St. Luke Parish. Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 24, Pastoral Staff. Parish Info. Masses. Parish Website

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1 Welcome to St. Luke Parish R I V E R F O R E S T I L L I N O I S Pastoral Staff PASTOR Reverend Kenneth J. Fischer ASSOCIATE PASTOR Reverend Leroy A. Wickowski Parish Info RECTORY Phone: Lathrop, River Forest Sue Gamache, Office Mgr.: SCHOOL Barbara Rasinski, Principal Phone: Ashland, River Forest RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Debi DeMario: Ashland, River Forest MUSIC DIRECTOR Arlene Michna: ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR Sr. Maureen Sauer: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 24, 2010 YOUTH MINISTRY Amanda Collins: PARISH BUSINESS MANAGER Glenn Wagner: DIR. OF STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT Sheila Price: Masses SATURDAY 5:30 pm SUNDAY 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 am & 12:00 Noon WEEKDAYS Monday-Friday 6:30 and 8:00 am Saturday 8:00 am Reconciliation MONDAY-FRIDAY After 6:30 & 8:00 am Masses SATURDAY After 8:00 am Mass, and by appointment Parish Website

2 This Week s Gatherings Mass Intentions Monday, January 25, :30 am Elizabeth McMahon 8:00 am The Blessed Sacrament Ministries Tuesday, January 26, :30 am Alexander Busse 8:00 am Donald A. Affleck Wednesday, January 27, :30 am Donald A. Affleck 8:00 am Joseph Varco Thursday, January 28, :30 am The Clark and Daley Family 8:00 am Lillian Ibe Friday, January 29, :30 am Liz Kennedy 8:00 am Mary Krohn Saturday, January 30, :00 am Special Intention of the Eder Family Altar Servers Monday - Friday, January 25-29, :00 am Mon-Fri: F Rodriguez, L Tonino Weekend Liturgies Saturday, January 30, :30 - Mass Intention: Josephine Heineke Servers A Donlin, TBD; Cross Bearer: K Donlin Readers Mike Burns, Michael Mrkvicka Euch Min B Coleman, M Coleman, J Megall, K Roche, R Romano, P Romano, M Shalloo Sunday, January 31, :30 - Mass Intention: Frank J. Carbonara Servers TBD, TBD; Cross Bearer: E Ponce Readers Fred Heiss, Diana Sanborn Euch Min K Heiss, L Neal, S Skapek 9:00 - Mass Intention: Lorraine Carpenter Servers TBD, J Flatley; Cross Bearer: C Josephs Readers Caitlin Lutz, Ann O Connell Euch Min D Dubois, L Froelich, A Joseph, A Ramirez, G Rara, D Sloan, H Slowik 9:00 School Mass in Gym Servers J Giacoma, M Hanrahan; Cross Bearer: M Horrigan 10:30 - Mass Intention: Jack Kelty Servers TBD, C Hopkinson; Cross Bearer: M Halloran Readers Noel Moore, Julia Mannix Euch Min L Brennan, J Hopkinson, B Miller, M Moore, S Murray, B Murray, J Stanton 12:00 - Mass Intention: The People of St. Luke Parish Servers TBD, TBD; Cross Bearer: G Buelvas Readers Nan Brouilette, Max Brown Euch Min K Callahan, T Harnett, W Piper, D Piper, A Willoughby Readings Readings for the Week of January 24, 2010 Sunday: Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10/1 Cor 12:12-30 / Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21 Monday: Acts 22:3-16 or 9:1-22/Mk 16:15-18 Tuesday: 2 Tm 1:1-8 or Ti 1:1-5/Mk 3:31-35 Wednesday: 2 Sm 7:4-17/Mk 4:1-20 Thursday: 2 Sm 7:18-19, 24-29/Mk 4:21-25 Friday: 2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17/Mk 4:26-34 Saturday: 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17/Mk 4:35-41 Next Sunday: Jer 1:4-5, 17-19/1 Cor 12:31 13:13/ Lk 4:21-30 Liturgical Publications Inc Please Pray for Our Sick: Robert Bachner, Elizabeth Beckman, Cindy Berg, Michaela Brothman, Kathleen Callahan, Donna Campbell, Pat Carey, Kevin Connolly, Pasqualina Crotolo, Joseph Dahlstrom, Joseph Dooley, Joseph Hennessy, Jr., Janet Hunter, Jeanne Budinger Killian, Michael Kinnare, Frank Kurr, Kathleen O Bryan Kurrle, Evelyn Lawrence, Bill Lennox, Anabel Maldonado, Stephen McCardell, Rosemary McGrail, Baby John Mear, David Norris, Fr. Kevin O Rourke, Steve Possley, Julia Radde, Miriam Reedy, Ernestine Rice, Patricia Ryan, Judy Shanley, John Sutton, Victoria Virador, Cheri Wahlen, Norbert Wegerzyn and Baby Cora Rose Welker and for Our Deceased: Grace Mary Nelson Stewardship Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared. Nehemiah 8:10 Ezra s instructions to the people show us that God does not forbid us from enjoying the good things in life. However, He expects us to share our blessings with those who are in need. From the weekend of January 17, 2010 Weekly Giving Goal... $17, Actual Weekly Giving...11, Fiscal Year to Date Weekly Giving Goal... $496, Actual Weekly Giving , Unmet Needs for Year.... ($57,524.00) ~ We sincerely thank all who regularly and generously give of their treasure, as well as those who give of their time and talent, to support the work our parish does in the name of Jesus. 2

3 Meet Your Parish Pastoral Council Members ( ) Maria Cullerton (picture and bio not available) Mary Pat Devereux grew up in Oak Park and graduated from St. Edmund, Trinity High School, Boston College and Loyola Law School. She has lived in River Forest and has been a parishioner for the last 18 years. She is the mother of four children: Bob Ayres, Patrick Ebzery, Mary Monica Ebzery and the late Angela Ebzery. She has been an Assistant State s Attorney for Cook County for over 20 years, currently working in the Grand Jury Unit at the Criminal Courts in Chicago. She has enjoyed being a part of the Pastoral Council, learning more about the Parish whose church and school, spiritual and social opportunities, and kindness and support have been an important part of her life. Mary Joan Hennessy and her family moved to River Forest in She graduated from Trinity High School and Rosary College. Her three brothers graduated from St. Luke School. Mary Joan and her late husband, Joe, were married in St. Luke Church and their three children also graduated from St. Luke School. Mary Joan has been a Minister of Care for some time, and through the years she and her family have participated in many parish activities. She is enjoying her year on the Parish Pastoral Council as the Senior Representative. Mike Madden is a life-long member of St. Luke Parish. He is a graduate of St. Luke, Fenwick High School and the University of Dayton where he met his wife, Annette. They live in River Forest with their three children: Luke, Charlie and Kate. Mike is the Vice-President of Madden Funds Management, a registered investment advisor firm located in Oak Park. Jim Meek is a life-long member of St. Luke Parish, graduating from St. Luke, Fenwick High School and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He and his wife Mary Catherine have five children and five grandchildren who live as close as Oak Park and as far away as Ireland. He is a pharmacist at Dominick s Grocery Stores in Chicago. His wife Mary Catherine is a Pastoral Associate and DRE at St. Michael in Old Town and they consider themselves fortunate to have Fr. Bob Cross as a member of their household. Jim enjoys serving the community of St. Luke Parish and giving back just a portion of what he has received over the years. John Morrissey and his wife, Ann, have been members of St. Luke Parish for over 10 years. John graduated Fenwick High School, and John Carroll University and attained his MBA from Loyola University Graduate School of Business. Ever since their three children have been attending St. Luke School, John and Ann have been active in school groups. He concurrently serves as one of the parish representatives on the Deanery Committee, meeting with other nearby parishes to discuss and communicate Cardinal George s goals within the Archdiocese as it relates to the development of our parish. John welcomes the challenge and opportunity to further enhance the St. Luke faith community and contribute as so many others have in keeping our parish the vibrant environment it represents. Denise Murray and her husband Tim have been members of St. Luke since They are both classically trained chefs with each having worked in the foodservice industry for more than 28 years. Tim and Denise have two children attending St. Luke School. Denise has served on various committees at St. Luke including the Family School Association, the Dinner Dance Committee and as an Auction Chair in She is a member of the Parish Liturgy Committee, the Church Environment Committee, the Children s Liturgy Committee, and also assists with the Cherub Choir. Denise is passionate in her belief that we are all part of the Body of Christ, connected together, and interdependent on each person s importance and gift in life. 3

4 Meet Your Parish Pastoral Council Members ( ) Lou Nieto and his wife Sally have been parishioners for over 15 years. Lou is a graduate of St. Ignatius College Prep where he serves on the parent organization board. He recently retired from ConAgra Foods. Lou and Sally have three daughters who attended the St. Luke Religious Education Program. Two are currently attending St. Ignatius and the eldest is a student at Boston College. Lou has served on St. Luke s Religious Education Advisory Board, St. Luke s Millennium Campaign Committee, and the Parish Census Initiative. Bill Piper and his wife Debbie grew up in Northlake, attended St. John Vianney Parish, and became members of St. Luke in 1981, soon after they were married. They have two children, Katie and Steven. Over the years, Bill taught Religious Education, served on the Religious Education Advisory Board, and coached his children s baseball teams. Presently, he and Debbie train and schedule the Eucharistic Ministers at St. Luke. He is also active in Kiwanis International and chairs the District s Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation. Bill is an attorney with Riordan, McKee and Piper, LLC whose practice focuses on construction, surety, fidelity and insurance matters. Sheila Price and her husband Daryl have been members of St. Luke since Their two daughters, Morgan and Mallory, are both graduates of St. Luke School, where Sheila served on various committees. She is currently a Lector. She also devotes much time to various charitable organizations that help disadvantaged inner city youth succeed and the Oak Park-River Forest communities. Sheila graduated from DePaul University, was a Senior Investment Advisor for the Harris Bank, and is currently the Director of Stewardship and Development at St. Luke. Most of her free time is spent with her family and friends but, in general, she loves to read, workout, and watch old movies. Anne Roche and her family have been members of the St. Luke Community since All five of her children attended St. Luke School. Anne graduated from St. Mary s of Notre Dame and received her Master s in Education from Northeastern University. Anne was actively involved in St. Luke School while her children were in the elementary grades. She joined the Parish Pastoral Council in 2008 and looks forward to continued participation in church activities. Bob Slobig is an ex officio member of the council, serving as its liaison to the parish s deacon couples. He helps run a small law firm in Chicago. Bob and his wife, Julia Mannix, also a lawyer, have lived in River Forest for 22 years, and have been active at St. Luke s for most of that time, along with their children: Emily, a 2009 graduate of Providence College now serving in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps; Brendan, a sophomore in the College of Architecture at Kansas State University; Alannah, a senior at Fenwick High School; and Grace, a sophomore at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Bob was ordained a permanent deacon in He likes to play golf and to play the guitar, but does neither very well. Marie Spicuzza has been a member of St. Luke Parish since She and her husband Kort Gustafson live in Oak Park and have three children: Gabriel, Dominic and Fernando. She has been a Cook County Assistant State s Attorney for 19 years, currently in the Municipal Litigation Division. Marie graduated from St. Anne s School in Barrington, Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, earned a B.A. from Notre Dame, and a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago. She joined the Parish Pastoral Council in 2008 and welcomes the opportunity to serve the St. Luke Community. 4 Ex Officio Members Fr. Ken Fischer Fr. Leroy Wickowski

5 Gatherings from the Parish and the Community 2010 Annual Catholic Appeal Begins... they left everything and followed Him. Luke 5:11 Many of our parishioners either have received or will soon receive a mailing from Cardinal George. He will ask that you make a pledge to the 2010 Annual Catholic Appeal. The Annual Catholic Appeal is the largest philanthropic source of financial support for ALL of the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. In addition, it funds services that are of great help to the ministries in our parishes. This year, the theme of the Appeal is... they left everything and followed Him. This familiar phrase from the story of the Apostles walking away from their livelihoods and their worldly possessions to follow Jesus is a familiar one. But, how often do we reflect on their example as it applies to our lives. At the core of discipleship is the practice of stewardship. Stewardship is the recognition that all that we have is a gift from God and we are obligated to return a significant portion of our gifts to assist in His work. Our gifts are to be given in gratitude for what God has given us. A gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal helps to provide education, services, and ministry to thousands within and outside of our Archdiocese. Father Ken will be speaking about the Appeal at all the Masses on February 6-7. Please prayerfully consider a pledge to the 2010 Annual Catholic Appeal. Adult Confirmation Bishop Thomas Paprocki will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to adults on Tuesday, May 4, at St. Ferdinand Parish. Adult Catholics, age 18 and older who have been baptized and received their First Communion but were never confirmed are invited to register and prepare to receive Confirmation on May 4. Preparation will take place at our neighbor, St. Bernardine Parish, 7246 W. Harrison, Forest Park, beginning on Wednesday evening, March 3. To register, please call the St. Bernardine Religious Education Office at Club The St. Luke Athletic Committee would like to congratulate the following winner of the 500 Club drawing: January 17, 2010 Paul Roche Thank you to all who have purchased memberships in the club, the proceeds of which go directly to fund the school s athletic programs. Reconciliation Opportunities for Returning Catholics If you have been away from the Church for a while and are re-activating the practice of the Faith, we invite and encourage you to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation as preparation for the return to receiving Holy Communion. Here at St. Luke s we offer opportunities for the reception of this sacrament on every day of the week but Sunday. Please see the schedule on the cover of this bulletin. In addition, as part of the Catholics Come Home initiative, 22 parishes around the Archdiocese are offering opportunities for Reconciliation on January 24 and February 1. In our area, that parish is Mater Christi Parish, 2401 S. 10 th Avenue, in North Riverside. The times will be: Sunday, January 24, from 2:00-4:00 PM Monday, February 1, from 7:00-9:00 PM. The Lord is kind and merciful. Let us approach Him in this sacrament with humility and trust. Donations to Support Haiti Relief Efforts Catholic Relief Services is supporting the emergency relief and response efforts in Haiti as people there struggle in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. If you were unable to contribute to the second collection taken up last weekend, you may send your check made payable to St. Luke Church with Haiti on the memo line, to the rectory (528 Lathrop Ave) this week. We will forward all donations to Catholic Relief Services. If you prefer to donate online, please contact the Catholic Relief Services website: And let us remember the victims and the survivors of this disaster in our prayers. Prayers for Our Military Personnel As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue, let us pray that all our military personnel may be kept safe from harm and return safely home to their loved ones. We pray especially for Pfc. Michael Jarrett who died in Iraq; and Sgt. First Class Jason Hickman, Lance Corporal Mark Juarez, and Lance Corporal Jacob Meinert who died in Afghanistan. May they rest in peace. And let us pray that the leaders of our nation and of all nations may work untiringly to end all war and violence and to build a true and lasting peace among all peoples. 5

6 Gatherings from the Parish and the Community Baptized in Christ 6 We joyfully welcome into the family of the Church the following children who were recently baptized: Daniel Michael Gancer son of Stephen Donald & Laura Ann (Belmonte) Gancer Connor Brian Joyce son of Philip Brian & Mary Amanda (Sasek) Joyce Francis Matthew Madden son of Timothy Joseph & Erin (Kelly) Madden Audrey Maria McLennan daughter of Brendan Peter & Amy Elizabeth (Kathman) McLennan Tiago Landon Nunes son of João-Mariá & Carrie Beth (Goldbeck) Nunes Ella Louise O Brien daughter of James Patrick & Kelly Ann (Cox) O Brien Employment Opportunities Bulletin Board A special bulletin board at the east stairway to the choir loft is now dedicated to posting Employment Opportunities. If your business or employer has openings, please post a notice. If you are seeking employment, please look here for leads you may not find elsewhere. Let us help one another in this way Parish Directory We are currently preparing for the publication of the 2010 St. Luke Parish Directory. Part of that preparation is assuring that the information we have for each parish household is correct. If your information in the last Parish Directory is still correct and no changes or additions need to be made, there is no need to respond. However, if you registered in the parish after January 1, 2009, or if your name/s, address, telephone number, or address as published in the 2009 edition is not current, please contact Sue at the parish office ( or stlukeparish@earthlink.net) as soon as possible, so we can make our deadline for the printer. Thank you for taking the time to respond quickly so that the 2010 Parish Directory can be as accurate and complete as possible.

7 Gatherings from the Parish and the Community Prime Timers Youth Ministry The Prime Timers will be playing bridge tomorrow, Monday, in the Convent. We start at Noon and play until 3:00 PM. Players at any level are welcome. Please mark your calendar for Monday, February 15, from 2:00-4:00 PM. The Prime Timers will be enjoying a Valentine Tea. This will be a repeat of our very successful Tea last year. There will be many of the same delicious goodies we enjoyed before, including scones, tea cakes, and sandwiches. Seating is limited, so please call Noreen O'Malley at to make your reservation! The Adventure Continues... The Great Adventure: A Journey through the Bible continues this Wednesday, January 27, in Waldron Hall from 7-8:30 PM. Please bring your study materials and prepare Acts 19: Ministry in Ephesus. We welcome all great adventurers! Join us! 2010 Mass Intention Book At this time we have week day Mass intentions available. You may arrange for Masses by calling ( ) or coming in to the rectory office (528 Lathrop) during business hours (9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday thru Friday). Attention Lectors, Communion Ministers and Altar Servers It s time to prepare the next ministry schedule for the months of March, April and May. Please contact the coordinator/s for your ministry (Lectors- Joe Bobak /joebobak@att.net; Communion Ministers Bill and Debbie Piper /williampiper@att.net; Altar Servers-David Skelding and Karen Deighan / k.deighan@comcast.net) by Wednesday, February 3, to let them know when you will not be available during these months. With everyone s help, we will be able to schedule you only when you are available. Thanks for your prompt attention and response. Blessed Sacrament Ministries Next Tuition Assistance Meeting Please mark your calendars for Sunday morning, February 21. We ll be starting with 9:00 AM Mass at St. Luke s. More details will be available in upcoming bulletins. Summer Service Stock Sale Fundraiser Coming-up February 6-7 This year, teens and adult leaders from St. Luke will again dedicate a week of their summer to serving in areas of our nation deeply afflicted with poverty. This summer, we will be helping the homeless in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of our own Chicagoland community, building a house with future homeowners in the Mississippi Delta, repairing homes in a rural West Virginia community, and serving those in need with Catholic Heart Workcamp in Michigan. In two weeks we will ask all members of the St Luke community to partner with us in our work by making a financial contribution at our twice yearly Stock Sale fundraiser. Thank you for your continuing generosity. KAIROS 2010 You will never be the same. Juniors and seniors, this special experience is March Ask Amanda or check the website for a registration form. Won t You Be My Neighbor? 3-6pm in Waldron Hall 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th graders: do you want to talk about your faith and the things that matter to you and have fun with your friends? J17 is the group for you. Today we are talking about bullying and what your faith has to say about it. Make sure you are registered for J17 and join us this afternoon at 3pm for snacks, faith, and fun. Peace, Amanda Collins, Coordinator of Youth Ministry acollins@stlukeparish.org Check-out the YM page at 7

8 Gatherings from the Next Generation St. Luke The Reason for the Season On Wednesday, December 16, 2009, the St. Luke Jr K class visited The Children's Farm at The Center in Palos Park, IL. They were met by staff and dressed in costume to act out the story of the Nativity. With Mary on the donkey, led by Joseph to the stable, they joined the awaiting audience of parents singing Christmas carols. Following Mary and Joseph were the shepherds, angels and the Three Kings. Following the live Nativity program, the children went back to the barn to visit with the animals getting the opportunity to hold and pet them. St. Luke Religious Education invites your family to a... following the 9:00 Mass 10 am to Noon in Waldron Hall catered by Wishbone. RAFFLE for children and adults KING S Cake Walk, Games, Crafts and freeze dancing! Reservations required! Seating is limited, so hurry! We have enjoyed visiting The Farm now for the second year in a row. What a wonderful way to bring the true meaning of Christmas to life for our young children! 8 Respectfully submitted by Nancy Colagrossi and Linda Norris Jr K Teachers Please Join Us... on Sunday, January 31, our students and faculty will be celebrating a Catholic Schools Week Mass at 9:00 AM in the Gym. Everyone is welcome to attend! Tear off and return Family Name Phone Number # of $15 per person # of $10 per person Children under 2 years free! # Please return reservation and payment ASAP to: St. Luke Religious Education Office (checks payable to St. Luke Religious Education) 519 Ashland Avenue, River Forest, IL or call Debi DeMario at or debidre@ameritech.net with questions.

9 Gatherings from the Parish and the Community St Luke Parish Pastoral Council Meeting Agenda Opening Prayer and Gospel Intentions Approval of November Minutes Pastor s Report Catholics Come Home Initiative Welcoming Committees / Mass Attendance Task Force Report Deanery Report Liturgy Liaisons Report New Issues: Development opportunities Convent Environment Closing Prayer Waldron Hall Monday, January 25 7:30 PM Fr. Ken Fischer Fr. Ken Fischer Marie Spicuzza Fr. Ken Fischer Anne Roche John Morrissey Jim Meek Marie Spicuzza Denise Murray Mary Pat Devereux 2009 Tax Statements Tax statements for 2009 will be available for pick-up after all the Masses on the weekends of January 30/31 and February 6/7 in the Lake Street vestibule. For more information, please contact Sue in the rectory office ( ). Free Tax Preparation Assistance Wondering how you ll file your taxes this winter? Let the dedicated volunteers of Ladder Up s Tax Assistance Program prepare your income taxes for FREE! Ladder Up s services are available for families earning up to $45,000 annually and individuals earning up to $20,000 annually. Visit one of 22 Tax Assistance Program community sites to have your taxes electronically prepared and e-filed for free by a volunteer professional. Sites are open on Saturday mornings through April 10. For a full site list and more information, please visit or call