The Church of Our Lady of Mercy

Third Sunday of Advent December 14th, 2014

701 S. Eola Road Aurora, Illinois 60504 Parish Office: 851-3444

Web Site: www.olmercy.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/olmercy

Splinters From The Presidential Chair…. Advent Pilgrims by Bridget Haase, OSU Week 3 of Advent: Monday: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Mt 21:23-27 Conviction — From time to time, we may be ques-tioned about our faith. There’s no need to whim-per, mumble, or slump. We have the authority of our baptism and the strength of the Holy Spirit. With conviction and grace, may we boldly answer whatever is asked and sing of salvation. Tuesday: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Mt 21:28-32 Clear Speech — What have we been talking about as we traverse Advent’s terrain? Have our words been encouraging and inspiring or have we babbled about holiday superficialities? In the words of Zephaniah, it’s never too late to ask God to “make pure the speech of the peoples...to serve [the LORD] with one accord.” Wednesday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Mt 1:1-17 Our Ancestry—Researching our ancestry, we find scandal, extreme hardships and difficulties, as well as undying faith and selfless generosity. There is a plan for our lives, and promises made will be ful-filled. Jesus’ genealogy was as surprising as ours and offers a hint that the Messiah will come in a way we could never have guessed. So we press on. Thursday: Jer 23:5-8; Mt 1:18-25 Crossroads— Joseph struggles between the head and the heart, between logic and love. Yet, based on a dream, he makes a decision for love that goes beyond com-mon sense. In agonizing moments during life’s travels, when we find ourselves at a crossroads that demands a choice, may St. Joseph grant us the grace to surrender logic for a walk in mystery. Friday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Lk 1:5-25 Impossible Dream — Zechariah’s great longing to become a father would finally be realized! Dumbfounded, he questions God’s power and is made speechless because of his initial lack of faith. How do we re-act when God stretches us and calls us beyond self-doubts and fears? In these sacred moments, born from lifeless situations and that seem impossible to believe, we can put one foot in front of the other, hold on to the staff of surrender, and keep walking. Saturday: Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38 Angels in Disguise —-‘Like Mary, we all have annuncia-tions. Divine messengers come as people calling us to love beyond our boundaries, as a word that deepens our faith, as an event that stretches us to say yes to God’s plan. May we welcome these annunciations and, through Our Lady’s interces-sion, become incarnations of Jesus’ presence in our world.

I hope your Advent journey is going well. I hope you have had the chance to take some extra time to pray, meditate and to do some spiritual readings. The idea of Advent is to prepare for the com-ing of the Lord into our lives at Christmas and at the end of times. One good thing we can do during Advent is to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We have a Communal Penance Service on Tues-day night, December 16th at 7:00 p.m. There will be priests who can speak Spanish. Please take time to use this wonderful sacrament. Confessions will also be heard on Tuesday, December 23rd from 7:00 p.m. until all are heard. Our OLM Filipino Community will celebrate a Simbang Gabi Mass on Saturday, December 20th at 6:00 p.m. in our Church. The celebration continues with a ticketed dinner reception. The cost is $5.00 per person. Children 4 years old and under are free. Please mark your calendars for January 9th for the Family Trivia Pursuit Classic. It will be an OLM game night for the whole family in the Parish Life Center. It will be Friday, January 9th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Grandparents, parents and children from Kindergar-ten to Senior High compete as a family against other OLM families for fun and prizes. Families decide together to deliver the winning answers to questions that are a mixture of Faith related and fun facts. Donation of $5.00 per family is requested with proceeds to go to the Teen Mission Trip 2015. Please return the registration form found in the bulletin. The OLM Communications Committee is charged with find-ing ways to bring information to our parishioners in a timely and effi-cient manner. Posting on the website, tweeting and emails are all tools that can be used to further these efforts. The committee is look-ing for new members with expertise or interest in helping us to pro-mote the many wonderful things that are happening in our parish. If you would like to join in this effort, please contact Karen Troller at 630-585-1865 or trollerkaren@msn.com. Online giving is a great way to help your parish staff while supporting Our Lady of Mercy. Signing up is easy - you can use a computer, tablet or smart phone. Just go to our church website at www.olmercy.com and click the Online Giving logo to get started. If you need assistance, directions can be found on the parish website listed under the Online Giving link. There is also a help video located on the Online Giving website. It can be found at the top of each page. If you are giving online and would no longer like to receive envelopes in the mail, please inform the Parish Office. Looking for that last-minute stocking stuffer and you’re all out of ideas? Look no further! The OLM Senior Gems are selling the OLM Cookbook, Heavenly Delights, in the PLC lobby after Mass on Sundays during Advent. Recipes were contributed by a host of OLM parishioners. The attractive color photos of the church’s stained glass windows are an added plus. The cost is $15 for a single copy, or two for $25. Have a great week! Come Lord Jesus! Peace,

Page 3 Mass Intentions

Third Week of Advent MONDAY, December 15th 8:00 AM—†Dave Detienne (Shirley Detienne) 8:00 AM—Int. of Roger & Barb Schmith (Betty & Bob Vavra) TUESDAY, December 16th 8:00 AM—†Winifredo Racaza Tee (Elizabeth Lo) 8:00 AM—Int. of Paul Tolentino (Family) WEDNESDAY, December 17th 8:00 AM—†Lorraine Schwab (Laurie Schwab) 8:00 AM— THURSDAY, December 18th 8:00 AM—Int. of Angelo Tolentino (Family) 8:00 AM— FRIDAY, December 19th 8:00 AM—†Barbara Saurer (Roy Saurer) 8:00 AM—†Ivan SATURDAY, December 20th 8:00 AM—Word with Communion Service (Preceded by Morning Prayer & followed by Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help)

Fourth Sunday of Advent SATURDAY, December 20th 4:00 PM—†Gorgonia Naguit (Amelia M. Naguit) 4:00 PM—†James W. Ray (Helean Ray) SUNDAY, December 21st 7:30 AM—†Mark & Christopher Nguyen (Lisa Nguyen) 7:30 AM—†Patrice Klasinski 9:00 AM—†Marian Leckey (Gerry Glosson Family) 9:00 AM—†Arthur Biegel (Stanton Family) 10:45 AM—Int. of Rey & Dechie Doligosa 10:45 AM—†Charles D. Hillebold (Luchie Saraceni) 12:30 PM—†Erminia Arregin (Family) 12:30 PM— 5:30 PM—Parishioners of OLM 5:30 PM—

1. † Joel 2. For My Best Sister Juli 3. Those Serving Our Country 4. For World Peace 5. Respect for All Life 6. The Lonely & Depressed 7. Those in Need of Healing 8. Prayer of Healing - Mel Bauch

9. Family Unity 10. Parishioners of OLM 11. For the Unemployed 12. For Vocations 13. The Sick & the Elderly 14. For Renewed Faith 15. For the Homeless 16. For the Poor

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL LAMPS Votive lamps will burn this week before the Blessed Sacrament for the following intentions:

If you wish to have a candle burning for your intention in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, you will find envelopes on the shelf in the Narthex near the Priest’s Sacristy or in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

We pray for our sick, confined and their families Please let the Parish Office know of names which may be removed from the sick list.

Louis Sonetz Mary Moody

Donna Romadka Jeffrey Skolak Ann Baisley

Charleine Baisley Tom Donlan, Sr.

Margaret Picciuolo Ray Simonek

Charlie Bartzen Cheri Przybylka

Lee Kern Mel Schmudde Lynn Friedman Florinda Kraft Tom Corbino

Nancy Szachnitowski Czeslad Cyran,

Susan Degenhart Catherine Baskin Linda Belander

Ivan Klos Sheila Frye

Dennis Perry Nancy Ray Barb Toot

Jason Martin Lackner Lorna R. Gutierrez Guadalupe Jimenez

Maria Salinas Sandy McLean Leonard Gerage Bertha Andrade

Maria Hernandez Charlotte Lief

Sue LaZier Robert Ciulla Laurie Blythe Alice Weber

Marian Pierzynski Erminia Jimenez

Angelica Mendoza Aidin Stoddard

Nancy Stagg Gladys Nunan Lauren Fenzil Jack Bertrand

Carlos Martinez Mike Brogan

JoEllen Sereno Marge Raskopf Carlos Martinez Louise Easton

June Burns Christina Bonnell

Robert Haas Bertha Andrade

Christopher Wilson Ben Rosete

Countee Abbott Julie LaMoine

Florence Hybiak Betty Bertrand

Alice Ward

Julie LaMoine Marie Gerage

Florence Hybiak Karen Orlandi

Douglas Massoth Olivia Chase

Dawn Pellegrini William Sanders

Emmanuel Masangcay Barb Kramer Tim Fahey Ann Roland

Betsy Schmidt Louis Langone

Kim Hammelman Kenneth Nielsen Denise Oleksiak Caitlin Holcomb

Laura Marks Mary Mancini

Jim Schultz Cesar Naguit

Luz Maria Acevedo Mary Katzberg

Ronald Cole Willard Morse Aprill Elston

Mark Szachnitowski Rodolfo Gamaro

Debra Fenn Patrick Gaffney

Debi Surlas Emily McKenna

Jim Gullen Genevieve Donnelly

Madonna Wasz Judith Wodarzyk

Julia Schremp Edward Schmidt

R.M. Peters Meredith Mangold

Lee Quick John Coon Jill Donlan

Emily Campos Nancy Bejger Janis Taylor

Diane Picciuolo Darlene Maart

Alfonso Ramirez, Sr. Lana Larkin Rita Sanders

Dolores Pones Diana Decker Kelly Tyrrel

Donna McMenamin Sean O’Sullivan Fred Rasmason

Dan Hardtke Christy Goldenhagen

Regie Trasga Laura Marx

Mary Lee Tomsa Mark Hoeksema Danette Temple

1st LT Tara Trammell, US Army SrA Leah Harvey Munoz, USAF Sgt. Sean Murphy, USMC LT JG Joshua Puscas, US Navy Cpl. Neal Murray, US Army Jake Sesemann, US Marines PFC Misha Schroeder, US Army Spec. Alex Teckenbrock, US Army Capt. David Zyga, USMC Lt. Col. Gary Smith, US Army Capt.Craig Falk, U.S. Army PFC AnnMari Verchoore, Nat’l Guard SPC Brock Rozner, Nat’l Guard Tech. Sgt. Raymond Warman, USAF Colonel Jay Gordon Flowers LTC Jeff Becker, IL Army Nat’l Guard MA1 Timothy Stroupe US Navy Capt. Joseph Zito, USAF Staff Sgt. Scott Kearse, USAF 1st LT Christopher Sherwood, USMC SO1 Eduardo D Valadez US Navy Cpl. Ryan Harding, US Army

We remember in prayer those in service to our country Mark Bachleda, US Army Pvt. James Hagerty III, US ArmySGT 1st LT Kathleen G. Bikus, US Army Major Scott Bradley, Air Force SSGT Ben Carandang, US Army SPC Paul Darren G. Del Rosario - Army Airman Carlos J. Gonzalez, Air Force Sgt. Frank Giuseffi 1st LT Timothy M. Hogan, US Army Fireman Brian Hunt, Coast Guard Russell Houston - US Army Sgt. Alan Jadeo Jimenez, US Army SPC Jonathan Jimenez, US Army Cpt. Scott Kelly, USMC PFC Sean Kendall, US Army Staff Sgt Robert J. Landeck, USAF LC Daniel McGuane, USMC LC Ernesto Ochoa, USMC Reserves Roberto Ramos, Army Sgt. Alan Untalan—US Army Sgt. Mitchell Watts, US Army Private James Weinhold, US Army PFC Daniel Wilcox, Army Airman Michael A. Scarlata, Air Force Airman Lily M. Gonzalez, Air Force 1st LT Dan Koban, US Army Anthony Alberto Llanes Navarro,USMC

Page 4 OPLATKI CHRISTMAS WAFERS

The Christmas wafer or Oplatki is a central European Christian Christmas tradition celebrated in Poland, Lithuania and Slovakia during Wigilia, or the Christmas Eve Vigil. The unleavened wafers are baked from pure wheat flour and water, are usually rectangular in shape and very thin; they are identical in composition to the round wafer which becomes the Host after the Consecration during Mass. The Oplatki, however, are only a reminder of Holy Communion used in private homes and are NOT the Body of Christ. The Opłatki wafers are embossed with Christmas related religious images, varying from the nativity scene, especially Virgin Mary with baby Jesus, to the Star of Bethlehem. Family members and friends break off a small piece of the opłatek wafer and give it to one another along with a blessing. Breaking off and exchanging part of opłatek with someone is symbolic of forgiveness be-tween two people and is meant to remind participants of the importance of Christmas, God, and family. The blessing can be religious "I wish you much health, happiness and the Lord's bountiful blessings as well as the fulfillment of all your plans and everything you wish for yourself" or secular, by wishing good grades to a child or good health to parents etc.

Employment Opportunity Bishops’ Office – Administrative Assistant

Serves as personal secretary to the Vicar for Priests and Executive Assistant to the Bishop. College or Business School education preferred. Ability to maintain confidentiality is required. Five years current administrative experience working on an executive level and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word (especially Mail Merge), Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, etc. Advanced knowledge of proper telephone skills and etiquette. Self-starter, with the ability to work independently and as a team player. Ability to multi-task, be flexible and capable of handling a variety of on-going projects at the same time. Professional, detail-oriented, discreet and have understanding of the high level of confidentiality of the position. Fluency in both English and Spanish language is a plus. To view a full job description go to www.dioceseofjoliet.org under “Employment”. Candidates meeting the necessary qualifications may email a cover letter, resume and wage requirement to: humanresources@dioceseofjoliet.org

MANNA E-GIFT CERTIFICATES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE 24/7

Manna Gift Cards are available to purchase after every weekend Mass and during the week at the Parish Office. With a little planning, you can purchase Gift Cards to use for all of your regular shopping for Groceries, Prescriptions, Restaurants, etc. Tis the Season, so keep Manna in mind for all of your Holiday Shopping and Gift Giving as well! The profits generated from the sale of the Gift Cards make it an easy way to contribute to Our Lady Of Mercy. In addition to the approximately 100 Gift Cards that we keep in-stock for your convenience, there are almost 200 Gift Cards available via Special Order. And now a select number of Gift Certificates are available online for purchase and immediate use. A Participant Code is required to order online. Email your Name and Phone Number to olmmannascrip@gmail.com to obtain your Participant Code.

ADVENT RECONCILIATION

Tuesday, December 16th - 7:00 p.m. - Reconciliation Service

Tuesday, December 23rd - 7:00 p.m. - Reconciliation until all are heard

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PARISH SACRIFICIAL GIVING Fiscal Year-to-Date Information (as of 11/30/14)

Please remember Our Lady of Mercy Parish in your will and estate planning.

Third Sunday of Advent December 14, 2014

The theme of “rejoicing in the Lord” links the Scripture passages in today’s readings. The Book of the Prophet Isaiah states, I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul. In the Gospel, St. John the Baptist gives witness to the Light that is Christ, that through Him all people may believe. St. Paul, in his First Letter to the Thessalonians, encourages us to rejoice always, never cease praying, render constant thanks; such is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. How do we, as baptized stewards in the Lord, respond in gratitude for this tremendous gift — our life in Christ Jesus? Online Giving is a great way to help your parish staff while supporting Our Lady of Mercy. Signing up is easy - you can use a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Just go to our church website at www.olmercy.com and click the Online Giving logo to get started. If you need assistance, directions can be found on the parish website listed under the Online Giving Link. There is also a help video located on the Online Giving website. It can be found at the top of each page. Note: If you are giving online and would no longer like to receive envelopes in the mail, please inform the parish office.

11/30/14 Sunday Collection: $ 28,649 Weekly Sunday Goal: $ 27,700 Amount in Excess of Goal: $ 949

Actual Year-to-Date Collections: $ 554,658 Fiscal Year-to-Date Budget: $ 609,400 Amount Short of Budget: $ (54,742)

Collection for Hesed House: $ 1,063 (Thanksgiving Day)

Thank you for your generosity!!

CHRISTMAS OFFICE SCHEDULE

Normal Business Hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) Resume Monday, January 5th

Parish Offices Will Be Closed

Christmas - December 24th & 25th

New Years - December 31, January 1st & 2nd

Parish Offices Will Be Open

December 26th, 29th & 30th 8:15 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Page 6 It is important to remember that during the holiday season, not everyone may feel that it is a time of joy. The holidays can trigger symptoms of anxi-ety and depression to some people. There are a variety of factors that can

lead to the holiday blues. The common causes of the holiday blues are described in the following paragraph. The time change during the winter months may cause decreased energy, sadness, a decrease in interest or pleasure in activities, and sleep disturbance for some people. It is reported by people who experience a major depressive disorder that their symptoms worsen during the winter months. Increased alcohol use is common during the holiday period for people to celebrate. Unfortunately some people may drink too much over the holidays which may lead to unhealthy behavior. Overeating during the holidays may occur which may lead a person to weight gain and concern over their body image. Since the holidays are so busy, some people may spend less time sleeping which is a major contributor to feeling tired and could contribute to increased rates of depressive symptoms. Overscheduling may lead to feelings of being rushed and burdened. Unrealistic expectations over the holidays of what we should accomplish may cause us to focus on our failures. Unrealistic fantasies about our families can lead to feelings of depression. Lack of exercise during the holidays can worsen depression symptoms as exercise is a known preventive activity for depressive symptoms. Lack of time for yourself may deplete your reserves and worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression. Make sure that during the holidays you practice self-care and look out for yourself. The holiday blues is much different from depression. Major depression makes it impossible to focus on work and responsibilities and a person may experience hopelessness and depressive symptoms such as sadness and tear-fulness throughout the day. Thoughts of death or suicide may enter their minds. If you experience any of the following symptoms that may interfere with normal relationships and activities of daily living, it is important to seek help from your physician: feeling depressed, sad and discouraged; loss of interest in once-pleasurable and enjoyable activities; eating more or less than usual, gaining or losing weight; having trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual; feeling slow or restless; lack of energy; feeling hopeless, helpless or inadequate; difficulty concentrating; difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions; persistent thoughts of death or suicide; withdrawal from others; and a variety of physical symptoms. So how does one avoid the holiday blues? There are so many added activi-ties during the holidays that it seems that you can hardly get the unrelated hol-iday activities accomplished. Some strategies to follow to help you get through the holidays are as follows. Acknowledge and respect your feelings. Reach out to family, your faith community or social network for support. Par-ticipate in social events and volunteer opportunities but not to the degree of overdoing it. Exercise regularly. Eat healthy. Make time to relax. Get the recommended seven and a half to eight hours of sleep each night. (Source: “Beat the holiday blues – and know when they’re something major” article by UC Davis Health System at www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu). It is important not only during the holidays but all year long to – make time for yourself, do things that you enjoy and take care of yourself. Remember that God made us a whole person and wants us to have a healthy mind, body and soul.

Nursing the Spirit

Ladies’ Advent Tea Thank you to all the women who attended the Fifth Annual Ladies’ Advent Tea. Over eighty women were in attend-ance which is the largest number yet. Stephanie LeRoy provided the attendees with a thought-provoking and inspirational presentation on “Walking with Mary to Become Closer to Jesus”. The evaluations reflected that many of the ladies learned the importance of nurturing and having a relationship with Mary and how Mary can increase our openness to the will of God and bring us closer to her son, Jesus. Mary spoke four times in the Bible and Stepha-nie helped us understand the meaning of each of those scripture passages. Mary is a great intercessor and advocate for us. Stephanie’s statement that “Mary echoes Christ” is a beautiful description of Mary’s role. After the presentation, the ladies enjoyed delicious refreshments including a variety of baked goods. Thank you to everyone that brought the desserts. The planning committee for the sixth annual Advent tea is looking for volunteers to assist next year. Please call to volunteer at 630-851-3444, extension 403. Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent In the second reading (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24), St. Paul is “calling us to faithful-ness in prayer and asking us to develop a prayerful disposition for our lives. Paul knows that prayer is the best way to stay close to God, so it’s worth scheduling time every day to make sure we are coming into God’s presence.” “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessaloni-ans 5:17) means “getting into the habit of praying a few times during the day: when you wake up, when you go to Mass, before lunch and dinner, and before bed.” Let us pray. “Lord, help us become a praying people. May we stay close to you in all circumstances until you come in glory!” (Source: The Word Among Us Daily Meditations for Advent 2014) For any health concerns, please contact your parish nurse, Jolene LeRoy, RN at 630-851-3444. ext. 403.

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ON CATHEDRALS, GIFT SHOPS, AND ADVENT Copyright 2014 by John B. Reynolds (john@jrwrites.com) Thanks to some soon-to-expire frequent flier miles I’d saved

up that got us to-and-from with nothing out of our pockets, my wife and I celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary in San Antonio not long ago. It was overcast when we arrived on Friday, but mild, and given the 8° we left behind, we didn’t mind the gray Texas sky. Several people told us before we left Chicago that we’d enjoy the River Walk, a series of restaurants and shops along the San Antonio River, and we did. But I enjoyed just as much our time at a location a bit more removed from the River Walk hot-spot: San Fernando Cathedral.

Which is not to say that the cathedral is tourist-free. On the contrary, I suspect we saw plenty of visitors there on our first night as we enjoyed “San Antonio – The Saga,” a colorful, musical, historical review of the Alamo City splashed over the exterior façade of the ca-thedral. According to an on-line edition of the San Antonio Express-News, the 24-minute projection is the brainchild of a French artist and has the blessing of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, and as one San Antonio resident quoted in the article explains, “It’s absolutely beauti-ful. I encourage everyone to come down to the plaza and bring their families for something very special.” Agreed.

Gail and I returned to the cathedral the next day for the 5:00 PM Mass, but this time, I sensed that I was surrounded by locals. I say this because they all seemed more comfortable with the Spanish lyrics of the songs than I did. I understood the Gospel, though--Matthew’s Last Judgment scene--just fine, and the priest who gave the homily reminded us that when we meet our God face-to-face, we will not be judged on the cars we drive or the houses we live in, but on how well we love. Specifically, he said, we’ll be judged on how attentive we are to the needs of God’s own. Perhaps this is why I still recall the sign I saw posted in the Cathedral: Confessions next to the gift shop…

Even though it was the weekend before Thanksgiving, San Antonio had plenty of lighted Christmas trees on display. And as the holiday shopping season seems to start earlier every year, we saw there--as we saw here before we left--sales everywhere. So many gifts to buy, after all. How appropriate, then, that the Sacrament of Reconcili-ation was being offered just outside the church next to the cathedral gift shop. As I’ve said before in this space, I’m no theologian, but if our Lord’s greatest gift to us is his own body and blood--his own dying and rising to justify us before the Father--then surely his second great-est gift to us is this sacrament that brings us blameless again before the Father when we fall short in our call to discipleship, in our call to care for one another. We’re all busy as we come into this final full week before Christmas. Like I said: we’ve so many gifts to buy. But as a small hand-written sign in San Fernando Cathedral implies merely by association, Confession is a gift, too. We give presents to others at Christmas. As we continue our preparations to receive the Christ, let us not be forgetful--or too busy--to gift ourselves.

The Gift Giving Angel Program still needs your support! We have many families that are requesting help! Please consider donating to this program. The Angel Program aids the parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy Parish. Cash or check may be dropped off at the Manna table during Sunday masses or at the parish office during regular business hours. Suggested donation is $25 per person.

Simbang Gabi Mass is on Saturday, December 20, 2014, 6:00 p.m. Our Lady of Mercy Parish 701 S. Eola Road, Aurora, IL60504 Celebration continues after the mass with a ticketed dinner reception. Cost : $5.00/person ( kids 4 years old and under are free)

Help us decorate

the church for Christmas! We need artistic minds

and strong backs to help put the church

into the Christmas spirit. Agile teenagers

are definitely welcome. Decorating will take place

on December 21st at 6:30pm.

If you can help, please call Linda Eickhoff at 630-904-0906

or send an email to ljeickhoff@gmail.com.

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2014 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal

Pledge Report as of 12/05/2014

Our Lady of Mercy Parish

PARISH GOAL: $115,838

AMOUNT PLEDGED: $124,028

AMOUNT PAID: $106,800

REMAINING BALANCE: $ 17,228

It is very important that these pledges be paid before the end of 2014. If we exceed our goal in paid pledges, 60% of the additional funds received will be returned to the parish for our use. Please contact the Diocesan Development Office with any questions you may have about your pledge at 815-838-8515. Please note that all donations must be completed before the end of the year for a 2014 tax deduction

What: OLM game night for the whole family in the Parish Life Center – Family Trivia Pursuit Classic

When: Friday, January 9, 2015 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm Who: Grandparents, Parents and Children from Kindergarten

to Senior High compete as a family against other fellow OLM families for fun and prizes.

How: Families decide together to deliver the winning answer to

questions that are a mixture of Faith related and fun facts. Donation of $5.00 per family requested with proceeds to go to Teen Mission Trip 2015.

OLM Family Trivia Pursuit Classic Registration January 9, 2015

Team Name: Team Email address: Team Members (Adults): (First Names Only) Team Members (Children): |Grade |Grade (First Names Only): |Grade |Grade _____ |Grade |Grade RETURN FORM TO PARISH OFFICE

Page 9 SENIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS For High School teens (Grades 9-12)

L.I.G.H.T. mini-courses: Deadline to sign-up for a winter courses is February 2nd. Chicago Ice-Skating trip will be December 29th. See the website for more information. L.I.G.H.T. Facilitators are needed! Adults and teens are needed to facilitate 4 week mini-courses and one day workshops for 2014-2015. Each mini-course meets for 4 weeks either on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, Tuesday evenings or Thursday evenings. If you have 4 weeks to give, please consider helping with L.I.G.H.T. For more information, please contact Dave in the youth ministry office. Confirmation Letter of Intent information will be posted on the youth ministry website on January 1st. Teens who have completed (or are very close to completing) their requirements for the program may fill out the letter of intent and return to the R.E. Office by the March 2nd deadline. Don’t forget to sign-up for service and discipleship pro-jects online. Teens may now sign-up for service and discipleship projects online. Please see the website for a list projects and the link to sign-up. For more information and to sign up for our e-newsletter, visit our website at www.olmyouthministry.weebly.com

Religious Education ….Kindergarten to

5th and Sacrament Class Dates:

The EDGE (Gr. 6-8) EDGE News and Reminders

This week in EDGE… 6/7/8th Grade-Combined – Ask the Pastor-

Christmas Traditions-Cookie Party Monday or Thursday Dec. 15th/18th, 6:30-8 PM PLC

Next session in EDGE… 6/7/8th Grade-Combined – NT I Jesus’ Command-

ments with Nancy McKnight Monday or Thurs-day Jan. 5th/8th, 6:30-8 PM PLC

EDGE 6th Grade Required Retreat; Saturday,

January 10th MPR; 8:45-11:45 AM OR 12:45-3:45 PM Valerie Della Penna “Self-Esteem”

Market Day December 2014

IMPORTANT DATES: Deadline for placing orders is Wednesday, December 17th by Noon (11:00 PM. online) Order online at www.marketday.com; Use 21199 as your school code!

PICK-UP ORDERS:

Pick-up is Saturday, December 20th between 9:00 and 10:00 am. in PLC Multi-Purpose Room. CONTACT US: Please contact the youth ministry office at 630-851-3444 x232 with any questions.

Dec. 15th, 16th, 17th …. Christmas Sing-A-Long for the whole family. Starts at 4:30 or 6:30 Early dismissal at 5:10 or 7:10 Christmas vacation the weeks of Dec. 22nd & 29th. MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR Classes resume Jan. 5th. Jan. 5th, 6th, 7th regular R.E. Classes… Thursday, Jan. 8th—7-8pm in the Church… First Reconciliation meeting for all First Communion students and at lease one parent. Jan. 12th, 13th, 14th, regular R.E. Classes. Our Savior and Friend Jesus loves us and wants us to love God, love others and spread the good news!

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Parish Activities for the Week SUNDAY, December 14th 9:00 & 10:45a Mass Jesus ‘Lil Lambs Nursery RM108 12:00a-8:00a Teen Lock-In PLC 8:30-10:30a Men’s CRHP 1 Breakfast Mtg. RM123 2:00-3:00p Baptism CH 6:30-8:30p Women’s CRHP Team II RM114 7:00-9:00p The Posadas CH 7:30-9:30p Adult Men’s Open Gym MPR MONDAY, December 15th 8:30a-6:00p Eucharistic Adoration CHAPEL 4:30-5:10p R.E. Christmas Sing-A-Long PLC 6:00-6:30p Benediction CH 6:30-8:00p EDGE Night PLC 7:00-8:30p Parish Council Mtg. RM109 7:30-9:00p The Posadas CH TUESDAY, December 16th 4:30-5:10p R.E. Christmas Sing-A-Long PLC 6:30-7:10p R.E. Christmas Sing-A-Long PLC 7:00-8:30p LIGHT Retreat Team Mtg. RM211 7:00-9:00p Advent Reconciliation Service CH 7:30-9:00p The Posadas MPR WEDNESDAY, December 17th 4:30-5:10p R.E. Christmas Sing-A-Long PLC 5:00-6:25p Middle Choir CH 5:50-6:25p Jr. Choir CH 6:30-7:10p R.E. Christmas Sing-A-Long PLC 7:00-8:00p Baptism Class CH 7:00-9:00p St. Vincent de Paul Mtg. RM114 7:30-9:00p Adult Choir RM119 7:30-9:00p The Posadas MPR THURSDAY, December 18th 6:30-8:00p EDGE Night PLC 6:30-8:30p Simbang Gabi Dance Practice RM124 7:00-9:00p Faith Sharing - Steering RM109 7:00-9:00p The Posadas CH FRIDAY, December 19th 7:00p Wedding-Revalidation CH SATURDAY, December 20th 9:00-10:00a Market Day Pick-up MPR 9:00a-1:00p Orchestra Sectionals RM119 6:00-7:00p Simbang Gabi Mass CH Followed by Ticketed Dinner Reception MPR 7:00-9:00p The Posadas CH SUNDAY, December 21st 9:00 & 10:45a Mass Jesus ‘Lil Lambs Nursery RM108 1:30-9:00p Set up MPR for Christmas Mass MPR 6:30-9:00p Decorate for Christmas CH

Our Lady of Mercy Weekend Masses

December 20th/21st Saturday 4:00p.m. Fr. Fullmer Sunday 7:30a.m. Benedictine 9:00a.m. Benedictine 10:45a.m. Fr. Lad 12:30p.m. Fr. Lad 5:30p.m. Fr. Tebbe

December 1, 2014 Dear Church Families, During the Christmas season, we at Hesed House have many gifts delivered to our doors. From my window, I have the pleasure of viewing friends and supporters dropping off warm clothes and boots for our guests, turkeys and hams for holiday meals and toys for the tots, just to name a few. For the churches who serve dinner over the holidays, we thank you for the nothing short of five-course meals you bestow upon our guests and staff. Upon my arrival at Hesed House, the staff warned me about becoming part of the 15 Pound Club - the number of pounds a new employee generally gains in the first year of employment at Hesed House. I believe I have sur-passed those 15 pounds as I look a little “healthier” after a year of service here! Even now as I write, there is a lobby full of clothes and goodies that were dropped off at our doors this past weekend. It is this expression of Christ’s love that you collectively con-tinue to deliver to our door year round. Your kindness embod-ies what I see as one of the true meanings of Christmas which is Emmanuel, God is with us. Thank you for being that ex-pression of Christ’s love and for reminding us that God is tru-ly with us at Hesed House. From all of us at Hesed House, may you have a Merry Christ-mas and a Happy New Year! Michael Cobb Executive Directory Hesed House

Thomas Brenton Bennett, V, son of Thomas & Jeanne Keagan Emerson Brown, son of Michael & Maribeth

Simone Kingsley Dillard, daughter of Scott & Christina Malena Grace Garcia, daughter of Osvaldo & Molly

Nathan Raymon Padin, son of Raymon & Marta Ellory Reese Tabour, daughter of Justin & Jessica

Aubrey Elizabeth Zeunert, daughter of Matthew & Melisa

We warmly welcome the following children into our Faith Community. We congratulate their parents on their baptism.

Baptized December 6, 2014

Parish Information... Page 11

PARISH STAFF: Fr. Hugh Fullmer, Pastor, ext 228 email: frhugh@olmercy.com Fr. Joslad Koilparambil, Associate, ext. 229 email: frlad@olmercy.com Deacon Bob Vavra, ext 230 Deacon Phil Rehmer, email: deaconphil@rehmer.com Deacon Tim Kueper, ext 236 Deacon Tony Martini, ext. 405 Deacon Art Tiongson, ext. 231 Janice Cain, Business Manager, ext 223 email: janicec@olmercy.com Jolene LeRoy, RN, Parish Nurse, ext 403 Larry Harris, Music & Liturgy, ext 243 Phyllis Anderson, Liturgy, ext. 231 email: phyllisa@olmercy.com Mary Dunbar, Parish Secretary, Bulletin Editor, Weddings, ext 221 - email: parishoffice@olmercy.com Diane Reiter, Business Office Support Baptisms, Parish Life Campaign, ext 235 Religious Education: Deacon Tim Kueper, Director of Religious Ed., ext 236, email: timk@olmercy.com Dave Miserendino, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, ext 225 John Werle, Middle School Youth Ministry Coordinator Jean Rehmer, Religious Education Secretary Grades 6-12 & RCIA, ext 232 Cheryl Lohse, Religious Education Secretary Grades K-5 & RCIC, ext 222 R.E. Absentee Reporting Voicemail, ext 201

FAX NUMBER: 630-851-3468 PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pm WEEKEND MASSES: Sat.4:00p;Sun.7:30a,9:00a,10:45a,12:30p, 5:30p DAILY MASSES: Monday-Friday 8:00a (Rosary after Daily Mass) SATURDAY COMMUNION SERVICE: 8:00a (Morning Prayer) HOLY DAY MASSES: Generally celebrated at 7pm evening prior; 8am and 7pm the day of. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Saturday 3:00-3:45pm; Reconciliation services held seasonally. SICK AND HOMEBOUND Contact the Parish Office so we may help you in any way possible. HOSPITALIZATION: If you anticipate a hospitalization or are admitted to an area hospital and would like a visit from a priest or Eucharistic Minister, please notify the parish office. BAPTISMS: Registered parishioners wishing their child baptized must attend a parent meeting held the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Parents do not need to attend the class for subsequent children. Baptisms are held at 12 noon the first Saturday of the month and at 2:00 p.m. the second and third Sundays. Baptisms are not conducted during Lent. Contact Diane Reiter, ext. 235 . WEDDINGS: The bride, groom or either set of parents must be registered members of the parish. Weddings may be scheduled no less than six months out in order to fulfill the diocesan marriage prep-aration requirements. Contact Mary Dunbar, ext. 221. QUINCEANERAS: The parents must be registered members of the parish. The Mass is celebrated in English only and may be scheduled no less than six months out. Contact Mary Dunbar, ext. 221. NEW PARISHIONERS: We welcome you! Please register by attending our “New Parishioner Registration/Welcoming” meeting the last Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m. For more info call: 851-3444, ext. 221. HOSPITALITY: Hospitality” weekend is held in the Parish Life Center Multi Purpose Room after all Saturday/Sunday Masses on the last full weekend of each month (excluding December). ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY, Voicemail - ext. 400

CHURCH NAME AND NUMBER— The Church of Our Lady of Mercy #512124 ADDRESS— 701 S. Eola Road Aurora, IL 60504 PHONE— 630-851-3444 CONTACT PERSON— Mary - Ext. 221 SOFTWARE— Microsoft Publisher 2002 PRINTER— Acrobat 6.0 TRANSMISSION— Via Email Day: Tuesday NUMBER OF PAGES SENT— 1 through 11 SUNDAY DATE OF BULLETIN— SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS— Fed Ex: Deliver to main entrance on the North side of Church