Christian Ministry - Immaculate Conception Parish Elmhurst

Immaculate Conception Parish
December 2015 Newsletter
Greetings from Fr. Tom
Dear Friends in Christ,
The month of December is a very significant time. During these days we find ourselves both in the Advent and Christmas seasons. We
spend more of the months in anticipation of the birth of Christ. We are called to welcome Christ more deeply into our hearts. We are also
invited to recognize His presence in all that we come in contact with. We also need to realize that He will come back again to the earth.
I encourage you to have a Christ focused Advent. The more that He is part of these days will enable us to have a Christ filled Christmas.
There are elements of society that attempt to change the meaning of these seasons. As Catholic Christians we know what they are all
about. We have the opportunity to help others share in their real meaning as we celebrate them.
Advent is a season of Hope, preparing for Christ. Christmas is a season of Joy, celebrating His coming.
Have a Blest & Holy Christmas,
Fr. Tom Paul
An Advent Prayer
Dear Jesus, during this Advent season, I know
it is about you. You are not missing from my
life, but I might be missing the awareness of all
of the places you are present there.
Be with me, my dear friend. Guide me in these
weeks to what you want to show me this Advent. Help me to be
vulnerable enough to ask you to lead me to the place of my own
weakness, the very place where I will find you the most deeply
embedded in my heart, loving me without limits.
I ask this through Christ the Lord. Amen.
Feast of the
Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
Monday, December 7 2015
7:00 p.m. Mass in the Church
Feast of the
Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
(Holy Day of Obligation)
Tuesday, December 8 2015
Mass Times:
6:00 a.m. Church
7:30 a.m. Church
ICGS Mass 8:15 a.m. Chapel
ICCP Mass 9:40 a.m. with
Bishop Conlon in the Church
4:00 p.m. Mass at Elmhurst College
in the Alexander Room in the lower level of the Frick Center
7:00 p.m. Mass Chapel
The Year of Mercy Pilgrimage Church Open House
On December 12, our Diocese began the Celebration of
the Holy Year of Mercy. At the request of the Holy
Father, Catholics around the world will be celebrating
a special time of recognition of the Great Mercy of
God. A Holy Year features special
celebrations of
pilgrimages with calls for conversion and repentance.
In our Diocese, nine Churches have been designated as
Pilgrimage sites. Immaculate Conception Church in Elmhurst is the
Pilgrimage Church for the Eastern DuPage Deanery. In recognition
of the start of this Holy Year, an Open House for all in our Deanery will
be held on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 3, from 2 – 4:00 pm at
Immaculate Conception Church, 132 Arthur St., Elmhurst. Like the
Wise Men who went forth to view the Lord, you are invited as pilgrims
to come and pray before the Lord. This will be a time for silent prayer
as we recall the Great Mercy of God.
It is possible to obtain a plenary indulgence during this Holy Year.
An indulgence is the remission in the eyes of God of the temporal
punishment due to sins, the guilt of which has been absolved through the
Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Christian faithful who are rightly
disposed and observe the definite, prescribed conditions gain this
remission through the effective assistance of the Church. A plenary
indulgence frees a person from all of the temporal punishment due to
sins and may be gained only once on any one day. Indulgences are only
applicable to oneself and to the dead.
How can one obtain a plenary indulgence during the Holy Year of
Mercy? By having the intention of acquiring the indulgence – while
also having the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin,
even venial sin; going to confession (before or after the visit); receiving
Holy communion; making a profession of faith; praying for the Holy
Father and for the intentions that he bears in his heart for the good of the
Church and of the entire world while doing any of the following:
The faithful; by visiting one of the diocesan pilgrimage churches;
The sick and people who are elderly and alone: by receiving Holy
Communion or attending Holy Mass and community prayer
(even through the various means of communication);
Those who are incarcerated: by visiting the chapel in the prison;
The faithful: by personally performing one or more of the Spiritual
and Corporal Works of Mercy.
The faithful by remembering the deceased at Holy Mass and
praying that they be freed from every remnant of fault and
thus be embraced by God in the blessedness of life eternal.
Rev. David Mowry
December 2015
Immaculate Conception, Elmhurst, IL
Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy: 8 Dec 2015—20 Nov 2016
Brothers and sisters, the peace of Christ be with you all.
As we prepare for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, Pope Francis has made the start of this liturgical year a little more
interesting. Earlier in 2015, the Pope announced that the Church would celebrate an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy for most of
2016. Perhaps you have already heard about this Year of Mercy, but you may not be clear on what exactly it means. Allow me to
explain a bit of what this year will look like.
―Extraordinary‖ – In the life of the Church, the word ―extraordinary‖ refers to something outside of the normal course of
things. Normally, the Church celebrates a Jubilee Year every twenty-five years. You may recall the celebrations in the year 2000,
which saw St. John Paul II opening the third Christian millennium with great joy and hope. The Jubilee Year we now celebrate
happens outside of the usual twenty-five-year schedule; thus, it is extraordinary.
―Jubilee Year‖ – The practice of the Jubilee Year goes all the way back to the Old Testament. The Israelites were
instructed to mark every 50th year as a special occasion:
You shall count seven weeks of years—seven times seven years—such that the seven weeks of years amount to forty-nine
years…You shall treat this fiftieth year as sacred. You shall proclaim liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be a
jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to your own property, each of you to your own family (Leviticus 25:8,10).
For the Israelites, the Jubilee Year was a time when all indentured servants were released from their bondage and all land that had
been sold returns to its original owner. In the life of the Church, we have adopted the Jubilee Year as a way to mark a special time of
grace and the deliverance from bondage that has been granted to us by Jesus Christ. Since 1300 AD, the Church has had ordinary
Jubilee Years as times of pilgrimage, reconciliation, and prayer.
―of Mercy‖ – In line with the rest of his pontificate, Pope Francis has declared ―Mercy‖ as the theme of this Extraordinary
Jubilee Year. As Christians, we are called to learn the ways of God’s mercy, which forgives sins and pardons offenses. The Father’s
mercy most powerfully manifests itself in the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. Pope Francis,
as the pastor of the universal Church, wishes to gives us a special time to grow in mercy.
If you wish to find out more about this Year of Mercy, you can read the papal bull (a formal document written by the pope to declare
or decree something) here. I also recommend brushing up on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Many exciting things will be
happening at IC as part of this Jubilee Year, so please make sure to read our e-newsletter and bulletin in the weeks to come!
Let us continue to keep each other in prayer.
Around the Parish in December
Tuesday, December 1 Lectio Divina Join Anne Hohbein in
the PAC-Resource Rm after 7:30 a.m. Mass
Tuesday, December 1 Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting
9:00a.m. – noon in the PAC-Marian Rm
Tuesday, December 1 Cup of Hope Support group for those
grieving the loss of a loved one. 10 a.m.—11 a.m.
Resource
Room
Tuesday, December 1 Parish Advent Family Night
Join us for Advent prayers, an Advent Story, some
family time and a ―take home‖ activity in Plunkett Hall
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 2 Bible Study From 9:30am - 11am
In the Parish Administration Center. Facilitated by Beth
Fisette.
Wednesday, December 2 RE Classes Grades K-8 Classes
today at 5:10 p.m. –6:15 p.m. GS
Friday, December 4 ICCP Advent Reconciliation
9:40 a.m. in the Chapel
Weekend, December 5/6
Food collection for families-in-need will be collected at all
Masses. Giving Tree tag distributions, and volunteer sign-up
after all Masses
Saturday, December 5 Sacrament of Reconciliation
Will be held in the Church 4:00 p.m.– 4:45 p.m.
Saturday, December 5 CCW Cookie Walk will be held in
MPH from 10:00 am-2:00 pm.
December 6, 2nd Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 6 RE Classes
Grades K-5 Classes today at 10:10 a.m. GS
Grades 6-8 Classes today at 10:10 a.m. ICCP
Sunday, December 6 RCIA Journey for Adults is a
process of reflection, education and faith sharing. 8:00 a.m. in
PAC-Resource Rm
Sunday, December 6 Our Fair Trade artisan’s market from
8:00AM – 3:00PM in MPH. Discover intriguing gifts and home
decor handcrafted by skilled artisans.
Monday, December 7 Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary Mass 7:00 p.m. in the Church
Tuesday, December 8 Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary (a Holy Day of Obligation)
Mass times: 6:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Church
ICGS Mass 8:15 a.m. Chapel
ICCP Mass with Bishop Conlon 9:40 a.m. Church
Elmhurst College 4:00 p.m. Frick Center
Tuesday, December 8 Lectio Divina Join Anne Hohbein in
the PAC-Resource Rm after 7:30a.m. Mass
Wednesday, December 9 Bible Study from 9:30am - 11am
In the PAC-Resource Rm Facilitated by Beth Fisette.
Wednesday, December 9 RE Classes Grades K-8 Classes
today at 5:10 p.m. –6:15 p.m. GS
Wednesday, December 9 Women’s CHRP Meeting
PAC-Resource Room 7-9 p.m.
Weekend, December 12/13
Food collection for families-in-need will be collected at all
Masses
Saturday, December 12 Sacrament of Reconciliation Will
be held in the Church 4:00 p.m.– 4:45 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 Men’s Prayer Breakfast Join Jim
Viola for a monthly discussion following the 8:00 a.m. Mass in
the PAC-Agnesian Room
Saturday, December 12 Women’s Prayer Breakfast
Join Mary Lynn Pollastrini for a monthly discussion following
the 8:00 a.m. Mass in the PAC-Marian Room
Saturday, December 12, Jesus Day Retreat
*Group A: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. (A: RE Sunday classes)
*Group B: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (B: RE Wednesday classes)
December 13, 3rd Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 13 RCIA Journey for Adults is a
process of reflection, education and faith sharing. 8:00 a.m. in
PAC-Resource Rm
Sunday, December 13 RE Classes
Grades K-5 Classes today at 10:10 a.m. GS
Grades 6-8 Classes today at 10:10 a.m. ICCP
Sunday, December 13 7th Grade Family Mass all families
are encouraged to attend
Tuesday, December 15 Lectio Divina
Join Anne Hohbein in the Rectory after 7:30 a.m. Mass
Tuesday, December 15 Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting
9:00a.m. – noon in the PAC-Marian Rm
Wednesday, December 16 Bible Study from 9:30am - 11am
In the PAC-Resource Rm Facilitated by Beth Fisette.
Wednesday, December 16 Men’s CHRP Meets in
PAC-Marian Room 7-9 p.m.
Friday, December 18 Christmas Break begins
Weekend, December 19/20
Food collection for families-in-need will be collected at all
Masses
Saturday, December 19 Sacrament of Reconciliation Will
be held in the Church 4:00 p.m.– 4:45 p.m.
December 20, 4th Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 20 RCIA Journey for Adults is a
process of reflection, education and faith sharing. 8:00 a.m. in
PAC-Resource Rm
Wednesday, December 23 Bible Study from 9:30am - 11am
In the PAC-Resource Rm Facilitated by Beth Fisette.
Weekend, December 26/27
Saturday, December 26 Sacrament of Reconciliation Will
be held in the Church 4:00 p.m.– 4:45 p.m.
Advent/Christmas Schedule 2015
Advent Reconciliation All Saturdays
Church 4:00-4:45 P.M.
Monday, December 14 7:00 P.M.
Mary Queen of Heaven
Combined Parish Penance Service with Immaculate
Conception, Mary Queen of Heaven, Visitation and
St. Charles Borromeo
Saturday, December 19 3:00 -4:45 P.M. Church
Christmas Eve:
Thursday, December 24
(Doors open at 3:00 p.m., please do not save seats before Mass begins)
Church 4:00 P.M. Mass
Chapel* 4:00 P.M. Mass
Plunkett Hall 4:00 P.M. Mass
*(The Four year olds, kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders will have the
opportunity to participate in a presentation of the Living Gospel at the
Chapel Mass. The Children’s Choir will also sing in the Chapel.)
Chapel 6:00 P.M. Mass
Church 11:00 P.M. Mass
Preceded by a program of Christmas music at 10:30 P.M.
(Incense will be used at the 6:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m. Mass on
Christmas Eve.)
Christmas Day:
Friday, December 25
7:30 A.M. Mass Church
9:00 A.M. Mass Chapel
11:30 A.M. Mass Chapel
No 5:15 P.M. Mass will be celebrated on Christmas Day)
Saturday, December 26 8:00 A.M. Mass Church
5:15 p.m. Mass in the Chapel
(Reconciliation will not be celebrated)
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
(A Holy Day of Obligation)
Thursday, December 31 5:15 P.M. Mass Church
Friday, January 1 2016
7:30 A.M. Mass Church
9:00 A.M. Mass Church
11:30 A.M. Mass Church
(No 5:15 P.M. Mass will be celebrated on New Year’s Day)
Sunday, January 3 2:00 p.m.-4:oo p.m.
Our Church will be open to Welcome Holy Year Visitors
Family Mass
All students are invited to assist
at Mass in the following ways:
Read a short prayer. Carry the
bread, wine, or offering basket.
Serve as a
minister of hospitality passing out song books before
Mass. Distribute bulletins after Mass. Those
children brave enough to read a prayer, will
have the prayer sent via email to their parents prior to the Mass so that they may practice at home before the Mass.
Contact Josephine Bastianoni, IC Director of Religious
Education grades 6-8 if your child is interested
in participating. 630-530-5262 or
jbastianoni@icelmhurst.org
7th Grade Family Mass
Sunday, December 13 at 9:00 a.m.
All family members are encouraged to participate
Community Life
WANTED
COOKIE BAKERS
For The Council of Catholic
Women’s 1st Annual Cookie Walk
Worship
Attention Liturgical
Ministers!
(Lectors, Servers, EMS & Ushers)
Sign-up online for our
holiday liturgies
USHERS NEEDED!
This is a great opportunity for all High
School students to earn service hours
For those of you who do not have access to email or
have a special family member who will be in town for
the holidays and is qualified to volunteer please call
Maria Wilbert at 630-530-3498 or email her directly
by clicking on her address below.
mwilbert@icelmhurst.org
Faith Formation
Your ‗to do list‘ if you are
considering attending an
IC Christ Renews His
Parish
Renewal weekend in 2016:
What is a Cookie Walk?
For the purchase price of $10.00, you will receive a
bakery box, then proceed to tour around MPH and fill your bakery
box with the cookies of your choice.
We need your support to bake 3 to 4 dozen cookies (or more) for
the event. Please sign up online
at http://vols.pt/k6tPjh or call Rosaleen O’Connor at 630-8343395.
Cookie drop off is on Friday, Dec. 4th between 3 – 7 p.m. and
Saturday, Dec. 5th between 8 – 9:30 a.m. There will be
volunteers at the west door parking lot (between the GS and the
Chapel) to accept your
cookies.
Cookies should be delivered in a non-returnable container with
your name and phone number attached. You will receive one
FREE raffle ticket for each batch (3-4 dozen = a batch) of cookies
you bake.
Remember Grandma made other types of cookies besides chocolate
chips!
The Cookie Walk will be held on Saturday,
December 5th in MPH from
10:00 am-2:00 pm.
The Cookie Walk is a fun and festive way to support
Immaculate Conception’s Council of Catholic Women. All
proceeds raised will go towards educational funds and
benefit other philanthropic charities.
Watch this short video: a picture is worth 1,000
words!
Read these comments from past renewal
participants.
Think about your relationship with God: is it all it
can be?
Pray to the Holy Spirit for courage to step outside your comfort zone.
Reserve your spot here: space is limited to 24 persons per weekend.
~ God will give you 52 weekends in 2016:
Will you give Him one weekend
to renew YOUR faith? ~
2016 Men‘s weekend: January 16-17
2016 Women‘s weekend: January 30-31
For our renewal website, click here.
MAKE 2015 YOUR BEST ADVENT EVER!
THIS YEAR CELEBRATE ADVENT IN YOUR HOME
DAILY, WEEKLY AND AT A WONDERFUL
CELEBRATION OF SONG AND SPIRIT!
~ DAILY ~
CLICK HERE FOR DAILY ACTIVITIES.
GET AN EMAIL FROM MATTHEW KELLY AND
DYNAMIC CATHOLIC FEATURING DAILY SHORT
VIDEOS, INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGES AND
COACHING FOR ADVENT 2015.
~ WEEKLY ~
CLICK HERE FOR WEEKLY ACTIVITIES!
FIND WEEKLY ACTIVITIES FOR EACH WEEK OF ADVENT FOR YOUR FAMILY TO DO
TOGETHER AS A FAMILY TO STRENGTHEN
YOUR FAMILY’S FAITH IN ADVENT 2015.
~ SPECIAL EVENT: FIRST TIME EVER! ~
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS!
JOIN OTHER IC PARISHIONERS FOR CAROLING
AND LIGHTING OF IC’S CHRISTMAS TREE
AFTER 5:15 PM MASS ON SATURDAY,
DEC 12 IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH.
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED!
VISIT WWW.ICELMHURST.ORG
RE News
WHAT’S GOING ON AT I.C.R.E?
DECEMBER 2015
RE CLASSES: W-12/2, S-12/6,
W-12/9, S-12/13
NO RE CLASSES ON: W-12/16,
12/20, W-12/23, S-12/27, W-12/30
DECEMBER 8TH: FEAST OF THE
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION & THE
BEGINNING OF THE ―YEAR OF
MERCY‖
I.C. Parish
Advent Family Night
This event is especially appropriate for
families with Kindergarten through 3rd
Graders.
Advent prayers, an Advent Story, some
family time and a “take home” activity
are included!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2015
Place: I.C. Plunkett Hall
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: Free Will Offering
( Materials need to be prepared)
E-mail R.S.V.P. to: srmaryfrancis@icelmhurst.org
GRADE 6 WILL RECEIVE
RECONCILIATION ON W-12/2 AND S
-12/6 DURING CLASS. WED. WILL
BE IN THE CHURCH. SUNDAY IN
THE CHAPEL.
GRADE 8: SAINT REPORTS ARE DUE
THE WEEK OF DEC. 6-12.
BAMBINELLI SUNDAY (3RD SUNDAY IN
ADVENT) BRING YOUR NATIVITY
SCENE BABY JESUS FOR A
BLESSING AFTER MASS.
CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS
DAY: CELEBRATE AS A FAMILY AT
MASS.
CLASSES WILL RESUME ON S-1/3/16
AND W-1/6/16
Dear Students and Parents,
The Holy Father has declared this coming year as the ―Year of Mercy‖ and mercy certainly a hallmark of his papacy. It is
what is known as a Jubilee year and this tradition of celebrating a year is ancient and goes back to the Old Testament…you can
check this out in the Book of Leviticus. We are being encouraged to practice the Works of Mercy, both Spiritual and Corporal.
The year is meant to change our lives and in fact, the challenge of this year is to change our perspective. I love the Christmas
Season, but it is often a time where we misplace our priorities.
A few years ago, I ―dropped out‖ of the pre-Christmas craziness and began to pay close attention to Advent. It is, like
Lent, a time to prepare for a great feast: the Incarnation. It is a time to reflect on our life and how we are living it. Pope Francis
reminds us that we must show mercy to all. That may mean forgiveness, softening hearts, and greater generosity to those in need.
Last month in the newsletter I had a page on the Works of Mercy…I am going to include it again as we welcome Christ in our
hearts and our actions. Will you and I meet the Pope’s call? That’s up to us…let’s not miss the mark!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU!
God bless,
Mrs. Josephine Bastianoni
RE News
Children Preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation
and Eucharist are guests of honor at the
Jesus Day Retreat
Saturday, December 12, 2015
*Group A: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
(A: RE Sunday classes and ICGS Ms. Murphy’s class)
*Group B: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
(B: RE Wednesday classes and ICGS Mrs. May’s class)
Event will be held in Msgr. Plunkett Hall
Form below should be turned in to teachers/catechists or directly to RE Office by Dec.1.
Contact Sr. Mary Francis for additional information at
630-530-3480 or srmaryfrancis@icelmhurst.org.
Jesus Day Retreat – Saturday, Dec 12, 2015
Print Name of Child ________________________________________________________ ICGS or RE
Group A or B Allergies _________________________
During the time of this event parent/guardian contact information . . .
Primary contact information. ____________________
Secondary contact information ___________________
Print Parent Name ______________________________
Parent Signature ______________________________
*Parents may request alternate group for this event.
CUT…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Toni Esker, parishioner, choir member and frequent cantor at IC, will be performing a Christmas
recital including traditional Christmas carols and sacred art song repertoire.
The recital will take place Saturday, December 19, 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in
Elmhurst. Admission is free, donations accepted, short reception to follow. Please come and enjoy
an afternoon of musical rejoicing for the birth of our Savior!
Christian Ministry
Christian Ministry offers the
following opportunities for
students seeking service hours:

Christmas Gift Box Assembly on December 12 at 9:00AM
in MPH.
 ―Runners‖ to bring gifts to MPH before and
after all masses on December 13
Christmas Gift Sort on Sunday, December 13 at
6:15 PM
Many students are needed for these activities.
Please contact Pam at 530-3497 to reserve a spot.
THANK YOU
On behalf of Fr. Jerry Rogers and
the children at St. Mary’s Mission
School, we wish to thank all those
who spearheaded, volunteered or
supported our second annual fish
fry.
We are grateful to Nora Hipskind, who
masterminded this event a year ago and
tirelessly continues to work for its success.
Many thanks to Dave McCaffrey who handled
our online website sales and was our liaison
with the Knights of Columbus. Special thanks
to the Knights of Columbus, who flawlessly
executed the fish fry, from set-up, to cooking, to
clean-up. We are grateful to all who helped,
including the Squires, KofC Mermaids, our ICCP
“St. Mary’s Mission” speakers and
Ambassadors, all who volunteered to set up,
clean up, sell tickets after the Masses, conduct
the “Split the Pot” raffle, provide deserts or help
in any other way. We apologize to anyone we
inadvertently left out. This could not have been
accomplished without numerous volunteers.
We especially thank our IC Parish Family who
supported this event by attending the Fish Fry.
Approximately 400 meals were served, the
proceeds of which will help Fr. Jerry construct
Baby/Toddler Space and a new 7th grade
classroom.
God Bless You!
If you or someone you know are experiencing
health issues, facing surgery, receiving or
recuperating from medical treatments, healing
through grief or experiencing a significant life
crossroads and would like to receive a prayer
shawl, please contact Rita Beese at 630-2796811 or rdbeese@comcast.net
Prayer shawls are a tangible sign of healing prayers from our
parish and a way in which to feel the healing presence of God.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
WELCOMES OUR NEW
CATECHUMEN AND CANDIDATES!
God has been at work, doing what God
does: calling people into a closer
relationship. On Sunday, November 22, we celebrated God’s
action among us with a ritual called the “Combined Rite of
Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and Rite of
Welcoming the Candidates for Full Communion.” Our
catechumen and candidates publicly declared their intent to
continue their journey towards becoming full members of the
Catholic Church.
Let us offer our prayers and support to our new catechumen,
Matthew Ross. We also welcome our new candidates, Trish
May and Matthew Atkins.
They are now entrusted to this faith community to nurture their
journey of faith. They will learn what it means, through us, to
live as Roman Catholics. Let us witness with our lives the joy
that is our Roman Catholic faith. Please hold them close in
prayer as they journey to the Easter Vigil and the reception of
the Sacraments.
Thank you to the ICGS 7th grade homerooms who recently
put “care” bags together for our PADS clients prior to their
Halloween party. Thank you Anne Marie Carey and Colleen
Johnson for spearheading this effort and to Gabrielle Wood
and Lynne Healy who spoke to these classes about their
experience with the PADS program.
Christian Ministry
We need help with all aspects of our
Christmas outreach, which includes
checking gift boxes and distributing and
delivering the gifts. Volunteer sign-up
will occur the weekend of December 5/6
after all Masses in the Narthex.
….has arrived at IC!
Trees are decorated with hundreds of gift tags, both for adults and children. Names were
received from the Elmhurst Walk-In Ministry, Catholic Charities, IC Daybreak Transitional
Housing, Greencastle SeniorHousing and PADS. For the first time, we also have tags
for children at St. Mary’s Mission School in Red Lake.
We are providing a joyous Christmas to those within our own communities and in Red Lake
who might not otherwise experience the pleasure of having a gift to open.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU STOP AT ONE OF OUR TABLES AND COMPLETE A TAG REGISTRATION
PRIOR TO LEAVING CHURCH TODAY. THIS ALLOWS US TO TRACK OUR GIFTS AND GIVERS.
SAVE THE DATE
Our Fair Trade artisan’s market is coming to IC on Sunday, December 6 from 8:00AM –
3:00PM in MPH. Discover intriguing gifts and home decor handcrafted by skilled artisans from
over fifteen developing countries at our third annual Fair Trade Market.
There are gifts for everyone - jewelry, clothing, toys, baskets, decorative gifts for your home,
stationary, ornaments, crèches, coffee, chocolate and much more.
Your purchases mean fair wages and continuing work for artisans around the world, enabling
them to dream and plan for a better future, helping pay for food, education, health care and
education for their families. If you have missed this market in the past, you won’t want to
miss it this year. Support fair trade – where your purchase makes a world of difference.
Invest In Your World - Shop Fair Trade
If you are new to the Parish or the School and plan to volunteer in any capacity
(room parents, chaperones, Liturgical Ministers, RE catechists/subs, etc), you
must attend a Protecting God’s Children workshop. Diocesan policy states that
any adult who has the potential to be alone with minors during the course of their
ministerial duties must attend a workshop and authorize a criminal background
check.
Registrations cannot be accepted over the phone.
To register, please access www.dioceseofjoliet.org and go to the “Promise to Protect/Pledge to Heal” icon listed on their
website. From there, you can navigate to the Virtus / Protecting God’s Children link on the left side, which will bring you
to the workshop schedule with a registration tab. Space is limited. Please contact Pam Stefik at 530-3497 for further
information.
Reporting Sexual Abuse
Anyone with reason to believe that a child has been abused or is being abused should report
their suspicions to civil authorities. Contact: Illinois Department of Children and Family
Services: 1-800-25ABUSE (1-800-252-2873) and local police. The Diocese of Joliet Victim
Assistance Coordinator is available to help victims/survivors of child sexual abuse by a cleric,
employee or volunteer of the Catholic Church. The Victim Assistance Coordinator will report
to Bishop Conlon and coordinate efforts of pastoral support and outreach to assist in the
healing process. The Victim Assistance Coordinator can also assist in making a report to civil
authorities. Contact the Diocese of Joliet Victim Assistance Coordinator at 1-815-263-6467.
Christian Ministry
Immaculate Conception Daybreak
Transitional Housing for the Homeless
2015 Annual Appeal
For over 23 years, Immaculate Conception Daybreak of Elmhurst has rented apartments to house homeless families. This is a self-supporting ministry, funded solely
through personal donations. Daybreak commits to pay rent and utilities every month for
the FIVE units it provides to those in need. Mentors (from IC, Visitation and Mary Queen of
Heaven) meet with these families once a week to teach budgeting and life skills. Families
transition out of these apartments within a two-year period. IC Daybreak has helped 65
families over the years transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
This year, two individuals moved to self-sufficiency after participating in the Daybreak of Elmhurst program. Another will
successfully complete the program in May, 2016. Two families are just beginning their journeys. We are currently interviewing two
additional families for our program. We are hopeful that these families can be settled into our apartments in time for the holidays.
Our families all have unique stories, but share in the same struggle to have a place to call “home” and learn the skills necessary to
become and remain self-sufficient.
CAN YOU:
FUND A FAMILY FOR A YEAR ($10,000)?
FUND A FAMILY FOR A MONTH ($850)?
FUND A FAMILY FOR A WEEK ($250)
HELP IN ANY AMOUNT?
IC Daybreak Transitional Housing is helping solve the problem of homelessness one family at a time. Please prayerfully
consider responding to the needs of the homeless within
our community.100% of your donation is used for rent and utilities. We need your financial support to continue this important
outreach to homeless families.
DID YOU KNOW. . .
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Over 65,000 individuals have received homeless prevention services in DuPage County.
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Fair market monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in DuPage County: $958
There are more than 1,000 homeless persons in DuPage County.
Over 140 families are currently being housed in Catholic Charities, Bridge Communities and IC Daybreak of Elmhurst
programs.
Number of hours needed to work, per week, at minimum wage to afford rent: 107 hours
IC Food Pantry provided food assistance to over 1,500 people this year.
Only 2 out of 9 qualified homeless families are able to receive transitional housing due to lack of funds.
Do you have questions about our program or want additional information on becoming a mentor? Contact Dan Doherty at 630-5010160 or Pam Stefik at 630-530-3497.
Please remit donations to
IC Daybreak of Elmhurst
P. O. Box 2033
Elmhurst, IL 60126
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because
there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
Thanks to the generosity of the IC Parish Family, IC Grade School and Religious Education programs, along with a
huge food and sundry donation from Visitation Parish, we were able to provide Thanksgiving food baskets to over
110 families this past week. Many thanks to the Elmhurst Elks Club and the Chicago Italian American
Charitable Organization, who provided fifty turkeys to our drive. Special thanks to our Thanksgiving Chairs, Anne Klein
and Julie Condron. Thank you for the time, treasure and talent that was so freely given by many over the past
several weeks…adopting families, donating food, donating grocery gift cards, sorting food, assembling baskets,
delivering and distributing baskets. It is ONLY through the support and help of our parish family volunteers
that we are able to reach out to these families each year. We pray that God, who is never
outdone in generosity, will bless you abundantly.
What Saints
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Works?
Year of Mercy
Saints and Works of Mercy
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Saint Mary Joseph Rossello
1811 - December 7, 1888
Feast day: December 7
Canonized in 1949 by Pope Pius XII
Founder of Daughters of Mercy
Mary Joseph Rossello and Daughters of Mercy.
When she was a teenager, Mary Joseph went to work for an old man and woman in the neighborhood,
who had no children. After taking care of the elderly couple, Mary Joseph met with the bishop of her
diocese, who asked her if there was something she could do for the poor young women that were in
need of education and spent most of their time begging on the streets. Then Mary Joseph got together
with three of her friends and they established a school. This school grew and Mary Joseph became
superior of a group called the Daughters of Mercy. Mary Joseph never asked for a dowry from the young
women who entered her convent.
Mary Joseph also established a seminary for young boys who couldn’t afford to go to a seminary.
https://brotherjuniper.wordpress.com/2008/06/24/mother-mary-joseph-rossello-1811-1880/
Mary Joseph’s Wisdom: “Unless we are generous with God, he will not be with us.”
http://www.aquinasandmore.com/fuseaction/store.displayarticle/article/249/suppresslayout/1/
Spiritual FYI
The seven corporal works of mercy and seven spiritual works of mercy, also known as acts of mercy, are actions and
practices to be fulfilled by faithful Catholics. Though the lists of the works or acts were formalized later (at least by the
time St. Thomas Aquinas wrote the Summa Theologica), the importance of performing these duties was urged from the
earliest days of the Church. They do, in fact, stem from living according to Christ’s declaration of the two highest commandments:
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it; You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two
commandments depend all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
What are
Works of
Mercy?
The Corporal works of Mercy
To feed the hungry;
To give drink to the thirsty;
To clothe the naked;
To harbor the harborless;
To visit the sick;
To ransom the captive;
To bury the dead.
The Spiritual Works Of Mercy
To instruct the ignorant;
To counsel the doubtful;
To admonish sinners;
To bear wrongs patiently;
To forgive offences willingly;
To comfort the afflicted;
To pray for the living and the dead.
 PLEASE NOTE: At the 4:00 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve, in the Chapel (only), a special focus will be given to the
children of the Parish. Children four years old, in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades will have the opportunity to participate in the
Living Nativity. Patterns of sheep, stars and angels can be downloaded. You can simply print the pattern and trace and cut it
out on poster board or cardboard. Decorate the sheep, star or angel and attach a paint stick or ruler to it. When Father is proclaiming the gospel and calls for the sheep, all who are sheep will come to the front, etc. The patterns will be available in the Grade
School, Religious Education office and on the parish website.