A Ministry of the Conventual Franciscan Friars, St. Bonaventure Province

1600 W. Park AvenueLibertyville, IL 60048P: 847-367-7800

mail@KolbeShrine.orgwww.KolbeShrine.org

F: 847-367-7831

M I S S I O N

S T A T E M E N T

To serve the Gospel and the Church by forming Eucharistic disciples in prayer,

evangelization, works of mercy, and Marian consecration in the spirit of St. Maximilian Kolbe.

DECEMBER 22, 2019 | FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

B E H O L D

Shrine InformationEUCHARISTIC ADORATIONJoin in adoration of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and become a committed adorer. Spend one hour each week in the presence of our Lord. Sign up cards and specifi c hours in need of Adorers are in the back of the Chapel.

CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCYThe Chaplet of Divine Mercy is prayed each day at 3:00 PM in the Chapel.

PRIVATE PRAYER The Shrine Chapel is open 24 hours a day for private prayer and devotions.

ROSARYThe New Covenant Rosary is prayed each Thursday after the Noon Mass in the Sorrowful Mother Chapel

PRAYER GROUPThe Rosa Mystica Prayer Group meets each Thursday at 10:15 AM–NOON

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESVisit our website at KolbeShrine.org and click on Resources > Get Involved > Volunteer or call Catalina at 847-367-7800, ext. 260

GIFT SHOP HOURSMonday & Friday 9AM–5PM

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9AM–7PM

Saturday 9AM–4PM

Sunday Closed

MONDAY–FRIDAY6:45 AM Holy Mass7:30 AM Offi ce of Readings and Morning Prayer 10:30–11:30 AM Confessions

For Spanish Confession availability, ask receptionist 11:45 AM Midday PrayerNoon Holy Mass3:00 PM Chaplet of Divine Mercy5:00 PM Evening Prayer6:00–7:00 PM Confessions7:00 PM Evening Devotions Monday, Tuesday (St. Anthony), Thursday and Friday; Wednesday & First Friday (Holy Mass)

SATURDAY7:00 AM Holy Mass8:00 AM Morning Prayer11:45 AM Midday PrayerNoon Holy Mass

SUNDAY8:30 AM Solemn Lauds Morning Prayer9:00 AM Holy Mass11:00 AM Holy Mass7:00 PM Solemn Vespers and Benediction1:00 PM Holy Mass Spanish

(First Sunday of the month) Holy Mass Polish

(Last Sunday of the month)*Schedule varies on Holy Days and Holidays

REGULAR CHAPEL SCHEDULE*

Feasts &

Memorials

FOR THE WEEK OFDEC 22, 2019

Sun, Dec 22 Fourth Sunday of Advent Mon, Dec 23 Saint John of KantyWed, Dec 25 Solemnity of the Nativity of the LordThur, Dec 26 Saint StephenFri, Dec 27 Saint John the ApostleSat, Dec 28 Holy Innocents

Clergy & Religious

Rector & GuardianFr. Benedict La Volpe, OFM, CONV.Sacristan Br. Augustine Kelly, OFM, CONV.Assistant Sacristan Br. Tarcisius BuccaPermanent DeaconDcn. Tom GaidaGift Shop Assistant Manager Br. Don Thielsen, OFM CONV.Franciscan Friars Br. Charles Madden, OFM CONV.Br. David Wagner, OFM CONV.Fr. Emilian Catalin, OFM CONV.Fr. John Calgaro, OFM CONV.Br. Paschal Metzger, OFM CONV.Fr. Roman Deyna, OFM CONV.Br. Tom Hercegovics, OFM CONV.Vocation Director St. Bonaventure Province Fr. Hans Flondor, OFM CONV.Part-time Assisting Priest Fr. Anthony Jelinek

Ministries

Spanish MinistryPilgrim Virgin Ministry Fr. John Calgaro, OFM CONV.

Marytown Prison Ministry Spiritual AssistantFr. Emilian Catalin, OFM CONV.

Secular Franciscan Order Spiritual DirectorBr. Don Thielsen, OFM CONV.

Sacred Music DirectorJacob Heidel

Marytown Staff

Retreat & Conference Center ManagerChris Gremore

Gift Shop AdministratorStephanie Santa

Director of Development Meg Bonham

Business Manager Dave Sullivan

Facilities Manager Jim Butts

Information Technology & Media Services ManagerPeter Ptak

Communications & Graphic DesignBulletin Editor Dcn. Tom Gaida

Data Services & Volunteer CoordinatorCatalina Welsch

Bookkeeper Lorrie Zurek

IMPORTANTWhen receiving Holy Communion in the hand, YOU MUST CONSUME THE HOST IMMEDIATELY,before you turn away from the minister. It is NOT acceptable to walk away and then consume.

As a sign of respect for Our Lord, YOU SHOULD NEVER RECEIVE THE HOST WITH ONE HAND. If a disability prevents you from receiving with both hands, you should receive the Sacrament on the tongue.

“What did you think, O Immaculata, when for the

fi rst time you laid the Divine Child onto that little bed of hay? What feelings fl ooded

your heart while you wrapped Him in swaddling clothes,

held Him to your heart, and fed Him from your breasts? ...

What feelings of humility, love and gratitude must have fi lled

your heart at that time... as you marveled at the humility, love and gratitude that God incarnate had toward you. I

beg you, fi ll my heart too with your humility, your love, your

gratitude.” (#1236)

Excerpts from The Writings of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe

of St. Maximilian

D E C E M B E R V O C A T I O N

P R A Y E RLet us pray that all those who serve may always be faithful

witnesses of Christ's love and examples of charity and

compassion.

Fr. Benedict M. La Volpe, OFM CONV.Guardian & Rector of Marytown

from the pen of

Dear Pilgrims to the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe at Marytown,

In 1989, Pope St. John Paul II gave the Church an Apostolic Exhortation on the life and mission of St. Joseph entitled Redemptoris Custos, Guardian of the Redeemer.

In speaking of St. Joseph as Guardian of the Mystery of God, Pope John Paul II helps us to understand this role in union with the role of the Blessed Mother. He writes:

Therefore he became a unique guardian of the mystery “hidden for ages in God” (Eph 3:9), as did Mary, in that decisive moment which St. Paul calls “the fullness of time,” when "God sent forth his Son, born of woman...to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons" (Gal 4:4-5). In the words of the Council: “It pleased God, in his goodness and wisdom, to reveal himself and to make known the mystery of his will (cf. Eph 1:9). His will was that men should have access to the Father, through Christ, the Word made fl esh, in the Holy Spirit, and become sharers in the divine nature (cf. Eph 2:18; 2 Pt 1 4).”

Together with Mary, Joseph is the fi rst guardian of this divine mystery. Together with Mary, and in relation to Mary, he shares in this fi nal phase of God's self-revelation in Christ and he does so from the very beginning. Looking at the gospel texts of both Matthew and Luke, one can also say that Joseph is the fi rst to share in the faith of the Mother of God and that in doing so he supports his spouse in the faith of the divine annunciation. He is also the fi rst to be placed by God on the path of Mary’s “pilgrimage of faith” It is a path along which—especially at the time of Calvary and Pentecost—Mary will precede in a perfect way (RC #5).”

Let us never forget the role, the importance, and indeed the centrality of St. Joseph, particularly during this Advent season, where “St. Joseph was called by God to serve the person and mission of Jesus directly through the exercise of his fatherhood (RC #8).”

Yours in the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary!

Fr. Benedict M. La Volpe, OFM CONV.Rector & Guardian of Marytown

2019 Advent & Christmas2019 Advent & ChristmasS C H E D U L EDecember 22Fourth Sunday of AdventMasses at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

December 24 (Tue)Christmas EveMorning Confessions ONLYVigil Masses at 4:30 PM and Midnight with Christmas Carols at 11:30 PM

December 25 (Wed)Christmas DayMasses at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM No ConfessionsNo Public devotions

December 26 (Thur)Mass at 12:00 NOON ONLYNo Confessions No Public devotions

December 27-28Normal Schedule

December 29 (Sun)Feast of the Holy FamilyMasses at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

December 31 (Tue)New Year’s Eve11:00 pm New Year’s Eve Mass Fulfi lls Jan. 1 Mass obligation

January 1, 2020 (Wed)Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of GodHoly Day of ObligationMass at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

No Confessions No Public devotions

January 5 (Sun)Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Blessing of chalk and incense for homes at the 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

Masses

Normal schedule resumesJanuary 2, 2020

According to Ann Ball in her book, Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals:• 2 Turtle Doves were the Old and New Testaments

• 3 French Hens stood for faith, hope, and love.

• 4 Calling Birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

• 5 Golden Rings rerepresented the fi rst fi ve books of the Old Testament, which describe man’s fall into sin and the great love of God in sending a Savior.

• 6 Geese a-Laying stood for the six days of creation.

• 7 Swans a-Swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

• 8 Maids a-Milking were the eight beatitudes.

• 9 Ladies Dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience (Forbearance), Goodness (Kindness), Mildness, Fidelity, Modesty, Continency (Chastity).

• 10 Lords a-Leaping were the Ten Commandments.

• 11 Pipers Piping stood for the eleven faithful Apostles.

• 12 Drummers Drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles’ Creed.

The History of The Twelve Days of Christmas

The song, The Twelve Days of Christmas is an old English Christmas carol. From 1558 until 1829, Roman

Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the Church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember. To fi t the number scheme, when you reach number 9, representing the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, the originator combined 6 to make 3, taking the 6 fruits that were similar: the fruit in each parenthesis is the that was not named separately. There are actually Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The “True Love” one hears in the song is not a smitten boy or girlfriend but Jesus Christ, because truly Love was born on Christmas Day. The partridge in the pear tree also represents Him because that bird is willing to sacrifi ce its life if necessary to protect its young by feigning injury to draw away predators. by Fr. Calvin Goodwin, FSSP, Nebraska

Campaign Goal: $210,000 Pledged to Date: $175,000

CH APEL PRESERV TION fundAFor details or to make a pledge or donation visit: de.kolbeshrine.org/donations/chapel-preservation

Please consider making an end-of-year gift to this important fund. Thank you for your support!

2019 Advent & Christmas

S H R I N E E V E N T S

A God Merciful and Gracious

The divine name, “I Am” or “He Is”, expresses God’s faithfulness: despite the faithlessness of men's sin and the punishment it deserves, he keeps “steadfast love

for thousands”. By going so far as to give up his own Son for us, God reveals that he is “rich in mercy”. By giving his life to free us from sin, Jesus reveals that he himself bears the divine name: “When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will realize that ‘I AM’ (CCC 211)”.

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Militia of the Immaculata (MI) 2020 Consecration Preparation Class Have you ever considered consecrating yourself to Mary?

Consecrate yourselves to Our Lady through the worldwide Militia of the Immaculata (MI) movement, founded by Saint Maximilian Kolbe.

The spirit of the movement is the spirit of continual conversion. When lived in the spirit of willingness and humility, the Immaculata will elevate our natural gifts and inspire us to holiness and fruitful service within the Church. Registration is required. Please contact Deacon Tom Gaida at tom@KolbeShrine.org or 847-367-7800 ext. 246.

Saturday March 14, 2020July 11, 2020Nov 7, 2020 Founders Hall 9:00AM–10:30AM Registration required

M I

Remember loved ones and give thanks for blessings through a donation to our Christmas fl owers fund. As we prepare for our Lord’s birth, we adorn the Chapel at Marytown

with glorious fl owers that announce “Christ is born!” Please donate today using the special “Flower Offering” envelopes located throughout the Chapel. Place your envelope in the collection basket or mail it to:

Conventual Franciscan Friars of Marytown Christmas Flower Offering | 1600 West Park Avenue | Libertyville, IL 60048

If you prefer to donate online, go to KolbeShrine.org, click on the “Giving” tab and select the “Chapel Flowers” link. Thank you in advance for your generosity and continued support of Marytown.

C H R I S T M A S F L O W E R O F F E R I N G

Consider Committing One Hour Every Week as a Eucharistic Adorer!What better way to improve your spiritual well-being than to spend an hour of quiet time in the Marytown Chapel, in prayer and adoration with our Eucharistic Lord! If you’re ready to make this commitment, please fi ll out a commitment card next to the “hours” chart in the rear of the Chapel. Or you may fi ll out a commitment form on our website at KolbeShrine.org > Liturgical Life > Eucharistic Adoration. One of our Division Leaders will contact you with additional details. Thank you!

C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T SSaturday January 11 Daley PlazaChicago 1:00PM–3:00PM

Bus Cost: Adults $20Children $15 Religious ride free

March for Life Chicago Join us as we pray for our nation to respect and defend the Dignity & Sanctity of Life.Buses will leave from the Marytown parking lot at approximately 11:15 AM

and travel to Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago.

Seating is limited so make your bus reservation early by contacting the Lake County Right to Life offi ce at 847-223-7022 or lakectyrtl@sbcglobal.net

Sponsored by

Consider a Year-End Gift!As you discern your end of year giving, the Conventual Franciscan Friars of Marytown ask for your prayerful consideration in supporting the Chapel Preservation Fund. We are near 84% of our $210k goal for this most needed project of the beautiful Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. All gifts both big and small will help us complete the project of restoring and preserving our nearly 100 year old Chapel dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. Consider making a one-time gift or pledging a monthly gift. Whether for gratitude, the joy of the season, or sharing the graces of Our Lord, we are grateful for your prayerful consideration in your year-end giving.

To make a pledge or donation visit the GIVING page on our website KolbeShrine.org and click on Chapel Preservation.For more information, please contact Meg Bonham, Director of Development at meg@kolbeshrine.org or 847-367-7800 x242. Our legal name is: The Conventual Franciscan Friars of Marytown.

Additional ways to give at year-end ...CashGifts of cash are easy and may be eligible for a federal tax deduction.

SecuritiesGifts of appreciated assets can be appealing, because long-term gains are not taxed, and the gift is generally deductible from income tax at the full value on the date of the gift (and can offset tax up to 30% of AGI).*

Charitable Gift AnnuitiesMay bring many benefi ts: support for Marytown, fi xed income for life, and potential tax benefi ts.** We encourage you to consult your professional advisers on how a gift would fi t into your overall plans and your eligibility for tax benefi ts.

Thinking of Making a New Year Resolution?

SHOPGIFT

847-367-7800 ext. 236 • MarytownGiftShop.com • 1600 W. Park Ave. • Libertyville, IL 60048

Valid IN STORE Only Not valid on previous purchases or with any other discount or coupon. EXP. 1/31/20

Christmas & New Years Eve 9 AM–12 NOON • Closed SundaysClosed Christmas & New Years DaysClosed for inventory January 6–10

Saturday, January 11 Open 9 AM–12 NOON

40% OFFDEC. 18–25

50% OFFDEC. 26–JAN. 31

All dept. 980 & 892 All dept. 980 & 892 Advent & Christmas ItemsAdvent & Christmas Items

While they lastWhile they last