528 Lathrop Avenue River Forest, Illinois

Transcription

1 528 Lathrop Avenue River Forest, Illinois I needed proof don t you see there was so little to go on everything so new and upside down he had promised to remain but then he seemed to leave us after all how were we to know that death is not a sign to be trusted so much seemed to be what it was not I had to insist on seeing with my own eyes on touching, testing him on showing him my broken heart do not be glib you of the second generation and the third, and the hundredth you too would ask for fleshly signs if you did not have daily proof of his resurrection if you could not see in one another the marks of nail and spear of pain made whole of life triumphant and if one day your world goes upside down remember me and be at peace secure in this at least your Savior lives E.M. Jeep MAY 1, 2011 Divine Mercy Sunday

2 THIS WEEK S GATHERINGS 2 MASS INTENTIONS Monday, May 2, :30 am 8:00 am Bob Barder Tuesday, May 3, :30 am Aimee Morrissey 8:00 am Living & Deceased Members of The Joseph Dahlstrom Family 7:00 pm Confirmandi and their families Wednesday, May 4, :30 am 8:00 am Lillian Mazur Thursday, May 5, :30 am 8:00 am Helen & John Corbett Friday, May 6, :30 am 8:00 am Lillian Cataldo Saturday, May 7, :00 am Bob Barder ALTAR SERVERS Monday - Friday, May 2-6, :00 am Mon-Fri: C Flynn, L Sloan CONFIRMATION Tuesday, May 3, :00 pm Servers Euch Min A Brennan, G Buelvas, M B Halloran, C Hopkinson, E Ponce S Brennan, P Brennan, K Heiss, D Kurtenbach, J Mannix, S McAllister, D Ross, A Valenti WEEKEND LITURGIES Saturday, May 7, :30 - Mass Intention: Dominick Novielli Servers C Hopkinson, A Trucco; Cross Bearer: P Ebzery Readers Nan Brouilette, Bob Samko Euch Min M Bresnahan, D Hopkinson, S Krusinski, J Lynch, C Madden, J Megall, M Mrkvicka Sunday, May 8, :30 - Mass Intention: The Williams, Karasis, Kurr Families & Roy Servers P Flanagan, T Skapek; Cross Bearer: M/W Smith Readers Barbara Best, Gene Lawrence Euch Min S Scelfo, J Sullivan, M Sullivan 9:00 - Mass Intention: Aimee Morrissey Servers J Hendricks, W Planek; Cross Bearer: J Flatley Readers C J Kerstetter, Sheila Price Euch Min S Butler, T Graefe, A Joseph, M Martinez, R Norton, G Rara, C Saunders 10:30 - Mass Intention: The People of St. Luke Parish Servers A Nowicki, A Skelding; Cross Bearer: P Moore Readers Noel Moore, Doug Kurtenbach Euch Min S Dubois, B Miller, M Moore, S Murray, B Murray, L Ramos, M Redinger 12:00 - Mass Intention: Evelyn Lawrence Servers M Malone, P Roche; Cross Bearer: T Gorman Readers Elizabeth Robertson, Terry Roche Euch Min V Perera, D Piper, S Piper, W Piper, A Willoughby WELCOME TO ST. LUKE River Forest, IL READINGS Readings for the Week of May 1, 2011 Sunday: Acts 2:42-47/1 Pt 1:3-9/Jn 20:19-31 Monday: Acts 4:23-31/Jn 3:1-8 Tuesday: 1 Cor 15:1-8/Jn 14:6-14 Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26/Jn 3:16-21 Thursday: Acts 5:27-33/Jn 3:31-36 Friday: Acts 5:34-42/Jn 6:1-15 Saturday: Acts 6:1-7/Jn 6:16-21 Next Sunday: Acts 2:14, 22-33/1 Pt 1:17-21/ Lk 24:13-35 Liturgical Publications Inc PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK: Angelina Ali, Michael Brady, Mary M. Connolly, Mary Corbett, Joseph Dahlstrom, Terry Donlin, Bill Dooley, Frank Kurr, Bob Meek, Jeanne O Connor, Dennis Rakowski, and Richard Sullivan AND FOR OUR DECEASED. STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. John 20:21 Jesus offers us peace, not when we sit quietly in a pew, but when we allow Our Lord to send us out into the world to do His work. We will find great peace when we turn away from the materialism of the world and instead care more deeply for those in need. From the weekend of April 24, 2011 Actual Weekly Giving $6, Fiscal Year to Date Weekly Giving Goal , Actual Weekly Giving , Unmet Needs for Year ($67,165.00) We are always very grateful for the sacrifices you make to support the mission, goals, and ministry of St. Luke Church. Thank you for your generosity!

3 GATHER IN PRAYER AND SERVICE Saint Luke Parish Celebrates Confirmation May 3, 2011 Kenneth Acey, Jr. Samantha Adeli Gianna Basile David Beacom Seamus Blaha Anthony Brennan Jordan Coe Mardie Connelly Michael Contreras Kathleen Coogan Anne Claire Cronin Celia DiVenere Abigail Donlin Kathryn Donlin Patrick Flanagan Jessica Flatley Colin Flynn Nicole Gagliardo Jack Girardot Jack Hamilton James Harrington Erik Huston Natalie Japlon Madeline Joss Jack Kurtenbach Mae Leef Luke Masella James McAllister Martin McAndrews Molly McAndrews Andrew Muñoz Michael Pace Samantha Phelan William Planek Julia Pochyly Samuel Pochyly William Pritz Ryan Reid Nadya Renteria Mireilla Rivera Paul Roche Alyana Rodriguez Briana Ross Alicja Seledec Aidan Skelding Jack Stannard Nina Steele Brendan Stelmach Erin Sullivan John Sullivan Phillip Szewc Jacob Taubman Laura Tonino Margaret Valenti Gabrielle VanZant Samuel White Kathryn Wilkinson MAY 1, 2011 Divine Mercy Sunday 3

4 at The Oak Park Art League 720 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park Saturday, May 7, 4:00 7:00 pm to benefit The Learning Center Educating adults in the Blessed Sacrament area Donation: $75 Contact the Nickels ( ) or the Fahertys ( ). 4 WELCOME TO ST. LUKE River Forest, IL

5 GATHERINGS FROM THE PARISH AND THE COMMUNITY DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR TODAY On this Second Sunday of Easter, which Pope John Paul designated as Divine Mercy Sunday, we will have a Holy Hour from 3:00-4:00 pm consisting of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of the rosary and the Divine Mercy chaplet, and Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available during this Holy Hour. Everyone is invited to join in this special prayer and devotion. A BEAUTIFUL EASTER Our Holy Week and Easter Services were so very beautiful in every way. Our sincere thanks to all who had a part in preparing them and making them so uplifting. To our liturgy planners, musicians and choirs, cleaners and decorators, presiders and preachers, lectors and commentators, ushers, servers and Communion ministers to all who had a part may God bless you for your wonderful service to our parish family. TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CATHOLIC CHARITIES 1. We serve anyone in need regardless of their race, ethnic background or religious affiliation. 2. We helped more than 1 million people last year. 3. We have 159 programs at 156 sites in Cook and Lake Counties. 4. Each day, about 5,000 seniors receive nourishing food through our home-delivered meals or group dining programs. 5. Each week, we invite hundreds of hungry and homeless men, women, and children to have a meal at our supper programs. 6. Every year, we provide a safe harbor to hundreds of women and their children escaping domestic violence and abuse. 7. Every month, we provide food, clothing and shelter to over 10,000 people with critical needs. 8. We provide over 1,300 affordable apartments to elderly senior citizens on low, fixed incomes. 9. Each day, we need $700,000 to keep our programs serving all of our clients. 10. Ninety-two cents of each dollar we raise goes directly to help people in need. Please use the special envelope in your packet and make a generous donation to the Annual Catholic Charities Appeal next weekend. Thank you. EASTER COLLECTION REMINDER Many thanks to all who made a special gift to St. Luke Parish in our Easter collection. To date we have received $69,867. Our budgeted goal is $80,000. We realize that quite a few people were out of town this Easter. Your Easter donation is still needed. Please send it to the rectory or place it in the regular collection basket next weekend. Thank you for your support. PRAYING THE ROSARY DURING MAY May is traditionally a month of special devotion to Mary, especially the praying of the rosary. Each weekday, Monday through Saturday, the rosary is prayed in church immediately after the 8:00 am Mass. Everyone is cordially invited to join in this Marian devotion during May. MOTHER S DAY BLESSING At all the Masses next weekend we will have a special blessing for all the mothers who are present. At the 9:00 Mass our Children s Choirs will sing. This will be the last time the children sing before summer break. Families with young children are especially invited to worship each Sunday at the 9:00 Mass. MAY 1, 2011 Divine Mercy Sunday 5

6 GATHERINGS FROM THE PARISH SELECTING NEW PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS Fr. Ken and the PPC are undertaking the process of selecting five new PPC members to begin serving three-year terms starting this June, and want to explain the selection process to all parishioners. The PPC: Our 12-member Parish Council is designed to advise and counsel the pastor on matters related to the pastoral life at St. Luke, and to work to improve pastoral life at St. Luke. Two major foci during the next three years will be initiatives to increase parish vitality and the implementation of a Stewardship Program. Prospective PPC members should be willing and able to learn more about these issues and to commit themselves to a significant role in addressing them. Three council members fill the positions of Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary positions that each last for one year. And, two council members represent St. Luke at our Deanery IV-B. (The deanery is a collection of nearby parishes that is the interface between the Cardinal and Archdiocesan parishes.) The PPC meets once a month from September through June. PPC meetings are held on Monday nights in Waldron Hall and last for approximately 90 minutes. The Selection Process: PPC members are not elected. Rather, they are selected by a process that is designed to be open to the entire parish, and to result in selecting those parishioners who are in the best position to serve on this council at this time. Traditionally, parishioners who have been active in one or more committees, ministries, groups or volunteer positions within our parish community decide to take the next step and indicate their interest in serving on the Parish Council. The process begins with this announcement. Next, there will be a general information meeting in Waldron Hall on Monday, May 16, at 7:00 pm. Departing and returning PPC members will be there with Fr. Ken, to explain what the PPC does, how it operates, and the rewards and challenges of serving on our Parish Council. A significant amount of time is set aside to answer questions. Following the May 16 informational meeting, interested parishioners will be invited to a meeting in the rectory on Sunday, June 5, at 1:30 pm. That meeting is designed to prayerfully discern those five new members who will join the PPC in June. We hope you can make it on May 16. If you are interested in being considered to serve on the council but cannot make this meeting, then please contact any member of the Parish Council or Fr. Ken, and arrangements will be made to fill you in on what you missed, and answer your questions. The St. Luke PPC Fr. Kenneth Fischer, Fr. Robert Marchwiany, , frken@stlukeparish.org , rmarchwiany@stlukeparish.org Maria Cullerton, , cully71@hotmail.com Joan Cusack, Maureen Gorman, , Mbg2@sbcglobal.net Kevin Hanley, , k_hanley@ml.com Harry Hicks, , simekhicks@att.net John Morrissey, , jamorrissey@sbcglobal.net Lou Nieto, , lou.nieto@comcast.net Terry Norton, , reneeterry@yahoo.com Bill Piper, , williampiper@att.net Sheila Price, , srice1146@aol.com Anne Roche, , annerroche@hotmail.com 6 WELCOME TO ST. LUKE River Forest, IL

7 GATHERINGS FROM THE PARISH CHANGES TO ST. LUKE S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM In response to questions raised by concerned parishioners about our Religious Education Program, we have undertaken a review of that program over the last several months. The review process included: 1) a survey that was sent to all families currently or recently enrolled in the Religious Education Program and 2) a roundtable discussion of the survey results among respondents and members of the Religious Education Advisory Board. Fifty-two families responded to the survey, 80% of whom had children currently enrolled in our program. The roundtable discussion identified four of the most important issues raised by the survey results: 1) the time, length and frequency of classes; 2) certain aspects of the content of classes including our texts and the frequency of in-church and other activities; 3) the need for ongoing evaluation of the students, catechists and the program; and 4) more effective communication with parents and parishioners concerning the program. The discussion also identified four priorities for the future: shorter class times; more effective communication concerning the Archdiocesan guidelines that lead to the selection of our texts and otherwise inform our curriculum; challenging our Religious Education Advisory Board to more effectively ensure the quality of the program; and more of a focus on in-church activities during classes. As a result of this and other recent work of the Advisory Board and parish personnel, the following changes will be implemented to the Religious Education Program in the upcoming school year: Classes will be shortened to one hour for elementary students from (3:30 to 4:30) and one hour for middle-school students (from 6:30 to 7:30). The curriculum will be revamped to utilize new texts, and more frequent in-church activities, including Masses, prayer services, Reconciliation opportunities and Stations of the Cross, so as to enable our students to experience the joys of celebrating in church with their peers, and provide them with opportunities to actively participate in the ceremonies. The Advisory Board will begin to evaluate the program itself on an ongoing basis, with the objective of continually striving for excellence among all the volunteer catechists and the program itself. In addition, the students progress will be monitored through testing and parent communication to ensure that the basic tenets of our faith are being grasped. In addition, the Advisory Board will make a renewed effort to enhance communication with parishioners and parents concerning the program, on the website and otherwise, including compliance with Archdiocesan guidelines regarding the selection of approved texts and curriculum. We thank all those who took the time to complete the survey, attended the roundtable discussion or otherwise engaged in this process. Of course, we continue to welcome thoughtful suggestions for improvement of the Religious Education Program, and we would welcome more parents to become members of the Advisory Board. We ask for your prayers and support as we implement these improvements and strive to achieve excellence in instilling the faith in our children. With prayers for you and your children, sincerely, Fr. Kenneth J. Fischer Pastor The Advisory Board: Michelle Flatley Deborah Hopkinson Debi DeMario Director of Religious Education Fr. Robert Marchwiany Mark Romano MAY 1, 2011 Divine Mercy Sunday 7

8 St. Luke Church 528 Lathrop Ave River Forest, IL S CHEDULE OF REGULAR EVENTS S UN M ON T UE W ED T HU F RI S AT SUNDAY 1 st, 4 th : Family Mass, 9:00 AM (Ch) 1 st : Spark, 2:30-6 PM (HH/Ch/Pkg Lot) 2 nd, 3 rd, 4 th : Spark, 6:30-8 PM (HH) 2:00-4:30 PM (Gym/WH) Enrichment Classes 3:00-4:00 (Ch) Divine Mercy Holy Hour 7:00-9:00 PM (Ch) Confirmation Rehearsal 7:00-10:00 PM (Ch/WH) Confirmation/ Reception 10 AM-8 PM YM Spring Hiking Trip 7-11 PM (Gym) Adult Sock Hop MONDAY 2 nd, 4 th : Prime Timers Bridge, 12-3 PM (HH) 1 st : Liturgy Committee Mtg, 7:30-9 PM (WH-A) 2 nd : P&J Mtg, 7:30-9 PM (WH-A) 3 rd : Parish Pastoral Council, 7:30-9 PM (WH-A) TUESDAY 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd, 4 th : Playgroup, 9:30-11 AM (WH-B) 2 nd, 5 th : Family School Assoc, 7-8 PM (WH-A) 3 rd : BSJ, 7-9 PM (WH-A) 2 nd : Athletic Committee, 7:30-8:30 PM (HH) 2 nd : Parish Finance Council, 7:30-9 PM (GR) 2 nd, 3 rd, 4 th, 5 th : Contemporary Choir, 7:30-9 PM (Ch) WEDNESDAY 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd, 4 th : Playgroup, 9:30-11 AM (WH-B) 1 st, 2 nd : Student Choir, 3:10-4:15 PM (HH 1 st, 2 nd : Bell Choir, 4:30-5:30 PM (Ch) 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd, 4 th : Bible Study: Matthew, 7-9 PM (FL) 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd : Chancel Choir, 7:15-9 PM (Ch) 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd, 4 th : AA Mtg, 8-9:15 PM (GR) THURSDAY 1 st, 2 nd : Cherub Choir, 3:00-4:15 PM (HH) AM-1 PM (Ch) 1 st Eucharist 1-2 PM (YO) 5&2, Teen Action Bd PM (WH) Service Formation Meeting 5-6 PM (Ch) 1 st Eucharist Rehearsal/ 5:30 PM Mass 6-7 PM (Ch) 1st Eucharist Rehearsal/ 10:30 AM Mass PM (Ch) 1 st Eucharist Rehearsal/ 9:00 AM Mass 6-7 PM (Ch) 1st Eucharist Rehearsal/ Noon Mass :15-10:15 AM (Ch) May Crowning Prayer Service 2-3 PM (RDR) Prime Timers Board Mtg :30-6:30 PM (Ch) 1 st Eucharist FRIDAY SATURDAY 3 rd : Holy Hour & Benediction, 8:30-9:30 AM (Ch) 3 rd : Sophia Book Discussion, 8:30-10:30 AM (HH) Memorial Day 9-10 AM (Ch) Mass YM & Prime River Forest Parade 31 Parish Facilities Ch Church FL Faculty Lounge GR Guild Room Gym Gym HH Hospitality House Lib Library RDR Rectory Dining Room RC Resource Center REO.. Religious Education Office SLS School WH Waldron Hall 8 WELCOME TO ST. LUKE River Forest, IL

9 YOUTH MINISTRY STUDENTS PREPARE FOR CONFIRMATION AND FIRST COMMUNION Our 8 th graders are making their final preparations to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday, May 3. Bishop Francis Kane will come to St. Luke s to administer the sacrament to them. And our 2 nd graders are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion the weekend of May Let us keep all of these young people in our prayers as they prepare to experience God s special love through these sacraments. 500 CLUB The St. Luke Athletic Committee would like to congratulate the following winners of the 500 Club drawing: April 24, 2011 Neil & Patti O Connor Thank you to all who have purchased memberships in the Club, the proceeds of which go directly to fund the school s athletic programs. Get ready for an EXTRA-LONG and EXTRA-FUN Spark today at 2:30pm. We will start in the parking lot at 2:30pm with kickball, dodgeball, and maybe a little whiffle ball. Then you can choose to get trained as a Eucharistic Minister or Lector. Absolutely everyone in high school is invited, and of course we will end with pizza so that we can just hang-out and catch-up. Come for part or all of it. This is totally free, so... Come light the fire! PLEASE SHARE YOUR VIEWS ON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS The Archdiocese of Chicago would like to understand the views of Catholics on a range of topics related to our Catholic schools. We would greatly appreciate your involvement in an online survey. Please note that we are interested in hearing from all Catholics, regardless of your level of personal involvement in Catholic schools. In particular, we are looking to understand the perspectives of those who have children ages 3-7. All surveys will be anonymous unless participants themselves choose to provide contact information. To participate in the survey, please go to the Archdiocese of Chicago s website at and follow the link to the Catholic School Survey. If you have Catholic friends or family members who you think may not see this announcement, we would greatly appreciate your help in asking them to fill out the survey as well. The deadline for completing a survey is Friday, May 6. The third-annual St. Luke Starved Rock Hiking Trip is next Saturday, May 7, and registration forms are DUE TODAY. Hikers: be sure to be in the parking lot at 9am on Saturday with a water bottle, good walking shoes, and a bagged lunch. Contact Amanda TODAY with any questions about signing-up. Peace, Amanda Collins, Coordinator of Youth Ministry acollins@stlukeparish.org Check-out the YM page at MAY 1, 2011 Divine Mercy Sunday 9

10 PRIME TIMERS The Prime Timers had a wonderful time last week at the Garfield Park Conservatory. It really felt like spring to see all the beautiful flowers. The next venture for the Prime Timers will be our semi annual church visits on Wednesday, May 11. This time we plan to visit the Carmelite Monastery in Des Plaines, have lunch at the Des Plaines Elks Club, and then visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Maryville Academy. Please call Anne Canapary at to make a reservation by May 9. The St. Edmund s Golf League is looking for new women members for their summer league. It starts Wednesday, May 18, and will play every Wednesday until August 31. Tee time for nine holes is 7:45 am at Columbus Park. The League fee is $10 to be sent to the treasurer. The golf fees are collected at the golf club. Golfers at any level are welcome but you must have a basic knowledge of the game. You do not have to have a partner or your own foursome. Please join us for a fun morning of golf and nice companionship. Call Ann O Connell for further information at ATTENTION LECTORS, COMMUNION MINISTERS AND ALTAR SERVERS It s time to prepare the next ministry schedule for the months of June, July and August. Please contact the coordinator/s for your ministry by Monday, May 9, to let them know when you will not be available during these months. Lectors: Joe Bobak / joebobak@att.net Communion Ministers: Bill and Debbie Piper / williampiper@att.net Altar Servers: Jennifer Riggs / jsriggs@att.net With everyone s help, we will be able to schedule you only when you are available. Thanks for your prompt attention and response. PRAYERS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL As the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq 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 those who have died recently, including PFC John F. Kihm, SFC Charles L. Adkins, SGT Linda L. Pierre, SPC Joseph B. Cemper, and SPC Joseph A. Kennedy. 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. PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Kenneth J. Fischer, Pastor Rev. Robert P. Marchwiany, Associate Pastor Rev. Leroy A. Wickowski, Retired PARISH INFO Rectory Phone: Lathrop Avenue, River Forest Sue Gamache, Office Manager: School Barbara Rasinski, Principal Phone: Ashland Avenue, River Forest Religious Education Debi DeMario: Ashland Avenue, River Forest Music Director Arlene Michna: Assistant Music Director Sr. Maureen Sauer: Coordinator of Youth Ministry Amanda Collins: Parish Business Manager Glenn Wagner: Director of Stewardship & Development Sheila Price: Hospitality House (former Convent) Sr. Mary Ann Mueninghoff, O.P. Phone: 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 10 WELCOME TO ST. LUKE River Forest, IL RECONCILIATION Monday-Friday - After 6:30 & 8:00 am Masses Saturday - After 8:00 am Mass, and by appointment