St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish

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2 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL (Main Office) Visit us on the internet at (Religious Education) (Facsimilie) Pastoral Staff Full Time Rev. Joel Fortier Pastor, Rev. Mark Cote Associate Pastor, Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. Weekend Assistant Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. Deacon, ext. 105 Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane Deacon, ext. 220, Rev. Mr. Jim Breen Deacon, , Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney Deacon, ext. 225, Gerry Czerak Business Manager, ext. 106, Corinne Seguin-Dart Director of Junior High Youth Ministry, ext. 117, Patti Dougherty Director of Religious Education, ext. 109, Julie Frazier Liturgy and Music, ext. 111, Robert Frazier Liturgy and Music, ext. 112, Jim Melton Director of High School Ministry, ext. 123, Jan Olah Director of Pastoral Care, ext. 124 Chari Rosales Director of Adult Education & RCIA ext. 138, Michael Ryder Director of Outreach, ext. 121, Pastoral Care Staff Part Time Audrey Casey, BSN, Parish Nurse, ext 104, Felicia Lawlor, M.S., R.N., Parish Nurse, ext 104, Support Staff Full Time Nancy Cirmo Religious Education Assistant, ext. 118, Lori Culberson Liturgical Assistant, ext. 120, Kathy Ferguson - Receptionist, ext. 100, mainoffice@stapostle.org Diane McQueen Parish Assistant, ext. 101, dmcqueen@stapostle.org Anne Schultz Outreach & Adult Faith Formation Assistant, ext. 113, aschultz@stapostle.org Angela Tuttle Liturgy Assistant & Communications Coordinator, ext. 110, atuttle@stapostle.org Support Staff Part Time Pat Berkhout Evening/Saturday Receptionist, ext. 119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Marge Coronado Evening Receptionist, ext. 119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Marilyn DeMeo Database Coordinator (T/Th), ext. 107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Jorge Gonzalez Custodian Sue Sportiello Accounts Payable (M/W), ext. 107, ssportiello@stapostle.org Ted McKeown - Facility Coordinator, ext. 133, facility@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga Sacristan Coordinator, ext. 116 Lynne Vehlewald Librarian, ext. 125, library@stapostle.org Pastoral Leadership Community Ivan Deatsch Steven Grumbine Pam Foster Dan O Grady Guy Francesconi Ray Vogt Julee Gard Commission Facilitators Worship Gwen Wells Parish Life Faith Formation Lorraine Katz Administration Dave Otto Service Phil Meno Stewardship Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday reconciliation is available after 8:30 a.m. Mass, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Fr. Joel and Fr. Mark are 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 two Sundays each month at a 1:45 p.m. service. On selected dates, Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents are required to attend a two-part awareness and renewal program 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 (must be walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office. Liturgy Schedule Daily (Monday Friday) Rosary 8:10 a.m. Mass 6:30 & 8:30 a.m. (Saturday) Mass 8:30 a.m. Weekend Saturday Vigil 4:30 p.m. Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 a.m., & 12:15 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday of the month 9 a.m. Noon.

3 Dear Friends, Christmas Greetings! The miracle and joy of Christmas is ever ancient, ever new: the Incarnation of God s love. Our faith is that we have I think very often we don t appreciate that we are the Body of Christ. hope because of a kind, merciful, loving God who forgives our sins and loves us so much that he gave his own life for us. In the gift of merciful love poured out for us in the Body and Blood of Jesus our sins are washed away and forgiven. We are set free by the mercy of God to a new hope and a new day. We are a new creation because of Jesus, See I make all things new. Christmas is really about our rebirth to love incarnate. We are love incarnate. We love our earthly, fleshly existence because it is a sacrament to the world. Christ comes to the world now in us, in the flesh. We are that to each other. I think very often we don t appreciate that we are the Body of Christ and yet that is what we are. My heart swells at the thought of all the ways love comes to me and to all of us and how we are that to each other. Who and where is your love connection this year? Those are the people and places Christ is born. I give thanks to God today for all the people and ways that happens in my life, they are many and manifold. You are that to me and I hope I am that to you. The announcement of this good news comes in the gospel today first with the Angel s words: Do not be afraid... Do not be afraid to love...ever...it is of God, for God is love. It is our hope, our joy, and our peace. May Christmas joy and love come to you today, You re invited... Upcoming Liturgies Christmas Eve - December 24, 4:00 (Church), 4:10 (Gym), 4:30 (St. Patrick s Residence Chapel), 7:00 (Church), 10:30 (Church); music begins at 9:30 p.m. Christmas Day - Monday, December 25 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. only Tuesday, December 26 8:30 a.m. daily mass only (no 6:30 a.m. mass) Saturday & Sunday, December 30 & 31 (regular Sunday schedule except no 8:00 p.m. Mass) for the Holy Family Liturgies Note that there will be no New Year s Eve Mass this year on Sunday, December 31 (no 4:30 nor 8:00 p.m. Mass) Monday, January 1, 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. only, Mary, Mother of God and Peace Masses Saturday & Sunday, January 6 & 7 regular Sunday schedule including 8 p.m. Mass (Sat. 4:30, Sun. 9:00, 10:45 a.m. & 8:00 p.m. with John Angotti) St. Thomas the Apostle Church 1500 Brookdale Road Naperville, IL (630)

4 Worship Commission Audio and Visual Aids Hearing assistance units are available in the Narthex. On the first Sunday of each month a sign language interpreter is present at the 9:00 a.m. liturgy. Larger worship aids are available at each entrance and a few Spanish and English missalettes are also available in the Narthex. Welcome Cards Welcome Cards are available near the Main Office for anyone to indicate a specific need or to register a comment or suggestion. The card also has parish contact information for your convenience. You may detach the response portion of the card and leave it in the welcome card box or drop it in the weekend collection. Each card will receive a response from an appropriate staff member. Liturgical Ministry Openings All who are interested in joining one of the music groups or some other liturgical ministry (i.e. Eucharistic Minister, Host Greeter, Art & Environment) should contact the Liturgy Office. Now is a good time to join one of these ministries and new members are always needed and welcome. At Home with the Word Books At Home with the Word 2007 books for the new liturgical year are still available for $6 each. There is a self-serve display of books and a cash box in the Narthex. You may also call the Liturgy Office to obtain a copy. These books are helpful resources for people to study or meditate on the Sunday scriptures alone or with families/small groups. The book provides the three readings and the psalm from our Lectionary for Mass, insights into the readings, reflection questions, practical applications, and suggestions for action. Eucharist will be much more fulfilling if you spend some time with the scriptures before gathering for worship each Sunday. Adoption Blessing A blessing for parents and families who have recently adopted or who are in the process of adopting a child will be held after all the Holy Family Liturgies next weekend, December 30 and 31 (all the regular weekend mass times). Wedding Workshop The next music and liturgy workshop to help couples choose music and prepare their wedding mass or ceremony will be held Saturday, January 13, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the Church. All couples who will be wed at St. Thomas must attend one of these workshops which are held several times throughout the year. This workshop should not be confused with the Engaged Couples Retreat, which couples must also attend. After January 13 the next workshops are scheduled for February 17, April 14 and September 8, Contact Diane in the General Office at , ext. 101 or dmcqueen@stapostle.org to register. John Angotti Dates at St. Thomas There is a posting on our web site about our visiting musical artist John Angotti and all the dates he will be singing and playing at St. Thomas through May of Go to then select News & Information and Worship Commission News. The next dates that John will be with us are January 5 for our Holiday Rock and Roll Concert and January 6 and 7 for the Saturday 4:30 p.m., and the Sunday 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Epiphany liturgies. Angotti Receives UCMVA Awards John Angotti recently received three awards from the United Catholic Music and Video Association (it s like a Catholic grammy award) for: Best Male Vocalist of the Year, Best Pop/Contemporary Song ( Here I Am ), and Best Pop/Contemporary Album ( Angotti Live ). Congratulations John! John Angotti CDs Four of John s CDs, Common Ground, Testify, Angotti Live, and Angels Cry Aloud with Joy (his Christmas album) are for sale in the Liturgy Office for $15 each. You can also purchase them through World Library Publications, , Christmas, 2006 Page 4

5 Pray For Our Parish Fourth Sunday of Advent O God of hosts, O Shepherd of your people, you chose Mary, the humble daughter of Israel, to become the earthly dwelling-place of your incarnate Word. Stir up within your church such a wholehearted devotion to your saving purpose, that with Christ we may come into the world to do your will, and with Mary offer ourselves to you as an unceasing canticle of praise. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. Christmas Awesome God, whose radiant majesty angelic choirs praise and whose hidden glory lowly shepherds adore, your grace has appeared bringing salvation to all, in a child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Upon the deep darkness of your world shine the light of your favor that our hearts may exult and sing for joy at the Savior s coming, with angels and shepherds, with Mary and Joseph, with all people of good will who long for your peace. Help us to look for and discover what really matters so that your love and mercy may fill all the earth. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God-with-us, Amen. From: Prayers for Sundays and Seasons, Liturgy Training Publications. 4th Sunday in Advent First Reading Micah 5:1-4a Second Reading Hebrews 10:5-10 Gospel Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken by the Lord would be fulfilled (Luke 1:39-45). Christmas Day Readings First Reading Isaiah 52:7-10 Second Reading Hebrews 1:1-6 Gospel And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of God s only Son, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14) For the sick Mary Sabo, wife of John Rachel Tedford, niece of Patty Kelly Jeff Jahn, brother in law of Jim & Dawn Eber Joel Warland, father of Bradford & Cameron Robert Walker, mother of Kathleen Vaught Winnie McMahon, grandmother of Danny Wycklendt Susan Pouncy, sister of Robert Frazier Eugene Hendricks Susie Grajek, wife of Gary For the deceased Arlene Kossak, friend of the Wampac Family Joe Aberer, husband of Amy Patricia Thomason, mother of Becky Humbert Martin Bennington, father of John David Inches Robert Walker, mother of Kathy Vaught Mass Intentions Monday, Decenber 25, :00 Franklin White, by Laura & Steve Coulter Lise Côté Caron, by The Côté Family 11:00 Tim Augustine, by Illinois Toll Workers Richard McCarthy, by Trish McCarthy Tuesday, December 26, :30 Sam Steele, by Kay Steele Bob DeGroot, by Jim & Ann Rioux Wednesday, December 27, :30 Andrew Zelasko, by Frank & Catherine Zelasko Anna Furibondo, by The Lucado Family Thursday, December 28, :30 George Hodgson, by Family Anne Battisto, by Vito Battisto Friday, December 29, :30 August Pallot, by Family Raymond & Marcella Dolan, by The Muhlenfeld Family Saturday, December 30, :30 Tex Strong, by Michael & Judy Garvey 4:30 Pedro & Ines Competente, by Children Mary Pratt, by Jerry & Elmer Dogenais Sunday, December 31, :30 For the People of St. Thomas 9:00 Richard McCarthy, by The McCarthy Family 10:45 Gerald Barnes, by Maureen Deneen 12:15 Victor Leonard, by Beran Family Page 5 Christmas, 2006

6 Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission Alpha An Opportunity to Explore the Meaning of Life Are you interested in having a weeknight out where you can be fed a good meal and meet some new people? Would you like to join others in thoughtprovoking discussions of life issues in a casual and relaxed atmosphere? After a lifetime of habit, would you like a chance to go back and revisit the roots of your faith? Do you have long-standing, faith-related questions that you have never been quite sure where to go for answers? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then ALPHA is for you. ALPHA is an 11-week program that covers the basics of the Christian faith. Guests (that s you) socialize over a meal, witness a presentation and join others for small-group discussions. ALPHA will stretch your mind, stir your conscience, touch your heart and engage your will. ALPHA returns to St. Thomas for a winter series from January 10 through March 21 from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. Dinner is included. The program also includes a retreat experience spanning the evening of Friday, March 2 and the day of Saturday, March 3. Registration forms are available in the gathering area, from the Adult Faith Formation Office or on the St. Thomas website. For more information, contact Chari Rosales at or Sue Cornell-Ohl at s.ohl@earthlink.net. Meeting God in Scripture It s not too soon to be thinking about New Year s resolutions! If yours is to get closer to God, come and explore God s relationship with us in the words of Scripture. A combined St. Thomas/SS. Peter & Paul Scripture Study Group meets Thursdays (sessions resume on Jan. 11) in the Pastoral Hall at SS.PP. Choose the session most convenient for you, either 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. or 7:30 to 9 p.m. We re studying the Wisdom Books of the Bible God s plan for living the good life. Come and join us! For more information, or to register, contact Chari Rosales in the Faith Formation Office at x138 or crosales@stapostle.org. C.A.R.E. CORNER Today we wrap up this series on the misconceptions of the Catholic Church. Jesus gave His church His own power to govern on earth. And what has become of that church? About 500 years ago, the church suffered a fracture in the form of the Reformation, and it has been splintering ever since. Many efforts were made to put distance between new beliefs and those of the original church. Many myths were propagated, embellished and spread. Today, these fragments have become too numerous to count as denominations continue to break away and multiply. The current division within the Christian churches is due to human error. Even many of us within the Catholic Church continue to perpetuate inaccuracies and fail to recognize the richness of this faith we are fortunate to be a part of. It was Christ who founded the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. And He promised to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). Who are we to think we can improve upon Christ s original plan? Christmas, 2006 Page 6

7 Following a Star If you or anyone you know is searching for meaning and purpose in life, is seeking a spiritual path and is interested in exploring Christianity and joining the Catholic Church,a new Inquiry group is forming now, as the first step in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This faith journey is designed to introduce and draw people closer to Jesus Christ and his Church and is open to spiritual seekers of all kinds, whether unbaptized or wishing to come from another Christian denomination into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church. For more information, please contact Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office ( x138) or see the Seeking Faith section of the St. Thomas website Men s Weekend Retreat The St. Thomas Men's Christian Fellowship Group's 9th annual weekend retreat will be held at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien on the weekend of January 26 - January 28, This year's theme of "Faith in my World of Doubt" will reflect on the doubts of our patron saint, St. Thomas, and the struggles of Jesus and our own doubts and questions. This is a retreat that is put on by the men of the parish for the men of the parish and their friends. Registrations will be taken after all the Masses on the weekends of January 13/14 and January 20/21. Please consider experiencing this great weekend if you can. You won't be disappointed if you do. Any questions? Call Ted McKeown at St. Thomas ( x 133) or at A Mirror To Your Life Women Writing Our Values Legacy The 2007 Women s Wellness Day will be held January 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the St. Thomas Lighthouse. You will have the opportunity to learn to share your heritage and life story with those you love through this one-day workshop especially designed for women. This contemporary, reflective writing experience, rooted in Biblical times, takes us beyond our worldly possessions into the voice of the writer s heart. The values legacy braids past, present and future into a priceless work of love. The workshop will be facilitated by Edna Groves, long-time resident of Naperville and former psychotherapist. Come to reflect, write, listen, share as desired, discuss, learn, enjoy! Cost of the workshop is $25. Please pick up a flyer and registration form in the display boxes in the Gathering Area. Questions? Call Chari Rosales You are invited to a Night of Visioning on Wednesday, January 31, 2007, 7:00 9:15 p.m. in the St. Thomas Auditorium. God speaks to and through all people. Come, share your wisdom and help our faith community to continue what we started last year, a Parish Pastoral Plan. Our new Plan will guide St Thomas the Apostle through the coming years. Please come on the evening of January 31 to help brainstorm how to put our new Pastoral Plan in place. Save the date! The St. Thomas Women s Retreat will be February 23 through the 25. Watch for more information. Page 7 Christmas, 2006

8 Religious Education 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 20 at 8:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Academy or Monday, January 22 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 Classes Religious Education classes are offered for children age Pre-K through High School. Children are to be registered in classes during First Grade to receive their First Communion in Second Grade. Please call the Religious Education Office ( ) for more information. Liturgy of the Word with Children Liturgy of the Word with Children is held during the Sunday Liturgy at the 9:00 and 10:45 masses. Children, age 4 through grade 3, are invited to attend. There is no registration. Please call the Religious Education Office ( ) for more information. There will be no Liturgy of the Word with Children on December 24 and December 31. It will resume for the children on January 7. The Order of the Mass The Order of the Mass is familiar to those who regularly join in the assembly however children may need some help in following the Rites: of Gathering, of Word, of Eucharist and Dismissal. Parents can assist their children in following the Order of the Mass by using our songbook, Gather Comprehensive, pages These books are found on the shelves under our pews. Outstanding response by 4 th Graders and Families! In December, Deacon Chuck Lane spoke to our 4 th grade Religious Education classes at the schools about his call to ministry with the Warrenville Youth Correctional Center. This correctional facility is for girls, age 11 to 18. The families of 4 th graders baked cookies for these girls and brought them to Church where they were packaged for their Christmas Party. There was an outstanding response by families! Thank you to all who contributed and made Christmas extra special for these girls this year. TREC High School Ministry What do you want for Christmas this year? John Angotti, in his last trip here, asked me that question during Mass. I gave him what seemed to be a very thoughtful response, a new John Angotti CD. The rest of Mass I thought about what a stupid answer that was. His music is great, don t get me wrong, but we can do so much better. In fact, we can do much better than any gift you can buy at Best Buy (although Owen Wilson movies do make for a great stocking stuffer) or Amazon.com. I tried to think of a better answer. I wanted to think of a gift that would help make people s lives better, would make God happy and would have lasting value. While the Angotti CD can help, nothing can do any of those like a relationship with God. So for Christmas this year, I want everybody to have God as their best friend. If you would like this relationship, or want to help others have the best life they can on earth and for eternity; check out or me at hopedawg1@stapostle.org. Merry Christmas! Gospel Champions: A Catholic Action Adventure PC Video Game Series Hey Kids! And Parents! Gospel Champions is now registered to our Religious Education Program and is for St. Thomas families. This game series for Grades K 8, reinforces Gospel learning and Catholic teachings by recreating Bible stories in fun action/ adventure game play. October s game is Jesus Blesses Little Children. Download the game at Open the file named GospelChampionsetup.exe and use the St. Thomas 9 Digit Access Code when prompted by the installer. You need to contact Patti Dougherty at pdougherty@stapostle.org for the code, or get the flyer from the Religious Education Office or call the REO at See our web site for more information: Christmas, 2006 Page 8

9 News from All Saints Catholic Academy The students, parents, and staff at All Saints Catholic Academy wish the St. Thomas parishioners a blessed Christmas season and the best of the spirit in We sincerely thank all for their continued support and prayers. Registration will begin in January for the school year. Specific details are available on the web site at Two open houses are scheduled for new families. The first one is Sunday, January 14, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The second open house is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24 at 7:00 p.m. A Night in Tuscany, the second All Saints dinner dance auction, is scheduled for Saturday, February 10, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Please contact All Saints Catholic Academy, , for more information. Would you like to work on your parenting skills and attitudes? A small group has been formed to help parents explore their own attitudes; to make choices that include God as your partner and that will be most effective for your own family. The group will meet on Tuesdays during Religious Education classes starting in January and they are looking for a few more parents to join. They will be using the book, Ten Bible Characters Every Parent Should Meet by Diane Overgard and Janice Rubin. Interested parents are invited to contact Patti Dougherty in the Religious Education Office ( ). Let s Talk Teens Wish you could talk more with your teen? REALLY talk? Ever feel like the more you try to reach them, the more they roll their eyes and zone out? Wish you could talk about teen issues with other teen parents? Beginning January 22, St. Thomas will sponsor, once again, Let s Talk Teens-10 Questions to Connect parents, Teens and God. The classes will be held at Hill Middle School s LMC concurrent with Junior High Religious Ed classes. So, drop the kids off and join us!! Contact Jan O Donnell, facilitator, at for more information or to sign up. 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! Rendering in PEN & INK Instructor Robert Sunyog Saturday, Jan 6, 13, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17 9:00 a.m. Noon St. Thomas Ministry Center Fee $60 Class size is limited, so please register by December 15! Pick up a registration form in the Gathering Area or call Chari Rosales x 138. Page 9 Christmas, 2006

10 Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice Thank You from the Outreach and Social Justice Office The Outreach and Social Justice Office sends a HUGE Thank You to everyone who was the hands and feet of Jesus in anyway during the past year. In this season of the True Light coming into the world, you were light, hope, and joy to thousands of people. Your love, care, and compassion lightened the load and eased the burden of those carrying difficulties and concerns. Thank you for: Feeding the hungry Sheltering those without a home Smiling at a friend, a stranger, a person in despair Learning more about Social Justice issues Taking action on Social Justice issues Supporting the unemployed Working for peace Visiting someone in prison Defending the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death Supporting the people in Long Beach, MS and Duchity, Haiti Responding to collections for toothpaste, mittens, cards.the list goes on and on Welcoming people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds Visiting people in their homes Supporting other local, national, & international outreach and social justice organizations Your continued and overwhelming generosity Your prayers and hugs The ministries facilitating all the ways you are the light of Christ are listed below. Aurora Soup Kitchen Katrina Task Force Bread of Life Naperville PADS Care Pantry Pax Christi Care With God s Creation Prison Ministry DuPage United Pro-Life Ministry Habitat for Humanity Racial Justice Ministry Haiti Twinning Service Commission Hesed House PADS St. Vincent de Paul Jobs Network S.T.E.P. (Steps to Eliminate Poverty) JustFaith Transitional Housing Justice and Peace Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude, love, and amazement Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! May you be blessed abundantly this Christmas Season as we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, may peace reign in our hearts, in our relationships, and in our world. Christmas, 2006 Page 10

11 Choices for Life Benefit Banquet featuring a keynote address by MOST REV. J. PETER SARTAIN, BISHOP OF JOLIET Woman's Choice Services will hold a Choices for Life Benefit Banquet on Friday, January 26, 2007, at the Abbington Banquet Hall in Glen Ellyn, IL. The proceeds of this event will enable Woman s Choice Services to provide hope for those at risk for abortion, help for those who are pregnant, and healing for those who are suffering from an abortion. For more information, pick up a flier in the Narthex or Gathering Area. Progressive Dinner Mark your calendars for the annual Adult Progressive Dinner. It is scheduled for Saturday evening, February 17. If interested in helping, please call Dave Otto (parishioner). Pastoral Care Health Ministry Committee Adult Faith Formation In October the St. Thomas Health Ministry committee and Adult Faith Formation sponsored the first of a Nutrition Series entitled Lifestyle and Healthy Eating. They are pleased to announce the second presentation in the Nutrition Series entitled Diet and Lifestyle Choices, Your Life Depends On It. When: Thursday, January 18, 2007 Time: 7:30 P.M. Where: The Lighthouse Featured speaker will be John Saran, M.D. who is board certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. His practice focuses on wellness and disease prevention. Good Nutrition.... is important to good health. strengthens our immune system. impedes the development of disease. contributes to better health and longevity. Please mark your calendar and plan to com on January 18. In the hospital? Call the parish office and one of our parish nurses or ministers of care will visit, bring Eucharist or assist you with your needs! Donate your used car to Naperville CARES Naperville CARES does wonderful work in the Naperville Community providing rent and utility assistance to those with emergency needs. They have often worked with our Outreach office to help parishioners and others that call us for help. They also provide case work to help people help themselves become self-sufficient. Often people are in need of transportation in order to work. While many organizations requesting car donations sell the cars they get, Naperville CARES will try to make necessary repairs to your car in order to give it to a worthy recipient. High priority is given to those clients who need a car to drive to a job or medical appointments. To donate your car, call Naperville CARES is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible. Page 11 Christmas, 2006

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13 Parish Life Commission 50 and Holding Mature Adults Young at Heart If you are 50 or over, you are cordially invited to join our group. We always welcome fresh ideas and new friends. Couples and singles are welcome. Upcoming meetings and activities include: Jan. 17 (Afternoon meeting) Movie with Popcorn and Soda NOTE: Please call Shirley Mann (parishioner) if you know of a member who is ill, in the hospital, or in need of some encouragement. There s no better time than NOW to join 50 and Holding. If interested, call Bill Huff. Hope to see you! Single Adult Ministry S.A.M. - Single Adult Ministry is a community for all Christian single adults 45 and over. The ministry promotes balance in single life through spiritual, service and social functions. It offers singles an opportunity to celebrate life. Sat. Dec 30 Progressive Dinner 5:00 Gloria Golec s for Hors d oeuvres and drinks 7:00 Betty Kost s for dinner 9:00 Jack Ceferin s dessert and gifts RSVP by Dec. 18 to Betty Mon. Jan 8 Planning Meeting 7:30 at STA Please attend to help set up events for the next 3 months. IRS Rules for Donations Year-end cutoff The Internal Revenue Code requires that donors transfer control of the gift to the church on or before December 31.This means that the donor must physically deliver the check or items to the church on or before December 31. The one exception to this rule is the mailbox rule. If the donor drops the check into a mailbox on or before December 31 and the envelope is postmarked December 31, then the gift is deemed to have been delivered on or before December 31. If the donated property is publicly traded stock, then the donor must instruct the broker to transfer the shares to the church. To receive current year credit, shares must be received in the church s account on or before December 31. If the donor has a stock certificate, the donor must deliver the stock certificate endorsed to the church before the December 31 deadline to receive a tax deduction in the current year. By Frank Somerville, JD from The Church Report magazine Stewardship A Way of Life Last Weekend s stewardship of financial gifts... Weekly Sunday Offertory (week 25) Envelopes 26,674 Loose 8,587 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 7/1/06 to date: Sunday Offertory Goal YTD Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 Remaining for Fiscal Year $35,261 $0 $4,538 $39,799 $827,054 $34,682 $850,000 $1,768,000 $900,946 Page 13 Christmas, 2006

14 Administration Commission Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. The January 2007 St. Thomas Jobs Ministry Meeting will be held on Thursday evening January 25, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lighthouse. The speaker will be Rob Sullivan, Corporate Trainer, Career Coach, Freelance Writer and Author of the of the book, Getting Your Foot in the Door When You Don t Have a Leg to Stand On. Rob will explore the strategies and tactics to help market yourself more effectively in today s competitive job market. Rob is an established professional with a varied background including positions at Leo Burnett, trader at the Chicago Board of Trade, and at present helping job hunters in transition and companies market themselves more effectively. Rob s client s include IBM, Sears, McDonald s, American Express and Marriott to name a few. Rob has degrees from Holy Cross College and Northwestern University. For more information on Rob Sullivan please go to rob@careercraftsman.com Please plan to attend this very informative meeting on Thursday evening January 25, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lighthouse at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. For additional information please contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com THE WEEK AHEAD Monday, Dec 25 9:00 am Mass 11:00 am Mass Tuesday, Dec 26 Building open for Mass only. (No 6:30 am Mass) 8:30 am Mass only Wednesday, Dec 27 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 6:30 9:30 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 7:00 9:00 p.m. Apex, Youth Center 7:00 9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:30 9:15 p.m. Buildings & Grounds/Safety Thursday, Dec. 28 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:30 11:00 a.m. MOMS Ministry, Meeting Room 1 6:30 9:30 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 7:00 9:15 p.m. Steering Committee, Resource Center 7:30 9:30 p.m. Genesis Rehearsal, Church Friday, Dec. 29 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area Saturday, Dec. 30 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:00 10:30 a.m. Men s Christian Fellowship Sat., Resource Center 2:00 4:00 p.m. Library Hours 2:00 5:00 p.m. Asian Ministry, Gym Sunday, Dec 31 Happy New Year! Jobs Wanted If you have a job, or know someone who can help these Job Seekers listed below, please contact them directly or call the General Office at : Name Position Sought Phone Ed Hart Sales Management Dave Otto Supply Chain/Logistics Mgt Donut Dates Join us in the gym for fellowship on these Sundays: January 14 and 28 February 11 and 25 March 11 April 15 May 20 with the Ministry Fair. We will have Dunkin Donuts and coffee or orange drink after the 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. liturgies. Christmas, 2006 Page 14