CHRISTMAS 2016
S T . E DMUND P ARISH
Oak Park, IL
S t a ff N o t e s
Dear Parishioners and Welcome Visitors,
Merry Christmas! I hope that this day and all the
days of Christmas will be filled with joy and love with
family and friends.
The First Reading of the Christmas Midnight Mass
begins: “The people who walked in darkness have seen
a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.” On this Christmas Day, perhaps
these are words which resonate with you. Who among
us has not know some measure of difficult and darkness? Who among us have not had the blessing of that
darkness having been lifted.
Yes, many of us have experienced hardship, but
even more of us have felt the warmth and radiance of
the light having shown upon us. Put more simply, we
have known the gift of love. In addition, we have slept
in relative safety and security. We do not worry about
what we are to eat or what we are to wear.
Interestingly, however, we celebrate this day that
God was born into time and place in our likeness. He
was born, not into relative comfort, but without a home
and a feeding trough for a bed. Mary and Joseph would
soon flee their homeland to keep their son, their entire
family safe. No doubt, they had to accept the kindness
of strangers for food and drink, and all the necessities of
life that we are fortunate not even to give notice to.
This story of the birth of Jesus may also remind us
of the plight of refugees in our world today. We know
the horrors taking place in Aleppo and throughout Syria. We hear and read about people trying to find safety.
They are fleeing for their lives and they have nothing
other than the clothes they wear to take with them.
This, in very real ways, is the modern day slaughter of
the Innocents.
Though perhaps not a feel-good Christmas message, I think it is one too important not to share, especially today. St. Paul’s Letter to Titus expressed that
“The grace of God has appeared, saving all…” Yet, not
everyone experiences that grace or has felt the warmth
from that light that has shone.
This Christmas, I hope that we will all have a beautiful day filled with the love, joy and laughter of our
dearest ones. I hope, too, that we remember all those
whose live in fear, within war zones, amid rubble,
those who are seeking safety and those who, like our
infant Lord and his family, have nowhere to sleep this
night. May our Christmas joy find expression not simply in the comfort of our homes, but in acknowledging
our myriad of blessings, may we seek to share our
Christmas joy in tangible and concrete ways among
those who are awaiting the Grace we know and the
Light that already warms us.
May God bless us all this holy day!
Peace  Hope  Joy
St. Edmund Parish Nativity Scenes
There has always been an indoor and outdoor Nativity scene at St. Edmund’s. The indoor crib used to be a selfcontained plaster scene with movable figurines made by the DaPrato Rigali Company. In the 1980s during Fr. William
Kelly’s pastorate, the beautiful hand-carved wooden figurines from Oberamagau, Germany were purchased. For several
years, there was no stable. Until recently the backdrop that was used was designed by
the Candlelight Theater professionals as a gift to honor Fr. Kelly, on the occasion of his
last Christmas here as pastor in 1986.
In the 1930s, the outdoor nativity scene contained many large plaster figures of the Holy
Family, shepherds, wisemen and even a camel. The parish school students donated the
elaborate backdrop in 1939; in 1949 they donated the cave-like stable.
When Msgr. Murphy became Pastor, the outdoor crib was simplified. A new stable was
made and new statues of the Holy Family were purchased. The present Fontanini figures were purchased during Fr. Festle’s tenure.
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Office of the Archbishop 835 North
Rush Street Chicago, IL 60611-2030
312.534.8230
archchicago.org
Christmas 2016
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Peace be with you and with all people of good will in this holy season.
After observing the Jubilee Year of Mercy and as we begin a journey of renewal in the Archdiocese of Chicago, we have come
to know fresh hope in our hearts. We do not find the source of our hope in our own strength. With the Blessed Virgin Mary we
recognize that our hope comes from God. As her son took flesh within her womb, she proclaimed, “God has remembered his
promise of mercy.” The birth of her son Jesus is also the birth of our true and lasting hope.
In this moment, we find ourselves challenged in so many ways. Together, we face the plague of war, violence, and a lack of respect for life and for the dignity of all people. On a personal level, we all struggle in different ways, whether with family issues
or work or illness or in trying to do the right thing. Still, we hope, because “God has visited his people.”
Pray with me that our celebration of the birth of Jesus may truly renew our hope in God, the only hope that can sustain us on the
journey.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich Archbishop of Chicago
The Future of our Rectory:
An Update on our Plans
Parish “Town Hall” Meeting
Sunday, January 8, 2017
3:00-4:30pm in St. Edmund Church
Who should attend?
What will be discussed?
All active & interested parishioners
All parish donors
Our Immediate and Future Plans
for the Parish Rectory
Financial Results of the
To Teach Who Christ Is Campaign
The Nativity4 of the Lord
Please Remember your Parish at Christmas
We realize that there are so many demands on your time
and your income during this time of year, but we ask that
you give consideration to the Christmas gift you are able
to offer your parish of St. Edmund’s this year.
As you know, we are struggling to meet our weekly expenses, our twice-monthly payroll and our monthly l and
parish Archdiocesan assessments, and we count on the
generosity of our parishioners—throughout the year, but
in a special way at Christmas, to help us stay on top of
our financial demands. There are a variety of ways to
help.
The easiest and quickest way to help is to remember to
turn in your Christmas envelope. We are also willing to
help you to set up a one-time (or more regular) automatic
bank withdrawal, or a credit card withdrawal.
At year-end, some people like to donate some stock to the
parish. This is a way for people not to accrue capital gains
tax. If you itemize your tax return and are interested in
making a charitable donation to St. Edmund Parish, the
best way to do this is to donate your shares directly to the
church. The parish will receive the full charitable gift income tax deduction and no capital gains tax needs to be
paid. We are happy to expedite this process for you.
Parish Center Office Holiday Hours
The Parish Center office will be closed on December 24,
25 and 26 and will re-open on Tuesday, December 27.
The office will be closed in the evenings the week of December 26. In addition, the office will be closed on Monday, January 2.
We wish you and your families good health, happiness
and peace in the New Year.
Special Thanks to Giving Tree Supporters
Special thanks to all who donated presents and gift cards
in support of our Giving Tree! Your generosity benefits
both individuals and families, ranging from newborns to
seniors, at St. Simeon Parish, Housing Forw>rd (formerly
known as PADS), Casa San Jose Obrero Mission, and St.
Edmund Parish.
A big shout out to co-coordinators Kelsey Stumpf and
Mary Prudence, and their team of helpers! Our parish is
truly blessed with folks who share in the true spirit of this
holy season!
Perhaps there are other ways that you would like to make
a donation to the parish. However you wish to do so, we
would be most grateful. You may call the parish office at
708-848-4417 during office hours and we will be most
happy to help.
Offertory for Weekend of December 17/18
Budgeted……………………………………...$14,350.00
Weekend collection……………………… ….$14,508.63
Deficit to date…………………………….….– 48,723.67
No Eucharistic Adoration
Monday, December 26 or Monday, January 2
Eucharistic Adoration will resume on Monday, January 9.
Christmas Open House
Friday, December 30
Fr. John and the parish staff invite all daily mass-goers to join
them for some hospitality and
conversation immediately after
the 8:30am mass on Friday, December 30.
We see you daily at mass and often time, in the busyness
of our days, miss out on the opportunity to visit.
All are welcome.
Week at a Glance
Sunday
December 25
Parish Office closed
Monday
December 26
Parish Office closed
Tuesday
9:00am
December 27
PADS Lunch Making
Friday
9:00am
December 30
Christmas Open House Murphy Hall
Saturday
December 31
Parish Office Closed
Mass
5:30pm
Sunday
9am, 11am
January 1
Masses
Parish Office Closed
Murphy Hall
Church
Church
Please note there is no 5:30pm liturgy this day.
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Spiritual Week at St.
Edmund Parish
We Pray for our Sick
Fr. John Paul Andree
Clara Ballard
Susan Becker
Susan Benedict
Janet Bennick
Harold Bonus
Fr. John Carolan
Susan Chicola
Phyllis Cormack
Florence Dalessandro
Bobbie Davis
Mary Lynn Dietsche
Mary Evans
Libby Fox
Mamma Giannetti
Carolyn James
Joe Jeczmionka
Gene Liss, Jr.
Helen Mazzeo
Patricia Meyer
Eternal Rest Grant unto These, O Lord
George Nedved
Tom Nelson
Emilie Novak
Hannah Paist
Mary Redmond
Celsa Salinas
Pat Scheuring
Ethel Thomas
Stillman Thomas
Jimmie Weekley
One in Prayer with Loved Ones in the Military
May God bless all who serve our country
in the military, and especially those who
are away from their loved ones at this time of year.
Ian Adams, US Navy
Staff Sgt. Jason L. Anderson, US Army
Capt. John Paul Andree, Pilot US Air Force
Sgt. Ramiro D. Banda, US Marine Corps
Gunnery Sgt. Boatman, US Marine Corps
Specialist Brown, US Army
Specialist Christopher Buscher, US Army, SPC
Cpt. Jason Caboot
Aiden Matthew Connelly, US Army, PFC
Sgt. Thomas J. Dutton, 10th Mountain Division
William Edwards, US Army Reservist
Private Kristopher Ellis, US Marine Corps
First Sgt. Daniel S. Greider US Army
Sgt. Michael Hoover, Army Reserve Afghanistan
Major Roselita Labbe, US Air Force
Col. Matt Mangan, US Air Force
Jonathan McLean, US Marine Corps
Kristen Meyer, US Navy
Lance Cpl. Robert Miller, US Marine Corps
Cpt. Steven Nelson
Lt. Col. Edward Nevera, US Air Force
Jose Ortiz US Marine Corps Lance Corporal
Dave Porter, US Army
Col. Gregory P. Puccetti, US Army
Gian Franco Solari, US Air Force
Brian Walsh, First Lieutenant US Army
Kimyatta Wellington, US Navy
The individuals who died in the attack in Berlin, Germany
At Christmas, we remember all our dear departed.
In a special way, we also remember in prayer
those whose loved one have recently died.
May they be comforted.
Special Remembrances at Daily Eucharist
Monday
December 26 (Stephen)
8:30am † Devin A. Simon
Tuesday
8:30am
December 27 (John)
† John J. McGivern
† Edward Stromski
Wednesday
December 28 (The Holy Innocents)
† Malana Mercurio
Thursday
December 29
8:30am † Deceased parishioners
Friday
December 30
8:30am † Frank Condon
(Feast of Holy Family)
Saturday
December 31
(Sylvester)
8:30am † Sylvester “Steve” Kuenster
5:30pm † Allan Campione
† Kevin Kinnare
Sunday
9:00am
11:00am
January 1
(Solemnity of Mary,
the Mother of God)
† Fr. Joe Ruiz
People of St. Edmund
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was Love
made flesh dwelling within us…among us...around us.
Readings for the Week
Monday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3-17; Mt 10:17-22
Tuesday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8
Wednesday: 1 Jn 1:5-2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18
Thursday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:36-40
Friday:
Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Ps 128:1-5; Mt 2:13-23
Saturday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18
Sunday:
Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7;
Lk 2:16-21
Liturgical Ministers for the Weekend of December 31/January 1
Mass Time Altar Servers
Lectors
Commentator
Cantors
Extraordinary Ministers
(Saturday)
5:30pm
B. Maney
J. McCoy
B. Nelson
L. Christensen
A. Glanton
W. Senger
L. Hakes, M. Hans, M. Lee, J. McCoy,
J. Reese, M.J. Reese, S. Shimon
9:00am
M. Gonzalez
M. Thomas
J. Biek
L. Ochoa
M. Biek
D. Gregoire
J. Barrett, D. Dubowski, L. Johnson,
N. Wemhoff
G. Allori
S. Patston
R. Allori
G. Johnson
G. Stepanek
S. Maldre
M. Allori, M. Fitzgerald, L.N. Vaillancourt,
D. Walsh
11:00am