Do you have books on faith, scripture, or spirituality that you no longer need?  Are you looking for something to inspire your prayer life? Please consider the new “Little Free Catholic Library” (former pamphlet rack) inside the doors on the far right of the church. Leave a book, take a book or do both!  Questions? Contact Maureen at maurmoran@gmail.com.

The Queen of Angels Father-Daughter Dance will be held on the evening of February 8, 2020 in the Parish Center, 4412 N Western Avenue.  Please join us for an evening of dancing, light snacks, drinks & a DJ, 6–7:30 p.m. (PS-Gr. 3) and/or 8–9:30 p.m. (Gr. 4-8).  Girls may be escorted by a Father, Mother, Uncle, Grandparent or Godparent. Tickets are only $20 for a couple! Include an additional daughter for $5.

The Religious Education programs of our parish and school teach our young people about the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as an experience of God’s love and mercy. At 11:30 a.m. next Saturday, January 18, the 89 children in the lower grades who are preparing for First Communion in May will gather to celebrate their First Reconciliation. Students have been learning about the meaning of the Ten Commandments; the role of conscience in making good decisions; the differences between venial sins and mortal sins; and the steps of Reconciliation including making a good confession.

It is important to make peace with God, receiving forgiveness from our Lord and from the Church community, so that the graces of the Eucharist can go to work in our lives. We hope that the joy of growing closer to the Lord in Reconciliation will be a lesson for a lifetime, instilling in these children and their families a habit of seeking love and mercy from God all their days.

ACT OF CONTRITION
My God, I am sorry for all my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have
sinned against you whom I should love above all
things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance,
to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

ACTO DE CONTRICIÓN
Oh Dios mío, me pesa de todo corazón haberte
ofendido porque eres infinitamente bueno y digno de
ser amado. Propongo firmemente nunca más pecar,
apartarme de todas las ocasiones de ofenderte,
confesarme y cumplir la penitencia. Amén.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Across this liturgical year, we hear Saint Matthew’s Gospel. And in this holy season that celebrates the birth of Jesus, we hear a story unique to Matthew—the journey of the Magi. He writes: “The Magi were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.” We can imagine their joy.  They discovered the one for whom they longed and searched. He is the newborn Jesus. His mother Mary holds him in her arms and, at the same time, presents him to the world. In this simple gesture, she evangelizes, gives us the living good news of her son. Then and now, it is a moment wrapped in joy.

On our journey of renewal in the Archdiocese of Chicago, may this image of Mary, mother of the Lord, inspire and encourage us to carry and present Jesus to a world that is so much in need of him. In our marriages, families, workplaces, and communities, may we joyfully carry and present him who is the great light shining in darkness. God bless you and all your loved ones in this holy season.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Cardinal Blase Cupich

Archbishop of Chicago

There will be a second collection this weekend for Christmas Flowers and decorations for the church for Christmas.  Thank you for your generous support.