St. Linus Parish

Cardinal Blase Cupich Archbishop of Chicago

Most Reverend Andrew Peter Wypych Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago

Church: 10300 S. Lawler, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 422-2400 Parish Website: www.stlinusoaklawn.org School: 10400 S. Lawler 425-1656 www.stlinusschool.org Office of Religious Education: 10300 S. Lawler 636-4373 www.stlinusoaklawn.org/ReligiousEducation Parish Fax: 708-422-2707 OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Thursday, 9-7:30 Friday 9-6 Saturday 9-5 Sunday, 9-2 PARISH STAFF: PASTOR: Rev. Mark Walter ASSOCIATE PASTORS: Rev. Joseph Cook Rev. Gene Smith (Mercy Circle) PASTOR EMERITUS: Rev. Joseph Auer PERMANENT DEACON: Robert Cislo SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: Margaret Hayes D.R.E.: Cheryl Antos, D. Min. MUSIC DIRECTOR: Peg Mooney BUSINESS MANAGER: Joseph Dillon FAMILY MINISTRY: Joan Hickey ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Peggy Masino YOUTH MINISTER: Teresa LeCompte MAINTENANCE OFFICE: Bob Powers AA MEN’S DISCUSSION GROUPS: Saturday morning at 10:00 AM in the basement of the Rectory. Sunday evening at 7:30 PM in the Cardiff Center. Contact Ernie 708-541-5415 or Pat 773-329-4202. GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS MEETING: Monday evening at 7:30 PM in the Cardiff Center. NEW PARISHIONERS: New parishioners are welcome to register at the rectory as soon as possible.

Third Sunday of Advent

December 15, 2019

EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATIONS: SUNDAY SCHEDULE: Saturday, 4:00 PM Sunday, 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM, and 12:00 Noon MONDAY-FRIDAY: 6:00 AM Communion Service MONDAY-FRIDAY: 7:30 AM Mass SATURDAY: 8:30 AM Mass HOLY DAYS: See the bulletin for Mass schedule. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (Confession) Saturday 12:00 to 1:00 PM and by appointment. PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Adoration in the Jesus Light of the World Adoration Chapel. (Enter from the parking lot.) MARIAN DEVOTIONS

The rosary is said each weekday after the 7:30 AM Mass and after the 8:30 AM Mass on Saturday. BAPTISM Baptism is celebrated on the second and fourth Sunday of each month at 1:15 PM. Prior to the Baptism a one hour preparation session for the parents is required. Class is offered on the FIRST Monday of the month. (except when it is a holiday). To make arrangements, please call the rectory. MARRIAGE Please contact one of the priests or deacon to arrange the date and time of your marriage celebration at least four months prior to the date. ST. LINUS SEEKING WISDOM PRAYER GROUP Meets every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM in the Cardiff Center.

From Fr. Mark’s Desk: Third Sunday of Advent: “What did you go out to the desert to see?” In another place in the Gospel of Ma hew, we hear Jesus ask a ques on: “Which of you having a hundred sheep and losing one does not leave the ninety nine and go search for the one?” We think of this ques on, perhaps, as something outside ourselves. A possession, a thing or even a rela onship might be what we consider. But, wonder if we think of it in terms of our interiority. What happens if we lose something of ourselves? What happens if we lose hope, faith, imagina on, desire, or love? Wonder if part of ourselves is missing? How do we find it? The answer is a process, as you can imagine, but it is a process of which Jesus intends to be part. He will heal, forgive, trust, sacrifice, and love; for us. The desert is o en our soul, and what we hope to see is what we have lost. Jesus has come to seek the lost and find them. Look inwardly to find what you have lost, Jesus will find you! “Awaken your spirit to adventure; Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; Soon you will be home in a new rhythm, For your soul senses the world that awaits you.” -John O’Donohue —For a New Beginning ~Please pray for the people of St. Michael Parish in Orland Park as they suffer through these difficult days. We are all one church, united by one faith. By that same faith we assure them they are not alone. ~Please join us for our school Christmas Na vity Pageant this Tuesday at 6:30pm in church. ~Many ask about Fr Gene and he o en asks about you. As you know, he lives at Mercy Cir-cle and is doing well. If you feel so inclined, I would love for you to consider sending a Christ-mas card, not stuff, just a card!! If you would be willing either mail it to Mercy Circle or drop it off at the rectory and I will make sure he receives it. Thank you!! Have a great week! Fr. Mark Walter

We remember the sick in our Parish: Laura, Kurt Baldwin, Dominic Balesteri, Andrew Bergan, Pablo Bernhart, Mary Blazek, Kelly Bojan, Elizabeth Bom-bal, Marge Bostrom, Elaine Braasch, Joan Brennan, Marty Brogan, Stan Brown, Walter Bruen, Frank Bubeck, Cathy Burns, Jenny Cascone, Maria Cardosi, Jim Carollo, Dominick Carone, Genevieve Cashia, Catherine Castillo, Hank Castillo, Doug & Phyllis Combs, Mae Combs, Rebec-ca Combs, Mary Conroy, Teresa Conway, Dawn Creed, Trevor Daley, Dianne Danaher, Amanda Davis, Christina Delia, William De Rieter, Ernie Di Julio, Peggy Doyle, Bri-an Duffin, Tony Errico, Connie Fazzini, Allison Fila, Dolores Ford, Erin Fox, Robert Fraher, Emily Gadomski, Nancy Gannon, Bunny Gruca, John Gruchot, Patty Gulick, William Harte, Sherry Hayes, Nathan Herber, Linda Hills-man, Christine Hodgman, Florence Hodgson, Haley Ja-blonski, Denise Jandura, Rick Jandura, Celeste Kinsella, Robert Kinsella, Mary Kmak, Sheila Kowalko, Sally Kraml, Pat Kuczwara, Valentine Kulczak, Ann Kulig, Brooklyn Lanning, Maureen Lawton, Annie Liston, Joan Loftus, Robert Lux, Dennis & Virginia Lyle, Con Lynch, Kim Mackovitch-Dougherty, Joseph Mariani, Marilyn Marquardt, Donn Marshall, Julie Matecki, Robert H. McCann, Sr., Nancy McCormick, Jim McGuffage, Maureen McVey, Nancy Medler, Raymond Menard, Mar-lene Merlini, Ronald Merlini, Zac Merrill, Jim Metke, Ber-nadette Hainsworth Miller, Mark Miller, James Mitchell, Raymond Montez, Erin Carr Mott, Denise Mullins, Cathe-rine Murphy, Thomas Murphy, Ken Neth, Nancy Neu-mann, Joseph Nichols, Ruth Nichols, Jo Noak, Mike Nolan, Jean Nowobielski, Gerard Oblazny, Martin O’Boyle, Mary O’Boyle, Joyce O’Connor, Jeffery O’Donnell, Dan O’Gor-man, Jason Osterloh, Patricia Oziem, Laima Panek, Nicho-las Parente, Dorothy Pavc, Caitlyn Pawlowski, Kenny Paw-lowski, Kathleen Perkovich, Michael Pfeffer, Jason Phillips, Lorraine Pontarelli, Greg Price, Meg Radcliff, Richard Ralston, Virginia Ranney, Marieta Rebodos, Brendan Reidy, Susan Reilly, Priscilla Rian, Allan Rice, Tammy Rice, Tom Sauch, Loretta L. Schild, Larry Schmit, Mary Lou Schoettler, Gloria Scrip, Mary Anne Smidt, Danielle Smith, Dorothy Smith, John Spirakes, Maria Stamis, Ron Stout, Al Stuba, Bob & Susan Sutter, Tyler Svare, Lorraine Svelnis, Marion Tadda, Ed Thomas, Belin Trevino, Baby Olivia Ann Ustupski, Donna Verda, Carol Visk, Pat Wal-lace, Bernard Ward, Melanie Williams, Carol Wojo-ciechowski, Elaine Zabilka, Barb and Dolores Zych

Servers Schedule December 16—22, 2019 Monday–Friday 7:30AM Mon. P. James, J. Celauro Tues. N. Romo, P. Panos Wed. B. James, M. Perz Thurs. S. Kilroy, K. Faragoi Fri. M. Wantuck, Jr., M. Brennan Saturday 8:30AM Sat. E. Pedroza, R. Pedroza Saturday, December 21, 2019 4:00PM D. Walczak, H. Stepek, M. Heilmann Sunday, December 22, 2019 7:30AM N. Romo, E. Romo, R. Sawicki 9:00AM M. Gacek, R. Minogue, B. Immordino 10:30AM R. Regan, A. Treto, D. Leodoro Noon S. Kilroy, W. Emmons, J. Healy

Eternal Rest Grant To Them, O Lord

Mass Schedule for December 14—22, 2019 Saturday, December 14, 2019 St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church 8:30AM Ronald Niego, 32nd anny. / Edward Simousek 4:00PM Mary Miotti / Betty & Philip O’Brien Sunday, December 15, 2019 Third Sunday of Advent 7:30AM Ann Scanlon / Josephine & Mario De Genova 9:00AM Marie Stevo / Michael & Mary Wowczuk 10:30AM Tom Gallagher / Ted Cronin Noon People of St. Linus Monday, December 16, 2019 7:30AM Stephen Krupa / Eileen Fandl Tuesday, December 17, 2019 7:30AM Jack Donahue / Frank Rybinski Wednesday, December 18, 2019 7:30AM Roseleen Quinn / Leonard Jankiewicz Thursday, December 19, 2019 7:30AM Paula Hickey-Beck, 2nd anny. / Robert Bailey, 19th anny. / Virginia Richards Friday, December 20, 2019 7:30AM John Jurcev, Sr. / John E. Nejman Saturday, December 21, 2019 St. Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church 8:30AM Bill & Rita Kelly / Robert Knightly 4:00PM People of St. Linus / Bill Murphy Sunday, December 22, 2019 Fourth Sunday of Advent 7:30AM Anna Myszkowski / Josephine De Genova 9:00AM Lillian Ceh / Frank & Anna Nejman 10:30AM Tom McGovern / Josh Guyette Noon John Suchorabski / Joseph Dawe

Dolores Kavanaugh

MORNING OFFERING O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I

offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart,

in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all my relatives and friends, and in

particular for the intentions of Pope Francis:

DECEMBER

The Future of the Very Young: That every coun-try take the measures necessary to prioritize the fu-ture of the very young, especially those who are suf-fering.

Come join us in the Chapel!

THE ADORATION CHAPEL WILL BE OPEN **FROM 6AM UNTIL 12 MIDNIGHT**

IF USING THE CHAPEL AFTER 9PM, PLEASE COME TO THE RECTORY FOR A NEW KEY

In this season of hustle and bustle, come and take a ‘breather’ and sit with Jesus in the Adoration Chapel.

Our Chapel coordinators are: Reem Tadros 708-690-6777 Annie Grant 708-499-4101

Call the rectory if you would like to commit for an hour!

WE ARE IN NEED OF ADORERS!!!

ST. LINUS BUDGET SCORECARD (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020)

Sunday, December 1, 2019 #Envelopes: 519 Weekly Year to Date** Amount needed: $13,692 $295,428 (Budget includes Holy Days) Amount collected: Envelopes / Loose Cash: $14,259 $271,643 E-Giving: $ 764 $ 17,201 Total Collected: $15,023 $288,844 Surplus (Deficit): $ 1,331 $ (6,584) **Adjusted weekly for debit/credit memos One check can be used, but include all the envelopes.

**Please do not tape envelopes** Thank you for your continued support!

Stewardship… “You too must be pa ent. Make your hearts firm,

because the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (JAMES 5:8)

Pa ence is another one of those things many of us struggle with. We want things to go according to our plan and our schedule. Any change brings anxiety and fear. Through daily prayer we be er align ourselves with God’s will and His plan, which is far be er than anything we can come up with on our own.

BULLETIN DEADLINES: Articles must be in:

Thank you for helping us meet the early bulletin publishing deadlines —“The Bulletin Elves”

FOR THE WEEK OF:

DECEMBER 29 JANUARY 5

DUE BY NOON ON

DECEMBER 17 DECEMBER 23

Christmas TV and Online Mass for the Homebound

Will someone you love be unable to join us at church this

Christmas? Heart of the Nation will celebrate Mass on TV and online.

TV Mass on December 25 WJYS ch. 62 at 10:00 a.m.

Online Christmas Mass

Christmas Mass will also be online throughout the day at www.HeartoftheNation.org

For those who can attend at church, TV or online

liturgy does not fulfill the Christmas Mass obligation.

Reconciliation Family Sessions begin November 4th for children preparing to receive the sacra-ment for the first time. Families

are encouraged to go to the parish website under Reli-gious Education to look for the selected session and view location instructions there. Families who have not turned in their selected session should do so as soon as possible. Saturday class Dec. 21st from 9:00 to 11:30. Classes resume after Christmas break on January 19th. Family Session participants, please see the website for classes in January. First Communion meeting is Monday, January 20th at 7:00 PM in church. This meeting is pr imar ily for parents, but if families cannot obtain a sitter, your child is welcome to attend.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society

LOVE IN OUR WORK In today’s Gospel Jesus tells us that the good news can be seen, touched, felt and heard through the lives of God’s people. We are now charged to take up the min-istry of Jesus. But we can’t just ask peo-ple to take our word for it; our actions must speak for us.

Since Christmas is a time of love and gift giving, please share in Jesus’ ministry by giving a gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so those who are poor can know the good news of Jesus.

THIS weekend is our monthly non-perishable food collection for the St. Margaret of Scotland food pantry. Please be generous as we strive to feed the hungry at Christmas.

PLEASE NOTE: We are always looking for new members or volunteers. Leave your name and number

at the rectory. If you have borrowed a wheelchair from

St. Vincent de Paul and are no longer in need of it, please return it to the rectory. Thank you.

Clothing collection boxes are still located at St. Gerald and St. Germaine parishes

Please save any donations for our “Bundle Weekends”, or bring them to the above boxes.

This Week at St. Linus: Dec. 15—22, 2019 Sun. Baptism CH 1:15PM Men’s AA Meeting CC 7:30PM Mon. SCIP orders due Rectory 9:00AM Yoga CC 10:30AM Jr. Vincentians 7/8 CC 2:40PM SVdP CC 6:30PM G.A. Mtg. CC 7:30PM Tues. Men’s Bridge Club CC 9:00AM Prayer Group FR 10:00AM SCIP Cash & Carry 5:30-7:00PM Wed. Sr. Friendship Club CC 1:00PM Christmas Pageant CH 6:30PM COR Meeting COR Rm. 7:30PM Scouts CC 7:30PM Thu. Special SCIP Cash & Carry 5:30-7:00PM Opus Dei CH 7:30PM Fri. School Early Dismissal 11:30AM Sat. Men’s AA Mtg. Friendship Rm. 10:00AM Sun. Baptism CH 1:15PM Men’s AA Meeting CC 7:30PM

C O R O R N E R

COR Meeting on Wednesday, December 18th at 7:30pm in the COR Room.

(enter by the flagpole) Hope to see you there!

Our Giving Tree is up in the vestibule of the church. We will be gathering gifts for our St. Vincent de Paul Society, and St. Margaret of Scotland. Envelopes will also be on the tree for our COR teen group to help offset

the costs of their service projects. Any gift(s) for our St. Vincent de Paul Society should be wrapped or in a gift bag. The tag you received should be securely attached to the package. All gifts should be returned by December 15th.Thanks to all for your generosity.

Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers… NEW schedules are available in the pr iests’ sacris-ty along with sign-up sheets for the Christmas and New Year Masses. Please volunteer for your choice of Mass.

Evening of Recollection for Women There will be an Evening of Recollection for Wom-en on Thursday, December 19th at 7:30PM in the church given by a priest of Opus Dei. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available. The evening con-cludes at 9:30PM. All women are welcome.

Senior Friendship Club We will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 18th in the Cardiff Center for our Christmas party.

HEALTH MINISTRY NEWS…

Little Company of Mary Hospital

“Lung Cancer Screening” Little Company of Mary Hospital will be offering a Lung Cancer Screening on Saturday, January 11th, starting at 8:00 AM. By appointment only. Certain criteria need to be met to participate. This screening will take place at the Outpatient Care Center located at 6700 W. 95th Street. Cost is $125 and payment is required at time of registration. Please call 708-423-5774. More Health Ministry News... If you, or someone you care about, need counseling call the Catholic Charities intake number (312) 655–7725 to make an appointment at one of the oth-er parishes that provide counselors. They are in net-work with Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, and they do offer subsidized fees for those who qualify. Please take advantage of this service through Catholic Charities.

SCIP—CALENDAR-DECEMBER 2019

To ensure that you receive your complete order for Christmas, we recommend that an

envelope order is placed by the week of December 16th.

SCIP BUCKS available in 10 & 25 dollars.

LAST ENVELOPE ORDER FOR THE YEAR Cash & Carry for the week of December 17th

is limited to inventory on hand.

Tuesday, Dec. !7 Cash & Carry 5:30-7pm *Thursday, Dec. 19 Special Cash & Carry

5:30-7pm ***Remember there are also e-cards available

on the app SCIP WILL BE CLOSED FROM DECEMBER 20

THROUGH JANUARY 5TH SCIP WILL RE-OPEN FOR ENVELOPE

ORDERS ON JANUARY 6TH

Oplatki Christmas Tradition

The tradition of the Oplatki originated in Po-land during Early Christian times. This Christmas custom began with a simple white wafer, baked from flour and water. The wafers are wonderfully de-signed to display Christmas images, such as the Na-tivity. The Oplatki are enjoyed by families, typical-ly right before the Christmas Eve meal. The entire family will gather around the table with the Oplatki. Generally the eldest member of the family will begin the ritual of breaking off a piece of the wafer, and passing it to another family member with a blessing. The blessing can simply consist of what you desire for your loved one in the upcoming year—whether it be good health, success or happiness. The Oplatki tradition is one that is easy and fun to introduce to the family at Christmastime. All it requires is a simple wafer paired with love and affection, and the willingness to share it. This is a heart-warming tradition that will complete your fam-ily’s time together during the Christmas season.

Please come to the back of church on December 15th to purchase your Oplatki

A $3.00 offering per packet

would be greatly appreciated

ST. LINUS SCHOOL NEWS

Last Sunday the students performed a reenactment of Juan Die-go meeting Our Lady of Guadalupe! The students performed the roles of Juan Diego, the Bishop, the narrator and of course Our Lady. The little children presented roses to Our Lady. It was beautifully performed and a lovely way to commemorate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Dates to Remember

December 17-Christmas Pageant 6:00 December 18-All School Mass @ 8:30 December 19-Christmas Sing-a-long @ 8:30 For more information or to schedule a tour contact: Margaret Hayes, Principal @ 708-425-1656 Linda Delisi, Secretary @ 708-425-1656

One of our parents, Mr. Clarke, presented an Hour of Code to our students this week. Almost the whole student body participated throughout the day. Our Junior High Students helped our primary students. It was a great experience for all!

Our PreK 3 and 4 year olds kicked off our Christmas Season with their wonderful concert this week! They sang fun Christmas songs as well as songs about the Baby Jesus. This is a great way to celebrate Christmas.

Christmas Schedule 2019

Christmas Vigil Masses Tuesday, December 24, 2019

3:00 pm Mass 5:00 pm Mass

10:00 pm Mass

Christmas Morning Wednesday, December 25, 2019

9:00 am Mass 10:30 am Mass

12:00 noon Mass Please Note: no 7:30 am Mass

New Year’s Eve Tuesday, December 31, 2019

4:00 pm Mass

New Year’s Day /Solemnity of Mary Wednesday, January 1, 2020

10:30 am Mass 12:00 noon Mass