See parishioners' treasured Nativities, and bless your own! |
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Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene
In its present form the custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ owes its origin to St. Francis of Assisi who made the Christmas crèche or manger for Christmas Eve of 1223. The blessing of the Christmas manger or nativity scene may take place on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time. When the manger is set up in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another family member.
All: (sign of the Cross) In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
Reader: Listen to the words of the holy Gospel according Luke 2:1-8
In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So, all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.
Reader: The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Leader: God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives He brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love. Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise our thoughts to Him, who is 'God with us' and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns forever and ever.
All: Amen.
(USCCB--CHB&P, pgs. 82-84)
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Mary Jane Sullivan, Director of Evangelization
(Top) My daughter made this for me many years ago.
(Bottom) For my grandchildren to play with when they come over.
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The Koehl Family
Here’s a picture of one of our favorites. It’s handmade and can be played with. We loved to have it out when the boys were little - They liked to play with it and we never worried about them breaking anything.
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Christina Schekirke
We always put it front and center in our dining room, where we work, eat, and spend lots of time together, in a normal year with friends and family. It is a beautiful reminder of the season, and I love setting it up and seeing it every day during the advent and Christmas season.
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Sue Fedea
When I was a kid, I loved playing with my grandma’s movable nativity pieces. My mom bought me my nativity set after I got married, and it reminds me of my grandma’s set, but it’s more in the visual style of the nativity we had at my house when I was a kid.
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The Smat Family
Our nativity was a wedding gift from my great uncle Tadeusz, a catholic priest who married us 25 years ago. It is quite simple and the figures are plastic but they are meticulously hand painted. It reminds me of my extended family and the stories of their hope, courage and trust in God following a difficult life in Poland during WWII. It is a reminder of the privilege of a much better life full of opportunities that they gave us. It’s also a reflection of how much beauty and quality can exist in simple things.
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Kelly Smith
It was given to me by a special friend when I moved into my first house.
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Michelle Knight
My nativity was made by my Grandmother, Audrienne Neisewander. She did ceramics back in the day. Everyone in my family wanted a newer updated version, but I felt honored that my mother let me have this nativity set. The stable was my Grandmother's also.
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Special Collection
This weekend our Special Collection is for the Retirement Fund for Religious. To donate, text RELIGIOUS to 312.625.5666
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Christmas Masses
Reservations for our Christmas Masses are open on the Mass Reservations page of our website. Masses will be held:
12/24 3:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass
12/24 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass
12/25 8:00 am Christmas Day Mass
12/25 10:00 am Christmas Day Mass
Add your name to the waitlist if spots are full and we will contact you if we get a cancellation!
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The Giving Tree
A big thank you to everyone who chose a "tag". Please don't forget to have your gifts to the rectory by Tomorrow, December 11th. Read More.
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Kolbe House Jail Ministry
Please drop off your extra unused cards and stamps at the back of church or at the parish office by Friday, December 18th. Read More
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Faith Sharing Groups
It's never too late to join our Faith Sharing Groups on Zoom! We meet Tuesdays at 10 am for Breaking Open the Word and Wednesdays at 7 pm for Bible Study: The Book of Matthew. Invite a friend or two and Sign Up Here!
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Oplatki Wafers
Oplatki Wafers are available at the parish office for $5. What is Oplatki? Read more...
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Alpha
Life is filled with big questions. Does my life have meaning? Is there more to life than my job? How do I find a community during the pandemic? Join us as we discuss these topics and more. Alpha consists of a video and a discussion on the most important questions we ask ourselves. All sessions will be held Thursdays on Zoom starting January 21st at 7pm. All are welcome! If you come to the first session and realize that Alpha is not for you there is no pressure to come back! Sign up is on our website. Have questions? E-mail Mary Jane
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Sunday Offering
Thank you for your continued support of our parish!
Please Click Here for Give Central, or text SUNDAY to 312.625.5666
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A Friendly Reminder
The Archdiocese of Chicago requires that everyone must wear a mask covering their nose and mouth the entire time they are in the church building. If you are unwilling to do so, you will be asked to leave, for the safety of all others in attendance. Thank you for your cooperation!
The priest, deacon and lector may remove their mask temporarily when speaking. And everyone is permitted to briefly remove their mask to consume the Eucharist.
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Catholic Charities Counseling Support Line
If the pandemic has you feeling anxious or depressed and you'd like to talk with a counselor, please call the Catholic Charities Counseling Support Line at (312) 948-6951 anytime M-F from 8:30am - 4:30pm. If you leave a message after hours, a counselor will call you back.
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*Reservations are required for all Masses and services in the church.
Friday 12/11
8:00am Mass*
Saturday 12/12
5:00pm Mass*
Sunday 12/13
11:30am RCIA
6:00pm Youth Group
Monday, 12/14
6:30pm School Board Meeting
Tuesday 12/15
10:00am Faith Sharing: Breaking Open the Word Join us!
7:00pm Nativity Nights*
Wednesday, 12/16
7:00pm Faith Sharing: Bible Study - The Book of Matthew Join us!
Thursday, 12/17
7:00pm Alpha
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Minted
Order your Christmas cards while giving back to SJS! Now through December 31, go to minted.com and use promo code FUNDRAISEJOSAPHAT at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase, PLUS 15% of your purchase will be donated to SJS!
Shutterfly
Mabel's Labels
Purchase Holiday gift tags, return envelope labels, and engraved ornaments! Plus, make sure to order labels for winter items like gloves, hats, boots, and coats. Visit campaigns.mabelslabels.com and type in St.Josaphat School (Chicago) to get free shipping and 20% goes back to SJS.
Amazon Smile
Choose St Josaphat Parish and School as your charity of choice at smile.amazon.com and we get a percentage back from eligible purchases! You can also set it up to work on the Amazon app! Download and open the app, tap "Settings" and then tap "Smile" to order directly from your phone app!
Support our Parishioner-Owned Restaurants:
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Take Five for Faith, or JosaFAST, you would like to receive.
By unsubscribing, you revoke our permission to send you email.
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