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Page Two The Baptism of the Lord January 10, 2010

MONDAY, January 11, Weekday 8:30am The Homebound & Hospitalized TUESDAY, January 12, Weekday 8:30am Roman R. Karwat WEDNESDAY, January 13, St. Hilary 8:30am Sarah McGing, Chris Diez (One Year Anniversary) THURSDAY, January 14, Weekday 8:30am Father Gregory Cho FRIDAY, January 15, Weekday 8:30am Dr. Angela Adams, Dennis Kroll (4th Anniv.) SATURDAY, January 16, Weekday 8:30am Merie Ponczoch 5:00pm Deceased Members of Kuzniewicz Family Elisabeth Weck, John & Lillian White, Chris McCoy SUNDAY, January 17, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30am Elmer Mertes, Ernie Grebbs 9:00am Nancy DeFrancisco 10:30am The People of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish 12:00pm Ted & Joseph Zalewski, Wiktoria Ignarski

Baptism of the Lord

The Baptism of the Lord celebrates the human entrance into the divine family. Jesus, God-made-man goes down into the Jordan River to be baptized by John to identify with the sins of humanity. Jesus does not need to be baptized for the forgiveness of his sins. He has none. Rather, by his baptism Jesus sanctifies the wa-ters so that we may be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins.

In the first reading the prophet Isaiah proclaims comfort to his people because God will expiate (wipe away) their sins. A voice cries out in the desert to prepare the way of the Lord. God will come with power to save his people. In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles St. Peter comes to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, and declares that in Christ salvation is open to all people. Those who fear the Lord and act righteously are acceptable to God. In the gospel read-ing John the Baptist declares that he baptizes with water, but one mightier than he is coming who will baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is baptized along with the people. The Spirit descends and a voice from heaven is heard say-ing, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased”. Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Acts 10:34-38 Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Oops! The following names were not in the bulletin for Saturday, January 2, 2010 for the 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mass. These intentions were offered and prayed for at the appropriate mass. 8:30 a.m. — Nilda Rosales & Rosalyn Hennessy 5:00 p.m. — Frank & Mathilde Jobst, Bernice & Eugene Gaskin, Jimmie Cummins & Robert Beilmann We are deeply sorry for this error, please accept our apology.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

December 25, 2009

Christmas $30,654.60

December 27, 2009

Offertory $ 7,346.50 Sharing Ascension/St. Susanna $ 51.46

Thank you for your generosity!

III Joseph Gurgul & Constance Kacheris

Baptism Peyton Carolyn Sudol, child of David Sudol & Jackie (Shear) Sudol

Please remember in your prayers those who have died recently especially,

Norbert F. Mager.

January 10, 2010 The Baptism of the Lord Page Three

Today the Church marks the end of the Christmas season with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. The scrip-tures recount the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation, revealing his love for all people. As we remember the stories of the season we stand in wonder and gratitude for the amazing grace of God. In the gift of the Incarnation God takes on our human nature. Now at his baptism, Christ invites humanity to share in his divine nature.

From the beginning of creation God desired an intimate relationship with humanity. In the beginning Adam and Eve were created in God’s own divine image. Original sin marred that image and separated them from God. But God did not intend to let human weakness ruin his plans. The prophet Ezekiel reminds us that God did not create sin, and did not intend the death of any of his creatures. The unfolding plan of salvation is the continuous revelation of God’s love. His grace is a continuous offer to us to enter into that love.

In God’s own image we are given the power of choice; the gift of free-will. This is the one gift that God will never take away. We are invited to be in relationship with God, to share in his divine life. It is freely offered and we must freely accept. Biblical revelation is the story of human response to God’s grace; sometimes freely accepted, usually freely re-jected.

Because of the repeated rejections of grace, God sends the prophets, performs miracles and gives signs of his presence to continuously manifest his presence and invite us back into a relationship with him. Finally, he chooses to reveal him-self in a way that will make his invisible presence visible so that we can see him clearly. Preface I for Christmas mass tells us that Christ is the new and radiant vision of God’s glory. “In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in the love of the God we cannot see.” The wonder of the Christmas story is God’s way of getting our attention. At Epiphany we hear the promise that God’s love is open to everyone. The star that guided the Magi to the infant Jesus is the light of the Holy Spirit that continues to lead us to Christ.

Today’s first reading from Isaiah recalls the fidelity of God. The people are in exile in Babylon because they had turned away from the Covenant. In the midst of their despair over the destruction of the Temple, and their exile from the Promised Land, Isaiah’s message of hope is hard for them to believe. “Comfort, comfort to my people.” God has expi-ated their guilt and has sent his herald of good tidings. Isaiah is the first herald to the people, proclaiming salvation as an accomplished fact, even in the midst of exile: “Here is your God”, coming with power leading them as a shepherd leads his flock. In a prophecy of future deliverance, he proclaims “a voice crying out in the desert, prepare the way of the Lord! ... The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

This promise is fulfilled in the mission of John the Baptist who proclaims himself a voice crying out in the wilderness. The people will remember the prophecy of Isaiah when John proclaims that the one mightier than he is coming. John’s baptism is for the repentance of sin, but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Jesus allows himself to be baptized so that we can receive the Holy Spirit, and thus become partakers in his divine nature. The forgiveness of sins is essential for salvation. But far more amazing is the gift of the restoration of our relationship with God and our reunion with him. The Baptism of the Lord invites us into this divine relationship. How we live our daily lives is our response to that grace.

At the 10:30 mass this morning we will celebrate the Rite of Enrollment for First Communion families as the children prepare to come to the Table of the Lord for the first time. First Communion will be celebrated on May 3rd. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers.

Our second collection today will be to help the Church in Latin America. Thank you for your generous support. The Parish Pastoral Council is hosting our monthly Coffee and Donuts in the vestibule today after all masses. Please stop by for some hospitality and fellowship.

Today’s feast reminds us that Christ came to save all people. In baptism we are made sons and daughters of God; and therefore all people are our brothers and sisters. As we remember Martin Luther King’s dream to end racial injustice, the Church calls us to work for peaceful reconciliation and end to all that divides us. The school will celebrate a special prayer service in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. this Friday, January 15th, at 2 p.m. All are welcome.

Have a great week. Sincerely, Fr. Neil

Page Four The Baptism of the Lord January 10, 2010

Campbell’s UPCs & General Mills Box Tops for Education

One easy, cost-free way to help your parish school is by saving various proofs of purchase. For your convenience, a collection box can be found in the vestibule of the church.

Here are a few reminders: Campbell’s labels are no longer ac-cepted. What is now required are just the UPC codes from the labels. Pepperidge Farm and V-8 products are also part of the Campbell’s family. Points collected from Campbell’s UPCs can earn a variety of educational items for our school. How-ever, it takes many points to earn most items. The General Mills Box Tops can be found not only on cereal boxes, but on a vari-ety of other products, Betty Crocker, Chex Mix, Hamburger Helper, Cottonelle and much more! The school receives 10 cents for each proof of purchase.

Like most spirituals, “Wade in the Water” exists in many differ-ent versions, with some differences in text and melody as it was passed along orally from one community to another. The hymn as it appears in our hymnal (#812) is close to the commonly

accepted “traditional” version. The verses we will be using today, however, were written in 1993 by M. D. Ridge, a composer and church musician in Norfolk, VA. Ridge based her

Religious Education Family Night

Religious Education families be sure to mark your calendar for Religious Education Family Night, Friday, January 29th 7:00 – 9:00pm in Kernaghan Hall. Join us for pizza, pop, and dessert. There will games for all ages, e.g. bean bag toss, Bozo buckets, musical chairs, putting green, and Twister. Beginning next weekend, January 16 & 17, a “split the pot” raffle will be avail-able in the vestibule after mass to provide the parish community an opportunity to support Religious Education and this event - $5 per ticket. Beat the winter doldrums by taking part in Reli-gious Education Family Night! Our next Religious Education classes are January 23rd and February 6th.

CARE FOR THE SICK

There are times that the parish is unaware that one of its mem-bers may be ill at home, in the hospital or in a nursing home. If this applies to anyone in your family, neighborhood, or circle of friends, and you would like them prayed for or to receive com-munion, please call the rectory.

MARKET DAY

Thank you to everyone who helped support our school by or-dering from Market Day in 2009.

Internet orders are due by 11:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 13, 2010. Order online @ marketday.com. Pick up your order in the St. Robert Bellarmine School Hall Saturday, January 16 between 12:30-1:30 p.m.

CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUPS

Charismatic Prayer Groups are faith communities con-sisting of individuals who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, who strongly desire to keep the experience of Pentecost alive through the exercise of their charis-

matic gifts, and who earnestly desire to become strong disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Catholic Charismatic Prayer groups affiliated with the CCRCC are under the spiritual direction of the bishop in their diocese, and in full accord with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

The leadership and format style for individual groups varies according to the needs of each particular group. The format usually includes: a significant time for praise and worship, the presence of charismatic gifts (tongues, prophecy, healing prayer), spiritual teachings, witnessing to the favors of the Lord, and intercessory prayer.

There are approximately 100 Catholic Charismatic Prayer Groups of various ethnic backgrounds located throughout the Chicagoland area. For information about a group near you, call the CCRCC office at 708-209-1199.

RECTORY BUSINESS Mass Intention Offerings….please note that if you would like to submit a Mass intention and would like the intention to appear in the bulletin, it needs to be submitted to the Rectory ten (10) days before the bulletin in which it will appear. This is due to our deadline with the printing company. Ideally, you should request your intention in person at the rectory or by phone dur-ing business hours. Monday thru Friday—8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Saturday—8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and Sunday—8 a.m.-12 Noon.

Bulletin Articles...The article needs to be submitted ten (10) days before the date of the bulletin the article is to appear. Please bring your article to the rectory or e-mail srbbulletinedi-tor@hotmail.com.

Census Information...if your mailing information changes, or your household members change, please call the Rectory with those changes. Marking your envelopes with the changes does not help us know your situation and gives us incomplete data. So please call during our business hours.

Envelopes...if you do not receive envelopes or any other mail-ing from us, you are not a registered parishioner. If you would like to be, come register during our business hours.

MUSIC NOTES

version on the story of John the Baptist, and his baptism of Je-sus at the Jordan River. (See Luke 3:2-22, and Matthew 3:1-17.) The refrain is meant to be performed as an ostinato, that is, continuously repeated by the entire assembly, as the cantor sings the verses over it. This music has a strong rhythmic com-ponent, so feel free to move, sway, dance or clap your hands as you sing it.

January 10, 2010 The Baptism of the Lord Page Five

The Women’s Center News

January 22nd marks the 37th anniversary of the legalization of abortion which has resulted in the death of nearly 52 million innocent, unborn babies in this country, one every 30 seconds. Legalization of abortion was promoted as supposedly a rare procedure. We can only estimate how many women have undergone tremendous suffering because of their abortions. The Women’s Center is a pregnancy resource center which has saved approximately 33,000 babies and their mothers from the pain of abortion in their 25 years of service. They offer them a choice other than abortion and provide counseling, material assistance, friendship and prayer support.

Volunteers are needed Monday through Saturday to organize and sort clothing donations, to answer calls in our counseling offices. For more information call 773-794-1313.

Mark your calendars. The Women’s Centers’ 25th Annual Life Banquet will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at The White Eagle in Niles. Since it is their Silver Anniversary, it will be a very special event. Featured are Conrad Wojnar, Joe Scheidler, Susan Conroy and Sheila Liaugminas. If you have an item, gift certificate or service to donate for our silent auction, it would be most ap-preciated. For tickets or to donate phone 773-794-1313.

If you shop at Dominick’s Food Stores and register your Fresh Values card with The Women's Center, they earn a percentage of what you spend. You can shop any day and at any time of day. Call the Women’s Center at 773-794-1313 to register your card.

Take Another Look...

Make a first contact by calling Catholics Come Home Chicago (312) 534-5100

If you left the Church Or felt the Church left you Or you just slipped away Or have questions and just don’t understand Or say that you’re Catholic but rarely go to church and don’t feel connected Or you want to find God and to follow Jesus and you know that you can’t do it on your own Take Another Look…

Take a look at our Website www.CatholicsComeHomeCHICAGO.org An initiative of the Archdiocese of Chicago Office for Evangelization 212-534-5299

The Archdiocese of Chicago partnered with the Dioceses of Joliet and Rockford on an evangelization initiative called Catholics Come Home. This effort uses TV commercials that started to air December 16 running through January 24, 2010 on 10 major networks in English, Spanish, and Polish. We encourage our parishion-ers to pray for those who have left the Church and invite them to join us at St. Robert Bellarmine Church. Parishioners can pick up a brochure by stopping by a table located in our church vestibule to be used as an in-vitation for those who have drifted from the practice of the faith. We lovingly invite all those who drifted away to come home, to find healing, answers and support.

MASS SCHEDULE – JANUARY 16 & 17

MASS LECTORS AUXILIARY MINISTERS

5:00pm

Bill Frere

Lee Puttrich, Ed Stecker, George Ignarski, Pat Fergus Kathy Fergus, Joan Pandocchi, Donna Porretta

7:30am

Bea Meyering

Mary Ann Furphy, Noreen Hester, Margaret Callaghan

9:00am

Alan Schmitt

Jim Mancuso, Dolores Mancuso, Joanna Markfull

10:30am

Pat Zyburt

Jane Hearrin, Sheelagh Spooner, Janet Jakobsze

12:00pm Marilyn Skowron

Paul Eifert, Trina Eifert, Kathy Ernst, Deborah Lester Dory Ahearn, Pat Gross, Jean Gross

SERVERS

Tyler Smith, Jenna Carlson Robert Van Houghton

Michael Shaver, Steven Shaver Kevin Cummens

Joseph Loch, Michael Medina Maggie Loch

Erin Radcliffe, Jason Persangi Heather Vazquez

Katarina Brooks, Ashley Jegen Brendan Cleary

Page Six The Baptism of the Lord January 10, 2010

Remember to Pray… for the protection & safety of all our family and friends serving in the Armed Forces.

Edward Bell (Army) Staff Sergeant Timothy R. Hogan (Marines) Captain Patrick J. Collins (Army) Raymond Weernink (Navy) 2nd Lieutenant Christopher Engelhardt (Air Force) Captain Kevin P. O’Grady (Air Force) Captain Dan Allen (Army) Brigadier General Tau’aika ‘Uta ‘atu (Tongan Defense) Sergeant Joseph Konieczny (Army) Mike Janson (Navy) Lance Corporal Kurt Williams (Marines) Specialist Sean Cheker (Army) Bernard Brennan, (Marines) Lance Corporal Michael Zuba (Marines) First Lieutenant Brian G. Lutz (Army) Private James A. Gaudio (Army) CM Sergeant Bruce Heinzen (Air Force) CPL Jason R. Reyna (Marines) Sergeant Scott Pekar (Marines) CM Sergeant Diane Foote (Air Force) Private Colleen McDonald (Army) Micha Barcus (Coastguard) 1st Lieutenant Albert Eiffes (Air Force) Private 2 Michael Rosenthal (Army) EM3 Abraham Ubi (Navy) 1st Lieutenant Lauren Eiffes (Air Force) Ewa Dabrowski (Navy) Martin Durcan (Navy)

Monday, January 11 Children’s Choir, 3-4 p.m. (C) Sports Board Mtg., 7 p.m. (S)

Tuesday, January 12 Bible Study, 7:30-9 p.m. (KH)

Novena, 7 p.m. (C) Wednesday, January 13

SPRED, 6-10 p.m. (KH) Contemporary Ensemble, 7 p.m. (C)

Thursday, January 14 Science Fair Judging, 2:45 (S) Girl Scouts, 2:45-8 P.M. (KH) 8th Grade All Star Game (G)

Choir, 7-9 p.m. (C) Friday, January 15 MLK Prayer Service

Religious Education Family Night, 7-9 p.m. (KH) Saturday, January 16

Market Day, 12:30-1:30 (S)

Readings for the Week

Monday: 1 Sam 1:1-8; Mark 1:14-20 Tuesday: 1 Sam 1:9-20; Mark 1:21-28 Wednesday: 1 Sam 3:1-10; 19-20; Mark 1:29-39 Thursday: 1 Sam 4:1-11; Mark 1:40-45 Friday: 1 Sam 8:4-7; 10-22a; Mark 2:1-12 Saturday: 1 Sam 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a; Mark 2:13-17 Sunday: Is 62:1-5; Ps 96; 1 Cor 12:4-11; John 2:1-11

Weekly Schedule

0580 $500 Geraldine Kaehler 1218 $200 Virginia Underwood 1833 $100 Theresa C. Hunt 0317 $100 Ms. Lorraine Bujewski 0731 $ 50 Michael G. Underwood 0170 $ 50 Jennifer Buske 0352 $ 30 Peter Schmit 0342 $ 30 Loretta Baier 1265 $ 30 Yolanda & Robert Simonsis 1266 $ 30 Yolanda & Robert Simonsis 0747 $ 30 Maureen Fiore 0347 $ 30 Mr. Stephen Czech 0003 $ 30 Diane Doherty 1194 $ 30 Elizabeth Tynan 0893 $ 30 Betty Kroll 0936 $ 30 Nancy Hesling 1789 $ 30 Pat Gibula 2515 $ 30 Kenneth R. Tatela 1869 $ 30 Kelly Bowler 0909 $ 30 Rosemary Scherer 1104 $ 30 Bogusz

Rev. Neil E. Fackler, Pastor Rev. Frank Burek, Associate Pastor

Rev. Scott Donahue, Resident Rev. Michael A. Goergen, Pastor Emeritus

James Schiltz, Deacon Mrs. Carrie Mijal, School Principal

Alan Schmitt, Coordinator of Religious Education

Jean Tuohy, Music Director

PARISH OFFICE AND RECTORY 4646 North Austin Avenue

Chicago, Illinois 60630 Tel. 773/777-2666 Fax 773/777-2770

Website: www.srb-chicago.org Virginia Underwood, Secretary

RECTORY OFFICE HOURS

M-F - 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sat. - 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sun. - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE Alan Schmitt, Coordinator

Joyce Schoenecker, Admin. Asst. 6036 West Eastwood Avenue

Tel. 773/286-0956

ST. ROBERT BELLARMINE SCHOOL Mrs. Carrie Mijal, Principal

6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel. 773/725-5133

OFFICE OF MUSIC DIRECTOR

Jean Tuohy 6036 West Eastwood Avenue

Tel. 773/286-0956

BULLETIN Beverly O’Connor, Editor 773/777-2666 BULLETIN DEADLINE Saturday by 12 Noon in the rectory for the following Sunday (8 days in advance). PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT DEADLINE Friday by 6:00 p.m. in the rectory.

MASS SCHEDULE Weekdays - Monday through Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Weekends - Saturday Evening at 5:00 p.m. Sundays at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon Holy Days - 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

WEDDINGS Arrangements should be made with a priest or deacon at least six months in advance. Please contact the rectory for date and time availability before making other arrangements.

BAPTISMS Celebrated the second and fourth Sundays of each month at 1:15 p.m. Parents need to contact the rectory to register for a baptism. Please note: there are no baptisms scheduled during the season of Lent. Preparation Class is on the last Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the rectory. CONFESSIONS/RECONCILIATION Saturday afternoons from 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. or by appointment. ANOINTING OF THE SICK First Saturday of the month after the 8:30 a.m. mass. NEW PARISHIONERS Welcome to Saint Robert’s! Please register at the parish rectory office. NOVENA Mother of Perpetual Help Novena is offered on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the church. RECITATION OF THE ROSARY Monday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m.