A Stewardship Parish, Sharing Our God-Given Gifts
Transcription
A Stewardship Parish, Sharing Our God-Given Gifts
A Stewardship Parish, Sharing Our God -Given Gifts in Service 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - November 8, 2015 Take time this week to reflect on today’s readings: First Reading — 1 Kings 17:10-16; Psalm — Psalm 146:7-10; Second Reading — Hebrews 9:24-28; Gospel — Mark 12:38-44 Mass Schedule Monday - Friday: 8:15 AM. Vigil Mass for Sunday: Saturday - 5:00 PM. Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday: 4:00 - 4:30 PM. Rosary Monday - Friday: 7:45 AM. Reflecting on God’s Word My earliest memory of a widow was Aunt Lizzie: white-haired, seemingly very old, but kindly. (I was four, so she was probably in her sixties then—how one’s perspective on age changes with time!) She lived with my godmother and uncle, having contributed some of her savings to help them buy a house. My second memory was of Lana Turner playing The Merry W idow in the 1952 movie of the same name. Both were light years away, historically and culturally, from the widows in today’s readings. The widows in biblical times were imperiled. If they did not have sons who would care for them, their very lives could be endangered. The widow in the first reading has a young son; she is collecting sticks to build a fire to prepare the last of her flour so they can eat and die. When Elijah asks her to prepare a cake for him, she generously does so—which proves to be her salvation. Later he even restores her son to life. Jesus watches a widow put in her last—literally—two cents in the temple’s coffers. He has previously warned about the scribes who “devour the houses of widows” while reciting lengthy prayers (Mark 12:40). Some say Jesus is lamenting the foolishness of this widow, like the prophets of the past who railed against the neglect of widows and orphans. But most think he is praising her generosity in giving “all she had, her whole livelihood” (12:44). Like her, Jesus will soon put all his trust in the Father. —James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R. Copyright © 2014, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.. To prepare for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: First Reading — Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm — Psalm 16:5, 8-11; Second Reading — Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Gospel — Mark 13:24-32 From the Pastor ASCENSION CHURCH Parish Center: 808 S. East Ave. Oak Park, IL 60304 Phone: 708-848-2703 Fax: 708-848-2773 Dear Friends, OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 AM -1:30 PM Bulletin Articles [email protected] E-Mail Personnel can be reached by first initial.last [email protected] Web-sites www.ascensionoakpark.com www.archdiocese-chgo.org Pastor Rev. James F. Hurlbert 848-2703 Director of Music David Anderson 434-1535 Associate Organist Elizabeth Coffman x261 School Principal Mary Jo Burns 386-7282 Director of Religious Education Diane Lawrence-Moriarty 848-3099 Religious Education Assistant Kathy Marifjeren 434-1554 Business Administrator Tom Denten 434-1546 Director of Institutional Development Katie Moran Vanaria 434-1558 Development Associate Marybeth Granholm 434-1541 Head of Maintenance Rey Dominguez x239 Office Assistant Jim Wojcik x231 Office Assistant Sacramental Records Deedee Ralston x230 Pastor Emeritus Rev. Robert A. Cross Weekend Assistant Rev. Bob Hutmacher, OFM Deacon Couples Lendell & Tina Richardson Joe & Kathie Walsh This weekend I am in Guatemala visiting the children I worked with for two-and-a-half years prior to my coming to Ascension. I am anxious to see them; my time there was very intense and very powerful. It is amazing that in the time that it takes to fly to California I can be in a country torn by violence and mired in a poverty more devastating than anything we experience here in Chicago. I was reminded in new ways in Guatemala that “people are people,” and the warmth with which I was received during my time there, both at the home and in the parish where I helped out on the weekends, was both humbling and comforting. And I saw that in spite of incredible hurdles and disappointments and in the midst of the most challenging circumstances, people can find ways to eke out a meaningful life. Faith and family remain anchors that hold a society together. And at NPH where I worked, where there is no “family” as we think of it, children and adults who are not related find ways to interact and bond that gives a sense of connection and security. Applications for next summer’s Appalachian Service Project mission trip are due on Monday, November 9. Applications and information packets are available at the parish center. Next weekend at all of the Masses we will offer the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Many of our homebound will be br ought to church by generous volunteers, but even regular Mass-goers who experience serious chronic illness may be anointed. This includes those suffering the effects of advanced age. While an illness need not be lifethreatening to approach the sacrament, it is intended for those suffering from something serious. Illness has a way of messing with our faith, challenging our sense of God’s presence and God’s mercy. This sacrament provides mainly spiritual healing for those whose bodies are rebelling. Those suffering from mental illness may also be anointed. Perhaps in connection with this I should mention the special Mass this very weekend on Saturday for those affected by suicide. Most psychologists look at suicide through the lens of mental illness, and so we no longer lay the heavy burden of unforgivable guilt upon the shoulders of people who take their own lives. I often think that if they only could have known the intensity of the devastation that their suicide would cause in the survivors, they might perhaps have been able to summon the strength to avoid taking their own lives. Mental Health Counselor Bill Harrison - Claret Center 773-643-6259 Extension 24 May your week reflect the encounter with Christ we experienced at Mass today! N O V E M B E R 8 , 2 0 1 5 — P A G E 2 READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17; Jn 2:13-22 Tuesday: Wis 2:23 — 3:9; Ps 34:2-3, 16-19; Lk 17:7-10 Wednesday: Wis 6:1-11; Ps 82:3-4, 6-7; Lk 17:11-19 Thursday: Wis 7:22b — 8:1; Ps 119:89-91, 130, 135, 175; Lk 17:20-25 Friday: Wis 13:1-9; Ps 19:2-5ab; Lk 17:26-37 Saturday: Wis 18:14-16; 19:6-9; Ps 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43; Lk 18:1-8 First Eucharist Preparation Tour of the Mass Tradition and ritual connect us to our God, each other and our spiritual ancestors. Parents of children preparing for First Eucharist are invited to join us for one of the two sessions being offered - this Tuesday, November 10th, or November 19th at 7:00 pm in the Church. David Philippar t will lead us through a time traveling journey of our Sunday celebration, giving you an historical appreciation of why we do what we do, so you can pass this on to your own child. We hope you can join us. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated at all Masses next weekend —November 14 and 15— Anyone whose health is seriously impaired due to physical or emotional illness, injury or advanced age is welcome to receive this sacrament. Please invite anyone in your family who may benefit from this sacrament to receive it. This sacrament is part of the church's continuation of the healing ministry of Jesus. In celebrating this sacrament, we ask God to strengthen in mind and body those who suffer. We also recognize that in Christ our suffering has meaning. In Him we find the compassion of the One who has known suffering and does not abandon us in our pain. The Anointing of the Sick is available whenever someone is ill. As always, if you or someone in your family is seriously sick or injured, please call the parish office to make arrangements with Fr. Hurlbert. Advent Sale Are you ready? The Religious Education Board is sponsoring an Advent Sale after the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Masses on Sundays, November 15th and 22nd. Advent candles, wreaths, calendars, books and other items will be on display in the lobby of the Pine Room or outside (weather permitting). Please plan on stopping by and supporting Religious Education in this fundraiser. 8th Grade - BAKE SALE TODAY Sunday, November 8th after the morning Masses. Stop by the tables outside before going home for some delicious baked goods. Proceeds offset the cost of a number of 8th grade activities. Thank you! N O V E M B E R 8 , Our collection of Food & Cleaning Supplies is next weekend for the St. Martin de Porres Food Pantry. Bring your much needed donations to whatever Mass you attend. Thank you and God bless! 2 0 1 5 — P A G E 3 ASCENSION CHRISTMAS ANGEL PROJECT This year the Ascension Angel Project will be assisting our sharing parish St. Martin de Porres, Blessed Sacrament Youth Center, Franciscan Outreach and our Ascension parishioners who are in financial need. We will be providing gifts, gift cards and food gift cards. Blessed Sacrament Youth Center, founded in 1987, serves the youth of North Lawndale on Chicago’s West Side. The community has a poverty rate approaching 70%. With approximately 200 registered members, ages 7 to 12, they offer after school and Saturday programs featuring tutoring, organized sports and character education. Franciscan Outreach, established in 1963, helps hundreds of homeless in the Chicago area every year. They provide meals, shelter, showers, and laundry facilities to people in the model of respect and dignity of St. Francis of Assisi. Franciscan Outreach also provides long term services such as housing and job opportunities. Angels may be picked up at the church entrances after Masses next weekend, November 14th and 15th. Angel gifts and gift card drop off will be on Friday, December 11th from 3:30 until 8:00 pm in the school gym. Please try and support Ascension School by ordering your gift cards from the Parish Center or from www. mannaorders.net. This will be the final year that Colleen Bracco and Marybeth Granholm will be coordinating the Christmas Angel Project. If you would be interested in learning more about becoming an active member of this ministry, or if you have any questions, please contact Colleen Bracco at 708-524-2186 or Marybeth Granholm at 708-267-7697. N O V E M B E R 8 , 2 0 1 5 — P A G E 4 Living the Word Books Available Now 2016 ASP Sign-Up The cost of each book is $7. This weekly resource includes all of the Sunday and Holy day readings for the entire liturgical year beginning with the first Sunday of Advent on November 29, 2015. In addition to the readings, a scriptural commentary and reflection are provided for each Sunday and feast. Reflection questions are also provided to assist with your prayer. Several small faith groups in our parish use this resource for their group meetings. Currently, several hundred parishioners have committed to using this annual resource as a way to grow in their love and knowledge of the sacred scriptures. Sign up for our 2016 ASP trip is under way. Applications and deposits for both teens and adults are due no later than this Monday, November 9th and can be dropped off at the Parish Center. Application forms can be picked up at the Parish Center or can be emailed to you if you send a request to [email protected]. P.O.L.O. Happenings Parents of Little Ones is geared for families with children aged newborn through kindergarten. We hope to see you at an upcoming event. Older siblings are always welcome! Thanks to all who planned and participated in the annual POLO Halloween Party! Mom’s Faith Sharing Circle -- Wednesday, 11/11 at 8 pm in the Parish Center. Email Laura at [email protected] if you plan on attending. Ladies Night Out -- Friday, 11/20 Location TBD. Contact Carole at [email protected] for more information. To find out more about P.O.L.O. or other upcoming events, please contact Laura Moglia Kelley at [email protected]. Women’s Spirituality The Women’s Spirituality Group will gather in the Parish Center Chapel this Thursday, November 12th. We begin with a social portion at 7 p.m. and the discussion starts at 7:30. This year we ar e reading the book by Barbara Mahany, “Slowing Time”. It is not necessary to have the book to join us, but there will be a few for sale that evening. All women are welcome to join us as we reflect on the prayers and share our stories. Come to meet some wonderful women. N O V E M B E R 8 , —SAVE THE DATE— FOR THE ASCENSION COOKIE WALK AND CRAFT FAIR DECEMBER 5th! 2 0 1 5 — P A G E 5 Are You Ready to Find Your Five and Live Your Strengths? Find your top five talents through Gallup's internationally-acclaimed "Clifton Strengths Finder" and Ascension's offering of the award-winning Living Y our Strengths journey. Ascension has been offering Living Y our Strengths as a gift to parishioners for more than three years. Participants discover which of the 34 talents identified by Gallup are in their top five, and explore ways they can use and develop them in all aspects of their lives. This weekend, a new group of parishioners identified their talents and learned how to grow them into strengths. Do you wonder what yours are? Visit http://ascensionstrengths.eventbrite.com, where you will find the dates, times and registration information for the coming year. Your next opportunity to attend is Saturday, February 6. Welcome to Ascension Church Community of Congregations Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service All are invited to this Interfaith Service at 7:00 pm on Sunday, November 22nd at St. Giles Roman Catholic Parish, 1045 Columbian Avenue in Oak Park. Fr. Carl Morello will lead the service along with faith leaders from many of our congregations. It is a wonderful way for us to join together as people of different faiths to give thanks and to enjoy each other’s company. Plan to join us. If you are new to our church or just visiting, please stop and introduce yourself. We are pleased to have you share in this celebration of the Eucharist. If you do not have a church home, or your church is not a home to you, we invite you to become part of our parish family. If you are not Catholic, have questions about the Catholic way of life, or would like to explore the Catholic faith, please call the Parish Office at 708-8482703. Our church is open to anyone looking for a spiritual home. Parish Registration forms are at all church entrances or you can register online at www.ascensionoakpark.com. We are so glad you’re here and hope you will come back again for Mass or to become a parishioner. REDUCE REUSE RECYLCE We had a successful event last Sunday with more mindful recycling and composting at Ascension. The key is having recycling monitors to help adults and kids know what to recycle, compost or put in the landfill. The big learning for most was that plastic forks are not recyclable. You can find new ways to reduce your waste, buy less, reuse things to avoid new purchases and packaging, buy things with less packaging, and improve your recycling. You may consider composting in your home. The Village of Oak Park has a CompostAble program. Progress, not perfection is our motto. All of these suggestions help fulfill the requests in the recent papal encyclical on the environment. Laudato Si’! N O V E M B E R 8 , 2 0 1 5 — P A G E 6 Going into the Hospital? Due to patient privacy rules, hospitals—even Catholic hospitals—no longer automatically inform your parish that you are in the hospital. Here at Ascension, we care about you and would like to know! All hospitals in our area have a priest on call who can come to anoint you, hear your confession, and bring you communion –especially in an emergency. Most hospitals have communion ministers who visit on a regular basis. (Ministers of care from Ascension go regularly to West Suburban, Rush, and Loyola, for example.) Ask the nurse to contact the hospital’s pastoral care department. Then please ask the person from pastoral care to call the Parish Center at 708-848-2703 and give him or her permission to tell us where you are. Father Hurlbert is available to celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and the Sacrament of Penance with you. We are happy to pray for you by name in the intercessions at Sunday Mass. When you come home from the hospital, we can arrange for a minister of care to bring you communion at home until are able to join us again around Christ’s altar. God of all consolation, you chose and sent your Son to heal the world. Graciously listen to our prayer of faith, and send the power of your Holy Spirit, the Consoler… “The Doris Davenport Show” with Doug Wyman Two dynamic Oak Park personalities, Doris Davenport and Doug Wyman bring you all things local! “The Doris Davenport Show” with Doug Wyman has officially launched on WPNA 1490AM. The one hour weekly radio program will broadcast every Sunday evening at 7:00 PM. Doug Wyman will join Doris Davenport each week to bring pertinent information and entertainment to every segment of our surrounding communities about activities; and life affirming reflections. Tune in every Sunday evening at 7:00PM WPNA 1490AM To purchase advertising, offer services, send an invite to MC, speak or attend events, recommend a topic and/or guest send an email to: [email protected] Loyola Medicine Hospice -Coping With the Holidays After the Loss of a Loved OneSaturday November 21, 2015 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Loyola University Medical Center 2160 S. First Avenue Stritch School of Medicine Room 160 Maywood, IL 60153 Call Nancy Kiel, 708-216-1646 to register. N O V E M B E R 8 , 2 0 1 5 — P A G E 7 N O V E M B E R 8 , 2 0 1 5 — P A G E 8 Financial Update Meetings and Events Total Weekly Offering .................. $22,470.00 Weekly Goal ................................... $20,000.00 Today Outside East & Van Buren Exits After All Morning Masses Religious Education Good Shepherd and Regular Classes CP/LL/School 8:45 am & 10:00 am SPRED LI 10:00 am Extending the Word DR 10:15 am YTD Goal ...................................... $360,000.00 YTD Offering ............................... $299,566.00 Deficit .......................................... ($60,434.00) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday DR PR CP Saturday Sunday 3:45 pm 5:30 pm 6:50 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 8:00 pm 9:00 am 3:00 pm 7:00 pm 8:00 am All Day 3:00 pm November 14 Work Ministry DR Contemplative Prayer CH Baptismal Prep DR Christmas Angel Gift Tag Distribution At Church Doors Anointing of the Sick For the November 29th bulletin the deadline is Tuesday, November 17th by 5:00 pm. 3:00 pm 3:00 pm November 13 School-Good Shepherd-1st Grade CP Organ Tuning CH Girl Scout Troop 40093 PR For the November 22nd bulletin the deadline is Monday, November 16th by 5:00 pm. 6:45 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm November 12 Little Rock Bible Study Daisy Girl Scouts Women’s Spirituality Please pay special attention to these deadlines for submitting articles for the following bulletins: 3:00 pm November 11 Choristers CH Girl Scout Troop 40928 PR Religious Education Good Shepherd DR/CP/LL/School Cub Scout Den Meeting PR Cantors CH Choir CH Bible Study DR POLO Mom’s Faith Sharing CP Thursday 3:00 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm November 10 School-Drama Club PR Religious Education Good Shepherd and Regular Classes CP/LL/PR/School First Eucharist Parents-Tour of the Mass CH 2015 Blue Tie Auction Meeting DR Closed AA Meeting LI **IMPORTANT** **BULLETIN DEADLINES** 7:30 am 8:30 am 9:30 am 5:00 pm Mass 5:00 pm Mass November 15 Christmas Angel Gift Tag Distribution At Church Doors All Masses Anointing of the Sick All Masses Religious Education-Advent Sale School Lobby/Outside After Morning Masses Religious Education Good Shepherd and Regular Classes CP/LL/School 8:45 am & 10:00 am Extending the Word DR 10:15 pm 2016 ASP Meeting PR 6:15 pm email to: [email protected] O V E M B E R November 9 School-Drama Club PR Peace and Justice CP Living Your Strengths Team Meeting 215 Please consider setting up automatic donations, via your credit or debit card. For information or to arrange this, visit our website, and click on “Giving” on the right hand top corner of the page. Those who prefer to arrange automatic bank drafts instead can find these forms in the pamphlet racks in the church vestibules or you can pick one up at the parish office. Those who set up automatic giving may, of course, still put envelopes (even if empty) or small cash donations in the basket, as a way of participating in the offertory, or to teach their children about stewardship. If your neighbor in the pew does not put anything in the basket, please assume a charitable posture: rather than presume stinginess, consider that s/he gives automatically or monthly. N November 8 8th Grade Bake Sale 8 , 2 0 1 5 — P A G E 9 - REMEMBER IN PRAYER THOSE WHO ARE SICK IN MIND, BODY OR SPIRIT Eduardo Acevedo, Silvia Balderes, Brad Barth, Sarah Bowman, Linda Brown, Ann Callaghan, Josephina Carmona, Joe Cassidy, James Cincinelli, Mary Coppin, Geri Cundari, Ann Dant, Bob Doyle, Danny Doyle, Bill Dwyer, Jennifer Fischer, Don Hager, Meri Hale, Veronica Hanessian, Patricia Hanley, Bill Hansen, Sharon Hart, Miguel Juarez, Helen Kelly, Jimmy Konrad, Margaret Kostopulos, Thomas P. Kragie, Scott Krusinski, Gerry & Mary Logan, Benoit Magrin, Rosita Malmis, Josh Marchetti, Bobby Marino, Joe Massura, Mary Ruth McGrath, Ted Medina, Nora Meewes, Amanda Mengden, Kaden & Kameron Moore, Len Mueller, Carol Ojala, Emilia Ortiz, Estelle Pargulski, Nina Petrosinos, Andrew Philippart, Regan Pierce, Peg Prendergast, Colette Rehor, Philip Rice, Lisa Roche, Anne Sandow, Elsie Smith, Steven Sobie, Mildred Stefanski, Elizabeth Stohl, Mary Strenski, Matthew Strudeman, Sharon Sugrue, Mary Thomas, Marilyn Trainor, Jesse & Sonia Vasquez, Bonnie Von Ebers, Baby Brennan Walsh, Lisa Weiland, Barbara Wyman. SUNDAY - November 8 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 5:00 (Sat) George & Evelyn Perivolidis 7:30 Margarite Werwage 9:00 Bob Carpenter & John Mullarkey Theresa Ferrera Bogacz Family Rosemarie Tufano 11:00 5:00 Cornelia Jakubczak MONDAY - November 9 8:15 The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Peter W. Hermanns TUESDAY - November 10 8:15 St. Leo the Great, Pope & Doctor of the Church Phyllis Schmidt & Family WEDNESDAY - November 11 We pray for those who have died, especially: Frank McDonald, Par ishioner Herbert Behre, Father of Robin Behr e Stanley Perry, Uncle of Anita Tr ainor Marilyn Wiedow, Mother of Kathy Mar sh Maria Concepcion Ortiz 8:15 St. Martin of Tours, Bishop Veteran’s Day Armandina Enriguez All who died in service to our country THURSDAY - November 12 8:15 We also remember in a special way during this month of November all of our parishioners, family and friends who have died. St. Josaphat, Bishop & Martyr Meada Devitt FRIDAY - November 13 8:15 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin Agnes Golden Brandstrader Patrick Mullins SATURDAY - November 14 Vigil: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 5:00 This Week SUNDAY - November 15 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Next Week 7:30 Dorothy Mitchell Vania Ulysses Jean Claude Marie Belmonte 5:00 pm Fr. Rubey Fr. Hurlbert 7:30 am Fr. Woerter Fr. Hurlbert 9:00 9:00 am Fr. Woods Fr. Hurlbert 11:00 11:00 am Fr. Woods Fr. Hurlbert 5:00 Fr. Falco Fr. Hurlbert 5:00 pm N O V E M B E R Robert Hill 8 , Catherine Simpson John Stephan Deirdre Haefner 2 0 1 5 — P A G E 1 0 OTHER PARISH INFORMATION — Infant Baptism: Our parish celebration of infant Baptism takes place at 1 p.m., on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays of the month. A preparatory session for parents is held on the second Saturday of the month in the Parish Center at 9:30 a.m. First-time parents are required to attend. To register for a preparatory session, or to schedule a baptism, please call the parish office. Adult Initiation: Adults interested in information about the Catholic faith or wanting to become Catholic should contact the Parish Office. Weddings: Please call the Parish Office, at least one year prior to selection of a date or reception hall, to request wedding information. Sick Calls: If there is anyone at home who cannot attend Mass or receive the sacraments because of illness or old age, please contact the Parish Office or one of the Ministers of Care Coordinators: Susie Cahill, 925-1512, Linda Dunne, 848-5574, or Cece Masella, 383-3785. Registration: All newcomers are welcome to the Ascension family and are asked to pick up a census/registration envelope at the entrance of the church or by completing the online form on the parish website. Parishioners who marry, have a baby, or move to a new address should also notify the Parish Office. Audio Devices: Are available for the hearing impaired. Please see an usher or greeter before Mass. Infant & Toddler Care: Available during 9 & 11 a.m. Mass in the Cry Room of the Church. Lost & Found Box: Is under the table in the chur ch vestibule. Experiencing Domestic Violence: Call 911 or the NDV 24-hour Hot-line at 800-799-7233. You can also call the Parish Center at 708-848-2703 and ask to speak with: Fr. James F. Hurlbert, Ms. Katie Vanaria or Ms. Mary Jo Burns. Relevant Radio Chicago-Talk Radio for Catholic Life: Listen and be Inspired! WNTD-AM 950. Bulletin deadline: Monday 5 p.m. Please deliver articles to Parish Office or email to [email protected]
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