Saint Albert the Great Parish

5555 West STATE ROAD BURBANK ILLINOIS 60459

DECEMBER 25, 2011

Nativity of the lord - CHRISTMAS

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MASSES SATURDAY 5:00 PM (Sunday Obligation) SUNDAY 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (English-Polish) - 12:00 PM 6:15 AM, 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM Polish Masses 6:30 PM Spanish Mass WEEKDAY MASSES (Monday-Friday) 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM (Polish), 8:30 AM SATURDAY MASS 7:30 AM ( Polish) 8:30 AM HOLY DAYS Please refer to schedules printed in the bulletin Prior to the Holiday. Vigil Mass - 7:00 PM (evening before Holy Day) SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday 4:00-4:45 PM SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays at 3:15 PM Baptismal Preparation Class Last Monday of month at 7:00 PM Parish registration and attendance at the Baptismal Preparation Class are required prior to Baptism. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE All wedding arrangements must be made with a parish priest at least 5 months prior to scheduled date. All couples are required to participate in a marriage preparation program. Parish registration is a requirement. Times of marriages are as follows: Saturday 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM

REV. MICHAEL L. ZOUFAL, PASTOR REV. JOSEPH P. LYNCH, PASTOR EMERITUS REV. RYSZARD CZERNIAK, C.R. ASSOCIATE PASTOR IRVIN A. BRYCE, JR. PERMANENT DEACON
RECTORY ...(708)423-0321 PLEBANIA (po polsku)...(708)423-0321 For Sacraments of Baptism, Marriage, parish registration, convert instruction, prolonged illness at home. PARISH WEBSITE www.stalbertgreat.com E-MAIL StAlbert@archchicago.org PARISH BOUNDARIES North-75th St. East-Cicero, West-Narragansett, South-87th St. Cicero to Austin) 83rd St. (Austin to Narragansett) MINISTRY OF CARE.(708)423-0321 Deacon Irvin A. Bryce Jr. PRAYER NETWORK....(708)966-4068 Mrs. Marlene Rybicki SCHOOL..(708)424-7757 Mrs. Marilyn Kurowski, Principal 5535 West State Road http;//home.comcast.net/~st.alberts/ CCD OFFICE...(708)636-0406 Mr. Kevin Wiseman, Coordinator 5535 West State Road

MASS INTENTIONS
Monday, December 26, 2011 St. Stephen the Martyr 6:30 - Alex Boas - Mark Starostka 7:30 - Maria Bukowski 25th Anniv. of Death 8:30 - Marietta & Carmine Cesario - Rosaria & Salvatore Sturino 12:00PM - Mass in Polish - Special Intention 7:00PM - Mass in Polish - For the Parishioners Tuesday, December 27, 2011 St. John Apostle & Evangelist 6:30 - Alex Boas 7:30 - Special Intention 8:30 - Annie Burns - George McCormack Wednesday, December 28, 2011 The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 6:30 - Souls in Purgatory 7:30 - For the Parishioners 8:30 - Domenico Bandera - Fausta Castro - Birthday Remembrance Thursday, December 29, 2011 6:30 - Frank & Bernice Kurzawa 7:30 - Special Intention 8:30 - Elaine Dziedziak - Manuel Garcia, Stephen Fahy 7:00PM - PARISH HOLY HOUR Friday, December 30, 2011 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 6:30 - Georgia Landis 7:30 - For the Parishioners 8:30 - Ercole Sturino Saturday, December 31, 2011 St. Sylvester 7:30 - Special Intention 8:30 - Jacob & Genevieve Klumbis - The Botta Family - Ruth Chada & Melissa Chada 5:00PM - Edward Daly Jr. - Felice & Mikea Rizzo 7:00PM - Mass in Polish - Special Intention Sunday, January 1, 2012 Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God 6:15 - Special Intention 7:30 - For the Parishioners - Elaine Dziedziak 9:00 - Michael J. Walker - Emily Sekan 10:30 - Special Intention - Stella & Richard Matteson - Blessing 12:00PM - Shipman Family - Blessing 1:30PM - Wladyslaw Skora 5:00PM - For the Parishioners 6:30PM - Luz Maria Romero

Wishes for a very Merry Christmas, blessings of the Newborn Jesus,

to all parishioners and ..visitors of St. Albert the Great
from Fr. Michael Zoufal, Fr. Ryszard Czerniak
and the Parish Staff.

THE GIFT OF GODS WORD On this day of gifts and gift-giving, it seems appropriate that we take a moment to reflect on the great gift of Gods Word. Because it is creative, Gods Word always points to its author, always calls us to respond. Because it is powerful, Gods Word can link the sublime with the ridiculous, the transcendent with the immanent, the divine with the human. Because it is graceful, Gods Word establishes a relationship of deep intimacy between us and God. At the heart of Gods Word lies a tantalizing tension between the mysterious and the mundane. In our liturgical celebration, this unresolved tension both reveals the meaning of life for us and calls us to respond, to act upon that meaning. Once accepted and opened, the gift of Gods Word is a gift that keeps on giving and keeps on calling us to give in return. It dares us to be like the gift-giver and to become gifts for others, not only at Christmas, but at every moment of life. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. LET US PRAY
For the sick: Barbara Pavlich, Adam Bartosik Bill & Ruth Eichnamm, Diane & Robert Juris, Mary Ellen Conley, Therese West, Dorothy Reid, Erin DeValek, Leona Selcyn, Anna Iacovetti, Francis Sessino, Salvatore Bottari, Theresa Lonski, Alex Silverman, Pat Williams, John Smykowski, Daniel Stopka, Harriet Madey, Richard Polancyk, Timothy Polancyak, Andrea Pellicano, Christina Gazda, Sister Patricia Labuda, Cooper Grant, Jeffrey Andrews, Carol Berghuis, Johana Pusateri, Janelle Demski, Walter Anderson, Denis Hedderman & Family, Loretta Paulus, Shirley McVane, Catherine, Katie & Lucy Hedderman, Richard & Marilyn Buchalski, Don Kupiec, Cheryl Korosa, Carol Mariano, Penny Prokop, Mary Ann Riccio. For the deceased: Paul Greenfield, Jan Obrochta.

ARCHDIECESE OF CHICAGO

Christmas 2011

.Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, God is closer to us than we are to ourselves, said St. Augustine, and that closeness, through the power of the Holy Spirit in the wondrous mystery of the Incarnation, becomes visible in Jesus Christ. It also becomes visible in how we treat each other and how we radiate the hope Christ brings to the world. The Word made flesh reconciles God and his human family and all creation; that is Gods interpretation of the Christmas crib. The giving of oneself to others constitutes the nature of God; therefore, Jesus never comes alone. To genuinely celebrate his birth, we cannot put individuals or entire peoples in boxes in order to dismiss them from our lives. Likewise, if we climb into a box to separate ourselves from others by our attitudes or actions, the Word made flesh cannot speak to us, transform us or save us. Moreover, if we allow our faith to be boxed in by our secular age, it becomes a personal hobby without any public presence, witness or role. By her response, My soul magnifies the Lord (Luke 1:46), Mary shows complete trust and faith in God; her active cooperation with God is a model for all. As Pope Benedict emphasizes in God Is Love, In these words she expresses her whole program of life: not setting herself at the center, but leaving space for God, who is encountered both in prayer and in service of neighboronly then does goodness enter the world. God has spoken and the eternal Word is made flesh. With the courage born of our faith, we proclaim in word and action, in our very flesh and bone, that Jesus Christ our Savior is born. It is our turn to speak, to one another and to the world. A blessed Christmas to all of you and to all those whom God has given you to loveMerry Christmas! Sincerely yours in Christ, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. Archbishop of Chicago
TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

An old joke asks, What time is Midnight Mass? The answer is not really obvious, since Christmas is unique in having several distinct celebrations. The readings and prayers vary greatly from hour to hour. The Vigil Mass hinges on the family heritage of Jesus and his origins. The concept of midnight predates clock time, and really has to do with a celebration in the hours of darkness. Years ago, it was not possible to receive Communion without fasting for a full day, so the late hour of this Mass made it possible for the people to receive. The first Mass after sunrise, the Mass at Dawn, was once known as The Shepherds Mass, and later Masses set aside stories of Jesus birth to focus on the key to the days celebration: John the Evangelists majestic theology of Christs identity as the Word made flesh, dwelling among us. One feast, four separate Masses. Only monasteries manage the whole round. Parishioners typically take just one entry point into the mystery. Yet there is much to savor and celebrate in the coming of Christ into the world. Christmas is not a day, but a season. You still have two weeks to send those Christmas cards before youre officially late!
James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co.

SCHOOL NEWS
Open Registration Ongoing If you are new to the area or are considering Catholic education, we would like to acquaint you with our school. St. Albert the Great School provides a quality education for all students. Our principal, Mrs. Kurowski invites you to contact us and visit our school. St. Albert the Great offers an excellent academic education, with Religion as its core. In addition to their basic classes, students participate in Physical education, computer and library science. This year we will be offering Spanish Classes for Junior High Grades. Classes range from a 3 year old preschool program through 8th grade. Students in Grades K through 8th grade participate in Enrichment Sessions. Our preschool students also participate in our gym, library, and computer programs all at no additional charge. Additional activities include sports, choir, altar servers, band, scouting, Chess Club, and Student Council. We have an active Board of Specified Jurisdiction , Parents Association, and Athletic Board as well as volunteer parents and grandparents. Our faculty and staff are dedicated professionals. Several of our faculty have full or partial Masters Degrees. All our teachers are in touch with the needs of each student. ST. ALBERTS RECYCLES Paper Recycling: There are four bins in the carnival parking lot behind the school for people to place paper in for recycling. Please use them to discard your unwanted newspapers and magazines. Pop Tabs: Mrs. Murphy, our 1st Grade teacher, is collecting pop tabs to help support the Ronald McDonald House at Christ Hospital. Cartridges: We are still collecting used printer cartridges, cell phones, and copier cartridges (not the powder toner). Box Tops for Education: Dont forget to save those valuable box tops, they can be found on many items. You do not have to purchase any special item; you might already have them, just look.

Dec. 27 - Dec. 30 at St. Alberts

Tuesday, December 27 7:00 pm Bingo 5:00 pm Choir Wednesday, December 28 6:00 pm Boy Scouts Thursday, December 29 7:00 pm Adoration Friday, December 30 6:00 pm Cub Scouts WEDDING BANNS I - Jose Alejandro Pickett & Rebecca Killey

Santa Word Search

The Executive Board of the Polonia Club at St. Albert the Great Church

Invites all parishioners and neighbors to celebrate the New Years Eve here at St. Alberts in the Rogers Hall

We Provide: New Years Party design and room accessories, crazy fun with music band Zawodzianie, dinner from Mabenka restaurant, Champagne on each table, sweet table, free coffee and tea, Bar (paid), care, for children during the time of party available for additional fee of $10.00 per child

Mass at 7:00 PM - Party starts at 8:00 PM Sat. Dec. 31, 2011

Ticket price $60.00 - may be purchased at the rectory and from members of the Board For more information please call the rectory at 708-423-0321 or 708-543-9914

Christmas coloring activity

Niech Chrystus Nowo Narodzony Wam bogosawi a Jego Mio i wita Boego Narodzenia zbli was jeszcze bardziej do Boga.
Z pamici w modlitwie

Ks. Michael Zoufal i Ks. Ryszard Czerniak

Wesoych wit!!!
ARCHDIECEZJA CHICAGO Boe Narodzenie 2011 Drodzy Bracia i Siostry w Chrystusie, wity Augustyn powiedzia, e Bg jest bliej nas, ni my siebie samych, a take, e dziki mocy Ducha witego blisko ta uwidacznia si w osobie Jezusa Chrystusa w cudownej tajemnicy Wcielenia. Staje si ona rwnie widoczna w tym, jak traktujemy siebie nawzajem i jak promieniujemy nadziej niesion wiatu przez Chrystusa. Sowo, ktre stao si Ciaem jednoczy Boga z Jego ludzk rodzin i caym stworzeniem; tak Bg rozumie Boonarodzeniowy bek. Skadanie siebie innym w ofierze stanowi natur Boga, dlatego Jezus nigdy nie przychodzi sam. Aby prawdziwie uczci Jego narodziny nie moemy szufladkowa ani pojedynczych osb, ani caych spoecznoci, aby nastpnie usuwa ich z naszego ycia. Z drugiej strony, jeli przez nasze postawy i czyny zaszufladkujemy samych siebie, izolujc si od innych, to Sowo, ktre stao si Ciaem, nie przemawia do nas, nie przemienia nas i nas nie zbawia. Ponadto, jeli pozwolimy na zaszufladkowanie naszej wiary przez sekularyzm obecnych czasw, to wiara stanie si naszym osobistym hobby nieobecnym w yciu publicznym, niedajcym wiadectwa i nieodgrywajcym adnej znaczcej roli. Odpowied, jakiej udzielia Matka Boa Wielbi dusza moja Pana (k 1, 46), jest odzwierciedleniem Jej wiary i absolutnego zaufania Bogu; Jej aktywne wspdziaanie z Bogiem powinno by dla wszystkich wzorem do naladowania. Papie Benedykt XVI, w encyklice Bg jest mioci, powiedzia: w sowach tych zawara Ona program na cae ycie: aby nie umieszcza siebie w centrum, lecz pozostawia miejsce dla Boga, ktrego spotykamy zarwno podczas modlitwy jak i wtedy, gdy suymy bliniemutylko wtedy dobro przychodzi na wiat. Bg przemwi i odwieczne Sowo staje si Ciaem. Z odwag zrodzon z naszej wiary gosimy sowem i czynem, caym naszym jestestwem, e narodzi si Jezus Chrystus, nasz Zbawiciel. Teraz nadesza kolej, ebymy przemwili do siebie nawzajem i do wiata. Wam wszystkim oraz tym, ktrzy dziki mioci Boej s obecni w Waszym yciu, ycz bogosawionych wit Boego Narodzenia Wesoych wit! Szczerze oddany w Chrystusie, Francis Kardyna George, O.M.I. Arcybiskup Chicago

POLONIA KLUB
PRZY PARAFII W. ALBERTA WIELKIEGO

ZAPRASZA NA ZABAW SYLWESTROW 31-GO GRUDNIA, 2011 MSZA W. O GODZ. 7:00 PM

ZABAWYA OD 8:00 PM DO 2:00 AM
W SALI POD KOCIOEM

ORKIESTRA WYBOROWA ZAWODZIANIE

W CENIE SMACZNY OBIAD - SZAMPAN NA STOLE - BAR PATNY CENA $60.00 ORGANIZUJEMY OPIEK NAD DZIEMI - $10.00 OD DZIECKA

Bilety mona kupi na plebanii.