St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish

Transcription

1 1/14/07

2 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL (Main Office) Visit us on the internet at (Religious Education) (Facsimilie) Pastoral Staff Full Time Rev. Joel Fortier Pastor, Rev. Mark Cote Associate Pastor, Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. Weekend Assistant Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. Deacon, ext. 105 Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane Deacon, ext. 220, Rev. Mr. Jim Breen Deacon, , Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney Deacon, ext. 225, Gerry Czerak Business Manager, ext. 106, Corinne Seguin-Dart Director of Junior High Youth Ministry, ext. 117, Patti Dougherty Director of Religious Education, ext. 109, Julie Frazier Liturgy and Music, ext. 111, Robert Frazier Liturgy and Music, ext. 112, Jim Melton Director of High School Ministry, ext. 123, Jan Olah Director of Pastoral Care, ext. 124 Chari Rosales Director of Adult Education & RCIA ext. 138, Michael Ryder Director of Outreach, ext. 121, Pastoral Care Staff Part Time Audrey Casey, BSN, Parish Nurse, ext 104, Felicia Lawlor, M.S., R.N., Parish Nurse, ext 104, Support Staff Full Time Nancy Cirmo Religious Education Assistant, ext. 118, Lori Culberson Liturgical Assistant, ext. 120, Kathy Ferguson - Receptionist, ext. 100, mainoffice@stapostle.org Diane McQueen Parish Assistant, ext. 101, dmcqueen@stapostle.org Anne Schultz Outreach & Adult Faith Formation Assistant, ext. 113, aschultz@stapostle.org Angela Tuttle Liturgy Assistant & Communications Coordinator, ext. 110, atuttle@stapostle.org Support Staff Part Time Pat Berkhout Evening/Saturday Receptionist, ext. 119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Marge Coronado Evening Receptionist, ext. 119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Marilyn DeMeo Database Coordinator (T/Th), ext. 107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Jorge Gonzalez Custodian Sue Sportiello Accounts Payable (M/W), ext. 107, ssportiello@stapostle.org Ted McKeown - Facility Coordinator, ext. 133, facility@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga Sacristan Coordinator, ext. 116 Lynne Vehlewald Librarian, ext. 125, library@stapostle.org Pastoral Leadership Community Ivan Deatsch Steven Grumbine Pam Foster Dan O Grady Guy Francesconi Ray Vogt Julee Gard Commission Facilitators Worship Gwen Wells Parish Life Faith Formation Lorraine Katz Administration Dave Otto Service Phil Meno Stewardship Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday reconciliation is available after 8:30 a.m. Mass, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Fr. Joel and Fr. Mark are available during the week by appointment. Communal Penance services are held occasionally throughout the year. Sick and Home Bound Call the Church Office to receive prayer/eucharist from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care. Baptism Baptisms are usually celebrated two Sundays each month at a 1:45 p.m. service. On selected dates, Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents are required to attend a two-part awareness and renewal program prior to the Baptism. Call the Church Office a few months in advance to make arrangements. Matrimony A couple planning on being married at St. Thomas should contact the church six months in advance. One year is preferred. Either the bride or groom, or their parents, must be a registered parishioner for at least three months prior to calling to set a date. Religious Education Call the to register. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Any person wanting to learn more about the Catholic Faith, or to join our Catholic community should call the church at Counseling Service Call Samarian Interfaith or Jan Olah, Pastoral Care x 124. Sunday Nursery Nursery care is available for your child age one (must be walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office. Liturgy Schedule Daily (Monday Friday) Rosary 8:10 a.m. Mass 6:30 & 8:30 a.m. (Saturday) Mass 8:30 a.m. Weekend Saturday Vigil 4:30 p.m. Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 a.m., & 12:15 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday of the month 9 a.m. Noon.

3 Dear Friends, The wonder of the Incarnation, of God engaging with us in our common human venture, of God mingling with us so that we may share divinity, is now in full gear! With the celebration of Christmas, and the manifestations of this incredible mystery at the Epiphany He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire! and the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan, we now come to a further revelation or epiphany of this action at the wedding feast at Cana. The process is in full gear, water changes into wine! It is the first public miracle of Jesus, done reluctantly at the urging of His Mother. Jesus comes out, revealing his transforming power, beginning his public ministry. Through our baptism we have been engaged in that continuing transformation; the water of our lives becomes the wine of the Spirit. Remember the words, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire! It is begun in us, this wonderful venture of coming to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity. (That is the prayer the priest says at the mingling of the water with the wine at mass.) This co-mingling is an incredibly wonderful human venture of what God is doing with and in us. It is exciting for me to know and experience what God is doing for me. This vision and perspective of our faith allows us to see every moment as a opportunity of growing in grace. All is grace! We are immersed in it, like rain soaking into our bones, and even as we age, we feel it transforming and enriching our lives. This has been a wonderful Christmas for me and for our parish. Now the clutch is in, we carry on this process, the mission and ministry of Jesus in all the ordinary actions of our lives. In our interaction at every stage of life and with everyone, we experience the cutting edge of grace unfolding in our lives, of this process of coming to share the divine until all becomes all in Christ. We are a new creation and it is our job, as good stewards of all God gives us, to use the gifts we have been given to engage this process, bringing to full revelation the Glory of God. That is the plan that has begun and which we are part of in our own time and place. We celebrate that now in this new year of grace, we take the step of faith as Jesus did, out into the world to transform the insipid water of our lives into the rich wine of the Spirit. Henry David Thoreau once said, The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. We need not! Happy Ordinary Time! Second Sunday in Ordinary Time January 14, 2007 Nations shall behold your vindication, and all the kings your glory. Isaiah 62:2

4 Worship Commission Audio & Visual Aids Hearing assistance units are available in the Narthex. On the first Sunday of each month a sign language interpreter is present at the 9:00 a.m. liturgy. Large print worship aids are available at each entrance and a few Spanish and English missalettes are also available in the Narthex. Welcome Cards Welcome Cards are available near the Main Office for anyone to indicate a specific need or to register a comment or suggestion. The card also has parish contact information for your convenience. You may detach the response portion of the card and leave it in the welcome card box or drop it in the weekend collection. Each card will receive a response from an appropriate staff member. Wedding Workshop The next music and liturgy workshop to help couples choose music and prepare their wedding mass or ceremony will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. - Noon in the Church. All couples who will be wed at St. Thomas must attend one of these workshops which are held several times throughout the year. This workshop should not be confused with the Engaged Couples Retreat, which couples must also attend. After February 17 the next workshops are scheduled for April 14, September 8 & January 5, Contact Diane in the Main Office at , ext. 101 or dmcqueen@stapostle.org to register. Liturgical Ministry Openings All who are interested in joining one of the music groups or some other liturgical ministry (i.e. Eucharistic Minister, Host Greeter, Art & Environment) should contact the Liturgy Office. Now is a good time to join one of these ministries and new members are always needed and welcome. At Home with the Word Books At Home with the Word 2007 books for the new liturgical year are still available for $6 each. There is a self serve display of books and a cash box in the Narthex. You may also call the Liturgy Office to obtain a copy. These books are helpful resources for people to study or meditate on the Sunday scriptures alone or with families/small groups. The book provides the three readings and the psalm from our Lectionary for Mass, insights into the readings, reflection questions, practical applications, and suggestions for action. Eucharist will be much more fulfilling if you spend some time with the scriptures before gathering for worship each Sunday. John Angotti at St. Thomas There is a posting on our web site about our visiting musical artist John Angotti and the dates that he will be with us at St. Thomas. Go to then select News & Information and Worship Commission News. The next dates that John will be with us are February 21 for the Ash Wednesday services and February 24 & 25 for the Saturday 4:30 P.M. and Sunday 9:00 & 10:45 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. Masses Instruments for Haiti We will be sending our first music mission to Duchity, Haiti this coming March. Several of our St. Thomas music makers will be teaching children and adults in our twin parish how to read music and how to play instruments. To do this, we are asking for donations of musical instruments, especially acoustic and electric guitars, electric basses, trumpets, trombones, saxophones, clarinets, recorders, flutes, harmonicas, accordions, and violins. If you have any of these instruments in your possession that are not being used, and would consider donating them to this cause, please contact Robert Frazier in the Music & Liturgy Office at x112. Thank you for your consideration. John Angotti CDs Four of John s CDs, Common Ground, Testify, Angotti Live, and Angels Cry Aloud with Joy (his Christmas album) are for sale in the Liturgy Office for $15 each. You can also purchase them through World Library Publications, , January 14, 2007 Page 4

5 Pray For Our Parish Second Sunday in Ordinary Time O God of salvation, the people in whom you delight hasten with joy to the wedding feast. Forsaken no more, we bear a new name; desolate no longer, we taste your new wine. Make us your faithful stewards, ready to do whatever Jesus tells us and eager to share with others the wine he provides. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. From: Prayers for Sundays and Seasons, Liturgy Training Publications. This is the text of the sung proclamation from last Epiphany Sunday, announcing the movable dates of our liturgical year. Dear Brothers and Sisters, the glory of the Lord has shown upon us, and shall ever be made manifest among us, until the day of his return. Through the rhythms, times, and seasons let us celebrate the mysteries of salvation. Let us recall the year s culmination, the Easter Triduum of the Lord: His last supper, His crucifixion, His burial, and His rising, celebrated between the evening of the fifth of April and the evening of the eighth of April. Each Easter as on each Sunday the Holy Church makes present the great and saving deed by which Christ has forever conquered sin and death. From Easter are reckoned all the days we keep holy. Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, will occur on the twenty-first of February. The Ascension of the Lord will be commemorated on the twentieth of May. Pentecost, the joyful conclusion of the season of Easter, will be celebrated on the twenty-seventh of May. And this year the first Sunday of Advent will be celebrated on the second of December. Likewise the pilgrim Church proclaims the passover of Christ in the feasts of the holy Mother of God, in the feasts of the Apostles and Saints, and in the commemoration of the faithful departed. To Jesus Christ, who was, who is, and who is to come, Lord of all time and history, be endless praise forever and ever. Amen. Today s Readings First Reading As a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you (Isaiah 62:1-5). Psalm Proclaim His marvelous deeds to all the nations (Psalm 96). Second Reading To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Gospel At a wedding at Cana in Galilee, Jesus revealed His glory, and His disciples began to believe in Him (John 2:1-11). For the sick Theresa Sheliga; mother of Susan Webber Julee Gard, wife of Mike Bill Huff, husband of Pat Jon Wolcott, husband of Judith Mary Sabo, wife of John John Wenstrup, father of Kathy Fife Ann Cook, mother of Jane Barnes Becky Mackowiak, friend of John & Lynn Wozniak Willard Jenrick, father of Regina Keely Rosemarie Curcio & Helen Parrish, mothers of Vicki & Roger Parish Tom Amberg, cousin of the Wampach Famly Amy Verhaegh, mother of Nancy & Joel Cinnici Jeanette Michalski, mother of Sister Ronnie Wendy Peterik, friend of Paulette Pekola For the deceased August Cutrara, father of Mary Beth Carlson Gayle Quinn, wife of Harry Frank & Olivia Campanaro Mass Intentions... Tuesday, January 15, :30 Josephine Quattrochi, by Joe Battisto Wednesday, January 16, :30 Daniel Doolan, by Vince & Shirley Shepard Thursday, January 17, :30 Primo Pedrola, by Rina Pedrola Jennie Battisto, by Vito Batisto Saturday, January 19, :30 Tex Strong, by John & Pat Huff Primo Pedrola, by Rina Pedrola 4:30 Malcolm Rovtar, by Family Walter Jez, by Castelaz Family Sunday, January 20, :30 90th Birthday for Anthony Podraza, by Jim, Jean & Eric Novitsky 9:00 Chuck Foley, by The Winger Family Richard McCarthy, by The McCarthy Family Readings for the Week Mon: Heb 5:1-10; Mk 2:18-22 Tues: Heb 6:10-20; Mk 2:23-28 Wed: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17; Mk 3:1-6 Thurs: Heb 7:25 8:6; Mk 3:7-12 Fri: Heb 8:6-13; Mk 3:13-19 Sat: Heb 9:2-3, 11-14; Mk 3:20-21 Sun: Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10; Ps 19; 1 Cor 12:12-30 [12-14, 27]; Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21 Page 5 January 14, 2007

6 Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission Meeting God in Scripture It s not too soon to be thinking about New Year s resolutions! If yours is to get closer to God, come and explore God s relationship with us in the words of Scripture. A combined St. Thomas/SS. Peter & Paul Scripture Study Group meets Thursdays (sessions resume on Jan. 11) in the Pastoral Hall at SS.PP. Choose the session most convenient for you, either 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. or 7:30 to 9 p.m. We re studying the Wisdom Books of the Bible God s plan for living the good life. Come and join us! For more information, or to register, contact Chari Rosales in the Faith Formation Office at x138 or crosales@stapostle.org. Dancing With the (St. Thomas) Stars Whether you are a beginner or just want to brush up your skills, learn to dance the Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha, Salsa, or Swing! Put on your dancing shoes and plan to attend. Thursday sessions are January 25, February 1, 8 and 15 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Each session is $20 per couple; proceeds to benefit ALPHA. Forms can be found on the wall outside the main office. Please return form to St. Thomas Main Office by the signup deadline, January 25. Monday Evening Meditation Start Out the New Year Stress Free Open your heart to a peace-filled life through meditation. St. Thomas has a guided meditation group that meets on Monday evenings in the chapel at St. Patrick's Residence to learn to lead stress-free lives and develop positive energy. For more information call: Joanne Wade: or Chari Rosales: Growing Up Muslim in America Azhar Usman January 23, p.m. Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave, Aurora The Parent Diversity Advisory Council (PDAC) of Naperville's Indian Prairie School District 204 is outreaching to build bridges for better understanding, and inclusion among the diverse segments of the school population. The PDAC has made arrangement for Mr. Usman to come to the District to speak about growing up as a Muslim in America. Please share the announcement with your family, friends, neighbors, religious and social organizations so that the event is well attended, and everyone benefits from the experience. January 14, 2007 Page 6 The Mass: Heart of Jesus, Heart of the Church The liturgy of the Mass is the source and summit of Catholic life, as we receive and become the Body of Christ. We, the baptized, are called into full, active and conscious participation in it. To that end, you are invited to come to the Chapel from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. for two sessions on why and how we do what we do at Mass. Mon, Jan. 22 The Liturgy of the Word Mon, Jan. 29 The Liturgy of the Eucharist Join Chari Rosales as she takes us step-by-step into the heart and meaning of our liturgy communion with Jesus and each other. To register, call the Adult Faith Formation Office at x138. C.A.R.E. CORNER The first indication we get of Jesus style comes through His experience with baptism. The fact that He went through the motions of being baptized is telling in and of itself. But then He headed off to the desert and spent a long time in contemplation. Scripture tells us He fasted for 40 days and nights. Jesus pushed aside all physical needs in order to find His focus. His time in the desert was a time of letting go and listening for the voice of God. It was also a time when He encountered His greatest adversary. In the desert, Jesus is tempted by the devil three times. But He relies on His knowledge of the Word of God to keep Him strong and resist the temptations. Even Jesus needed God for sustenance. At His baptism, Jesus heard the words You are my beloved son. After His desert experience, He understood what those words meant. Save the date! The St. Thomas Women s Retreat will be February 23 through the 25. Watch for more information.

7 ST. THOMAS WOMEN S WELLNESS DAY Women Writing Our Values Legacy Remember Your roots, your history, And the forebear s shoulders on which you stand. And pass these roots on To your children And to other children. Marian Wright Edelman, quoted in STORYCATCHER, by Christina Baldwin January 20, :30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Lighthouse $25 Have you wondered how to share your heritage and life story with those you love? You will have the opportunity to begin to do exactly that in this one-day legacy circle, especially designed for women! Legacy-writing is a process for communicating: (1) rich ancestral heritage; (2) values, life lessons and wisdom gathered by the writer in her life-time; and (3) blessings for descendants and other family members. This contemporary, reflective writing experience, rooted in Biblical times, takes us beyond our worldly possessions into the voice of the writer s heart. The values legacy braids past, present and future into a priceless work of love. Come to reflect, write, listen, share as desired, discuss, learn, enjoy! Facilitator: Edna C. Groves, M.S., long-time resident of Naperville. Formerly a psychotherapist for 22 years, she has also led groups, workshops and retreats since She is a Certified Sage-ing Leader of the Spiritual Eldering Institute, a Certified Facilitator of Women s Legacies Circles, a wife, a mother to four grown daughters, and grandmother to seven incredible kids. She loves to be with others who are asking and living life s questions. St. Thomas Women s Wellness Day A Mirror To Your Life: Women Writing Our Values Legacy Please register by NAME PHONE ADDRESS CITY ZIP Questions? Contact Chari Rosales, Director of Adult Faith Formation x 138 St. Thomas the Apostle Church Brookdale Road. Naperville, IL Page 7 January 14, 2007

8 Religious Education 1 st Reconciliation Parent Meetings Parents of children, who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time, have been sent letters regarding parent meetings. Parents should attend one of two meetings: Saturday, January 20 at 8:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Academy or Monday, January 22 at 7:15 p.m. at Church. If you have a child who should be preparing for their first Reconciliation and did not receive an information letter, please call the Religious Education office ( ). Family Prayer Service for 1 st Eucharist Parents will be presenting their children as candidates for reception of First Communion at the first Family Prayer Service on Wednesday, January 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Please pray for these children as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, an event of great joy for them, their families and our whole faith community. All Saints Catholic Academy Receives Approval for Expansion The Diocese of Joliet recently approved plans for All Saints Catholic Academy to renovate a currently unused portion of the second floor. Eight new classrooms, including a state-of-the-art math and science lab for junior high students, are the featured components of this exciting renovation and addition plan. Currently, the school is near capacity with all classrooms being utilized to serve the current enrollment of 388 children. Approximately 100 new students are anticipated in the 2007/2008 school year. All Saints will add Grade 7 in the 2007 school year, followed with Grade 8 in the 2008 school year. The architecture firm of FGM, located in Oak Brook, has been retained to develop the plans. The renovation will be completed by August, 2007 for the beginning of the school year. The Board of Trustees, made up of representatives of the three founding parishes of St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Margaret Mary, and St. Thomas the Apostle, have worked on this planned expansion for the past year. Two generous donors, including two school families and their parents, have pledged the majority of funds required to pay for the renovations with additional funding expected in the first quarter of 2007 from other ASCA families and friends. No funding is sought from founding parishes for this renovation. All Saints Travel Football (A Member of the St. Raphael Football Family) Are you a football player? Do you attend All Saints Catholic Academy or are you a member of the St. Thomas, St. Elizabeth Seton, Holy Spirit or St. Margaret Mary parishes? Will you be a 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grader in the 2007/2008 school year? Would you like the challenge and excitement of playing for a travel football team? If you answered yes to all the above come and find out more at our information and preregistration open house event. Meet the JV and Varsity coaches. Hear about our program philosophy. Learn about the competitive Catholic Grade School Conference of Chicago. When: January 21, 2007 Time: Noon to 5PM Where: Ashbury Clubhouse, 3403 Lawrence Drive Naperville, IL For more information contact Frank Ribaudo by phone at (630) or by at frbaudo@gsb.uchicago.edu..and the Junior High continues to build the city of God A warm thanks to all the Jr. High youth who participated in the Care Pantry Christmas Party. The tender care and concern that was shown to the children in your charge was truly a beautiful thing to witness. A lovely note of appreciation was received this week from Sister Jeanne Haley, O. Carm from the St. Patrick s Residence. She thanks the Jr. High youth for bringing some holiday spirit from our homes to theirs this Holiday season. A special nod to Ms. Wendy Piha for leading us in song and dance! Please remember the Jr. High ski trip scheduled for the Jan. 15. For those who signed up, meet at Four Lakes Ski Area in Lisle per the info contained in the permission slip. There is an 8:30AM drop off with a pick up of 3:30PM. Seventh grade Religious Education classes will be meeting at St Thomas for the Jan.22 class. Mr. John Lamperis will be our coach as we attempt to beef up our spiritual muscles. January 14, 2007 Page 8

9 St. Thomas Progressive Dinner Registration Form Saturday, February 17, 2007 EVENING FORMAT AND ASSIGNMENTS HORS D OEUVRE PART, 6:00 7:30 p.m. Hosted by parishioners Host a social hour for about 24 people at your home. Provide a simple selection of beer, wine and soft drinks, along with glasses, napkins and plates. Several people bring hors d oeuvres, so you can relax and meet fellow parishioners. DINNER PARTY, 8:00 9:30 p.m. Hosted by parishioners Host a caterer prepared dinner for eight at your home. Provide dinner service and wine; pick up meal at church at 3:00 p.m. the afternoon of the party. Just reheat and enjoy! DESSERT PARTY, 9:45 11:00 p.m. All meet in church Gathering Area for dessert. Prepare dessert to serve 24. Drop off at church at 3:00 p.m. the day of the dinner. HORS D OEUVRE PREPARATION Prepare a fancy hors d oeuvre(s) for 24. Deliver to host Hors D Oeuvre home before the party. SALAD AND BREAD PREPARATION Prepare salad and bread for eight. Arrange for delivery to host Dinner Party home before the dinner. Must REGISTER BY Monday, FEBRUARY 5 Chicken Hunter Style (Chicken breast filled w/ tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic, onions and topped w/ sauce.) Cost is $12 per person. Return form and payment to the General Office or Progressive Dinner drop box in the Gathering Area. Make checks payable to St. Thomas; payment must be received by Monday, Feb. 5. You will be notified of your assignment and party hosts by mail about one week prior to the dinner. Dress is casual. Questions? Contact Patti Dougherty at church , ext. 109 or Dave Otto at Return registration by MONDAY, FEB. 5 to Main Office or drop box in Gathering Area. NAME ADDRESS ZIP SUBDIVISION PHONE Assignment preference (see above): If your preference is to host dinner party, can you serve 10 people if needed? Amount enclosed ($12 per person) $ (payable to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish ) PLEASE NOTE: Food assignments include delivery to hosts prior to event, so they have everything on hand before guests arrive. Usually food assignments are not for the same home as your social hour or dinner. If you cannot deliver your dessert to the church at 3:00 p.m. the day of the dinner, please notify Patti Dougherty at the church , ext Page 9 January 14, 2007

10 Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice Pro-Life Message The debate over using embryonic stem cells for research rages on with many people still ignorant of the fact that adult and umbilical cord stem cells are already treating an impressive list of over 70 diseases and injuries. It is therefore incorrect to advertise embryonic stem cell research as the only way to help the afflicted and it is unfair to label those opposed to research that kills tiny human beings as cruel and uncaring. (Pro-Life Reporter, Scranton, PA, Fall, 2006) Choices for Life Benefit Banquet featuring a keynote address by MOST REV. J. PETER SARTAIN, BISHOP OF JOLIET Woman's Choice Services will hold a Choices for Life Benefit Banquet on Friday, January 26, 2007, at the Abbington Banquet Hall in Glen Ellyn, IL. The proceeds of this event will enable Woman s Choice Services to provide hope for those at risk for abortion, help for those who are pregnant, and healing for those who are suffering from an abortion. For more information, pick up a flier in the Narthex or Gathering Area or call MaryJo Breen Christmas Messages of Hope Thank You Notes from St Thomas, Long Beach, MS Thank you for writing Christmas cards to send to our brothers and sisters at St. Thomas in Long Beach. Below are two responses to your cards - one from Fr. Louis, their pastor-and one from a parishioner in Long Beach, a person assisted by one of our rebuilding teams. Your love, support, personal messages, and prayers continue to make a difference! Dear Friends, Just a quick note to thank you for your love and support of our parish and our families since Hurricane Katrina struck our Coast. The Christmas cards for our parish families were a special treat. It gives us hope to know that we are not forgotten-that people like the Spirit Team of St. Thomas in Naperville are still praying for us, that the parishioners of St. Thomas in Naperville still care about us. Keep it up-we still need and appreciate your help and your prayers. The Recipes for Relief cookbooks were a big hit in our parish. I feel sure some of the recipes were used in Christmas dinners all through the parish. Again, thank you for you your love and support. Happy New Year, Fr. Louis Merry Christmas to you! When I attended Mass on Sunday, Fr. Louis announced that there were cards scattered on the pews that had been made and sent from St. Thomas Church in Naperville (the mention of which warms the hearts of our parishioners). What a wonderful gesture! I picked one up, and it had the most precious Christmas tree drawn in crayon under the words "Keep the Spirit"...what an encouraging message! Then inside there was a note to remind me that I'm in someone's thought and prayers...i am so very blessed...those prayers continue to give me strength and lift me when sometimes I do get so very sad...and I know where they're coming from. So, please pass on my sincere gratitude to Joe, Carolyn, Joseph, Jonny and Rose (as the card was signed), and to all the rest of your generous parishioners, and please continue as we struggle to move on to better times. Thank you so very much for being there when we needed you. Marsha January 14, 2007 Page 10 Please Come and Pray 34 th Anniversary of Roe V. Wade On Monday, January 22, from 9:30 to 10:30 am, we will gather to pray at the four abortion clinics in the Joliet Diocese. Please take time to join in prayer for the millions of little ones who have been lost and for the young moms and dads who carry the pain of this choice. Dress warmly and come to pray for one hour. Advantage Clinic, 203 Irving Park Rd., Wood Dale ACU Clinic, 736 N York Road, Hinsdale Access Health Center, th Street, Downers Grove Anchor Medical Center, 1186 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn Later in the day, at 7:30 pm, representatives from many Naperville Christian Churches will participate in an Interdenominational Prayer Service sponsored by Naperville Christians for Life. That They May Have Life will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 2220 Lisson Rd. in Naperville, and will remember victims of abortion through prayer and song. I came, Jesus said, that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10

11 Pastoral Care Diet and Lifestyle Choices Your life depends on it A doctor s perspective January 18, 2007, 7:30 p.m. St. Thomas Lighthouse Featuring John Saran, M.D. Dr. Saran is board certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. He received his MD degree from Loyola University and has been granted fellowship in the American College of Physicians (FACP). Dr. Saran has partnered with Edward Hospital in a practice focusing on wellness and prevention. He lectures regularly on such topics as Alzheimer s, Osteoporsis and Cardiovascular Disease. Sponsored by Pastoral Care and Adult Faith Formation. To ensure seating, RSVP Jan Olah in the Pastoral Care Office x 124. Ministry of Care to the Seriously Ill Our experiences in life give us many opportunities for growth in body, mind and spirit. St. Thomas Ministry of Care to the Seriously Ill offers you a chance to deepen your understanding of death and the grief process. This may be your opportunity to help the dying as they experience new life. Participate in the training on Saturday, Jan. 27 and Feb 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Susan Kearney, Ruth Madison and Gretchen Rossiter will facilitate. Call Jan Olah, as soon as possible, for reservations X 124. Page 11 January 14, 2007

12 Stewardship Commission Help Wanted: Part-time temporary, evenings St. Thomas the Apostle Parish seeks to hire individuals to act as telephone fundraising representatives for its campaign, through June, Stewardship A Way of Life Last Weekend s stewardship of financial gifts... Weekly Sunday Offertory (week 28) Envelopes Loose Automatic Direct Debit Mailed in & stock donations Total for week *Based on Collection Counters Reports Fiscal Year (7/1 to 6/30) to date: Weekly Average 7/1/06 to date: Sunday Offertory Goal YTD Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 Remaining for Fiscal Year Diocesan Appeal updated Results Parish Appeal Goal Pledges received at St. Thomas Remaining amount to goal % of Goal Pledge to date $28,967 25,542 3,425 $12,206 $3,750 $44,923 $980,966 $35,035 $952,000 $1,768,000 $787,034 $142, ,487 $33, % Callers would work two or three weekday evenings (Tues., Wed., Thurs.) from 6:45 to 9:15 p.m., beginning in early February. We offer a pay rate of $10 per hour for this temporary supplement to your income, paid on the 15 th and last day of each month. All work will be performed from St. Thomas offices at 1500 Brookdale Rd., Naperville. We especially seek dependable people with excellent oral and communication skills who are able to work all the scheduled days and hours for the duration of the program. To apply, contact the Business Office at or come in for an application during regular hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thank You, Bulletin Advertisers This bulletin is subsidized completely by those companies whose advertisements appear on the last two pages. If you have the opportunity, you may thank them in the name of St. Thomas by using their products or services. Should you desire to participate as a sponsor of the St. Thomas bulletin, you may contact J. S. Paluch Company at January 14, 2007 Page 12

13 Parish Life Commission 50 and Holding Mature Adults Young at Heart If you are 50 or over, you are cordially invited to join our group. We always welcome fresh ideas and new friends. Couples and singles are welcome. Upcoming meetings and activities include: Single Adult Ministry S.A.M. - Single Adult Ministry is a community for all Christian single adults 45 and over. The ministry promotes balance in single life through spiritual, service and social functions. It offers singles an opportunity to celebrate life. Jan. 17 (Afternoon meeting) Movie with Popcorn and Soda NOTE: Please call Shirley Mann (parishioner) if you know of a member who is ill, in the hospital, or in need of some encouragement. There s no better time than NOW to join 50 and Holding. If interested, call Bill Huff. Hope to see you! Knightly News Naperville Knights of Columbus Council No E. Ogden Avenue, Naperville Web site: napervillekofc.org Upcoming future events: Tues 1/16 Ladies Auxiliary Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Tues 1/23 Officers and Director s Meeting 7:30 p.m. Tues 2/06 Monthly Business Meeting 7:30 p.m. Charity Mania March Madness There are a limited number of tickets available for another Charity Mania contest similar to the Football Mania contest tickets which were available for sale last Fall. These tickets are available for College Basketball s March Madness Tournament which will take place in early March. Tickets are available for $20.00 each. Prizes range from $ to $ For information and to purchase tickets, contact Sal Bruno at or , Jack Guasta at or Al Knoeck at Help support Seminarians Save your aluminum cans and help support Seminarians. So far since this program was begun over two and a half years ago contributions which have come from the collection of aluminum cans have amounted to over $3300. Your contributions really do matter! Thanks to all who have participated. CURRENT Young Adult Ministry for People in their 20 s and 30 s Want to take a larger role in Current in 2007? Check out the Core Meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 at St. Thomas! Call Dave at X225 for information. Also on deck is our Big Event, Dinner and Bowling on Saturday, Jan. 20. Contact Tom at by Jan. 18. Finally, the Winter Ski Trip is Jan ! Contact Paul at to go. If you want any other information about Current, check out Donut Dates Join us in the gym for fellowship on these Sundays: January 14 and 28 February 11 and 25 March 11 April 15 May 20 with the Ministry Fair. We will have Dunkin Donuts and coffee or orange drink after the 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. liturgies. Page 13 January 14, 2007

14 Administration Commission Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. The January 2007 St. Thomas Jobs Ministry Meeting will be held on Thursday evening January 25, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lighthouse. The speaker will be Rob Sullivan, Corporate Trainer, Career Coach, Freelance Writer and Author of the of the book, Getting Your Foot in the Door When You Don t Have a Leg to Stand On. Rob will explore the strategies and tactics to help market yourself more effectively in today s competitive job market. Rob is an established professional with a varied background including positions at Leo Burnett, trader at the Chicago Board of Trade, and at present helping job hunters in transition and companies market themselves more effectively. Rob s client s include IBM, Sears, McDonald s, American Express and Marriott to name a few. Rob has degrees from Holy Cross College and Northwestern University. For more information on Rob Sullivan please go to rob@careercraftsman.com Please plan to attend this very informative meeting on Thursday evening January 25, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lighthouse at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. For additional information please contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com Jobs Wanted If you have a job, or know someone who can help these Job Seekers listed below, please contact them directly or call the General Office at : Name Position Sought Phone Ed Hart Sales Management Dave Otto Supply Chain/Logistics Mgt January 14, 2007 Page 14 THE WEEK AHEAD Monday, Jan 15 Martin Luther King Day Building closed except for daily Mass Tuesday, Jan 16 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 4:30 5:45 p.m. R.E. Classes at Brookdale School 7:00 9:30 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 6:30 9:30 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 7:30 9:00 p.m. Celebration of the Arts, Meeting Room 4 7:30 9:00 p.m. Small Group Baptism Meeting, Resource Center 7:30 9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer, 7:30 9:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal, Church Wednesday, Jan 17 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:00 11:30 a.m. Bible Study, Senior Center 1:00 3:00 p.m. 50 & Holding, Gathering Area 4:15 5:30 p.m. Joyful Jammers, Church & Senior Center 6:00 10:00 p.m. ALPHA Course, Lighthouse 6:30 9:30 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 7:00 9:00 p.m. Apex, Youth Center 7:00 9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:00 9:00 p.m. Current Core, Resource Center 7:00 7:45 p.m. Prayer Service of 1st Communion, Church 7:30 9:15 p.m. Finance Committee, Senior Center Thursday, Jan 18 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:00 11:00 a.m. Healing the Soul, Meeting Room 4 10:00 am-12:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Meeting Room 1 11:00 2:00 p.m. NACBA Chapter Lunch, Lighthouse 6:00 7:30 p.m. Trec Rehearsal, Senior Center 6:30 8:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Meeting Room 1 6:30 9:30 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 7:00 9:00 p.m. Racial Justice, Resource Center 7:00 8:30 p.m. DuPage United, Meeting Room 4 7:30 9:00 p.m. Dr. Saran speaking on Nutrition, Lighthouse Friday, Jan 19 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:30 11:30 a.m. Jobs Ministry, Lighthouse Saturday, Jan 20 8:30 11:45 a.m. R.E. Classes at All Saints Academy 8:30 11:00 a.m. Bread of Life, Resource Center 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:00 10:30 a.m. Men s Christian Fellowship Sat., Senior Center 10:00 11:15 a.m. Rainbows, Ministry Center 12:00 1:00 p.m. Campaign Workshop, Meeting Room 4 2:00 4:00 p.m. Library Hours 7:00 11:00 p.m. Rock Show, Gym Sunday, Jan 21 9:00 & 10:45 a.m. Masses, Children s Liturgy of the Word thru 5th grade, Ministry Center 10:00 11:30 a.m. Puppet Practice, Resource Center 10:45am-1:15 p.m. RCIA, Senior Center 12:00 1:00 p.m. Quest Rehearsal, Senior Center 1:30 4:30 p.m. Growing Up Sexually, Gym & Lighthouse 6:00 8:00 p.m. Trec Choir Practice, Church 6:30 8:00 p.m. Quest, Ministry Center & St. Patrick s 8:00 9:00 p.m. Trec Mass, Church