get it?)  So whatever personality my new dog will have, the name Chardonnay will always remind me of Heidi.  And yes, my weekly bulletin article “From the Pastor’s Desk”, instead of also being known as “Heidi Howls” will now be known as “Chardonnay W(h)ines”!  Pretty clever on my part! Huh? I cracked myself up over it!!

Well, we are in the full swing of MercyFest!  Thank you to all have supported MercyFest is some way with your presence and/or donations.  Thanks to all the volunteers that enable us to put on such a large community event.  Without you, MercyFest wouldn’t happen!  And thank you to Tony & Jennifer Leazzo chairs, and Tom Martin, vice-chair.  Space in my article doesn’t allow me to acknowledge all those who have taken on leadership roles, but know of my deep appreciation.  When we have the final results of MercyFest, we will print a flier in the bulletin listing the names of all who chaired the various aspects of MercyFest 2018.  May God bless you all for your dedication, time and efforts on behalf of Our Lady of Mercy parish!

Have a Blessed Week!

Father Don