Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent. I think a theme for today might be encouragement. Isaiah in the first reading tells us things that seem “too good to be true”. The desert will bloom and be fertile. The feeble will walk again as if they

were children. Fear will be blotted out and the blind and deaf will see and hear. There will be joy and gladness throughout the world and all will rejoice. That is pretty encouraging! In the Gospel we hear of John the Baptist looking for proof or encouragement. From prison he asks if Jesus is the one. The reply is: Look what I am doing and know that I am he. As Christians do we see one of our gifts is to be people of encouragement? Too often we do the opposite, we bring people down. The light of Christ is in each of us, let’s encourage one another to be a light to our world. Today we say thank you to all who took tags from our giving tree and have purchased Christmas gifts for those in need. Generosity is another trait of a Christian and sometimes we just need encouragement to open our hearts to others. Generosity comes from gratitude. We see the blessings God has given us and we respond. Thanks everyone!

(Continued on page 3)

Fr. John’s Column

If you read the books of the prophets in the Old Testament, you might notice that prophets were not very popular. Most were killed or exiled because they challenged people (especially the rulers of the people) to follow the commands of God. John the Baptist, who could be called the last Old Testament prophet and the first prophet of the New Testament, suffered in the same way. So what kept the prophets going? First of all, they had faith in God. They believed that God spoke through them, and they believed that the people must obey God's commandments faithfully and love the Lord above all things. They had faith that God would protect them and support them, and that God's promises would always be kept. Second, they had patience. They kept

going when people rejected their preaching. They patiently waited for God to keep those promises, sometimes for the rest of their lives. Some prophets had to be patient with their own weaknesses or their failure to change the behavior of the people of Israel. The third gift of the prophets was hope, hope that by keeping God's commands, God's people would be renewed, along with all of creation. Our first reading is an example of such hope, with its descriptions of deserts becoming gardens and the sick and disabled being healed and strengthened. So what do we learn from those prophets? First, we need to keep our faith in God strong. If you go to church once a week, the bare minimum, it would be like exercising only once a week and thinking that will keep you in shape. Prayer, for our spiritual health, is an exercise just as important as aerobics for physical health. Second, we need patience, and not just with our kids. We need to be patient with ourselves and with God. Some people stop going to church because they don't see any spiritual growth in themselves. So be patient; don't expect to become a saint right away. Sometimes even saints could not see their own spiritual growth.

(Continued on page 3)

All School Lessons & Carols Thursday 7 PM

PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD!

On the Inside...

The Prophet’s Profit Tom Schmidt

Sunday, December 15, 2019—Third Sunday of Advent

Calendar………………..Page 2 Fr. Tom’s Thoughts……Page 3 In Sympathy……………Page 4 School…………………...Page 5 Let Us Be Awake……….Page 6 Liturgy…………………..Page 7

This Week at St. Agnes Masses for the Week

Saint Agnes Parish and Catholic School Mission...to welcome, nurture, and serve the people and children of God— generation to generation, guiding souls and growing minds.

St. Agnes Parish Information

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 8:15 AM Sister Monica SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 5:00 PM David Keith by Kay & Tom 5:00 PM Samantha Revels by Aline Keith SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 7:30 AM Louis & Amelia Dyrda (20th Anniv) by Paulette & Ray 7:30 AM Alice Whitlow by Richard 7:30 AM Rose Kristina by Jane Buccino 9:00 AM Louis & Felecia Hrovat & Claudia Hrovat-Barber by Family 9:00 AM Tom Hummel by Jane & Michael Falcioni 9:00 AM Marisol Ramos by Family 11:00 AM Lil Klimas by Family 11:00 AM John Zarlengo, Sr. by Sally Zarlengo 11:00 AM Dr. Armand Gasbarro by Newling Family 11:00 AM Iaconi & Corradetti Families by Danny

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 Nothing Scheduled TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 6:30-8:00 PM Religious Ed WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 6:30-7:30 PM Religious Ed (High) 7:00 PM RCIA THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 7:00 PM All School Lessons & Carols FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 11:30 AM School Dismissal SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 5:00 Mass Blessing of Expecting Mothers SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 10:00 AM Ensemble All Masses Blessing of Expecting Mothers

BAPTISMS: 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month. Please call the Parish Office at least one month before the date of the Baptism to make arrangements. Must register to attend class which is held the first Wednesday of the month. MARRIAGES: Engaged couples should make arrangements with the pastor at least six months before the wedding date. No arrangements should be made before the desired date has been confirmed after an initial interview has taken place. ADORATION CHAPEL: The Adoration Chapel is opened seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please call Cecelia Leal-Camacho 254-3755 or Juan Rangel (Spanish) 362-4161 to sign up or for info.

PARISH: 1501Chicago Road Chicago Heights, IL 60411 Rev. John Siemianowski, Pastor Rev. Tom Kasputis, Associate Pastor Rev. William T. O’Mara, Resident Assistant PARISH OFFICE: Kay Ashby ……………...708-709-2694 Web Site……...www.saintagnes.us Email………….parish@saintagnes.us DEACON: Dave & Carol Brothers….708-755-7252 PASTORAL ASSOCIATE/ DIRECTOR OF LITURGY: Margie Wegrzyn………...708-709-2696 DIRECTOR OF MUSIC: Carl R. Opat……………..219-678-8726 708-709-2694 DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT: Karen Zerante…………... 708-709-2092

RCIA/MARRIAGE PREP: Carol Brothers ..................... 708-709-2699 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Teri Klopp…………………708-754-0713 MINISTRY OF CARE COORDINATOR: Call Parish Office ................ 708-709-2694 SCHOOL OFFICE: Matthew Lungaro, Principal Karen Hamilton ................... 708-756-2333 SCHEDULE OF MASSES: Sundays:………...7:30, 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. Saturdays ...................................5:00 p.m. Holy Days………As scheduled CONFESSIONS: Saturday ............................ 4:00-4:30 p.m.

Page 2 Third Sunday of Advent December 15, 2019

2019 Christmas Mass Schedule Tuesday, December 24

4:30 PM Caroling will start at 4:15 PM

Wednesday, December 25 7:30 & 10:00 AM

Wednesday, January 1 10:00 AM Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Fr. John’s Column Continued Continued

This RCIA is now in full gear. At both St. Agnes and St. Kieran our candidates are ready for the journey that will lead them to the Easter Sacraments. Advent is a perfect time for the Rite of Acceptance. Advent is seen as a time of preparation and our candidates are now preparing to meet the Lord in a special way at Easter. Please keep our candidates in your prayers as well as all those who are walking with them on this journey of faith. This coming Thursday the St. Agnes school will host its Advent Lessons and Carols program. It is a great way to get in the Christmas spirit as the whole school community comes together to sing and pray for the coming season of Christmas. Everyone is invited to join us for this celebration. It begins at 7:00 PM in the Church on December 19th. Friday December 20th is the last day of school before the Christmas break. We wish all of our children and their families a wonderful and safe Christmas break. School resumes on January 6th. Santa Claus is making a stop at St. Kieran this morning for breakfast. Everyone is invited! The breakfast begins at 8:00 AM and runs until 2:00 PM in Crawford hall (gym). St. Kieran has put on quite a spred for Santa which I am sure you will all enjoy. So head over for a great time. Finally, thanks to all of the parents who prepared food for our Living Nativity. The school families and Paul Kapocius worked hard to make this a great family event. Thanks also to our high school students who did a phenomenal job acting out the story of Jesus’ birth. Thanks also to Mr. Opat and the children’s choir...their voices were like angels from heaven. The work of all the volunteers also had a reward for our scholarship fund, almost $1,800 was raised for the school.

(Continued from page 1)

Finally, the gift of hope helps us be patient because we trust that God's promises will be kept and God will give us whatever we need. The reading from Isaiah gives us hope that God will open our eyes of faith, clear our ears to hear God's word (Isaiah 35:5), and "meet him with joy and gladness" (Isaiah 35:10).

Stewardship of Treasure

December 15, 2019 Third Sunday of Advent Page 3

Fr. Tom’s Thoughts

Week of December 8, 2019

Budget: $10,000.00 Actual: 8,625.48 - 1,374.52

BLUE CHRISTMAS/LONGEST NIGHT For some people the idea of a 'merry' Christ-mas is beyond imagining. The death of a loved one, brokenness in family relation-ships, coping with the loss of a job, living with a limiting disease – all these too human situations make holiday gatherings painful and not an easy occasion for celebration. The Winter Solstice marks the longest time of darkness during the year. In some ways, the struggle with darkness and grief faced by those living with loss is also a struggle to find a reason to have hope that God can truly be 'Emmanuel' and with us still. If this will be an especially 'blue' Christmas for you this year, know that you remain a part of the prayer of this parish. Consider joining us at our Christmas Mass. Let it be

an act of faith on your part that release, renewal and hope can be your Christmas miracle and that with God all things are possible. Father Tom K Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work or watch or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Jesus; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. - from Book of Common Prayer

Oplatky All set for your family gatherings, Oplatky, the

Christmas wafer is now available in the parish office. The suggested donation is $1.00 for a

4-pack of wafers. Get yours today!

WOMEN’S RETREAT WELCOME WEEKEND March 14 & 15, 2020

For more info or to register call Noreen 708-589-5968/ Tana 708-755-4431

Please remember that when you use the blue envelope that is in your offertory pack, this donation goes into an account that is then used for maintenance, upkeep and rehabs at our church. Every donation is most appreciated! You may always go to GiveCentral.org to make your weekly donation or a one-time donation at any time. Your weekly offerings may be set up so that if you are not at church on a certain weekend, your donation is still made! With the help of blue envelopes and END OF YEAR DONATIONS, we hope that rooftop heat for the church may be replaced as well as other roofing and school building projects that need to be done.

Page 4 Third Sunday of Advent December 15, 2019

Readings for the Week

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — The barren deserts will rejoice and flower (Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10). Psalm — Lord, come and save us (Psalm 146). Second Reading — Be patient, for the coming of the Lord is as sure as the rain (James 5:7-10). Gospel — Tell of what you hear and see: The blind regain their vision, the crippled their movement, the deaf their hearing (Matthew 11:2-11). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc-9; Mt 21:23-27 Tuesday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Wednesday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Thursday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Friday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Saturday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Sunday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24

With thanks for the little acts of kindness that make the days fly by…to our neighbors at the City of Chicago Heights for the fencing to keep our nativity animals penned in...to all scan-ning their Box Tops for Education..for the wonderful response to the Giving Trees...to school and parish families working to-gether on school and parish functions! ...and the list continues...

With Kind Thoughts

Are you homebound because of illness, disability, or age? Are you residing in a nursing home? We would like to keep you connected to the parish family by visiting you and bringing you the Eucharist. We are the Ministers of Care of St. Agnes parish, prepared and commissioned through an Archdiocesan program to serve you in these situations, be they temporary or long-term. But we cannot respond to your need unless you make us aware of it. Hospitals and nursing homes do not notify us about your admission or discharge. Privacy laws restrict them from doing so. So please let us know of your need, or the need of a family member, by calling the parish office.

Sick or Homebound?

On December 21 and 22 at all Masses, expectant moth-ers, fathers and their unborn children will receive a spe-cial blessing. As we remember how Mary carried Jesus in her womb during the months before Christmas and prepare to celebrate his birth, a blessing is given to strengthen mothers and fathers during the time of wait-ing and to pray for the health and safe delivery of their child.

Family Ornament

Please pray for the repose of the soul of: Josephine Ciccone May she rest in peace.

In Sympathy

Special Blessing

We invite you to continue the tradition of the St. Agnes Family Ornament. Each year families and individuals are invited to make an ornament for our family trees in church. In ten, twenty, or thirty years from now, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren can look at the ornaments made by their family members at St. Agnes. The ornament may be as simple or fancy as you wish—please include your family name and the year on your orna-ment. Please place in basket in the church entrance no later than December 22nd...time to trim the trees!

2019 Christmas Mass Schedule Tuesday, December 24

4:30 PM Caroling will start at 4:15 PM

Wednesday, December 25 7:30 & 10:00 AM

Wednesday, January 1 10:00 AM

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Giving Tree

If you didn’t return your gift with tag today, please return it to the parish office by 9 o’clock Monday

morning. All gifts will be picked up by the Women’s Center and Respond Now on Monday morning. Thank

you again for your generosity!

December 15, 2019 Third Sunday of Advent Page 5

SCHOOL NEWS ….. JOLLY OLD ST. NICHOLAS LEARNING HOW TO MAKE

TAMALES!! Queen of Hearts Raffle Chuck’s Tavern-Crete

Tuesdays @ 7pm

Tiks available in the school office and @ Chuck’s!

(5 for $5 ) The pot will be over $2800 (to split) and there’s a

guaranteed $50 winner. Try your luck...support your school!

NO QUEEN OF HEARTS CHRISTMAS OR NEW YEAR’S WEEK! KID’S CHOIR LEADING CAROLS AT THE

LIVE NATIVITY STORY.

HO HO HO! KEYS TO SUCCESS!!

ART STUDENT’S WEAVING PROJECTS.

Page 6 Third Sunday of Advent December 15, 2019

Page 7 Third Sunday of Advent December 15, 2019

Liturgy Corner

The History of the Advent Wreath By Rev. William Saunders

The Advent wreath is part of our long-standing Catholic tradition. The symbolism of the Advent wreath is beautiful. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. Altogether, the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ who entered our world becoming true man and who was victo-rious over sin and death through His own passion, death, and resurrection. In family practice, the Advent wreath is most appropriately lit at dinner time after the blessing of the food. Since Advent is a time to stir-up our faith in the Lord, the wreath and its prayers provide us a way to augment this special prep-aration for Christmas. Moreover, this good tradition helps us to remain vigi-lant in our homes and not lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Advent Prayers (www.dynamiccatholic.com) These prayers are a great way for you and your family to focus on Jesus this Advent! Blessing the Advent Wreath with Children Dear Jesus, as we light the candle(s) on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless our family and our friends, and be with all those who are in need this holiday season. Amen. Week 3, Joy Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday mo-ments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.

Logo created by Ashley Cady

Christmas Flower Memorial Gift If you plan on giving a Christmas Flower Memorial Gift in memory of a loved one, please put your donation in the Christmas Flower envelope included in your monthly packet of giving envelopes or on givecentral.org. Please fill out the form below so the names of your loved ones can be published in the bulletin after Christmas. Given By ___________________________________________________________ In Memory of _______________________________________________________ In Honor of _________________________________________________________ In Celebration of _____________________________________________________ Please place the form in the Sunday Collection Basket or mail to the church office by December 17.

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