Christmas Message From Our Pastor

The dawning of the Christmas season comes gradually, even though it sneaks up a little earlier each year, starting in mid-November –– early November nowadays. From carols to decorations to cookies, to sneak-peek sales and a flurry of emails... it's in full swing now, but starts slowly. Except for this year's white Christmas weather. That came in swift and strong. Nevertheless, all of the things that warm our hearts now enable us to turn towards the Nativity Scene in all its luminous joy.

Of all the activity around the Christmas holy day, taking the time to look deeply into the Nativity Scene and see the Baby Jesus is one of the most important and special things we can do, whether adults or children. The story of Jesus' birth appeals to all people of all ages, but the purpose of celebrating Christmas as a profoundly religious holiday is to see it not merely as an historical event that warms our hearts, but to see it as an event that defines our hearts. And if it genuinely defines our hearts, then the love of Jesus dwells in our hearts analogous to how Jesus made His dwelling amongst us in the manger. And we recall the title ascribed to him by the prophet: Emmanuel, a name which means "God is with us." Consciously and actively pondering this beautiful and mysterious truth does more than help us celebrate Christmas, it enables us to embrace and live its meaning throughout the year.

This Christmas, whether you are near or far, whether you are someplace cold or warm, my prayer for all of you is that in your celebration of Christmas, as your imagination gazes into the Nativity Scene, may you feel the newborn Light of Heaven desire to make His home in your heart, and the warmth of God's love bring blessings of peace and joy to you and your loved ones! 

Merry Christmas!

Rev. Steven Bauer
Pastor
Christmas Greetings From St. Alphonsus!

Let Us All Rejoice in the Lord,
for Our Savior Has Been Born in the World!
Today, True Peace has Come Down to Us from Heaven 
Entrance Antiphon for Midnight Mass

Christmas reminds us that our deepest hungers, thirsts, desires and needs are ultimately satisfied by divine grace, mercy and love.

Christmas Mass Schedule:
Christmas Eve Saturday, Dec. 24 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 11:00 PM 
**there will be caroling starting 30 min before each liturgy. Please be sure to arrive early for your preferred pew as the 4 PM and 6 PM Christmas Mass will fill up quickly.

Christmas Day, the Nativity of the Lord Sunday, Dec. 25 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM , 12:30 PM in Spanish, NO 5:00 PM
** A portion of the 9 AM will have readings in German.**

New Year's Mass Schedule:
New Year's Eve Saturday, Dec. 31 No Vigil Mass
New Year's Day, Sunday, Jan. 1 Regular Sunday Mass Schedule




As part of our parish Christmas card contest, our talented AACA school children did their best and submitted Christmas-related artwork. You can view a selected handful here!

The Archdiocese has designated Monday December 26 as a holiday; the rectory office will be closed.
Make Your Christmas Offering to St. Alphonsus!

Christmas time is here. We've seen church families band together to help and support one another. During the holiday season, we extend a warm welcome to the visiting families and friends of our members, and to all of our guests.

Your donations during the holiday season to St. Alphonsus are needed and greatly appreciated. You can make a Christmas donation on GiveCentral or you can text Joyful to (773) 570-7600. Thank you and God's blessings to you this season! We pray that your 2023 year is full of peace, joy, and gratitude.

The choir is back again this Christmas, bringing tidings of comfort and joy! A choir of twelve singers (twice as many as last Christmas!) will be joined by trumpet, organ, and kettle drums at all liturgies. You will sing beloved carols, as well as hear delightful arrangements by John Rutter. Polyphonic settings from the Renaissance will offer prayerful solemnity to our celebrations. Don’t miss the extended prelude music 1/2 hour before each liturgy!

Christmas Eve: 4, 6, and 11 PM
Christmas Day: 9, 11 AM, and 12:30 PM (español).


If you would like to make a special donation to St. Alphonsus to help us defray the costs of decorating our church and providing Christmas music, you can on GiveCentral for our Christmas Flowers and Music fund..
We know it is very cold outside. We truly appreciate the effort being made through Chicago inclement weather! For those who are home-bound or just not able to come to Church and worship in-person, the Archdiocese provides Mass through various medias. Cardinal Blase Cupich will celebrate Christmas Midnight Mass live from Holy Name Cathedral. He will also celebrate the pre-recorded Christmas Day Mass available on YouTube at 8 AM.
When we plan our weekly giving, and set this money aside first, we demonstrate the great importance that God and the support of the Gospel have in our lives.

Our weekly bulletin features many of the ways you can contribute to the vibrancy of St. Alphonsus parish.