Celebrate St. Stephen today!
|
Feast of St. Stephen
Today is the second day in the octave of Christmas. The Church celebrates the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Stoned outside Jerusalem, he died praying for his executioners. He was one of the seven deacons who helped the apostles; the Acts of the Apostles tells us that he was "filled with faith and with the Holy Spirit," and was "full of fortitude." The Church draws a comparison between the disciple and his Master, emphasizing the imitation of Christ even unto the complete gift of self.
Saint Stephen is the patron of stonemasons, masons, bricklayers, deacons, headaches, and horses. He is usually pictured in deacon's vestments, holding the symbol of martyrdom, a palm branch. Sometimes he has a stone in his left hand, to indicate his death by stoning. He is depicted in many images wearing a wreath, which refers to the origin of his name, the Greek word Stephanos meaning "wreath."
"If you know what witness means, you understand why God brings St. Stephen, St. John, and the Holy Innocents to the crib in the cave as soon as Christ is born liturgically. To be a witness is to be a martyr. Holy Mother Church wishes us to realize that we were born in baptism to become Christ - He who was the world's outstanding Martyr."
- Love Does Such Things, by Rev. M. Raymond, O.C.S.O.
|
|
Important Upcoming Dates!
|
Dec 31 - Happy New Year! Our parish office is closed.
Jan 01 - Mass at 10am: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (A Holy Day of Obligation). Our parish office is closed.
|
|
|
Do you have an extra Tree Topper?
|
Our rectory Christmas Tree could use it! If you have a spare angel or star that you would like to donate, please drop it off at the rectory.
Thank You!
|
|
|
|
|
St. Josaphat Parish has kicked off a fundraising effort to update the kitchen in the basement of the rectory. We are planning to make this a welcoming fresh space for small group gatherings and meetings. Email
Georgia Burke
for more information on the many ways you can help, or
donate here through
Dec 31.
|
|
|
Tot's Playgroup
on Hiatus
|
Our Tot's Playgroup is currently on hiatus and in need of a child-loving mom or dad to lead this group of infants, preschoolers and their caregivers for an hour of fun on Tuesday mornings. Do you love little ones? Contact the parish office!
|
|
|
An Evening of Ignatian Spirituality
|
We invite you to join us for an evening of prayer and fellowship on
Monday, Jan 13th
at 7PM in the church, hosted by the community of St. Ignatius College Prep. Come and learn about Ignatian Spirituality and more. Refreshments will be available. All are welcome!
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, Feb 22nd, 2020
7pm-midnight
Rockwell on the River
3057 N. Rockwell
|
|
|
|
|
Minted
Greeting Cards & Photo Gifts
It's time to order those holiday cards! From Nov 1-Dec 31, SAVE 20%, PLUS minted will donate 15% to SJS. Go to minted.com and type in promo code: FUNDRAISEJOSAPHAT at checkout!
Mabel's Labels
Purchase Holiday return address labels or stamps, gift tags, stocking stuffers, and more!
Plus 20% of all proceeds will go back to SJS.
Click here
and type in St Josaphat School (Chicago)
Ashland Addison
Recycle your floral vases - bring them to
Ashland Addison Florist Co.
for a donation to St. Josaphat!
Amazon
Shop smile.amazon.com and select St. Josaphat Parish as your charitable organization, and St. Josaphat gets
5% on eligible items!
Shutterfly
Shop and St. Josaphat gets 13%!
Thank you for your support!
|
|
|
|
 |
|
