Mon. Dec. 12
8:00 Bernard Russell
by Laura Gilbert
Tues. Dec. 13
8:00 Heinz Klauser
by Laura Gilbert
Wed Dec. 14
8:00 Lou Grimm
by Mr. & Mrs. Pnakovich
Josephine De Maso
By Vock Family
Thur. Dec. 15
8:00 Communion Service
Fri Dec. 16
8:00 Lou Grimm
by Mary Lednicky
Sat. Dec. 17
8:00 Purgatorial Society
5:30 Charlotte Ryan
by Marge Norville
Sun. Dec. 18 Fourth Sunday of Advent
8:00 Ann Gilbert
by Mr. Bob Gilbert
11:00 Julius Lo Cicero
by Jean & Shelly Insalaco

THANK YOU
Thank you to all whom contributed to the collection on the weekend of Dec. 3rd and Dec. 4th. The amount collected was $1,547.00.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK
Lauralee Dove
Ann Knight
Rita Schreiber
Len Murphy
Corine Murphy
Ann Dytrych
Bill O'Connor
Adeline Deneen
Betty Nemecek
Helen Blaha
Betty Paschal
Ann Mysliwiec
Linda Jones
Osie Dompier
Eileen Desidero
Bernadine Smith
DoDo Dove
Terry El
Eugene Orris
Margaret Lee
Bunny DuBois
Brittany Dubs
Lillian Coughlin
Dorothy Loeffler
C. Campbell
Marge Straub
Shaun Deneen
E. Thielmann
Della Herrod
Bob Sitniewski
Eddie Bauer
Diane Koscis
Mary Lesniewski
Dave Van Etten

Anyone who is ill in our parish and would like to receive Holy Communion; call (708) 331-8400. If you can be removed or added from the sick list at this time, please call the parish office.

DATES TO REMEMBER
Dec. 11 Pancake Breakfast/Bake Sale (7AM-1PM)
Dec. 12 Parish Reconciliation Service (7 PM)
Dec. 13 Women's Guild Party (6:30 PM)
Dec. 14 SGM Players Christmas Sing-a-long (7PM)

GIVING TREE
We are going to try something a little different this year with our Giving Tree. We can not guarantee the deliver of gifts received after Dec. 18th. We would also like to give you a different option this year. If you wish to take a gift tag for child, God bless you. However, if your shopping time is at a premium, you can choose to make a monetary donation to one of several charities. Envelopes for these donations will also be placed on the tree. We will see to it that the charities receive these gifts.
We will also provide a box for a food drive. Canned goods and non-perishable foods would be greatly appreciated. Toiletry items and cleaning supplies are also much needed items.
We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of our parish. Your thoughtful gifts are a blessing to many families.

SECOND COLLECTION
There will be a second collection taken up on Dec. 10th and 11th for Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal. We encourage everyone to be as generous as possible to this fund. The fund helps support those many men and women retired from Religious orders who have faithfully served the Lord and the community for so many years. We are remembered daily in the prayers of grateful retired religious. They ask for God's blessings on each of us and our parish community.

CHRISTMAS CHOIR
Christmas choir rehearsals will be 7:00 PM Tuesday evenings in the church. We will carol before Mass and then provide the music for the Christmas Eve Mass.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Holy Name Society will once again be flipping pancakes for our enjoyment. The men will be cooking and serving their delicious all you can eat pancakes and sausage on December 11th from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
To volunteer to help, or for more information call Norm Cole at (708) 333-5188.
The Women's Guild will also have a Holiday Bake Sale and Raffle at the Breakfast. You can contact Rita Cole or Frances Smith for more information.

WINTER COAT DRIVE
Winter is fast approaching. Our church would like to help others by providing useable winter clothing for those less fortunate than ourselves. The clothing (winter coats, hats, scarves, mittens, etc.) will be donated to Catholic Charities.
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VICARIATE VI JR. HIGH YOUTH DAY
A gathering for Jr. High youth, 7th & 8th graders, the event is an interactive day that highlights Catholic identity and faith. There will be music, games, small group activity and much more. The event will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2006 from noon to 5:00 PM at Seton Academy located at 16100 Seton Road South Holland. The cost of $8.00 includes lunch, program, and symbol.
Those interested in going should contact Linda Thusing in the parish office for more information. The deadline for registration is January 9, 2006.
They are also seeking adults to help with the logistics of the day.

WOMEN'S GUILD NEWS
The Women's Guild will be hosting their Annual Christmas Party at Carlo's Restaurant (560 West Lincoln Highway Chicago Heights) at 6:30 PM. The cost is $15.00 per person and reservations should have been in by Dec. 2nd. There will an optional grab bag gift of $10.00, if you wish to participate. They will of course be playing the annual "game" with the deck of cards. Please call, Rita Cole at (708) 333-5188 to confirm your reservation.
The Guild would also like to thank everyone who made the Card and Bunco party such a success. A good time was had by all. It was wonderful to see so many of our friends from Markham Lutheran there.

SENIOR EDUCATION
Experts agree that as we age, genetics play only a small role in health and well being. To find out more information about controlling our lives and lifestyles, order your free pamphlet, "Living Better Longer", by calling (708) 371-0400 ext. 1216.
The pamphlet is compliments of the Crestwood Senior Education Institute.

WATERFORD ESTATES
Waterford Estates cordially invites you to attend their entertainment, educational, and health programs. The programs are free of charge and take place at 17400 S. Kedzie Ave. in Hazel Crest.
Some upcoming events are December 12th (Medicare Part D - plain and simple), and December 15th (The Edge - a faced paced comedy and musical experience).
Call (708) 335-1600 to reserve your seat.

SGM PLAYERS
The SGM Players are hosting a Christmas Sing-a-long on Dec. 14th in the church. Please join us for an evening of Christmas carols, hot chocolate, and doughnuts. Take a few minutes from the busy holiday season and just have some old fashioned fun.
This is an event the entire family can enjoy. Invite not only your family but your friends and neighbors to join you. What a simple way to enjoy the company of those you love and want to share the holidays with.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES SCHEDULE
Dec. 24 8:00 AM Service
Dec. 24 9:30 PM Christmas Caroling
Dec. 24 10:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass
Dec. 25 8:00 AM Christmas Day Mass
Dec. 25 11:00 AM Mass
Dec. 31 5:30 PM Mass
Jan. 1 8:00 AM Mass
Jan. 1 11:00 AM Mass
Please note that there will be no 5:30 PM Mass on December 24th. There will be a regular service at 8:00 on Saturday mornings on Dec. 24th and 31st.

THAT JOYFUL TIME OF YEAR
The holiday season is a time full of joy, cheer, parties, and family gatherings. However it can also be a time of stress and anxiety. Here are some helpful ideas to prevent the "Holiday Blues". Keep the expectations for the season manageable. Set realistic goals for things that need to get done and the amount of time needed to accomplish these tasks. Leave "yesteryear" in the past and look toward the future. Life brings changes. Don't set yourself up in comparing today with the "good ol' days". Do something for someone else. Enjoy activities that are free, such as driving around to look at holiday decorations. Try something new. Lastly, save time for yourself!

WHAT'S YOUR CATHOLIC IQ?
The answers to last weeks questions are: 1. (c); 2. (a); 3. (d)

This week's questions are:
1. A person using a scapular is (a) praying it; (b) wearing it; (c) kneeling on it; (d) smelling it.
2. Jesus was baptized in the (a) Red Sea; (b) Sea of Galilee; (c) River Jordan; (d) Nile.
3. "Benediction" means simply (a) honor; (b) glory; (c) blessing; (d) power.
4. The writer of most of the letters in the New Testament was (a) Peter; (b) Paul; (c) John; (d) James
5. The name of one of King David's sons was (a) Jacob; (b) Esau; (c) Solomon; (d) Leviticus.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
The Holy Spirit draws us together on this Third Sunday of Advent. Today's first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah is a source of inspiration as we continue our Advent journey. The rich imagery summons us to work for justice and peace for all who are deprived of life's basic necessities. As John the Baptist heralds the coming of the Lord, let God's word encourage us to prepare the way for those who seek the strength, peace, and comfort that come only from God.
As John the Baptist came "to testify" to the light, let us "testify" to the true light, that enlightens everyone.
God Goodness,
May all our Christmas traditions, hanging lights, giving gifts, singing special songs, testify to our faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. He is the Light of the World. Amen.