Saint Mary Parish Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saint Mary Parish

Established 1865

1012 Lake Street

Evanston, Illinois

January 29, 2017

stmaryevanston.org

WORSHIP, FAITH, WITNESS

REV. ANTONY A. JOSEPH, ASSOCIATE PASTOR

The Beatitudes The significance of Jesus’ beatitudes

What is the good life, which God intends for us? And how it is related with the ultimate end or purpose of life? Is it not our desire and longing for true happiness, which is none other than the complete good, leaving nothing more to be desired? Jesus addresses Rev. Antony A. Joseph this question in his sermon on the mount. The core of Jesus’ message is that we can live a very happy life in this world and inherit, thereafter, unending, everlasting joy and happiness with God if we are ready to pursue joyfully God’s will. This is the essence of Jesus’ beatitudes, and that is why they are so central to his teachings. Therefore, the beatitudes respond to the natural desire for happiness, which God has placed in every human heart. They also teach us the final end to which God calls us, namely our vision and life with God. Jesus’ beatitudes also confronts us with the decisive choices concerning the life we pursue here on earth and how we make use of the goods which God has placed at our disposal.

The world’s understanding of the word “blessed”

The word ‘beatitude’ literally means happiness or blessedness. Therefore, prior to reviewing the beatitudes, it is important to know in what sense people in general, from the ancient to the modern world, understood the meaning of the word ‘blessed’. In the pagan world of the Roman Empire in which Jesus lived, happiness was measured in material wealth. The person, who experienced great pleasure, was considered happy. The person, who possessed great wealth was considered a blessed person; so also, one possessing great power. For the Jewish people happiness or blessedness meant long life and material wealth. Even in today’s society the concept has not changed much. Most people consider material wealth as the source of happiness. Therefore, the teachings of Christ came to the people of his time as a total surprise. Certainly they might have felt uncomfortable as they listened to Christ’s perspective on what brought happiness right now in this life and not just in the future. In a startling reversal of earthly standards He put a high value on mercy, forgiveness and gentleness. He rejected out of hand wealth, rank and freedom to do what we choose, because they give us the impression that we can manage our affairs without taking God into consideration. Everything the world valued as blessing is absent from what Jesus taught in the beatitudes, and everything the world counted a failure Jesus proposed as blessing. Human success and power count for nothing in God’s eyes. Holiness and wealth do not fit together comfortably. The beatitudes, therefore, give us reason for reflection as they turn our normal value system upside down, forcing us to confront whether we are guided by the Gospel or by the pattern set by the society. Their message contradicts our common sense approach to life, yet they are the guidelines of Christ to us how to spend this life, in order one day to enjoy eternity with Him in heaven. At first sight they do not seem to be true, yet it remains a fact of experience that real genuine happiness doesn’t come from wealth, power or prestige. There is a fatal flow in such a manner of behavior. When we can look back and remember something that has caused us great hurt like a broken relationship or an unfaithful commitment, we may realize that it was often the failure or the disappointment that made us the person that we are. Whatever it looked like when it happened, we realize now that without that set-back we would be a smaller and less mature person. If we are stronger, more compassionate, tolerant or wiser, it is because we have permitted difficult situations to shape us. The life of a disciple of Christ is not meant to be easy as it calls on us to do things that don’t come naturally to us. Remember, Jesus is still speaking to us today and wanting to know: ‘Are we kind, considerate and helpful, or are we selfish, self-centered, uncharitable and lazy? He offers us a joy which shines through sorrow and suffering, and which nothing in life or death can take away.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saint Mary Parish· Evanston, Illinois

3

1012 Lake Street Evanston, Illinois 60201 847 864-0333 847 864-0354 fax stmaryevanston.org [email protected]

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday (vigil) 5 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. Holy Days 8 a.m. noon and 7 p.m.

Blessed Are We

Pastor Reverend Kevin McCray, ext. 204 [email protected]

A Winter Retreat for Women

Associate Pastor Reverend Antony A. Joseph, ext. 212 Deacon Reverend Mr. Dennis Robak, ext. 209 [email protected]

Saturday, February 11 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. in the Parish Center

Business Manager Patricia Palacios, ext. 202

All women are welcome!

[email protected]

Do you need a spiritual boost? Relax, revitalize and renew your spirit with a retreat designed for women! Be affirmed in your vocation and dignity as a daughter of God. The retreat will include two reflections, times of prayer together, Mass, an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Taizé prayer, periods of silent reflection and more. Retreat facilitators: Sister Katie, Dianne Fox and Fr. Kevin.

[email protected]

Director of Religious Education Karie Ferrell, ext. 203 Director of Music & Liturgy Dianne Fox, ext. 210 [email protected]

Pastoral Associate Sister Katie Mitchell, ext. 211 [email protected]

Bulletin Editor Linda O’Dwyer, ext. 231 [email protected]

Please RSVP Sister Katie at 847 864-0333, ext. 211 or [email protected] by February 6.

Content submission deadline is Friday at noon ten days before the Sunday of publication. Pope John XXIII School Principal, Gail Hulse Development Director, Christina Lampa

Young At Hearts The next meeting of the Young at Hearts will be Thursday, February 9 at 12:15 p.m. in the Gathering Space. Please bring your own brown bag lunch and three dimes, because we will be playing games. You could be the big winner! Dessert and beverages will be served. All are welcome.

1120 Washington Street Evanston, Illinois 60202 847 475-5678 Saint Vincent de Paul Society Hotline: 847 869-6134 Saint Mary Young Adult Catholics (SMYAC) https://www.facebook.com/ groups/393744270696970/

4

Saint Mary Parish · Evanston, Illinois

LITURGICAL MINISTERS

January 29, 2017

Saturday-Sunday, February 4-5

5 p.m.

8 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

Catholic Schools Week 11 a.m.

Presider Homilist

Fr. Tony Fr. Kevin

Fr. Tony Fr. Kevin

Fr. Kevin Fr. Kevin

Fr. Kevin Fr. Kevin

Greeters North East

Lucy Hayes Lynn Heitsch

Edmond Martin Patricia Heaston

Ladies & Gentlemen of Misericordia

Maura Canavan Ed Zulkey

Sr. Katie Mitchell Barbara Keeley

Pope John XXIII Student Pope John XXIII Student

Eucharistic Ministers Dee King Richard Krause Jayne Schaefer Steve Torres Jane Torres

Nancy Fuller John Fuller Jerre Michelin Donald Michelin Alejandra Paucar

Giselle Bernadel Mike Borman Linda Hauser Alexandra Hauser Brian Keran Ann Marie Staff Chris Thomas

AnnGail Anglum Claire Barber Katrina de los Reyes JoAnne Vazzano Erica Whitmore

Altar Servers

ChristieLamothe

Anne Fetiere Katiana Penette Alex Johnson

Pope John XXIII Students

Lectors

Confession

David Onofrey Anne Osburn

Caitriona Gonzalez Ella LeRoy Ben LeRoy Saturday 4-4:30 p.m.

Fr. Kevin

Please remember in your prayers… … those who are sick, especially Ted Rychalski; Mary Beth Egner; Yolande Vilsaint; Edovia Bernadel; Joan Sowinski; Dean Mitchell; Harry Hansen; Jackie Salmeron; Theresa Champagne; Janet MacNaughton; Henry Rach; Joan Brannigan; Jerry Miles; Sr. Betty Bowen; and Eileen Swain. Also please remember in your prayers all those who have recently died

PARISH LIFE

Pray for our military, pray for peace... LCDR Edward Carlton, U.S. Navy, son of Frank & Caroline Carlton  Airman Lindsey Foley, U.S. Air Force, Scott AFB, niece of Chris Foley  Airman Richard J. Hamilton, U.S. Air Force, nephew of John & Patti Szarnych  LCDR Richard Kazmarek, U.S. Navy, friend of Charles Luczak  Lt. Daniel Kozicki, U.S. Navy, nephew of Linda O’Dwyer. Have a name to add or remove? Leave a voice message at 847 864-0333 ext. 231 or email to [email protected].

To arrange for the following, please call the Parish Office at 847 864-0333.

MASS SCHEDULE. Saturday (vigil) 5 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Monday - Saturday: 8 a.m. Holy Days: 8 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. RECONCILIATION. Saturday from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month from 8:30 - 9 a.m. Reconciliation also available by appointment BAPTISM. Infant baptisms are celebrated on the third Sunday of the month, except during Lent. Parish membership is a prerequisite. Parents of infants are invited to participate in a one-time baptism preparation session prior to scheduling the baptism. These sessions are held on the second Monday of every other month. Please call the parish office to register. Next session: February 13, 2017.

REGISTRATION. Saint Mary Parish welcomes new parishioners. Please make an appointment with the pastor. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION. Every Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. or as announced in the bulletin. MARRIAGE. Arrangements should be made with the parish at least four months in advance. RCIA - RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS. For adults or teenagers interested in becoming a Catholic and receiving the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist or Confirmation). MINISTERS OF CARE. Ministers of care are available to bring Holy Communion to those who are home-bound, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saint Mary Parish · Evanston, Illinois

MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday, January 28 5:00 † David Comiskey Sunday, January 29 8:00 For Our Parishioners 9:30 † John Currano 11:00 † Bernice Lindquist Monday, January 30 8:00 † Denise Philpot Tuesday, January 31 8:00 For the intentions of Andy Giminaro Wednesday, February 1 8:00 † Edward & Janina Klich Thursday, February 2 8:00 For the intentions of Ryan Adamson & Christina Azzi Friday, February 3 8:00 † Denise Philpot Saturday, February 4 8:00 † Dennis E. O’Dwyer 5:00 † David Comiskey Sunday, February 5 8:00 † Carmelita & Linda Jean-Paul 9:30 † Elvia Cavallari 11:00 † Joel Luponi

Seasons of Hope: Journeying with Our Grief Mondays 7-9 p.m. In the Parish Center Library If you are mourning the loss of a loved one you are encouraged to be a part of our support group for the bereaved. With the care of our faith community we will give voice to our unique journey of grief and find healing through scripture, prayer, reflection activities and faith sharing. Questions? Contact Dianne Fox or Sister Katie

Readings for the Week

Monday: Tuesday:

Heb 11:32-40; Ps 31:20-24; Mk 5:1-20 Heb 12:1-4; Ps 22:26b-28, 30-32; Mk 5:21-43 Wednesday: Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Ps 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a; Mk 6:1-6 Thursday: Mal 3:1-4; Ps 24:7-10; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 [22-32] Friday: Heb 13:1-8; Ps 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9; Mk 6:14-29 Saturday: Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Ps 23:1-6; Mk 6:30-34 Sunday: Is 58:7-10; Ps 112:4-9; 1 Cor 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16

5

RESPECT LIFE

Why They Came

Why did so many go to Washington to participate in the 44th National March for Life? They came to hear a great chorale proclaim as true that every person without exception possesses a sublime and inalienable dignity. They came to declare that that dignity is unchangeably ingrained in human nature, and not the consequence of political construct or judicial fiat. They came to confess that God is the author of life and that he alone rightly directs our coming and our going, truths no court, no legislature, no government executive can long deny without provoking moral counter revolution. They came to renew before the world a promise always to affirm, reverence and protect innocent human life, from conception to natural death. They came to experience the joy of solidarity with fellow pilgrims. They came to expose media concealment of growing public favor for the protection of all human life. They came to espouse openly the religious foundation of their beliefs, rejecting the view that morality has no place in public discourse. They came to accompany and comfort those wounded by false assurance that taking innocent life doesn’t pierce the heart and grieve the soul. They came to be filled with the peace witness for truth brings even when met with angry taunts by defenders of the license to take innocent life. They came to learn how to be better and kinder apologists and in doing so to sanctify their own lives. Theirs is a noble and enduring cause and it shall not be overcome.

Saints and Special Observances

Sunday:

Tuesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday:

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time; Catholic Schools Week St. John Bosco The Presentation of the Lord; Groundhog Day St. Blase; St. Ansgar; First Friday; Blessing of throats Blessed Virgin Mary; First Saturday

6

Saint Mary Parish · Evanston, Illinois

Our grouping will be the parishes and schools of Evanston and Skokie: St. Athanasius (parish and school) St. Joan of Arc (parish and school) St. Lambert St. Mary St. Nicholas St. Peter Pope John XXIII School Sheil Center

January 29, 2017

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saint Mary Parish · Evanston, Illinois

7

Sunday, February 5 Noon - 2 p.m. Pope John XXIII Gym 1120 Washington Street All boys and girls age 9 to 14 (birthday as of January 1, 2017) are welcome to show their skills, and the best will move on to a regional competition. Please contact John Hitt at 847 404-4653 ([email protected]) for more information.

Please Make Your Gift to the 2017 Annual Catholic Appeal “Love Your Neighbor As Yourself” This week, many parish families will be receiving a letter from Cardinal Cupich asking that you make a pledge to the 2017 Annual Catholic Appeal. We ask that you respond as generously as possible. The Appeal supports both Parish and Archdiocesan ministries and services. The Appeal funds services that are of great help to ministries here in our Parish. For example, Appeal funds support our Adult Faith Formation and ongoing ministry training.

Pancake Breakfast Sunday, February 12 8 a.m.—Noon McGaw YMCA Children’s Center On the southeast side of parking lot (our old school) $10 Adults $5 Seniors and Kids 12 & under Pancakes Sausage or Bacon Juice & Coffee Proceeds to benefit Newman Centers and Seminarians

This year, the theme of the Appeal is “Love Your Neighbor As Yourself.” We have all received God’s love. By financially supporting the ministries and services funded by the ACA, we help to extend God’s love to many, many others. As you review the mailing from Cardinal Cupich, please note the ministries and services funded by the Appeal, including the ones that directly support the work of our parish. Then please give generously. Note, when our parish reaches its goal of paid pledges, 100 percent of the additional funds received will be returned to us for use in our Parish.

Saturday, February 18 6 -10:30 p.m. The Woman’s Club of Evanston, 1702 Chicago Avenue Tickets on Sale February 4-15 $50 per person (21+ only) Open Bar (wine & beer) New Orleans-style Buffet Swingin’ DJ Music Silent Auction & 50/50 raffle Contact Chris Gregory

847 894-7961

[email protected]