St. Alphonsus Catholic Church 210 E. Logan, Lemont

Parish Office Center 630-257-2414 Fax 630-257-2476 Religious Ed. Office 630-257-2371 School Office 630-783-2220 20W145 Davey Road Website: www.st-als.org E-mail: stals-lemont@comcast.net

Business Hours: Monday thru Friday: 8 am - 4 pm

Mass Schedule

Weekend Schedule Saturday: 4:00 pm Vigil Mass

Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am and 11:00 am

Weekday Schedule Monday-Friday 7:30 am in the chapel

Holy Days to be announced

Eucharistic Adoration

Tuesday—8:00 am—8:00 pm, chapel

Sacramental Life Reconciliation

Saturday—3:00 to 3:30 pm Or by appointment

Baptism

Baptisms are usually celebrated the second and third Sunday of every month.

No Baptisms during Lent

Marriage Prospective bride and groom must be

registered parishioners for at least 6 months before a wedding date may be scheduled

Sick and Homebound

Contact the office, 257-2414 to receive a visit from a Minister of Care

ST. ALPHONSUS C A T H O L I C

C O M M U N I T Y Est. 1867

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St. Alphonsus Catholic Church

Parish Registration

Everyone 18 years and older should register for the parish.

To register, please call the Office Center, 257-2414 or you can register online at

www.st-als.org.

Parish Staff Pastor

Fr. Brian Ardagh Part-time Associate Pastor

Fr. Tom Hoffman Resident

Fr. Robert Rohrich Weekend Celebrant

Fr. Lou Zake Diaconal Ministry:

Deacon Terry McGuire Deacon Dan Rittenhouse

Deacon Bill Lubben Director of Religious Education

Kevin Cody Admin. Assistant for Religious Ed.

Melanie Terrazas School Principal:

Robert Priest Pastoral Associate: Linda O’Connor

Office Coordinator:

Accountant: Carol Levas

Music Director Joseph Martorano

Music Staff Diane Marelli

SPRED: Carol Levas

Parish Pastoral Council Members

Mike Bruno Bill Doherty Diane Kaye

Deborah Kornacker Sharon Kostes

Roy Tam Terese Turner

James Zuccarelli

From Father Brian’s Desk Advent Events

This weekend we begin our new church year with the season of Advent. There are plenty of opportunities to share our faith during Advent including:

One tradition that has been inspiring to everyone gathered at the weekend

liturgies is the lighting of the candles of the Advent Wreath. If you or your family would like to light one of the Advent candles, please

contact the Parish Office at (630) 257-2414 to reserve a Mass time or inform one of the Ushers at Mass.

Our Epiphany Sharing Tree continues over the next few weeks. The Christmas tree is up in the front of church covered with tags with items from the wish lists of children from Epiphany Church in need. We also have a select number of family tags available. Pick up a tag to help our brothers and sisters of faith and make a Christmas Wish come true!

This Sunday, Dec. 3rd at 12:00 p.m., we will have our annual Advent Day of Reflection sponsored by the St. Alphonsus Women’s Club. This year’s speaker is Monsignor Dennis Lyle and the topic is “Elizabeth & Zechariah, Mary & Joseph: Couples of Old Teaching Us Something New”. The Day of Reflection will include a soup & salad lunch,

dessert, soda and coffee. There is no cost for attending the Advent Day of Reflection, but a $5 freewill donation is appreciated.

Mark your calendar for the Lemont Tri-Parish Advent Mission. It will take place on Monday, Dec. 4th and Tuesday, Dec. 5th at 7:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Church. Our Mission Leader is Mrs. Terri O’Neill Borders of Lemont Hope & Friendship Foundation. Come join us as we

reflect on our faith during the Advent Season and how we can become better disciples of Christ.

Immaculate Conception Mass Schedule

I would like to remind everyone that Friday, December 8th is the

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the patronal feast of the United States. This year it is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be offered at St. Alphonsus Church on Thursday, Dec. 7th at 7:00 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 8th at 7:30 a.m. in the church. Mass for the Immaculate Conception will also be celebrated at St. Patrick Church on Fri., Dec. 8th at 7:30 p.m. and at SS. Cyril & Methodius Church on Dec. 8th at 7:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Song of the Stable

A few months ago, I had a meeting in regards to our St. Alphonsus Parish

150th Anniversary and what we can do throughout the year to celebrate it. One suggestion was to bring back the Nativity production by the teens of our parish called the “Song of the Stable”. Mike and Wendy Lundberg, who have directed the “Song of the Stable” in the past, have graciously accepted our request to present it this year.

This year, the “Song of the Stable” will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10th at 6:00 p.m. in St. Alphonsus Church. If any teenagers in high school or Junior High School want to be part of the “Song of the Stable,” please call the Parish Office at (630) 257-2414. Come join us as we take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas!

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Welcome Guests and Visitors . . We’re so glad that you’re here and invite you to join us in thanksgiving for God’s action in our lives. Our goal is to provide a spiritual home where all are welcome, where the healing, reconciling, liber-ating love of God flows through us to all people. In this way, we believe that the Church is the sacrament of God’s sav-ing presence in the world.

“Please come to Mass early enough not to disrupt. Leave late enough not to insult (the Mass does not end until the final blessing). Worship reverently enough not to distract. And dress proudly enough not to offend.”

In honor of St. Alphonsus Parish 150th Anniversary

we present

“Song Of the Stable”

“The Living Nativity”

Calling all teens 7th grade-High School!

We need you to play parts—many non-speaking parts.

Presentation is December 10, 2017

6:00 p.m. in Church

Practice Time December 5th 3:30 – 6:00 In church

Please email Mike Lundberg if you can participate

mikelundberg01@gmail.com

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Religious Education Update

Kevin Cody, DRE, 630-257-2371, kcody-stals@comcast.net, www.st-als.org/rel-edu

RELIGIOUS CAROLS ASSIGNED

. LEMONT ADVENT MISSION

MID-TERM ASSESSMENTS Assessments for most of our classes will be given the last session before the break. The assessments are a tool to provide feedback to the catechists, parents, and kids themselves on how well they retained the key concepts this first half of the program year. Grades are not retained, and there is no pass/fail criteria. Parents want their children to understand the Catholic faith… assessments can com-municate young people’s growth in knowledge about the Catholic faith. They can also provide an opportunity for them to communi-cate how they are integrating faith knowledge into their lives. This communication can help catechists and families to assist young people on their faith journey in more effective ways. We ask that parents assist their children over the next couple of weeks in syn-thesizing and integrating what they have learned thus far. BAPTISM POSTERS LINING OUR WALLS Our 2nd Graders have been creating and bringing in posters depicting and recalling their Baptism. They brighten up the halls!

Every child knows Christmas carols such as Rudolph The Rednose Reindeer, Frosty The Snow-man, Jingle Bells, etc. However, it doesn’t seem as many are familiar with our religious carols such as Silent Night, Joy To The World, O Holy Night, etc. These carols bring home the true meaning of Christmas… there are lessons to be learned. Accordingly, each grade has been as-signed a carol to learn. They will learn the songs as well as the history and meaning behind the carols. We will video each class recital of their carol and share them on our Facebook page.

The Advent parish mission title in the photo goes with our theme for this year “Living As Disciples.” This will be a good way to kick off the Advent season hearing from Terri O’Neill who is very active in our community doing as the original disciples did… serving those in need through her Hope & Friendship Foundation. Helping others—especially the poor and needy—is a gift and a calling that we cannot shirk if we are to live as disciples of Christ. Let’s come together to grow in discipleship on Monday & Tuesday 7:30 – 9:00pm at St. Patrick

FORMED.ORG PICK OF THE WEEK Get into the season of Advent by watching this movie. If you haven’t yet used the free parish subscription to Formed, just use the Parish Code: CFMQWD to register and avail yourself to quality Catholic movies, videos, ebooks, audio programs, etc.

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Elizabeth & Zechariah, Mary & Joseph:

Couples of old teaching us something new

The Women’s Club of St. Alphonsus

invites ALL PARISHIONERS

Annual Advent Reflection

Sunday, December 3, 2017 Beginning at 12:00 Noon in the Church

Hall

During the last two weeks of Advent the Church draws our attention to four prominent figures: Elizabeth,Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph. These two married couples - one advanced in years and the other just beginning their lives together - play important roles in the arrival of the long awaited Messiah of Israel. By reflecting on their experience we gain insight into the way God speaks in our lives and the ways we respond to this voice. Hopefully, these well known stories will offer us new perspectives on the joyful mys-tery of the birth of Jesus.

Event will include soup and salad lunch, dessert, soda & coffee.

Back in July, Adam Popper began his Eagle Scout project of restoring the beauty of the Memorial Garden where our United States flag flies in honor of those who have served our country. The memorial stone was power washed, the flag pole was repainted and new flowers were planted to make this area even more beautiful. On Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11th, we had a beautiful re-dedication of the Memorial Garden, reflection and the presentation of the United States flag. Even though it was a very chilly morning outside, it was a great opportunity to reflect on those who had dedicated their lives to our country. We would like to thank Adam and his family for their gener-osity and dedication to beautifying our Memorial Garden.

Special thanks to all of the teens who took part in sorting winter coats, socks, under-wear, gifts etc for the over 500 needy families in our Community!!! The help was so appre-ciated!!! The Christmas Miracle event will take place at Everest Academy on Saturday, Dec.9th. Over 5000 items - food, clothing, toys, small appliances etc... will be given to families who need them the most!

Lemont NATIONAL NIGHT OF PRAYER FOR LIFE Pro Life Ministry

The Lemont Respect Life Group is organizing A National Night of Prayer for Life to take place at St. Patrick Church on Friday, De-cember 8th. Immediately following 7:30 pm Mass in honor of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and midnight, we will gather in prayer and Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament for the protection of all life, the Church, religious freedom and the family. During the hour of 11 pm until midnight Central Time, Catholics from across the United States will gather for a special Hour of Uni-ty spanning all four time zones. On this Feast of the Immaculate Conception and eve of the Feast of Juan Diego, all who wish to come for all or part of the National Night of Prayer are encouraged to gather for an evening of private prayer, communal prayer and Adoration. The Hour of Unity will end with Benediction. Please join us for part or all of the evening.

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EPIPHANY CHRISTMAS SHARING TREE

The Epiphany Christmas Sharing Tree is up for the beginning of Advent. During this Ad-vent season, let us remember God’s gifts to us and share our blessings with others. We

can do this by taking a child’s tag from the Epiphany Sharing Tree — RED and PINK tags for GIRLS and GREEN tags for BOYS. To avoid having one child re-ceive much more than another, please limit the total gift purchase to $40.00.

When taking a tag, please follow these guidelines:

Each tag has a child’s name on it. It is very important that you attach the tag provided with a child’s name to the gift and TAPE IT SECURELY TO THE TOP OF THE GIFT.

GIFT CARDS MUST BE WRAPPED IN A BOX. NO BAGS PLEASE.

RETURN GIFTS TO CHURCH BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10TH.

If donating by check, please make it payable to St. Alphonsus and indicate Epiphany Sharing Tree.

This year we will support several LEMONT families with gifts. If you are interested in taking a family on your own or sharing one with someone else, please call Anne at the parish office, 630-257-2414.

May God bless you for your continued generosity and kindness.

Anne Lichtenwalter

Immaculate Conception, Holy Day of Obligation

Friday, December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception It is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be offered at St. Al’s on December 7th, Thursday evening in church at 7:00 p.m. and December 8th, Friday morning at 7:30 a.m.

WHO ARE THESE KNIGHTS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

Members of The Knights of Columbus Council #1599 in Lemont meet regularly on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the VFW Post to continue organizing efforts to help those in need. Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30 pm is for 1st Degree initiation before our business meeting. Men, come and join us. The K of C is an Order of Catholic men dedicated to charitable work and spiritual formation, not only in the U.S. but

throughout the world. The following are just a few of the worldwide efforts of the K of C leadership headquartered in New Haven, Con-necticut: 2016: Upon preparation of a 30 page report containing information regarding the dangerous genocidal conditions in the Middle East, the Knights were credited for their efforts in pressing the U.S. State Dept. March 17 Declaration that Christians and other religious minori-ties in the Middle East face genocide at the hands of ISIS. 2016: As a result, our Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson, addressed the United Nations on April 28th as part of a panel discussion focus-ing on human rights abuses and the persecution of religious minorities in the Middle East and throughout the entire world. The world is now listening. 2016: July 26-31, with the help of partnering organizations, the K of C sponsored the International Site for English speaking pilgrims attending World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, welcoming more than 100,000 young pilgrims over six days making it the location of the largest WYD gatherings outside the main Papal events. 2017: The K of C documentary, Liberating a Continent: St. John Paul II and the Fall of Communism is honored with two Emmy awards at the 58th Annual Chicao/Midwest Emmy Awards. 2017: The K of C contributed almost $2 million to various aid programs in the Middle East that have received little to no funding from the U.S. government or internationalcommunity since ISIS began its genocidal campaign against the region’s religious minorities in 2014.

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“TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON AND A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN.”

“A Time to be Born through Baptism” — “A Time to Love in Holy Matrimony” — “A Time to Heal” —

“A Time of War” —

“ATime to Die” —

The military and innocent civilians who have died in the war. Please keep all these listed, and their families, in your prayers.

Joetta Karlos Mary Tadda Ray DeNardis Donna Murphy Donald Boza Shirley Cerniuk Harrison Renz John Rossi Susan Lucheon William Motykowski

Baby Kenneth Greg Hoger Michael Haller Marie Wietrzycki Jerry Sofinowski Amy Hoppes Gene Malak Lisa Ring Terry Borders Lorraine Repchak Trevor Pavey

Dorothy Goushas Robert Trock Ken Convalle John Garrison Gladys Togliatti Gertrude Smith John Ruppert Brayden Edward Fran Urban Anne Van Meter Shannahon Rob Pociask

Melanie Williams Karl Knasiak Ashley Smith Kitzer Dan Herzing Mary Woods Mary Ende Michael Bromberek Bob Jordan Dan Nimtz Fran Berst Tony Goode Jordan Skrobot

Patricia Dedek Carson Lee Umentum David Nenn Jim Kulikauskas Charlene Counter Victoria Annarino Edward & Megan Kolpeck Donald Rittenhouse Anita Bromberek Jim Browne David Niklewicz

Andrew J. Bosko, Jr., USN, Virginia Beach, VA And all who serve our country.

Joshua Plucinski, US Air Force, Germany Jacob Christine, US Navy

Scott Bosco, USA, Kuwait Christopher Durkovic, USA, S. Korea Jake Hoffman, US Army

Lighting of The Advent Wreath The Advent Season is quickly approaching and the Worship Commission would like to extend an invitation to all parishioners to

light the candles of the Advent Wreath at all masses. If you and/or your family would like to join us in this tra-dition, sign up sheets are available in the back of church or by calling the Parish office at (630) 257-2414. Thank you. The Worship Commission

CHILDREN'S CHOIR FOR CHRISTMAS

All children in third grade and older are invited to participate in the special children’s choir at the 3:30 pm Christmas Eve Mass. Rehearsals will begin on Thursdays, December 7th and 14th from 5:00 –6:00 p.m. in the Religious Education Building. On Thursday, December 21st rehearsal will be in church from 5:00—6:00 p.m. For more details please contact Joe Martorano at 708-828-5095.

"The Lord Shine Light into the Darkness" Advent Evening of Reflection- December 12th 7:00 PM at The Mount Assisi Center (13860 Main St. Lemont) A free will offering will be accepted. Please RSVP by December 11th to Carrie Peters 630-257-7844 ext. 223 or carriepeters2@sbcglobal.net

"Growing in Grace and Holiness" Women's Monthly Morning of Reflection Mount Assisi Campus (13860 Main St. Lemont) Wednesday, December 13th 10:00-1:30

Each month's Morning of Reflection includes prayer, medita-tion, and time for sharing. Continental Breakfast and Lunch will be served. $20 Donation requested. The event is hosted by Our Lady of the Angels Ministries and takes place on the Mount Assisi Campus. Depending on the number of attendees, the Morning of Reflection will be held in the Our Lady of the Angels House of Prayer or the Mount As-sisi building. Please RSVP to Carrie Peters 630-257-7844 ext. 223 or carriepeters2@sbcglobal.net

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Weekly Offering

November 18—19, 2017

Week’s Need $ 12,869.00 Sunday Collection $ 9,710.63 Surplus (Deficit) $ (3,158.37) Fiscal Year to Date Surplus (Deficit) ($ 43,079.51) Last Year’s Weekly $ 9,144.00 Collection

November 25 –26, 2017

Week’s Need $ 12,869.00 Sunday Collection $ 9,386.02 Electronic Fund (EFT) $ 934.39 Thanksgiving $ 1,662.57 Surplus (Deficit) ($ 886.02) Fiscal Year to Date Surplus (Deficit) ($ 43,965.53) Last Year’s Weekly $ 8,975.00 Collection

Thank you for your support of our parish.

Marist High School presents a parent empow-erment workshop: "The Path to Responsibility: How to Foster Leadership Skills, Accountability, and Role Modeling in Your Teen" Tuesday, December 12 6:30pm Free and open to the public 4200 W. 115th Street in Chicago Patti Arvesen Director of Marketing & Communications Marist High School Chicago www.marist.net @MaristChicago

Let’s Fill the Shelves. . Food Pantry Update

Thank you for your continued support of our local food pan-try. As part of a service pro-ject, the St. Al’s Women’s Club will be featuring a “product of the month”. This

item will be a special request from the pantry for an item that is needed most. For December we will collect: “cake, brownie or cookie mix-es and frosting.” Any item you are able to give is gratefully accepted. The staples you provide are also nec-essary. Your kindness and generosity are very much appreciated.

SPRED NEEDS

There are many ways we can grow in our faith. The SPRED (special religious development) program is one way. It is a faith development program for people with de-velopmental and intellectual challenges.

The St. Alphonsus SPRED group is in need of catechists. This group works with adults (22 and older) who have special needs. We build a small faith community of faith that grows together in the Lord! We are also working to begin the SPRED program once again at St. Patrick’s for the 17 – 21 age group. We have two friends waiting to be-come involved again. However, we need adult volunteers. We now have two adult volunteers and just need six more men and women. No experience is necessary. Training is offered. Is it something that you would like to be involved in? A volunteer is one who enjoys meeting new people, wants to form friendships, and serve the Church.

To find out more about this ministry please come to a SPRED infor-mational meeting on Monday, November 13th, 7:00 pm, at St. Pat’s reli-gious ed building, rm 8.

Please open your hearts and discover SPRED by attending the meet-ing. Attending the meeting is not a commitment. Listen, ask questions and make your own decision.

If you have any questions, please call Carol at 630-257-2414. We need your help!

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PLEASE NOTE: The 2018Mass book is open.

Easter Sunday, April

Saturday, December 2 4:00 pm — Phyllis Josephitis— Family Dina Stagner—Betty Israel Alice & Donat Vallieres— Family Irene & Ovid Morissette—Family

Sunday, December 3 7:30 am — Leonard G. Berent—Jim & Donna Berent Mary C. Maloney—Jim & Pat Browne 9:00 am —- Michael Browne—Zabilka Family Muriel Kardas—Patricia Perkey Parishioners of St. Alphonsus 11:00 am — Michael P. Zolecki— Family Dennis Bianucci-— Fred & Donna Bianucci Kim Giazzone—Family 5:00 pm — Parishioners of St. Alphonsus

Monday, December 4 7:30 am — Sandy Grunka— Paul & Bev Malak Tuesday, December 5 7:30 am — Jean Lindauer—Rita Lindauer Patricia A. Goode—Tony Goode Wednesday December 6 7:30 am — Roseann Lucas—- Kathy & Nick Lambrakis Thursday, December 7 7:30 am — Peter Schneider Family—James Schneider Family Michele Langowski—Judy Langowski 7:00 pm — Parishioners of St. Alphonsus

Friday, December 8 7:30 am — Parishioners of St. Alphonsus Saturday, December 9 4:00 pm — Tom Begeske—Family Phyllis Josephitis—Family Georgette & Bernard Bordens—Family Parishioners of St. Alphonsus Sunday, December 10 7:30 am — Eugene A. Budzinski——Jim & Donna Berent Elsbeth Betley—- Gib & Diane Ende 9:00 am — Lydia Drifus—-Family Orville & Mildred Tessum— Linn Eldred & Rosaline Reed Parishioners of St. Alphonsus 11:00 am — Helen & Casey Galasinski— Family George Freehauf-— Ralph & Bonnie Shroyer Joseph Schmetzko—Ondracek Family 5:00 pm — Parishioners of St. Alphonsus

Mass Intentions

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35 -- 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85:9-14; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8

Gather Hymnal

Mass Of

Peace and Joy

Gloria #207 Gospel Accl. #208 Holy, Holy #211 Memorial Acclamation #213B Great Amen #215 Lamb of God #216

Date Time Lector Ministers Servers Music Dec. 9

4:00 pm A. Lichtenwalter D. Rittenhouse G. Rittenhouse J. McCarthy M. McCarthy

Popper Family

Parish Choir

Dec. 10 7:30 am B. Betley S. Kostes D. Betley M. Doherty

Kostes Family A. Lilja (training)

9:00 am P. Browne B. Lubben A. Padalik E. Bruno C. Levas

G. Markun L. Macari A. Fidanzo

Cantor Ensemble & Keyboard

11:00 am M. Loisi P. Loisi T. McGuire B. Israel D. Kornacker

R. Loisi F. Kula J. Yabush

Parish Choir

5:00 pm Lemont Tri-Parish Mass at St. Pat’s

St. Alphonsus Bulletin is a weekly publication of St. Alphonsus Catholic Community of Lemont, Illinois. All rights reserved. Print-ing by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois.

Liturgical Ministers Schedule

PLEASE NOTE: If you are celebrating a special occasion, wedding anniversary, etc. and request a blessing or renewal of vows, arrangements must be made in advance by calling the Parish Office, 630-257 2414. The blessings and/or renewal of vows, will take place after the Mass.