St. Stanislaus Kostka

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1 Church address: 1235 George Street Offices and mailing: 368 Sumner Avenue Plainfield, NJ Fax: Website: address: INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE THE EUCHARIST SUNDAY: 9:00AM and 1:00 PM in English, 11:00 AM in Polish WEEKDAYS: Mon. - Sat. 9:00 AM SATURDAY: 5:00 PM for Sunday obligation HOLY DAY: Vigil is in English 7:00 PM HOLY DAY: 9:00 AM and 12 noon in English 7:00 PM bi-lingual English and Polish RECONCILIATION SATURDAY: 4:30 PM DAILY AND SUNDAY: after each Mass Special Penance Services Scheduled Seasonally in English and Polish TEACHING THE GOOD NEWS Pre-K and Kindergarten - Wednesday, 6:30 7:30 PM (seasonally) Levels Wednesday, 6:30 7:40 PM For information regarding Parish Sacrament Preparation Classes, which are held separately on Sundays, please call the Catechetics Center. CATECHUMENATE (RCIA) A process of faith building for those who would like to become members of, or for all who have not received full initiation into, the Roman Catholic Church. Please call the Catechetics Center for more information. BAPTISM Celebrated throughout the year in accordance with the policy of the Archdiocese and to accommodate the needs of our Parish Family. Attendance at a preparation session may be required. You must be a registered and active family for at least 90 days before a date for Baptism will be scheduled. Please call the Parish Office for an appointment. We, the people of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Stanislaus Kostka are a living Christian Community who, through worship, education and service, proclaim our faith in God and in our heritages. We are a Living Mosaic of God s People who seek His promise of salvation. The Church of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Stanislaus Kostka Served By Rev. Frank Rose, Pastor frfrank@bestchurch.net Rev. Jan Krzysztof Lebdowicz, Parochial Vicar jklebdo@hotmail.com PARISH STAFF John & Martha Nowik, Directors of Music and Divine Worship.music@bestchurch.net Linda Knowles-Mayers, Director of Rel. Ed. religioused@bestchurch.net Karole Lechowski, Office Reception office@bestchurch.net Mary Ellen Chanda, Trustee Johnny Skalski, Trustee Frank S. Kazmierski, Advisor Justine Birotte-Sanchez, M.D. Family Medicine Specialist ; Cathleen M. George, LCSW, LLC Parish Mental Health Specialist cgeorgelcsw@yahoo.com; MARRIAGE Arrangements should be made with a priest as soon as possible. One year prior to marriage or as soon as Engagement is announced is recommended. MINISTRY TO THE SICK In the event of serious illness or when someone is hospitalized, the parish office should be notified. The Eucharist and the Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated with anyone requesting them. Remember, the Hospital cannot notify us on their own. YOUTH MINISTRY The Youth Mass is at 9:00 AM on Sundays and Get-A-Grip, grades 7-12, meets for Liturgy of the Word during the Mass on the first Sunday of the month. Youth in grades 9-12 meet at scheduled intervals. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS For information or help, call OFFICE HOURS Address: 368 Sumner Avenue, Plainfield, NJ Sunday: 9:00AM 12 noon Monday thru Friday: 9:00AM 2:00PM Saturday: closed or by appointment 2011 Bon Venture Services, LLC

2 CHOIR We are fortunate enough to have a Parish Choir that has a full multi-lingual repertoire, as well as a Junior Choir. The Choir rehearses on Thursday at 7:30 PM, and the Junior Choir on Thursday at 6:30 PM. Instrumentalists are welcomed, either to play solo or with our choir. A parish orchestra made up of children and adults rehearses and performs several times during the year. For more information, or to volunteer, please call John or Martha Nowik after Mass or at the Parish Office. PARISH REGISTRATION New parishioners are most welcome and are encouraged to call the parish office and make an appointment to register. When you are moving from the parish, please notify the parish office. SPONSOR CERTIFICATES Call the Office during regular hours. STEWARDSHIP AND TITHING Stewardship calls us to freely give of our time, talent, and treasure for the good of our parish family and community. God gives us everything! I give Him back my tithe. Tithing is God s plan to support His Church. Full tithing means 10% of gross income to God 5% for your parish church and 5 % for other charities. VOCATIONS Those who are recognizing the call to the priesthood, deaconate, or the religious life are invited to speak to a priest or contact the Archdiocesan Vocations Office at , or at ST. BARTHOLOMEW ACADEMY 2032 Westfield Ave., Scotch Plains NJ OR Saturday December 16 9:00AM Roman Tarnawski, req. Parish Family 5:00PM..Msgr. James Bouffard, req. Mary Ellen and Bob Chanda Sunday December 17..Third Sunday of Advent 9:00AM Carmella and Luigi Parillo, req. Antonia Riello Stanley Nowik, req. Family 11:00AM..Renata Grzelak, req. Sister-in-law and Family 1:00PM Arturo Nera, req. Ubungen Family Monday December 18 9:00AM Kevin Parise, req. Morano Family Tuesday December 19 9:00AM Andrea and Rosa Negri, req. Sister and Family Wednesday December 20 9:00AM Debra Assante, req. Anita and Larry Wuest Thursday December 21 9:00AM People of the Parish Friday December 22 9:00AM Amerigo Pericolo, req. John and Pina Mastroianni Saturday December 23 9:00AM Eleanor and Tom Guidera, req. Family 5:00PM..Robert, Mary, and Ryan Ke;ller, req. Joan Keller Sunday December 24..Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:00AM Maria Riello, req. Mrs. Antonia Riello Stanley Nowik, req. Family 11:00AM..Janina Brylczyk 1:00PM December 24 th Christmas Eve 6:00PM Cameron Helfer, req. Mosley Family 10:00PM Tony Arcuri, req. Nicholas Hogan 12 midnight..jan Malok, req. Irene Romanowski Alicja, Antoni, Andrzej, and Tomasz Taraszkowski, req. Paszczyk Family The Tabernacle Candle will burn this week In Memory of All the Faithful Departed The Bread and Wine used at Mass for the month of December will be In Memory of The Melnik and Skolka Families at the request of Olga Skolka. YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED for those whose health is challenged in any way especially Irene Busher, Lynn Bradley, and Horace Ricks. YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED for all the faithful departed especially Rose Miniere. THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2a, Isaiah describes the joy and salvation which will accompany the coming of Christ. He compares the plants which spring from a garden to the justice that will spring from all nations. Second Reading: I Thessalonians 5:16-24 Paul reminds the Thessalonians to constantly ready themselves for Christ s arrival. He tells them to avoid any semblance of evil so that they may be found irreproachable when Jesus does arrive. Gospel: John 1:6-8, John explains that he is only a messenger to the people for one more powerful than himself. John stresses to them that they must make a path for the one so powerful that he is not fit to unfasten the strap of his sandal. Giving Tree gifts are due back this Sunday, December 17 th and they should be unwrapped accompanied by the tag. Thank you.

3 Proboszcz Parafii Ks. Frank Rose Duszpasterz Polski Ks. Jan Krzysztof Lebdowicz Tel: ext. 33 cell: Kancelaria Parafialna 368 Sumner Avenue Plainfield, NJ Tel: fax: bestchurch.net Strona internetowa: www. bestchurch.net (Polecamy szczegόlinie linki: Polish Community, Live Mass) Godziny otwarcia: Od Poniedziałku do Piątku - 10:00 rano do 2:00 po południu Soboty - nieczynna Niedziele - 9:00AM do 12:00 w południe Umówione spotkania poza godzinami. Msze Święte Niedzielne 5:00PM (msza wigilijna w soboty) - w języku angielskim 9:00AM - w języku angielskim 11:00AM - w języku polskim 1:00PM - w języku angielskim Msze Święte w dni powszednie - w języku angielskim: Od poniedziałku do soboty o godz. 9:00AM. Przed mszą świętą o godz. 8:30AM odmawiany jest różaniec. Msze Święte w Pierwsze Piątki Miesiąca 7:00PM w języku polskim Msze Święte w święta kościelne W wigilię uroczystości: 7:00PM w języku angielskim W dzień uroczystości: 7:00AM, 9:00AM w języku angielskim 7:00PM w języku angielskim i polskim Spowiedź Święta Ze spowiedzi świętej można skorzystać w soboty od godz. 5:00PM w języku angielskim i polskim a w języku polskim oraz w niedziele po mszy świętej o godz. 9:00AM (ok.10:00am). W razie potrzeby proszę poprosić księdza przed lub po mszy świetej lub umówić się telefonicznie. Sakrament Chrztu Świętego Udzielany jest we wszystkie niedziele roku. Rodzice wraz z chrzestnymi powinni uczestniczyć w nauce przed chrztem dziecka, na którą należy uprzednio się umówić. Zgodnie z zaleceniami Archidiecezji Newark rodzice dziecka powinni być zapisani do parafii na conajmnie 90 dni przed planowanym chrztem dziecka. Sakrament Małżeństwa Narzeczeni zamierzający przyjąć ten sakrament powinni zgłosić się do księdza na rok wcześniej, aby odbyć odpowiednie przygotowanie. Duszpasterstwo chorych Prosimy o powiadamianie parafii o tych, którzy z powodu wieku czy choroby - na stałe czy czasowo - skazani są na pobyt w domu lub w szpitalu i nie mogą uczestniczyć w liturgii Mszy Świętej w kościele. Chcemy ich odwiedzać, zanosić komunię świętą, służyć spowiedzią, czy sakramentem chorych. Katechizacja Rodzice dzieci w wieku szkolnym zobowiązani są do posyłania ich na katechizację w ciągu roku szkolnego. Istnieje też możliwość nauki dla dzieci przedszkolnych. Katechizacja odbywa się w środy każdego tygodnia w godzinach od 6:30 do 7:40PM. Katechumenat (RCIA) Także dorośli, którzy chcieliby przyjąć sakramenty inicjacji chrześcijańskiej (chrzest, bierzmowanie, eucharystię) powinni odbyć odpowiednie przygotowanie. Spotkania młodzieży Młodzież klas 9-12 spotyka się w ciągu roku szkolnego w niedziele na mszy świętej o godz. 9:00AM, w czasie której ma specjalną liturgię słowa. Inne spotkania według ustalanego rozkładu. Liturgia Słowa dla dzieci Odbywa się ona w każdą niedzielę roku szkolnego podczas mszy świętych w języku polskim (11:00AM) lub w języku angielskim (9 AM). Prosimy o zgłaszanie dzieci do udziału w tej formie katechizacji. Chóry parafialne W naszej parafii działają Chóry Parafialne prowadzone przez Panią Martę Nowik. Prosimy chętnych - zarówno dzieci jak i dorosłych - o zaangażowanie się w tę działalność. Mile widziane są osoby grające na instrumentach. Chór Dziecięcy próby odbywają się w środy po lekcjach religii Chór Dorosłych (anglojęzyczny) próby w czwartki, o godz. 7:30PM Chór Polski próby w poniedziałki, godz. 8:00PM Szkoła Polska Zajęcia w Polskiej Szkole działającej przy naszej Parafii odbywają się w każdy poniedziałek w okresie roku szkolnego od godz. 5:30 do 8:00PM. Kontakt: polskaszkolaplainfield@outlook.com Zapisy do parafii Zachęcamy nowych parafian do zapisania się do parafii. Potwierdzenie przynależności do parafii poprzez zapisanie się do niej jest rzeczą ważną, gdyż zaznacza naszą obecność we wspólnocie oraz wyraża wolę jej budowania. Prosimy również o powiadamianie parafii o zmianie miejsca zamieszkania czy numeru telefonu. Wspieranie parafii Jesteśmy wezwani do dobrowolnego poświęcenia swego czasu, talentów i dóbr dla dobra rodziny parafialnej i wsólnoty. Bóg daje nam wszystko! My winniśmy oddać Mu coś od siebie! Parafianie zapisani do parafii proszeni są o używanie otrzymywanych kopert do składania datków na tacę. Mogą oni otrzymać zaświadczenia o składanych na parafię ofiarach. W tej sprawie prosimy o kontakt z kancelarią parafialną. Powołania Osoby, które rozpoznają w sobie powołanie do kapłaństwa, diakonatu, czy życia zakonnego zapraszamy do rozmowy z księdzem lub do kontaktu z Archidiecezialnym Referatem Powołań, tel , albo na stronie internetowej Masz problem z alkoholem ty lub ktoś z twoich bliskich? Anonimowi Alkoholicy mogą Ci pomόc! Zadzwoń tel Zobacz broszurki w przedsionkach kościoła

4 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent...17 grudnia, Niedziela Adwentu LITURGIA TYGODNIA Cykl czytań niedzielnych Rok B W tym roku rozważana jest Ewagelia św. Marka Trzecia Niedziela Adwentu 17 grudnia 2017 Trzecia niedziela Adwentu jest nazywana niedzielą radości. Dlatego w pierwszym czytaniu z dzisiejszej Liturgii Słowa usłyszymy pełne nadziei wyznanie proroka Izajasza: Ogromnie się weselę w Panu, dusza moja raduje się w Bogu moim. Adwentowa radość zasadza się na nadziei. Czas oczekiwania w okresie poprzedzającym nadejście Chrystusa nie jest naznaczony swoistym napięciem, które znamionuje wiele naiwnych oczekiwań. Dla chrześcijanina jedynym pytaniem jest: kiedy przyjdzie Pan?. Nie musimy pytać: czy przyjdzie Pan?. Radość oczekiwania nie oznacza wolności od trudnych doświadczeń. Adwent można przeżywać nawet w czyśćcu, gdzie dusze czekają na zjednoczenie z Bogiem, mając już pewność zbawienia. Jako wyznawcy Jezusa Chrystusa dajemy świadectwo nadziei, która zawieść nie może, bo opiera się na Słowie Zbawiciela. Chrystus sam jest gwarantem swojej wiarygodności. Jego nauczanie opiera się na doświadczeniu śmierci i zmartwychwstania. Jeśli więc dzisiaj stawiamy sobie pytanie o źródło naszej radości, trzeba, abyśmy wskazali na nadzieję. 17 grudnia 03 Niedziela Adwentu ROZPOCZYNA SIĘ NOWENNA DO DZIECIĄTKA JEZUS Wspomnienie św. Olimpii, (ok ) Była żoną prefekta Konstantynopola a po jego śmierci poświęciła się sprawom Kościoła. 18 grudnia - Poniedziałek Wspomnienie św. Gracjana Podobno pierwszy biskup Tours, który żył w II wieku. 19 grudnia - Wtorek Wspomnienie św. Anastazego, papieża Wybrany na papieża w 399 roku. Zmarł w 401. Żył w przyjaźni ze św. Augustynem, Hieronimem i Paulinem z Noli. 20 grudnia - Środa Wspomnienie św. Dominika, opata ( ) Pochodził z Hiszpanii. Wstąpił do benedyktynów, przyjął święcenia kapłańskie a następnie zamieszkał jako pustelnik w grocie Gór Sierra de Cameros. 21 grudnia - Czwartek Wspomnienie św. Piotra Kanizjusza ( ) Kapłan i doktor Kościoła. Z pochodzenia był Holendrem. Ukończył teologię w Koloniii trzy lata później wstąpił do Jezuitów. Przez 30 lat pracował w Niemczech. 22 grudnia - Piątek Wspomnienie św. Franciszki Cabrini ( ) Zakonnica włoska, założycielka Instytutu Misjonarek Serca Jezusowego. 23 grudnia - Sobota Wspomnienie św. Wiktorii, dziewicy i męczennicy Pochodziła z Sabiny ok. Rzymu; zginęła za Dioklecjana. 24 grudnia 04 Niedziela Adwentu WIGILIA BOŻEGO NARODZENIA Adama i Ewy - prarodziców znanych z Księgi Rodzaju. SPOWIEDŹ W ADWENCIE W Adwencie nie bedzie specjalnego dnia spowiedzi. Do tego sakramentu będzie można przystąpić w każdą środę od godz. 7:00 wieczorem oraz w sobotę, od godz. 4:30 wieczorem. NOWENNA DO DZIECIĄTKA JEZUS Zachęcamy do odprawienia nowenny Nowenny do Dzieciątka Jezus przed Uroczystością Bożego Narodzenia w dniach grudnia broszurki z nowenną w Kaplicy św. Jana Pawła II. Porządek Nabożeństw w Okresie Bożego Narodzenia Wigilia - Niedziela, 24 grudnia 2017 (Msze święte w ciągu dnia o godz. 9:00 i 11:00AM oraz o 1:00PM to świętowanie 04 Niedzieli Adwentu) 6:00 wieczorem - Msza Wigilijna w języku angielskim 9:30 wieczorem - Śpiew kolęd z udziałem chóru 10:00 wieczorem - Pasterka w języku angielskim Boże Narodzenie Poniedziałek, 25 grudnia 11:45 w nocy - Śpiew kolęd z udziałem chóru 12:00 o pólnocy - Pasterka w języku polskim 9:00 rano - Msza w języku angielskim 11:00 rano - Msza w języku polskim 1:00 po południu - Msza w języku angielskim Uroczystość Świętej Rodziny W sobotę, 30 grudnia 2017 Msza Wigilijna, godz. 5:00 wieczorem w języku angielskim Niedziela, 31 grudnia :00 rano - Msza w języku angielskim 11:00 rano - Msza w języku polskim 1:00 po południu - Msza w języku angielskim Od godz 11:00 w nocy do 12:00 o północy Adoracja Najświętszego Sakramentu (Godzina Święta) Poniedziałek, 01 stycznia 2018 O północy - Msza święta w języku angielskim 9:00 rano - Msza w języku angielskim 11:00 rano - Msza w języku polskim Niedziela, 14 stycznia 2018 Po mszy świętej o godz. 11:00 przed południem Jasełka przygotowane przez dzieci z Polskiej Szkoły oraz Opłatek spotkanie wspólnoty parafialnej przy łamaniu się opłatkiem i świątecznym posiłku. Z ŻYCIA WSPÓLNOTY PARAFIALNEJ RORATY W JĘZYKU POLSKIM W piątek, 22 grudnia, o godz. 7:00 wieczorem kolejna msza święta roratnia w języku polskim. Zapraszamy rodziny z dziećmi! W tym dniu, od 6:00 wieczorem możliwość spowiedzi u obcego spowiednika. KOLĘDA - K+M+B 2018 Tradycyjne odwiedziny kolędowe i poświęcenie domów odbędzie się w tym roku w Uroczystość Objawienia Pańskiego (Trzech Króli) w niedzielę, 7 stycznia 2018 roku, w godzinach od 2:00 po południu do 9:00 wieczorem Rodziny, które życzą sobie zaprosić księdza posimy o wypełnienie odpowiedniego formularza.

5 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent...17 grudnia, Niedziela Adwentu WORD RELIGIOUS EDUCATION The students are all preparing for Christmas and this week will be the final session before the Christmas break. ROSARY SOCIETY NEWS The Rosary Society will celebrate their Rosary Sunday Mass on Sunday, January 7th at the 9 AM Mass and no business meeting will follow. ST. ANNE SOCIETY The St. Anne Society continue the good work the Society does and they are preparing for the Annual Baby Shower to be held on Sunday, January 21 st after the 9AM Mass. OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY MAKERS The women make rosaries for nursing homes, the missions, and plan projects for the religious education students; this year focusing on Our Lady of Fatima. The next meeting of the group will be Tuesday, February 27 th at 6:30PM. BESTCHURCH SENIORS The next meeting will be on Thursday, December 21st at 1 PM in the Parish Center. This will be the annual Christmas gathering. If you plan on attending, please call the office to make your reservation so we can properly prepare. SCRIPTURE SHARING FOR ADVENT Sessions meet on Sundays, December 17 in the Parish Center at 10 a.m. Sign-up sheets are available in the open area of the Church. The Sunday sessions will explore the story of the nativity as told by Matthew and Luke, which are two different stories. But, what God tells us is a story of love, from the moment of creation. They are about being still and letting God speak. So, join Bill Shlala, the facilitator, and others for the opportunity to step out of the noise and pressure of the season. Sessions also meet on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in the Parish Center on December19. The sessions are Lectionary based for the coming Sunday and will be facilitated by Linda Mayers. This is another great opportunity to pause and reflect on the Scriptures of Advent. ANNUAL GIVING TREE We ask that if you have chosen to participate, please return the gift by Sunday, December 17 th along with the tag and do not wrap the gift. Please make every effort to remember to get the gift because we must provide for every tag, so if you don t bring it in then we have to provide it. The gifts will be distributed to those in need here in Plainfield through United Families with whom we have partnered in the past years. BLESSING OF HOMES---KOLENDA This year we will be taking a new approach for those who would like to participate. Fr. Chris and Fr. Frank will bless homes on Sunday, January 7 th beginning at 2PM. If you would like to have your house blessed please let us know and we will make a schedule. We do not anticipate any hospitality in the form of food or drink nor is any monetary gift accepted. This is a pastoral visit to bless the home. WORSHIP CHOIR THE CHOIR WHY NOT BECOME A MEMBER If you are interested in joining any of the Choirs, please contact John or Martha after Mass or at the Church offices at ext. 108, or by music@bestchurch.net ADULT CHOIR meets on Thursday evenings at 7:30PM in Church. JUNIOR CHOIR rehearses on Wednesday after Religious education classes. INSTRUMENTALISTS Students or adults, we can use your talents! SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available on a regular basis on Saturdays at 4:30 PM and on Sunday mornings after Masses as well as after weekday Masses simply by requesting the celebration of the Sacrament. Reconciliation for Advent is celebrated daily after Mass, on Wednesdays at 7:00PM, and Saturdays at 4:30PM. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Monthly Meeting The next meeting will be held on Sunday morning January 14 th following the 9AM Mass. There will be light refreshments. Schedule for Christmas Sunday, the 24 th of December starts out as the Fourth Sunday of Advent and we are expected to attend Mass as we do every Sunday. Then, at sunset the day turns into Christmas Eve! We have the traditional Christmas Eve Vigil Mass at 6:00PM and that satisfies our obligation for Christmas Mass; but it does not count for both Sunday and Christmas. My point is obvious, I believe, and it is that this year we are expected to attend Mass on Sunday and Monday, Christmas Day. You ll hear more from the pulpit, guaranteed. Christmas Eve 6:00 PM Vigil Mass 9:30 PM Christmas Carols with the Choir 10:00PM Traditional Midnight Mass in English 12 midnight Traditional Midnight Mass in Polish Christmas Day 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM in English 11:00 AM in Polish Sunday, December 31 st 11:00 PM Holy Hour followed at 12 midnight with the First Mass of 2018 Monday, January 1, Mary, The Mother of God 9:00 AM Mass (not a Holy Day of Obligation) 11:00 AM..Mass in Polish

6 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent...17 grudnia, Niedziela Adwentu COMMUNITY BUILDING Please pray for our Parishioners in the Military: CCM Michael Dias, USAF Nicholas Hogan, USN Luke Adams, USN SSG Katarzyna Czajka, US Army EMMAUS BOOK CLUB The Emmaus Book Club will meet on Monday, February 5 th at 7PM in the Rectory. We hope more folks will take advantage of being part of this group especially for this amazing and exciting book. The book is Dan Brown s latest: ORIGEN. If you are interested there are a few copies available at the parish office, call Linda. We will have a short film presentation as well to enhance the discussion. Why, we might even have refreshments! PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY The next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 17 th at 10:30 in the Parish Center and in the meantime they will continue making scarves for our Baby Shower and lap robes for Runnells and for our parishioners who are ill. If you would like to help or need yarn just contact Linda at the Parish Office. If you would like to learn to crochet or knit you are invited to come to any meeting. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP The Caregiver s Support Group will meet on Monday, January 8th at 7:30 PM at St. Helen s Parish Center. This is a group for those caring for elderly or chronically ill loved ones. For information, please call Marilyn Ryan at SAINT BARTHOLOMEW ACADEMY School sports is not just a way to keep children fit and busy. It promotes school pride, brings students together who may not otherwise interact, and it gives students life-altering experiences that will stay with them long after their school days. This past fall has been another successful one for Academy athletes. The Academy is a perfect place for a Catholic Education founded on learning a true Catholic way of life and achieving excellence in academics. The students are nurtured and cared for. For information contact Maureen Doherty at: or NON-PERISHABLE FOOD COLLECTION The food will go to those in our Plainfield area and will be distributed in conjunction with The Salvation Army here in Plainfield. TIM KEYES CONSORT Last Sunday we hosted the Tim Keyes Consort and they performed the newest of Tim s writings, the Christmas Oratorio. At the conclusion of the presentation the entire house was able to join in a few traditional Christmas Carols. We are greatly appreciative of the opportunity to host the group and there were 100 people in attendance. YOUTH GET-A-GRIP: Get-A-Grip will meet on Sunday, January 7th at the 9AM and 11AM Mass. For those anticipating receiving Confirmation this is a required part of the preparation. Students from 7 th grade through High School are invited to attend. SERVICE HOURS FOR STUDENTS There are some students who are required to offer a certain number of service-hours for school or Confirmation. If you are in need of help with finding those hours or projects, feel free to be in touch with Fr. Frank. SERVICE STEWARDSHIP is what we do with what we have when we believe in God Cardinal Joseph Tobin, C.Ss. R. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. This Scripture reading sums up Stewardship. Rejoice always means place your trust in God; He will provide all that you need. Pray constantly means prayer should be a running conversation with God throughout the whole day, every day. Give thanks in all circumstances means even in bad situations, thank God. Suffering a little bit helps build empathy for others in similar situations. FINANCE Faith Giving for St. Bernard and St. Stanislaus 100 envelopes were used Sunday and contained $3,336 which means 74% of the collection came from envelopes. There are 446 registered families who receive envelopes which means 346 families did not use envelopes. The average gift from envelopes was $33.36 Faith Giving for December 10th $4,504 Polish School Bake Sale $1,214 For your information: 5:00PM $ :00AM $2,272 11:00AM $744 1:00PM $946 National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception $654 For this week, our appeal to raise weekly revenue to $5,600 is not successful; on the average for the month we are not successful. Your continued support is deeply appreciated. HOW TO REPORT ABUSE The Archdiocese takes very seriously any and all allegations of sexual misconduct by members of the clergy, Religious and lay staff of the Archdiocese. We encourage anyone with knowledge of an act of sexual misconduct to inform us so that we may take appropriate action to protect others and provide support to victims of sexual abuse. Call the Archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection at

7 SUNDAYS: December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent...17 grudnia, Niedziela Adwentu Calendar of Events December 17 Third Sunday of Advent 9:00AM, 1:00PM in English; 11:00AM in Polish 9:AM Mass..Chapel, Liturgy of the Word Advent Scripture Sharing after 9AM Mass 11:AM Mass..Chapel, Liturgy of the Word in Polish December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:00AM, 1:00PM in English; 11:00AM in Polish Christmas Eve Vigil Mass at 6:00PM 9:30PM Carols 10PM Traditional Midnight Mass in English 12 Midnight Traditional Polish Mass December 31 Solemnity of The Holy Family 9:00AM, 1:00PM in English; 11:00AM in Polish No Chapel or Liturgy of the Word January 7, 2018 The Epiphany of the Lord 9:00AM, 1:00PM in English; 11:00AM in Polish 9:AM Mass..Chapel, Liturgy of the Word. Get-A-Grip 9AM..Rosary Mass and No Meeting after Mass 11:AM Mass..Chapel, Liturgy of the Word in Polish Blessing of homes begins at 2PM January 14..Second Sunday in Ordinary Time No Chapel or Liturgy of the Word 9AM Mass..following Mass the K of C meet 11AM Mass following Mass Jaselka and Oplatek is celebrated in the gym and cafeteria. MONDAYS: Dec. 18..Polish School 5:30-8PM Dec Christmas Day..9AM, 1PM, in English, 11AM Polish January 1, 2018 Mary the Mother of God 9AM Mass TUESDAYS: December 19 Advent Scripture Sharing 1PM in Center WEDNESDAYS: December 20 6:30-7:40PM..Religious Education Classes 7:45PM..Junior Choir in Church THURSDAYS: Dec. 21 Adult Choir at 7:30PM December 21 Bestchurch Seniors at 1 pm FRIDAYS: SATURDAYS: December 16 5PM Mass..Evening Prayer and Lessons and Carols Just sayin. It seems that no one believes in anything, including God, anymore. People have lost faith in their country and our political system; people have lost faith in the Democratic and Republican Party structures and its leadership, but perhaps the most noticeable loss among our people is that we ve lost our faith in our true Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ. Is it any wonder that our country is so polarized on every issue from the right to bear arms to free speech? Forbes reports that, People identifying as athiests or agnostics and others who say their religion is nothing in particular now make up 23 percent of the U.S. population, a noticeable increase of 16% since According to Pew Research, the vast majority of U.S. adults who do not identify with a religious group say they were raised as a member of a particular religion before turning away from it in later life There was a time when God was a part of the American psyche. We prayed before soccer games not so long ago and we even prayed before government meetings and military ceremonies. Actually, mentioning God in mixed company wasn t a big deal at all, it s what good people actually did. Today God is so foreign to the way that we relate to each other that many families have become God-shy at home as well. Today many parents are more likely to teach their children to be good, selfreliant people, but they are not being raised to be people of faith. In America the removal of Christmas songs from music programs at public schools was the first to go. Then the minute of prayer was turned into the generic few moments of silence. Now Christians are persecuted through the courts for their beliefs. People in the military are being made to choose between loyalty to their God and obeying a military command. These are all symptoms of a lost faith. The government is doing its best to smother religion and faith from among the ranks of our servicemen and women. The American Center for Law and Justice reports that the Pentagon in mandatory meetings has warned the enlisted not to join evangelical Christian groups, in particular ones that are known to proselytize. Military personnel have also been warned not to join Conservative groups. The BBC reports that one in three Americans currently describe themselves as being spiritual but not religious. Considering the pressure being placed on the public to be both Judeo-Christian neutral and Muslim-sensitive it shouldn t come as a shock that fewer Americans identify as Christian or religious. Yet despite all the societal pressure to reject Christianity from various institutions, perhaps the biggest reason people have lost faith in God is because believers like me, and maybe you as well, don t always act like one! If we as Christians fail to walk the walk and if we fail to love our neighbors then it s no wonder people are rejecting Christ. So, maybe we all need to be a bit more demonstrative about when we believe by reflecting that in the way that we live.just sayin. In the love of God, Fr. Frank

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