The Giving Tree

Please consider sharing your blessings again this Christmas season with someone in need. If this is possible for you, please select a tag from the Giving Tree and purchase the item listed on the tag. Wrap your gift, attach the tag to the gift, and place under the Tree. All gifts must be placed under the tree by 12 pm on Dec.11. The gifts will be delivered to the Daybreak Shelter, the Vilaseca Day Care Center, Lambs Fold, and Guardian Angel Home. Thank you for helping to make this Christmas happier for others. Advent Focus: PEACE
Of the greatness of Gods governance and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:7 Advent Reflection Booklets, The Lord is Near and Java with John are available on the Narthex table. Suggested donation is $1.00. Blue Prayer Books for Advent are available after Masses. Suggested donation is $2.00.

2011 Christmas Outreach Program Help a family in need this Christmas by Adopting-A-Family or by providing gift cards or cash to the St. Dennis Outreach Program. Pick up a pink form in the Narthex. This year we already have more families requesting assistance than last year. Thank you for your generous response. One of our families had a house fire and is need of beds, bedding, teen girl clothing, asap. Please contact Sr. Joanne as soon as possible to help by calling 838-2592 x 110.

December 4, 2011 2nd Sunday of Advent

1214 Hamilton Street, Lockport, IL 60441
Phone 815 838-2592 Fax 815 838-2401 E-mail church@saint-dennis.org Web - http://www.saint-dennis.org WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Saturday 4:30 pm Sunday 7:30 am, 9:15 am, 11:00 am Daily Monday thru Friday 7:15 am (Changes to daily Mass may occur. View page 2 for all changes.) Glory & Praise Tuesday 7:00 pm

Our Mission Statement St. Dennis is a welcoming, Spirit-led, Catholic Community called to be disciples of Christ, servants of those in need and celebrators of Gods love.

Pioneer Campaign Update and Open House

St. Dennis faculty and students would like to thank you again for your support of the Pioneer Campaign. We are excited to announce that we have scheduled the installation of interactive SmartBoards in every classroom over the Christmas Break. The generosity of many have also made additional scholarship funds available for the 2012-13 school year. Please look for more updates in the December 18th Bulletin. The last Sunday of January marks the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. We would like to invite you to an Open House to enjoy refreshments and to see the new SmartBoards in the faith-filled environment where our students Make Time for Jesus every day.

Dear Parish Family, SACRAMENTS Our Advent focus this week is PEACE and I ask you to reflect on the following Reconciliation: Sat. 3:30-4:15 pm or Appt. scripture from Isaiah 9:7, Of the greatness of Gods governance and peace there Baptism will be no end. When Jesus came into the upper room after the Resurrection, he Please call 815 838-2592 ext.123 greeted the Apostles and the Blessed Mother with Peace Be with You. Let us to register and complete a pray this week for the peace that God gives that is beyond human understanding Baptismal Request form. for us and for all who have built walls. May the walls come down that we may love Marriage one another as God has called us to do. Happy Advent to all. Let us watch and be Please call 815 838-2592 ext.123 to alert, Jesus is coming. Register, at least six months in advance. In the Lords Love, Fr. Jim

Parish Office Hours

8:30 am 4:00 pm PASTORAL STAFF
Pastor Rev. James Curtin Associate Pastor Rev. Thomson Panakal Pastoral Associates Deacon Rob Weierman Sr. Joanne Vallero, CSJ Jackie Bedore Music Director Patti Johnson

St. Dennis Gift Card Program

Stop by the gift card table and check out our new vendors Groupon, Berkots and many more..Need gift cards during the week? Gift cards are available on Thursday mornings in the Parish Center from 8 to 9 a.m. and Friday mornings in the school library from 8 to 9 a.m. If you have questions or o place a special order, contact scripinfo@comcast.net or (815) 836-0661. THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS CONCERT Joliet American Legion Band, Sun. Dec. 11, 2011 Rialto Square Theatre. Admission: Can Goods for Lambs Fold Womens Center Knights of Columbus All are invited to our next Pancake Breakfast. Santa will be available for pictures!. Sun. 12/4/2011 at St. Joseph's School lunchroom. 8am 11am.

Please join us at our Open House on Sunday January 29, 2012 from12:30pm2:00pm. St. Dennis Rosary Ministry Rosaries for Healing
Our next sale at St Dennis December 3 & 4th. There are many Christmas items, such as nativities, wall hangings, and ornaments. Order a Life Song Rosary (Personalized with names in each decade) and have in time for Christmas. If you would like an inspirational gift for a friend or loved one please call anytime, we would be happy to help you. Do you have old rosaries, chaplets, beads you no longer wear? Do you have old Holy Medals? The beads are used to make rosaries for those beginning their journey to wholeness through healing prayer, as well as to encourage people to pray the rosary. Holy Medals are repurposed and provide another avenue of prayer. If you would like to donate beads, medals, or rosaries, please place them in the basket on the table in narthex or call Kim 815 838-8407 or Mary 815 838-2592 for more info. We also repair rosaries at no charge. Check out our Ministry on the St. Dennis Website.

Dear Fr. Jim, Fr. Thomson, Mrs. Smith, staff, volunteers, parents and most of all each and every beautiful and precious child in our St. Dennis family, There are no words adequate enough to express my gratitude for the cards, homemade meals and soups, White Sox memorabilia, words of kindness and much more; most of all, your prayers. You have awakened and deepened my Faith. St. Dennis is a family, a fertile space in which we are free to live and love. I do know that St. Dennis family is a loving, prayerful, healing community where God is always present and I thank each one of you for that. Our Blessed Mother is a large part of my spirituality and after many hurdles and time the hospital gave me the date, December 8, for my cancer surgery. (Feast of Immaculate Conception) May God continue to bless each of you as I continue to thank you. As we draw closer to the coming of Jesus, let us be internally more silent that we may hear the whisper of God. With Loving Gratitude in Our Lord, Sr. Ellen Thomas, rc

Healing Prayer

We Welcome New Parishioners

If you would like to join St. Dennis Parish or learn more about us, please contact the parish office at 815 838-2592 x 123 or stop in to pick up a new parishioner packet. We would like to welcome you to our parish family!

Lorrie Murphy 708 301-5107 murphyfisch@comcast.net

Bulletin Editor
Kim Cast castaways@ameritech.net

Carillon/Bell Tower/Clock Repair

In the past few months we have received quotes on the repair of our carillon, clock and bell tower. If you would like to contribute or donate funds in memorial toward the repair of the bell tower, please contact Ron Strahanoski at the parish office at 838-2592 x 0.

MONTHLY REMINDERS
SundayCatechesis of GS 9:15am, 5:15pm 2nd & 4th Sunday-Baptism 1 pm MondaysCatechesis of GS 4:30pm, Bible Study 6:30pm 2nd Tues.Catholic Council of Women 12 pm - Sept., Dec., March & May WednesdayCatechesis of GS, 6pm, Thursday All Choir Practices, Bible Study 10 am, Third Thursday Senior Luncheon First FridayHoly Hour 3:30pm SaturdayRCIA, 3:30pm
1201 Washington St. Lockport, IL 60441 815 838-4494 E-mailschool@saint-dennis.org PrincipalLisa Smith

Bulletin Information Center Deadline to submit info for the bulletin is 4 pm Friday one week before you want it to appear. Please send all information by email to castaways@ameritech.net PLEASE NOTE: In subject area, type St. Dennis Bulletin. All info must now be in MS Word or Publisher document as an attachment. Thank you, Kim Cast

Mass Intentions
Saturday, December 3 4:30pm Helen Kijowski by Helen Jachinowski Sunday, December 4 Second Sunday of Advent 7:30am Virginia Aspel by Fran, Chuck Pastore by
St. Dennis Eucharistic Ministers, Stan Jungles by Barb & Murph Meyers, Odilon Rheaume by Gerry Bost family 9:15am Mary & Ray Jakubowski by family, Veronica Barragree by Nancy Peirick 11:00 am Patricia Zimny by Robert Dahouski, Eleanore Crabb by Jim & Carol Mondrella

December 4, 2011
St. Dennis Rosary Ministry will have a Christmas Sale this weekend after all Masses. Many new items including nativities, inspirational ornaments, rosary bracelets, watches and scripture bracelets. Order a Life Song Rosary (personalized with names) and have in time for Christmas.

Friday, December 9 7:15 am Frances Marzal, Anniversary of Death by Tom &

Sue Gorski, Stan Jungles by Mr. & Mrs. Robert Seaborg, Norma Resler by Betty Czuchra 3:30 pm Holy Hour followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

SAVE THE DATE

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE Nov. 25/26 Collection * .................. $ 9,055 Weekly Auto Debit (98) ....... 2,790 Monthly Auto Debit-weekly aver. (130) ...... 3,242 Total ..... $15,087 * $8,417 in 310 envelopes, $638 loose cash Weekly Operating Expenses $ 19,217 THANK YOU!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!

Saturday, December 10 4:30pm May, Maurisak & Gubista families by family,

Jim Molloy by Ruthie, Raymond Cabay, Birthday Remembrance by Ellie, Tony Kral, Birthday Remembrance by wife Tina & family

Generations of Faith December 7th, 9th, or 11th faith formation Christmas party style. Join us in your most festive Christmas sweater, prepare to eat a few Christmas cookies, sing a carol or two. Registrations are in the Narthex due December 1st. Current GOF participants are asked to RSVP with changes of events by December 4th.
Altar Servers We will be having a training and re-training on Monday, December 12th in the Narthex from 3- 5:30pm followed by a Pizza Party!!!! Bring a friend, grades 4th-8th Please confirm with Mrs. Massey if you will be there and if you are bringing a friend. dnmssy@yahoo.com or 815-524-5954

Monday, December 5 7:15am Marian Murphy by Scott & Chris Clavenna 12:30 pm Rosary Tuesday, December 6 7:15am Donna Tierney by Jim & family,
Stan Jungles by Barb & Murph Meyers 7:00 pmGlory & Praise Mass

Sunday, December 11 Third Sunday of Advent 7:30am Donna Tierney by Jim & family, James Miller
by Mary Kay Tierney, Chuck Pastore by Arts & Environment 9:15am Vera Mushro by Carol & Jerry Richards, Robert Glowinski, Anniversary of Death by family, Stan Jungles by Ron & Mary Ann Murray 11:00 am Rosemary Quatrochi by Jamie Bambalas, Patricia Zimny by Robert Ropa Saturday, December 24 THE VIGIL OF CHRISTMAS 4:00pm Childrens Mass in the Parish Center 3:45pm Mass in the Church 10:30pm Christmas Vigil Mass in the Church (10 pm Prelude Music) (There is no 3:30 pm Reconciliation) Sunday, December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY 7:30am Mass in the Church, 10:00am Mass in the Church

Please consider using auto debit in which your contribution is automatically withdrawn on a regular basis. Call Kathy at 815 838-2592 ext. 121 to enroll. PARISH CENTER DEBT... $ 48,641

Reconciliation Service is Monday, Dec 12th at 7 pm St. Dennis Council of Catholic Women Christmas Meeting Tues., Dec. 13th, Noon, Fracaro Hall. Lunch $8, entertainment by St. Dennis Children's Choir. Please bring an unwrapped raffle gift. Guest & new members are welcome. RSVP to the Parish Office. Raffle Tickets are due by Dec.11th Drawing to be held at our meeting on Dec. 13th Senior Luncheon: Thursday Dec. 15th at noon in the Parish Center. A catered dinner followed by entertainment from the St. Dennis School children. RSVP by Mon, Dec. 12th at 838-2592 EXT 0. Payment of $7 should be made at the door Clothes for Haiti Ministry Next meeting is Wed., Dec. 14, 6-8:45pm in Fracaro Hall, to make clothes for children in Haiti. We need help making dresses, diapers, & pants. Please bring your OWN sewing machine. Donations needed include: mens t-shirts, gently used/new pillowcases, sheets, fabric, bias tape, Velcro & elastic. Bring donations to Narthex Care Pantry bins on December 10-11th ONLY! For more info, call Christen Morris 708-220-1308. St. Dennis School Christmas Program Fri, Dec. 16 - 7 pm St. Dennis Parish Center Gym. An evening of Christmas Joy featuring: Kids' Chime Choir, St. Dennis Jubilation School Choir, the ELC presenting "Hooray for Baby Jesus", and 1st thru 5th Grade presenting "A King Is Coming to Town". 1st Reconciliation & 1st Communion Prep. Parents of children who wish to receive these sacraments this spring must register their child. The first mtg for parents only is Wed, Dec. 14th, 7pm in church. Prep. evenings with children are: Jan. 13, Feb. 17, Mar. 2, Mar. 23 & Rehearsal is May 5 in church. 1st Reconciliation & 1st Communion will be May 11/12. Registration forms ( green) can be found in Narthex, at www.saint-dennis.org or call Jackie at 838-2592 x 113. Mens Dartball League Join us Monday nights in Fracaro Hall for a fun & different kind of dart game! For more info, call Rich Gliwa at 815-838-3660 or Andy Gliwa at 708-334-5352.

Wednesday, December 7 7:15 am Chuck Pastore by Kaye Pesavento,

Patricia Zimny by Robert Ropa 7:30 pm St. Dennis Parish Family

Ambit Energy is now available for electric service, so you can save money on your gas and electric bills plus help St. Dennis earn money toward their bills. The current parishioners on Ambits gas service can easily add the electric service just by bringing in a copy of their current electric bill. Next weeks second collection is for the Retirement Fund for Religious. Save The Date continued...
VIRTUS training class Deacon Rob Weierman will have a VIRTUS training class on Thurs., Jan. 5th, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Contact the parish office to pre-register 815-8382592 x 123. Any volunteer assisting with St. Dennis children (classroom volunteers, fieldtrip chaperones, athletics, etc.) must have this training before volunteering. If you cannot attend this class, you may attend a class at another parish in the Diocese. Go to www.dioceseofjoliet.org/ protecting and go to: VIRTUS Protecting Gods Children Workshop Schedule.

Thursday, December 8 Immaculate Conception 7:15 am Mariellen Kehlenbach by Joe,

Fred Reed by Brian & Janet Boland 9:30 am School Mass; Charles L. Borio by family, Denise St. Fort by Early Learning Center

Please pray for those who have entered into Eternal Life especially for
Mariano Rocky LaRocco
Readings for the Week Readings-- Today: Is 40: 1-5, 9-11, 2 Pt 3:8-14, Mk 1:1-8 Mon: Is 35: 1-10, Lk 5: 17-26 Tues: Is 40: 1-11, Mt 18:12-14 Wed: Is 40: 25-31, Mt 11:28-30 Thurs: Gn 3:9-15, 20, Eph 1:3-6, 11-12, Lk 1:26-38 Fri: Is 48:17-19, Mt 11: 16-19 Sat: Sir 48: 1-4, 9-11, Mt 17: 9a, 10-13 Sun: Is 61: 1-2a, 10-11, 1 Thes 5: 16-24, Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

This Week the Flame of Faith will burn in Memory of . April Sartori
by Tony & Carol Sartori, Andy & Lynn Onderisin & family

FAITH FORMATION
Preparation for Sacrament of Baptism: Your family must be registered active members of St. Dennis. Baptismal Prep Mtgs. are divided into two meetings, 4 weeks apart on Saturdays, 9-10:30 am. Parents and Godparents are required to attend both classes before a date is set. For more info. and dates, call the Parish Office at 815-838-2592, ext. 123. At least one Godparent must be a confirmed Catholic, active in their faitha letter of permission is required from their church. Confirmation. If you have not yet registered, please do so asap. Pick up a pink registration form in the Narthex and drop off with payment to the parish office or go to our website at www.saint-dennis.org under Faith Formation, Sacramental Preparation. Call 815-838-2592 x 0 if you have questions.

Frank Walker & John Taskay,

Birthday Remembrance by family

Please pray for those who are sick or suffering especially

Joseph & Josie Encarnacion, Eva Garvey, Sr. Ellen Thomas

Prayer Requests Do you need prayer or know of someone in need of prayer? Contact the parish office secretaries at 838-2592 ext. 123 or secretary@saint-dennis.org to add a prayer request to our daily e-mail prayer line.