Church of the Holy Ghost The Epiphany of the Lord readings: 1110 January 5, 2020

A Catholic Faith Community 254 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale, Illinois 60191 www.holyghostparish.org

Upcoming Parish Events

January 5 PADS Sign Up/Birthday Anniversary Weekend

January 6 Mom’s Ministry 7PM Koinonia Room

January 7 Outer Strength Inner Peace

11 AM Emmaus Room

January 9 Rosary 7PM Church

Mass Schedule

Monday through Thursday Mass 8:30 AM

Friday Mass or Communion Service 8:30 AM

Saturday 5 PM Sunday 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM

*Holy Days of Obligation 8:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 7:00 PM

*Except for Christmas, New Year and Easter

Welcome to Holy Ghost Parish

Holy Ghost Directory

Parish

Parish Office……….630.860.2975

Parish Fax…………..630.860.9482

Parish website…...www.holyghostparish.org

My Parish App: For Tablet and Smart phone download at myParishApp.com

Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Rev. John Hornicak, Pastor frjohn@holyghostparish.org Dino J. Franch, Deacon (retired) dinoraffy@aol.com Robbie Lasica, Deacon aquinas.trinity@gmail.com Theresa Bero, Business Manager tbero@holyghostparish.org Carolyn Niehoff, Music Director carolyn@holyghostparish.org

Faith Formation

Faith Formation Office………...630.766.1045

Kathy Grant, Director of Faith Formation kgrant@holyghostparish.org

Susan Tutaj, Coordinator of Discipleship stutaj@holyghostparish.org

Parish Mission Statement

We, the members of Holy Ghost Parish, are one body of Roman Catholic

people with diverse gifts and blessings, who share responsibility for the

transformation of ourselves and our world according to the teachings and

example of Jesus Christ.

Fed by the Holy Spirit, we nurture our faith through private prayer, liturgy

and sacraments, through life-long learning and teaching of Gospel values,

and through love and support of each other.

Empowered by the same Spirit, we live our faith in action through the

ministries of service, social justice, evangelization and witness, because all

are called to one and the same goal: unity with God, now and forever.

Amen.

Sacramental Information

Baptism takes place on some Sundays at 12:30 p.m.

Before scheduling your child’s Baptism, you must

attend a preparation class. Call the parish office to

make arrangements.

First Eucharist is celebrated each Spring and is

available to youth who have completed the required

preparation.

Confirmation is celebrated each year and is

available to youth who have completed the required

preparation.

Reconciliation is available Saturdays at 4:00 PM or

by appointment. During the seasons of Advent and

Lent Saturday Reconciliation will begin at 3:00 PM.

A day of Reconciliation is scheduled during Advent

and Lent at the Deanery Church in Elmhurst.

Marriage Diocesan policy requires 6 months

preparation time. Contact the parish office.

RCIA is a process for fully initiating adults into the

Catholic faith. It is for those who have not been

baptized or those who were baptized and/or raised in

another Christian denomination and are now

interested in becoming Catholic. This process is also

for Baptized Catholics who never completed their

initiation through the sacraments of Eucharist and/or

Confirmation. If interested, please contact the Faith

Formation office at 630-766-1045.

Eucharist for the Homebound If you or a

member of your family cannot attend Mass because

of illness or disability, a Minister of Care will bring

Communion to you. Please call the parish office at

630-860-2975 to make arrangements.

*Bulletin deadlines changed due to the holidays.

Please help the bulletin editor meet the deadlines by submitting

your bulletin articles at least two weeks before your event.

Last minute articles may not be able to be accommodated.

Please note the new email address:

hgbulletin@holyghostparish.org

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“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19

Please note: Announcement requests must be

submitted to the parish office by the end of business

the Tuesday prior to the preferred weekend.

All announcements must be approved by the pastor.

Readings and Resources

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Come Pray the Rosary

Weekdays 9:00 AM & Thursdays 7:00 PM

Adoration: Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

OBSERVANCES FOR THIS WEEK

Monday: St. André Bessette, Religious

Tuesday: St. Raymond of Penyafort, Priest

First Reading: Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. (Isaiah 60:1) Psalm: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. (Psalm 72) Second Reading: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Ephesians 3:6) Gospel: They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11b)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: 1 Jn 3:22—4:6/Ps 2:7-8, 10-12a /Mt 4:12-17, 23-25

Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10/Ps 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8/Mk 6:34-44

Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18/Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13/Mk 6:45-52

Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19-5:4/Ps 72:1-2, 14 and 15bc, 17/ Lk 4:14-22a

Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13/Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20/Lk 5:12-16

Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21/Ps 149:1-6a and 9b/ Jn 3:22-30

Sunday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7/Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10/Acts 10:34-38/ Mt 3:13-17

Please note: Weekday intentions may be

rescheduled due to changes or cancellations.

Monday, January 6 8:30 a.m.

Abel Branly and

Sheldon (Steve) Schachter

Tuesday, January 7 8:30 a.m.

Lee Rudy

Wednesday, January 8 8:30 a.m.

Joseph Ferrari

Thursday, January 9 8:30a.m.

Elvira Pesce

Friday, January 10 8:30a.m.

Communion Service

Mass Intention Information

$10 stipend per Mass Intention.

Mass Intention requests, in compliance with the

Decree on Mass Stipends, began on January 1,

2016: There will be one intention for a Mass.

Mass will be offered for all Parishioners in the Parish

on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Holy Thursday,

Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday, and Holy Days of

Obligation. No other intentions will be taken

for the Masses on these days.

Saturday, January 4

5:00 p.m.

Chase Lucente

Sunday, January 5

8:30 a.m.

Ramona Fernandez Flores

10:30 a.m.

For the Parishioners of Holy Ghost, living and deceased

James O’Malley

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The story of the Wise Men bringing gifts to Jesus, the newborn King, is a great one, isn’t it? They had a great big star in the sky to lead the way. I am no Boy Scout, so I am not sure how well I would do following a star like that. But the important point here is that God led them to the manger. The manger was a place that unless God specifically showed you this was where the Christ Child was born you wouldn’t have believed it. You would have passed on by.

In our lives, there are no big stars in the sky leading us where we need to go. It isn’t so easy sometimes discerning where God is leading us. We may seek to use our gifts wisely, but in what manner and to what end is not always clear.

This is where prayer can make a huge difference. If we seek to cultivate a prayer life where we are mindful of the presence of God throughout our day, then the call is easier to discern. We can help the process by intentionally offering to God in the morning the entirety of the day to come: all our actions, all our time, and all our decisions. In the evening, we can examine the past hours of the day and reflect on when we responded well to Christ’s call and when we fell short. Then we resolve to begin again tomorrow, inviting Christ to be with us every step of the way. God may not offer a star in the sky to lead us, but if we invite us on our journey each day, the path will be much clearer.

Our Sanctuary Lamp

Our sanctuary lamp is a 7-day candle that is always lit above the tabernacle. If you would like to contribute $20 to the cost of the weekly candle we will print a “Thank You” in the bulletin. You are also welcome to make the donation in memory of a loved one or loved ones. The Sanctuary Lamp envelopes are available in the narthex. Please include a note that states how you would like your name and/or the names for memorials printed. Names will be printed in the bulletin in the order in which they are received, either in the collection or at the office.

From Katie Golowacz

In Memory of Roy S. Rohter

Financial Giving to Holy Ghost

Food for the Banquet

$50 is needed each weekend for hosts and wine. If you would like to help cover the costs, drop your donation with your choice of date into the collection basket. The Food for the Banquet envelopes are available in the narthex.

From The Mendez Walker and

the Mendez Simchock Families

In Memory of

David Ignacio Mendez

The following dates are open for donations:

January 25/26

All of February

All of March

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Be Kind and Merciful

through the 2020 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal

All parishioners will receive a mailing from the Diocese of Joliet this month

about the 2020 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal (CMAA). Our annual appeal is

vitally important to not only the diocese, but also to our parish as well. The CMAA supports 30 ministries

that benefit every parish and allow us all to Be Kind and Merciful to the most vulnerable in our community.

Our parish’s goal for the 2020 CMAA is $57,500, and 70 percent of any amount we raise over our goal will be

returned to us. This is a great opportunity for our parish! Please review the materials and then prayerfully

reflect on your gift to this year’s annual appeal.

If you do not receive a mailing from the diocese about the CMAA, please contact the parish office.

A Prayer For Our Church

Heavenly Father, in every age, you have been our refuge. Yet again and still, we stand before you asking for your protection on your Holy Church. We place our Church in your hands, for without you we can do nothing. May Jesus, our High Priest and true compass, continue to lead her in every thought and action to be an instrument of justice, a source of consolation, a sacrament of unity, and a manifestation of your faithful covenant. For the victims of abuse and their families, pour out your healing and your peace. For the leaders of your Church, pour out your Spirit to guide them and inspire their decisions. For those who have followed your call to serve you and your people in holiness, sustain them by your grace. For all the faithful who are searching for answers, embrace them with your love, restore their trust, console them with your clear Gospel message, and renew them with your sacraments. We ask this in the name of your Son and our Brother, and through the Holy Spirit, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever. Amen.

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Vocations Prayer

AIR FORCE:

LT COL Anthony Calabrese

LT COL Patty Calabrese

MAJ Mary Dones

1st LT Joseph Piscopo

2nd LT Joshua Jalowiec

SSGT Robert W. Dones

SSGT Timothy Latvis

ARMY:

COL Jeffrey K. Klotz

LTC Robert Bowen

LTC Grace Gallagher

CWO4 Anderson Mann

PVT Steven Badgley

PVT Ian Schauchuk

COAST GUARD:

CPO Dale Janetka

MARINE CORPS:

CAPT Edward W. Miller

LCPL David Lozeau

PVT Cameron Andresen

PVT Charlie Golowacz

PVT John Rowley

PVT Billy Termine

Peter Bush

NAVY:

CAPT Thomas Zwolfer

LT Nicholas Lucania

ENS Matthew Starsiak

Ryan James Ruizol

Pray for Our Military

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for

the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.

'

Father in heaven, you sent us your only Son to redeem us and to build your kingdom on earth. Please give us the wisdom and strength we need to follow His call. Grant to the faithful a spirit of generosity, that church vocations may flourish. Bless our priests with holiness and courage, that they may lead your people to Christ. Help all sisters and brothers to fulfill their sacred promises and so be effective signs of your kingdom. Lord, invite more men and women to your service. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

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EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP - RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS Penances and Prayers

God’s glory, now, is kindled gentler than candlelight under the rafters of a barn: Eternal Peace is sleeping in the hay, And Wisdom’s born in secret in a straw-roofed stable.* When I was younger, I wrote music to and recorded Thomas Merton’s poem, “Epiphany Carol.” If you have never read it, search it out on the internet. Merton’s words are profound and paint a picture of the awesomeness of Jesus, the newborn King of Kings, lying in a simple straw bed. The shepherds and Wise Men are drawn to pay homage to the One who has been born above all others and brings with him hope for a broken world. As Merton correctly points out, the gifts we are called to bring to this baby and lay at his feet are our prayers and penances, next to those gifts of worldly wealth.

What is it that you have to bring to the stable on this feast of the Epiphany of the Lord? Unless those prayers and penances lead to a new way of living, our gifts will be void of meaning. What we lay before him speaks to the change in us that he has given to us by his birth. Our daily stewardship is resembled in those gifts. If we are to truly echo the kingdom of God in our lives and actions, what we ultimately offer to him is no less than our entire selves. This baby will give his entire self for us, and his work must continue through our hands and feet. While we unnumbered children of the wicked centuries Come after with our penances and prayers, And lay them down in the sweet-smelling hay Beside the wise men’s golden jars.*

*Excerpts from “Epiphany Carol” by Thomas Merton — Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS ©LPi

DISCIPLES MAKING DISCIPLES

Blessings,

Susan Tutaj

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WHY DO WE DO THAT? - CATHOLIC LIFE EXPLAINED

Question: Magi, Three Kings, Three Wise Men…who were they?

Answer: We sing songs, give gifts, and move three mysterious men into our manger scenes. There’s a rich heritage in the Catholic Church of celebrating the magi, but their origins are steeped in mystery. The original Greek calls these men magoi. The word is translated elsewhere in Scripture to mean “magician,” but a similar word was used in ancient history to describe an entirely different set of people altogether. In what is now modern-day Iran, the ruling empire had a wealthy priestly caste known as the Magi.

At the time of Christ, the Magi formed one of the ruling councils of the Parthian Empire. These priests interpreted dreams and read the stars to anticipate major events that could affect the fortunes of the empire.

We’re not exactly sure where the magi of the Gospels traveled from. Matthew simply says “the east.” History tells us that the ancient regions of Persia, Assyria, and Babylon all had a magi priesthood at the time of Christ. Whichever region they hailed from, they likely traveled over one thousand miles over the course of several months to arrive at the Holy Family. Unfortunately for the classic song, there is no concrete evidence these men were themselves kings, though they did bear gifts “from afar” at the prompting of their astronomical calculations.

Epiphany

Question: Besides the Wise Men, what is significant about the Epiphany?

Answer: Epiphany means “manifestation,” or public display. The feast is usually celebrated January 6. In the US, it is celebrated on the Sunday nearest to January 6. It originates from a story unique to Matthew (2:1-12). Magi from the East come to offer homage to the newborn King, presenting him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

This part of Matthew’s infancy narrative differs from Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. In Luke there are no Magi, star, nor gifts. Luke has Jesus being born in a stable after Mary and Joseph’s long travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Matthew seems to have the family living in a house in Bethlehem, where the Magi find them.

Why these differences? They stem from the needs and concerns of the audience the authors were addressing, as well as the theological stance of each author. Knowing the original intention helps get at the correct interpretation of the text.

Since Matthew was writing primarily to a Jewish community, his concern was to show that Jesus did not come just for Jews, but for Gentiles as well. From his very birth, Jesus not only manifests himself to Jews, but also to Gentiles, who are prominently included in the manifestation, symbolized by the Magi and their journey. This is the most significant aspect of the feast of Epiphany. How do you manifest Jesus to all with whom you come into contact? ©LPi

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GOSPEL MEDITATION:

The Epiphany of the Lord

We may walk many roads when we search for God, and He leads us all the while. The men we honor today were not Jews. The Messiah wasn’t coming for them, not in the minds of Jesus’ contemporaries. These men were astrologers. They were adept at reading portents in the sky, a practice condemned in the Mosaic covenant. Still, to the best of their knowledge and awareness, they were seeking the truth. This truth led them to journey from their own homeland to honor a king they’d never met, one they couldn’t be sure truly existed. “‘We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’” Who do you know seeks God so tenaciously?

“Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,” the Gospel tells us. Who are the seekers in your own life? Maybe it’s your cautiously curious co-worker, the neighbor who unexpectedly found peace on a yoga retreat, or your desperately angry child who has chosen, for now, to go their own way. Perhaps they’re not overtly headed for Jesus now, not yet. But they may well be seekers of truth in ways we didn’t expect. Our invitation is to listen, inquire, and give directions when appropriate.

The magi and modern-day seekers can inspire us as well. When is the last time you sought God’s truth so tenaciously? As believers, it can perhaps be easy to become desensitized to the Christmas season and to the miraculous reality we recently celebrated. Mass may have been lovely, but so was the succulent roast beef, the crisp smell of evergreen, and the warm glow of family. Consider asking yourself, “God, do I know you as well as I should? Would I journey as far as the magi to meet You, if I could? Do I journey to meet You daily in prayer? What do those answer say about me, and about our relationship?” Perhaps we, like the magi, can once again be “overjoyed” at seeing the Light of the World. ©LPi

LIVE THE LITURGY:

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when everything came together and became abundantly clear? You may have been confused about something, in the dark, at a point of doubt, or unclear as to how to act. You may have questioned someone’s motivation and found yourself coming to the wrong conclusion. Then out of nowhere, the insight came and reality dawned. You experienced an epiphany of sorts!

Today, we celebrate Christ’s manifestation to all of the nations of the world. Has it dawned on you yet that Jesus Christ is the answer humanity has been seeking? Jesus is truly the beginning and end of all things and the key to understanding God’s presence in every human heart. Once this real Epiphany dawns on us, we can never see God, ourselves, or one another in any other way. The Divine Light illumines everything and connects the dots. ©LPi

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Knights of Columbus

Council of Catholic Women

January Pro Life Events: ** Saturday, Jan. 11, 1:00 pm - March for Life Chicago

This year the March for Life Chicago has grown into a full day of pro- life events. - Convention, 8 am - 12:30 pm and 3 - 5:30 pm, Congress Plaza Hotel, 1st Floor - Youth Rally, 8 am - 12:00 pm, Congress Plaza Hotel, Great Hall. Pre-registration required. - Rally & March, 1 - 3 pm, Begins at Daley Plaza. - Catholic Mass, 4 - 5 pm, Congress Plaza Hotel, Great Hall - Cocktail Hour, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Congress Plaza Hotel, 2nd Floor - Banquet, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Congress Plaza Hotel, Gold Room - Swing Dancing, 8:30 - 11 pm, Congress Plaza Hotel, Great Hall, beginning with swing dancing lessons! Unite with thousands of your fellow pro-life friends in the Midwest's largest gathering for Life! ** TAKE A BUS! Buses are leaving from Elmhurst: Immaculate Conception Parish. Contact Tess Hill: 630-732-1129 t.hill@lwreedy.com. ** Saturday, Jan. 18, 5:00 pm - Memorial Mass and Prayer Service for the Unborn at St. Theresa in Palatine (455 N. Benton). There will be a special pro-life homily during the mass. Immediately following the mass, the lights will be dimmed and 108 candles will be carried lovingly to the altar. Each candle is a personal memorial for one specific child who lost his or her life to abortion that day in Illinois. If you would like to volunteer to be the bearer of a candle, please contact Maria NWFL526@gmail.com. The service will close with prayer and 108 seconds of silence to symbolize the 108 voices silenced that day in Illinois alone. Please join us and invite your friends. ** Jan. 16 - 20, March for Life DC Pilgrimage sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago. March for Life DC is on Friday, Jan. 18.

Co-founders NorthWest Families for Life – “Giving women a real choice and babies a real chance.”

Our mission is to call to action pro-life individuals for prayer and peaceful vigils to end abortion. www.NorthWestFamiliesForLife.weebly.com

Find us on Facebook and Instagram VIGIL OPPORTUNITIES Advantage Healthcare

203 E. Irving Park Road, Wood Dale

Tuesdays, 6:30 am – 11:00 am

Fridays, 6:30 am – 11:00 am

Saturdays 6:30 am – Noon

All Knights of Columbus

are invited to an evening of fellowship

on Thursday, January 23,

from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.,

in the Koinonia room.

Pizza will be provided.

There may be a raffle or two.

Come and spend a fun evening

with Deacon Robbie and your

Brother Knights.

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This day is for divorced persons who already have an Annulment case in progress

with the Diocesan Tribunal and are working to complete

their long questionnaire and need additional support.

The $25.00 fee includes

morning coffee, lunch, and materials. Pre-registration is required

by January 20, 2020. To register please call: the Office of Family Ministry 815-838-5334 or register online:

https://conta.cc/2DSt3PV

In honor of National Week of Christian Unity,

all parishioners of the Eastern DuPage

Deanery are welcome to join our Greek

Orthodox neighbors as Father Andrew

Georganas, Pastor of St. Demetrios in

Elmhurst, gives us a tour of his church and

leads a discussion on the differences and

similarities between the Greek Orthodox Faith

and Catholicism.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

7-8:30pm

The Greek Orthodox Church

of St. Demetrios

893 N. Church Road in Elmhurst

Fr. Andrew was born in Arlington Heights. In 1994 he

graduated from Hellenic College and in 1997 he

graduated from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of

Theology - both institutions in Brookline, MA. In 1997

he obtained the position of Youth Director at the

SS. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, IL.

In 1999, he become the Director of Youth & Young Adult

Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago.

On November 25, 2000 Fr. Andrew married his love and

soul-mate, Dimitra Nassis. On May 21, 2001 he was

ordained to the Holy Diaconate at the SS. Constantine

& Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Palos Hills, IL.

In September of 2001, Fr. Andrew began to serve

on a part-time basis The Greek Orthodox Church of

St. Demetrios in Elmhurst, IL. On June 9, 2002

Fr. Andrew was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at

St. Demetrios and has served the parish on a full-time

basis ever since. Fr. Andrew and Presbytera Dimitra,

together with their 5 children, reside in Willowbrook, IL.

Fr. Andrew is grateful to Almighty God for the opportunity

of serving as a priest and ministering to the faithful of St.

Demetrios - unworthy though he may be.

He realizes that it is only by God's grace, that his ministry

can be fulfilled.

Servers for January 12

Sunday 8:30 am Sunday 10:30 am

Ryan Michaelson

Tyler Piotrowski

Giuliana Onesti

Lauren Leider

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*****Attention All Scouts - Female & Male*****

The Joliet Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting invites you to our Annual Day of Recollection retreat on Saturday, February 29, 2020, from 9am to 1pm.

The theme is Leap of Faith. The event will be held at

The National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese, 8501 Bailey Road in Darien.

The event is open to all registered American Heritage Girls, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Camp Fire Youth, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Scouts BSA,

and Venturers. All ages invited! Activities will be age-appropriate.

More information is available at www.dioceseofjoliet.org/scouting Click on the ‘Day Of Recollection’ announcement banner on the front page.

While there, check out the Early Bird Registration Discount!

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