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Third Sunday of AdventIn Christianity, we hear often about the "Good News." We might oftenassociate it with Jesus' compassion to the poor, his healings and miracles,and the salvation he won for us. In today's Gospel, we read of John theBaptist. "Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news tothe people." Yet as we examine the rest of the reading, we see examples ofJohn's preaching. If you have two cloaks, give one away. Don't cheatothers out of their money, extort, or lie. And, of course, the warning thatthe Messiah is on the move and "his winnowing fan is in his hand to clearhis threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff hewill burn with unquenchable fire." Merry Christmas? Not only do John'slisteners enjoy his message, but they seem to think he might be the awaitedMessiah! To understand today's Gospel, it's important to understand theJewish people. For most of their history, God's chosen people had beenunder someone else's heel. They were slaves in Egypt. Their kingdomswere ravaged first by the Assyrians, then the Babylonians. Now they wereunder the yoke of the Roman Empire. Familiar with being strangers in astrange land, welcoming the stranger, caring for the vulnerable, andenacting justice was incredibly important to them as a people. While John'swords may seem odd or strong to our modern ears, this call to justice waswelcome, even if it was directed at the hearer.The truth is, no one is exempt from John's call to repentance. We all havefurther to go in the Christian life. We can all grow in virtue and love ourneighbors more generously. The Church gives us the Advent season toexamine our own hearts. Did any of John's warnings resonate with you?That could be a great thing to bring to Jesus this week!P lease pray for the sick of our parish.Joshua AlvarezMargaret AmatulliMary AnhaltDoris AurelioMaria AurelioAntonio BelmonteMary BerryMichael BerryMichael BilledoMichael BlazevichLaverne BlumkaDiane BochnowskiCheryl BostromLinda BraunStephany BurneyKathleen BurnsPaul BurnsDorothy CampbellJames CampbellAl CarolloPeter CastroJanet CattanachJacqueline MorrowChristianWillie ColbyVincent CorselloMike CurtainEleuterio Del RealIrene DettmerJeanine DoescherPatrick DoranAlex EilandSherlon EvansJohn FordeEd GagePhyllis GarberAndrea GarritanoMargaret GearyEmily GibsonDorothy GillespieMargaret GoodMonica GonzalezHoward GralewskiMargaret GraySusan GraffJames GrunewaldMary Ellen GullicksAmy HayesMarie HenkeMarisol HernandezRobert HesekBecky HillCharlotte HuntBetty IngbretsonJoseph S. IwanSteve IzzoElizabeth JacobBarbara JamroseStanley JayjackRobert KalkaCarol KeilmanKelly JeanMark KenneyIrene KerpsJean KiblerJames Klein, Sr.Janet KnightSusan KolodziejRichard KomyattePaul KostalikEdward KritzerCrystal KurekIsabella LappoAnnika LeMonierChris LeMonierDebbie LeMonierNicklas LeMonierMike LewisKris LisikiewiczJo LisiniewiczEdward LiskiewiczStanley LiskiewiczMaria LovellMarilyn MadsenBrady MartinLarkin McKenzieJenny MendozaFaye MenySandi MerloErin MeyerAnn MiskovichAndrew MollGenevieve MrvanDonna NicholsJim NolanSteven NowaczykClare O’BrienDonna O’ConnorKevin O’NeillDanny OgrenJames PancheriMarty PavovicJohanna PetruchAndrew PieczyrakElizabeth PilonesRon PlewniakSylvester PorrasDennis PowellRonald PrusJerry ReachTimothy RibbleJackie RoachDavid RossinAnn SardellaGeorge SauerMarie SchultzMarianne SchwartzWilliam SchwartzZachery ScriffJames SecviarJim SeulRenee ShehanNick SkinnerLaurie SlazykCarolyn SmileyDeborah StareckGeorgianne SutoFlorence StevensRose TheisGerardo TrevinoKathie TrudgianAnthony UbuanePhyllis UnkuriTony Vanden HeuvelRaymond VanderbokJulia VrbanichJames WachelKathy WachelMarilyn (Vrabel) WardaMark WeinAnne WisniewskiDon WoszczynskiJosephine ZagrockiCecilia ZieglerCody ZiemkowskiSUNDAY, December 166:00 pmLessons & Carols ChurchMONDAY, December 176:30 pmMarian Rosary Chapel7:00 pmSchola Church7:00 pmHoly Name Society Solar RoomTUESDAY, December 18Penance Service at 7:00 p.m. in the Church9:15 amEucharistic Adoration (until 6:30 p.m.) Chapel1:00 pmPrayer/Vocations Chapel6:00 pmDivine Mercy Chaplet ChapelWEDNESDAY, December 199:30 amBible Study Conference Room4:30 pmReligious Education Classes (until 6:00 p.m.)4:30 pmRCIC Conference Room6:30 pmHandbell Practice (until 7:45 p.m.)THURSDAY, December 204:30 pmReligious Education Classes (until 6:00 p.m.)6:45 pmAll Seasons Chorale ChurchReadings for Week of December 16Sunday:Zep 3:14-18a/Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 [6]/Phil 4:4-7/Lk3:10-18Monday:Gn 49:2, 8-10/Ps 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17 [cf. 7]/Mt1:1-17Tuesday:Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 [cf. 7]/Mt 1:18-25Wednesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71:34a, 5-6ab, 16-17 [cf. 8]/Lk1:5-25Thursday:Is 7:10-14/Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 [cf. 7c and 10b]/Lk 1:26-38Friday:Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21[1a; 3a]/Lk 1:39-45Saturday:1 Sm 1:24-28/1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd [cf. 1a]/Lk1:46-56Next Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a/Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 [4]/Heb 10:510/Lk 1:39-45Parish Office Holiday HoursPlease be advised that there will be changes inParish Office hours for the upcoming Christmas holiday:Monday, December 24Christmas EveOffice ClosedTuesday, December 25Merry Christmas!Office ClosedWednesday, December 26 to Friday, December 28Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Saturday, December 29Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Page 4

The Pastor’s PageLET YOUR JOY OVERFLOW“Joy will shine in your eyes and in your look,in your conversation and in your countenance.You will not be able to hide it because joyoverflows.” St. Teresa of CalcuttaBeginning with the Third Sunday of Advent, we light therose candle as well as the first two purple candles. Therose candle marks the half-way point for us in the season. Itsymbolizes joy. Today is also called Gaudete Sunday. It iscalled that because the Third Sunday of Advent’s introit toMass began with the Latin phrase, “Gaudete in Dominosemper: iterum dico, gaudete.” (Rejoice in the Lord always;again I say, rejoice.) We focus on the theme of joythroughout this week as we become closer to thecelebration of Christmas.This is the time of year when some people becomeoverwhelmed by Christmas preparations. Will the shoppingget done in time? Will the baking be finished? Will the giftsbe purchased or the relatives be visited? We keep such ahectic schedule that some people become frazzled. Yet, inthe midst of the stress, there is a joy deep within that beginsto bubble to the surface. All the preparations will notprevent us from contemplating the true meaning ofChristmas. We are preparing to celebrate the birth of Christeven as we await His return.That is the joy that Mother Teresa of Calcutta spoke aboutwhen she addressed others. Joy is deeply rooted in Godand is a part of our relationship with God. The joy ofintimacy with God compels us to reach out to others. Thatkind of joy cannot be contained. If we attempted to do so,we would feel as if we were going to burst at the seams.That kind of joy must be shared.How we share that joy takes many forms. Some share thejoy of a relationship with God by directly serving God’speople, going out to the poor and the needy, volunteering athomeless shelters and soup kitchens. Others share the joyof a relationship with God by developing an even deeperprayer life. Their prayer is directed outward to others.Instead of serving people physically, they serve others bypraying for them. This, in many ways, describes thecontemplative way of life.How we share that joy takes many different forms. What isthe same is that we must share that joy. Rejoice in the Lordalways; again I say, rejoice!FAITH ACTION: Whether they are from scripture or fromyour life, attempt to share some stories ofpeace, hope, and joy with members of yourfamily or friends today.A Festival ofNine Lessons & Carolstonight, Sunday,December 16th, at6:00 p.m. in the churchSponsored by ourSchola CantorumADVENT PENANCE SERVICESAdvent confessions in our deanery begin this week. All timesare at 7:00 p.m. unless noted otherwise.Sunday, December 16St. Bridget, Hobart (4:00 p.m.)Monday, December 17Our Lady of Consolation, MerrillvilleOur Lady of Grace, HighlandSt. Matthias, Crown Point (5:00 p.m.)Tuesday, December 18St. Mary, Crown PointSt. Thomas More, MunsterWednesday, December 19Holy Name, Cedar LakeSt. James, HighlandSt. Michael, ScherervilleThursday, December 20St. Andrew, MerrillvilleSt. Mary, Griffith/St. Ann, Black OakFriday, December 21Ss. Peter & Paul, Merrillville (1:00 p.m.)EUCHARISTIC ADORATION — LOOKING AHEADLooking ahead at the calendar, please be aware that thechapel will not be open for Eucharistic Adoration onChristmas Day or New Year’s Day.ON THE LIGHTER SIDEQ. What did the peanut butter say to the grape as Christmasneared?A. ‘Tis the season to be jelly.PLEASE REMEMBER THEMPlease pray for the priests and deacons whohave served the Diocese of Gary so faithfullyand whose anniversaries of death are thisweek:December 17: Deacon James Keough (2016)December 18: Rev. Andrew C. Topor (1993)December 19: Msgr. Alfred Reinig (1963)December 21: Msgr. Albert Van Nevel (2000)December 22: Rev. Conrad Stoll (1956)Page 5

Lectors & Greeters for the WeekReligiousReligiousEducationEducationSunday, December 236:30 am MassLoretta Krawczyk &Phil McIntoshDecember Schedule19/2026/27ClassNo Class —Merry Christmas!2/39/1016/172023/2430/31No Class — Happy New Y ear!ClassClassFamily Formation Session (1:00-2:00 p.m. Gym)ClassClass8:00 am MassDan & Elizabeth BuksaJanuary ScheduleSaturday, December 225:30 pm MassRuth Banas & Joe Dubczak10:00 am MassIrma Hernandez & Terri Tratar12:00 Noon MassLeonard & Valerie CzapkowiczSunday, December 238:00 am MassMain: James & Nancy KazckaChapel: Mary SilvasiChoir: Christie & Katie KordeckGiving Tree at St. Thomas MorePlease return all Giving Tree gifts bythSaturday, December 225:30 pm MassMain: Dagmar ReayChapel: Dick & NancyHemingwayChoir: Tom & LouisaJurichToday —Sunday, December 16 at 1:00 pm.Late gifts cannot be accepted because Catholic Charities will bepicking them up early Monday morning. Please wrap your giftand attach the original tag so we know to which family itbelongs.A box for the gifts is in the mainfoyer of the church.Thank you for your generoussupport of Catholic Charities.Your kindness will help anotherfamily feel loved and find extrajoy this Christmas.10:00 am MassMain: Deborah PastorChapel: Diane Adley &Joan MuchaChoir: Cheryl Steinhauer12:00 Noon MassMain: Diane GralewskiChoir: Pat BatchelderStuffing PartyCalling all parishioners, experienced “stuffers” and those new tothe task, to assist with anupcoming Ushers’ Club PancakeBreakfast mailing.All are invited to join us for a “merrytime” stuffing and chatting.Thursday, December 209:00 a.m. in the Conference Room.Hope to see you there!Eucharistic Ministers NeededOur parish needs Eucharistic Ministersto serve at the Lord’s table at all the weekend Masses.Please contact Deacon Dan Zurawski:(219) 836-8610, # 2316 or dzurawski@stm-church.comLaunderer NeededFrom Your Parish Synod CommitteeOur parish is in need of another launderer for parish linens.This easy task is required only twice a year and entails ironinglinens to adorn our church altar.Won’t you please help? Call the Parish Office at (219) 836-8610to learn more or volunteer. Thank you in advance!The subject of evangelization makes manypeople uncomfortable and many Catholicsfeel they don’t know enough about theirfaith to talk to others about it. Others arewilling, but aren’t sure what they should do,so they avoid it. Find easy ways toevangelize below. Help strengthen your ownfaith while bringing others to the Church, or back to the Church.Christmas Tree & Wreath SaleEvangelization is everyone's job! Pray, Model, Invite!Thank You for Your Support!This Week’s Evangelization: ModelCleanse your soul before Christmas by making sure you comefor the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and bring your childrenwith you (those who can receive the Sacrament).Then, as a family, think of someone special who is going througha difficult time and present them with a Christmas gift.Page 6The Monsignor Robert B. Weis Knights of Columbus atSt. Thomas More extends their heartfelt thanksto all who helped make this year’sTree & Wreath Sale another huge success.Because of your generous support, we cancontinue our mission to help others.

December 16, 2018St. Thomas More SchoolSSOUNDSOF THEEASONAnother outstanding performanceby the St. Thomas More School Bandwas held on December 6,welcoming the joyous,peppy and peacefulsounds of theChristmas season.Our thanks to banddirector, Mr. RickMlynarski andour 85 STMSbandmembersfor puttingus in theChristmasspirit with theirmusic.Well done,everyone!Page 7

Senior CitizensHoly Name SocietyAll senior citizens of our parish are invited to join us tohear informative speakers, have fun and enjoy thecompanionship of fellow parishioners.Meetings are held at 1:00 p.m. at Kish Funeral CommunityRoom, 10000 Calumet Avenue, September to July. Dues: 10.All men of the parish are invited to join Holy Name. Enjoy beingpart of a dedicated, spiritual group of men who serve the parishand community. Our next meeting will be in the Solar RoomWednesday, January 16thBusiness Meeting: 2018 Tax Facts for SeniorsthMonday, December 17th at 7:00 p.m.The Rosary begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a business meeting& pizza/beverages.We are following the new Stephen Ray video. Annual dues arenow being accepted. Next meeting: January 21st.Wednesday, February 6Business MeetingReview of Senior Citizen By-lawsSt. Vincent de Paul Food PantyThe need for food is great in our community and we want allfamilies in our area to have enough food on their tables,especially at the holidays.Please consider donating to the SVDP Food Pantry.Vocations CommitteeHave you determined your vocation for therest of your life yet?Boxed Mashed PotatoesPancake MixSyrupMeal HelpersRice Helpers/SidesPotato Helpers/SidesCake MixesFrostingJiffy MixesCanned FruitPerhaps you are considering the beauty of the priesthood?Our prayers are with you. Follow your heart.Amazon Shopping for Christmas?When shopping at Amazon Smile this Christmas, you can helpSt. Thomas More School. Order the great products you knowand love and STMS will get a portionof each purchase.Simply designate St. Thomas MoreChurch & School at Amazon Smile.Connect toAmazon Smile this holiday season:smile.amazon.com/ch/35-0900733.Thanks in advance!Order Now for the HolidaysMake Your Holiday Shopping a Breeze!Place your gift card order on the Monday processing dates andthey’ll be ready for pick-up later that week.It couldn’t be easier and everyone isinvited to use thisLastconvenient serviceProcessingprovided by St.Day beforeThomas More SchoolChristmas:through T.R.I.P.MondaySubmitpayments &December 17printed receipt withyour order on processing days no later than 8:30 a.m.For questions & more information: stmstrip@gmail.com.SoupCerealTunaCanned MeatsToilet PaperDish SoapShampooBar SoapLaundryDetergentCaps for KidsThe cold and blustery weather is back with us again.Caps for Kids is now underway andthe St. Vincent de Paul Society isrequesting your assistance.Share the warmth of your heart bydonating a new hat, scarf orgloves for a child or an adult.Please place your donations in thedesignated boxes at the entrances tothe church. Thank you for yourgenerosity in helping us to provide for our neighbors.March for LifeMarch for Life ChicagoJanuary 13, 2019 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in Federal PlazaPre-March Gathering:Saturday, January 12, 2019 — Rose Dinner Chicago at 5:30 p.m.Youth Rally for Life — 8:30 a.m.Archdiocese Mass & Brunch for LifeHoly Name Cathedral at 11:00 a.m.Union League ClubPilgrim Masses for LifeVarious locations (see website)Soup Kitchen Needs You!Begin the new year off in a big way, by reaching out to helpothers at the St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen in Hammond.Find an entire schedule of events at MarchForLifeChicago.comMore volunteers are needed to serve the hungry.Free bus transportation from St. Thomas More to and fromChicago by contacting Leslie Dernulc at (219) 741-3739 orleslie3495@sbcglobal.net.To learn more about the schedule and minimal timecommitment, or to volunteer, please contactMary Kretz at (219) 838-4412 or mtkretz@gmail.com.Page 8

Dec 16, 2018 · God. The joy of intimacy with God compels us to reach out to others. That kind of joy cannot be contained. If we attempted to do so, we would feel as if we were going to burst at the seams. That kind of joy must be shared. Page 2 Mission Statement : The Roman Cath