Parish Staff: Rev. Michael J. Novick

Pastor

Mr. William Doerr

Mr. John Rangel

Mr. Edward Winter

Deacons

Mrs. Sally Doerr

Lay Minister

Mr. Mark Schusteric

Director of Maintenance

Mass Schedule: Saturday: 5:00 PM

(Sunday Vigil)

Sunday: 8:30 & 11:00 AM

Monday-Saturday: 8:30 AM

Holy Days: 6:30 & 8:30 AM,

and 7:00 PM

Reconciliation:

Saturdays from 4:00 PM—

4:30 PM or by appointment.

St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church 4101 St. Lawrence

Avenue, Matteson, IL 60443

708-748-6090

Website: www.slotoole.org E-mail: slotparishoffice@slotoole.org Pastor’s e-mail: frnovick@slotoole.org FACEBOOK PAGE: St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish

p 2 December 25, 2016

Writing….hmmmmm I recently bought a book called “500 writing prompts.” By now you know that I tend to enjoy writing. Many people have told me that I have a knack for it – although one of my seminary professors didn’t think so (I doubt he would like my book much either – whatever). There are some prompts that encourage you to be more creative, some that are more factual or blunt. The first one, for example, was if I was stranded on an island and was going to send a message in a bottle, what would I write? Now I am not going to give you my answer to that as I was a little bit too silly; however, there was one prompt that has had me perplexed – “If you knew people would buy it, whose biography, either fictional or non-fictional, would you like to write? What makes them so interesting? You would have full access to their life.” Some people would say that I should write about Jesus. That might just be too obvious. The Blessed Mother or St. Joseph or another saint might even be too obvious. How about a sports figure? A musician? An actor or actress? A president? A superhero? Who would it be? You know how much of a fan I am of Santa Claus (St. Nicholas). You know I love my superheroes, too. The only problem with any of the superheroes is that their creators usually already spell out the lives prior to becoming heroes. St. Nicholas’ story is one that many look upon as more of a legend (although he will always be real for me and many others). No, I’d say that if I were to go with a character that could be considered a myth it would be Adam (yes, the one from the first few chapters in the Book of Genesis). I recall many years ago I saw a skit I think was on an episode of The Carol Burnett Show, where Walter Mathieu was Adam and Carol Burnett was Eve. It must have been after their fall from grace because they were clothed (almost like cavemen-style). Well, it was Eve who was bringing the different wild animals to Adam to see what each would be called (never perfectly “by the book”). Of course, when Adam would say an animal’s name, Eve would chime in with an opposing opinion. Trust me, it was great sketch comedy. As it is, I know what theologians have said about the Book of Genesis as being a myth that tells the story of the beginnings of created things and of man and his plights and successes. It would just have been interesting to tell Adam’s story. I mean, the only two people who were created as “adult” were Adam and Eve. What about the conception of Cain and Abel and Seth? With Genesis telling us the “impossible” ages of Adam and others when they died, it would have been fascinating. How did they even know that they needed to bathe? Learning some of that stuff on the fly must have been tough. In any event, what does all of this have to do with Christmas? Not much. I am sure that St. Joseph would have been an interesting person to interview or if we were able to know about his upbringing; even the History Channel has not tried to tell us about this. But what about you? Do you have anyone you would want to write about? Famous? Not famous? Maybe you’ve read a biography and think you could do a better job. I’d love to hear your answers. My email is on the front of the bulletin.

Merry Christmas!

Fr Mike

December 25, 2016 p 3

Save the Date Our Kwanzaa Celebration will be NEXT, Sunday, January 1, at the 11:00 AM Mass. KWANZAA is a holiday based on the African celebration of the "first fruits harvest" which comes at the end of their year, and KWANZAA lasts

seven days to promote the seven basic principles honored during this holiday. There will be a small reception in

the breezeway following the Kwanzaa celebration at Mass. We invite everyone to join us for this celebration! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish Office will be closed on Monday, December 26 for Christmas. We will reopen at 7:30 AM on Tuesday,

December 26. We will also be closed on Monday, January 2 for New Year’s. We will reopen at 7:30 AM on Tuesday, January 3. If you need anything, please call our answering service at 708-585-7901. They are able to get in contact with a staff member to assist you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We are going to hold another SAVERS DONATION DRIVE on January 21 & 22, 2017! So, while you are cleaning up for the holidays, and after you receive your new presents, empty out your closets, cabinets, basements, garages, and anywhere else where things have “accumulated” around the house. Then, bring them to O’Toole and

keep your items out of landfills and help us raise funds. Our last drive earned us over $1,600, so let’s try to top this. Goods may be dropped off at the Parish Monday—Wednesday,

from 7:30 AM—4:00 PM and Thursdays & Fridays from 7:30 AM—2:30 PM. Please CALL the office before you come. Keep it green while you clean!

2016-2017 New Year’s Eve

& New Year’s Day Schedule at St. Lawrence O’Toole

Vigil, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Saturday, December 31, 2016

5:00 PM Mass

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Sunday, January 1, 2017

8:30 AM & 11:00 AM Masses

From the staff of St. Lawrence O’Toole, may the peace and joy of Jesus Christ fill you with Christmas love, now and

always. Please be safe as you visit family and friends and be ready to

help us as we continue to grow in 2017.

Fr. Michael Novick William and Sally Doerr John and Ann Rangel Ed and Carol Winter

Mark Schusteric

December 25, 2016 ~ Christmas Today we celebrate the feast of Christmas and hear

how the shepherds found Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in the manger. Then they left glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Your gifts to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul helped those who are poor and suffering to find Emmanuel and they also came to know that “God is with us.”

GIVING TREE UPDATE! This year, our St. Lawrence O’Toole Kwanzaa Committee did a FANTASTIC job of heading up the

Giving Tree collection. Thank you to the members of Kwanzaa for taking such care with this important part of our Christmas celebration. Your response to this year’s Giving Tree has been OUTSTANDING! The value of the cards given to our St.

Vincent de Paul Society and our PADS shelter totaled almost $4,000! Thanks to your generosity, Christmas was just a little bit more special for our St. Vincent de Paul clients and our PADS guests. Thank You, St. Lawrence O’Toole for sharing your love to both these important ministries. God Bless all in 2017!

p 4 December 25, 2016

Office of the Archbishop 835 North Rush Street Chicago, IL 60611-2030 312-534-8230 archchicago.org

Christmas 2016 Dear Sisters and Brothers, Peace be with you and with all people of good will in this holy season. After observing the Jubilee Year of Mercy and as we begin a journey of renewal in the Archdiocese of Chicago, we have come to know fresh hope in our hearts. We do not find the source of our hope in our own strength. With the Blessed Virgin Mary we recognize that our hope comes from God. As her son took flesh within her womb, she proclaimed, “God had remembered his promise of mercy.” The birth of her son Jesus is also the birth of our true and lasting hope. In this moment, we find ourselves challenged in so many ways. Together, we face the plague of war, violence, and a lack of respect for life and for the dignity of all people. On a personal level, we all struggle in different ways, whether with family issues or work or illness or in trying to do the right thing. Still, we hope, because “God has visited his people.” Pray with me that our celebration of the birth of Jesus may truly renew our hope in God, the only hope that can sustain us on the journey.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich Archbishop of Chicago

Living Stewardship PLANNED GIVING Remember St. Lawrence O’Toole in your estate plans. St. Lawrence O’Toole has been blessed over the years to have received some generous gifts from parishioners and friends who have included our parish in their estate plans. If you would like to include SLOT in your plans, please contact the Parish Office.

Anella Anderson, Bill Anderson,

Michael Arbuthnor, Gloria Bucek,Chuck Bulger,

Hannah Butler, Marge Buttice, John Cook, Robert Fuhrmann, Irene Gehrke,

Ed Heveran, Katie Hofkamp, Evalena Jones, Mary Elizabeth Jones,

Rev. Donald Kirchner, Martha W. Lewis, Arlene Milewski, Marge Neel, Paul Redus,

Michael Reynolds, Lisa Recupido, Edward Rook, Bonnie Shewski,

Mara & Marko Subasic, Gloria Thorne, Margaret Thorne, Ronald Vergara,

Ig Zielinski III, Marie Zielinski

The recently deceased… Pray for

and the sick….

For the Weekend of 2016 Extraordinary Ministers

5:00 PM: 8:30 AM: 11:00 AM:

Lectors 5:00 PM: 8:30 AM: 11:00 AM:

Greeters 5:00 PM: 8:30 AM: 11:00 AM:

Altar Servers 5:00 PM: 8:30 AM: 11:00 AM:

Living Stewardship

December 25, 2016 The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) “And the

Word became flesh” JOHN 1:14 Jesus is God’s ultimate gift of love to us. The countless other blessings that God showers upon us are nothing compared to the gift of His only Son. The only appropriate way for us to respond to such generous love is with our own generous love. When we dedicate our lives to sharing all the gifts God has placed in our hands, the peace of Christ truly will control our hearts and we will know Christmas joy every day.

STEWARDSHIP PRAYER Prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Take. Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire will, all I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only

your love and your grace; that is enough for me. PLANNED GIVING Remember St. Lawrence O’Toole in your estate plans. St. Lawrence O’Toole has been blessed over the years to have received some generous gifts from parishioners and friends who have included our parish in their estate plans. If you would like to include SLOT in your plans, please contact the Parish Office.

Sunday, December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY Celebrant’s Intentions Monday, December 26 Steven Dannels req. by The Dannels Family Tuesday, December 27 Celebrant’s Intentions

Wednesday, December 28 Mrs. Vivian Rapier Estes req. by Mrs. Carole Haymon Thursday, December 29 Celebrant’s Intentions Friday, December 30 Celebrant’s Intentions Saturday, December 31 Celebrant’s Intentions Sunday, January 1 Barbara Hamper, Ig Zielinski, III, Intentions of Mary & Chuck Seputis

Anella Anderson, Bill Anderson, Michael Arbuthnor, Gloria Bucek,

Chuck Bulger, James Luis Crespo, Hannah Butler, Marge Buttice,

John Cook, Robert Fuhrmann, Irene Gehrke, Ed Heveran, Katie Hofkamp, Bea Jaquez,

Evalena Jones, Mary Elizabeth Jones, Martha W. Lewis, Marge Neel, Lisa Recupido, Flor Regalado, Edward Rook, Mary Seputis,

Bonnie Shewski, Mara & Marko Subasic, Gloria Thorne, Margaret Thorne,

Ronald Vergara, Ig Zielinski III, Marie Zielinski

The recently deceased Pray for

and the sick….

For the Weekend of December 31, 2016 & January 1, 2017 Extraordinary Ministers

5:00 PM: Mary Anne Erzinger 8:30 AM: Cris Pirelli, Annette DeMatio, Joan Abbott 11:00 AM:

Lectors 5:00 PM: Mary Bulger, Alan Peters 8:30 AM: John Pirelli 11:00 AM: Kwanzaa

Greeters 5:00 PM: Louis Bulger 8:30 AM: 11:00 AM:

Altar Servers 5:00 PM: Lyn Gray 8:30 AM: Lyn Gray 11:00 AM: Riley Kearns, Cris Pirelli

Ushers 5:00 PM: Louis Bulger, Sharon Twardowski, Vincent Padilla 8:30 AM: Sharon Twardowski 11:00 AM:

A Prayer for Those Serving in the Military

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. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Our Lord and

Savior. Amen

If there are parishioners currently serving in the United States military, we would like to know. Please contact the Parish Office @ 748-6090 x100 or slotparishoffice@slotoole.org, and let us know the name of your dear one and they will be remembered in the prayers of our community and the name posted in the bulletin. Please indicate branch of service and

rank.

2nd Lt. Christine Shirley—Air Force Master Sergeant Michael McGeever—Air

Force Master Sergeant Heriberto Garza—Army

Sergeant 1st Class Sean Heath—Army

Warrant Officer Mark Panozzo—Army Airman 1st Class Christopher

Garbaciak—Air Force Specialist Alisha D. Grezlik—Army Corporal Michael L. Ford—Army

Call Frank Tucker312.502.6212

www.jspaluch.com

Advertising herehelps your parish& your business.

email: tuckerf@jspaluch.com

BLUEBERRYHILL CAFE

• Breakfast • Lunch• Catering/Parties

2155 W. 183rd St.Homewood 708.922.0800www.blueberrybreakfastcafe.com

009235 St Lawrence O'toole Church (B)

Thomas E. BrabecAttorneyat Law

• Litigation• Real Estate • Wills

• Trusts • Estates

708-960-058018154 Harwood Avenue, Suite 204

Homewood, IL 60430-2154Email: t.brabec@sbcglobal.netWebsite: www.brabec-law.com

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

Call Today! Toll Free 1.877.801.8608

Reflecting on God’s Word It’s Christmas. And once again we choose to rejoice. Like the rejected couple and the poor shepherds in the Gospel reading, like the besieged and frightened Israelites, we choose to sing Christmas carols and glorify God for the birth of the Savior, the light in

our darkness. How can we rejoice in the face of all the trouble that surrounds us? And yet, how can we not rejoice when we remember all that God has done in Jesus? Jesus showed us the depth of God’s passionate zeal for us. God’s powerful passion for us brought the Lord of Hosts to share our trials as the poorest of the poor and to save us from our suffering by his suffering. We choose joyful hope because we believe that what God has done once, God is doing now and will do again. God is with us to save us here and now, no matter how troubled the world may be, in Jesus Christ. Confident in God’s passionate zeal for all creation, we join “heaven and nature” in rejoicing over the “wonders of his love.” —Virginia Stillwell Copyright © 2013, World Library Publications. All rights reserved. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Living God’s Word We live in between the coming of the Messiah and the final fulfillment of salvation. What are we to do in this between-time? How can we embrace the past, present, and future of God’s passionate love for us? How can we both sing and bring joy to the world? Copyright © 2013, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO The Cross of San Damiano ~~ St. Francis of Assisi prayed before the cross and head the Lord say to him “Renew My Church”

A Prayer for “Renew My Church” Lord Jesus, you speak to us today, as you spoke to holy men and women who have gone before us. In every age and in our own time, you call to us and say: Renew My Church. Pour out the gift of your Holy Spirit upon us, and so enable us

May we remain in the holy company of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the apostles, and all the saints. May their example and presence inspire us with patient confidence in the work of your grace. We ask this of you who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

to hear you clearly to listen to each other attentively to imagine our future boldly to discern your direction wisely to persevere in your holy will courageously to stay together in charity to surrender our own plans readily to embrace the greater good to hand on your gifts to future generations.

NEW RICHTON PARKCURRENCY EXCHANGE

708.481.4510Fax 708.481.9528

3720 W. Sauk TrailRichton Park

No WaitRenewal Stickers

Auto Lic. & TitleChecks CashedMoney OrdersWestern Union

JOHNSCO HANDGUN SAFETYCornelius Johnson Parishioner

Approved IL Conceal Carry InstructorCall For Our Conceal Carry Classes

Protect yourselfphysically/emotionally/legally/financially

T: 708-925-4706LTI (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Trainers Inc) (LEOSA)

ACE Plumbing & SewerSINCE 1983

Fast • Friendly • Professional• Drain Cleaning & Repairs• Water Leaks Fixed• Sump Pumps / Battery Backups• Flooding Problems Fixed

5% OFF WITH AD

630-910-1657 708-204-8602

PANOZZO BROS. FUNERAL HOMESince 1926

530 W. 14th St. (Rte. 30), Chicago Heights708-481-9230 www.panozzobros.com

Professional & Quality Automotive Care From Mahler’s Since 1914!

Mahler’sService Inc.

3627 W. 216th StreetMatteson, IL 60443

708.748.0282

$19.95Oil Change & LubeUp to 5 Quarts of OilSynthetic & Diesel Oil extra.

$10 OFFAny Car Service of $50

$20 OFFAny Car Service of $150

$30 OFFAny Car Service of $250

Savings off regular pricesMon-Fri 7am-5:30pm • Sat 7am-2pm

TEL: (708) 206-0860 TEL: (773) 846-6567

LLeeaakk aanndd SSoonnss FFuunneerraall CChhaappeellss18400 S. Pulaski Road, Country Club Hills, IL 604787838 South Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL 60619

Parishioners009235 St Lawrence O'toole Church (A)

ED THE PLUMBERED THE CARPENTER

Best Work • Best RateSatisfaction Guaranteed AsWe Do All Our Own Work

Lic# 055-026066$$ Parishioner Discount $$

708-652-1444• Invisalign• No Shot Anesthesia• General &

Cosmetic Dentistry• Gum Treatment

$50.00 OFFof any out-of-pocket expenses

NEW PATIENT ONLY. ONE PER FAMILY

We love to see your family smile.

708-794-4252RICHARD MANTOAN, DDS

19815 Governors Highway, Flossmoor SouthlandSmiles.com

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

CAFE

BREAKFAST • LUNCH 6AM -3PM

LUNCHEON & CATERING AVAILABLE

10% OFF W/ADOne Coupon per Table

708-747-33004020 W. Lincoln Hwy.In Font of Burlington

PEACHTREE

PANCAKE HOUSE

Following Jesus Every Day:Following Jesus Every Day:GOSPEL MEDITATIONS FOR DAILY LIVING

Ninety days’ worth of Gospel verses and reflections includinga meditation, a prayer, a simple activity for the day anda related verse from the Old Testament. Ideal for Lent

and Eastertime, or for any time of year!

800-566-6150 • www.wlp.jspaluch.com/13182.htm

Gerald C.Schrementi P.C.CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

Personal and Business Services

708-748-2808

21504 Main St.Matteson

WHY IS ITA man wakes up after sleepingunder an ADVERTISED blanketon an ADVERTISED mattress

and pulls off ADVERTISED pajamasbathes in an ADVERTISED showershaves with an ADVERTISED razor

brushes his teethwith ADVERTISED toothpaste

washes with ADVERTISED soapputs on ADVERTISED clothes

drinks a cup of ADVERTISED coffee

drives to workin an ADVERTISED car

and then . . . .refuses to ADVERTISEbelieving it doesn’t pay.Later if business is poor

he ADVERTISES it for sale.WHY IS IT?

CateringParty Room

Funeral LuncheonsHomewood

(708) 798-8050www.AureliosPizza.com

If You Live Alone You Need LIFEWatch!24 Hour Protection at HOME and AWAY!

✔Ambulance✔Police ✔Fire✔Friends/Family

CALLNOW! 800.393.9954

FREE Shipping • FREE ActivationNO Long Term ContractsSPECIAL OFFER: FREE LIFEWatchShoppers Tote with your order

Solutions as Low as$1a Day!

The Most Complete OnlineNational Directory

of Catholic ParishesCHECK IT OUT TODAY!

142 Augusta Dr.

Palos Hts. 708-679-9990

$1.50 off anyFamily Pizza w/Ad

SL150 Exp.10-15-2017

Jack WatersPlumbing,

Inc.446 W. 194th Street

Glenwood

708-756-1300

IL Lic. #O55-007579

“One of Chicagoland’sTop 24 Plumbers”

Saint MargaretSunday MissalAn ideal companionfor personal prayer.

In Stock & Ready to Order Today.CALL OR ORDER ONLINE. $39.95

800-566-6150 • www.wlpmusic.com

This week at O’Toole

Sunday, December 25, 2016 CHRISTMAS DAY 8:30 AM: Mass C 11:00 AM: Mass C Monday, December 26, 2016 CAMPUS CLOSED 8:00 AM: Rosary C 8:30 AM: Mass C Tuesday, December 27, 2016 7:45 AM: Rosary C 8:10 AM: Morning Prayer C 8:30 AM: Mass C 9:15 AM: Morning Scripture Study PO/M Wednesday, December 28, 2016 8:00 AM: Rosary C 8:30 AM: Mass C 6:15 PM: PADS O’TOOLE Thursday, December 29, 2016 7:45 AM: Rosary C 8:10 AM: Morning Prayer C 8:30 AM: Mass C Friday, December 30, 2016 8:30 AM: Mass C 6:30 PM: PADS O’TOOLE Saturday, December 31, 2016 NEW YEAR’S EVE 8:10 AM: Morning Prayer C 8:30 AM: Mass C 9:00 AM: Rosary C 4:00 PM: Reconciliation C 5:00 PM: Mass C Sunday, January 1, 2017 NEW YEAR’S DAY 8:30 AM: Mass C 11:00 AM: Mass C

Our Weekly Offering

Budgeted Weekly Goal: $ 8,076.00 Total Given Last Week: $ 6,782.00 Total Given Electronically: $ 260.00 Total Offering: $ 7,042.00 Total Envelopes Used: 94 Total PARISH PAY Users: 54

Saints & Special Observances:

Sunday: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Monday: St. Stephen; Kwanzaa begins Tuesday: St. John Wednesday: The Holy Innocents Thursday: St. Thomas Becket; Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord Friday: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Saturday: St. Sylvester I; New Year’s Eve Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

Readings for the Week:

Monday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Tuesday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Wednesday: 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:36-40 Friday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Col 3:12-21 [12-17]; Ps 128:1-5; Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Sunday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21

Sacramental Information: Baptisms: The first and second Sunday of each month at 12:30 PM. NOTE: Expectant parents should phone the Parish Office 2 months before the birth of your baby to arrange for required Baptismal Preparation Classes. Weddings: Arrangements for Marriage should be made by calling the Parish Office no later than four months prior to the proposed wedding date. Attending Pre-Cana is required. Funerals: Arrangements can be made by a family member by calling the Parish Office. Pastoral Care of the Sick: To arrange for communion to be brought to the sick, the elderly, and the homebound, please call the Parish Office @ (708)748-6090. Pro-Life Phone Numbers: Pregnancy Counseling Hotlines: Carenet/Heartbeat—1-800-395-HELP, Birthright—1-800-550-4900, Project Rachel, (post-abortion healing) - 1-888-456-HOPE Natural Family Planning information: St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee—call David & Elba (815) 939-0949, St. Stephen’s in Tinley Park—call Jeff & Linda (708) 633-7392, For Spanish classes—call Don & Fidelia (630)628-9850. For more information or to order the Couple to Couple League Home Study Course please call (800) 745-8252.

“The light

shines in

the

darkness,

and the

darkness

has not

overcome

it.”

- John 1:5