St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Naperville IL th Sunday Advent

Transcription

1 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Naperville IL th Sunday Advent

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 Julee Gard Steven Grumbine Commission Facilitators John Lawlor 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 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, On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, on the cusp of Christmas, we hear of the visit of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. The moment Mary s greeting sounded in Elizabeth s ears, the baby in her womb leap for joy. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, acknowledged Mary as blessed, as well as the fruit of her womb. Just as Mary was greeted by We bear the Gospel to the world! Gabriel as the highly favored dearly, dearly beloved one who would conceive of the Holy Spirit and bear a Son who would be the Savior of the world, so Mary greets Elizabeth today. Mary was the first to carry the gospel, and as a good evangelist she bears the good news to her cousin Elizabeth. Mary conceived through her ear as she heard and said yes to the Word spoken to her which became flesh by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary was the first to carry the gospel, and the joy for us is that we, too, now carry the gospel. Just as Mary and Elizabeth heard the Word of God and took it into their hearts that we are dearly, dearly beloved, favored sons and daughters of God, we, too, are transformed by that Word. In the power of the Holy Spirit we leap for joy as we hear the same Word of Good News. We bear the gospel to the world, we now carry the good news just as Mary did. Filled with the Holy Spirit, we prepare to celebrate the joy of the incarnation of God s love in us. That s what Christmas is really all about. It is the joy of the indwelling of the Divine. The window to the divine is in our deep heart where God dwells with us always as Emmanuel, God with us. In the Holy Spirit our spirits leap for joy just as the child in Elizabeth s womb did as the Word conceives and becomes flesh in us. The point is that it is no good for Mary and Elizabeth to hear the Good News if we don t. So welcome the greeting of Mary as Elizabeth did and let the Word made flesh in you which we carry and bear to the world, leap for joy! Fourth Sunday of Advent December 21, 2003 Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Luke 1:42 Welcome Guests and Visitors! We re so glad you re here and invite you to walk the path to faith with us. The community of St. Thomas strives to grow closer to Christ in all that we do. We care for one another and together with Christ, we are Companions on the Journey. Would you like to become a Parishioner? Join us at Welcome Sunday after the following Masses: Sunday, January 10, 7:30, 9:00 and 10:45am in the gym with Donuts With the full expectation of Christmas joy and love,

4 Worship Commission Christmas Hospitality There is a story about someone who once complained to the pastor that whenever he came to church the music was always the same: Silent Night or Christ the Lord is Risen Today. Those of you who are here Sunday after Sunday can be a welcoming presence to those who come to church only on Christmas and Easter. Our hospitality can be a powerful way of saying, We re glad you re here. Please join us every Sunday for worship. Our hospitable friendliness can be a powerful tool of evangelization, reaching out to those who do not feel regularly connected to a parish. Liturgical Bits and Bites Adoption Blessings A blessing for all parents and families who have recently adopted a child or who are in the process of adopting will be offered after all masses on the weekend of December 27 & 28 (the Feast of the Holy Family). Christmas God of joy and peace, we celebrate the wonder and the gift of your incarnate love. When our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. His presence in our world and in our lives brings us justice, mercy, and hope. Lord, bless all who look upon this baby and this crèche. May they remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise our thoughts to him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all: He who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. From: Prayers for Sundays and Seasons, Liturgy Training Publications. Presider s Schedule Dec 26/27 4:30 - Fr. Rodolphe Arty 7:30 - Fr. Rodolphe Arty 9:00 - Fr. Joel Fortier 10:45 - Fr. Pat Brennan Occasionally schedules may change. There is NO 6:30 Liturgy this Sunday, DECEMBER 27. Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: Thurs, Dec 24, 4:00, 4:10 (Gym), 4:30 (St. Patrick s Residence), 7:00, 10:30 p.m. The 4:00 and 4:10 p.m. liturgies include gospel pageants and are geared towards families. The Carmelite Sisters again offer us the Chapel at St. Patrick s Residence to accommodate the large Christmas Eve attendance. Mass there will be at 4:30 p.m. St. Thomas parishioners will minister at this Mass, but there will not be a pageant. The 7:00 p.m. liturgy in church features high school and young adults. Choral music begins at 9:30 and the Adult Choir will sing at the 10:30 p.m. liturgy. Christmas Day: Fri, Dec 25 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. New Year s Eve Thurs, Dec 31, 8:00 p.m. Candlelight Mass New Year s Day Mass. Fri, Jan. 1, 10:00 a.m. We celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God with a peace focus on this day. These Masses will include a blessing of clocks and calendars. Bring your time pieces and calendars/organizers for this beginning of the year blessing. December 20, 2009 Page 4

5 Pray For Our Parish 4th Sunday of Advent God of everlasting covenant, as your servant David leapt and danced before the ark, so John the Baptist leapt in the womb of Elizabeth, when Mary came bearing within her the promised one. Let that Christ stand in our midst today, and feed this flock in the strength of your name. Prepare us, O God, to be a people doing your will, a nation believing that your promises will be fulfilled. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who was, who is and who is to come, your Son, 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. Mass Intentions Monday, December 21, :30 Annette Cooper, by Karen Muthler Tuesday, December 22, :30 God Bless & Save the Unborn Wednesday, December 23, :30 Leo Beranek, by Carol Elizabeth Wojcik, by Shannon Styczynsky Thursday, December 24, :30 Susan Lautenbach, by The Beran Family Jenni Anderson, by Mom, Dad & Kerri 4:00 Donald Michael Sauter, by Michael & Alice Vacala and Steve & Allison Michelson Mary & James Engelbach, by Nonie & Mike 4:10 Rudy Licina, by The Licina Family Mavis Deschler, by The Licina Family 4:30 Roy & Betty Lyngass, by The Raynor Family June Degroot, by The Licina Family 7:00 Joseph Bombacino, by Family Gregory Disparte, by Jo-Ann Disparte 10:30 Richard Zelasko, by Mom & Dad Anthony Rizzi, by Family for the sick Adrienne Grajek, wife of Gary Pat Carlino, brother of Dawn Oliver Bud Heywood, husband of Carol Michele Hula Miller, sister of Joe Hula Ciara Conroy, niece of Patrick Morgan Brown, daughter of Sandy & Jack Hatfield for the deceased... Michael Murray and Rev Charles Kelly, brother and cousin of Patricia Conroy Larry Meyer, father of Leanne Meyer-Smith Patrick Connolly, father of Patty Henneberry John Oechsher, uncle of John Kaste Julia Schaaf grandmother of Mary Carr George Kalmar, brother of Kathy Strebel Today s Readings First Reading From you, Bethlehem, shall come forth one who is to be ruler in Israel. He shall shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord (Micah 5:1-4a). Psalm Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved (Psalm 80). Second Reading By Christ doing the will of God, namely, offering himself, we have been consecrated (Hebrews 10:5-10). Gospel Elizabeth speaks to her cousin Mary: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb (Luke 1:39-45). Friday, December 25, :00 Marilyn Kane, by Ed Kane Linda Ahmed, by The Licina Family 11:00 Kathleen Rose Wachter, by Theodore Wachter Mary Dwyer, by Pat & Ray Kammer Saturday, December 26, :30 For the People of St. Thomas Sunday, December 27, :30 Sam Steele, by Kay Helen Baggech, by Lisa & Larry Hjorth 9:00 Special Intention for Jack Eschmeyer and Family, by Dave & Karen Muthler Phil Weller, by The Parrish Family 10:45 Stanley & Helen Wozniak, by Helen & Tim Swanson Louis Katz, by Lori Culberson Jim Cliff, by Phyllis Cliff Page 5 December 20, 2009

6 Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission Become a fan of St. Thomas! In our ongoing efforts to utilize technology to communicate with our parishioners and spread the Gospel message, St. Thomas has its own Facebook page. If you are on Facebook search for St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Naperville and become a fan. If you are not on Facebook, and would like to be, please visit to set up your page. There is no cost to use Facebook. It is a simple and fun way to communicate with friends, family and associates. If you need help setting up your page, or with any other aspect of using the site, refer to the comprehensive Help link located at the lower right side of the Facebook homepage. C.A.R.E. CORNER From the vantage point of this fourth Sunday in Advent, we anticipate the Incarnation of God; the mystery of Christ coming in the flesh of a human. Our Church teaches that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine. In the person of Jesus, God and humankind come together in perfect unity. Jesus came to reveal God to the world. But in doing so, He also revealed humankind to itself. The Bishops of Vatican II sought to remind us that Jesus... worked with human hands,... thought with a human mind,... acted by human choices... and loved with a human heart. But this promised Messiah had a destiny. Micah reminded us today that this promised ruler would be a king, would shepherd his people, would rule with the strength of God, would embody greatness that would reach to the ends of the earth and would be peace. Fortunately for us, Mary in faith accepted her unexpected pregnancy and saw that pregnancy through to completion, allowing the Word to be made flesh. We know where Mary stood with regard to the sacredness of life in the womb. Where do we stand? Read Listen Reflect Respond These are simple steps to an effective reading and living of the Bible. Use the book At Home with the Word to begin praying in this way with the Readings used at Mass on Sunday. Books are available for $6 each and may be purchased through the liturgy office. Prayerfully consider if God is calling you to open your home during Lent Become a gathering point for a small-group experience of God s Word as a way of being Companions on the Journey. If you would like to be a host, please contact Chari Rosales at crosales@stapostle.org or ext 138, or Anne Schultz at aschultz@stapostle.org or ext 113 to be invited to an orientation session on January 6, at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to participate in a group, registration will begin in late January Small-group Gathering sessions will begin during the first week of Lent (Ash Wednesday is Feb 17) and last for six weeks. Allow Jesus to be a companion on your journey. Come into a Gatherings group and make biblical living part of your lived experience! December 20, 2009 Page 6

7 Mary s Way (Women Answering Yes) Women of the parish are invited to an intimate evening of dinner, presentation and conversation about Mary, Our Blessed Mother. Please join us Thursday, January 21 from 7 9:00 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle. For more information, please contact the Faith Formation Office (630) Holiday Gift Idea for Her Give a special lady the gift of peace and renewal with a certificate to the St. Thomas Women's Weekend on February The cost is $165. Call Barb Plichta at or the church office with questions. The weekend of January 29-31, at the Carmelite Spiritual Center is being reserved for YOU...the men of St. Thomas and your friends. The 12th annual Men's Retreat will occur on this weekend and you are strongly encouraged to check your calendar and see if you can attend. This retreat is always a great time to get spiritually renewed and enjoy camaraderie with other men of the parish. Hope you can join us. Reservations will occur during the early part of January, however, if you have any questions, call Ted McKeown, x133 or facility@stapostle.org Got God? Are you (or is someone you know) seeking someone or something to believe in? Do you want to find out more about the ways of faith in the Catholic Church? Do you want to become a Catholic? God welcomes all comers and is waiting for you with open arms! To ask about RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), contact Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office at x138 or crosales@stapostle.org. Check Out the St. Thomas Resource Center The Advent journey continues! Stop at the bookrack in the Gathering Area and check out these books: The Family Treasury of Great Holiday Ideas Unplug the Christmas Machine Celebrate the Wonder God Is With Us Approaching Christmas Follow The Star Starlight, Beholding the Christmas Miracle All Year Long Christ Is Coming For the children we have books and videos: I Am Christmas The Gift of the Magi Miracle in a Shoebox B is for Bethlehem The First Christmas Tree The Candy Maker s Christmas (video) The Savior is Born (video) The Best Present of All (video) Season s Greetings! Lynne ALPHA A New Beginning Feeling a need to explore, ask questions about, re-connect with, or expand your faith? ALPHA is THE place to meet and talk with others who feel just as you do! Each week during this 11-week experience, you will share a meal, a video, and lively conversation with your tablemates. ALPHA happens in the St. Thomas Lighthouse on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., beginning January 20. There is no charge for these sessions, and child care is available. To make your reservation (or for more info), contact Chari Rosales at x138 or crosales@stapostle.org. Page 7 December 20, 2009

8 Religious Education Rainbows Needs Help Rainbows, a program for grieving children, has a need for two additional adults to help on Saturday mornings from 10:00 until approximately 11:30 a.m. at church due to an increase of registered children. Training is provided on Saturday, January 23, from 9 3:00 p.m. The workshop, Protecting God s Children, along with a background check, is also required. Please consider helping our children process their grief. Call Patti Dougherty in the Religious Education Office, (630) or pdougherty@stapostle.org for more information. G.U.S. St. Thomas is once again offering Growing Up Sexually (G.U.S.), a human sexuality program for sixth grade boys and girls. This program offers a Catholic perspective, while helping to open the dialogue between parents and their children. The six week program will be held from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. on Sundays from January 10 through February 14. Registration forms are available at the Religious Education office. Contact Brett Adams with questions. Decorated Christmas Trees Thank you to all the students who decorated the trees in the gym for Christmas and the Gathering Area. Please take some time over the holidays to see their wonderful handmade ornaments. Calling all Angels and Drummers! You are invited to dress up and join in the pageant at the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Liturgy. You will be called forward during the Gospel so, be sure to listen! Families: Take some time to discuss and reflect on the readings of the week.? Dec 20 Question of the Week... How will Jesus be part of our Christmas? December 20, 2009 Page 8

9 High School Youth Ministry Update Calendar: Christmas is time for a breath You may notice that the High School calendar is well empty during this time of year. That s because I firmly believe that the Christmas season is a time to focus more on your families, more on attending all the wonderful Liturgy events, more on simply being in Christ s presence. Our lives are too complicated already and I m sure all of you can use a break. So the homework from High School Youth Ministry is to relax, reflect, and enjoy this season. NEWS from All Saints Catholic Academy Confirmation Date: The Bishop just told us and it s January 22, 7:00 p.m. Rehearsal is January 17 after the 6:30 p.m. mass. A meeting for parents and sponsors is this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in the Lighthouse. Mission Trips: There will be trips to Haiti, Ecuador, and Mississippi (Habitat). Applications are available outside the Youth Ministry office. DUE JANUARY 14. Ski-Trip to Cascade Mountain February 26! All High School teens are invited to register for a ski-trip to Cascade Mountain on February 26. Permission forms and flyers are not yet available, but please book the date on your calendar. You may invite any friends you wish and parents are welcome to come. Chaperones will be needed. Typically, fees range in the $50 to $60 range, including ski rental, lift ticket, and bus. Look for forms in late December/early January. You may RSVP Kevin now by ing YM@STAPOSTLE.ORG with the subject of Ski Trip RSVP. This is an all day trip, no overnight. Page 9 December 20, 2009

10 Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice St. Nicholas Thank You to St. Thomas We sent some 400 boxes of food we collected for Harvest Sunday to our sister parish, St. Nicholas in Aurora. We also provided their community with 50 turkeys on Thanksgiving. The thank you below is from Father Andres, the Pastor of St. Nicholas. I am sending heartfelt thanks on behalf of the poor and needy of St. Nicholas Parish for the enormous gift of food from your Harvest Drive. The generosity of your community is a wonder to me. Without the generosity of St. Thomas parishioners, we would not be able to extend this care and compassion to so many people. I also wish to include special thanks for your gift of 50 turkeys which we distributed at Thanksgiving. Please extend my thanks, through your weekly bulletin to our many friends in your parish. With feelings of gratitude and friendship, St. Thomas Thank You to St. Nicholas Last Saturday at the 4:30 Mass, our sister parish, St. Nicholas, shared their Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration with us. It was followed by a fiesta celebration in our gym enjoyed by ~ 250 people. The gym was filled with families from St. Nicholas and St. Thomas. The thank you below is from Father Joel to the community of St. Nicholas. On behalf of the community of St. Thomas I wish to thank the St. Nicholas community for sharing your Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration with us. The 4:30 Mass was a very blessed event, highlighted by the reenactment of Our Lady s apparition to Juan Diego. The fiesta afterwards filled our gym with families from St. Nicholas and St. Thomas celebrating together. We especially thank those in your community that prepared all the wonderful fiesta food. The Aztec Dancers that performed in their brilliant costumes were spectacular. We look forward to many more opportunities to build our relationship. We are, together, companions on the journey, December 20, 2009 Page 10 Celebration of Life Mass Bishop Sartain s 3rd Annual Celebration of Life Mass will be offered at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Sunday, January 10 at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome. A reception will follow immediately after Mass. The Cathedral of St. Raymond is located at 604 N. Raynor Ave., Joliet, IL. For further information visit life/ or call the Life Office at

11 Creating Peace in a Diverse World: Getting Beyond Fear Toward Unity 5th Annual World Peace Day Interfaith Prayer Service Sunday, January 3, 2:30 pm First Congregational Church 25 East Benton Street, Naperville St. Thomas is a co-sponsor of the prayer service. Speaker: Franklin Lewis is Associate Professor of Persian in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago and President of the American Institute of Iranian Studies. His research interests are in Persian and Arabic philology, comparative literature, literary theory, translation, Sufism and Baha i Studies. He is book review editor for the International Journal of Middle East Studies, and a member of the editorial boards of the Journals Persica and Iranian Studies. 2,010 Lifeguards Needed In response to all of you who have graciously offered to help Waterleaf Women s Center in Aurora, IL, we have launched our 2,010 for 2010 campaign. Since opening our doors in September, just one block from the largest abortuary in the Midwest, Waterleaf counselors have saved 10 babies and touched the lives of dozens of men and women. Now we welcome you to join us in our life-saving work! We are looking for 2,010 Lifeguards to pledge $10 monthly for a year to run our center. It is the easiest way you can save lives online in just a few minutes. In return, you will share in our journey through our monthly enewsletter. Become a Lifeguard Today! Visit Lakota Indians Winter Coat Collection Kyle, South Dakota (population 2,000) is in the center of the Pine Ridge Reservation. The reservation covers ~3,500 square miles and has a population of 40,000. The level of poverty in and around the area is significant. The winters in South Dakota are brutal. A friend of Father Joel s has asked for our help through the Lakota Circle organization. We are collecting winter weather gear. If you can help, please deliver new and gently used donations (winter coats, hats, gloves, boots) to the collection bin in the Gathering Area by January 17. Our experience on the reservation has enhanced the quality of our lives and has helped awaken something deep within. In some ways there are no words to describe the transformation. An elder in the community gave a Lakota term to assistance we have given to the community. He called it nagi oyuspa. It means to help the spirit of those suffering. LAKOTA CIRCLE The perfect gift: The gift of life! Make any size donation in someone s name and we ll send the card! Page 11 December 20, 2009

12 Pastoral Care Wellspring Wellspring well spring [wél spring ] 1. spring or stream source 2. Plentiful source or supply of something You are central to our hearts. Going to the Well: A Spiritual Spa Wellspring presents an anti-stress wellness day on Saturday, January 16 from 9am to 12noon. Mark your calendar! For more information or to register, contact Rose Grumbine x140 or rgrumbine@stapostle.org Addiction is a Family Affair A Therapy Group for Parents of Teens Dealing with Addiction Mondays from 6:30 8:00 pm January 4, 2010 February 22, 2010 Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center 1819 Bay Scott Circle, Suite 109, Naperville $45 per session This group may be covered by your insurance. It is not our intention that anyone be excluded because of financial restraints. Fee subsidy may be arranged. *You are required to pay for all groups whether or not you attend. Addiction is a family disease because it affects the way everyone relates to one another physically, emotionally, financially, mentally, and spiritually. Nothing can make a parent feel more powerless that their child suffering from the devastating power and pull of addiction. This group is designed for parents with teens who are either abusing or addicted to alcohol and drugs. As parents it is both devastating and overwhelming to address this issue and there is little support provided to walk this healing path. Yet, parents live day to day with this issue and it only makes sense that they are trained to have the knowledge and tools to manage the situation. The focus of this group will be on providing concrete skills, tools, and education to navigate this path as well as to provide a safe place for processing and support. An eight week commitment is required. Group is limited to 12 members. As a group member you must agree to respect the privacy and confidences of other group members. To register or for additional information, please call Jaimee Huseman at x34 December 20, 2009 Page 12

13 Make Year End Donations Before January 1 Parish families are reminded that since December 31 this year is on a Wednesday, all donations to St. Thomas must be received in the collection basket on the weekend, or be postmarked by December 30, 2009, in order to be acknowledged as tax-deductible for the current year. The Internal Revenue Service does not allow us to accept back-dated checks after December 31 as Year 2009 donations. The effective date of the gift is the date on which the donation is RECEIVED at St. Thomas, or the date on which it is postmarked by the postal service. So for your donation to be counted, please mail early enough or drop your gift into the collection basket over the Dec weekend. If you expect to be out of town, you may want to consider bringing your final Year 2008 donation to the general office before year end.. Thanks for understanding our compliance with IRS regulations. Wed, Jan 6, 2010, 1:00 p.m., Lunch and Business Meeting Olive Garden, Meeting to follow Lunch Stewardship A Way of Life Last Weekend s stewardship of financial gifts... Weekly Sunday Offertory Dec 13, 2009 (week 24) 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: $22,730 $16,540 $3,190 $43,293 $837,864 $34,911 $849,600 ($11,736) $1,840,800 $1,002,936 $146,500 $122, $24, Did you pick up your copy of the St. Thomas pictorial directory? Sunday receptionists will distribute remaining directories until supplies are gone. Directories are also available during weekday business hours. Page 13 December 20, 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 January 2010 St. Thomas the Apostle Jobs Ministry Meeting will be held on Wednesday evening January 20, at 7:00 pm in the Gym. Our speaker will be Bob Podgorski, a thirty eight year HR professional at Harper College, where Bob serves as Manager Of Extension Services. Bob s presentation titled The Seven Career Success Attributes will help the Job Seeker at all occupation and business levels, and were identified by speaking to hiring authorities, executives, executive search professionals and career coaches. Bob s presentation will explain what each attribute means and traits that relate to them, that will be important to an interviewer and hiring manager. In 2003, Bob, with a team of fellow Parishioners, formed the St Hubert s job and Networking Ministry. The non denominational Ministry serves the regions unemployed, under employed and career changer. Please plan to attend this very informative presentation by Bob Podgorski as he shares his thoughts in a presentation titled The Seven Career Success Attributes. For more info please contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com THE WEEK AHEAD Monday, Dec. 21 4:15 5:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Church Tuesday, Dec :00 12:30 p.m. Advent Noon Meditation, Chapel 7:00 9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Judea 7:00 9:30 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church Wednesday, Dec :00 11:30 a.m. Joyful Jammers, Church Thursday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Offices Closed See page 4 for Liturgy Schedule Friday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day Offices Closed See page 4 for Liturgy Schedule Saturday, Dec. 26 Sunday, Dec. 27 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. Fri, Jan 8, 9:30 am: Bob Ward, the principle of the firm, Ward and Associates, an accomplished speaker and an executive search professional, will explore what it takes to launch a successful job search in a presentation titled The Necessary Elements of a Successful Job Search. Bob will provide the Job Seekers tips on how to start a job search by planning up front to increase the odds of landing that next job. Fri Jan 15, 9:30 am: Ellen Lerner, a certified Life coach and the driving force behind Dramatic Solutions, Inc., will explore how to choose passion and joy for your career transition, rather than a sense of doom and gloom in a presentation titled Be a Dog with a Bone! Ellen will speak about the effects of a positive attitude and how it can influence potential employers, your colleagues, your family and yourself. Wed Jan 20, 7:00 pm: Bob Podgorski, a 38 year HR professional at Harper College, will be speaking about Bob s Seven Career Success Attributes. The presentation is applicable to all occupations and business levels, and were identified by speaking to hiring authorities, executives, executive search professionals and career coaches. Bob s presentation will explain what each attribute means and traits that relate to them, that will be important to an interviewer and hiring manager. December 20, 2009 Page 14