Rev. Artur Sowa, Pastor

The St. Francis of

Assisi Community

is a welcoming

Christian family.

We believe in

Jesus Christ and

are guided by the

Holy Spirit and

the example of

St. Francis.

We gather to

celebrate, to

grow in the

knowledge of

our faith rooted

in the Catholic

tradition, and to

recognize our

responsibility to

reach out to the

world.

December 20, 2020 Fourth Sunday of Advent

MORSELS & TIDBITS FROM OUR PASTOR

Gospel in everyday English God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin en-gaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her: Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you. She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a sur-prise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call him Jesus. The child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God. Because nothing, you see, is impossible with God.” And Mary said, Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say. Then the angel left her (from Luke 1). 4rd Sunday Advent The angel’s parting words were significant: “Nothing is impossible with God.” Possibility is only a consideration when limitations are faced, but because God is without limitation, there is no such thing as impossible in the realm of the divine. To underscore the idea, the angel casually includes a footnote about elderly Elizabeth, barren all these years, anticipating her first-born at last. What could Mary say to that? Precisely what she did say: “I am at God’s service.” She surrendered herself, body and soul, to the work God was choosing to do. Let us all follow her example.

Christmas

Soon and very soon. Christmas is just around the corner, however, this year it will be different in many ways. No matter what your plans are this year, please, allow the spirit of Christmas to enter your heart. Let us renew our faith, hope and joy. Let us look into our future trusting God’s plan. As we prepare for Christmas celebration at St.Francis, I want to share with you our schedule. There are 13 Masses to choose from between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but for safety reasons we will keep our limited num-bers, so it is very important to register ahead of time. At the same time, please keep in mind that we will live stream our Christmas Eve and Christ-mas Day Masses - those will be available on our website and our Youtube channel. Here is our schedule:

Christmas Eve: 2pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 10pm

Christmas Day: 7:30am, 8am, 9am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 11am, 12pm

God Bless,

LITURGY COMMISSION

Pope Francis has decreed a Year of St. Joseph December 8, 2020 to

December 8, 2021. During this year Catholics have the opportunity to obtain

a special plenary indulgence. There are many new ways that Catholics can

receive an indulgence, including entrusting their daily work to the protection

of St. Joseph the Worker or reciting the rosary with their families. These acts

must be accompanied by sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion,

and prayer for the Pope’s intentions (usually one Our Father, One Hail Mary

and One Glory Be, which are the usual conditions to obtain any plenary in-

dulgence. Visit www.sfaorland.org for more information.

EDUCATION AND FORMATION COMMISION

ADVENT IN YOUR HOME

Advent is a time of expec-tation and hope. “Advent” means “arrival” or “coming,” and it prompts us to pause each day in December and remember why Jesus came at Christmas. Any Advent helps us remember why we celebrate Christmas. The word “Advent” is de-rived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”. Most of us know Advent as a time of anticipation and expecta-tion of the birth of Christ. Advent lasts for four Sun-days leading up to Christ-mas. The Advent season invites us to prepare for the ‘three’ comings of Christ:

• The coming of Christ at the end of our earthly life.

• The coming of Christ at the end of the world.

• A remembering of the coming of Christ at Bethle-hem.

The readings speak of these comings: PRE-PARE THE WAY OF THE LORD. BE ON GUARD, YOU DO NOT KNOW THE DAY OR THE HOUR OF THE LORD’S COM-ING. How will you prepare for Advent this year?

EDUCATION & FORMATION COMMISSION

In-Person Religious Ed classes are now Remote. We anticipate our return date for

IN-PERSON classes to be January 19, 2021.

Contact the RE Office if you have questions.

(708) 460-0155

FOURTH WEEK The prayer that follows is to be repeated each day of the fourth week. After the prayer, the father lights all four candles.

Leader: O Lord, stir up Your power, we pray You, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Your Grace, Your merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Friday, December 25

7:30AM John & Mary T. & Mary B. Foley, rq. by Family, De-

ceased member of the Biernat, Wasak & Wrubel Families, rq. by

Family, Edward Calgaro, rq. by Christine Calgaro, James

Guerino, rq. by Christine Calgaro

9:00AM Anthony Zambuto, Jr., rq. by The Zambuto Family, Da-

vid & Gary Catalanello, rq. by Marilyn Catalanello, Michael Sar-

ro, rq. by Elena Sarro, Jane Osmelak (good health), rq. by Par-

ents

10:30AM William & Thomas Mitchell, rq. by Family, Edward &

Virginia Yorke, rq. by Gloria J. Yorke, Dick Sarlo, rq. by Gloria J.

Yorke, Lena DiSalle, rq. by Gloria J. Yorke, Lidia Krajewski, rq.

by Family

11:00AM (Hal) The People of St. Francis

Saturday, December 26

4:00PM Daniel S. O’Rourke, rq. by Sally O’Rourke, Bill

Arzbaecher, rq. by Family, Beverly Belford, rq. by Family, Mari-

an Ward, rq. by Helen Burke, Thomas Dryer rq. by loving Family

6:00PM Adam, Adolfina & Maria Stanek, rq. by George & Eva

Lopuszynski, Dominic & Natalia Lopuszynski, rq. by George &

Eva Lopuszynski

Sunday, December 27

8:00AM The People of St. Francis of Assisi

12:00PM Alice McCormick, rq. by Jan Ota, Arnold & Diane Drzonek (50

th wedding anniversary), rq. by Family

2:00 PM Kevin Benes, rq. by Mom & Dad and Penny Prokop, rq. by Family and Jim Mersereau, rq. by Topolski Family

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many chal-lenges to the Archdiocese of Chicago and our parishes, including offertory funds lost due to the suspension of public liturgies. If you prefer electronic giving, please visit: (https://www.givecentral.org/location/207) to make a one-time or recurring gift to the parish and support the vital ministries and services it provides.

SICK RELATIVES & FRIENDS

Names of sick relatives and friends normally appear in the bulletin for six weeks. After six weeks, the names are written into our parish book of prayers for continued remembrance. At the request of the

family, names will appear in the bulletin for a longer period.

Christine Becker

Brian Christensen

Fred Clavio

Carol Colby

Jolie Dryer

Joan Eckel

Rich Egan

Alex Fisher

Joan Fox

Jo Janakowski

Lorraine Kowalkowski

Cami Letsos

Mary McCarthy

Alyssa Menchaca

Debra Molinari

Virginia O’Farrell

Mary Oleszkiewicz

Theresa Oleszkiewicz

Vince Picciola

Giovanna Picciolini

Dr. David Raminski

Albert Sparks

Florence Sanchez

Rich & Martha Schmitz

Scott Schmitz

Louis Tassone

Bob Winiarski

WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS

Please keep those listed below in your daily prayers

Saturday, December 19

4:00PM Kevin Connolly, rq. by Family, Joe Sankey, rq. by Teri

Sankey, Richard Donovan, rq. by Family, George Buckner, rq.

by Family, Jim Mangan, rq. by Bobbi Mangan

6:00PM Stanley Pytel, rq. by Pytel Family, Lea and Norb Retis,

rq. by Murawski Family

Sunday, December 20

8:00AM The People of St. Francis of Assisi

10:00AM Joan Eckel (Good Health), rq. by John Eckel

12:00PM Joyce March, rq. by Joe March, Veola Clarke, rq. by

Dr Danilo & Milagros Martinez, Gwendolyn Patton, rq. by Ray &

Marian Peregoy

Monday, December 21

8:30AM People of St. Francis

Tuesday, December 22

8:30AM Anna Kubicz, rq. by Family, Bernard “Bernie” McEr-

lean, rq. by Gary & Edita Sarge

Wednesday, December 23

8:30AM Jim Mangan, rq. by Ray & Marian Peregoy, Sue Pere-

goy, rq. by Ray & Marian Peregoy, Michael Smith, rq. by Bob &

Sharon Smith, Rod Erdman, rq. by Elaine & Family, John Zbos,

Sr., rq. by John & Virginia Zbos

Thursday, December 24

2:00PM Joe Sankey, rq. by The Sankey Family

3:30PM Ernie & Barbara Horvath, rq. by Horvath Family, John

Oleskiewicz, rq. by Topolski Family, Larry Kucharski, rq., by

Family, John J. Coners, rq. by Family

4:00PM (Hall) Deceased members of the Zavodny, Shomenta

& McKane Families, rq., by The McKane Family, Scott

Whisson, rq. by Whisson Family, Robert A Carlo, rq. by The

Carlo Family, Victoria Stolarsky, rq., by The Carlo Family, Ag-

nes Oleszkiewicz, rq. by The Carlo Family

5:00PM Scott McBride, rq. by Lusa Family, Edward Lusa, rq.

by Lusa Family, Greg Grankowski, rq. by Lusa Family, Barbara

Radice, rq. by Shaheen Family

10:00PM Barbara Boscarino & Amanda Stanton, rq. by Family,

Jacobucci & Piazza Family, rq. by Zoladz Family, Nancy

Heebner, rq. by Joe & Linda Martarano, Michael Weber, rq. by

Maria Weber

8

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Community 15050 South Wolf Road, Orland Park, Illinois 60467-3028 Website: http://www.sfaorland.org Parish office e-mail: parishoffice@sfaorland.org Parish phone: 708-460-0042

WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday - 4:00 & 6:00 PM; Sunday - 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, also special Liturgies with Eucharist will be held on Sundays at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM in Upton Hall

WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday at 8:30 AM

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL MASSES - CALL 460-0042 OR REGISTER ONLINE

The Parish offices are located in the lower level of the church. En-trance is via the walkway at the west side of the church building. Hours 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday thru Friday. Masks are required in the building. Evenings and weekends are by appointment. The Chapel is located at the northeast corner of the Church. ADMINISTRATION Phone: 460-0042, Fax: 460-0136 Office Manager: Paula Belski (pbelski@sfaorland.org) Director of Facilities & Operations: Jim Hahn (jhahn@...) Parish Accountant: Kathleen Biederman (kbiederman@...) Receptionists: Ann Carroll (acarroll@...), Teri Sankey (tsankey…) Comm. Coordinator: Allison Domenick (adomenick@...) Liturgy Coordinator: Gina Vitucci (gvitucci@...) Facilities Maintenance: Monika Czajczyk, Al Becker MUSIC MINISTRY Phone: 708-460-9831 Director: Leanne Stoterau (music@sfaorland.org) YOUTH MINISTRY Phone: 708-460-0042 Youth Minister: Matt Toohill (sfyg@sfaorland.org)

The Religious Ed Offices are located in the St. Francis Center, up the hill, west of the church. Religious Ed office hours ar Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. The Religious Ed offices are closed on Fridays. Masks are required in the building. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 15010 Wolf Rd., Orland Park, IL 60467 Phone: 708-460-0155; FAX: 708-460-5086 Dir: Mary Kay Burberry, ext. 240 (mkburberry@sfaorland.org) Coordinator: Jackie O’Malley, ext. 242 (jomalley@...) Office Manager: Maureen Krzyminski, ext. 244 (mkrzyminski@...) CARDINAL JOSEPH BERNARDIN (CJB) SCHOOL 9250 W.167th St., Orland Hills, IL 60487 Phone: 708-403-6525 Principal: Kelly Bourrell Web page: www.cjbschool.org

REV. ARTUR SOWA, Pastor

(asowa@sfaorland.org) REV. JAY SUERO, Associate Pastor

(jsuero@sfaorland.org)

REV. EDWARD F. UPTON, Pastor Emeritus (edfupton@aol.com)

SR. GAEL GENSLER, OSF, Pastoral Associate (ggensler@sfaorland.org)

DEACON DANIEL CARROLL, Permanent Deacon (dcarroll@sfaorland.org)

DEACON JOHN DONAHUE, Permanent Deacon (jdonahue@sfaorland.org)

DEACON MICHAEL KILEY, Permanent Deacon (mkiley@sfaorland.org)

DEACON TIM McCORMICK, Permanent Deacon (tmccormick@sfaorland.org)

DEACON MICHAEL PINDELSKI, Permanent Deacon (mpindelski@sfaorland.org)

REV. RICH YOUNG, OSA, Weekend Presider

REGISTRATION Become a registered member of the parish by completing a registration form which is found in Church.

BECOME A CATHOLIC - R.C.I.A. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Anyone interested in becoming a Catholic, please contact the parish office at 708-460-0042

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Baptisms can be arranged by appointment. A baptismal conference will be set up with the parents.

CARDINAL JOSEPH BERNARDIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL Our elementary Catholic regional school is located on the campus of St. Elizabeth Seton parish at 167th & 94th Ave. For registration information, contact the school at 708-403-6525.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Sessions are held on alternating Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 4:30pm- 5:30pm for all grade levels 1-8. Saturday class is from 8:30am-9:30am. Remote classes for all grades 1-8 are available for those who are unable to attend in person. Please call the Religious Education office at (708)460-0155 or email religioused@sfaorland.org to register or to obtain more infor-mation. .

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Communal celebration of the Sacrament will be held during Advent and Lent. Individual confessions are heard on Saturdays at 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Individual Confessions will be heard at 9:00—9:30 AM to allow time for sanitizing the church before Funerals and Weddings.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Weddings need to be scheduled at least 4-6 months in advance upon approval of a priest. Couples are remind-ed to secure the church date before the reception hall. Please check our website for more details.

SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK Those of advanced age or suffering from a chronic or serious illness are invited to be anointed. A priest is available to offer the Sacrament whether the ill person is at home or in the hospital. Please call 708-460-0042.