Saint Mary Parish
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Saint Mary Parish
Established 1865
1012 Lake Street
Evanston, Illinois
December 18, 2016
stmaryevanston.org
WORSHIP, FAITH, WITNESS
KARIE FERRELL, DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
I Need A Silent Night
Some Christmases are more peaceful than others and sometimes it’s hard to
find any peace at all. And, some Christmases are full of joy and sometimes the
season may be full of sorrow for any number of reasons. Sometimes it’s hard to
find the light of Christ amidst all the artificial lights—the lights of all the various
screens that we let fill our attention, even all the Christmas lights (in the stores,
Karie Ferrell
along the street, in our own windows and yards) can obscure the true Light
coming into the world. The incessant commercials urging us to buy and buy and buy some
more can overshadow the call of the gospel. Sometimes the way we are supposed to be
preparing seems to be taking us on a confusing journey.
I’m having one of those confusing years where I’m finding it hard to find some peace, where
I can’t seem to find my way, let alone know what I’m supposed to be doing to prepare it. In
my mind, I know it’s not my way but the way of the Lord that I’m supposed to be preparing,
but my emotions are all jumbled and the way seems unclear.
So I’m spending a little more time with my Advent playlist on my iPod, listening to songs that
help to put me in touch with the Gospel message. One of my favorites, A Strange Way to
Save the World, is sung from Joseph’s point of view. His confusion over what was happening
in his life as he took a pregnant young woman to be his wife and said “yes” to raising a boy
he was told would be the son of God helps me to put my confusion into a more honest perspective.
There’s another song, that I find to be a companion piece to this one, Breath of Heaven,
which is sung from Mary’s viewpoint. Both of these songs with their themes of “Why me? Why
her, him? Why us?” and the question of “How can this be?” echo in my own heart, for each
of us is called to be a vessel that brings the love and mercy of God into the world.
Of course, this is the way, the way of the Lord, that we are supposed to be preparing. God is
continually coming into the world in all of creation. Jesus is continually coming into the world
through the eyes, hearts and minds of each one of us. The Holy Spirit is continually coming
into the world through the wisdom of all peoples. It’s our call to be awake and active!
This can be hard to remember when we spend too much time concerned with what we
want out of life. Which brings me to the title of this article, I Need a Silent Night, which is a
song sung from the perspective of a busy mom trying to get ready for Christmas who realizes
she needs some silence to get in touch with what’s really important … a good message for
all of us, especially me this year.
In conclusion, I’d like to call your attention to the second reading this Sunday. The whole
reading is just the introduction of Paul’s letter to the Romans. In this introduction he proclaims
who and what he is: “a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the
gospel of God …” Then he addresses the faithful, reminding them—and us—who and what
we are: “called to belong to Jesus Christ … the beloved of God … called to be holy.”
Wherever you are in your journey, your life (like Mary’s, Joseph’s and Paul’s) can glorify God
and can help build the Kingdom while we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Saint Mary Parish· Evanston, Illinois
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Communal
Reconciliation Service
Monday, December 19 at 7 p.m.
Together let us celebrate the gifts of God’s love, mercy and
forgiveness. All are welcome.
Advent
The Advent of the Savior
A Bible Study for Adults
Tuesday, December 20
7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Center
Wednesday, December 21
10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Parish Center
Fourth Sunday of Advent—December 18
Masses Saturday at 5 p.m.
Sunday at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.
Advent Reconciliation Service
Monday, December 19
7 p.m. in the Church
1012 Lake Street
Evanston, Illinois 60201
847 864-0333 847 864-0354 fax
stmaryevanston.org
[email protected]
MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday (vigil) 5 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.
Monday - Saturday 8 a.m.
Holy Days 8 a.m. noon and 7 p.m.
Pastor
Reverend Kevin McCray, ext. 204
[email protected]
Associate Pastor
Reverend Antony A. Joseph, ext. 212
Deacon
Reverend Mr. Dennis Robak, ext. 209
[email protected]
Business Manager
Patricia Palacios, ext. 202
[email protected]
Director of Religious Education
Karie Ferrell, ext. 203
[email protected]
Director of Music & Liturgy
Dianne Fox, ext. 210
[email protected]
Pastoral Associate
Sister Katie Mitchell, ext. 211
[email protected]
Celebrating Christmas
Saturday, December 24
Christmas Eve
5 p.m. — Includes the Children’s Choir & the
Children’s Dramatization of the Nativity Story
9 p.m. — “Midnight Mass”
Hymns and Carols at 8:45 p.m. with the Traditional Choir
Sunday, December 25
Christmas Day
9:30 a.m. with the Contemporary Choir
11 a.m. with the Traditional Choir
Bulletin Editor
Linda O’Dwyer, ext. 231
[email protected]
Content submission deadline is Friday at
noon ten days before the Sunday of
publication.
Pope John XXIII School
Principal, Gail Hulse
Development Director, Christina Lampa
1120 Washington Street
Evanston, Illinois 60202
847 475-5678
Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Hotline: 847 869-6134
Saint Mary Young Adult Catholics
(SMYAC)
https://www.facebook.com/
groups/393744270696970/
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Saint Mary Parish · Evanston, Illinois
LITURGICAL MINISTERS
December 18, 2016
Saturday-Sunday, December 24-25
Christmas
5 p.m.
9 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
11 a.m.
Fr. Kevin
Fr. Kevin
Fr. Kevin
Fr. Tony
Delores Rosemond
Christi Miller
John Fuller
Nancy Fuller
Theresa Cameron
Ladies & Gentlemen of
Misericordia
Lectors
David Onofrey
Mike Borman
Suzette Greene
Kit Sullivan
Peggy Loriaux
Kathy Benn
Jeanette Hollingsworth
Kathy Stohrer
Eucharistic
Ministers
Claudette
Bergeron
Jay Bergeron
Mike Borman
Tom Duval
Dennis O’Callahan
Melanie
O’Callahan
David Jacob
Patricia Jacob
Marie Sagaille
Kathy Stohrer
Tom Duval
Volunteers Needed
AnnGail Anglum
David Jacob
Patricia Jacob
Kathy Stohrer
Dan Tomas
Altar Servers
Alex Johnson
TBA
TBA
Charlene Solis
TBA
Lily Hollingsworth
Sydney Hollingsworth
Presider &
Homilist
Greeters
North
East
Confession
No confessions this Saturday
Please remember in your prayers…
… those who are sick, especially Ted Rychalski; Ducanor
Cadet; Mary Beth Egner; Yolande Vilsaint; Edovia Bernadel;
Joan Sowinski; Dean Mitchell; Harry Hansen; Jackie
Salmeron; Theresa Champagne; Janet MacNaughton;
Henry Rach; Joan Brannigan; Jerry Miles; and Sr. Betty
Bowen. Also please remember in your prayers all those who
have recently died.
PARISH LIFE
Pray for our military, pray for peace...
LCDR Edward Carlton, U.S. Navy, son of Frank & Caroline
Carlton  Airman Lindsey Foley, U.S. Air Force, Scott AFB,
niece of Chris Foley  Airman Richard J. Hamilton, U.S. Air
Force, nephew of John & Patti Szarnych  LCDR Richard
Kazmarek, U.S. Navy, friend of Charles Luczak  Lt. Daniel
Kozicki, U.S. Navy, nephew of Linda O’Dwyer.
Have a name to add or remove? Leave a voice message at
847 864-0333 ext. 231 or email to [email protected].
To arrange for the following, please call the Parish Office at 847 864-0333.
MASS SCHEDULE.
Saturday (vigil) 5 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.
Monday - Saturday: 8 a.m.
Holy Days: 8 a.m., noon and 7 p.m.
RECONCILIATION. Saturday from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and
the first Saturday of the month from 8:30 - 9 a.m.
Reconciliation also available by appointment
BAPTISM. Infant baptisms are celebrated on the third
Sunday of the month, except during Lent. Parish membership is a prerequisite. Parents of infants are invited to participate in a one-time baptism preparation session prior to
scheduling the baptism. These sessions are held on the
second Monday of every other month. Please call the
parish office to register. Next session: February 13, 2017.
REGISTRATION. Saint Mary Parish welcomes new
parishioners. Please make an appointment with the pastor.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION. Every Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m.
or as announced in the bulletin.
MARRIAGE. Arrangements should be made with the parish
at least four months in advance.
RCIA - RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS.
For adults or teenagers interested in becoming a Catholic
and receiving the sacraments of initiation (Baptism,
Eucharist or Confirmation).
MINISTERS OF CARE.
Ministers of care are available to bring Holy Communion to
those who are home-bound, in the hospital or in a nursing
home.
Occupation
Religion
Birthdate
Sex
Marital Status
Email
Cell Phone
Last Name & Suffix
Title & First Name
Adult
Child
Email for Parish E-News
City, State, Zip
Adult
Home Phone (Cell)
Address:
Registration Date
_____ Do not include my household iin the directory
Home Phone (Landline)
Faith Direct
_____ Do not publish my phone number
Child
Child
Parish Office Use Only
Yes ______ No ______
Envelope Preference Monthly ____ Weekly ____
Parish Office Use Only
Opt out of Parish Directory 2017
Family Name:
Parish Data Update 2017
Saint Mary Parish
Member ID
Notes:
Matrimony
Confirmation
First Eucharist
Baptism
Languages Spoken
Religious Ed or
Catholic School
Grade in School
School Attending
Education
Adult
Adult
Child
Child
Child
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Saint Mary Parish · Evanston, Illinois
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RESPECT LIFE
Our Need For God
John Paul rightly said: “Where God is denied and
people live as though he did not exist . . . the dignity
of the human person and the inviolability of human
life also end up being rejected or compromised.”
Evangelium Vitae (EV) 96
Why so?
God is relational, a communion of three persons,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
In creating us in his image, God has inscribed in us too
an inherently relational dimension. By doing this, he
has entrusted us to one another and made us our
brother’s keeper. EV 16 Our dignity is rooted in this
participation in God’s image and relational
dimension.
If there is no God, then there’s no image of God in us
and no dignity of a character which deserves respect
and protection.
Without that dignity, our exercises of freedom needn’t
be relational and needn’t give a place “to solidarity,
to openness to others and service of them.” Id Such
a “completely individualistic concept of freedom”
ends up, in John Paul’s words, becoming “the
freedom of ‘the strong’ against the weak.” Id.
That’s why the Saint so strongly warns that “[w]hen
God is not acknowledged as God, the profound
meaning of man is betrayed.” EV 36 In other words,
we lose sense of who we are and are meant to be
and how we are to be fully ourselves.
As the Solemnity of Christmas fast approaches,
ardently give thanks for God’s very existence and his
presence and image in us and for the advent of his
Son who has shown us what the exercise of freedom
for the good of others looks like.
Congratulations to the following Saint Mary
parishioners and middle school students
at Pope John XXIII School who made Honor Roll
in the First Trimester! We are proud of your hard work,
determination, and efforts each day.
First Honors (3.5 GPA and higher)
8th grade
Maria Andersen
Marie Barber
Maeve Healy
Maddie Rodriguez
Michael Sullivan
7th grade
Aidan Cornue
David Hitt
Maeve McCauley
Bridget Nolan
Mary O’Dwyer
6th grade
Bridget Baker
Mary Baker
Nina Ferrer
Mads Hansen
Second Honors (3.0 GPA and higher)
8th grade
Evan MacEwen
Jack McCauley
7th grade
Emmett Healy
Aidan Simon
Roger Simon
Eucharistic Adoration
Sundays During Advent and
on Christmas
December 18 6-9 p.m.
December 25 7-10 p.m.
6th grade
Elliot Casey
Katie Koenig
Brady Verdon
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Saint Mary Parish · Evanston, Illinois
Star of Bethlehem
Olive Wood Sales
December 17-18
After all the Masses
You didn't miss the Olive Wood Sales.
It has been rescheduled to this
weekend. Looking for a unique
religious gift for a friend or loved
one? Nativity sets, rosaries, crucifixes,
ornaments statues and other items
carved from olive wood from the Holy
Land are on sale in the Gathering
Space after all the Masses this
weekend.
December 18, 2016
Readings for the Week
Monday:
Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a;
Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25
Tuesday:
Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38
Wednesday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a;
Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45
Thursday:
1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56
Friday:
Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14;
Lk 1:57-66
Saturday:
2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29;
Lk 1:67-79
Sunday:
Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27 29;
Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25]
Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14;
Lk 2:1-14
Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7;
Lk 2:15-20
Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6;
Jn 1:1-18 [1-5; 9-14]
Saints and Special Observances
MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday, December 17
5:00 † William E. O’Neil, Jr.
Sunday, December 18
8:00 † Denise Philpot
9:30 † Joseph Keely
11:00 For Our Parishioners
Monday, December 19
8:00 † Sari Abbey
Tuesday, December 20
8:00 † Patricia Blaszak
Wednesday, December 21
8:00 † Lena Truskowski
Thursday, December 22
8:00 TBA
Friday, December 23
8:00 † Isabel Ciebien
Saturday, December 24—Christmas Eve
8:00 † Deceased members of the Michael
Albanese family
5:00 † Sr. Maureen O’Flanagan
9:00 TBA
Sunday, December 25—Christmas
9:30 † Verna & Orville Egner
11:00 † William E. O’Neil, Jr.
Sunday:
Tuesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Fourth Sunday of Advent
St. Peter Canisius; Winter Solstice
St. John of Kanty
The Vigil of Christmas
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
NOTIFICATION OF DIRECTORY PUBLICATION
We will be publishing a parish directory in January
2017 with the names of the adults in the household,
address and the designated home phone number.
When you fill out your membership data form,
please let us know if you do NOT want your phone
number to be included in the directory or if you do
NOT want to be included at all.
RESURRECTION ENTRANCE EXAM AND SHADOW DAYS
Entrance Exam - Saturday, January 14, 2017
Resurrection College Prep High School invites eighth
grade girls to take the Class of 2021 Entrance Exam
on Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 7:45 a.m. to
noon. No pre-registration is necessary. Students
should bring two #2 pencils and a $25 testing fee.
Students must test at Resurrection to be eligible for
the Block Scholarship for Top Testers and other
scholarships opportunities at Resurrection. Information
regarding limited accommodations may be
requested at [email protected] with documentation
submitted no later than January 10, 2017.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Saint Mary Parish · Evanston, Illinois
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Membership Matters
Is Saint Mary your parish home? Then it’s important
that you are registered as a member and that your
membership data is current.
• Membership is one way to say that you are
committed to this community of faith.
• Membership gives you the option to receive
envelopes or to make contributions online
through Faith Direct so that you can request a
record of your contributions for tax purposes.
• Membership gives you the option to receive
parish news via “E-News.”
• Membership data gives us a clearer picture of
who we are as a community and helps the
pastoral staff and the advisory councils to the
pastor (the Parish Pastoral Council, the Finance
Council and the PJXXIII School Board) to plan
more effectively for the needs of our parish
If you’re already a member use the form in this bulletin to update your record; drop it into the collection basket any Sunday in December. If you’re not
officially registered, please call the Parish Office to
make an appointment to meet with Fr. Kevin.
KWANZAA
Celebrating Family, Community & Culture
Saint Nicholas Catholic Church
Saturday, December 31 4:30 p.m. Mass
We honor Kwanzaa and its values, as
we celebrate the Holy Family and a
call to faithful love, devoted
attachment and unity. Every year from
December 26 to January 1, many
African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa,
which means “the first fruits of the
harvest.” The holiday is modeled after the first-fruit
harvest celebrations that happened across the
African continent since antiquity. Join us for the
Mass and light refreshments at Saint Nicholas Parish.
All are welcome. For information contact Yvonne
Smith at [email protected] or 224 534-7471, or
Sandra Davis at [email protected] or
847 328-6031.
Our Children Tell the Story
All children are invited to take part in the Nativity
story on Christmas Eve at the 5pm mass. We need
angels and shepherds and animals.
There’s only one practice: Sunday, 12/18 at 12:15
Contact Karie Ferrell, [email protected]
Director of Religious Education to register
In this season of giving,
remember Saint Mary’s
Why gifts of appreciated assets are so valuable.
What is the best asset a person can give to our
Church? From a tax perspective, gifts of securities,
real estate or other assets that have gone up in value
are the hands-down winners. Why? Because donors
receive a double tax benefit: they can deduct the full
fair market value of their appreciated assets — if
owned more than one year — and they save again
by avoiding all capital gains taxes on their “paper
profit.” Also keep in mind that you can give
appreciated securities right now and still keep the
right to income from the assets for as long as you live.
We get the use of the property only after your death.
But you receive an income tax deduction this year for
the value of what you have given to us. And you
minimize capital gains tax on your paper profit. Please
call Pat Palacios at the Parish Office at 847 864-0333.
She will be happy to discuss your gift in greater detail
and connect you to the right resources.