St. Alphonsus Christmas Schedule

Hello St. Alphonsus,

Season of Advent

Our parish coordinator of Religious Education and Evangelization, Emily Ember, joyfully shares her reflection for this Third Sunday of Advent.

Our office has received a few questions about the Sunday/Christmas obligation this year, since the 4th Sunday of Advent is also Christmas Eve. Sunday Obligation or Christmas Eve or both?

Sunday, December 24 could be a bit confusing this year as it relates to

fulfilling the days of obligation for Catholics. We must attend a Mass to fulfill

the Sunday obligation and another to fulfill the Christmas Day obligation.

Attending one Mass on Sunday does not fulfill both obligations. You may

attend two Masses on Sunday, however. One Mass with Mass Proper

Prayer and readings for Sunday and a second with Mass Proper Prayers

and Readings for Christmas Vigil/Day.

In this Sunday's Gospel,John gives testimony that he is preaching and baptizing in order to prepare for the coming of another.

The third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete, a Latin word which means “rejoice,” is taken from the entrance antiphon for Sunday’s Mass. This theme is echoed in Sunday's second reading from the first Letter to the Thessalonians. It is a reminder that Advent is a season of joy because our salvation is already at hand.

The "O Antiphons" of Advent from Dec. 17-23

Daily prayer keeps you in good relationship with the LORD, and yourself.

Invite your friends/loved ones to Mass! 

Mass Readings for Third Sunday of Advent

December 17 Parish Bulletin

Our parish is kindly requesting faithful volunteers to serve our community as ushers and greeters for all Christmas liturgies! There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex of the church. Many blessings and Thank you to those already signed up!

Sing! Pray! Listen! Rejoice!

Come worship with us at St. Alphonsus on December 24 and 25! You will get to sing the most beloved carols of Christmas with choir, organ, brass, and drums. Whichever Mass you attend on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we've got you covered!

You will also hear some of the finest sacred motets of the season by composers like Wm. Byrd, Tomás Luis de Victoria, Francis Poulenc, and Jan Sweelinck.

Be sure to arrive one half-hour before the scheduled Mass time on Christmas Eve to catch the full prelude program, and also to insure the best seat.

Out or town for December 24 and 25? We've got you covered! On January 7 (Epiphany), at the 9 and 11 AM liturgies, we will repeat 90% of the Christmas program with choir, organ, and instruments.

As always, we appreciate your support of St. Alphonsus at liturgy and in between the liturgies. Please consider making a special donation to help us with the cost of providing high-quality music at every Mass of Christmastide!

Merry Christmas!

Friends Through Faith

On Sunday, December 10th, parishioners at St. Alphonsus enjoyed a Free Christmas Breakfast after mass. The event was a hit! Pancakes, eggs, sausage, tater tots, fresh fruit, and hot chocolate with marshmallows were served. Good cheer and lighthearted conversation were shared by all.

Thank you to all who joined us, and thank you especially to our volunteers who made this event possible! This Breakfast was funded and run by members of the community with the goal of spreading joy and fellowship. Look out for our next event (a Waffle Breakfast) in about 2-3 months!

Want to help put on more events like this one? We are always looking for volunteers who have a love of the Lord and a heart for service. Reach out to Emily Ember to get involved!

St. Alphonsus Parish has purchased a subscription to FORMED so that you, yes YOU! can receive FREE access to Bible Studies, Family Programming, Classic Spiritual Books, and more! Consider this our Christmas gift to you! Deepen your relationship with God as you grow in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. 

Programs include: Studies on the Eucharist and the Gospels; Sacred Art; Catholic Commentary on the popular series, The Chosen; Lives of the Saints; Children’s Shows and Films; Books written by Pope Benedict XVI, Fulton Sheen, and Peter Kreft; and Audio Talks by Bishop Robert Barron, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Scott Hahn, Dr. Brant Pitre, Trent Horn, and more! ¡Hay programas en español también! 

TO SIGN UP FREE: 

1) Go to formed.org/signup

2) Type in Zip Code 60657

3) Choose St. Alphonsus

4) Fill out your Name and Email

5) YOU’RE IN!

Christmas Stewardship

Registered members of our parish should be receiving a Christmas card in the mail. The winning image was drawn by a talented 5th grader, Ella B., at Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts as part of an annual design contest. We genuinely appreciate your generous support of St. Alphonsus this Christmas season! You can click the link below or text JOYFUL to (773) 570-7600. We are immensely grateful for your support!

"Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3: 9-10)

What Does It Mean To Give First Fruits?

If you would like to learn more about living a stewardship way of life, please visit our section on giving on our website, or contact a member of our parish stewardship team by calling the rectory at 773-525-0709 or by emailing parish Director of Operations Daniel Szymanski.

Thank you and God bless you!

• Text sunday to 773-570-7600
• Click on the link you receive via text
• Fill in the information and click "Submit Form" to make your gift!

At the Athenaeum

"It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" Inspired by the classic American film, It’s a Wonderful Life, “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play“ is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Five actors perform the dozens of characters in the radio play. Our production will also feature a live Foley artists for all sound effects!

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this intimate Holiday production in our glorious Paradiso space from December 15th-20th, starring members of the Athenaeum Center staff on stage and behind the scenes.

Holiday Happy Hour: One hour before each performance will have happy hour specialty cocktails and live Jazz music to help you feel holly and jolly this Christmas Season!  

This Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7 PM, The Notre Dame Glee Club and Symphony Orchestra bring to the stage a tremendous concert filled with classic carols and Christmas spirit. With selections from The Nutcracker, The Great American Christmas Song Book, and many more favorites, this concert is the perfect Holiday tradition.

The Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture is proud to welcome Scythian to their historic mainstage. Join us March 10, 2024 for an evening of high-energy folk music that will have you dancing and singing along!

Get tickets and more info on all upcoming shows here!

Faith Formation News

Men's Group

St. Alphonsus Men’s Group meets Thursday nights to pray the liturgy of the hours, have fellowship, and to propose challenging topics to discuss. 

We meet every Thursday night at 7 PM in the rectory. Food and drinks provided. All men are welcome, with most men being in their 20s and 30s. Access can be gained at the west facing rectory door in the parking lot. For questions or more information, contact us here!

Men's Group Holy Hour Adoration will continue to be every first Friday of the month in 2024, starting on January 5 at 7:30 PM.

Knights of Columbus

Our parish Knights council thank everyone who came out for our wonderful Christmas party! Be sure to keep an eye out for all our upcoming sponsored events in 2024, including the Children's Free Throw Shooting contest, Lenten Fish Fries, Faith Retreat, and more! Contact parishioner Ray San Agustin for more info about joining our Knights of Columbus!

Here is a very neat story about fellow Knight - Luke Kornet (former Chicago Bulls player), now with the Boston Celtics. He was recruited by our District Deputy Knight - Dan Stolze, to become a Knight in 2020.

Safe Families for Children

Did you know that youth aging out of the foster care system are highly at risk for human trafficking, homelessness, and unplanned pregnancies?

Those are just a few reasons why YOU should volunteer to mentor a local teen in foster care through Safe Families PLUS! https://www.safefamiliesplus.org/

Questions about our ministry? Reach out to safefamiliesstals@gmail.com GOD BLESS!

Around the Archdiocese

Looking for something to do around the Archdiocese of Chicago? Check out their events list, which contains everything from upcoming devotions and special Masses to concerts and craft fairs.

Cardinal Cupich's recent article- A Touch of Heaven

The Archdiocese's Asian Catholic Initiative members invite you to participate in their annual pre-Christmas novena beloved by Filipino Catholics everywhere – Simbang Gabi. Find the list of parishes offering Simbang Gabi Masses from Dec. 15 to Dec. 23

The Archdiocese of Chicago Pastoral Migratoria annual Posada takes place this Friday, Dec. 15 from 11 AM-1 PM.