207 VANADALIA STREET · COLLINSVILLE, IL 62234

Contact Information Parish Office: 207 Vandalia Street Phone 345-4343 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM Friday 8:30AM-3:30 PM

Parish Center 301 Vandalia

School 210 N. Morrison 344-5450

Parish Prayer Line 344-4108 Staff Rev. John P. Beveridge, Pastor Ext. 100 Deacon Jim Hill Ext. 104 Deacon Jimmy Ghiglione, Director of Faith Formation Ext. 101 Peg Bodinet, Principal Ext. 110 Maggie Brennan, Director of Pastoral Care Ext. 111 Teri Lesicko, Finance & Development Ext. 105 Marvin Jansen, Accounting Manager Ext. 106 Camille Emig-Hill, HR & Communications Ext. 102 Kimberly Zagorski, Ext. 103 Faith Formation Coordinator Nick Robinson, Ext. 107 Music Director

Masses Weekend Saturday 4:30 PM Sunday 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM Weekday Monday Communion Service 8:15 AM Tuesday - Friday 8:15 AM First Friday Masses 8:15 AM Holy Day Masses Eve of Holyday 6:30 PM Holyday 8:15 AM & 6:30 PM

Sacraments Confessions: Saturday 3:00-4:00 PM Thursday before First Friday 4:00 PM until all are heard Marriage: Contact the parish office. Annulments & Counseling: Ariel Martin 618-667-2113 Baptism: Contact the parish office for registration forms and scheduling information.

Visit our Website saintspeter-paul.org

Catholic Church

Ss. Peter & Paul

Liturgy

Collections for 12/03/2017

Envelopes/Loose $9,906

Parish Improvements 250

Angel Fund 60

Annual Fund 4,190

Holy Cross 105

Special Collections 3,432

TOTAL $17,943

Saturday December 30, 4:30 pm Lector: Michael & Ryan McMahon Music: Spirit Choir w/ N Robinson Gifts: The Family of Rich & Mary Vojas Servers: Dayton Horras, Nick Horras, Ellie Ronzo Communion Ministers: Linda & Russ Fette, Judy Giles, Debbie McAllister Beverly McDonald, Matt Popov, Jackie Slovinski, Ed Welle Intention: Rich & Mary Vojas Sunday December 31, 8:00 am Lector: Ed Rakowski & Mary Louise Rauh Music: Shane, Melissa, Anita, Diane w/ N Robinson Gifts: The Family of Josephine Wondolowski Servers: Matthew Falbe, Paul Falbe, Katie Bone Communion Ministers: Maria Clark, Ted & Nancy Jackson, Kay Miskell Jodi Roedl, Carolyn Weil Intention: Josephine Wondolowski Sunday December 31, 10:30 am Lector: Angela Auer & Dana Metzger Music: Glory Choir w/ J Butterfield Gifts: The Family of Javiar Juarez Servers: John Reynolds, Mindy Smith, Sydney Crawford Communion Ministers: MaryAnn Allred, Mary Benker, Amy Ferguson Jean Clancy, Tess Haines, Felicitas Kluck, Sarah & Terry Lanter Children’s Liturgy of the Word: No Liturgy for Children– New Year’s Eve Nursery: No Nursery—New Year’s Eve Intention: Javiar Juarez Auditor’s Schedule Sunday, December 31 Team #5 Lynn Muniz, Karen Meyer, Don & Peggy Kerkemeyer Server’s Schedule 8:15 am For the week of Tuesday, December 26– Wednesday, December 27 Livia Montgomery, Lucy Montgomery For the week of Thursday, December 28– Friday, December 29 Loghan Phetsadasack, John Reynolds

Mass Intentions Monday, December 25 Feast of the Nativity (Christmas) 8:00 am Mary Virginia Kupinski 10:30am Leroy “ Peanuts” Benvenuto Tuesday, December 26 8:15 am Richard Horton Wednesday, December 27 8:15 am Joyce Fitzgerald (S.I.) Thursday, December 28 8:15 am Jennifer Faifer Friday, December 29 8:15 am Larry & Josie Schmidt Saturday, December 30 4:30 pm Rich & Mary Vojas Sunday, December 31 8:00 am Josephine Wondolowski 10:30 am Javiar Juarez *SI– Special Intention for the Living

ZIGGY’S QUESTION: DO YOU BELIEVE that God expects you and I to be a saint? ZIGGY’S INSIGHT: NOTICE that “ saint” has a small ‘s.’ This describes you and me to be people who are TRYING to be close to God on a daily basis. When we arrive in heaven we will truly be a Saint forever! So, strive daily to follow Jesus Christ, howev-er weak we all are. God forgives ALL if we ask of Him in Recon-ciliation. This sacrament brings us to Sainthood!

Parish Office Holiday Schedule

The Parish Office is closed on Monday, December 25, Fri-day, December 29 and Mon-day, January 1 for the holi-days.

From the Desk Of Fr. John

Merry Christmas! The time of preparation is complete…now the festivities and the cele-bration of the Great Feast of the Nativity of Christ. May the Lord bless each of you and your families with joy and peace through this whole season. Christ came to save us all. The Angels brought the good news and the joyful announcement of the birth of the savior…the song of the angels we sing each Sunday… ‘Glory to God in the High-est.’ May our lives reflect our faith and joy to all the world! The seasons of Advent and Christmas come together in rapid succession this year with Christmas following upon the 4

th Sunday of

Advent in just hours…Christmas Eve is Sunday evening…and Christmas Day is Monday morning! With the juxtaposition of preparation and celebration, our heads are kind of spinning…but the same mystery is being celebrated…the Incarnation of the Son of God. Only two of the Synoptic Gospels (Luke and Mat-thew) give us what we call the ‘Infancy Narra-tives.’ They each set the stage for the unfolding of the mystery of God sending His only Son born of the Virgin Mary. The rest of the Gospels tell us of the very life of Jesus and His active ministry. The point of all of the Gospels is the reality that Jesus is the very Son of God…who took on hu-man flesh as fully man and fully God. This past Sunday’s Gospel tells us about how John the Baptist was fulfilling his role in pre-paring the way of the Lord. John was ques-tioned by messengers who had been sent by the religious elite in Jerusalem. They had their own preconceived ideas about who and what the Messiah/Christ would be like. They were not open to what John was proclaiming or the sur-prise God had in store for the whole world. John was very clear and very humble…he an-swered them by denying that he was the Messi-ah/Christ and pointed to ‘One among you whom you do not recognize.’ John prepared the way…but the listeners had to be open to the message. We often are called to be like John preparing the way for others to come to faith in Jesus. Some-

times it is an easy journey and other times much patience is required. We are to be missionary disciples who are committed and ready to share our faith. This last Sunday of Advent is the immediate preparation for the great Feast. We listen to the Gospel of Luke who brings us the Annuncia-tion by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. The child to be conceived will be conceived by the Holy Spirit…uniquely God’s Son. As our later Creed professed during the Mass explains… ‘The only begotten Son of God…God from God…Light from Light…true God from true God’. The Gospel gives us the clear message about Jesus…His name, His mission, His nature, His origin. The Virgin Mary will be the instrument through which this great gift of the redeemer and savior will come. Mary is humble and open to the invitation…she is perfectly obedient… ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord, May it be done to me according to your word.’ Within her was con-ceived the ‘Word’ of God. She became the conduit for the Word to become Flesh. She became the first disciple and missionary to bring the whole world this gift. Now it is our turn…to be open to recognize and receive the gift of God’s only Son…and share that gift with the world out of love of God and oth-ers. Congratulations and thanks…to all the chil-

dren, families, staff and many volunteers who

helped with the ‘Journey to Bethlehem.’ We

all had a chance to witness our faith by being

open to others and witnessing what we believe.

May the Lord bless our efforts and touch many

lives…including our own!

Please pray for the fol-lowing men and wom-en who are serving in

our armed forces:

Stewardship: A Way of Life - Prayer & Service

Remember In Your Prayers

Ann Van Dyke Pat Burg Joe Giacoletto Bob Bigham Ed Ruef Brian Holmer Estelle Rangle Kendra Adams Vicky, Lori, & Melissa Dennis Pratt Kaitlyn Fischer Cheryl Grieves Judi Schutzenhofer Jay Heimann The Ferguson Family The Barry & Kelly Shaffer Family Brad Vacca Carol Barrineau Ann Boulch Mike Finley Raymond Tilden Erin McLean Brandon Schwertman Mary Jane Fries Caritas Rose Grace Moore Bruce Kuck Robert Reeves MaKenna Wright Anthony Boron Hattie Lance Randy & Rodney Dominick Deborah Wetherall Liz Sanchez-Setzer Rich Schutzenhofer Frances Leveling

Maj Matthew Derfler Army MSgt Glen Davis Air Force Cpl Larry Tyler Marine Corps MSgt Adam Mercer Air Force SSgt Britt M. Sherman Army Capt Michael A. Shah Army Capt Jacob Lewis Marine Corps Lcpl Juan A. Gonzales Marine Corps Pvt Monica Gonzalez Army Fc3 Matthew Wehmeyer Navy Lcpl Michael I. Guide Marine Corps SSgt Daniel Husbands Air Force MSgt Hugh Weise Marine Corps Lt Joshua A. Reeder Navy Pfc Gary Voegtle Army Maj Michael W. Meyer, Jr.

CW04 Jerry Hunter Army SSgt Ben Bohnenstiehl

Air Force

AOM Ed Clark Navy SrA Mark Kimball Air Force 2Lt Adam Fischer Marine Corps SSgt David Bednara Air Force Col Chuck Heimann Army 2Lt Scott Heimann Army AOM Jack Matthews Navy Col Ed Hulten Army CPO Edward Mahoney Navy SrA Kelly Mahoney Air Force Maj Natalie Walker Marine Corps Pvt Sam Asbury Army Sgt Daniel Manning Air Force

David Zagorski Natl Guard

LCpl Dominic Blackburn

Marine Corps

2Lt Nathen Walker Navy

FR Seth C. Popov Navy

PRAY 4 AN END 2 ABORTION!

After prayerful consideration, please return your Time and

Talent Renewal Form and Your Offertory Gift Card in the baskets in

the Gathering Space or to the parish or school office

Ss. Peter and Paul School News

Dec. 22-Jan. 2 Christmas Break Wed., Jan 3 Classes resume Fri., Jan 5 Student of the Month after Mass

Knights of Columbus

KNIGHTS KNEWS: Sat. Dec. 23 thru Wed. Dec. 27: KC Hall Closed Thurs. Dec. 28: Bingo! Noon Mexican Menu: 99-cent tacos, $2 Margaritas Queen of Hearts: Drawing 8 pm Fri. Dec. 29: Fish Fry Team #1 Sat. Dec. 30: KC Hall Closed

FORMED Remember to register at

FORMED.org Parish Code: 6BR7BZ Discover hundreds of

Catholic video programs, movies, audios and ebooks

Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School is seeking ap-plicants for the position of Principal for the 2018-19 school year. Applicants should possess a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and have a minimum of five years of classroom teaching expe-rience. Administration experience is preferred. For more information and to apply visit saintspeter-paul.org/ss-peter-paul-school-principal-

opportunity/

Breakfast to Benefit ABL

The Collinsville Knights of Columbus are sponsoring an All You Can Eat Breakfast for the benefit of A Beacon of Light Pregnan-cy Help Center (ABL) on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018 at the KC hall on Highway 157 from 9 am to 12:30 pm. Adults are $9, 6-16 are $6, and 6 and under are FREE. The Ss. Peter and Paul Pro-life Committee is sponsoring a raffle that day for a beautiful quilt and $100 cash. Tickets are availa-ble from Deacon Dr. Jim Hill 618- 344-7985, Mary Benker 618-344-5537, Colleen Cadagin 618-530-0637 and Judi Schutzenho-fer 618-344-2591.

Principal Opening

Parishioners in Need of Caregivers

A caregiver is needed starting Jan. 2, 2018 from 1pm to 6:30 pm, seven days a week. Pay is $8 per hour. Call Carol at 618-550-0878. A caregiver is needed Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 3 pm starting April 16, 2018. Training will be provided. Contact Lorie at 616-9260.

NOTICE: LEAD TESTING FOR ALL SOURCES OF SCHOOL DRINKING WATER

In compliance with Illinois SB-550 and Public Act 99-0922 we tested all sources of drinking water located in our school, gym/cafeteria, pre-school and church. The test results came back well below the limits allowed.

Expecting!!! If you’re expecting a baby either naturally or through adoption or you know some-one who is, please let us know. Your parish family would like to pray for your family as you prepare to receive the miracle of life. Please contact Kimberly Zagorski at the Parish Office 345-4343 ext. 103 or email kzagorski@saintspeter-paul.org. Your name will be added to our prayer list for expecting families in the bul-letin.

Christmas Flower Memorials

Matt Anson Earl & Lil Blair Deceased Buffo Bontempo Family Members John L. Bozzello, Jr. Sandy Capizzi James & Thears Chapman Eleanor Colombara Fred Dalton Frank & Margherita Defilippi Herbert Defilippi Joy & Don Donahue Ronnie Duba Bob Emig F. William Graham Jerry Grant Laura Helmkamp Cathy Hill The Hook Family Richard Horton Margaret Huber Alfred & Agnes Johnson Viola Kanturek Rudolph Kanturek Mr. & Mrs. Vance Kazlowski Jerry Kennedy Mary Kennedy Leo Kerkemeyer Brad Kolo Joe & Victoria Kolo Tony & Bertha Kopcych Michael & Frances Kucinick Mary S Kundrich Jacob & Robert Kupinski

(twins)

Andrew Langenstein Kristen Loosey (Hensley) Ben & Ella Loyet Hank Mahat Kenneth & Betty McAllister Connie Rae McAllister Don McMahon Donnie McMahon Wilbert & Luella Meyer Alphonse Mossa Joe & Irene Muniz Joe and Kate Ossola Irwin & Cornelia Parrill Mr. & Mrs. George “Freddy” Passmore Mr. Michael Passmore Charles Peyla Fred & Pam Pressnall Leonard Randant Mr. & Mr. Ralph Reynolds Viola Sbardelotto Nancy Schapp Harry Schenk Meka & David Skittino, Sr. Mary Skundrich Gus & Vivian Soehlke Rose & Louis Splaingard Joanne Suria Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Thornburg Richard & Mary Vojas Betty Willoughby Bob Willoughby Michael Wobbe Bud York The Zaccanti Family Joseph Albert Zagorski

Ss. Peter and Paul Parish is again giv-ing a Christmas book to each family at-tending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses. This year’s parish gift is Perfectly Yourself by Matthew Kelly. More about the book…Do you ever get the feeling that you are not enough? Not smart enough, not beautiful enough, not loved enough, not rich enough, not good enough . . . We all have these feelings from time to time, usually because we’re comparing ourselves to others. But God doesn’t compare you to anybody else. He wants to help you become the person he created you to be—perfectly yourself! In this life-changing book, Matthew Kelly ad-dresses the opportunities and obstacles we

encounter when we decide to ask life’s BIG questions: who am I? and why am I here? Newly revised with an emphasis on spir-itual growth and realizing God’s dream for your life, Perfectly Yourself is a book for anyone who has survived the collapse of a relationship, wondered if he or she would ever find a fulfilling ca-reer, or failed at a diet. Kelly teaches us how to find the balance between accept-

ing ourselves and striving to become all God dreams for us to become. This is the guide you need if you long to be at peace with who you are, where you are, and what you are doing, not in some distant tomorrow, but here and now—today!

A Gift for You and Your Family—Perfectly Yourself

Our Advent Journey...Our parish

participated in many activi-ties during our Advent Journey leading up to welcoming Jesus into our hearts on Christmas Day. They included (clockwise from top) the school Christmas program, First Reconciliation for our 2nd graders, Breakfast with Santa, our loyal church dec-orators who made our envi-ronment so beautiful, Father McGivney’s service project that provided 100 food bags of food for the needy and our Giving Tree.

The Journey to Bethlehem... More

then 400 made the journey that re-enacted Mary’s and Joseph’s travels. Grades 3-8 guided the travelers as they encountered Roman soldiers, census takers, tax collectors, merchants in the marketplace, the Wise Men, the shepherds and the angels. The journey ended with two live Nativity scenes (student and adult). This was followed by live animals and refreshments. Thanks to the students, teachers, set designers and other volunteers for this moving experience.

Welcome and Christmas Blessings to

You and Your Family

Dear Brothers and Sisters: Welcome to all and blessings to you and your family during this holy Christmas season as we recognize and feel the true depth of God’s love for us in the sending of His only son into our world. My prayer for all of you is one of gratitude for your faith and love and the spirit of community you have shown. This year we have been blessed with our new facilities that are truly more than just a building. You have responded with a renewed show of Hospitality in the weekly gatherings after Mass and the many events and activities that have reached our parishioners and the community. Someone told me that they have heard people saying: “Our parish is truly alive.” I know that we will continue in this renewed spirit of discipleship. You have started more than a dozen ministries in the past year that focus not only on Hospitality, but also on Prayer, Formation and Service. All of this is the grateful response of a disciple—one who follows Jesus and embraces a new way of life built upon developing a personal relationship with Him through prayer, hospitality, and service. I thank you for your ongoing support and generosity to our parish with your time, talents and treasure. As you entered church, you received our parish gift to our parish and visiting families—the Matthew Kelly book “Perfectly Yours,” which can help you become the person God created you to be. At all times of the year, but especially during this season, we can reflect on the fact that we…and every person in the world…are loved unconditionally by God. May you treasure this in your heart…and receive and share the peace of Christmas. Peace,

Father John