The Holy Family

December 27, 2009

SAINT ISAAC JOGUES PARISH 8149 Golf Road ~ Niles, IL 60714 847/967-1060 ~ Fax # 847/967-1070 Website: http://sij-parish.com

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The Twelve Days of Christmas On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree. On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five gold rings, four calling birds, three French-hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six geese a' laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven swans a' swimming, six geese a' laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me eight maids a' milking, seven swans a' swimming, six geese a' laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing, eight maids a' milking, seven swans a' swimming, six geese a' laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ten lords a' leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a' milking, seven swans a' swimming, six geese a laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me eleven pipers piping, ten lords a' leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a' milking, seven swans a' swimming, six geese a' laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, ten lords a' leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a' milking, seven swans a' swimming, six geese a' laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

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TWELVE DAYS OF GIFTS

Is it A Christmas Code?

A 1955 British Film short, On the Twelfth Day…, dares to dramatize everyone's favorite fun carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas. It leaves nothing to the imagination. A proper Edwardian lady, Miss Tilly, has the fortune or misfortune to have the extravagant, undivided attentions of Mr. Truelove. He sends her a steady avalanche of gifts for 12 days. The arrival of the gifts and their chaotic accumulation tests Miss Tilly's endurance and totally disrupts her household. The literal interpretation of the carol is hilarious and unforgettable. Poor Miss Tilly living with all those “geese -a- laying, pipers piping, Lords- a-leaping and ladies dancing!” A flock of partridges in an orchard of pear trees and all the rest reveal the bizarre connection between gift-giving and “terrorism.” It is nonsense, but delightful nonsense!

Literalists also approach The Twelve Days of Christmas through an estimated “price index.” In 1984, PNC Bank began its annual estimate of the cost of all goods and services described in the carol. In that year, the cost was $12,623.10. In 2009, it is $21,465.56! What was it Oscar Wilde said? “A cynic is one who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing!” Shame on PNC Bank! Their nonsense is cynicism only disguised as good humor.

The Twelve Days of Christmas was published in England in 1780. It is actually much older and of French origin. Its genre has been common since the Middle Ages. It is a “counting song.” Counting songs are almost like nursery rhymes, but their objective is to teach. So, what does The Twelve Days of Christmas teach? Nonsense? Or is its manifest, grandiose silliness a kind of “code?”

While some reject The Twelve Days of

Christmas as “coded Catechism,” many believe that the lighthearted carol was composed to help Catholics learn basic doctrine. From 1558—1829, English Catholics were denied basic civil rights and excluded from public worship, and religious education. There are slightly different interpretations of the carol, but it could easily be a “catechism song.” Joanna Bogle in A Book of Feasts and Seasons gives us a good example of the “Twelve Days Code.”

1. My true love = God Partridge = Jesus Pear Tree = Tree of Life 2. Turtle Doves = Old and New Testaments 3. French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity 4. Calling Birds = 4 Gospels 5. Gold Rings = first 5 Books of the Bible 6. Geese = 6 Days of Creation 7. Swans = 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit 8. Maids = 8 Beatitudes 9. Ladies = Fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23) 10. Lords = 10 Commandments 11. Pipers = 11 Faithful Disciples 12. Drummers = 12 points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed

Some say that The Twelve Days of Christmas is a Christmas carol about gift-giving, but not about Christmas. I disagree. The intriguing hypothesis that it is catechism in camouflage actually “puts Christ back in Christmas” - - or, at least, in Christmas carols. As Catholics, we should value our Christmas counterculture and continue to celebrate even after everyone else pulls the plug! Christmas isn't over until it’s over! Keep the tree up! Ring bells! Sing carols! Trek merrily forward to the Baptism of the Lord! Nowell! Nowell! - Fr. Luczak

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We have not done well in the month of December! Through the first three weeks we have fallen $1,520 behind our year to date budget. Please help us to close this gap by continuing to give just $2.00 more each week.

Our thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Parish’s support.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD Masses for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a Holy Day of Obligation, will be on Thursday, December 31st, at 5:00 p.m. and on Friday, January 1, at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. EPIPHANY WEEKEND Come celebrate our unity and diversity at the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, January 2nd, as we observe Epiphany, when the Lord was revealed to the nations. The Adult Choir will be singing, petitions will be in various languages, people are invited to wear native garb or colors! Chalk will be blessed and it will be available along with a blessing for your home for the new year. The Music Ministry Christmas Concert will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 3rd. Hospitality will follow in the

Financial Snapshot Third Sunday of December 2009

Actual Budget Differ-

ence Actual Last Yr Difference Sunday Collection $10,042 $10,600 ($558) $10,042 $8,289 $1,753 Holy Days $1,634 $1,600 $34 $1,634 $1,575 $59

Month to Date $33,486 $35,100 ($1,614) $33,486 $33,028 $458

Year to Date $267,555 $269,075 ($1,520) $267,555 $266,222 $1,333

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF OUR PARISH RAFFLE The lucky winners were:

Our thanks to everyone who participated and helped to raise over $10,000 for our Parish

Pat Slapinski Marlene Garber

Ann Livorsi Mary Ann Castagna

Don Baron Rev. Edward Fialkowski

Evangeline Pintang Susan Daniel

Helene Kowalik Wally Polinski Robert Costello

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Holy Family Room. We invite you to bring one of your traditional Christmas treats to share. Also, if you have a nativity scene or some other Christmas art of your culture or ethnic group that you would like to bring before the concert and set up for people to enjoy during the hospitality, you are encouraged to do so. Please call the RE Office, 847/966-1180, and let us know so that we can have enough display tables. Thank you! CATHOLICS COME HOME “….Research describes many reasons why people have drifted from the practice of their Catholic faith these past 40 years; the 20 million Catholics who have drifted do not always fit a smooth profile. Most still regard themselves as Catholic and identify themselves as such, even though they do not practice the faith. Some have left in anger, a bad experience with a priest or a parish staff person, disagreement with a Church teaching, or disillusionment with the recent sex scandal. “Research tells us that many, if not most, have simply drifted. Church is just not a priority. They have no particular axe to grind; it is simply not important to practice the faith routinely. Holy Family Sunday reminds us of our own family, the primary ‘cell’ molding our individuality and our society. The overwhelming number of families who routinely connect, share, eat (sometimes ‘dine’) together, and yes, pray together, are healthy as individuals, as people in relationship and their view of society and the world. As each family member is interested and concerned about all the members of the immediate family, so, we as Church, are concerned about the spiritual health of all our brothers and sisters, especially their relationship to Christ! Join in our Catholics Come Home prayer:

PRAYER TO THE HOLY FAMILY

Jesus, savior and center of our faith, Draw all people to share the life of your body, the Church.

Mary, mother of the Lord and mother of the Church, Help us to welcome all those who have been away.

Joseph, guide and guardian of the Holy Family,

Inspire us to be faithful witnesses to our life in Christ.

O Holy Family, pray that we may learn to welcome, serve and support All who come to share in our family of faith.

Amen.

READINGS FOR SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD:

Numbers 6:22-27

Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21

READINGS FOR SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY:

Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Matthew 2:1-12

EDUCATION

RE NEWS *RE Classes will not meet on Monday, December 28th. We resume on January 4th! *Kindergarten RE will resume on January 3rd at 10:30 a.m. *Permission slips for the Confirmation Year I Retreat on January 16th have been mailed out. Please contact the RE Office if you have not received this mailing.

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*The O’Hare Cluster is sponsoring a two-Saturday class on the Liturgy & Sacraments of the Church as part of the Archdiocesan Catechist Certification Process, which consists of 5 courses, 10 hours each. The class will be hosted here at St. Isaac Jogues Parish on Saturday, January 9 and February 6, registration at 8:30 a.m. and class 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch is provided. SIJ Catechists and Assistants are to RSVP to the RE Office by the end of class on Monday, January 4th. Certified Catechists are encouraged to come, too, for further enrichment. ADULT CONFIRMATION Older teens and adults who have made their Communion but have not yet been confirmed are invited to participate in preparation sessions beginning on Sunday, January 11th, at 9 a.m. in the Religious Education Office. The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in early May. For more information, please call the Religious Education Office, 847/966-1180.

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HUMAN CONCERNS

Be Sober & Safe This New Year’s

As the holidays continue, so do gatherings with family & friends. Food & drink likely will be part of the mix. To help make your celebrating “safe,” here are things to keep in mind. The “facts” are courtesy of Advocate Health Care’s Congregational Health Ministry. • Alcohol affects each person differently. Factors include “age, gender, physical condition, amount of food

consumed, and any medication taken.” • The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism indicates moderate alcohol intake is:

+ “1 drink or less each day and 7 or less each week” for women + “2 drinks or less each day and 14 or less each week” for men + “1 drink or less each day or 7 or less each week” for anyone over 65 Drinking 5 or more at a time is considered binge drinking.

• “A drink equals a drink equals a drink.” “A standard drink is any of the following: 12 ounces of beer = 8 ounces of malt liquor = 5 ounces of wine = 1.5 ounces (a shot) of hard liquor (rum, gin, vodka, etc.)” The amount of pure alcohol in each is virtually the same & will register the same on a Breathalyzer.

Have a safe & happy rest of the season! Pat Kellen, Parish Nurse – Advocate Health Care/ St. Isaac Jogues

Grief Is Like a River: A 6-Week Support Group NorthShore Hospice will offer a daytime support group for anyone who has suffered any type of loss in the last two years. Their nature inspired perspectives on grief will help participants look at how grief & loss impact us over a lifetime & learn helpful, practical skills to negotiate the waters of life. The group is free & meets Thursdays, 10:30AM to 12N, from Jan. 7 & through Feb. 11. To reserve a place, call 847-982-4364. NorthShore Hospice is located at 4901 Searle Pkwy, Skokie.

Warning Signs that An Aging Loved One Needs More Help Arden Courts of Northbrook, an Alzheimer’s & Dementia Assisted Living facility, offers things to consider as you visit with aging loved ones this season. • Has your loved one lost weight? Unexplained weight loss can be indicative of a significant health

problem like cancer, dementia, depression, heart failure, or malnutrition. • Is your loved one safe at home? Scorched pots could indicate forgetting cooking food on the stove.

Neglected housework might mean lack of motivation or energy. • Is your loved one taking care of him/ herself? Keeping up routines like bathing & grooming could be a

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sign of health problems. Also a seemingly undisturbed or empty (when it shouldn’t be) pill caddy mean medications aren’t being taken appropriately. • How is your loved one’s spirit? Drastic changes in mood or outlook may indicate depression or other

health issues. Changes in the frequency of social interaction also present a concern. • Is your loved one having difficulty getting around? If your loved one’s health conditions limit mobility,

self care may be difficult or unsafe. Bruises may indicate falls (resulting in major injuries or even death). If you have concerns about your aging loved one’s wellbeing, let them know. This may be all it takes to get him/ her to see the doctor. If your concerns fall on deaf ears, call their doctor. Sharing your observations will make it easier for their health professional to key in on what’s accounting for the changes. Arden Courts offers complimentary guides/ information on healthy eating after 50, home safety, 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, understanding memory loss, depressions signs, fall prevention, how to talk to a physician & long distance caregiving. To receive yours, contact Gail McGeever, Arden Courts Northbrook, at 847-795-9000 or “e” northbrook@arden-courts.com

—————————————————————————————————————————- PARISH LIFE

The music ministry of St. Isaac Jogues Church will present a concert of holiday music on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at 3:00PM in the church. Our adult choir, youth choir and cantor ensemble will provide you with an entertaining and joyous afternoon of music and laughter. After the rush of preparations, sit back and let the peace of the Christmas season and its music surround you.

A PARISH "Oplatek"

We extend a heartfelt invitation to ALL parishioners

to break the "oplatek" (A Christmas wafer) on January 10, 2010

after the 12:00 noon Mass in the Holy Family Hall.

This event has been organized by a Polish Group.

Desert and snacks will be most welcome. ********

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from the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

The members of the St. Vincent De Paul Society wish to thank our St Isaac Jogues parishioners for their support of our "Giving Tree" program. Without your financial support, the "Giving Tree" would not be possible. Our program is a way for all of us at St. Isaac Jogues, to show our brothers and sisters at the nursing homes, that we care about them and that we remember them during the Christmas holidays. We believe that our "big gifts" will help improve, in some way, the quality of life for many of the nursing home residents throughout the year. The funds you provided, allowed us to donate the following: to the Niles Nursing Home residents we gave a free standing Popcorn Machine with all the accoutrements and a CD player entertainment unit; to the Glenbridge Nursing Home we provided a 42 inch Panasonic Viera Plasma Black Flat Panel HDTV; the residents at the Golfview Developmental Center also received a stand alone Popcorn machine with accoutrements. All residents also received small, individual gifts. We also wish to thank all the many volunteers from our parish who helped us spread the Christmas cheer, the music and their singing of the Christmas carols, as well as helping with the distributing of the small individual gifts. This year we had the largest numbers of volunteers in recent memory. Thank you and God bless you all. We also wish to thank Lisa Hall our music director and Betsy Garcia for donating their time and wonderful music talent. Peace be with you all, The St. Vincent De Paul Society

About the Gift

Come Christmas The gift of grace

The gift of God revealed In Jesus Christ

Is worth more than Anything bought Or made proudly By human hands

Without faith Christmas is just

Another day Another season

To be busy To be jolly

About something Of our own fancy

We must ourselves In unexpected moment

Labor to give birth To a new faith

That radiates love not hate And to a new heart

That focuses on the good Rather than the bad

- Deacon Rod

ST. JOSEPH TABLE MEETING

The next planning meeting for the St. Joseph Table, which will be held in early March, is on Wednesday, January 6, at 7:30 p.m. downstairs in the Parish Hall. The St. Joseph Table is a beautiful tradition made so by the prayers, food & monetary donations and help of many, many people. All are invited to come to the meeting on January 6. We would also appreciate hearing from you if you are willing to donate to or work at the St. Joseph Table. You can leave a message for Santa or Dee by calling the Religious Education Office, 847/966-1180. In upcoming weeks we will have a list of food, supplies and workers needed to carry out this special event!

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Sunday, December 27 7:30 am For the Living & Deceased Members of St. Isaac Jogues & their Families; Richard M. Arendt 9:00 am Edward Puisis 10:30 am Brady & Stanton Families 12:00 pm Filomena Paz Monday, December 28 8:00 am Purgatorial Society; Ed Brezinski Tuesday, December 29 8:00 am Gerard Dreyfuss Wednesday, December 30 8:00 am Walter Mryczko Thursday, December 31 8:00 am Edward Puisis 5:00 pm Virginia F. Lutsch Friday, January 1 —Mary, Mother of God 9:00 am Anne Tamburrino 10:30 am Joseph & Christopher Zimny Saturday, January 2 8:00 am Communion Service-No Intentions 5:00 pm Terry Dyja Sunday, January 3 7:30 am For the Living & Deceased Members of St. Isaac Jogues & their Families;

Anthony J. Angello 9:00 am Rose Merendino 10:30 am Felicidad Serain 12:00 pm Mary Murphy Sacristy Committee

Diane Bauer, Janet Grant

Reconciliation Fr. McGlynn

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Liturgies next weekend January 2-January 3 (Epiphany)

Presider 5:00 pm Fr. Luczak/Deacon Rod 7:30 am Fr. Kennedy/Deacon Paul 9:00 am Fr. McGlynn/Deacon Paul 10:30 am Fr Kalas/Deacon Bob 12:00 pm Fr. Janas/Deacon Bob December 31 — January 1 (Mary, Mother of God) 5:00 pm Fr. Janas/Deacon Paul 9:00 am Fr. Kennedy/Deacon Rod 10:30 pm Fr. Luczak/Deacon Bob

Altar Servers

5:00 pm Adam Ratner, Samuel Ratner, Roshan Muringothu, Rino Muringothu, 7:30 am Rachel Nieva, Sandra Kietlinska, Cassie Baloue, Elizabeth Stanton 9:00 am Joanne Areno, Christian Manaois, Christy Manaois, Anya Piska 10:30 am Sabin Thomas, Kevin Thomas, Christy Thomas, Justin Thomas 12:00 pm Celina Antony, Marco Lambo, Colin Austria, Jacob Austria Thursday, December 31—New Year’s Eve 5:00 pm Roshan Muringothu, Rino Muringothu, Bryan Roque Friday, January 1 — New Year’s Day 9:00 am Sandra Kietlinska, Aisha Fernando, Rene Dumayas 10:30 am Nelson Perumpel, Joanne Areno, Jasmine Herrera

Relatives & Friends Please remember the sick and hospitalized:

Dan Anfuso, Bob Arns, Shirley Arns, John Arns, Jr., Andre Baros, Noah Baros, Linda Bennett, Shawn Bong,

Genevieve Conway, Mary Cornwell, Ed D’Souza, Edward Gaske, Shirley Klein, Maria Ladd,

Gailmarie Mattison, Laura Maya, Lillian McCloud, Marilyn Michaels, Susan Nowak, Tammy Heffernan

Propst, Tony Romito, Linda Bong Sanchez, Paul Sitkowski, Clariza St. George, John Terzakis,

Pat Terzakis, Alec Upshaw, Megan Zimniewicz Upshaw, Chuck Watson, Mary Zimniewicz.

Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not

yet been revealed . - 1 John 3:2a

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PASTOR: Rev. Andrew Luczak ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Rev. Camillus Janas, O.F.M PASTORAL STAFF: Deacon Bob Kerls, Parish Business Administrator Mrs. Dolores Stanton, Director of Religious Education Mrs. Patricia Kellen, Parish Nurse Ms. Lisa Hall, Music Director DEACON COMMUNITY: Deacon & Mrs. Robert C. O’Keefe Deacon Rod Ranola Deacon & Mrs. Paul M. Stanton WEEKEND LITURGY PRESIDERS: Rev. Ron Kalas Rev. Bernard Kennedy, O.F.M. Rev. Philip McGlynn, O.S.M. Rev. David Stagaman, S.J. Eucharistic Celebrations: Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, & 12:00 Noon Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM & 5:00 PM Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday, 11:00 - 12:00 Noon or anytime by request.

Sacrament of Matrimony: Must be registered for six months prior to setting the wedding date with an addi-tional six months for necessary preparation. Note: The following wedding times can be scheduled: Friday at 5:00 p.m.; Saturday at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.; Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (Ceremony only) Sacrament of Baptism: Second and fourth Sunday of each month at 1:30 PM. Baptism Preparation Session must be completed before Baptism. Contact the Parish Office as soon as possible for details. Parish Office Website: http://sij-parish.com E-mail: office@sij-parish.com 8149 Golf Road, Niles, IL. 60714. . . . . . . 967-1060 Mrs. Janet Piovosi (Parish Secretary) Mrs. Emilie Casacchia (Data Processor) Mrs. Marlene Garber (Data Processor) Mrs. Jane Piper (Bulletin Editor) Religious Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 966-1180 Staff Secretary Parish Nurse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 967-1094 Music Ministry. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 967-1091 Parish Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 965-1091 Ministry Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 965-6911 Parish School: St. John Brebeuf School. . . . . . . . . 966-3266 Principal: Mrs. Margaret Whitman

ADDING NAMES TO THE PARISH SICK LIST It has always been the policy of St. Isaac Jogues to offer our parish community an opportunity to pray for those parish-ioners who are ill and in need of our prayers. We have tried to keep close track of these names for our Bulletin as they are made available to us. However, now we face an important privacy issue, very much like the issues faced by hospitals, health institutions, and certainly by other parishes. We cannot (by law) publicly let our parish community know the health status of any of our members without their permission. We appreciate the fact that often friends, neighbors, and acquaintances wish to do something special for a person who is ill, and ask to place their name on the list to be prayed for. While their intentions are surely good, we simply can no longer accept names in this manner. We will institute a new process regarding calling in names for the Bulletin list. Names for the sick list placed in the Bulletin have to be called in by the person who is ill, or by a member of their family. At the time they call in the name, they will be asked whether they are the sick person him/ herself, or a member of their family, and if they give permission for the name to be placed on the list. They will be asked for the cor-rect spelling of the sick person's name. If a family member, they will be required to give their name for our records. Thank you for your patience regarding this new process. We wish to do all we can to offer our parish community the opportunity to offer prayers for those who are ill — but we must also be cognizant of the fact that all members of our con-gregation are entitled to their privacy in this regard.

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS ST. ISAAC JOGUES #512032 8149 Golf Road Niles, IL 60714 TELEPHONE 847 967-1060 CONTACT PERSON Jane/Janet SOFTWARE MS Publisher 2003 Adobe Acrobat 8.0 Windows XP Professional PRINTER Canon IR 3035 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 12 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION December 27, 2009 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS THANK YOU!