St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Naperville IL Baptism of the Lord, Jan 9, 2011

Transcription

1 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Naperville IL Baptism of the Lord, Jan 9, 2011

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 Associate Fr. Pat Brennan, Weekend Associate, pbrennan@theclareatwatertower.com 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 Jessi Allured Asst. Director of Music and Liturgy, x111, jallured@stapostle.org Lori Culberson Liturgy Coordinator, x120, lculberson@stapostle.org Angie Tuttle Liturgy Office Assistant, x110, atuttle@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga* Sacristan Coordinator, x116 Faith Formation Sandy Renehan, Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy 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, x137, 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 Bob Hartmann Facility Manager, x133, facility@stapostle.org Pastoral Leadership Community John Ball Christine Berta Pam Foster Commission Facilitators Charles Haydon Nick Furibondo Richard Strassburger Worship Kate Cuddy Parish Life Faith Formation Chris Baker Administration Charles Haydon 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, Is God real and active in your life? Can you feel and see God s hand in your life, guiding and directing you? Often when people come to see me for guidance or counseling I can really see how God has brought them and is leading them in their life. I often tell people that just by the fact that they are here seeking understanding or help in their life and to pray, is a sign of God s hand in their life, leading and guiding them. It shows that God is not remote or distant from us, but rather that God is very much involved in our lives, and active with the grace of divine providence. When I see and help other people to recognize that in their lives it helps me to see and believe it is happening in my own life, to really believe and feel the hand of God directing, leading and guiding me. It helps a lot. Today on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, I think that is the bottom line for Jesus, that God is leading and guiding him. After Jesus was Baptized, he came up from the waters and behold, the heavens were opened for him...and heard a voice booming from heaven, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Wow, what a sense of relationship and connection with God that must have given Jesus. I think Jesus lived out of a sense of that relationship with God in all he did, that he was a beloved son of God. I think that is the awareness we each need to have of our baptismal faith, that we are beloved sons and daughters of God, to live out of that connection we have with God. Centered and grounded in that way we receive power to live our lives with the grace and dignity we have as progeny of God. God comes as light in the midst of darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it. Even though I die, I know that my redeemer lives and I shall see Him face to face! We are part of that light and life as beloved sons and daughters of God. Our baptism, as with Jesus, reveals our true identity, our dignity and our destiny, and that of every human being created by God for life and love. We are heaven s children with the clay of the earth in our hands to shape and make something of that reflects and resembles the Kingdom of God. We become the sign of God s presence, and the saving hand of God s providence in our world today. Yes, I see and recognize God s hand in my life and in our lives, leading and guiding us to the fullness of the Kingdom: Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. We are heaven s children with a mission to bear the compassion and Spirit of God into the world. May that Spirit touch, heal, save, redeem and liberate us all and be the source of Peace and consolation in our weary world. God comes as light in the midst of darkness. The Baptism of the Lord January 9, 2011 A voice came from the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17 Welcome Guests and Visitors! We re so glad you re here and invite you to walk the path of faith with us. Our goal is to provide a spiritual home where all are welcome, where the healing, reconciling, liberating love of God flows through us to all people. We believe the church is the sacrament of God s saving presence in the world. Would you like to become a Parishioner? Join us in the gym for Welcome Sunday after the following Masses: THIS WEEKEND... Sunday, Jan 9: 9:00 and 10:45am Love,

4 Worship Commission Celebrating a Season of Joy and Peace We often enter our churches at times of Holy Seasons, and gasp at the beauty of all that is around us. We appreciate the peace that washes over us, and the joy we feel as we see and hear the beauty of the ministries. We have SO many people to thank in this parish for the gifts they freely and joyously give. Art and Environment committee members, who come a bit like Santa down the chimney, always finding a time when the church is quiet to recreate the space to reflect the light and love of the Savior born to us. They decorate trees, create arms around us with fabric, always with an understated sense of what we gather to celebrate together; that is the Eucharist. The musicians in this family come for extra hours and extra rehearsals, all to share their joyful noise with their parish family. They help celebrate gospel pageants with our youth, delighting in the drummers and the angels who celebrate the birth with wonder and awe. The liturgy team of scripters, lectors, commentators, and those who create worship aids come to celebrate this Holy time, never whining about the extra details of love, time, rehearsal, that it takes to create a season of joy. The sacristans, Host Greeters, Eucharistic Ministers and Temple Keepers all lovingly set the tone for hospitality, service, and loving attention to the details of the rituals within our celebrations. All of our ministers did double, triple, and sometimes quadruple duty to provide this incredible season of love. Help us celebrate their incredible generosity and join with us in saying THANK YOU! In peace and gratitude, The Liturgy office Kate, Jess, Lori, and Angie Help Needed for Christmas Clean Up! If you are able, please come and help the Art and Environment team take down the Christmas trees and other decorations, Dec 10, at 6:00 p.m. Thanks so much! 2011 Calendars! You are invited to take a 2011 Calendar home with you. They can be found in baskets at all the entrance doors. Presider s Schedule Jan 15/16 Saturday 4:30 pm Fr. Pat Brennan Sunday 7:30 am Fr. Joel Fortier, Deacon Larry Kearney 9:00 am Fr. Dof Arty, Deacon Will Worden 10:45 am Fr. Fritz Louis 6:30 pm Fr. Matt Lorenz * Presider schedule is subject to change. Jan 9, 2011 Page 4

5 Pray For Our Parish Baptism of the Lord Christ Jesus, You are hear, with us, In the most unlikely times and places, Yet we forget to pay attention. Come now And open our eyes and hearts once again To see your awesome story unfold. Come now and open our senses So that we can once again feel our hearts pounding In the gift of your presence. Come now, be the Child of God, So that we may become Children of God. Amen for the sick Jim Maul, husband of Shelia Van Culberson, husband of Lori Jeanne & Laddie Koutsky, friends of Joan Mravca Fr. Jerry Leak, friend of Jan Alvin Doug Rassmussen, father of Andy Gloria Schilling, mother of Mary Bachar for the deceased Susie Marshall Frame, sister-in-law of John Loftus Mary Corkery, cousin of Pat Harrison Mary Whitman Walter Kania, friend of the Stone Family DH Mass Intentions Wednesday, January 12, :30 James Cliff, by Phyllis Cliff Thursday, January 13, :30 Catherine Zelasko, by Greg Zelasko Family Saturday, January 15, :30 Lawrence & Margaret Becker, by Rich & Terry Becker Sunday, January 16, :30 John Easton, by Audrey Easton 9:00 For the People of St. Thomas 10:45 Frank C. Kesman, by Frank & Mary Ellen Niederman Joe Dulla, by Pat Wilkins 6:30 Philip Pagano, Sr., by Frank Haynes Today s Readings First Reading Isaiah speaks of the servant whom the Lord upholds; he shall bring forth justice to the nations (Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7). Psalm The Lord will bless his people with peace (Psalm 29). Second Reading Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit; he went out healing and doing good (Acts 10:34-38). Gospel A voice comes from heaven proclaiming Jesus as the beloved Son, with whom God is well pleased (Matthew 3:13-17). Readings for the Week READINGS FOR THE WEEK Mon: Heb 1:1-6; Mk 1:14-20 Tues: Heb 2:5-12; Mk 1:21-28 Wed: Heb 2:14-18; Mk 1:29-39 Thurs: Heb 3:7-14; Mk 1:40-45 Fri: Heb 4:1-5, 11; Mk 2:1-12 Sat: Heb 4:12-16; Mk 2:13-17 Sun: Is 49:3, 5-6; Ps 40; 1 Cor 1:1-3; Jn 1:29-34 Page 5 Jan 9, 2011

6 Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission Spotlight on Ministry: Adult Faith Formation Who needs it? We all do. Why? The Church exists to sustain the work of the Gospel. We ARE the Church, so each one of us has a mission from God to fulfill. Do you know what it is? Are you ready, able and willing? What do I need to do? Nourish and strengthen your faith to contribute to the life & work of the Church. We are called to be active participants, not passive observers; distributors rather than consumers of the gospel commands to bring healing, reconciliation and peace to the world. How do I do that? Through adult faith formation, a process of growing upward (toward God), inward (in the Holy Spirit), and outward (into our homes, families, communities and world). We do this through experience, reflection, prayer and study. Come to the Gym after Mass today to find out about all the opportunities awaiting you to help you grow in faith as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Can t make time today? See our website, grab a bulletin, help yourself to flyers and brochures in the Gathering Area, or contact Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office ( x138 or crosales@stapostle.org) anytime to stimulate YOUR growth! Men s 13th Annual Retreat Jan , 2011 Servant Kings: Transformed in God s Truth King energy unites, integrates and uplifts the challenges and opportunities of life. Come join your brothers to explore and celebrate our identity as sons of God. The retreat starts with dinner on Friday and ends by noon on Sunday. Reservations can be made on the weekends of January 8, January 15 and January 22 after all Masses. Questions or concerns? Contact Ted McKeown or TheoMcKeown@msn.com" Bible Study Opportunity Plagues hit Egypt Mass exodus of slaves Egyptian Army Falls at Red Sea Strange Happenings at Mt. Sinai Those are just a few of the headlines pulled from the Book of Exodus, the next subject of study by the Thursday Spread the Word Bible Studies. Would you like to know more about the background and meaning of these texts, both for the ancients and us today? Israel on the Move is an interactive study, combining prayer, study and discussion. Choose the time most convenient for you, either mornings from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. OR evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Sessions in the Senior Center will run from January 6 to June 2, then re-convene in Sept. Make a full-time commitment, drop in whenever you can, or just come and see. Everyone is welcome no previous Bible knowledge is necessary. Bring a friend, or make new ones; we re all Companions on the Journey of faith, begun by the Hebrew people millennia ago, yet vibrant and alive today! To sign in, contact Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office x138 or rosales@stapostle.org). Child care is available at the morning sessions. C.A.R.E. CORNER The Catholic Church also celebrates Mary as Aeiparthenos - Ever-virgin. The Church has professed Mary s perpetual virginity, even in the act of giving birth to the Son of God. Christ s birth did not diminish Mary s virginal integrity; instead Christ s birth sanctified it. Mary s virginal conception of Jesus fulfilled Isaiah s prophecy (See Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23). Her virginity puts the focus on God s role in the Incarnation instead of on the part a woman usually plays in the conception of a human child. Since it is God who is the Father of Jesus, Christ s humanity is filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment of His conception. Adam came into being by the hand of God and now Jesus does the same, ushering in the new birth of human children adopted in the Holy Spirit. Although Scripture mentions brothers and sisters of Jesus, it was common at the time to use the terms brothers and sisters for other close relatives. The Church has always taught that Mary bore no other children herself and she remained a virgin all her life. In this way, her life was dedicated exclusively to her Son and His mission. As Ever-virgin, Mary would be able to continue to wholly pledge her faith to God, her Divine spouse. Jan 9, 2011 Page 6

7 ALPHA is for YOU Good food, thought-provoking videos, and stimulating conversation...sound inviting? Jump-start or rev up your faith experience by joining ALPHA on Wednesdays from January 19 thru April 6. Choose the time frame most convenient for you, either 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. OR 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.. Share a meal, watch a video presentation, then enjoy small-group discussion on faith-based topics. No question is out-of-bounds as we explore what it means to accept and know Christ in your life. A gentle introduction to those seeking faith, a great way for parish newcomers to meet others, and a reflective encounter for long-standing members of the Church all this is part of ALPHA. There is no cost for this series, and child care is available upon request. Registration brochures are in the Gathering Area, or you can sign up on the website, For questions or more information, contact Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office x138 or crosales@stapostle.org.). St Thomas SCHOOL OF PRAYER Gazing into Icon Wisdom The School of Prayer returns from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10, as Sr. Georgene Wilson, osf, directs us in Gazing into Icon Wisdom. This session will invite us to gaze with the eyes of our hearts into some Icons of the Eastern Orthodox Church. An Icon is a window into the holy and when we pray with it we behold a glimpse of that holiness. As we do, it becomes a mirror reflecting our own holiness. Come and experience this mystical prayer style with noted artist and spiritual director Sr. Georgene of the Tau Spirituality Center of the Wheaton Franciscans. Sophia s Circle Women s Ministry Presents: Sacred Circles January 21, 6:30pm-9:00pm What does the next year hold for you? Go deeper what about the next decade? Can you image your life? Come for a creative, hands-on micro-retreat, Friday, January 21 from 6:30-9pm. Spiritual director, JoAnn Hassler will lead participants in exploring and making sacred circles--tangible collections representing the year and decade past, and the year and decade ahead. Consideration will be given to what needs to be released, what needs to be honored, and the opportunities and gifts yet to be revealed. Come ready to pray, to vision and create. This is a time to remember, release, embrace and image our personal journey What: Sophia s Circle Micro Retreat When: Friday, Jan 21, 6:30 to 9pm. For whom: Women, all ages Where: St. Thomas Gym Cost: $10 at the door Reservations: Required, space limited to 75 As always, the evening will begin with wine and light refreshments. Register today by (preferred) to sfrancesconi@stapostle.org. Or, register by phone. Leave your name, phone number and address at ext 108. Women s Weekend Feb Husbands and friends ~ What a great gift for your wife or special loved one, and you don t even have to shop or wrap! You can also contribute a portion towards it! Gift certificates are available. For only $165, give the gift of a wonderful, spirit-filled weekend! Call Lois Sheridan for details. Page 7 Jan 9, 2011

8 Religious Education Family Prayer Service for First Eucharist Parents will be presenting their children as candidates for reception of First Communion at the first Family Prayer Service on Wednesday, January 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Please pray for these children as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, an event of great joy for them, their families and our whole faith community. Kindergarteners as Church Kindergarteners who attend Religious Education will have a church visit on January 22 instead of their regular R.E. class. Both sessions of Kindergarten are to attend :30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. and should be dropped off in the Church Narthex. There will be no class for Kindergarteners at 10:30 a.m. After January 22, please stop by the hallway across from the nursery in the Ministry Center to see the wall hanging made by the children, representing these youth as church. Thank you to the following catechists and aides who spend Saturday mornings sharing our faith with these children. Catherine Ainger Marge Coronado (Grade Level Coordinator) Christina Coronado Carolyn Cuzzone Burnice Monteiro Laura Swanson Stephanie Swiertz Sharon Yelaska 1 st Reconciliation Parent Meetings Parents of children, who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time, have been sent letters regarding parent meetings. Parents should attend one of two meetings: Saturday, January 22 at 8:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Academy or Monday, January 24 at 7:15 p.m. at Church. If you have a child who should be preparing for their first Reconciliation and did not receive an information letter, please call the Religious Education office Religious Education Calendar Class dates for Religious Education (Pre-K through 8 th grade) are available on line. Please see the web site: Classes resume on Monday, January 10 (Middle School classes), Tuesday, January 18 (Elementary classes) and Saturday, January 22 (Elementary classes). Elementary Catechists have a Faith Formation meeting on Tuesday, January 11, starting with prayer at 7:15 p.m. Mark your new calendar DONUT SUNDAYS in 2011 January 9 and 30 February 13 and 27 March 13 Families: Take some time to discuss and reflect on the readings of the week. Question? of the Week... When have I experienced the Holy Spirit? April 10 May 21/22 with Ministry Fair Jan 9, 2011 Page 8

9 NEWS FROM OUR LOCAL PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS... Do you know someone who has left the church, or feels deserted by it? Maybe this person just slipped away, and feels no one noticed? Perhaps he or she has unanswered questions, feels disconnected or unwanted, but still self-identifies as Catholic. Do you know someone who is looking to find God and to follow Jesus in a meaningful way? Maybe it is you? We re here for you. Call if you would like to speak with a priest or staff member. Page 9 Jan 9, 2011

10 Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice Happy Birthday Jesus Once again over 125 St. Thomas volunteers helped with the St. Thomas Care Pantry Christmas party. This year s theme was Happy Birthday Jesus. Seventy-five families were hosted. The party began with prayer and caroling by the St. Thomas Middle School music group, Joyful Jammers. While parents shopped for Christmas gifts for their families, the children were entertained by St. Thomas youth with games and crafts including face painting. While the parents waited to shop, they enjoyed games of Bingo. Family portraits were also taken. This was the largest party ever. Thanks to parishioners who donated gifts, to Sarah Hay and Matt Mecaskey for organizing the youth and the crafts and games, the Joyful Jammers, Michelle Hunt, and our Care Pantry volunteers. Special thanks to Rodney Carroll and Barb Morrone for once again visioning, creating, and organizing the event. Care Pantry Christmas Party Happy Birthday Jesus! Face painter Ellie Petersen had her face painted by one of our guest children Monthly Pro-Life Rosary Evening of Hope Waterleaf Women s Center, a local pregnancy resource center, is holding an Evening of Hope benefit featuring international recording artist, Tajci (Tatiana). Many of you will remember her performance at St. Thomas. Saturday, February 5, 2011 at The Abbington Rt. 53 & Butterfield Rd., Glen Ellyn, IL 6:00 PM Cocktails, 7:00 PM Dinner Tickets: $30 per person or $240 for a table of eight. Reservations are required. RSVP at or call Jan 9, 2011 Page 10 The Knights of Columbus (Assembly 3044) will pray a Pro Life Rosary in front of the Planned Parenthood clinic, at 3051 East New York Street in Aurora, on January 15 at 9:00 AM. This Rosary prayer will be held every third Saturday of the month. Car Donations Ask and you shall receive. We were aware of two families in real need for a car. We asked the St. Thomas community if anyone would be able to donate a vehicle. We received three donations!! One was from a family that had received a car from us a couple of years ago. They were able to get a newer car from a family member and re-donated the car back to us. They wanted St. Thomas to be able to help another family like we helped them.

11 Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration This year s Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration on December 12 was a very spiritual and festive event. The St. Thomas community once again celebrated with the Mexican community of St. Nicholas parish. The bi-lingual 6:30 Mass was highlighted by the re-enactment of Our Lady s appearance to Juan Diego in 1531, performed by St. Nicholas parishioners. A Fiesta was held in the gym after Mass and attended by more than 300 people from St. Nicholas and St. Thomas. The food prepared by St. Nicholas parishioners was excellent Ojaldras sandwiches and a traditional Chanpurpado drink (tastes like a special hot chocolate!). St. Thomas parishioners provided the desserts while the St. Nicholas Aztec dancers provided fun and excitement. The relationship between St. Thomas and St. Nicholas is cherished by both communities. Our Lady appearing to Juan Diego Leader of the St. Nicholas Aztec Dance Group Ham/Turkey Collection Exceeded Goal Our Christmas ham/turkey collection exceeded our expectations and our goal of 750. We collected 565 and with the donations were able to purchase another 400 for a total of 965. They were distributed as follows: Marie Wilkinson Pantry, which distributed them to other Aurora pantries St. Nicholas Pantry 27 - Plainfield School district 202 for families in need (This was a last minute request that we were able to meet.) 30 - Hesed House Soup Kitchen for our Care Pantry A huge thank you to the St. Thomas community!! Electronics Recycling Day Sunday, Jan 16, 1:30-3:30 pm St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1450 Green Trails Dr. Items that can be dropped off for recycling: computers, stereo equipment, batteries/ups speakers, printers, copiers servers, circuit boards, cables laptops, phones (all types), networking equipment Most other electronic equipment can be dropped off except: microwaves, washers/dryers, freezers refrigerators, air conditioners, food processing equipment Because of environmental protection rules, there will be a charge (to cover the costs of proper recycling and disposal) for the following: TV set $15 Computer monitor $10 God s Creation Cries for Justice If they keep silent, Jesus said, the stones will cry out. Luke 19:40 Just Matters 2011 Beginning in February, St. Thomas will be offering the Just Matters series, God s Creation Cries for Justice, focusing on our Catholic Social Teaching related to caring for the earth and all of its inhabitants. The 8-session series will be held between early February and the end of April. Specific dates will be identified in next week s bulletin insert. Just Matters meetings are 2 ½ hours in length and there will be reading materials, video, and discussion. If you are interested in learning more about Catholic Social Teaching, Just Matters, and God s Creation, please contact our Outreach & Social Justice Office (Mike or Anne) , mryder@stapostle.org. Page 11 Jan 9, 2011

12 Pastoral Care Parish Nurse Note: Be Good to Your Digestive Tract Your digestive system doesn t just break down food. It also protects you from germs and releases hormones related to mood, stress and more, including bone growth. Here are some ways to help keep your gut healthy, doctors say: Nurture friendly bacteria Good strains of bacteria which can stimulate your immune system to fight off disease love to feed on fiber. So load on fiber-rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eat slowly Your body needs time to digest food properly, and inhaling your meal will overload your system (and make you gassy, since you re likely swallowing lots of air). Chew each bite well so your digestive system won t have to break down large chunks of food. Avoid your heartburn triggers Common culprits are acidic, fatty or spicy foods, carbonated drinks, chocolate, onions and products made with whole milk. Meanwhile, artificial sweeteners and lots of beans, onions or cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower can cause gas. Exercise regularly Breaking a sweat reduces bloating, gas and constipation. Walk, run or bike outside to help soothe nerves, too. Don t use colonic cleansers or overuse antibiotics You will kill off good bacteria and clear the way for more harmful germs to grow. Buy foods with probiotics Yogurt, soy based drinks, juice and cereal are possible sources of these microorganisms, thought to help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the intestines. Source: healthkey.com Practicing the Presence of God A morning retreat When we think of our desire for spiritual deepening in the midst of our very busy lives, the question usually arises, "How can I add one more thing to my life? But what if finding God was not one more thing to do, but an attitude to develop, an awareness to grow in- that all is gift and the Giver is present in each gift that we receive. We will explore how our faith grows as we share our busy lives with God in a more intentional way, minute by minute. We will focus on the sight, sound, and activities of our lives as we create a model for finding God that can be lived in the midst of, in fact, be the foundation of, our busy lives. Like a stained glass window, being present to God illuminates the many colors and facets of our lives. Saturday, January 15 8:30am to noon St. Thomas Lighthouse Registration and light breakfast from 8:30 to 9am Contact Rose Grumbine, Parish Nurse, to register or with any questions. rgrumbine@stapostle.org or x140 Save the Date for the next BLOOD DRIVE Tuesday, Feb. 1 from 3-7:30 pm Wellspring Wellspring well spring [wél spring ] 1. spring or stream source 2. Plentiful source or supply of something Jan 9, 2011 Page 12

13 Last Weekend s stewardship of financial gifts... Weekly Sunday Offertory Dec 26, 2010 (week 26) 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 7/1/10 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 Appeal Donors: $16,425 $21,645 $9,410 $47,480 $925,016 $35,578 $929,214 ($4,198) $1,858,400 $933,384 $142,782 $106, $36, Stewardship: It s a way of Life Salvation is open to all who believe in Jesus and strive to do God's will. The journey toward this begins with baptism. Through Baptism we were given new life in Christ, made members of the Church, and given the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit to aid us, we stewards do our part to advance the mission of the church. We Want To Keep In Touch With You! If there has been a change in your household, please let our business office know so we can update our data base. Just fill out the form at left and drop off in the office or in the offering. Thanks! Page 13 Jan 9, 2011

14 Administration Commission Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. (after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Gym JANUARY KEYNOTE SPEAKER Wednesday, Jan 26, 7:00 p.m.: Empower YOU! Make a Lifestyle Change! Presented by Judy Feldhausen Can you relate? Weight gain, Constipation, Food Cravings/Hot flashes, Inflammation, Stubborn fat, Low Energy, Depression/Insomnia, Mood swings/irritability, Anxiety TAKE CONTROL! Understand the role of how these powerful life controlling factors have an effect on men and women of all ages and learn how to take back control of your life. Remove the negative effects by applying the knowledge of diet and nutrition to achieve the greatest quality of life. Learn a LIFESTYLE approach to create a future of health and wellness, hear inspiring life changing testimonies, and fuel yourself with the power to do so! EMPOWER YOU...make a lifestyle change! Judy Feldhausen has been helping people build their dreams as a certified coach for ten years and is also a Certified Seminar Leader. Her corporate employment ranges from electronics to cosmetics- working in customer service, sales and marketing for Fortune 100 companies. Her highest honors are being named Illinois Woman of Achievement and recognized in the Cambridge Who s Who. The organization which Judy founded, focuses on helping individuals unlock their strengths while developing new habits of mind. Her work has expanded to include proper nutrition and supplements. Fri, Jan 14, 9:30 a.m.: Ken Kaup will present Flexible Transition Income Opportunities. Having made several career changes in the past 10 years, with the opportunity to develop income through part-time independent contract work, Ken will discuss and review specific companies and national retail marketing service groups, which may be great opportunities for transition work. Ken has 30 years in railroad safety, 10 in insurance and investment planning, and 2/12 years partnering in a QA/Packaging consulting company and charity fund raising consulting company. Jan 9, 2011 Page 14 THE WEEK AHEAD... Monday, Jan. 10 4:15 5:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 7:00 10:00 p.m. New Wine, Lighthouse 7:15 9:00 p.m. Transitional Housing, Cana 7:30 9:00 p.m. School of Prayer, Senior Center Tuesday, Jan :00 11:30 a.m. Care Pantry, Lighthouse 7:00 9:00 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church 7:00 9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Resource Center 7:00 9:00 p.m. Finance Committee, Senior Center 7:!5 9:15 p.m. Pre-K-5 Catechist Meeting, Ministry Center Wednesday, Jan. 12 7:00 9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:00 9:00 p.m. Leadership Night, Ministry Center 7:00 9:30 p.m. Sojourners Rehearsal, Church 7:30 9:00 p.m. Pro-Life, Resource Center Thursday, Jan. 13 9:!5 11:15 a.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center 4:15 5:30 p.m. Jammers, Church 6:00 7:15 p.m. Journey Praise, Church 7:30 9:00 p.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center Friday, Jan. 14 9:15am-12:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Gym Saturday, Jan. 15 8:00 11:00 a.m. Bread of Life, Rectory Basement 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Art Class, Senior Center 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Wellspring, Lighthouse 9:00 10:30 a.m. Men s Saturday Sharing, Resource Center Sunday, Jan. 16 9:00 11:45 a.m. Liturgy of the Word with Children, Ministry Center 10:45am-1:15 p.m. RCIA, Senior Center 12:30 1:30 p.m. Baptism, Church FrI, Jan 21, :30 a.m.: Marcia Kittler will present, " Go Beyond Survive". Marcia is a certified planner, showing businesses how to survive disasters and turn crisis into opportunity. As a self-employed consultant, she experiences a constant "job search" made exceptionally challenging by our tight fisted economy. Hear Marcia share stories about how she turns job search crisis into opportunity. Go home inspired in your own spirited search. Go beyond survive, to thrive. St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL Friday meeting formats include announcements, speaker presentation, and 2 rounds of networking. Prepare your elevator speech, and bring handbills to pass out to 20 fellow networkers. Wednesday night is speaker only, no formal networking. Contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com for more info.