December 2023

Merry Christmas

People in the United States are fascinated by the song “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Every year it’s played over and over again on the radio. It’s googled countless times. And it’s often listed as one of the top Christmas songs. You’re probably well familiar with the song, but do you know the Catholic roots? What are the 12 Days of Christmas? While secular culture begins Christmas after Thanksgiving (and sometimes even earlier!), for Catholics the Christmas season doesn’t begin until Christmas Eve. The time of preparation before Christmas is called Advent. Catholics celebrate the Christmas season from Jesus’ birth, Read More»

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SIMBANG GABI (Night Mass)

The Filipino community in Palos Hills is inviting all parishioners to join us on December 18, 2023—Monday at 7:00pm to celebrate the fourth night novena of Simbang Gabi here at Sacred Heart Parish. Simbang Gabi is a Filipino Catholic Tradition consisting of nine nights Novena in preparation for the coming of our Lord Jesus. There will be eight other churches in the Southwest suburbs participating in this Novena. This year’s Novena will focus on Eucharistic Revival with the overall Theme: GROWING IN LOVE FOR THE EUCHARIST. Each night, the parishes listed below will honor a saint who had a particular Read More»

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3rd Sunday of Advent – JOY

Rose is the liturgical color for the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday (from the Latin word meaning “rejoice ye”, the first word of the introit of this Sunday); it is a pause in the penitential spirit of Advent. As such, the third candle, representing joy, is often a different color from the other three. Read More»

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2nd Sunday of Advent – PEACE

.. Peace Heavenly Father, You are the God who gives peace. This second week of Advent causes us to remember that because of Jesus we can experience a Christmas free from turmoil and chaos. Regardless of our circumstances or our situations, you offer us peace that passes understanding. Read More»

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20 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were Roman Catholic

Religion is one of the most controversial, powerful, and meaningful aspects of life for people all around the world. As science and social media have allowed more people to access information, it seems that the strength of organized religion is lessening with each passing day. This is especially true in liberal circles, like the entertainment industry. These types of people are often the most vocal about their beliefs, which rarely include adherence to traditional religious practices. This does not mean that religion has disappeared completely among actors, musicians, and other celebrities. In fact, there are still many celebrities who not Read More»

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1st week of Advent is HOPE, “The Advent season is a time of preparation …

 that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36).“ Read More»

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