ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH & ST. MARY’S CHURCH OF PARIS, IL www.stmaryschurchparis.org JANUARY 19, 2020 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

24 HOUR EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

St. Mary’s Church

Every Tuesday starting at 3pm and ending on Wednesday at 3pm.

Everyone is welcomed and invited to spend some quiet time with the Lord anytime during these 24 hours.

“Every time we look at the Blessed Sacrament our place in heaven is raised forever.”

St. Gertrude, Quotes on the Most Blessed Sacrament,

Reprint by permission of therealpresence.org

Please pray for the sick & recovering…

And all relatives & friends who are ill or experiencing difficulties in their lives – that they may know the healing of God.

Our Expectant Mothers: Chelsea Livesay, Beth Keys, Amanda Tracy

We pray that God will bless and protect them during this time of waiting.

Our Military: Nathan Gatlin, Caleb Machuca, Simon

Holzer, Joe Jenness, Richard Scott, Justin Vice, Joe Kachma, Zack Lueken & Joseph

Livesay, Raynell Kahala Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us. For any changes or additions to this list,

Please call 466-3355 or email: stmaryschurchparis@gmail.com

Last Week’s Collection Thank you for your support!!

ST. MARY’S

SUNDAY OFFERING $3,642.51

DEBT $650.00

ASCA $25.00

FIRST OFFERING $25.00

CATHOLIC TIMES $715.00

SANTA ANA $45.00

SOLEMNITY $10.00

LATIN AMERICA $20.00

ST. ALOYSIUS

SUNDAY OFFERING $1,015.00

CATHOLIC TIMES $150.00 SOLEMNITY OF MARY $30.00

Altar Schedule Jan. 25th & 26th

Organist: Priscilla Hutton

Saturday 5:30 pm Lector: Amy McClain

Cantor: Ellen Litteral

Servers: Lane & Levi Happ

EMC’s: Doug Happ, Vicki Ballard

Gifts: Sandy Shanks, Ann Staats

Greeters: Sandy Shanks, Ann Staats

Sunday 8:30 am Lector: Dave Sullivan

Cantor: Virginia Holley

Servers: Jordan Dowden, Nick Fomera

EMC’s: Andrew Dowden, Chris Wright

Gifts: Logan & Emily Fomera

Greeters: Greg & Mary Ann Sullivan

Collection Counters: Barb

Felgenhauer, Jim & Lois Moore

Monday, January 20 No Mass

Tuesday, January 21 No Mass

Wednesday, January 22 No Mass

Thursday, January 23 No Mass

Friday, January 24 No Mass

Saturday, January 25 5:30 pm Martin Rhodes

Sunday, January 26 7:00 am Nancy Young

8:30 am Jim Englum

11:15 am For the People of St. Aloysius & St. Mary’s

Dan Bruner, Betty Englum, Gerri Miller, Frances Holley, Steve Osborne, Mike Haase, Verna Lou Perisho, Sharon Wilken, Anne Johnson, Ruth Sullivan, Jean King, Kevin Farris, Cindy Farris, Randy Swinford, Kara Kirby

REMINDER: There will not be

Weekday Mass or 8:15 am Mass

on Saturdays while Fr. Valery is

away on vacation.

We welcome all visitors and

new parishioners to St.

Mary’s and St. Aloysius.

Whether you're just having

a look, or are searching out

for a place to worship, we're

delighted to have you here.

Dates & Events

Monday, January 20

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Office Closed/No Mass 6:00 pm ~ Choir Practice Tuesday, January 21 3:00 pm ~ 24 Hr. Ador. Begins No Mass - St. Mary’s Wednesday, January 22 No Mass ~ St. Mary’s 3:00 pm ~ 24 Hr. Ador. Ends Thursday, January 23 No Mass ~ St. Mary’s Friday, January 24 No Mass & Ador. ~ St. Mary’s Saturday, January 25 5:30 pm ~ Mass - St. Mary’s

Sunday, January 26 7:00 am ~ Mass - NA 7:45 am ~ Choir Warm-up 8:30 am ~ Mass - St. Mary’s 9:45 am ~ PSR/Youth Ministry 9:45 am ~ RCIA –Meeting Room

Please pray for Fr. Valery

to have safe travels and a

blessed vacation.

ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH & ST. MARY’S CHURCH OF PARIS, IL www.stmaryschurchparis.org JANUARY 19, 2020 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Is 49: 3. 5-6, I Cor 1: 1-3, John 1: 29-34

A lesson from John the Baptist:

They say that we see other people not as they are but as we are. The following story illustrates the truth of this.

Once upon a time there was a king who called one of his servants. The same servant was known to a be cruel, mean

man, who had no friends. The king said to him, ‘I want you to go and travel the length and breadth of my kingdom

and find for me a truly good person.

The man went. In the course of his travels he met and spoke with a great number of people. ’However, after a long

time he came back to the king saying, ‘I have searched the whole kingdom as you asked me, but I couldn’t find

even one truly good person. All of them, without exception, are mean, cruel, deceitful and evil. The good person

you seek is nowhere to be found.’

Then the king called another servant. The man was known for his generosity and kindness and was loved by

everyone. The king said to him, ‘Go and travel the length and breadth of my kingdom and find for me a truly

wicked person.’

The man went and travelled far and wide. But after a long time he returned to the king saying, I have failed in the

task you gave me to do. I found people who are misguided, people who are misled, people who act in blindness or

in passion, but nowhere could I find a truly evil person. All of them are good at heart, despite the bad things they

have done.’

We see people, not as they are, but as we are. Today’s Gospel provides us with another illustration of this truth.

Jesus had only recently arrived from Nazareth. As yet he was completely unknown. Hence, he needed someone to

introduce him to the public, and so launch him on his public mission. He found that person in John the Baptist.

One day, shortly after he had baptized Jesus, John saw Jesus passing by. Turning to his disciples he said. ‘There is

the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I spoke of when I said: A man is coming after

me who ranks before me…’ With these generous words John introduced Jesus to his own disciples and to the

public, and thus opened the way for him.

These words tell us a lot about the identity and mission of Jesus. Jesus was that Servant whose coming was foretold

by Isaiah, and whose mission was to bring sinners back to God. But these words also tell us a lot about the kind of

person John was.

John could have ignored Jesus, or criticized him. But far from doing this, he pointed him out to the people, he built

him up before them. He did not see him as a threat, but as a friend and ally. Thus he facilitated the start of his

mission. This shows what a good and generous man John was.

There is an important example of this. How did he get sinners to change their way of life? He did so, not by

condemning them and keeping his distance from them, but by befriending them. He believed in them. He saw

goodness in them. He put them in touch with their own goodness. Through his own luminous goodness he evoked

goodness in them.

Jesus befriends us too. He puts us in touch with our own goodness. And once we are in touch with our own

goodness, we will find goodness in others and help to bring out that goodness. Amen

Peace and all good! Fr. Valery Burusu

Parochial Administrator

A Note From Your Pastor Religious Education News

Any parents that wish to donate healthy snacks for PSR would be greatly

appreciated. We do have a student with a peanut/tree nut allergy. So, please read

labels and send appropriate snacks and drinks. Thank you!

God Bless, Ryan Williams, CRE

willry97ind@gmail.com

January 24

David Steiner

January 25

Jordan Dowden

Jacob Higginbotham

January 27

Angie Barrett

Sharon Cash

January 28

Susie Rice

Maddy Speicher

January 29

Julie Gross

Jeannie Jones

Altar Society Presents Our 4th Annual

Saturday, February 8th

6:00 - 8:00 in St. Mary’s Parish Hall

Tickets sold at the door:

$20 per couple

$5 each additional child

includes refreshments and a keepsake photo.

Share a fun-filled evening with your girl -

music, dancing, snacks & photo booth.

Father Patrick J. McCormick of Cross Catholic Outreach will be

visiting our parish next weekend, January 25/26 to speak at all the Masses on behalf of the poor in developing

countries. Rev. Patrick McCormick was born and raised in Erie, PA, and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Atlanta in December 1968. Cross

Catholic Outreach was founded to create a meaningful link between parishes in America and the priests and nuns working in the Church overseas in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Central

and South America.

Our Annual Collection for the Catholic Times Newspaper

We ask that if you have not already done so, PLEASE make a contribution to the Catholic Times Newspaper. The purpose of the Catholic Press is more than merely reporting “what” is happening. The Catholic Press tries to explain the meaning of world and national developments through the lens of our Catholic faith. This has become more important than ever as Catholics everywhere strive to live out their Christian values in an increasingly hostile culture. Bishop Paprocki asks that every family in the diocese receives this newspaper and each parish is assessed a portion of this expense.

ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH & ST. MARY’S CHURCH OF PARIS, IL www.stmaryschurchparis.org JANUARY 19, 2020 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

JANUARY SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE BOARDS For over twenty years, Choices Pregnancy & Health has served those within our community who have found themselves faced with the uncertainties and challenges that often accompany an unplanned pregnancy. Your faithful support throughout these twenty plus years has allowed for the ‘truth’…relating to the God-given dignity ascribed to each human life (from the moment of conception)… to be lovingly shared with all who enter our doors. This January marks 47 year since the passage of Roe vs. Wade. As we begin the celebration of the ‘Sanctity of Human Life’ (SOHLS), we invite you to be a part of Choices’ ministry and stand for life. Our yearly SOHLS giving board can be found within the gathering space. Envelopes can be returned to the parish office or placed within the collection basket. If you need a receipt, please use a check instead of cash and make out to Choices Pregnancy & Health. Information regarding any aspect of Choices’ ministry can be obtained by calling or visiting our center. Please know that our door remains always open to you. Gratefully, Sue Paris Choices

Join the Marian Blue Wave. Commit to praying a weekly rosary with the specific intention for the end to all clinical, chemical, medical and surgical abortions and the shutting down of every abortion facility in the United States. For more information go to: https://marianbluewave.com/

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (January 22, 2020) The Catholic bishops of the United States have designated January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 373, directs:

In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.

Word of Life

“If someone shared with you she was pregnant and hadn't ruled out having an abortion, would you know how to respond? … When a woman is facing a difficult pregnancy, the reaction of the first person she tells tends to set the tone for her decision-making. How do we respond to our friend in a loving way that is life-affirming for both her and her baby?” Consider the four steps of the L.O.V.E. Approach™*: Listen and Learn, Open Options, Vision and Value, and Extend and Empower.” Read more at www.respectlife.org/l-o-v-e. USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, “What to Do When a Friend is Considering Abortion (www.respectlife.org/l-o-v-e) *The L.O.V.E. Approach™ is trademarked by Heartbeat International, Inc. and may not be adapted or modified. The L.O.V.E. Approach™ is used in "What to Do When a Friend Is Considering Abortion" with permission from Heartbeat International, Inc.

Overcoming Spiritual Discouragement St Mary's Alton FEBRUARY 15, 2020 | 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

With warmth, understanding, and pastoral skill, Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV provides a hopeful invitation to all who struggle to overcome the greatest obstacle in the spiritual life: discouragement. You will learn practical ways to find peace amid your spiritual struggles, and patience in the face of even the most intense trials. In these talks, Fr. Gallagher will explore the spiritual teaching of Venerable Bruno Lanteri, founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, whose wisdom guided many out of discouragement and into new hope. There is no shame in spiritual desolation. Fr. Gallagher reminds us that the greatest of saints suffered from this affliction. The key is to learn how to draw closer to God in life’s darkest moments. Overcoming Spiritual Discouragement is a call to hope... a call to solace in time of suffering... and a call to stand tall in times of affliction. Learn how to enter into the sublime peace and joy that our Lord promises. Day long seminar will include Holy Mass, Three Conferences, materials, coffee, light breakfast items and lunch. COST: $25 PER PERSON. To register, mail check payable to St Mary’s Church, with your name, address, phone number and email to St. Mary’s, 519 E 4th St., Alton, IL 62002. Questions 618-465-4284. First come first served. Pre-registration is required.

ATTENTION!!! OUTSTANDING DIOCESAN CATHOLIC FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

You are invited to apply for THE SPRINGFIELD IN ILLINOIS DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN (SDCCW) FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL

SENIOR LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP (Scholarship includes all (Catholic and Public) Schools & all Catholic Churches in the 7 Deaneries of Alton, Decatur, Effingham, Jacksonville, Litchfield, Quincy and Springfield.)

The Springfield in Illinois SDCCW, an Affiliate of the National Council of Catholic Women, has instituted a Diocesan Scholarship Program to recognize outstanding Catholic, female high school seniors who exemplify SDCCW’s mission, values of leadership, faith and service.

FOUR $500 SCHOLARSHIPS Springfield in Illinois Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will select the recipients from the Springfield Diocese and notify the winning applicant, her school, and parish by May 1, 2020. The results will be published in the Catholic Times Newspaper. Young women who are interested in applying for this scholarship should contact their school principle, high school guidance office or parish office for applications. A typed completed application, essay and two letters of recommendation are required. Send Application, essay and letters of recommendation to: Myrna McKee, 488 Matthews Lane, Bunker Hill, IL 62014, Phone: 618-585-3090, DEADLINE: APPLICATION, ESSAY, AND 2 LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION MUST BE POSTMARKED BY MARCH 30, 2020.

Paris Cooperative High School (District 95) has announced an adult education/high school diploma program. It is reported that there is no cost involved & a support system is in place. Anyone interested can call or text: 217-264-0835 for more information.

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 49:3, 5-6. Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10. 1 Corinthians 1:1-3. John 1:29-34.

What Baptism Makes of Us. We begin Ordinary Time this liturgical year full of baptismal reminders. Jesus ranks ahead of John the Baptist and all of us. But though greater, he, in his good Spirit, remains with all of

us. In Baptism, we are God’s servants, ordained to show God’s glory (and not our own), and be about God’s saving plan. And like Saint Paul and the Corinthians, we are called to be holy.

How will I cherish Baptism today and rest in Christ loving me? How will I manifest God’s glory in some simple word or work?

How will I be holier today than I was yesterday?