000201 Special Cover The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

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Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God!” You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen. PILGRIMAGE CHURCHES Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, Joliet

St. John the Baptist Winfield

Immaculate Conception Elmhurst

Ss. Peter and Paul Naperville

St. Patrick Yorkville

St. Mary Parish Mokena

St. John the Baptist Joliet

St. Patrick Kankakee

Immaculate Conception Gilman

THE YEAR OF MERCY PILGRIMAGE CHURCH OPEN HOUSE

On December 12, our Diocese began the Celebration of the Holy Year of Mercy. At the request of the Holy Father, Catholics around the world will be celebrating a special time of recognition of the Great Mercy of God. A Holy Year features special celebrations of pilgrimages with calls for conversion and repentance. In our Diocese, nine Churches have been designated as Pilgrimage sites. Immaculate Conception Church in Elmhurst is the Pilgrimage Church for the Eastern DuPage Deanery. In recognition of the start of this Holy Year, an Open House for all in our Deanery will be held on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 3, from 2 – 4:00 pm at Immaculate Conception Church, 132 Arthur St., Elmhurst. Like the Wise Men who went forth to view the Lord, you are invited as pilgrims to come and pray before the Lord. This will be a time for silent prayer as we recall the Great Mercy of God.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Family Reconcilia on: Make your front door a door of mercy this year During this Year of Mercy and on this Jubilee Day for Families (December 27), God invites you to cooperate with his grace in bringing reconciliation to your family. 1) While keeping God’s merciful love in mind, reflect prayerfully on each member of your family. Take your time. Is there any one you need to ask forgiveness from? Perhaps it was something you did, or perhaps it was something you didn’t do. Resolve to ask forgiveness, even if, in your estimation, the other person’s fault was greater. Do it without any expectation of reconciliation. Reconciliation is in God’s hands, and in God’s time. Just do your part, but do it with a full heart. Don’t just say “I’m sorry.” Ask the other person’s forgiveness. 2) Now, having asked for forgiveness, who in your family are you being called to forgive? Remember, forgiveness does not mean your trust in the other person is restored. It does not mean the other person asked for your forgiveness. It does not mean that reconciliation will inevitably happen. It means “I release you, and I release myself from this corroding anger and resentment. I want the best for you. I pray for your happiness.” At least pray for the grace to want to forgive; to begin to forgive. If you can only let go of 5% of the resentment, do that. Is forgiving and asking for forgiveness crucifying? Yes, but Our Lord has taught us that crucifixion is the way to new life. Remember, a family is holy, not because it is perfect, but because God’s grace is at work in it, helping it to set out anew every day on its way of love. U.S. Bishops, Follow the Way of Love, 1994

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Year of the Family We began the Year of Family last December with the idea of the family as a school of love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, mutual respect, patience and humility in the midst of a world darkened by selfishness and conflict. In these ways, the family teaches what it means to be human. As we end the Year of the Family with the feast of the Holy Family on December 26 and 27, there will be a special blessing for all families at all our masses. Let us keep Pope Francis' prayer to the Holy family in our hearts: Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendor of true love, to you we turn with trust. Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic Churches. Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing. Holy Family of Nazareth, make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God's plan. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer

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W or s h ip

Welcome to the Word TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — Hannah gives her son Samuel back to the L , leaving him in the temple at Shiloh: “As long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the L ” (1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28) or Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14. Psalm — Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord (Psalm 84) or Psalm 128. Second Reading — We are children of God when we believe in the name of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us (1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24) or Colossians 3:12-21 [12-17]. Gospel — Joseph and Mary find the lost Jesus in the temple in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking questions (Luke 2:41-52).

The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Friday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Monday: The Holy Innocents Tuesday: Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord; St. Thomas Becket Wednesday: Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord Thursday: Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord; St. Sylvester I; New Year’s Eve Friday: The Octave of the Nativity of the Lord; Mary, the Holy Mother of God; World Day of Prayer for Peace; First Friday; New Year’s Day Saturday: Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen; First Saturday

Masses for the Week MONDAY, DECEMBER 28 6:15AM—†Stanley & Genevieve Gasiciel/Family †Frank Cygan Family 7:30AM—†Mrs. Janet Wendling TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29 6:15AM—†Leopold & Caroline Kertz /Family †Edwin Sieradski/Family 7:30AM—†Walter Paquette WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 6:15AM—†MaryAnn Lombardo-Sutton/Stavropoulos Family 7:30AM—†Frank Infanger/Marlene Infanger THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 6:15AM—†Lawrence & Mary Cygan/Family 7:30AM—†William Marcus/Pat & Tom Hill & Family 5:15PM—†Eve Zoloft/J. Hogan & M. Salerno FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 7:30AM—†Gwen Eddington & Family/Family 9:00AM—†Kris Kosich 11:30AM—†Clayton Swanson/Swanson Family SATURDAY, JANUARY 2 8:00AM—†Marion & Joseph Kertz/Family 5:15PM—Parish Family SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 7:30AM—†Gwen Eddington & Family/Family 9:00AM—†William R. Kuhl/Calles Family 11:30AM—†Kay Albrecht/Fitzgerald Family 5:15PM—†Kathleen McKeever/Maher Family

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (A Holy Day of Obligation) Thursday, December 31 5:15 P.M. Mass Church Friday, January 1 7:30 A.M. Mass Church 9:00 A.M. Mass Church 11:30 A.M. Mass Church (No 5:15 P.M. Mass will be celebrated on New Year’s Day)

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December 27, 2015

Stewardship of Our Prayer for... ….. Anzuini-Moctezuma, Mary Bank, Helen Bennett, Brad Brooks, Reggie Cada, Dawn Cooper, Mary Cosgrove, James Cosgrove, Joan Cronin, Richard Donohue, John Ewald, Peter Frer, Mike Genthe, Candice Genthe, Wesley Giacobbe, Michael Gonzales, Leah Hogan, Joan Howard, Cathy Imesch, Bishop Joseph Kubiesa, Keith

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Lahey, Tom Main, Diane Marianna McGinley, Eileen Olsen, Cheryll Prancer, Mark Ratliff, Kathleen Rife, Maureen Riley, Sue Rogers, Jackie Ruiz, Joseph Ruiz-Block, Vanessa Salerno, Madeline Thiltgen, Mary Thoman, Linda Cozza Tomko, Lori Virzi, Richard Williams, Judy Wisbrock, Irene Wohlers, Lois

“HEAVENLY FATHER, ACCEPT OUR PRAYERS WHICH WE OFFER FOR THEM”

Please remember recently deceased family, friends and parishioners in your prayers. Grant them eternal rest and may your light shine on them forever.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS Our Parish Offices will close at 12 noon on December 23 for Christmas. We will open on Monday, January 4, at 8:30 am.

2015 E

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Courtney Damm & Brad Bergemann Jennifer Koch & Thomas Muisenga

12/18/15 12/31/15

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Prayers for Our Troops Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families For the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. And give us peace. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. Amen Lt. Joe Doyle, US Army, Son of Deb and Tom Doyle 1st Lt. Ryan Kenny, USMC, Son of Mary Beth Kenny Staff Sgt. Melinda Jolly, USMC Daughter of Linda and Tom Makinney Pvt. Jeffery Crones, US Ar my, Grandson of Joan Leyden Cpl. Ben Gieser, USMC, Son of Monica and William Gieser Specialist Jonathan M. Pichler, US Ar my, Son of Ginny & Mark Gronek, Grandson of Catherine Young Capt. Andrew Smyrnios, USAF, Brother of Stephanie Alfini Airman 1st Class, Nick Lezza, USAF, ICHS Class of 2003 Recruit Garrett Gong, USMC LCpl. Ben Bright, USMC Friend of the Genthe Family Capt. Jeffrey Robbins, USMC, Son of Barb & Larry Robbins, Grandson of Georgiana Ryan Maj. Kevin Mott, 101st Air bor ne, US Ar my Nephew of Greg & Mary Pat Vanderlaan Paul Hornstra, USMC, ICHS Class of 2009 Son of Paul and Dawn Hornstra Pvt. Patrick O’Hara, USMC Nephew of Francis & Sheila O’Hara Cpl. Brittney Young , US Ar my Cousin of Denise and John Doherty Ensign Joe Shannon, US Navy Son of John & Maria Shannon Petty Officer Alexander Fisette, US Navy Son of Beth & Ed Fisette 1st Lt. Alex Hossfeld, US Ar my Nephew of Ed & Jan Dorner Pvt. Matthew R. Mundle, USMC Grandson of Rudolph & Evelyn Mundle

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Weekly Calendar Daily Masses will be celebrated in the Church this week on Monday, Tuesday ,Wednesday and Thursday at 6:15 am and 7:30 am. Monday, December 28 IC GRADE SCHOOL AND IC CATHOLIC PREP ARE CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS BREAK Parish Offices are closed. We will open on January 4, 2016 Tuesday, December 29 6:00 pm

Wedding Rehearsal-Koch/Muisenga

Church

Wednesday, December 30 Thursday, December 31 3:00 pm 5:15 pm

Wedding—Koch/Muisenga Mass

Church Church

Friday, January 1 7:30 am 9:00 am 11:30 am

Mass Mass Mass

Church Church Church

Saturday, January 2 8:00 am 4:00—4:45 5:15 pm

Mass Reconciliation Mass

Church Church Chapel

Sunday, January 3 7:30 am 8:30 am 9:00 am 10:10 am—11:15 am 11:30 am 5:15 pm

Mass RCIA Journey Mass Religious Education Classes Mass Mass

Church Resource Room Chapel GS/HS Classrooms Chapel Chapel

This year, we are giving our parishioners the opportunity to remember their deceased family members by donating flowers in their memory. The many beautiful Christmas plants that will adorn our Church and Chapel can be given in memory of loved ones. A list of those remembered will be included in the bulletin at a later date. A flower envelope was included in your envelope packets - they are also available in the Narthex. You can also fill out the form below and place it in the collection basket or return it to the Parish Office. …………………………………………………………………………………………………… PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION In Loving Memory Of:____________________________________________________________________________ Donated by:

____________________________________________________________________________

Amount Donated:

$____________(Suggested donation is $20 per plant)

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

CARE PACKAGES FOR OUR TROOPS DEPLOYED IN AFGHANISTAN There are many American service men and women serving in Afghanistan and other places in the Mideast. The conditions they live under are both dangerous and physically challenging. In order to help them have a few comforts of home, we are inviting you to consider donating any of these items. Another local parish will be assembling care packages and sending them off to our troops. Lt. Commander Peter Dwyer the grandson of our parishioner, Dr. Bill Dwyer, is the Commander of one of these bases. Please bring items to the rectory. The deadline has been extended to January 4. Likewise, prayer notes for the troops letting them know that they are not forgotten about are also most welcomed and encouraged. Suggested Donation Items powdered drink mix packages beef jerky small containers of nuts bags of hard candy cans of shaving cream Chapstick or similar chemical hand warmers Thank You! St. Monica Prayer Group Come pray with us for your loved ones who have drifted away from the faith or who are outside of the Church. This fellowship group will meet the first Tuesday of every month. Visitation Parish 779 S. York Rd. Elmhurst, IL Fireside Room, Parish Center Tuesday January 5th 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Questions, call Bonita @ 630-279-0816 or Sheila @ 630-329-1867 “…if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.” Mt18:19

2015 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal Diocese of Joliet Please note that as of December 11, the rebate from the Diocese that we will receive is $8,207. Sixty-five percent of the funds collected above our goal are given to the parish as a rebate from the Diocese. All funds must be collected by December 31, 2015, to go towards our rebate. Thank you for your continued generosity!

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What are YOUR faith plans for 2016? Will the New Year be your year to experience a Faith journey like over 100 of your fellow parishioners have enjoyed? In the words of our Savior, we invite you; “Come and you will see”, John 1:39 ~ 2016 Men’s weekend: January 16-17 ~ ~ 2016 Women’s weekend: January 30-31 ~ Due to increased participation every year, there is a maximum of 24 participants for each weekend. For more information or to reserve your place for your weekend, visit the Christ Renews His Parish tab at www.icelmhurst.org

A CALL FOR SCIENCE FAIR JUDGES The ICGS Science Fair will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 in Plunkett Hall. We have 54 seventh grade students that need projects judged. Projects are independently judged against a set of objective scientific criteria. We are looking for more volunteers to judge projects in the areas of consumer science, biology, chemistry, physics, behavioral health, etc. The fair begins at 3:15 and will run until approximately 6:00PM. If you would like further information about being a Science Fair Judge, please call the school office at 30530-3490. Thank you in advance for helping to provide this opportunity for our students

2015 Goal $ 98,300 Amount Pledged $117,139 Amount Paid $110,926 Balance Due $ 6,213 Donor Count 512 2015 Rebate $ 8,207

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SAVE THE DATE “10 Ways to Really LOVE your Valentine” February 12, 2016 Friday, 7-10 pm Ascension of Our Lord Parish 1 S 314 Summit Ave Oakbrook Terrace 60181 Join other married couples from your parish and neighboring parishes for a Valentine’s Day date and walk away with new concrete ways to connect and love your spouse. Wine, cheese, and program. Cost - $25 per couple prior to January 31, 2016: $30 per couple February 1, 2016 and after. To register, send your name, parish, phone number and check payable to Immaculate Conception (indicate Marriage Enrichment Event in Memo section of your check) to: Marriage Enrichment Ministry Immaculate Conception Parish Kathy Kiebala, Accounting Manager 134 Arthur St., Elmhurst, IL 60126 Sponsored by: Marriage Enrichment Ministry (MEM) of the Eastern DuPage Deanery. The mission of this NEW marriage ministry is to support and encourage married couples to celebrate and strengthen their relationships. Our goal is to provide opportunities and events for couples to experience practical ways to deepen their marriage emotionally and spiritually. If you have any questions or are interested in helping the Planning Committee for this first MEM event, please contact us at [email protected]

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Religious Ed uca tion 53 0 348 3 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES SUNDAY January 3

CHILDREN’S CHURCH SUNDAY January 10

WEDNESDAY January 6 RE News

Grade 5 Family Liturgy will be celebrated on Sunday, January 10 at 9 a.m. All 5th Graders and their families are invited to attend. Fifth graders are invited to participate in the Liturgy as readers, carrying the bread, wine, or offering basket, serve as ministers of hospitality passing out song books before the Liturgy, or distributing bulletins after mass. Contact Sr. Mary Francis at [email protected] to volunteer but don’t delay as roles become filled early. Grade 5 Religious Education students will participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation on Sunday, January 10, during RE class or on Wednesday, January13, during RE class. Take some time this week to review the process of celebrating the sacrament and the Act of Contrition. Your 5th Grade Religion textbook offers some good references and resources for preparing for this sacrament. Just a reminder, our Religious Education classes begin on Sunday January 3, 2016…please note this on your calendar and plan to attend. Thank you for your support and participation in our various Advent/Christmas projects and activities. Your efforts are appreciated. During this special holy Jubilee Year of Mercy, spend some time with your family reviewing the Corporal & Spiritual Works of Mercy as found on the Mercy Magnet you received in class last week, then decide which actions of mercy your family could focus on as a New Year’s Resolution. Welcome 2016 as a family committed to the Jubilee Year of Mercy!

Spiritual Classics Discussion Group Bernard of Clairvaux is one of the world’s great contemplatives, influencing St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis de Sales, St. Ignatius and others. Join us in the Media Center starting January 10 for an 8-session discussion of his Selected Works. We meet on Sundays from 10:15 to 11:15 am Please purchase the Classics of Western Spirituality edition of the text prior to our first meeting. For further information, contact Len Hohbein at 708-544-7928 or [email protected].

Memorial Opportunities Memorial Opportunities—Stained Glass Windows At this time, we have only two stained glass windows available. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to honor your loved ones. Windows still available are: St. Bartholomew

St. Matthias

If you are interested in any of the opportunities listed above, please contact Kathy Kiebala, 630 530-8848 or [email protected]

10 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Immaculate Conception Grade School, 530-3490

December 27, 2015

IC Catholic Prep 530-3460

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION GRADE SCHOOL A Tradition of Faith, Family, and Academic Excellence

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS FROM EVERYONE AT IMMACULATE CONCEPTION GRADE SCHOOL! ICGS 1st Graders Decorate Their “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” Christmas Tree at Wilder Park

SAVE THE DATE! IC CATHOLIC PREP CLASS OF 2020 ENTRANCE EXAM & WORKSHOP

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! ICGS Open House & New Student Registration Sunday, January 31st 11am to 1pm In the School Building Please bring student’s Birth Certificate, Baptismal Certificate, Social Security Card & $100 Deposit If you would like to schedule a personal tour, please call Mrs. Sheila Wachholder at 630-530-3486. www.icgradeschoolelmhurst.org

ICGS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

ICCP HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

School & Offices Closed: December 21, 2015- January 1, 2016 Classes Resume: January 5, 2016

School & Offices Closed: December 21, 2015- January 1, 2016 Classes Resume: January 4, 2016

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December 27, 2015

YEAR END GIVING Advent is a time of preparation. The days ahead will seem to go by quickly as we decorate our homes, go shopping and attend the many gatherings that come with the holiday season. We hope that everyone will make time during this frenzied season to spend in quiet prayer and create a special place to welcome Jesus at Christmas. Another way to prepare for the end of the year is through charitable giving. When we look back at the days and months of the year and the countless blessings we have received, we hope that you will consider special ways to give back to the Lord for all He has given us. Please remember your spiritual home, Immaculate Conception, as well as our Parish Capital Campaign, as you discern your year-end gifts. Please remember that contributions are deductible in the year made. Thus, donations charged to a credit card before the end of 2015 count for 2015, even if the credit card bill isn’t paid until 2016. You may want to consider using our Immaculate Conception “Online giving” system located on the home page of our IC Parish website for your year end charitable contributions to Immaculate Conception. Please visit our Parish website at www.icelmhurst.org, click on the orange “Donate Online” button and follow the prompts. Checks count for 2015 as long as they are dated and mailed in 2015. Alternatively checks can be dropped into the Church collection basket by December 31st or dropped off at the Parish Office located at 134 Arthur Street. We now have a depository slot located in the entrance way of the Parish Office so that you can deposit any donations after hours. Please use your offertory envelopes to ensure proper credit to your Parishioner account. Here are a few ideas in addition to traditional monetary donations, which are always greatly appreciated, that you may want to consider: For those who may own stocks, a review of your stock portfolio before year end maybe advantageous. For example, if you have stock(s) that may have decreased in value over the past years, you may want to consider donating this stock to Immaculate Conception Parish or our Capital Campaign. The donation could be eligible for a charitable contribution tax deduction, but also may provide an offset to capital gains that you may have for this year. If this is an option that you’d like to take advantage of, please instruct your broker to transfer the stock to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet, depositary trust company number 0141; diocesan account number 2496-9663. Once the stock transfer has been completed, please call Kathy Kiebala, the Parish Accounting Manager at 630-530-8848 to advise us of your donation, the stock name and the shares transferred. This information will then be relayed to the Diocese of Joliet broker, Irene Celander of Stofan, Agazzi & Co., Inc. at 815-729-1266 who will then be on the lookout for the stock transaction and provide credit for the transaction to Immaculate Conception. If you have a Donor Advisor Fund established, please consider including Immaculate Conception as a charitable recipient of a donation from the fund. If you would like to establish a Donor Advisor Fund for 2014, please call Kathy Kiebala, the Parish Accounting Manager at 630-530-8848 who can put you in touch with a Charitable Planning Consultant. In updating your financial documents at year end, please consider naming Immaculate Conception Parish as a beneficiary in one of your life insurance policies or naming Immaculate Conception in your will, trust or estate. Also, you may want to consider naming Immaculate Conception as a beneficiary, or contingent beneficiary of one of your IRA accounts. If you have any questions regarding your year end planned giving options, please do not hesitate to call the Parish Office. Thank You for supporting IC.

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December 27, 2015

Christian Service Immaculate Conception Daybreak Transitional Housing for the Homeless 2015 Annual Appeal For over 23 years, Immaculate Conception Daybreak of Elmhurst has r ented apar tments to house homeless families. This is a self-supporting ministry, funded solely through personal donations. Daybr eak commits to pay rent and utilities every month for the FIVE units it pr ovides to those in need. Mentor s (from IC, Visitation and Mary Queen of Heaven) meet with these families once a week to teach budgeting and life skills. Families transition out of these apartments within a two-year period. IC Daybreak has helped 65 families over the years transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. This year, two individuals moved to self-sufficiency after participating in the Daybreak of Elmhurst program. Another will successfully complete the program in May, 2016. One family is just beginning their journey. We are currently interviewing another family for participation in our program. We are hopeful that both of these families can be settled into our apartments in time for the holidays. Our families all have unique stories, but share in the same struggle to have a place to call “home” and learn the skills necessary to become and remain self-sufficient. CAN YOU: FUND A FAMILY FOR A YEAR ($11,700)? FUND A FAMILY FOR A MONTH ($950)? FUND A FAMILY FOR A WEEK ($250) HELP IN ANY AMOUNT? IC Daybreak Transitional Housing is helping to solve the problem of homelessness one family at a time. Please prayerfully consider responding to the needs of the homeless within our community.100% of your donation is used for rent and utilities. We need your financial support to continue this important outreach. Do you have questions about our program or want additional information on becoming a mentor? Contact Dan Doherty at 630-501-0160 or Pam Stefik at 630-530-3497. Please remit donations to IC Daybreak of Elmhurst, P. O. Box 2033, Elmhurst, IL 60126 or simply drop your donation into the collection basket in one of our “Daybreak” envelopes found in the narthex.

Our most needed items this week are milk, eggs, pancake mix and syrup, cereal, oatmeal, sloppy joes, boxed skillet meals, canned tuna and chicken, coffee laundry detergent and dish soap. We appreciate the faithfulness of those who donate regularly to our pantry, knowing that during this season, we are all asked to contribute to many different charitable organizations.

Thank you for keeping those who hunger close to your heart.

SAVE THE DATE….IC BLOOD DRIVE IS BEING HELD ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 24. SIGN-UP IS SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 IN THE NARTHEX.

Widowed? Finding Holidays difficult? at Joyful Again Widowed Ministry we understand. Workshop/retreat for the widowed January 16 & 17, 2016 Our Lady of the Angels, Lemont Ph: 708-354-7211 to register www.joyfulagain.org IC will offer a Protecting God’s Children workshop on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 6:30 PM in the Resource Room of the PAC/Rectory. To register, please access www.dioceseofjoliet.org and go to the Protecting Children website. Any adult who works with minors in the parish setting must attend this class. Please call 630-530-3497 for further information.

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December 27, 2015

Stewardship of Treasure

Stewardship of Time

Weekly Sharing

Lectors and Servers for Next Weekend

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, December 12 & 13, 2015 Sunday Envelopes Total: $ 28,035.55 Electronic Offerings: $ 11,185.50 Total Gifts: $ 39,221.05 (Includes $740 of Capital Improvement Donations) Number of Electronic Offerings: Number of registered households: Amount Budgeted Per Week:

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255

2371

$ 28,814.00

TIME

LECTORS

SERVERS

Saturday, Jan 2, 5:15 PM

V Murphy (1) S Cathcart (2)

M McKenna (1) T Paul (2) S Lynas (3) M Loch (4)

S. Scott, M. Ryan M. Cadaoas, V. Cadaoas S. Murphy, J. Korinek R. Spizzirri

Sunday, Jan 3, 7:30 AM

J Kenneally (1) R Cello (2)

T Sloan (1) M Kapsch (2) H Maffia (3) B Moore (4)

J Kenneally, R. Kenneally A. Chiappetta, S. Sloan T. Miller, P. Cello P McGowan

Sunday, Jan 3, 9:00 AM

D La Monica (1) K Olson (2)

B O'Hara (1) B O'Hara (2) C Mulcahy (3) S Durkin (4)

J. O'Hara, A. Meurer J. La Monica, J McFarlane M Tovey, A Conkle M. Karsten

Sunday, Jan 3, 11:30 AM

L Kalina (1) P Maietta (2)

G Maietta (1) M Maietta (2) E Pedote (3) M Clare Hughes (4

K. Cheng, G. Cheng L. Millar, A Crnkovich Andrew Crnkovich M. Sutton, S. Natanek

Sunday, Jan 3, 5:15 PM

K Hillsman (1) J Calles (2)

S Maher (1) L Reilly (2) C Fahey (3) E VanEekeren (4)

S. Hillsman, M. Hillsman M. Maher, S. Maher M. McCann, K. Morgan

Thank You in His Name! School Receives Tuition Assistance Grant from CEF The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) has awarded $9800 this year to Immaculate Conception Grade School in support of our students who have qualified for financial assistance. The CEF provides scholarships to qualified grade school and high school students who apply and we join the CEF in sincere thanks to parishioners and donors who support the CEF Scholarship Program. The application timeframe for next year is from January through March 2016. This year the CEF Scholarship Campaign is helping to provide over $1.9 million in scholarships to 1,500 students. Contact the CEF Office, 815 221-6127, [email protected] or www.CEFJoliet.org to offer your pledge of support for the Scholarship Campaign or ask about planning your estate while supporting our school directly or the ministry of Catholic education .

A Christmas Day Prayer

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Find out about what’s going on at Immaculate Conception Parish! If you would like to receive our monthly e-newsletter please call Maria Wilbert at 630-530-3498 or email her [email protected]

Praise to You, Lord God! You have become one of us -- You have become a human being, while still retaining all your power and holiness as God! You, O Lord, made the journey of the unborn child. By being an embryo, a fetus, and a newborn, you joined all unborn and newborn children to you! From the beginning of history, O Lord, You were the Creator of every human life. Now, with Christmas, You join Yourself in an unthinkable way with the life You created. Let this Christmas, O God, fill all of us with awe and wonder at how close human life is to You. Cleanse the world of all that tarnishes and rejects this gift. Purify our hearts of all that fears this gift. Let our Christmas joy be the joy of welcoming every human life! Amen!

March for Life Chicago – January 17th – Save the Date Come to the March for Life Chicago on Sunday, January 17th, starting at 2:00 pm and ending at 4:30 pm. March will begin at Federal Plaza, 50 West Adams Street, Chicago. We march together with religious, civic and community leaders in hope to build a nation that affirms the authentic dignity of women, the gift of children, and a culture dedicated to protecting life at every stage of development in law and love. Website: www.marchforlifechicago.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ MarchForLifeChicago. Please contact Mary Kay Livorsi (630) 279-5825 if coming.