February 21, Companions on the Journey

Transcription

1 February 21, 2010 Companions on the Journey

2 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL (Main Office) Visit us on the internet at (Religious Education) (Facsimilie) Parish Staff Rev. Joel Fortier Pastor, Rev. Rodolphe Arty, Associate Pastor, x 103, rarty@stapostle.org Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. Weekend Assistant Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. Deacon, x105 Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane Deacon, x220, chucklane2@juno.com Rev. Mr. Jim Breen Deacon, , jimb4853@yahoo.com Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney Deacon, x225, lrkearney@comcast.net Rev. Mr. Michael Barrett Deacon, x220, meabarrett@att.net Liturgy Kate Cuddy Director of Music and Liturgy, x112, kcuddy@stapostle.org Lori Culberson Liturgy Coordinator, x120, lculberson@stapostle.org Angie Tuttle Liturgy Office Assistant, x110, atuttle@stapostle.org Benjamin Horvat* Asst. Director of Music, x 111, bhorvat@stapostle.org Jessi Allured* Asst. Director of Music, x111, jallured@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga* Sacristan Coordinator, x116 Faith Formation Chari Rosales Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, crosales@stapostle.org Kevin Pranaitis Director of High School Youth Ministry, x123, ym@stapostle.org Brett Adams Coordinator of Middle School Faith Formation, x117, Patti Dougherty Director of Religious Education, x109, pdougherty@stapostle.org Nancy Cirmo Religious Education Assistant, x118, ncirmo@stapostle.org Marge Coronado Religious Education Assistant, x219, mcoronado@stapostle.org Anne Schultz Adult Faith Formation Assistant, x113, aschultz@stapostle.org Lynne Vehlewald* Librarian, x125, library@stapostle.org Outreach and Social Justice Michael Ryder Director of Outreach & Social Justice, x121, mryder@stapostle.org Anne Schultz OSJ Partner, x113, aschultz@stapostle.org Sally Meno* OSJ Financial, smeno@stapostle.org Pastoral Care Jan Olah Director of Pastoral Care, x124 Felicia Lawlor*, M.S., R.N. Faith Community Nurse, x104, flawlor@stapostle.org Rose Grumbine*, R.N., Faith Community Nurse, x104, rgrumbine@stapostle.org Administration Janet Simmons Finance/Business Officer, x106, jsimmons@stapostle.org Diane McQueen Gen Office Administrative Asst, x101, dmcqueen@stapostle.org Kathy Ferguson Gen Office Administrative Asst, x100, mainoffice@stapostle.org Marilyn DeMeo* Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Pat Berkhout Evening/Saturday Receptionist, x119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Angie Tuttle Bulletin Editor, Graphic Design, x110, atuttle@stapostle.org Susan Francesconi* Communications Coordinator, x108, sfrancesconi@stapostle.org Ted McKeown* Facility Coordinator, x133, facility@stapostle.org Jorge Gonzalez* Custodian Pastoral Leadership Community John Ball Christine Berta Pam Foster Commission Facilitators Charles Haydon Nick Furibondo Richard Strassburger Worship Josh Goralski Parish Life Faith Formation Chris Baker Elaine Scutti Administration Dave Otto Service Carol Healy Sacrament of Reconciliation Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Fr. Joel is 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 2-3 Sundays each month at a 12:30 p.m. service. On selected dates, Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents are required to attend an awareness and renewal evening 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 (walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office. Liturgy Schedule Daily (Monday Friday) Communion Service 6:30 a.m. Rosary 8:10 a.m. Mass 8:30 a.m. (Saturday) Communion Service 8:30 a.m. Weekend Saturday Vigil 4:30 p.m. Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 a.m., and 6:30 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday, 9:00 9:30 a.m. *indicates part-time staff

3 Dear Friends, We have been looking at what it means to be grounded and centered in God from the scriptures over the last couple of weeks. Today as we begin the season of Lent, we see Jesus being tempted there, temptations to his grounded centeredness in God, to his core identity as Beloved Son of God. The devil in each of the temptation scenarios, begins with If you are the Son of God... We are tempted in the same way. We are tempted to lose sight of our core identity, our being grounded and centered in God. Many things would take us away from that centeredness to become centered in other things. Our then tempts us to believe that we are not beloved children of God, it tempts us to doubt and despair. That would be the devil s greatest victory, to have us believe we are under the power of sin and evil. But we are not under the power of sin, we are under the power of grace. We know who we are, we are beloved sons and daughters of God, and as such we can always return to our true center. We can always find our home and true identity in God. That, in fact, is the last temptation of Jesus as he hung on the cross; he was taunted, If you are the Son of God come down from that cross. Jesus did not yield to that temptation in the desert or on the cross. He was true to himself, saying effectively, being the Son of God does not mean that I am not to suffer. But rather that I will offer myself as sacrifice for the world, as living bread for the world. God so loved the world that Jesus was sent to be the compassion of God. God does indeed suffer with and for us, and in the compassion of God is united with us, to be one with us that we might not ever yield to the temptation that God does not love us, that we are not beloved sons and daughters of God! Jesus came to these temptations in the desert fresh from his Baptism where he heard and understood the words, This is my beloved Son. We, during Lent, prepare to renew our own Baptismal faith in which we know, with Jesus, that we are beloved sons and daughters of God. And let us never forget it as we live our lives out of that core identity. Let us live and behave as Sons and Daughters of God, let us give witness of that to the world and call all people to assume that glorious identity, so they may come to know who they truly are. Let us live together in peace with all God s children. Our God is not the God of lies, but the God and author of all Life. Let Lent begin as we prepare for the glory of Easter! God does indeed suffer with us and for us. United with you in the love of God, First Sunday of Lent February The word is near you, in your mouth and heart. Romans 10:8 Welcome Guests and Visitors! St. Thomas is here to companion you on your faith journey. Come with us as we grow in closeness to Christ through liturgy, music, faith formation, special events, and countless ways to be Companions on the Journey. Would you like to become a Parishioner? Join us at Welcome Sunday after the following Masses this weekend: Sunday, February 21, 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. in the gym with Donuts

4 Worship Commission Meal Blessing during Lent O God of mercy and compassion, with humility of heart we ask your blessing on the meal we are about to share. During this season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving may we be inspired to share our gifts with the needy. May the sharing of this meal urge us on to work tirelessly to bring your word of comfort to all who seek meaning and direction in their lives. Bless us, the food we are about to receive, those who prepared it, and the friendships we share. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who is Lord forever and ever. Amen. From: Prayer Services for Parish Life, 2004, World Library Publications. Presider s Schedule Feb 27/28 4:30 Fr. Dolphe Arty 7:30 Fr. Pat Brennan 9:00 Fr. Pat Brennan 10:45 Fr. Fritz Louis 6:30 Fr. Matt Lorenz Occasionally schedules may change. February 21, 2010 Page 4 Lent Bulletin Special seasonal bulletins were inserted into the bulletin last weekend. They contain information about our Lent and Holy Week schedule and spiritual growth opportunities. If you did not receive one or need another copy, extras are available in the Gathering Area and Narthex. The bulletin is also posted on our web site - Click Lent Bulletin 2010 under the Liturgy heading. Stations of the Cross Communal Stations of the Cross with music, prayer, candles, and procession is offered each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 p.m. in the Church. Come participate in this ancient devotion on the day that Jesus walked his way of the cross. It is a nice lenten practice for individuals or families. Feb. 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26 Communal Reconciliation Service There will be two opportunities for communal reconciliation this Lent. The services will be Tuesday, March 2 at 9:15 a.m. and 7:15 p.m. These services will conclude our Parish Mission with Megan McKenna. The opportunity for individual confession and sacramental absolution with a Priest will follow this service. Deacons and prayer partners will also be available to talk with if you so choose. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. Come home to God this Lent through the grace of reconciliation. Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated on Saturday, March 6 during the 4:30 p.m. Mass. All who are ill, anticipating surgery, or advanced in age are welcome to receive this sacrament. Stations of the Cross There is something in us that moves us to visit the scene where an important event occurred. Visitors flock to the Ford Theater where President Lincoln was assassinated; mourners visit the site of the Oklahoma City bombing; Elvis admirers tour Graceland. So it was for early Christians who journeyed to Jerusalem to see the places where Jesus lived, suffered and died. Pilgrims brought back stories and images of what they had seen and shrines appeared all over Europe. In the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, increased emphasis on the suffering of the Messiah, coupled with the fervor of the Franciscan friars, led to widespread acceptance of a devotion that traced the footsteps of Jesus from his trial to his tomb. Prayers that emphasized Jesus obedience unto death, sorrow for sin, and God s abiding love and mercy were at the heart of this devotion. The stations of the cross are a valuable resource for prayer, especially during Lent, with its twofold emphasis on baptismal renewal and penitential acts. Essential to this devotion, whether prayed by an individual or a group, is meditation on the passion of the Lord in spoken and sung prayer, and movement from one station to the next. Ideally, everyone walks in procession to each station, uniting ourselves in our bodies to the Lord s passion and death. The number of stations has varied widely over the centuries. Recent revisions have omitted stations not included in the scriptures, and added stations that are, such as Jesus praying in the Garden of Olives, the denial of Jesus by Peter and Jesus promise to the good thief. Frequently, a fifteenth station depicting the resurrection of Jesus is added to illustrate the fullness of the paschal mystery Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Av, Chicago IL 60622; Text by Kathy Luty. Art by Chuck Ludeke.

5 Pray For Our Parish 1st Sunday of Lent Hear the voice of your church, O Lord our God, as we cry out to you from the wilderness of this world. Come to our aid with mighty hand and outstretched arm; so that, nourished by the bread of your word and strengthened by your Spirit we may conquer every test and each temptation we face. We ask this though our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. God for ever and ever. Amen. From: Prayers for Sundays and Seasons, Liturgy Training Publications. for the sick... Jenna McKeown, daughter of Jerry & Amy Mary Cyr, mother of Kelsey Debbie Starr, niece of Shelia & Jim Maul Jeanne Corbit, mother of Cari Hammar Bob Schmitt, husband of Pat Jim Johnson, husband of Carol for the deceased Patrick Carlion, brother of Dawn Oliver James Jordan, father of Eleanor Katie Ringwald, friend of Ann & Jim Rioux Steve Rentschler, friend of Willie Johnson Joseline, cousin of Jorge Apalmo Stephanie Czubernat, Godmother of Eleanor McNicholas David Withaar, son-in-law, of Chet & Gail Stefani Hal McRaven, brother of Carolyn Rosisch Mass Intentions Monday, February 22, :30 Hilda Heck, by Myers Family Patrick Carlino, by Dawn Oliver Tuesday, February 23, :30 Katie Ringwald, by Jim & Ann Rioux Blessings upon 40 Days for Life Wednesday, February 24, :30 Herb and Helen Licata, by Dorothy Abens Thursday, February 25, :30 Helen Niekra, by Daughter Mary Bernadine Petak, by Fr. Joel Fortier Friday, February 26, :30 Blessings Upon 40 Days for Life. Saaturday, February 27, :30 Lillian Lasiewicz, by John & Eleanor McNicholas Today s Readings First Reading The Israelites show their faith by offering the LORD first fruits of the products of their new land (Deuteronomy 26:4-10). Psalm Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble (Psalm 91). Second Reading All who express faith in the risen Christ and confess that he is Lord will be saved (Romans 10:8-13). Gospel Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit and was tempted (Luke 4:1-13). Readings for the Week Mon: 1 Pt 5:1-4; Mt 16:13-19 Tues: Is 55:10-11; Mt 6:7-15 Wed: Jon 3:1-10; Lk 11:29-32 Thurs: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Mt 7:7-12 Fri: Ez 18:21-28; Mt 5:20-26 Sat: Dt 26:16-19; Mt 5:43-48 Sun: Gn 15:5-12, 17-18; Ps 27; Phil 3:17 4:1 [3:20 4:1]; Lk 9:28b-36 Sunday, February 28, :00 Loretto Wellman, by Lori Culberson Monico Pingul, by Bev Phelan 10:45 Robert Wells Jarboe, by John & Martha Louise Neafsey, by Bill & Patti Dougherty 6:30 Blessings Upon 40 Days for Life Page 5 February 21, 2010

6 Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission Save These Important Dates! March 20, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM "Theology of the Body, Creating a Joy Filled Marriage" an event for all married and engaged couples April 24, 8:30 a.m. Annual St. Thomas Men s Prayer Breakfast Speaker: Fr. Burke Masters, head of the Diocesan Vocations Office Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus, the largest lay organization within the Catholic Church, is actively seeking new members. If you are a Catholic man, 18 years of age and up, who wants to make your community a better place while enhancing your own faith and family life, please contact parishioners Bob Merten or Frank Collura or Grand Knight Bill Beckwith C.A.R.E. CORNER The Old Testament gives us the history of the Jewish people, chosen by God to model a new standard of morality and faith to their pagan neighbors. This small and insignificant nation knew they had not earned any special status in God s eyes. It was God who chose to impart His special favor upon them. And it was God who continued to pursue them faithfully, in spite of the fact that they often strayed and were unfaithful in their response to God. But Jesus was completely faithful in His response to God, which we can conclude from today s Gospel passage. In His tussle with the devil, Jesus declares His reliance on God s Word, His desire to worship God alone, and His complete trust in God. Like Jesus, we were chosen by God through our Baptism and subsequently strengthened by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our mission. Jesus modeled the right response to God s election by humbly submitting to God s will. As Jesus disciples, we are expected to do the same. FROM OUR RESOURCE CENTER... As our journey continues into the Lenten Season, look for these books on the bookrack in the Gathering Area to provide comfort and inspiration. A Lenten Journey With Jesus: Prayerful Steps for Each Day Journey to the Center: A Lenten Passage Parish Path through Lent and Eastertime Family Lenten Handbook: Change My Heart Celebrating Lent Day by Day through Lent: Reflections, Prayers, Practices Ashes to Easter: Lenten Meditations Fifty Days Plus Forever: Daily Reflections for Easter From Resurrection to Pentecost: Easter Season Meditations What Color is Your Lent? Keep a True Lent We also have the following children s books and videos: The Easter Story The Story of Easter for Children The Easter Angels The Story of Easter (video) The First Easter (video) February 21, 2010 Page 6

7 HELP WANTED DIOCESE OF JOLIET The Diocese of Joliet is seeking a Manager of Ministry Appeals & Parish Stewardship Programs. Working directly with the Chief Development Officer, the Manager is responsible for the organization, development, implementation and management of the Catholic Ministries annual appeal and the Parish Stewardship Program. Develops strategic plan and design of the annual appeal including, but not limited to, draft and setting of overall and parish goals, evaluation and assessment procedures, etc. Is also responsible for the Parish Stewardship Program including training, support materials, etc. Must have a Bachelor's degree in a related field, and further training in Church related development and stewardship programs. Must also have a minimum of five(5) years of successful, demonstrable, relevant fundraising management experience along with excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. To see a more detailed job description look under employment at Applicants possessing the necessary qualifications should submit a cover letter and resume to Nancy Siemers, Director of Human Resources at: Page 7 February 21, 2010

8 Religious Education Attention 4 th and 5 th Graders Liturgy of the Word for 4 th and 5 th Graders will be held on Sunday, February 28 during the 9:00 and 10:45 liturgies. Please come out with the other children and go down to the Cabin and Senior Center. Engage Your Child in the Sunday Mass In your child s Religious Education book, Blest Are We, around page 240, there are pictures and text about the mass. Pull these pages out of your child s book and bring them to church. During the liturgy have your child follow along and mark off each part of the mass. After a couple of weeks, quiz each other and see if you can remember the order. You can always follow the Order of the Mass by using the Gather Song Book, stored under the pew, starting on page 153. Families: Take some time to discuss and reflect on the readings of the week.? Feb 21 Question of the Week... What do you hunger for? Teens with Character (TWC) Who: Middle School and High School students (and their families are always welcome) What: Group meetings, community projects (opportunities for service hours) and fun! Why: Serve others and practice leadership Where: St. Thomas Cabin and Gym When: Various Thursday evenings and other special days during the month FUTURE EVENTS: Service Project: Fox River Pavilion (meet at St. Thomas) Sat, Feb 13, 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Contact: Rory Donohoe at Service Project: Grandparent's Day at St. Patrick's Residence (meet at St. Thomas) Sat, Feb 20, 9 to 11 a.m. Contact Dawn/Gary Bausch, or dawn10408@yahoo.com Service Project: Midwest Vets Wed, Mar 3, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Contact Tom Berta Pillar Meeting at St. Thomas (in the gym) Come learn more about TWC at this meeting Thurs, Mar 4, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Contact Theresa Hay Middle School, High School students, and families are welcome to all of these events. RSVP to the indicated contact person for service project or questions or Brett Adams at or badams@stapostle.org, or Mrs. Hay, Living Stations of the Cross: Actors, stage crew, parent help needed! LIGHTS CAMERA This year s Good Friday Living Stations of the Cross will take place on Friday, April 2 at 3:00 p.m. about Junior High and High School students are needed to play the various roles and for stage crew, along with a couple parent volunteers to help keep everything organized. Rehearsals start February 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lighthouse and generally meets Thursday evenings. Please contact Brett Adams (badams@stapostle.org) or Kevin Pranaitis (ym@stapostle.org) to volunteer or for more information. ACTION! Ski-Trip to Cascade Mountain Feb 26! All High School teens are invited to register for a ski-trip to Cascade Mountain on Feb 26. Permission forms and flyers are available outside Kevin s office and in the Gathering Area. You may invite any friends you wish and parents are welcome to come. Chaperones are needed. This is an all day trip, no overnight. February 21, 2010 Page 8

9 The Lector Ministry of St. Thomas the Apostle Presents the 17th Annual Wednesday, Feb 24 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. St. Thomas the Apostle Gym Bring the family for a simple Lenten meal to benefit relief efforts in our twinning parish in Duchity, Haiti. Soup served: 6:45 p.m. Frs. Dof and Fritz will share their reactions to the earthquake in Haiti and give an update on the current situation. A free-will offering will be gratefully accepted. Page 9 February 21, 2010

10 Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice Feed My Starving Children in Haiti Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) has always been involved in Haiti, but has responded in remarkable fashion since the earthquake. The following information was provided by parishioner Dawn Eber who is on the FMSC Board of Directors. One million FMSC meals cleared the port just a few days before the earthquake hit so we actually had three million meals on the ground in Haiti before the earthquake which is now being used for emergency feeding. Since the earthquake FMSC has sent an additional 6 million meals to Haiti (some is stationed at the port of Miami, some has been airlifted). More details to come. They are working to send an additional 5 million meals to Haiti by March 1. Ertha from the St. Thomas twinning village of Duchity picked up 40 boxes of FMSC food for her orphanage and to share with others in need in Duchity. St. Thomas is working with FMSC to get an entire container of food (270,864 meals!) transported to the Duchity area for distribution. See the St. Thomas website for more information on this and on the mobile packing scheduled at St. Thomas on May Stay Tuned! Gala Planned March 12 Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) invites you to attend the Second Annual Chicagoland Gala and Silent Auction. The event will take place from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, March 12, at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace. The evening will include a silent auction, local entertainment, and an address from Tom Osbeck, FMSC mission partner from Jesus in Haiti Ministries. Ticket are $100 per individual, or $1,000 per table of 10. Please consider event sponsorship and silent auction donation opportunities. To learn more and to order tickets, visit the Chicagoland Gala page on We hope to see you on March 12! Asian Youth Services Thank You For many years, parishioners Audry and Dan Casey have in many ways supported Asian Youth Services in Chicago. It is a center that provides what ever it can for youth in a very poor area, including meals, an after school program, and tutoring. The name is a bit of a misnomer it began as a program for Asian youth but as the neighborhood has changed, it now ministers to all youth in the area. The founder and only full time worker is Shari Fenton. Shari has a remarkable personal story. Every year at Christmas, the Casey s, with help from other parishioners deliver the children s gifts remaining from the Care Pantry Christmas Party to Asian Youth Services. Below is a thank you from Shari. I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for making Christmas a blessing and joy to so many inner-city children. Without your gifts many of these children would have had nothing to unwrap on Christmas. Thanks again! Shari Fenton Peace WORKS We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. Martin Luther King. Jr. February 21, 2010 Page 10

11 DuPage United COD ESL Classes Reinstated Pro-Life Thank You s The St. Thomas Pro-Life Community is so thankful for the continuing support and generosity of the St. Thomas community. Project Love Wow! That is fantastic. That was the reaction from parishioner Eileen McGleam upon learning that $1,325 in donations were received on Pro-Life weekend to benefit Project Love. Eileen is associated with Project Love, whose mission is to provide aid to pregnant women and new mothers in a financial crisis. I thought I picked up all the checks last week. Nancy left me an envelope with $895 last week. I also had $10 collected at the 4:30 mass and now another $420 brings the total to $ That is Women s Choice Services We received a thank you from Women s Choice Services for 80 swaddling bags that were donated during the Christmas season. Diaper Drive Also, Carenet received a whole trunk load and fully loaded back seat plus two additional large boxes of diapers and wipes from the recent quarterly diaper drive. Recently, the St. Thomas DuPage United Core Team provided awareness and education information on the College of DuPage reductions in the English-as-a-Second Language courses. This is a Social Justice issue impacting the poorer segment of our community struggling to improve themselves. A total of 607 signatures were gathered at St. Thomas on a petition that called for the COD Board of Trustees to re-allocate a portion of the local taxes to sustain and enlarge the English language program. Our petitions, were presented on Thursday, January 21. As of today, almost all the reductions in ESL classes have been reinstated and teachers have been rehired. Based on conversations with faculty and others associated with COD, the reinstatements would not have occurred without the reaction from the community lead by DuPage United. More importantly, the petition alerts the Board of Trustees to the wide community support for the tuition-free ESL classes. As the Board develops their next budget with even less money expected from the state, DuPage United is on record as supporting funding for the COD students with the greatest need. (St. Thomas the Apostle is a founding member of DuPage United.) Duchity Clinic Progress The dream of a healthcare clinic in our twinning village of Duchity, Haiti is making very good progress. As you can see, the roof of the structure is being put into place. The task of poring the cement slab roof is a manual assembly line process! We have thus far sent $95,000 for the construction, being managed by Father Bellange, a Holy Cross priest and an engineer. Another $26,000 is needed to complete the building. Page 11 February 21, 2010

12 Pastoral Care Cleaning for a Reason If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. Please pass this information on to bless a woman going through treatment. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It s our job to pass the word, and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along. Conference for the Divorced and Widowed: Risking Faith, Achieving Joy March 20 This popular conference will offer encouragement, spiritual nourishment, enrichment and community building for those who have suffered the loss of a spouse. The speaker for the day is Father Tony Palazzolo from the Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida. Before becoming a priest, Father Tony himself, experienced the loss of a spouse and single parenting. For information about this day call or see the brochure at From Our Parish Faith Community Nurses Safe Snow Shoveling Oh the weather outside is frightful and so can the process of clearing ice and snow off our driveways and sidewalks. It is important to understand that shoveling causes a sudden demand on the body, most especially your heart, due to increased rate and blood pressure. Cold air also makes it harder to work and breathe causing further demands on the body. Those at highest risk for hear attack while shoveling include: Anyone who has had a heart attack Anyone with a history of heart disease Anyone who leads an inactive lifestyle Those with high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol Anyone who smokes The following are some safe shoveling tips to protect our heart and your back! Talk to your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or any other chronic health concern such as diabetes. Avoid stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine that will raise your heart rate and constrict blood vessels. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Dress in layers Pick the right shovel for you! A smaller shovel means less snow to strain your heart and back. Go slow and take breaks! If you feel chest pain stop and call 911! Warm up muscles by walking or marching in place and stretching arm and leg muscles. Stand with feet apart (even with hips) and keep shovel close to your body. Bend your knees (not the back) and tighten stomach muscles as you lift the snow. Avoid twisting movements Stop if you feel pain, are unusually winded, or fatigued. When in doubt, let it melt, or hire a neighbor, teenager, or service to shovel for you. What you spend will be priceless if it saves your life. But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly and he will be given it. (James 1:5) If we can be of assistance to you or someone you know, please call Faith Community Nurses Felicia x104 or Rose x140. February 21, 2010 Page 12

13 Welcome guests and visitors, we re so glad you are here! Please visit the information areas located at the entrance to the church and in the gathering area before or after Mass. You will find available materials about the Catholic Church and St. Thomas which may be of interest to you. If you have questions or concerns, and would like to speak with Fr. Joel or another member of staff, there are a variety of ways you can make contact, including signing the guest book, leaving a completed comment card in the provided box, or taking home a staff contact list and making the call at your convenience. Whichever way you choose, we look forward to getting to you know you, and hope to see you again soon! Wed, Apr 7, 1:00 p.m. Lunch at Olive Garden Meeting to follow. Call Barb Bigus with reservations Stewardship A Way of Life Last Weekend s stewardship of financial gifts... Weekly Sunday Offertory Feb 14, 2010 (week 33) Automatic Direct Debit Mailed in & stock donations Total for week Wed, Mar 3, 1:00 p.m. Lunch at Olive Garden Meeting to follow. Call Barb Bigus with reservations $22,572 $16,830 $2,490 $41,892 Wed, May 5, 1:00 p.m. Lunch at Olive Garden Meeting to follow. Call Barb Bigus with reservations *Based on Collection Counters Reports Fiscal Year (7/1 to 6/30) to date: Weekly Average 7/1/09 to date: Offertory Goal Year to Date Over/short of goal to date: Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 Remaining for Fiscal Year goal Diocesan Appeal Updated Results Parish Appeal Goal: Pledges Received: % of Goal pledged to date: Remaining amount to goal Number of Donors: $1,177,641 $35,686 $1,168,200 $9,441 $1,840,800 $663,159 $146,500 $131,922 90% $14, Haiti Earthquake Relief Donations A new tax relief law allows people who contributed in 2010 to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti to take a tax deduction for the contribution on their 2009 tax return instead of their 2010 return. If you have made a donation by check to St. Thomas Haiti earthquake relief in 2010 and wish to deduct it for 2009 please make your request to Marilyn DeMeo in the business office so we may provide a receipt for your records. mdemeo@stapostle.org or ext 107. For further information, please visit the IRS website: irs.gov Page 13 February 21, 2010

14 Administration Commission Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. (after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Lighthouse February 2010 Meeting Announcement The February St. Thomas the Apostle Jobs Ministry Meeting will be held Thursday evening February 25, at 7:00 pm in the Gym. Back by popular demand, Lillian D. Bjorseth s presentation is titled Face to Face Networking is Still the # 1 Way To Get A Job. In Lillian s presentation she will explore how to prepare before and after the event or meeting, how to work the meeting, and how to follow up for maximum results. Please join Lillian on Thursday evening February 25, for a lively interactive and practical program that shows you how to be ready for that all important meeting or event. It is our pleasure to welcome back Lillian Bjorseth, a nationally know communication and networking expert, prolific author and Networking authority. Lillian has helped tens of thousands of people build social capital and better relationships since starting Duoforce Enterprises Inc.in Her corporate experiences include AT&T and Nicor. Please plan to attend this very informative meeting on Thursday evening February 25, 2010 at 7:00 pm. Contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com for more information. St Thomas the Apostle Church 1500 Brookdale Road Naperville, IL Friday meeting format include the speaker, followed by structured networking sessions. Bring business cards, handbills and resumes. Contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com for more info. THE WEEK AHEAD Monday, Feb. 22 4:15 5:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 7:00 9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:15 8:30 p.m. Middle School R. E. at All Saints Academy 7:30 8:30 p.m. Taize Prayer, Lighthouse 7:30 9:30 p.m. Haiti Twinning, Senior Center Tuesday, Feb :00 12:30 p.m. Lenten Noon Meditations, Chapel 4:30 5:45 p.m. R. E. Classes at Brookdale School 7:00 9:00 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 7:00 9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Judea 7:00 9:30 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church Wednesday, Feb. 24 4:15 5:15 p.m. Joyful Jammers, Church 6:00 9:30 p.m. ALPHA, Lighthouse 6:00 9:00 p.m. Soup & Bread Night, Gym Thursday, Feb. 25 6:00 7:15 p.m. Journey Praise, Church 7:00 9:00 p.m. Buildings & Grounds, Judea 7:30 9:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Gym 7:30 9:30 p.m. Genesis Rehearsal, Church Friday, Feb. 26 Furlough Day Building closed after 8:30 am Mass Will open at 7:30 p.m. for Stations of the Cross Saturday, Feb a.m. 2 p.m. P.E.O. Chapter LV Book Sale, Gym 8:30 11:45 a.m. R. E. Classes at All Saints Academy 9:00 10:30 a.m. Men s Saturday Sharing, Resource Center 4:30 6:00 p.m. Parish Mission Reception, Gathering Area Sunday, Feb. 28 7:30am-2:00p.m. Parish Mission Reception, Gathering Area 9: a.m. Liturgy of the Word for 4th & 5th Grades, Ministry Center 9:00 11:40 a.m. Liturgy of the Word with Children, Ministry Center 10:15am-1:15 p.m.. RCIA, Senior Center 1:30 3:00 p.m. Growing Up Sexually, Gym & Lighthouse Thurs, Feb 25, 7:00 pm: Lillian Bjorseth, trainer, skills coach, prolific author and networking authority, will explore how to prepare before an event or meeting, how to work the meeting, and how to follow up for maximum results in a presentation titled Face to Face Networking is Still the # 1 Way to Get a Job. February 21, 2010 Page 14