Pilgrim Virgin Statue

The Pilgrim Virgin Our Lady of Fatima statue has been at St. Dennis for over 15 years. The intent of this devotion is for the statue to travel from home to home 1 week at a time. Invite your family or friends to say the rosary, or just enjoy her presence. We still need Our Ladys intercession to save the world from destruction. This devotion will bring blessings to all who participate. The sign-up book is by her statue in the Narthex. Please sign up for a week. We can change the world through her holy and blessed intercession. Queen of Peace Prayer Group NEED TO TALK? Need someone to talk to? Someone to listen? Life can be overwhelming and difficult, but Hands of Hope Counseling Services, a program of Catholic Charities can help! Hands of Hope offers confidential, convenient and affordable professional assistance. Appointments are scheduled based on your availability in our offices located in Lombard, Joliet, Morris, Bourbonnais and surrounding areas. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call 800-240-7011.

January 1, 2012
OPEN HOUSE Sunday January 29, 2012 12:30pm2:00pm. 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 Smart Boards in the faith-filled environment where our students Make Time for Jesus every day. Families with children eligible for Preschool and Kindergarten during the 2012-13 school year are also invited to an Open House in the Early Learning Center on Monday, January 30, 2012 from 8:30am9:30am Children are welcome and activities will be provided. We look forward to seeing you! Cheers for Volunteers In gratitude of your gifts of time and talent to St. Dennis School, we gratefully acknowledge and salute our volunteers. We invite parishioners and parents who have volunteered to join us in the Narthex at 8:15am on Friday, February 3rd for a special Thank You Breakfast before the 9:30am Mass. As volunteers you have donated countless hours of hard work, dedication, and devotion to St. Dennis School, we hope you join us in this celebration during Catholic Schools Week. The St. Dennis Council of Catholic Women sincerely thanks all those who supported our Christmas raffle. New members are always welcome. Suzy Balicki, President Winners are: $500 Carol Cargle, $200 Janet Mueller, $100 Julie Bialas
WANTED: The Upper Room support and crisis hotline needs volunteers to handle calls from priests, deacons, and men religious who call for support or referrals. Do you have 4/6 hours a week to return to them all the help theyve given you and your family through the years? If so, please sign up for the training class to begin Feb 7th at the University of St. Francis. Classes ,held every Tues. and Thurs., 6:30 9:30 Please register for the class by calling 815-727-4367, OR, 815-341-9124.

Octave Day of The Nativity

Solemnity of Mary

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.
Dear Family, At the stroke of midnight, December 31st we joined millions of people throughout the world by wishing friends and loved ones a Happy New Year. In 2012, I am looking forward to all of you experiencing more signs, wonders and miracles. I dont know why, but the date of 12-12-12 is strong in my mind with thoughts of the 12 Apostles, the 12 days of Christmas and the 12 reasons why I am so thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ for the incredible blessings he has given me in our parish. I want this year to be the year where the light of Christ burns brightly in our hearts, homes and church. What does the light of Christ look like in 2012? Through prayer and fasting we know the light will bring with it true peace of heart. It brings to us an avalanche of Jesus love and helps our relationships to be in balance, full of intimacy and real joy. May 2012 bring you your hearts desire, the desire of Jesus within you. Happy New Year! You are loved. Father Jim

SACRAMENTS
Reconciliation: Sat. 3:30-4:15 pm or Appt. Baptism Please call 815 838-2592 ext.123 to register and complete a Baptismal Request form. Marriage Please call 815 838-2592 ext.123 to Register, at least six months in advance.

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.

St. Dennis Rosary Ministry Rosaries for Healing

f 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 815 560-2468 or Mary 815 8382592 for more info. We also repair rosaries at no charge. Check out our Ministry on the St. Dennis Website.

NEW YEAR BLESSINGS TO ALL!

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!

Healing Prayer
Lorrie Murphy 708 301-5107 murphyfisch@comcast.net

Greetings from Fr Justin: Merry Christmas to Fr. Jim, Fr. Thomson & my family of St. Dennis. I send my love to you this Christmas. I miss you & continue to pray for you. If you would like to contact me, my address is: Fr. Justin Dike at Holy Ghost Juniorate P.O. Box 5 Ihaila.Anambra State Nigeria or by email at LockportJustin@yahoo.com

Bulletin Editor
Kim Cast castaways@ameritech.net

Carillon/Bell Tower/Clock Repair

Ring the Bells of Christmas, the Carillon has been repaired! Thank you to the 8 generous parishioners who contributed $5100. We are still seeking donations to help pay the $2500 balance of our bill. If you would like to donate in memoriam, Contact Ron Strahanoski at the parish office at 838-2592.

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 31 4:30pm Helen Kijowski by Rose Dziuban, In thanksgiving for 40th Wedding Anniversary of Gregory & Rita Marie Sulgit

January 1, 2012

Friday, January 6 7:15 am St. Dennis Parish Family 3:30 pm Holy Hour 4:30 pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Saturday, January 7 4:30pm Patricia Zimny by granddaughter Kaitlynn
Zimny, Chuck Pastore by Ruthie, Melanie & Mario

SAVE THE DATE

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. ALL volunteers 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. Word Alive Bible Study: Thursdays, 10-11:30 am in the Stalzer Room. It is open to all adult parishioners and friends who wish to gather for a time of prayer, input and discussion. Our next sessions are Jan 5, 12, 26. For more info or to register, call Sr. Joanne at 815 838 2592 X 110 Holy Hour & Eucharistic Adoration Join us Friday, January 6th for Holy Hour from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. and the great blessing of the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in our church from 4:30 pm until Midnight. The Blessed Sacrament, exposed in the Monstrance, brings Jesus very close to us. All are welcome to come and pray 1st Reconciliation & 1st Communion Prep. Parents of children who wish to receive these sacraments this spring must register their child. 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, on the web at www.saint-dennis.org or call Jackie at 838-2592 x 113. Senior Luncheon is set for Thursday, Jan 19th, at noon in the Parish Center. Join us for a catered luncheon followed by the program Remember When, music to bring back memories with parishioner Ken Burza. Please call the parish office at 838-2592 x 0, for a reservation by Jan 16th. Cost is $7 payable at the door. Divorce Care & Beyond: Divorce Care & Beyond, a confidential support group sensitive to the painful experience of divorce, will begin Feb. 9 at 6:30 pm in the Rectory if we have at least 10 participants. Contact the Parish Office to register 815-838-2592. Past participants are welcome.

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE
Dec.24/25 Collection (283* envelopes) ....... $ 10,336 Weekly Auto Debit (99) ......... 2,815 Monthly Auto Debit-weekly aver. 130) ...... 3,242 Total .. $16,393
* $654 loose cash

Sunday, January 1, 2012 The Octave Day of the Nativity of The Lord Solemnity of Mary 7:30am Marian Murphy by Pastore family,
Chuck Pastore by Mr. & Mrs. Robert Devine 9:15am Stan Jungles by Bruce & Carol Pierson, Raymond Cabay, Anniversary of Death by Ellie, Ray & Mary Jakubowski by family, Josephine Cleveland, Birthday Remembrance by Lorrie 11:00 am Jim Frelichowski by Trish Surman

Sunday, January 8 The Epiphany of the Lord 7:30am John Kausak by wife Marie & family, Stan
Jungles by Mary Kay Tierney, Chuck Pastore by Dean & Robin Morelli 9:15am Matt Fisch, Birthday Remembrance by children, Jerry Springer, Birthday Remembrance by family, Ray & Mary Jakubowski by family, Helen Morowczynski by Jones family 11:00 am James Frelichowski by Mr. & Mrs. Matt Andrysiak, Mariellen Kehlenbach & Norma Resler by Joe & family Catholicism-Journey Deep Into the Faith: Mon. Jan. 9th 7pm in the Narthex.
All adults welcome for 10 week faith formation program. Discover rich heritage of the Catholic Church in an epic media experience. Word on Fire Catholic Ministries offers a vision of the Catholic Faith, which has never before been seen. This vision seeks to explore, through a global journey, the living culture of the Church. From the lands of the Bible, to the great shrines of Europe, to the shores and heartland of America, to the mysteries of Asia, to the rich landscapes of Latin America, to the beating heart of Africa and beyond, witness the passion and glory of the faith that claims over a billion of the earths people as its own. This magnificent television event is hosted by Fr. Robert Barron. Call 815-838-2592 x 0 to register, you may join us for one or more sessions.

Weekly Operating Expenses $ 19,217 Christmas Collection (387* envelopes) ...... $ 21,148 THANK YOU!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!! 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 The Parish Office will be closed Dec. 22 to Jan. 4 for Christmas & New Years. Phone messages will be checked periodically. Have a Blessed 2012!
Second Collection: There will be a second collection for Solemnity of Mary and Debt Reduction & Improvements. Thank you for your generous donations.

Monday, January 2 7:15am .David Eichhorn by loving family,

Stan Jungles by Jim Tierney 12:30 pm Rosary

Tuesday, January 3 7:15am Neil Strother & Anne Pierson by Jeff &
Donna Strother, Donna Tierney by Jim & family

Wednesday, January 4 7:15 am Gene Handzik, Birthday Remembrance by

family, Deceased Members of the Charles Konicek family by Verna

Thursday, January 5 7:15 am Chuck Pastore by Patrick & Denise

Rumchak, Willie Tierney, Anniversary of Death by Jim & family

Please pray for those who have entered into Eternal Life especially for Members of The St. Dennis Parish Family
Readings for the Week: Readings-- Today: Nm 6:22-27, Gal 4:4-7, Lk 2: 1621 Mon:1 Jn 2:22-28, Jn 1:19-28 Tues: 1 Jn 32:29-3:6, Jn 1 :29-34 Wed: 1 Jn 3:7-10, Jn 1:35-42 Thurs: 1 Jn 3: 11-21, Jn 1:43-51 Fri: 1 Jn 5:5-13, Mk 1: 7-11 Sat: 1 Jn 5: 14-21, Jn 2: 1-11 Sun: Is 60:1-6, Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6, Mt 2: 1-12
Today's Solemnity reminds us Mary is the Mother of God, she gave birth to Jesus, Son of God and Prince of Peace. Lets renew our commitment as Good Stewards to foster peace in our homes, local communities and work place.. We must do our part for a more peaceful world.

When: Tuesday Nights @ 6:30 pm Jan 10th Apr 3rd St. Dennis Narthex Cost: $100.00 Per Family FREE preview - Tues. Jan 3rd @ 6:30 pm, Narthex Contact: Dave Mayer 630-802-1821
DavidMayer114@Gmail.com

BAPTISMS
Sloane Siobhan McCarter

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 registered, please 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.saintdennis.org under Faith Formation, Sacramental Preparation. Call 815-838-2592 x 0 if you have questions.

This Week the Flame of Faith will burn in Memory of .

Willie Tierney, Anniversary of Death by Jim & family

Lockport Lions Club 27th ANNUAL SPAGHETTI SUPPER

Sat., Jan. 28th in Parish Center. 4:30-7pm, carry outs avail. Adult tickets $8, Children 12 and under $5. All are welcome to attend!

Please pray for those who are sick or suffering especially

Dean Morelli, Jackie Clark, Raymond Karstens

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!