Our readings this weekend encourage us to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Jesus is coming to meet us, not only at Christmas, but each and every day he wants to enter into our hearts. Is my heart open to receiving him? Or are there obstacles in the way? Do I fill my time with too much work or too many distractions? Are there rough spots in my life or in my prayer that need to be smoothed out? If so, what can I do about it in order to better prepare myself to encounter the Lord?

One great way to prepare ourselves is to attend one of our “Nativity Nights” this Advent Season. Nativity Nights are an opportunity for you to come and spend some time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration.

The Eucharist will be present on the altar in the monstrance surrounded by candlelight. The lights in the church will be dimmed and there will be Advent music playing in the background. It will be a very warm and inviting atmosphere for you to come and spend some quiet time in prayer with our Lord.

I will also be available during this time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is a wonderful way to look honestly at our lives and acknowledge those rough spots that need to be smoothed out, made straight, or filled in with the help of God’s grace and the grace of the sacraments. The whole purpose of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is to help us receive the love and mercy of Jesus Christ with an open heart.

I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity for prayer and reconciliation on Tuesday nights from 7–8 pm. You certainly don’t have to spend the entire hour in prayer! My expectation is that people will come and go throughout the evening. You can spend just a few minutes in prayer or as much time as you like.

I hope these Nativity Nights will become a way for you to prepare for the joy of Christ’s birth this Christmas, and to warmly receive him in new ways each and every day.

Have a Blessed Advent,

Fr. Francis

Thank you to all who joined us for our annual Advent Wreath making party, whether in person or online!

Don’t forget to light your 2nd candle each day this week! The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s coming.

Are you currently a greeter at St. Josaphat, or considering joining our greeting ministry? Please join us for a Greeting Ministry Training update on Sunday, Dec 12th at 11:00 AM in the Church. We'll have coffee, donuts, and fruit and will share time together in prayer along with discussion of best practices for our Greeting Ministry here at St. Josaphat. We ask current greeters (from all Mass times) to join us, and invite interested future greeters as well.

Consider joining our Radical Hospitality Team! This group meets occasionally over Zoom to brainstorm and then carry out new ways of being welcoming to both visitors and current parishioners. If you're an "ideas" person, this group is for you!

Please join us for Breakfast with Santa THIS Sunday, Dec 5th. Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/SantaAtSJS

Stop by on Thursday, Dec 9th at 7pm on the patio behind the church and join our Adult and Children's choirs merrily performing their favorite Christmas carols!

Thank you generous Giving Tree donors! Please drop off your gifts at the Parish Office by 5pm Wednesday, Dec 8th. We need help loading cars and driving gifts next week/end. If you have a large vehicle, please help. Read More >

Chicago a cappella presents “Holidays a cappella”

TOMORROW - Friday, Dec 3rd at 8:00 PM in the church. St. Josaphat parishionaers, parents and staff get 25% off General Seating tickets with promo code STJ2021. (Advance purchase only, not available at the door.) 

TICKETS: www.chicagoacappella.org or call (773) 281-7820

Our Tree Lot remains open through this weekend (or until sold out). Hours are M-F 11a-8p and Sa-Su 9a-8p Read More >

Sign up to be a part of it and take the chalice home for a week. Read More >

Oplatki Wafers and Christmas ornaments are available for purchase in the parish office. Get them before they're gone!

will be accepted through Sunday, Jan 9th. Do you know an organization that should be considered? Read More >

We are looking for Weekend Office Associates.