Simbang Gabi

Day 1 – What should we do?

The followers of St. John the Baptist ask this question. The response is to change the way we live. What is it in our lives that needs to change so we can follow Christ more faithfully? Pray for the grace of conversion and a willingness to respond wholeheartedly to turn away from sin.

3 p.m.

• St. Brigid/OL Humility, 10655 Wadsworth Rd; Beach Park
  847.872.8778

4 p.m.

• St. Helen, 2315 W Augusta Blvd; Chicago
  773.235.3578

• St. Peter & St. Lambert, (St. Peter Chapel) 8116 Niles Center Rd; Skokie
  847.912.1138

• Holy Archangels Parish, 729 Grand Canyon St; Hoffman Estates (at St. Hubert Church)
  847.885.7700

5 p.m.

• St. Francis of Assisi, 15050 Wolf Rd; Orland Park
  708.460.0042

• Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W Chase Ave; Chicago
  773.764.0615

• St. Ferdinand, 5900 W Barry Ave; Chicago
  773.622.5900

6 p.m.

• St. John Brebeuf, 8305 N Harlem Ave; Niles
  847.966.8145

7 p.m.

• St. Gilbert, 301 E Belvidere Rd; Grayslake
  847.223.4731

8 p.m.

• Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave; Des Plaines
  847.824.2026

SAMPLE GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Presider: God sent John the Baptist to remind the people of their need to change their way of life.  In prayer, let us ask God the Father to help us attain genuine conversion.

Lector:

1. That the Holy Father and the bishops of the Church may inspire people to trust in God amidst life’s difficulties. We pray to the Lord.

2. That those who are struggling in their faith may experience and recognize God working in their lives. We pray to the Lord.

3. That parents and teachers may pass on the faith to the young people of our time by their witness and examples. We pray to the Lord.

4. That the sick may share in the hope and joy of the Advent season. We pray to the Lord.

5. That the dead may enjoy their eternal reward in heaven. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: God our Father, during this time of novena, help us follow the example of St. John the Baptist. May we make straight the path that will lead all people to follow you more faithfully. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 2 – By what authority are you doing these things?

Jesus’ enemies ask him this question. They are unable to answer. Have we accepted Jesus as Lord—the supreme authority that dictates and guides

6:30 a.m.

• St. Peter & St. Lambert, (St. Peter Chapel) 8116 Niles Center Rd; Skokie
  847.912.1138

7 p.m.

• Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W Chase Ave; Chicago
  773.764.0615

• St. John Brebeuf, 8305 N Harlem Ave; Niles
  847.966.8145

• Most Blessed Trinity, (IC) 508 Grand Ave; Waukegan
  847.623.2655

• St. Gerald, 9310 S 55th Ct; Oak Lawn
  708.422.0234

• St. Ferdinand, 5900 W Barry Ave; Chicago
  773.622.5900

8 p.m.

• Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave; Des Plaines
  847.824.2026

SAMPLE GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Presider: In prayer, we now approach God the Father who has power and authority over all things and unload the burden that weigh us down.

Lector:

1. That those who exercise authority in the Church may be filled with gentleness, humility, and love. We pray to the Lord.

2. That those who are in authority may be guided in making decisions by wisdom based on love, justice, and truth. We pray to the Lord.

3. That all may seek more to love and be loved rather than create an atmosphere of repression and fear. We pray to the Lord.

4. That the sick may find healing and consolation through God’s Word and the sacraments. We pray to the Lord.

5. That the dead may be brought safely home in heaven. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: Heavenly Father, we rejoice in your abundant love for us. Establish your authority within us and be our companion on the road of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 3 – 14 Generations

In Scripture, the number 7 is a symbol of completeness. When Matthew uses the number 14 in the genealogy of Jesus, he is pointing to Jesus as the extreme fullness of God’s promise to be the Savior of His People. What have we trusted in more than God to be the answer to all our hopes and desires? The coming of Jesus calls us to believe that God alone is the fulfillment of our deepest longings.

6:30 a.m.

• St. Peter & St. Lambert, (St. Peter Chapel) 8116 Niles Center Rd; Skokie
  847.912.1138

5 p.m.

• St. Fabian, 7450 W 83rd St; Bridgeview
  708.599.1110

6 p.m.

• St. Mary of the Lake, 4220 N Sheridan Rd; Chicago
  773.280.7700

6:30 p.m.

• OL Mt Carmel, 708 W Belmont Ave; Chicago
  773.249.7080
  Bishop Bartosic

7 p.m.

• Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W Chase Ave; Chicago
  773.764.0615

• St. John Brebeuf, 8305 N Harlem Ave; Niles
  847.966.8145

• Queen of Apostles, 2330 W. Sunnyside St; Chicago
  773.539.7510

• St. Raphael the Archangel, 40000 N U Hwy 45; Old Mill Creek
  847.395.3474

• Queen of Apostles, 2330 W Wunnyside St; Chicago
  773.539.7510

• St. Raphael the Archangel, 40000 N U Hwy 45; Old Mill Creek
  847.395.3474

• St. Ferdinand, 5900 W Barry Ave; Chicago
  773.622.5900

8 p.m.

• Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave; Des Plaines
  847.824.2026

SAMPLE GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Presider: As a frail and weak people, we bring our petitions before our heavenly Father who, in his mercy and love, wants us to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth.

Lector: 

1. That our pastors may follow God’s will and seek the good of all especially the poor and the less privileged.  We pray to the Lord.

2. That as a community, we may recognize the goodness in each other, show charity to all we meet and refrain from judging or condemning the wayward.  We pray to the Lord.

3. That those who have lost their way and are feeling the pain of loneliness, anxiety, and rejection may find hope in the mercy and love of God.  We pray to the Lord.

4. That the sick, the homebound, and those who are suffering may be encouraged and strengthened by the knowledge of God’s love for them.  We pray to the Lord.

5. That those who have died may be forgiven of their sins and rest in the peace of heaven forever.  We pray to the Lord.

Presider: Heavenly Father, may the power of your love always sustain us.  Help us not to get distracted by the cares of the world and not to be overcome by the evil in our lives.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Day 4 – God is with us

The meaning of Jesus’ name is significant. It means “God saves.” Jesus is Emmanuel—“God is with us.” Can we witness to the moments when we knew very clearly that God was right by our side? Let us share those stories with those who need to know that God remains with them.

6:30 a.m.

• St. Peter & St. Lambert, (St. Peter Chapel) 8116 Niles Center Rd; Skokie
  847.912.1138

7 p.m.

• St. Joseph the Worker, 181 W Dundee; Wheeling
  847.537.2740

• Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W Chase Ave; Chicago
  773.764.0615

• St. Veronica, 1120 Douglas Ave; Flossmoor
  708.799.5400

• St. Mary of the Annunciation, 22333 W Erhart Rd; Mundelein
  847.223.0010

• St. John Brebeuf, 8305 N Harlem Ave; Niles
  847.966.8145

• St. Ferdinand, 5900 W Barry Ave; Chicago
  773.622.5900

8 p.m.

• Mary, Mother of Martyrs, (St. Mary) 1280 Prospect Ave, Des Plaines
  847.824.2026

SAMPLE GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Presider: In union with St. Joseph, the man of great faith, let us make our prayers together as God’s family, to the true Father of all.

Lector: 

1. That our spiritual fathers may, like St. Joseph, mirror God’s love by their fatherly care.  We pray to the Lord.

2. That government officials, like St. Joseph, may be sensitive and discerning of God’s plan as it unfolds in the day to day events of life.  We pray to the Lord.

3. That fathers may show special love and concern for their families through their diligence and edifying life.  We pray to the Lord.

4. That those who are undergoing crises in their personal and family life may have the hope and faith of St. Joseph.  We pray to the Lord.

5. That through the intercession of St. Joseph, the dying may find consolation in their last hours.  We pray to the Lord.

Presider: O Lord, help us to be united as one family under your Fatherhood.  May we always remember that you are God who is truly with us.  Help us always to be an inspiration to others of the ways you remain always with them.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Day 5 – Zechariah’s doubt

Zechariah is chosen to be the father of St. John the Baptist. But he doubts that God can make it happen given the old age of both him and his wife Elizabeth. What makes us doubt that God can do the impossible? Pray for the grace to live in faith rather than in doubt.

6:30 a.m.

• St. Peter & St. Lambert, (St. Peter Chapel) 8116 Niles Center Rd; Skokie
  847.912.1138

7 p.m.

• Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W Chase Ave; Chicago
  773.764.0615

• Old St. Mary, 1500 S Michigan Ave; Chicago
  312.922.3444

• St. John Brebeuf, 8305 N Harlem Ave; Niles
  847.966.8145

• St. Damian, 5250 155th St; Oak Forest
  708-687-1370

• St. Mary of Vernon, 256 US - 45; Indian Creek
  847.362.1005

8 p.m.

• Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave; Des Plaines
  847.824.2026

• St. Ferdinand, 5900 W Barry Ave; Chicago
  773.622.5900

SAMPLE GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Presider: God is never outdone in generosity. In due time, He will grant the aspirations of His people.  In confidence, we implore Him.

Lector: That even in the midst of uncertainties, we may continue to trust in the Lord.  We pray to the Lord.

1. That like Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents may welcome children with love and responsibility.  We pray to the Lord.

2. That there may be many young people who will generously respond to the call to the priestly and religious life.  We pray to the Lord.

3. That the Lord may heal the sick and bring comfort to the dying.  We pray to the Lord.

4. That our departed loved ones may be welcomed into the joy of God’s kingdom.  We pray to the Lord.

Presider: Lord, fill us with your Spirit that we may welcome our Savior with joy and gladness.  Guide us through the doubts we experience to know that you alone can make the impossible possible.  Through Christ our Lord.

Day 6 – Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord

Mary’s statement of faith has echoed throughout the whole history of Christ’s Church. She is brave when others lived in fear. She believes when others express doubt. How inspired have we been by Mary’s complete trust in God? Ask her once more to help strengthen our weak faith.

6:30 a.m.

• St. Peter & St. Lambert, (St. Peter Chapel) 8116 Niles Center Rd; Skokie
  847.912.1138

5 p.m.

• Out Lady of Ransom, 8634 W Normal Ave; Niles
  847.826.2550

6 p.m.

• St. Padre Pio, 5601 N California Ave; Chicago
  773.561.3474

• St. Zachary, 567 Algonquin Rd; Des Plaines
  847.956.7020

6:30 p.m.

• St. Odilo, 2244 East Ave; Berwyn
  708.484.2161

7 p.m.

• Prince of Peace, 135 S Milwaukee Ave; Lake Villa
  847.356.7915

• Mary Undoer of Knots, (St Robert) 4646 N Austin Ave; Chicago
  773.777.2666

• Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W Chase Ave; Chicago
  773.764.0615

• All Saints, (St. Martha) 8523 Georgiana Ave; Morton Grove
  847.967.1060

• St. John Brebeuf, 8305 N Harlem Ave; Niles
  847.966.8145

• St. George, 6707 175th St; Tinley Park
  708.532.2243

• Mary, Mother of God, (St. Ita) 5500 N Broadway; Chicago
  773.561.5343

• St. Catherine Laboure, 3535 Thornwood Ave; Glenview
  847.729.1414

• St. Ferdinand, 5900 W Barry Ave; Chicago
  773.622.5900

8 p.m.

• Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave; Des Plaines
  847.824.2026

SAMPLE GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Presider: Let us pray that we may be able to follow the example of Mary who is humble, full of faith, and always ready to do the Lord’s will.

Lector: 

1. That we, as God’s People, advance in our faith journey with the guidance and teachings of our pastors.  We pray to the Lord.

2. That our government officials promote peace and seek the wellbeing of their citizens.  We pray to the Lord.

3. That young people be firm in their faith, generous in their love, and steadfast in their hope.  We pray to the Lord.

4. That the sick may never lose their faith and trust in Gods’ power to heal.  We pray to the Lord.

5. That the dead who responded to God’s invitation share in the joy of the Master’s table.  We pray to the Lord.

Presider: Father, your eternal Word was made man when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. May we follow her example in preparing for the coming of Our Savior.  Through Christ, our Lord.

Day 7 – Blessed is the fruit of your womb

The words of St. Elizabeth remind us of the presence of God made real in the womb of the Virgin Mary. The Eucharist makes real the very presence of Jesus. Do we believe that Jesus’ presence is real—in the Eucharist and in us? Renew our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus.

8:15 a.m.

• St. Peter & St. Lambert, (St. Peter Chapel) 8116 Niles Center Rd; Skokie
  847.912.1138

4 p.m.

• Bl Miguel Pro, (St. Leonard) 3318 Clarence Ave; Berwyn
  708.484.0015

• St. Andrew, 3546 N Paulina St; Chicago
  773.525.3016

4:30 p.m.

• St. Edward, 4350 W Sunnyside Ave; Chicago
  773.545.6496

• Mary, Mother of God - St. Gregory the Great, 5545 N. Paulina St; Chicago
  773.561.3546

5 p.m.

• St. Mother Theodore Guerin, (St. Celestine) 3020 N 76th Ct; Elmwood Park
  773.517.3812

• Blessed Carlo Acutis, (St. Hedwig) 2226 N Hoyne Ave; Chicago
  773.486.1660

• Santa Maria Del Popolo, 40 N Seymour Ave; Mundelein
  847.949.8300

• St. Gregory of Nyssa, (St. Marcelline) 822 Springinsguth Rd; Schaumburg
  847.882.7580

• Holy Family, 2515 W Palatine Rd; Inverness
  847.359.0042

• St. John Brebeuf, 8305 N Harlem Ave; Niles
  847.966.8145

6 p.m.

• St. Mary Frances of the 5 Wounds, (St. Mary of Celle) 1428 S. Wesley Ave; Berwyn
  708.788.0876

7 p.m.

• Queen of All Saints, 6280 N Sauganash Ave; Chicago
  773.736.6060

• Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N State St; Chicago
  312.787.8040

• St. Vincent Ferrer, 1530 Jackson Ave; River Forest
  708.453.6766

• St. Albert the Great, 8000 Lindr Ave; Burbank
  708.423.321

7:45 p.m.

• Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W Chase Ave; Chicago
  773.764.0615

SAMPLE GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Presider: Elizabeth was honored by the visit from the Mother of her Lord. But, Mary only wished to share her joy. Let us bring our prayers to the Father who cherished these chosen women.   

Lector: 

1. That the Church be zealous in spreading the Good News of salvation to all people especially to those in far-flung areas.  We pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders show special concern for the poor and the marginalized by their programs and services. We pray to the Lord.

3. That families and communities show gratitude for their individual and communal blessings. We pray to the Lord.

4. That, like Mary, we may strive to reach out to our neighbors who are in dire need of our material and spiritual assistance. We pray to the Lord.

5. That our beloved dead experience the joy of God’s presence in His Kingdom. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: God our Father, you manifest your presence among us in the generosity of our brothers and sisters. May we continue to make your love real in the world through our lives of service. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 8 – The infant in my womb leaped for joy

The presence of the unborn Savior moved St. John the Baptist to respond with joy even while in the womb of St. Elizabeth. The promised coming of Jesus should move us to respond with the same joy. What prevents us from experiencing the joy of being in the presence of God—pain, sorrow, challenges, past sin? Be prepared to be filled with the joy of God’s coming.

7 a.m.

• St. Peter & St. Lambert, (St. Peter Chapel) 8116 Niles Center Rd; Skokie
  847.912.1138

3 p.m.

• St. Peter Damian, 131 S Crest Ave; Bartlett
  630.837.5411

3:30 p.m.

• St. Monica & St. Rosalie, (St. Monica) 5136 N Nottingham Ave; Chicago
  773.763.1661

4:30 p.m.

• St. Michael, 14327 Highland Ave; Orland Park
  708.349.0903

5 p.m.

• St. Paul the Apostle, 6401 Gages Lake Rd; Gurnee
  847.918.0600
  Cardinal Cupich

• Queen of Peace, (OLMC) 8747 W Lawrence Ave; Chicago
  773.775.6659

• Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W Chase Ave; Chicago
  773.764.0615

• St. Ferdinand, 5900 W Barry Ave; Chicago
  773.622.5900

6 p.m.

• St. Benedict, 2215 W Irving Park Rd; Chicago
  773.588.6484

• St. John Brebeuf, 8305 N Harlem Ave; Niles
  847.966.8145

• Our Lady of Mercy, 4432 N Troy St; Chicago
  773.588.2620

8 p.m.

• Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave; Des Plaines
  847.824.2026

SAMPLE GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Presider: Elizabeth was honored by the visit from the Mother of her Lord. But, Mary only wished to share her joy. Let us bring our prayers to the Father who cherished these chosen women.   

Lector: 

1. That the Church be zealous in spreading the Good News of salvation to all people especially to those in far-flung areas.  We pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders show special concern for the poor and the marginalized by their programs and services. We pray to the Lord.

3. That families and communities show gratitude for their individual and communal blessings. We pray to the Lord.

4. That, like Mary, we may strive to reach out to our neighbors who are in dire need of our material and spiritual assistance. We pray to the Lord.

5. That our beloved dead experience the joy of God’s presence in His Kingdom. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: God our Father, you manifest your presence among us in the generosity of our brothers and sisters. May we continue to make your love real in the world through our lives of service. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 9 – What, then, will this child be?

St. John the Baptist will grow to be the one who prepares the way of the Lord. We have been put on this earth to do the same. When we die, what do we want to be our legacy? Let us be ready to live our discipleship so that others will want to imitate our way of life.

6:30 a.m.

• St. Peter & St. Lambert, (St. Peter Chapel) 8116 Niles Center Rd; Skokie
  847.912.1138

7 p.m.

• Little Flower, (St. Dismas) 2600 Sunset Ave; Waukegan
  847.623.5050
  Bishop Grob

• Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W Chase Ave; Chicago
  773.764.0615

• St. Julie Billiart, 7399 W. 159th St; Tinley Park
  708.429.6767
  Bishop Casey

• St. John Brebeuf, 8305 N Harlem Ave; Niles
  847.966.8145

• St. Ferdinand, 5900 W Barry Ave; Chicago
  773.622.5900

8 p.m.

• Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave; Des Plaines
  847.824.2026

SAMPLE GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Presider: Following the example of Mary, we praise and thank God the Father who, out of the abundance of his generosity, gave us His Only Son as our Savior and Redeemer.   

Lector: 

1. That the Holy Father and the bishops of the Church may, like Mary, listen to the Word of God and spare no effort in spreading it. We pray to the Lord.

2. That mothers may look to Mary as a true refuge and source of hope in moments of trials and suffering. We pray to the Lord.

3. That by giving Mary a place of honor in our lives and our homes, we may deepen our appreciation of her Son. We pray to the Lord.

4. That through the intercession of Mary, the poor and the oppressed may be liberated from their condition. We pray to the Lord.

5. That the dead may be welcomed into the company of the saints and join Mary in the eternal praise of God. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the message of peace that Mary brings to our troubled world. Give us the help we need each day to be faithful to you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.