22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 23, 2009

Transcription

1 22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 23, 2009

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. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. Weekend Assistant Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. Deacon, x105 Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane Deacon, x220, Rev. Mr. Jim Breen Deacon, , Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney Deacon, x225, Rev. Mr. Michael Barrett Deacon, x220, Liturgy Kate Cuddy Director of Music and Liturgy, x112, Lori Culberson Liturgy Coordinator, x120, Angie Tuttle Liturgy Office Assistant, x110, Jessi Allured* Asst. Director of Music, x111, Theresa Sheliga* Sacristan Coordinator, x116 Faith Formation Chari Rosales Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, Kevin Pranaitis Director of High School Youth Ministry, x123, Margie Trejo Lohmeier, Director of Middle School Faith Formation, x117, Patti Dougherty Director of Religious Education, x109, Nancy Cirmo Religious Education Assistant, x118, Marge Coronado Religious Education Assistant, x119, Anne Schultz Adult Faith Formation Assistant, x113, Lynne Vehlewald* Librarian, x125, Outreach and Social Justice Michael Ryder Director of Outreach & Social Justice, x121, Anne Schultz OSJ Partner, x113, Sally Meno* OSJ Financial, Pastoral Care Jan Olah Director of Pastoral Care, x124 Felicia Lawlor*, M.S., R.N. Faith Community Nurse, x104, Rose Grumbine*, R.N., Faith Community Nurse, x104, Administration Gerry Czerak Business Manager, x106, Diane McQueen Gen Office Administrative Asst, x101, Kathy Ferguson Gen Office Administrative Asst, x100, Marilyn DeMeo* Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, Janet Simmons* Financial Assistant (M/W/F), x107, Pat Berkhout Evening/Saturday Receptionist, x119, Angie Tuttle Bulletin Editor, Graphic Design, x110, Susan Francesconi* Communications Coordinator, x108, Ted McKeown* Facility Coordinator, x133, Jorge Gonzalez* Custodian Pastoral Leadership Community John Ball Christine Berta Julee Gard Steven Grumbine Commission Facilitators John Lawlor Matt Lohmeier Dan O Grady 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 1:45 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 12:15 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday, 9 a.m. Noon. *indicates part-time staff

3 Dear Friends, Summer is waning, Labor Day approaches, but the actual last day of summer isn t until September 20. I don t let go of summer until sometime in mid October. These relaxing days of summer and today s scriptures give us a respite to think about why we do what we do. Kind of a value clarification thing. Why do you do what you do? Jesus tells us it s all about what s in the heart that counts. It not what comes from without that defiles us, but that which comes from within. What s in your heart, and how does it express itself? Does our work come from our heart? Someone once said that work is love made visible. It can and should be an expression of our love. Creation certainly is that an expression of God s love that cannot be contained, has to be expressed and shared. Our catechism tells us that s why we were created, to share God s love. It makes sense. The sacrifices and investments we make in our spouses, families, friends, parish, country and world is it not for love? Is it just for money and power? It may be for some, but it cannot be that for us. St. James tells us in the second reading, All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down for the Father of lights...willing to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. The truth of God s love for us is the source of all creation, and we live in that truth. Our lives and work all find fulfillment and meaning in that word of truth. St. James also tells us, Religion that is pure is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction...be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. These really are challenges to clarify our values and priorities. Make the time to rest and rejoice in the fact that we are the first fruits of God s work and creation, and that our work is a kind of co-creation with God, using all God s gifts to multiply the good and to express the glory and love of God in all that we do. Our work is a kind of co-creation with God. Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time September 3, 2006 Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. James 1:2 1b With love and prayers,

4 Worship Commission Voice of the Assembly The primary instrument for the liturgy is not the organ or the piano or the guitar but the voice of the assembly. In fact, the singing assembly is the most beautiful sound that the liturgy can make. Usually it is not a polished sound, and can even be an out-of-tune sound. But when it is authentic and resounding, it is the only measure of whether our music is prayer or not. Nothing ever quite matches the full, alive sound of the whole congregation joining together in the praise of God. The word that best describes that event is "Alleluia." Alleluia is a Hebrew word that translates "God's people praise God." This special song of praise is used at many different times and in many different ways, but it is especially at the time immediately before the proclamation of the Gospel that it becomes an acclamation, a kind of shout for joy always joyful, always sung. Mary & Bob Currier Mary and Bob Currier will step down as Ministry Heads for the Eucharistic Ministers. They have served faithfully for four years. Mary s organizational skills will be especially missed. Blessings for the time and talent all they have shared with us! Presider s Schedule Sept 5/6 4:30 - Fr. Bob Colaresi 7:30 - Fr. Pat Brennan 9:00 - Fr. Pat Brennan 10:45 - Fr. Joel Fortier 12:15 - Fr. Joel Fortier *Occasionally circumstances could cause a schedule change The 6:30 p.m. liturgy will resume Sept 13. The 12:15 Mass will conclude next weekend, Sept 6. This Mass will happen occasionally as need arises. VOICES OF FAITH, the St. Thomas adult choir, will be back in FULL swing beginning September 6 at the 9:00 Mass! August 30, 2009 Page 4 Q&A: What about Cremation? Since when can Catholics be cremated? Cremation has been an alternative to ground burial or entombment for Catholics since Canon Law recommends that the custom of burying the bodies of the dead be observed; however, it does not forbid cremation unless it has been chosen for reasons contrary to Christian teaching, such as to deny the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. What do we do with the cremated remains of the body? The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the corporeal remains. This includes the use of a worthy vessel for the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition (Order of Christian Funerals, #416). It is recommended that cremation take place after the funeral liturgy, however, the funeral liturgy may be celebrated in the presence of the cremated remains (1997 appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals, #426). Why is it recommended that cremation occur after the funeral liturgy? The Christian funeral is celebrated in three stages: the vigil (commonly called the wake), the funeral liturgy (usually Mass, but not always), and the committal. Liturgy works by means of signs that are perceptible to the senses. An important sign in the funeral liturgy is the body.. This friend or family member was created in the image and likeness of God. Reborn by water and the Holy Spirit, this person was re-created in the image of Christ a living temple of the Holy Spirit. During the vigil, we pray over the body of our loved one and remember, give thanks, and ask for God s mercy and comfort. For the funeral liturgy, we bring the body of our loved one back to the house of the church one last time. Just as he or she was welcomed at the door on the day of baptism, washed in the font and clothed in the robe of redemption, we repeat that at the funeral. We welcome the body at the church, we sprinkle the casket with holy water and robe it in the pall a reminder of the baptismal garment. The body then rests near the paschal candle. Much of this symbolism is lost if the body is not present. What words do we use to show respect? Some use the cremains to refer to the cremated remains. We encourage people to show due respect by always using the term cremated remains of the body or cremated remains. In this way, even our words show respect. Where should cremated remains of the body be buried? Cremated remains of the body should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL ; ; Text by the staff of Catholic Cemeteries, Archdiocese of Chicago: All rights reserved. Used with permission.

5 Pray For Our Parish Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Lord God of our ancestors, whose statues and ordinances are for all time a way of holiness, cleanse us through and through, and keep our hearts faithful. As we welcome your saving word, help us to speak it in the generous service of those most in need. For this alone is a religion pure and undefiled. We ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, and 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 Margaret Ford Bill Martin Tom Lord, husband of Diane Norbert Hund, brother-in-law of John McNicholas Gerald Lane, father of Gerald Justine Picker, friend of Pat & Ruth Harrison Linda Colvin, sister of Dave Muthler Lucille Panas for the deceased Jim Yasdick, son of Ted Catherine Flynn, mother of Coletta O Brien Ronald Anderson, brother of Sue Anderson Nystedt Jim Hellgeth, uncle of Chuck Lane Kathleen Rose Wachter, friend of Cindi Muntz Betty Furtak Sister Pam Matlotz Frank Wittry, husband of Helen Mass Intentions... Tuesday, September 1, :30 47th Wedding Anniv. of Frank & Marianne Thursday, September 3, :30 Eldon Maul, by Tom & Jeanne Kelsh Saturday, September 5, :30 John Easton, by Audrey Easton Anne Battisto, by Vito Battisto Sunday, September 6, :00 Special Intention for Jack Eschmeyer and Family, by Dave & Karen Muthler Robert Bresnahan, by Bob & Loretta Kurland 10:45 Mary Ann Gard, by The Lucado Family Ronald Anderson, by Keith & Sue Nystedt 12:15 For the People of St. Thomas Today s Readings First Reading For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us? (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8). Psalm The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord (Psalm 15). Second Reading Religion that is pure is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction (James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27). Gospel This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23). Readings for the Week Monday: 1 Cor 2:1-5; Lk 4:16-30 Tuesday: 1 Cor 2:10b-16; Lk 4:31-37 Wednesday: 1 Cor 3:1-9; Lk 4:38-44 Thursday: 1 Cor 3:18-23; Lk 5:1-11 Friday: Mi 5:1-4a or Rom 8:28-30; Mt 1:1-16, [18-23] Saturday: 1 Cor 4:6b-15; Lk 6:1-5 Sunday: Is 35:4-7a; Ps 146; Jas 2:1-5; Mk 7:31-37 Page 5 August 30, 2009

6 Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission Soul Searchers Meeting Scheduled Soul Searchers will meet once a month to explore and discover truths in Story of a Soul: Study edition by St. Therese of Lisieux, translated by John Clarke. Therese Martin was born in France in 1873, entered the Carmel of Lisieux at the age of 15 and died at 24. Known as the Little Flower, she was canonized in 1925 and made a Doctor of the Church in St. Therese said, Everything is a grace because everything is God s gift. Whatever be the character of life or its unexpected events to the heart that loves, all is well. We will discuss the Intro, Prologue and begin the first chapter, p The first fall meeting will be Saturday, September 12 from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. in the Rectory Basement. The text is available at the Carmelite Center in Darien and on the website: Mary Maloney will have three books available for purchase. Please call if interested. Hand-outs are available in the pick-up drawer under S. Deacon Will and Mary Maloney are group leaders. Come whenever your schedule allows and enjoy a thought provoking experience. All are welcome to attend this monthly discussion group. C.A.R.E. CORNER As Christians, we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and see His very person as an obvious sign of God present to us. All of the events of His life from birth, through ministry, death for forgiveness of sins, resurrection and ascension are meant to assure us that God went out of His way to be present to humanity 2000 years ago. Jesus disciples understood this and ran with the idea. They transformed their lives in order to carry on His mission. They lived in community and took care of the needs of all of their members. They walked the streets of their towns and boldly proclaimed the teachings and actions of Jesus. They carried on His ministries of preaching, healing and forgiving. And they willingly endured great sacrifice and suffering for the privilege of doing so. Can we say the same about modern day disciples of Christ? Can you be counted among those disciples? ALPHA Is Here! Everything is ready to welcome guests to the opening of the Fall Session of ALPHA, which begins Wednesday, September 2, in the Lighthouse from 6:30 to 9 p.m, and offers dinner, a video and great conversation all at no charge! A place is waiting for YOU at the table! Need an appetizer? Talk to an ALPHA team member at the table in the Gathering Area after all Masses this weekend. You can register there, or download a form from the St. Thomas website at alphareg.pdf. August 30, 2009 Page 6

7 Art: A Learning Experience Join noted local artist Robert Sunyog for Fun with Pencils & Pens. Choose your medium graphite pencil, color pencil, watercolor pencil, or pen & ink as you are guided in creating a unique still life, landscape, seascape or street scene. Classes will be held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon in the St. Thomas Senior Center from September 12 to October 17. Cost for the 6 sessions is $70. Registration will be open to the first 12 participants, so reserve your place now! To register and obtain a supply list, contact Chari Rosales at x138 or at crosales@stapostle.org. Scripture Study for Curious Adults Who is God? Who am I? Where did we come from? Where are we going? These are the basic questions of humankind. To join the conversation, come to the Scripture Study co-sponsored by St. Thomas and SS. Peter & Paul as we explore the Book of Genesis, In the beginning... Sessions on Thursdays run from September 10 to June 3. Choose the one convenient for you either 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. OR 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Ministry Center, 36 N. Ellsworth, Naperville For more information, or to register, contact Chari Rosales, the facilitator, in the Adult Faith Formation Office at x138 or crosales@stapostle.org. Prayer: An Adventure with God Bible Study Begins Sept 4 Become more involved with God s plans. The adventure of prayer is talking to God and listening to God to discover his purposes for the world and those around us. Through prayer we begin to want more of what God wants and see more of the world as He does. Learn why we pray through the examples of Mary, Abraham, Daniel and more saints in the Bible. We will explore the variety, communication and the importance of prayer and experience different forms of prayer. This study is for those who are both familiar with bible study and those who are just beginning. We meet in the Senior Center on Fridays from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. beginning with an orientation on Friday September 4. Child care is available. For registration and questions please contact Chari Rosales Coming Soon...School of Prayer! Lord, teach us to pray. Every follower of Jesus has felt the need to voice that desire, and the Holy Spirit has responded in many ways. Beginning September 14, and following on the second Monday of the month, come to the School of Prayer from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. to try on varied experiences of prayer, ancient and contemporary, to expand or deepen your personal prayer life. Monday, September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, is an opportunity to participate in the Liturgy of the Hours an ancient practice using psalms and hymns in praise. Come to the Chapel to pray with the universal Church on this sacred night. Page 7 August 30, 2009

8 Religious Education Catechist Formation Meetings All Pre-K through 8 th grade Catechists are reminded of our Catechist Formation Meetings on Monday, August 24 and Tuesday, September 1. On Monday, Judy Glander will share her wealth of ideas to use in the classroom. Catechists will meet in the Lighthouse at 7:00 p.m. Lesson plans and materials will be distributed on Tuesday. Registration for Boy/Girl Scouts Interested in Earning Religious Medal Scouts interested in earning their religious medals are asked to contact Patti Dougherty, at ext 109 in the Faith Formation/Religious Education Office. Scout Leaders and/or Parents will receive information on how to get the book and earn the Religious Medal. Books need to be worked on and completed by January Families: Take some time to discuss and reflect on the readings of the week.? August 30 Question of the Week... What good things does God want me to do? The R.E. schedule for Pre-K through 8th grade is now available online. See our website Orientation for New Families to St. Thomas Religious Education Program (Pre-K 5) Come to the orientations in the Gathering Area of the Ministry Center on: Thurs, Sept 3 9:30 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 2:30 p.m. Learn... How to get the most out of our Religious Education program Directions to school, parking procedures and doors to use How to use our calendar About special events RSVP helpful: Patti Dougherty at ext. 109 or pdougherty@stapostle.org Children are welcome. Check out our website for more information Save the Date! 25 th Anniversary Picnic and Mass September 26 See the insert in today s bulletin for details. August 30, 2009 Page 8

9 Save the date... Wednesday, September 23 Praise Night with JOHN ANGOTTI Mark you calendar NOW! Help Wanted 1.5 Hrs/Week Media Team Our Media Team needs some new teens or adults! Commitment is 1-2 Sundays a month from 5:30-7:30pm. Run the projection, live video feed, sound board, etc for the 6:30pm mass. Call Kevin Right Now! x123 or ym@stapostle.org Jump for Joy at Holy Trinity Holy Trinity parish in Westmont is hosting a Jump for Joy vocation day on September 13 from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. It is geared towards teens who want to know more about religious vocations. Adoration will be available as well. Fr. Burke Masters and Dominican sisters from Ann Arbor will facilitate. For more information contact Pam Simon at Holy trinity: psimon@holytrinitywestmont.org. Quest Kicks Off September 13 Quest, along with the 6:30 p.m. mass, kicks off in just a couple weeks on September 13. All Quest teens and parents are expected to attend the event which begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. and will last until approximately 8:30 to 8:45 p.m. All, of course, are welcome to show their support and worship with our youth. Registration forms and schedules are available still on our website. Questions? Call Kevin Pranaitis at x123 or the Religious Education Office at x118. Page 9 August 30, 2009

10 Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice Catholic Social Teaching and Health Care In our Catholic tradition, health care is a basic human right. Access to health care should not depend on where a person works, how much a family earns, or where a person lives. Instead, every person, created in the image and likeness of God, has a right to life and to those things necessary to sustain life, including affordable, quality health care. This teaching is rooted in the biblical call to heal the sick and to serve "the least of these," our concern for human life and dignity, and the principle of the common good. Unfortunately, tens of millions of Americans do not have health insurance. To learn about Catholic teaching on health care in more detail, read the full statement by the United States Catholic Bishops, A Framework for Comprehensive Health Care Reform, at usccb.org/ sdwp/national/comphealth.shtml. Healthcare Reform and Faith Monday, August 31, 7 9 p.m. Lombard Mennonite Church 528 E. Madison Lombard, IL John Gaudette, Healthcare Director, Citizen Action Illinois & and member, Healthcare for America Now Dr. Anne Scheetz, Co-chair of Illinois Single Payer Coalition Representative Peter Roskam (invited) Ellen Beth Gill, attorney Laura Leon, Director of Faith Initiatives, Campaign for Better Healthcare Tom Cordaro, Pax Christi Illinois Reverend Vince Gaddis, Aurora September Care Pantry Food Collection Next Weekend, Sept 5/6 Here are the items we especially need Jiffy Mix Canned Vegetables Jelly Canned Soup Canned Chili Canned Tomato Products Microwave Popcorn Jell-O If you can t bring food to Mass next weekend, bring it whenever convenient just leave it outside the Outreach Office or in the Gathering Area. Caring is thinking with your heart! SEPTEMBER KIDSKARE Please ask if there is a chore you can do during the week-helping with dishes, perhaps-to earn 2 rolls of Toilet Paper to bring up to the altar when you come to church Saturday or Sunday. Thank You! Pro-Life URGENT need for Toilet Paper! Recent startling advances in reprogramming adult cells into embryonic-like cells hailed by the journal Science as the scientific breakthrough of the year are said by many scientists to be making embryonic stem cells irrelevant to medical progress. [Also], adult and cord blood stem cells are now known to have great versatility, and are increasingly being used to reverse serious illnesses and even help rebuild damaged organs. Cardinal Francis George, OMI, August 30, 2009 Page 10

11 Human Rights Day Retreat "Envisioning Shalom" will provide discussion and a guided meditation that will focus on peace in our hearts. "The Role of Women" in political and civic life will be discussed emphasizing how we can do our part. Our country's budget priorities and how we compare to other countries will become clear in "Unraveling Global Military Spending". View a DVD: Mahammad Yunus started Micro- Credit in Bangladesh. The Human Rights Award will be presented to Ann Beran Jones & Rev. David Bebb Jones for their lifetime of work for human rights with an emphasis on peace. Friday, September 18, 2009, 9: 15AM 2PM Grace United Methodist Church 300 E Gartner, Naperville Parking is in the lower lot closest to Washington St. Cost: $10 - includes lunch Mail checks - Payable to CWU to Mary O"Keefe 6 S. Wright St. Naperville, IL, by Sept. 14 St. Nicholas Latin Festival Those of you that attended the Kermes Fair at St. Nicholas know to expect authentic (and very good) Mexican food, music, and good fun at the upcoming Latin Festival. It will happen on Sunday, September 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The proceeds benefit the parish of St. Nicholas as they work to support their community. (St. Nicholas Church 308 High Street Aurora) City Council to Vote on Video Gambling What is your view on Video Gambling? On September 1, the Naperville City Council will be considering whether or not to allow video gambling in Naperville. For more information on the issue, go to: Do you have an opinion? Would you like to express that opinion? If so, send to videogaming@naperville.il.us, or call (630) You are also free to attend the Council meeting. It begins at 7:00 p.m. and ends whenever! Pastoral Care Gluten-Free Host Procedure For those who need an alternative to wheat hosts, we offer a rice-based host for Eucharist. This is the procedure for ensuring you health and safety. You will need your own pyx (a special container for Eucharist). These are available from the Pastoral Care Office. You may wish to mark it so yours is identifiable to you as there may be other people using this procedure. Before mass, bring your pyx to the sacristy. The hosts are in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator in the sacristy. Place one of the wafers in your pyx. Place the pyx on the blue plate on the gifts table in the center of the church. It will be brought forward with the gifts and consecrated. At Communion, please go to the station near the baptismal font by the Mary Statue (Station 7). At 6:30pm mass, go to Station 2, in front of the ambo, the big lectern where the readings are proclaimed. The Eucharistic Minister will have the plate with the pyx. To ensure no wheat cross-contamination, you will open the pyx and consume the host using your own hands. Take your pyx home with you until next time. If you are ill or in the hospital, and would like to receive Eucharist, please call the Parish Nurse Office. We will ensure that the Minister of Care has gluten-free hosts available. If you have any questions regarding this procedure or need a pyx, please contact Rose or Felicia in the Parish Nurse Office. In the hospital? Call the parish office and one of our parish nurses or ministers of care will visit, bring Eucharist or assist you with your needs! Page 11 August 30, 2009

12 Stewardship Commission Stewardship A Way of Life Last Weekend s stewardship of financial gifts... Weekly Sunday Offertory August 23, 2009 (week 8) 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 7/1/09 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: $22,285 $19,872 $2,837 $44,994 $276,024 $34,503 $283,200 ($7,176) $1,840,800 $1,564,776 $146,500 $109, % $37, All Saints Catholic Academy Prepares Donor Recognition Wall All Saints Catholic Academy is in the process of preparing a donor wall to honor and recognize those parishioners who made an initial gift to establish the school. By mid-july, letters will be mailed to the donors on record to confirm listing of name and financial category. Please read the letter thoroughly and respond if changes need to be made. If you believe you should be listed as part of the initial campaign and do not receive a letter, please contact Peggy Kobe, pkobe@ascacademy.org. Once again, thank you to all parishioners who have supported All Saints Catholic Academy. The simplest form of Planned Giving: A Bequest A will is an important document that lets you determine the distribution of your estate. It also offers a variety of creative ways for you to leave a Legacy of Faith, forever helping your parish, school or diocese. In preparing your will, you should first provide for your family s needs. Then you may choose to bequeath to your parish, school or diocese a certain dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or whatever is left after your loved ones have been taken care of. You may also wish to name one or more charitable recipients in case your heirs do not survive you. If you already have a will, your attorney may be able to add a simple amendment (Codicil) to provide a gift to an endowment, using language similar to this: General Bequest: I hereby will, give and bequeath the sum of $ to the Diocese of Joliet for (name your parish, school or diocesan endowment fund). Residue Bequest: I devise and bequeath % of the residue of my estate to the Diocese of Joliet for (your parish, school or diocesan endowment fund). As the legal entity behind parishes like St. Thomas the Apostle, the diocese will handle the processing and distribution of your bequest funds accordingly. The Diocese does not provide advice on tax or legal matters. You should obtain the service of an attorney, accountant or other professional tax and estate advisor. For additional information, contact the Development Office at August 30, 2009 Page 12

13 Sept 2, 1:00 p.m. Lunch at Coco Berry Call Barb Bigus for reservations Tues, Sept. 15, 7:00 p.m. Meeting in the Gathering Area. More information to follow. Helping Scouts Learn About Their Faith Are you willing to help Girl and Boy Scouts in your parish earn their Religious Medals/Emblems? If so, the Joliet Diocese Catholic Committee of Scouting invites you to attend a training session on Saturday, October 17, from 8:00 a.m. to Noon at St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center in Romeoville. If you have copies of any of the Scout workbooks or Adult guides please bring them with you. For more information or to make a reservation to attend please call by Friday, October.9 Deacon Rod Accardi, Chaplain, at Calling All Artists! The Celebration of the Arts ministry of St. Thomas the Apostle invites artists to participate in the Twelfth Annual Fine Arts and Craft Fair. The event will take place on Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8 in the Ministry Center. Entry forms are in the rack outside of the church office. The deadline for registration is September 25, however space is allocated on a first come, first serve basis, so don t wait until the last minute to register. Call Don Castro at or Chari Rosales at x138 for more information. WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet Sun, Sept 27, 2:00 p.m. For couples celebrating 25, 50 and more than 50 years of marriage Last Name Husband Wife Address City Zip Phone Parish you Attend City Date of Marriage Number of Yrs. Married in 2009 A reception will be held in the Joyce Center following the mass. We will attend the mass and reception. We will attend the mass only. Because of space limitations, no additional guests, please. Caregivers/helpers are very welcome. Pre-registration by mail, fax, phone or is required by September 4, 2009 to: The Center for Family Ministry, 402 S. Independence Blvd., Romeoville, IL Fax: Phone: familyministry@dioceseofjoliet.org The Thirty-first Annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass will be celebrated Sunday, September 27, at 2 pm at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet. Couples celebrating anniversaries of 25 years, 50 years, and more than 50 years, are invited to attend the event. Couples will receive certificates and will be led through a blessing ceremony by Bishop Sartain during the Mass. Because of space limitations, there is not room for additional guests. However, if necessary, a caregiver/helper is very welcome to attend with the couple. Pre-registration is required; please complete and return the form by September 4, For more information, please call Page 13 August 30, 2009

14 Administration Commission Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. (after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Lighthouse The September St. Thomas Jobs Ministry Meeting will be held Wednesday evening September 23, at 7:00 p.m. in the Gym. The speaker will be Joy McGuire Dooley. Joy is currently Director of Adult Services for Lisle Township. Joy has helped over 1,000 people secure meaningful employment over the last 15 years. Joy has won numerous community organizations and employee awards in a variety of specialties. Joy created and co hosts a weekly radio show Job Talk which airs every Thursday and Monday morning. Job Talk can be heard on WJJG 1530 AM radio. Joy s presentation is When Is It Time To Change. Joy will show you how to use your existing talents and experience to land that next job even though the position may be outside the Job Seekers normal area of expertise. Joy will also explore other topics to help the Job Seekers land that next job. Please plan to attend this very informative meeting on Wednesday evening September 23, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the Gym at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville, IL For additional information please contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com. THE WEEK AHEAD Monday, Aug. 31 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 4:15 5:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 7:00 9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:00 9:30 p.m. New Wine Class, Senior Center Tuesday, Sept. 1 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 10:00-11:00 a.m. Care Pantry & Blood Pressure, Lighthouse 7:00 9:15 p.m. Catechist Meeting, Ministry Center 7:00 9:00 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 7:00 9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Resource Center 7:00 9:30 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church. Wednesday, Sept. 2 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Protecting God s Children, Lighthouse 4:15 5:15 p.m. Joyful Jammers, Church 6:00 10:00 p.m. ALPHA, Lighthouse 7:00 9:00 p.m. Pax Christi, Judea 7:00 9:00 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul, Senior Center West 7:30 9:00 p.m. New Lector Orientation, Church Thursday, Sept. 3 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:30 10:00 a.m. & Elem. R.E. New Family Orientation, Gathering Area 2:00 2:30 p.m. 6:00 7:15 p.m. Journey Praise, Church 7:30 9:30 p.m. Genesis Rehearsal, Church Friday, Sept. 4 9:00am-12:00 p.m. 9:30am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area Jobs Ministry, Gym Fri, Sept 4, 9:30 am: Lauren Milligan, a Resume Expert and Career Coach who heads up her own company, Resu- MAYDAY, will focus on an entirely new method of showcasing your accomplishments, and skills in your resume, in a presentation titled The Story Behind The Story. Saturday, Sept. 5 8:30 11:30 a.m. Bread of Life, Rectory Basement 9:00 10:30 a.m. Men s Saturday Sharing, Senior Center West Sunday, Sept. 6 Fri, Sept 11, 9:30 am: Michael Schumacher, is Director of Professional Services for Lee Hecht Harrison s office in Lisle, IL. Mike s presentation titled Interviewing for Success, will teach the Job Seeker how to develop a successful interview strategy; how to prepare yourself to answer questions; and, how to effectively handle the salary question. St Thomas the Apostle Church 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, Friday meeting formats include a short introduction of all the attendees, then a speaker, followed by a structured networking sessions. Bring your elevator speech, business cards, handbills and resumes. Contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com August 30, 2009 Page 14