The Catholic Community of Divine Infant Jesus Church and Divine Providence Church and School

Volume 19 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 8, 2019

In the crazy rush of Christmas all around me...

Help me remember that Christmas is your birthday, that I need to find gifts fitting to offer you…

Help me remember the poverty of your nativity, Lord: make your way into my wallet and help me spend generously on those whose needs are so much greater than my own…

Help me remember that of all the gifts I might receive, none is greater than the love you have for me…

Help me prepare a way for you to enter my life decisively: a way for you to take me as your own, to set your seal upon my heart and summon out what I shall be…

Help me prepare a way for you to take possession of my desires, to fill me with the gifts I truly need, gifts that satisfy my longing for your peace…

In the quiet of my prayer, Lord, help me clear a path for you to walk into my heart, into my day…

Help me want to clear that path, Lord, lest anything or anyone keep me from your advent, your coming to my heart with healing mercy…

In the stillness of my prayer, Lord, help me to clear and make a path for you, free of the roadblocks I often run into, a path for you to enter and come in to make your home within my heart…

Help me prepare a way for you, Lord: prepare my heart for all the many ways you choose to come into my life… Amen. (from www.concordpastor.blogspot.com)

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Parish Calendar of Events

DP = DIVINE PROVIDENCE / DI = DIVINE INFANT JESUS

Monday, December 9–8:00am Mass – DP St. Peregrine Devotion 8:30am (DP) RE Classes at Divine Infant Jesus 6:30pm

Tuesday, December 10–8:00am Mass – DP Confessions-Divine Providence following 8:00am Mass St. Vincent de Paul-Divine Providence 7:00pm (MC) DP Band Concert 6:00-7:30pm (GYM)

Wed., December 11–8:00am Mass – DP RE Classes at Divine Providence 4:15pm Tai Chi Chuan 4:30-5:00pm (CN)

Thursday, December 12–8:00am Mass – DI Women of Providence~Quilters 9:00am-12:00pm (MC) DP-RE Communion Meeting 7:00-8:00pm (MFR) Women’s Guild Christmas Social 7:00-9:00pm (LH)

Friday, December 13–8:00am Mass – DI

Saturday, December 14–8:00am Mass – DI ADVENT RECONCILIATION at Divine Providence School/RE Students 10:00am-11:00am Parish Reconciliation 11:00am-12:00pm

4:00pm - Anticipated Mass at DP

5:00pm - Anticipated Mass at DI

Sunday, December 15–Masses 3rd Week of Advent 8:30am - Divine Providence 10:00am - Divine Infant Jesus

DIVINE PROVIDENCE DIVINE INFANT JESUS DPC=DP Church DIJC=DI Church CN=Church Narthex LH=Langan Hall G=Gym ANX=Annex Room MC=Ministry Center MC2=Ministry Center Mtg. Rm. MCC=Ministry Center Chapel MFR=Mayfair Room SCH=School

Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Parish Divine Infant Jesus & Divine Providence

Vincent Antonio Tony Altobello Pat Ambrosia

Ed Backer Ina Bax

Tony Belmonte Bill Betz

Bill Beuck Carm Cammarata Rose Campobasso

Gilda Cappetta Michelle Carnagio

Michael Carr Cindy Cerveny

Jacqueline & Leonard Christopher

Joseph E. Cistaro Kathy Colella

Mary Jo Conway Bob Creighton

Margaret Cullen Donald Doucet Will Engwall

Doris Esquivel Tom Fahey

June Franson Antionette Gentile

Bob Gibson Nick Goedert Marcy Goetz Eileen Gorski

Adeline Hartman Joe Healy

Amy Heinz Christopher Heitz Betty Hornbogen

Betty Hyland Anthony Jandacek Lorraine Jaworek

Janet Joy Carole Jurevich Jeanie Juvancic

Lois Kedzior Mary Ann Kelly

Jason Kuntz

Mike Labuda Ignatius Lagen

Gordon Macpherson Art Malina

Brother Alfred Marshall Nick Martino

Thomas Martirano Sam Martyn

Steve Mazzarella Gabriel Meier Peggy Melville Ida Moravecek Richard Mraz Stefan Mraz

Mulfinger Family Jim Muha

Mary E. Nelson Mark Nelson

Christine Neuzil Bernice Niemiec Patricia Olson

Frank Pedota, Sr. Mark Puc

Ralph Romano Anna Mae Rooney

Diana Roselli Evelyn Sadecki Gina Santucci Mary Scalera Mary Scolaro

Michael Scherer Geraldine Schneider

Donald Sloan Charles Soderquist

Paul Sodayko Grayson Stanley

Sarah Stanley Grace Thomas

Edwin Toloczko Vito Valerio

Parker Van Gelder Florence Voves

Mary Walsh Steven Wiersema

Nothing is impossible for God and his Blessed Mother.

-Don Bosco

DEVOTION TO ST. PEREGRINE

Monday, December 9, 2019 Immediately following

8:00am Mass at Divine Providence

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OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

On Monday next week and on Thursday next week we celebrate The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Americas and the unborn. The original image, which was given to St. Juan Diego in 1531 by Our Lady herself, is enshrined within the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. There are copies of the original image displayed in Divine Infant Jesus Church and Divine Providence Church. The miraculous appearance of this image leaves a lot of questions for modern day science. For those of us who are believers, we know that it is a gift from Heaven. We pray this week to Our Lady as the Immaculate Conception and as the beautiful woman who appeared in Mexico almost 500 years ago. Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of Mexico, Empress and Patroness of the Americas and Patroness of the Unborn, pray for us. There is more information about the original image on the Prolife Bulletin Board in the vestibule of Divine Infant Church. Take a moment and pray to our beautiful Mother, she’s listening.

WELCOM E!

Dylan Patrick

Son of Mark & Elizabeth (Hickey) Landess

Mila Lucia

Daughter of Armando & Erika (Dominquez) Ulloa

DIVINE INFANT JESUS CHURCH Christmas Eve-Tues. 12/24 4:00pm & 11:00pm Christmas Day-Wed. 12/25 7:30am & 9:30am

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Tues. 12/31-5:00pm Wed. 01/01/2020-10:00am DIVINE PROVIDENCE CHURCH Morning Mass-Tues. 12/24 8:00am Christmas Eve-Tues. 12/24 4:00pm Christmas Day-Wed. 12/25 8:30am & 10:30am

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Wed. 01/01/2020-8:30am

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Please remember to pray for all the souls

that have gone home to heaven including:

Anne “Nancy” Bauman Daughter of Anne M. & Edward (Late)

Sister of Chris & Margaret

Jane Siragusa Wife of Charles (Late)

Mother of Michael, John (Theresa), James (Jennifer) and Lisa

Grandmother of Cecilia, Anthony, Gabriella, Mia & Ava

Divine Providence Mass Intentions

Monday, 12/09 8:00am For the Parishioners †Jenny Senter †Roger Pona Tuesday, 12/10 8:00am †Joseph E. & Mary A. Collins †Peg & Bob Grimes †Vincenzina Cesario †James Cavanaugh †Camille Nawrocki Wed., 12/11 8:00am †Geraldine Moscinski

Weekend Masses Sat., 12/14 4:00pm †Joann Casey †Jan & Stefania Golanowski †Al & Elaine Nelli †Mike Klucina †Jack Lamberty †James Cavanaugh †Golub Family †George & Carol Zanoni †Frank Napolitano Family 50th Wedding Anniversary~Wayne & Claudia Cassells Sun., 12/15 8:30am †For All the Souls in Purgatory †Joseph & Emily Koron †George & Bernice Weiler

Divine Infant Jesus Mass Intentions

Thurs., 12/12 8:00am †Anthony Dugo †Fr. Fred Tomzik †Walter & Mary Wanick Anthony Walker Juan Chavarin

Friday, 12/13 8:00am In honor of the Blessed Mother and St. Lucy

Sat., 12/14 8:00am For the Parishioners

Weekend Masses Sat., 12/14 5:00pm For the Parishioners †Beatrice, Rudolph and Deborah Sandoval †Rick Yurkovich †Al Fogg

Sun., 12/15 10:00am †For All the Faithful Departed †Michael Connor

This year, The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on

Monday, December 9 is NOT a holy day of obligation.

WEEKLY COLLECTIONS

Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Parish

Divine Infant Jesus & Divine Providence

November 24, 2019 $13,385.00 WeShare/Give Central $ 9,744.15 TOTAL $23,129.15 Second Collection this month: Catholic Campaign for Human Development $ 2,323.54

December 1, 2019 $15,972.00

OPLATKI is now available in the

DIVINE INFANT & DIVINE PROVIDENCE rectories during regular office hours.

They will also be available 12/8 & 12/15

after Masses at Divine Providence.

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Saturday, December 14, 2019 Divine Providence Church

10:00-11:00am RE & School Students

11:00am-12:00pm ALL Parishioners

How will you prepare your heart this ADVENT Season?

Week 2 Which gifts of the Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge or fear of the Lord) are you in need of most in your life right now?

The Giving Tree at Divine Providence Week 3 - Our Lady of Sorrows Our third week of The Giving Tree will be collecting warm clothing for the poor and homeless who come to Our Lady of Sorrows for help. Warm clothing such as socks, gloves, sweaters, hoodies, sweat shirts and T-shirts (sizes Med-XL) are suggested as well as toys and games for children. Gift cards are greatly appreciated from Jewel, Target and Walmart. Please place gift cards in an envelope marked “Our Lady of Sorrows” and drop in the offertory basket at any Mass.

Please drop off donations on the weekend of Dec. 14/15

Journey through Advent with Bishop Robert Barron ______________________

Daily Advent reflec ons are automa cally updated on our website each day. Visit the dprov.org homepage. ADVENT

Bakers needed: to bake cookies for the

home bound parishioners of

Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Parish

Divine Infant Jesus Church and Divine Providence Church

Drop off a dozen or two of your baked cookies at either rectory on Monday, December 16th or

Tuesday, December 17th between 9am-4pm.

Please join us in wishing all Mary, Mother of Divine Grace

Homebound Parishioners a joy-filled Christmas with home baked cookies and Poinsettia plants!

We are combining both traditions for both churches’ Homebound. We need all who bake Christmas cookies to heat up your ovens! Please bring the Christmas Cookies to the Divine Providence or Divine Infant Rectory on the 16th and the 17th of December, a Monday and a Tuesday. Both St. Vincent De Paul Society Chapters’ are generously providing the Poinsettias. The Ministers of Care will deliver the cookie tins and the poinsettias!

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DIVINE INFANT

JESUS GIVING TREE

The Women's Guild is sponsoring their annual Giving Tree for our sister parish,

St. Martin de Porres

Please pick up an ornament on the tree in the back of Divine Infant Church.

Bring your wrapped gift with the

ornament attached back by December 9th for distribution.

Let's make this Christmas memorable for those in need!

Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Parish

Divine Infant Jesus and Divine Providence

ADV EN T GIV ING Opportunities

THE RICCHIO FAMILY 10th ANNUAL TOY DRIVE

Please help us achieve our goal by donating unwrapped NEW toys for children of all age groups for:

LURIE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL and

LOYOLA’S RONALD McDONALD CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

We are accepting toys for children ages infant to early teenagers! DROP OFF BOXES FOR TOYS WILL

BE IN BOTH CHURCHES.

Gifts/Donations are requested NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 15th.

THANK YOU!

DP-The Giving Tree We are excited to kick off the

Giving Tree Project for this season. Donations can be placed under the tree in the Narthex at the following weekend Masses:

Week 2 - St. Mary of the Lake Drop off on Dec. 7/8

New books for ages 3-14 (No Harry Potter please)

Week 3 - Our Lady of Sorrows Drop off on Dec. 14/15

New clothing (all sizes), children’s toys and games, Walmart, Jewel and Target Gift Cards.

Week 4 - SVP/Westchester Food Pantry Drop off on Dec. 21/22

Food Drive– canned items, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, tissue.

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES

Sunday: Second Sunday of Advent Monday: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Tuesday: International Human Rights Day Wednesday: St. Damasus I Thursday: Our Lady of Guadalupe Friday: St. Lucy Saturday: St. John of the Cross

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3,10ac,11-13;Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8,10; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a,10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde,19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, or any readings from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, nos. 707-712 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4,6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac,3b,15-16,18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10; Ps 146:6-10; Jas 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11

SAINT JUAN DIEGO (1474-1548) December 9

How well Mary’s own words describe Juan Diego: “God has cast down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the lowly” (Luke 1:52). Through him, for the diverse peoples of the Americas, indigenous and immigrant, the Mother of God became known as their Mother, too. Cuauhtlatzin, his given name, means “One Who Speaks Like an Eagle,” and Juan Diego faithfully delivered the Virgin’s request that a church be built at Tepeyac where she had appeared to him. To the skeptical bishop’s request for a sign, Our Lady showed Juan Diego roses blooming through stony ground, despite winter’s cold. When he unfolded his tilma to present them to the bishop, imprinted

there was Mary’s image! Her blue sash and the flower over her womb were traditional Aztec symbols of pregnancy and new life. But her features were those of a mestiza, indicating mixed Aztec-European heritage. Thus to peoples too easily prone to a “clash of cultures,” Our Lady of Guadalupe remains the enduring icon of unity-in-diversity, the fruit of our one baptism into Jesus, her Son. —Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

"The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin." In 1854, Pope Pius IX's solemn declaration, "Ineffabilis Deus," clarified with finality the long-held belief of the Church that Mary was conceived free from original sin. Mary was granted this extraordinary privilege because of Her unique role in history as the Mother of God. That is, she received the gift of salvation in Christ from the very moment of her conception. Even though Mary is unique in all humanity for being born without sin, she is held up by the Church as a model for all humanity in Her holiness and Her purity in her willingness to accept the Plan of God for her. Every person is called to recognize and respond to God’s call to their own vocation in order to carry out God’s plan for their life and fulfill the mission prepared for them since before the beginning of time. Mary’s “Let it be done to me according to Thy Word,” in response of the Angel Gabriel’s greeting, is the response required of all Christians to God’s Plan. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a time to celebrate the great joy of God’s gift to humanity in Mary, and to recognize with greater clarity, the truth that each and every human being has been created by God to fulfill a particular mission that he and only he can fulfill. “The word of the Lord came to me thus: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you." (Jeremiah 1:5-6) -Copyright © CNA

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The Well Spirituality Center 1515 Ogden Ave.

LaGrange Park

A Member of the Congregation of St. Joseph Mission Network

Village Vocal Chords Concert Sunday, December 8

Sneak Peek of The Well – 2 PM, Concert – 3 PM,

Yuletide Treats & Christmas Fair after the concert

It’s a Christmas extravaganza! Hear an award-wining choir and laugh a lot, get a sneak peek at The Well’s new space, eat some delicious holiday treats, and shop for a good cause at our Ministry of the Arts and Women at Risk tables. Cost: $10

To register online: www.csjthewell.org or call 708-482-5048

How to make a gift and (still) lower your taxes Changes to the tax code have some generous individuals looking for a way to support the Church while still maximizing their tax ben-efits. The standard deduction may have been increased, making it less likely that charitable gifts will be itemized but there are still many ways to make a tax-advantaged gift to a parish, school, ministry or the Archdiocese. Gifts from IRA Accounts For donors 70 –1/2 or older, gifts of up to $100,000 can be made directly from an IRA account. These gifts not only count toward meeting minimum required distributions, they are not subject to income tax and can lower a donor’s total income. Gifts of stock Gifts of appreciated stock are among the best ways to give since those gifts are not subject to capital gains tax, saving you up to 20% on your gift. “Bunching” annual gifts If you would like to maintain your current annual charitable giving, but are concerned that you might not be able to item-ize those gifts, consider “bunching” several years’ worth of annual gifts into a single year. You might be able to itemize in your year of giving and then take a standard deduction in the following years, resulting in tax savings. If you are interested in learning more about any of these ways to give, please contact Barbara Pitts, Director of Planned Giving at 312-534-7848 or bpitts@archchicago.org. Please consult your tax and financial planning professions to determine the best charitable giving strategy for you and your family.

POINTSETTIA DAY DECEMBER 12

There is an old Mexican legend about how Poinsettias and Christmas come together.

There was once a poor Mexican girl called Pepita who had no present to give the baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked to the chapel, sadly, her cousin Pedro tried to cheer her up. 'Pepita', he said "I'm sure that even the smallest gi , given by someone who loves him will make Jesus Happy."

Pepita didn't know what she could give, so she picked a small handful of weeds from the roadside and made them into a a small bouquet. She felt embarrassed because she could only give this small present to Jesus. As she walked through the chapel to the altar, she remembered what Pedro had said. She began to feel be er, knelt down and put the bouquet at the bo om of the na vity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into bright red flowers, and everyone who saw them were sure they had seen a miracle. From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the 'Flores de Noche Buena', or 'Flowers of the Holy Night'.

The shape of the poinse a flower and leaves are some mes thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ. The white leaves represent his purity.

How can you find greater communion with God?

The answers to this question are different for each person.

Find your answers to this question so that you may grow closer to God.

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PARISH LOCATIONS

DIVINE PROVIDENCE Church: 2600 Mayfair Ave. Convent: 2540 Mayfair Ave. (708) 397-4342 Business Office: 2550 Mayfair Ave., Westchester, IL 60154 (708) 562-3364 FAX: (708) 562-3134 Hours: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Mass Schedule: Weekdays: Mon. Tues. Wed.: 8:00 AM Anticipated Mass Saturday: 4:00 PM Sundays: 8:30 AM

DIVINE INFANT JESUS Church: Newcastle & Canterbury Avenues Rectory Office: 1601 Newcastle Ave., Westchester, IL 60154 (708) 865-8071 FAX: (708) 865-8032 Hours: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Mass Schedule: Weekdays: Thurs., Fri., Sat.: 8:00 AM Anticipated Mass Saturday: 5:00 PM Sundays: 10:00 AM Holy Days of Obligation: As announced in bulletin.

PARISH STAFF

Mr. John Maher-Operations Director jmaher@archchicago.org

Mrs. Linda Hawkins Director of Marketing and Enrollment lhawkins@archchicago.org

Mrs. Charlene Boyd-Bookkeeper chboyd@archchicago.org

Mrs. Toni Podock-Secretary/Bookkeeper tonilpodock@archchicago.org

Ms. Karen Luciano-Secretary/Bulletin kluciano@archchicago.org

PARISH INFORMATION

Parish Registration: Registration forms are available on-line or call the Business Office.

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Divine Providence: Tuesdays after 8:00 AM Mass Divine Infant Jesus: Saturdays after 8:00 AM Mass Or call the rectory to set up an appointment

Infant Baptism: Baptismal Preparation is required for the first child. Registration is necessary to schedule the baptism.

Divine Infant Jesus Church: Contact Toni Podock : 708-865-8071

Divine Providence Church: Contact Karen Luciano: 708-562-3364

Marriage: Please call the Parish Office at the time of your engagement to schedule your wedding. Pre-Cana is required.

Home/Hospital Visitation & Anointing Calls: If you would like a priest, deacon or Minister of Care to visit or if you wish to receive the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact either location.

Adoration: First Friday of the Month: Adoration 9:00 AM-4:00 PM in the Divine Providence Ministry Center Chapel after 8:00am Mass at Divine Infant Jesus St. Peregrine Devotion: 2nd Monday of the month after 8:00am Mass at Divine Providence.

PASTORAL MINISTRY

Pastor Reverend Marcin Szczypula

Associates Reverend Thomas Winikates Reverend Daniel Costello

Resident Reverend Gerald Joyce

Deacons Deacon Richard Hudzik Deacon Jim Sponder

FAITH FORMATION Religious Education Administrator Sr. Christine Nantaba (708)562-2258 - DP (708)865-8086 - DI cnantaba@archchicago.org

Adult Faith Formation Coordinator Deacon Jim Sponder 708-562-3364 - x12

EDUCATION MINISTRY

School—2500 Mayfair (708) 562-2258 Fax (708) 562-9171

Principal — Mrs. Lynn LeTourneau lynn.letourneau@archchicago.org

School Secretary-Mrs. Chrystal Farmar cfarmar@ archchicago.org

MUSIC MINISTRY Director of Music Ministry Mrs. Janet Reif (708) 531-9495 jreif@archchicago.org

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS Divine Infant Jesus & Divine Providence Parish #000856 2550 Mayfair Ave. Westchester, IL 60154 TELEPHONE 708 562-3364 CONTACT PERSON Karen/Linda SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2007 Adobe Acrobat 10 Windows XP Professional PRINTER HP Laserjet 3600 SATURDAY/SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION 12/08/2019 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 12 Bulletin #000856