THE VOICE OF ADVENT    This voice has often been heard since the beginning of mankind. It is a voice that spoke "of old to our fathers in many and various ways ... by the prophets" (Hebrews 1:1, RSVC). But today it speaks with the accent of the greatest of the prophets, John the Baptist, the immediate herald of the One who comes. It is above all a voice of hope for those who look to God for salvation. At the same time, it is a voice that warns the wicked  whom it calls a "brood of vipers," and it is a voice that "cries in the wilderness." The world was a garden when God originally put man in it. Willfulness drove man out into the wilderness, but not into hopelessness, since the Voice of Advent "cries in the wilderness." Yet man will find despair if he persists in trying to make a godless garden out of the wilderness. Rather,  he should listen to the Voice which says, "Behold the Lamb of God who comes to take away the sins of the world."

   ADVENT PRAYER

O Jesus, in an empty desert your prophet John proclaimed that God is here, at your side. God has come to bring about a kingdom where injustice and suffering will be no more, where tears will be wiped away, and where those who turn to God will feast at a banquet.

  "Turn now, your God is standing at your side. Reform your lives, God's kingdom is at hand." In an empty desert John said these things. O King of all nations, Jesus Christ,only joy of every heart,come and save your people. 

Remember,  the priests are here for you. Call us or stop by.  On Sunday, December 16^th at 6:00 P.M. we will have a Reconciliation Evening.  You will have a chance for confession.  Several priests will be available. Let it be the night of a true and real reconciliation with others, with ourselves, and with God.  Reconciliation is a very powerful sacrament.  We also ask  you to please let us know of  anyone in our parish who is ill. We will be happy to visit our sick parishioners.

H.S.A. Announcement  To all the parishioners who helped and supported "Breakfast with Santa," THANK YOU VERY MUCH! We truly appreciate all you do. Just a reminder: If you haven't yet picked up your pictures, please do so this week. They will be available at the school Mon.- Fri. 8:00 A.M. -2:00 P.M.

ARCHDIOCESE ON THE RADIO

Don't miss Catholic Radio programming each weeknight from 9 - 9 :30 P.M. on   AM - 1160 WYLL !

Voice of St. Jerome Parish, each Saturday morning from 10 - 10:30 A.M. on 750 AM (W N DZ).  

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

Thursday, December 13,  Adoration 7-9 P.M. and during Adoration  anointing of the sick

Sunday, December 16, 7 P.M. Evening of Reconciliation

ST JEROME SCHOOL Toy Drive ( till Dec 20^th 2001). Please drop off all new toys at the school office. Thank you!

ST. JEROME SCHOOL Christmas show Wednesday, December 19^TH.

ADORATION AND ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Every Thursday from 7- 9 P.M. we have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  This coming Thursday, December 13, during Adoration, the Sacrament of the Sick will be administered.  All those who are ill should come to this special service to receive the grace of this sacrament which will be administered at 8 P.M.

TV PROGRAM ON  HEALING AND  PRAYER  Most of us or someone we love will face a serious illness.  Many Americans believe that prayer can help people recover.  A&E Investigative Reports: Healing and Prayer: Power or Placebo, (Paulist Productions) examines this issue on Monday, December 17, 10-11 P.M. (Check local listing.)

Second Collection this Weekend: Retirement Fund for the Religious  (Archdiocese of Chicago)

Thought of the Week

"Belief is a truth held in the mind. Faith is a fire in the heart."